Big news for our April 26th meeting date is the scheduled release for Ubuntu 12.04 LTS (aka Precise Pangolin) on this date. If I'm able to download copies of the ISO files, I'll try to make live CDs for both the 32-bit and 64-bit versions prior to the meeting. Bring blank CDs to the meeting if you want to make copies.

Assuming that I had time to download and create live CDs prior to the meeting, it can be demonstrated, and we can discuss some of the changes and new features. One very important change to this LTS version is that its long term support period has been extended to five years, up from previous LTS term of three years.

Last week, a Target stores advertisement was seen featuring sale of the LG Optimus V smartphone (Virgin Mobile model) for $79.99. For quite some time, Donald Strumpf and I have both become quite interested in this device, and for this price we both succumbed to the temptation. The price is further reduced by 5% if it's purchased with a Target charge card, resulting in a $75.99 price. We're both now starting what will probably be a rather longtime SmartPhone learning process.

I'll have this with me at the meeting, and if Donald attends, he will have his also. We can then demonstrate and discuss some of the features of this device, and SmartPhones in general.

If anyone coming to the meeting has looked at Microsoft's recent release of the Consumer Preview version of Windows 8, I'd like to hear their comments.

As time may permit, we can also discuss other new digital devices now on the market. Invitations are extended to all members who have purchased any of these devices to come to the meeting to discuss and show us these new "toys."

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Folks who are now using or have interest in using Linux are encouraged to attend the Linux SIG at PACS meetings, held on the 3rd Saturday of each month at the Giant Food Store in Willow Grove. For additional information, log onto the PACS website at PACSnet.org.

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PASUG meetings are open and free for all users, their guests and others interested in learning about OS/2, Linux and their associated technologies. Please try to be on time promptly by 7:00pm to avoid missing earlier parts of the meeting.

MONTHLY REMINDERS

PASUG meetings are open and free for all users, their guests and others interested in learning about OS/2, Linux and their associated technologies. Please try to be on time promptly by 7:00pm to avoid missing earlier parts of the meeting.