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As I mentioned when The Queue launched, although typically I will answer questions from readers, sometimes I'll switch that around and ask readers a question. I haven't done so since that initial column, so it's overdue. I recently asked two related questions at LinuxQuestions.org and the response was overwhelming. Let's see how the Opensource.com community answers both questions, and how those responses compare and contrast to those on LQ.

The first question I asked the LinuxQuestions.org community is: What are the reasons you use Linux?

oldwierdal: I use Linux because it is fast, safe, and reliable. With contributors from all over the world, it has become, perhaps, the most advanced and innovative software available. And, here is the icing on the red-velvet cake; It is free!

Timothy Miller: I started using it because it was free as in beer and I was poor so couldn't afford to keep buying new Windows licenses.

ondoho: Because it's a global community effort, self-governed grassroot operating system. Because it's free in every sense. Because there's good reason to trust in it.

joham34: Stable, free, safe, runs in low specs PCs, nice support community, little to no danger for viruses.

Ook: I use Linux because it just works, something Windows never did well for me. I don't have to waste time and money getting it going and keeping it going.

rhamel: I am very concerned about the loss of privacy as a whole on the internet. I recognize that compromises have to be made between privacy and convenience. I may be fooling myself but I think Linux gives me at least the possibility of some measure of privacy.

educateme: I use Linux because of the open-minded, learning-hungry, passionately helpful community. And, it's free.

colinetsegers: Why I use Linux? There's not only one reason. In short I would say:

bamunds: Because I love freedom.

cecilskinner1989: I use linux for two reasons: stability and privacy.

The second questions is, more broadly: What are the reasons you use open source software? You'll notice that, although there is a fair amount of overlap here, the general tone is different, with some sentiments receiving more emphasis, and others less.

robert leleu: Warm and cooperative atmosphere is the main reason of my addiction to open source.

cjturner: Open Source is an answer to the Pareto Principle as applied to Applications; OOTB, a software package ends up meeting 80% of your requirements, and you have to get the other 20% done. Open Source gives you a mechanism and a community to share this burden, putting your own effort (if you have the skills) or money into your high-priority requirements.

Timothy Miller: I like the knowledge that I can examine the source code to verify that the software is secure if I so choose.

teckk: There are no burdensome licensing requirements or DRM and it's available to everyone.

rokytnji: Beer money. Motorcycle parts. Grandkids birthday presents.

timl: Privacy is impossible without free software

hazel: I like the philosophy of free software, but I wouldn't use it just for philosophical reasons if Linux was a bad OS. I use Linux because I love Linux, and because you can get it for free as in free beer. The fact that it's also free as in free speech is a bonus, because it makes me feel good about using it. But if I find that a piece of hardware on my machine needs proprietary firmware, I'll use proprietary firmware.

lm8: I use open source software because I don't have to worry about it going obsolete when a company goes out of business or decides to stop supporting it. I can continue to update and maintain the software myself. I can also customize it if the software does almost everything I want, but it would be nice to have a few more features. I also like open source because I can share my favorite programs with friend and coworkers.

donguitar: Because it empowers me and enables me to empower others.

So, what are the reasons you use Linux? What are the reasons you use open source software? Let us know in the comments.

Lastly, what questions would you like to see answered in a future article? From questions on building and maintaining communities, to what you'd like to know about contributing to an open source project, to questions more technical in naturesubmit your Linux and open source questions.

See the article here:
Why do you use Linux and open source software? - Opensource.com

Ever wondered what makes Mars rovers tick, or how weather systems are monitored? Nasa has released its 2017-2018 software catalog, including several programs that are available to the public to the first time.

The catalog covers every facet of space exploration and research, including environmental science, crew and life support, and data and image processing. Most of it is indeed rocket science (brilliant if you're an engineer, a model rocket hobbylist, or a fan of Kerbal Space Program) but tools like the Space Weather for Android app are fascinating for anyone with an interest in space and its impact on our lives.

"The software catalog is our way of supporting the innovation economy by granting access to tools used by today's top aerospace professionals to entrepreneurs, small businesses, academia and industry," explains Steve Jurczyk, associate administrator for Nasa's Space Technology Mission Directorate.

Not all software in the catalog is in the public domain (many programs are only available to US federal employees), but you can request anything marked General Public Release. The catalog has proved very popular, so there might be a delay in responding to your request, but its well worth the wait.

If youre more interested in taking a virtual trip through the Milky Way, check out our guide to exploring free space simulator Celestia.

