Category Archives: Linux

Linux and Free Software.

data.frames in Python - DataMatrix

June 29, 2008 – 10:13

For a long time I have tried to handle text files in Python in the same way that R’s data.frame does - that is, direct access to columns and rows of a loaded text file. As I don’t like R at all, I struggled to find a Pythonic equivalent, and since I found none, I decided to eat my own food and write an implementation, which is what you’ll find below.

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By Einar | Also posted in Science | Tagged , | Comments (2)

Asus Eee PC here!

June 7, 2008 – 19:28

After almost a month of wait (Dynamism.com doesn’t like simple order procedures), I finally got hold of an Asus Eee PC 900 (obviously - for the readers of this blog - the 20 Gb Linux version). Read more for some quick impressions and pictures.

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By Einar | Also posted in General | Tagged | Comments (1)

FOSS and research

May 10, 2008 – 9:30

I’ve been wondering about why FOSS is often compared to the academic world, but at least in my limited experience, I see little people that grasp its concept in the world of research. On a quick look, developing FOSS in a research environment would be very good: not only you’d get publicly available results when you publish, but at the same time you can make sure that in an extreme case your application will be carried on by someone else should you not be able to continue development.

At least in the life sciences, it’s hard to see such a mentality. I can understand the publish or perish frenzy, but at the same time, don’t we all remember about published and unmantained software? For me, such an idea would be optimal. Once the paper is out, you can release your software (GPL would be best) and make sure someone will improve or mantain in. Of course you won’t be able to publish for each upgrade you do, but I would generally think of that as a bad policy, one made just to increase the publication count.

Does something like that happen with FOSS in other research areas?

By Einar | Also posted in Science | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

Eee PC interest

March 30, 2008 – 13:05

Since my work schedule is bordering on the hectic, I was thinking on buying something to get me more organized. Rather than a PDA, I’ve been rather interested in the Asus Eee PC: small form factor, SSDs and Linux preinstalled are definitely pluses. It’s too bad that at least in Italy Asus sells only the 512M RAM version (when there are more powerful options available elsewhere).

I’d like to get impressions on the Asus Eee, before considering a purchase (€ 300 are still a lot): did you try it? How was it? And if not Eee, are there other interesting alternatives?

By Einar | Also posted in General | Tagged , , | Comments (1)