Enlightenment

Enlightenment, also called E, is a popular free and open source (FOSS) windows manager that can serve as a standalone desktop environment. E can also be used along with other desktop environments like KDE and GNOME.

Enlightenment is highly customizable and includes the types of themes and high-end graphics familiar to users of Windows and the Mac OS. Many functions can be performed from the keyboard, without the need for mouse manipulation. The command line-driven mode is said to streamline operation. The portable, user-friendly interface is favored by graphics professionals and sophisticated hobbyists.
The three components of the Enlightenment project are Enlightenment DR16, Englightenment DR17 and the Enlightenment Foundation Libraries.

Carsten 'Rasterman' Haitzler released the first Enlightenment Windows Manager in 1997. Enlightenment DR16 (V.0.16), released in 2000, is still used today. V.16.8.13 was released in May 2008. Enlightenment DR17 (V.0.17), in development, is a complete rewriting of DR16, including a desktop shell. DR17 is expected to enhance graphics quality, improve performance and support new and emerging applications

Source: http://whatis.techtarget.com

Heartbeat

Heartbeat is a program that automatically runs specialized scripts whenever a system is initialized or rebooted. Originally designed for two-node Linux-based clusters, Heartbeat is extensible to larger configurations.

In a system running Heartbeat, nodes communicate by exchanging packets called "heartbeats" at the rate of approximately 2 Hz (twice per second). The name of the program comes from the regularity of the packet exchanges.

When Heartbeat is used in a multi-node system, one machine is designated as the primary node and the other as the secondary node. If the primary node fails or requires downtime, the secondary node can take over the primary role. A script called "shoot the other node in the head (STONITH)" shuts down the primary node before the secondary node comes online. STONITH prevents "split-brain" operation, with the consequent risk of file corruption, that could occur if both nodes attempt to play the primary role at the same time.

Heartbeat is commonly bundled with Distributed Replicated Block Device (DRBD), a software component that facilitates the replacement of shared storage systems.

Source: http://whatis.techtarget.com

Setting up Oracle Unbreakable Linux using VMWare

For all you guys who want to experience Oracle Unbreakable Linux without replacing your current OS this is good news. There are several ways in running Linux OS in your PC without removing your current OS,

1. Using a Live CD - some flavors of Linux OS have Live CDs available. To name a few, we have Knoppix, Ubuntu, Kubuntu, etc... This method allows you to run the OS using the Live CD. Load the CD in your drive and reboot your PC; make sure that your system will boot first from your CD drive, and away you go!
2. Dual Boot - this method allows you to run two different OS in your PC one at a time. Which means that once the PC starts running, you will be asked to select which OS to run. This method is a lot faster than that of using the Live CD. Just make sure that you know how to perform dual boot installation or your existing OS is history.
3. Using a Virtual Machine - this method is what I preferred most, but first, you need to install a program that allows you to create virtual machines in your PC. A lot of virtual machine programs are out there - some are free while others are not. I am using VMWare.

Oracle Enterprise Linux is based from Red Had Enterprise Linux, so when I created my virtual machine, I chose Red Hat Enterprise settings to make sure that all the drivers for my Oracle Linux can run. The installation is very straightforward, just read the instructions and choose your preferences and click next!


I am taking my virtual class from www.LinuxBasics.org. Now I can perform the exercises in the course using my preferred Linux flavor. Oracle Unbreakable Linux is available for download for free!