OpenSUSE Participates in Smolt Hardware Profiler
In its upcoming version 11.1, the openSUSE Linux distro will be integrating the Smolt program, which collects hardware profiles in a central database from end users on a volunteer basis.
According to the Fedora community that started the Smolt project, openSUSE is the second Linux distro that has integrated the hardware profiler. The Novell-sponsored openSUSE project hopes through its participatory effort to gain a larger presence in the database. Its users, therefore, are encouraged to activate Smolt during openSUSE installation.
Participation is purely voluntary, as emphasized by both the Smolt project and openSUSE. In its privacy policy statement, the Smolt project clarifies that the assembled data can't be traced back to an individual computer; the unique ID stored is known only to the user. Even so, the project recommends using SELinux to secure the UUID file on the local system.
The Smolt home page shows statistics for registered devices and other configuration data. The project is also looking for volunteers to package and test the Smolt client on other Linux distros.
Issue 18: Free From XP/Special Editions
Buy this issue as a PDF
Tag Cloud
News
-
Password Management Services Vulnerable to Attack
Should you trust an online service to store your online passwords?
-
New Raspberry Pi Adds Two USB Ports
New B+ board lets you build cool things without the complication of a powered USB hub.
-
Microsoft Grabs No-IP.com Domains
Redmond rushes in to root out alleged malware haven.
-
Firefox Steps into 3D
New initiative will bring futuristic virtual reality effects to the web surfing experience.
-
New Trojan Targets Online Banking
Dyreza malware launches a man-in-the-middle attack that compromises SSL.
-
HP Rolls Out Massive Cloud Network
New cloud combines worldwide access with local attention to data security.
-
New Attack Targets Wireless Logins
A first cousin of the recent Heartbleed attack affects EAP-based wireless and peer-to-peer authentication.
-
Geeks Petition for Free Lenovo BIOS
FOSS community acts to protect freedom of choice for laptop devices.
-
Firefox Says Yes to DRM
Quintessential open source browser shores up its market share with a step toward the proprietary dark side.
-
Webcam Hijackers Busted
Authorities in 16 countries take action against users of the imfamous BlackShades malware tool.