OStatic

When Microsoft announced it was planning to offer lightweight, web-based versions of some of its Office components, there was some speculation that maybe it could be used with alternate browsers. It seemed Firefox would be a likely candidate beyond IE, and some ventured to wonder about Safari.

Even if Firefox was supported, it didn't seem likely this suite would be specifically web based, so it would need Windows, right? According to a few sources it seems as if that might not be the case. Though the source is a Microsoft Community member blog (and not a pronouncement from corporate sources) the concept of this service on Mac and Linux is fascinating because it suggests so much about what Microsoft might be thinking.

The Wiz and Pandora: Open source gaming handhelds squaring off.....

Linux-based netbook prices dropping now that the Intel Atom shortage is disappearing.....

Cleversafe, maker of open source dispersed storage software, wins a Wall Street Journal Innovation award.....

LinuxCon will not be a tradeshow.....

Mark Shuttleworth, the man at the helm of Canonical and Ubuntu, went into greater detail last week about his thoughts on making future Ubuntu releases more user-focused. In the past, Shuttleworth has made no pretense that he feels Apple has, historically, offered a superior user experience.

Shuttleworth's comments have elicited striking reactions, ranging from enthusiastic support to concern about what innovation really means.

In response to Joe Brockmeier's recent post Four Things Linux Needs, several readers weighed in saying that the dearth of drivers creates too many headaches for those who are running, or would like to run Linux. Others disagreed, pointing out that the Linux Driver Project has made good headway in providing drivers that solve many of Linux's perceived compatibility woes. Now, the top news out of the Linux Foundation's Collaboration Summit is that a much more far-reaching effort to provide needed drivers is underway. Dell, HP, Lenovo, and others made key commitments.

Macs are great for working with desktop publishing applications, but unfortunately the commercial software options like Quark and InDesign are pretty pricey. Scribus is a terrific open source alternative that will take your ideas from concept all the way to print without missing a beat.

This application will produce brochures, flyers, booklets, and more on your Mac, Linux, or Windows box -- all for the low, low price of free.

Mac-based open source enthusiasts had plenty of great reading material to find around the Internet over the last few days. From free alternatives to expensive Mac applications and patched bugs, to free BitTorrent options and an open computer that ships with the latest version of Mac OS X, there has been much buzz.

Here's what you need to know.