Java Tutorials

I'd like to point out a great site for beginners getting into Java.

http://blogs.sun.com/thejavatutorials/

They contain great step by step instructions to create desktop applications using the Netbeans IDE. You might want to read the posts from the bottom, to stay in context. the page looks like it is currently active, so new tutorials are being added, so time to add that link to your bookmark (or RSS reader).

Another tutorial at http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/uiswing/learn/index.html

OpenSolairs and GPLv3

There has been a lot of talk about the recently released GPLv3. Few, like Linus, have been reluctant in supporting it, while few others call it revolutionary.

I lie in the 'dont-understand-the-issues-well-enough-to-comment' department. However, OpenSolaris is now at an interesting position. Jonathan Schwartz has made positive comments about GPLv3. However, there has been no concrete information regarding OpenSolaris going  GPLv3.

Here is my personal view on the subject. _If_ OpenSolaris does have plans to go GPLv3, now is the time. There are a lot of developers who are looking to move to GPLv3, either due to legal reasons or their philosophies on freedom. And they are on the lookout for a robust kernal to build upon. OpenSolaris would lose out on this large initial mileage if it waited too long. Just like Solaris lost a lot by waiting too long to go open.