For Google to publish figures about its various projects and activities is unusual. With the web suite Chrome however, things are different. Google has released information on user numbers and bonus payments to team members.

The current discussion in the Ubuntu forums is about a possible security hole in GNOME, specifically about GNOME registered users having their passwords appear as cleartext on the keyring. Not a bug, say its defenders, but the security concept behind the GNOME keyring.

French Mandriva user Olivier Faurax registered a support case at Skype complaining about a missing Mandriva package. Instead of the package he received a reply of some amazement.

Mobile specialist Palm strengthens its team by hiring Matthew Tippett, the Linux graphic driver developer since 2003 at ATI, to be in charge of Linux kernel development.

The latest version of the Austrian pocketknife Linux distribution was released just in time for Halloween.

Google Maps Navigation provides Android 2.0 users with a free and comfortable navigation software. Every user? No. The software is currently available in the USA only, and for one mobile.

The Linux-Kongress is traditionally where kernel developers exchange honors and advice about new features and enhancements. This year a number of speakers presented performance improvement data and discussed what aspects of Linux can be drawn out even more.

An open memo from the U.S. DoD declares that open source software is no worse than traditional software, perhaps even useful.