PC BIOS giant Phoenix Technologies today launched a fast-booting Linux add-on aimed at PC makers and individual end users. This hands-on review finds "HyperSpace" works to redress slow boot times, WiFi connection hassles, and short battery life, at the cost of hardware and software flexibility.

A start-up has launched a browser extension aimed at turning the Internet into a friendlier place for kids aged 3-12. Available in free and subscription versions, KidZui's "KidZui" extension is said to provide a captive portal to 1.5 million pre-screened websites.

Last week, the Novell-sponsored OpenSUSE project achieved version 11.1 of its community-supported Linux distribution. Because the release includes watershed new features like a new license, new build system, and significant upstream integrations, DesktopLinux collared Community Manager Joe "Zonker" Brockmeier for perspective about what it all means.

The Linux Foundation will launch a contest in late January aimed at getting users to create 60-second videos showcasing what Linux means to them. In the finest tradition of open source, the contest riffs off of existing videos developed by commercial software firms.

The Novell-sponsored openSUSE Project announced the availability of version 11.1 of its open-source openSUSE Linux distribution. Version 11.1 offers a new license that eases redistribution, and it's the first version developed with the openSUSE Build Service, which improves collaboration and transparency among contributors, says openSUSE.

Adobe announced the availability of its first Linux version of Adobe AIR, which is used to develop rich Internet applications (RIAs) outside the browser. A component of the Adobe Flash Platform for media playback, Adobe AIR 1.5 targets cross-platform development on Windows, Mac, and now Linux platforms, says Adobe.

[Updated: 6PM] -- Movial is shipping a new version of its mobile video communications software that offers high-definition (HD) PC-to-PC, and PC-to-mobile video-conferencing. In addition to releasing Movial Communicator PC 7.2, Movial announced it has partnered with Cypriot telecom carrier Cyta to offer Communicator-based video-calling services.

Sun has updated its "open source" desktop virtualization software. xVM VirtualBox 2.1 reportedly features improved 64-bit support, 3D acceleration, easier Windows and Linux networking, hardware virtualization on Macs, and "full" VMDK/VHD support, including snapshots, although many new features are "experimental."

A popular open source music player has achieved its second major release. Two years in the making, and aimed at helping users "rediscover music," Amarok 2.0 adds an updated interface, online service integration, and behind-the-scenes changes like KDE 4.0 integration and new plugin and script APIs.

Exploring Fedora 10 is a great way for users to "peek at what they can expect to see in future Linux distributions," says an eWeek "walk-through." Reviewer Jason Brooks loves Fedora 10's new security features, but he still longs for a little tech support.

HP and Novell today jointly announced that HP will pre-load Novell's SUSE LInux Enterprise Desktop (SLED) on its Compaq dc5850 desktop PC for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Additionally, Novell announced it will maintain a repository of educational software for SLED users, including dc5850 buyers.

The Linux Foundation (LF) announced the results of its Technical Advisory Board (TAB) election. Six new members were elected to the ten-member TAB, originating from companies including Intel, Oracle, and Red Hat, says the LF.

An alpha-stage "social" media center distribution is bringing Netflix video downloads to Linux desktops for the first time, says an industry blog. The Boxee software offers a unified gateway to a variety of social and media networking services, says Boxee.

OpenOffice hogs the limelight, but Linux users can actually choose between quite a few different "office" or "productivity application" suites. A newly published review compares good ol' OO.org with two commercial and two community supported alternatives, including StarOffice, Lotus Symphony, KOffice, and Abiword.

IBM announced the availability of a "Microsoft alternative" virtual desktop that uses virtualization technology from Virtual Bridges and incorporates Canonical's Ubuntu Linux and IBM's Lotus applications. Based on Virtual Bridges's Virtual Enterprise Remote Desktop Environment (VERDE), the desktop environment is far more affordable than running Microsoft desktops, claims IBM.

Linux game programmer Ryan "Icculus" Gordon has released a native Linux client for Prey, a two-year-old first-person shooter (FPS) game from Human Head Studios. The client requires users to purchase a copy of the title for Windows PCs.

Jason Brooks, who directs eWEEK's labs, has posted a story mostly about the improvements in the latest release of Ubuntu, version 8.10, also known as "Intrepid Ibex." Brooks really likes the distribution on the desktop -- no surprise, since he's used Ubuntu himself for many years.

The idea that Web browsers could eventually replace computer operating systems caused Bill Gates to completely freak out, somewhere around 1994, leading to the "browser wars" with Netscape. Now, a newly announced "Cloud" OS aims to replace netbook operating systems with a simple fast-booting browser-based environment.

IBM DeveloperWorks has published an introductory-level tutorial on "hardening" the Linux desktop against malware attacks and illegal access. Security expert Jeffrey Orloff offers tips on antivirus software, backup-restore, and firewalls, in a tutorial that lasts over two hours, and requires registration.

[Updated Dec. 1] -- Right on cue, the Fedora Project has updated its community-sponsored Linux distribution, notable for being "free for anyone to use, modify, and distribute." Fedora 10 features a really nice NetworkManager (no more calling it "NetMangler"), improved printer tools, and a host of