More here:
Download official Nasa software for free - TechRadar

How about getting them done for free or, for do-it-yourselfers, finding free tax-preparation software. There are many freebies around, but relatively few people take advantage of them, generally because its easier to pay someone to do it. If your taxes are complex, thats money well spent. But if they are fairly simple, here are some free options.

IRS Free File: If your adjusted gross income is $64,000 or less, you can get free software to prepare and electronically file your federal return from at least one software company, but depending on your age and income, it might be one youve never heard of. To get these free offers, start at http://www.irs.gov/freefile and choose an offer from one of the 12 tax-software companies participating in the Free File Alliance.

The alliance agreed to provide free software to low- and moderate-income people in exchange for a pledge from the IRS not to enter the tax preparation software and e-filing services marketplace.

Stanford Law School Professor Joseph Bankman says the IRS could pretty easily provide all taxpayers with a free tax return with most of the information filled in. It already gets that information from employers, financial institutions and other sources and lets you know if youve entered it incorrectly. But the industry, led by Mountain Views Intuit, the maker of TurboTax, has lobbied heavily against this, saying that its a conflict of interest to have the government collect taxes and prepare returns.

Under the current agreement with the IRS, each company must make software available to between 10 and 50 percent of U.S. taxpayers. As a group, the alliance must make free software available to taxpayers with an adjusted gross income equal to or less than 70 percent of all U.S. taxpayers. For tax year 2016, thats anyone with income of $64,000 or less.

Youd think people would be clamoring to use Free File, but last year only 2.6 million tax returns, or 1.7 percent of all those filed, came through it. Many taxpayers dont know about Free File, or find it confusing because each company has different eligibility requirements to satisfy the IRS agreement.

TurboTax offers Free File to people making up to $33,000 (or $64,000 for active-duty military or people eligible for the earned income credit). H&R Block goes up $64,000, but only if you are between ages 17 and 50. Some offers exclude certain states and some charge for a state tax return.

If you qualify for Free File, you will be able to prepare and electronically file almost any federal form or schedule, but you wont be able to import information from last years tax return or your W-2 or 1099 forms; you will have to enter this information yourself.

Company websites: If you dont qualify for Free File and your taxes are simple, you can find free offers by going directly to companies websites. TurboTax offers Absolute Zero, which lets anyone file federal Form 1040A or 1040EZ, along with a state return, for free. H&R Block More Zero lets you file Forms 1040EZ, 1040A and 1040 with Schedule A (itemized deductions) and a state return for free.

Free for (almost) all: New to the game this year is Credit Karma, best known for its credit scores and reports. It recently acquired software maker AFJC Corp. and is now offering free online preparation (federal and most states) for about 90 percent of Americans, said Ken Lin, CEO of the San Francisco company.

Its free offer covers all Form 1040 versions and most schedules, but it cant handle a few things such as foreign earned income, multiple-state filings and married couples filing separately in community property states (including California). Unlike some competitors, it does not let you import information from last years tax return or your W-2 or 1099 forms.

The catch: You will get offers for products based on information in your tax return unless you opt out. Credit Karma does not sell or share your tax information with third parties, but we are using it for marketing purposes, Lin said.

In-person help: Several government and nonprofit groups offer free, in-person tax preparation by trained volunteers, primarily for middle- and lower-income people (including undocumented immigrants). In the Bay Area, you can find these centers by dialing 211 or going to http://www.earnitkeepitsaveit.org. This program, sponsored by United Way Bay Area, can refer you to a variety of programs including Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (an IRS program known as VITA), AARP Tax-Aide and Tax Aid, a local group not affiliated with AARP.

VITA is officially for people earning up to $54,000, but exceptions might apply for those who make more, said the United Ways Vanessa Muiz. VITA volunteers can handle most individual tax returns, but cannot serve people who are married filing separately, or have a business with employees, more than $25,000 in expenses or are deducting business use of a home.

The AARP Tax-Aide centers have no income or age limits but are designed primarily for lower- and middle-income people and specialize in tax issues affecting older people. They cant handle certain situations, such as depreciation or rental income, but some centers can do more than others, so its best to call before visiting a center. Some take appointments. Be sure to bring your ID and all tax documents.

Priya Vashist, an international student and teaching assistant at San Francisco State, got her taxes done at a VITA center at the university last week. She said it took four people and about two hours but it all went OK in the end.

Free fillable forms: For do-it-yourselfers who dont qualify for Free File, the IRS offers free fillable forms. These are just electronic versions of paper returns that let you enter information with a keyboard instead of a pen. The programs will do some math computations but not others. Oddly, the system wont calculate your tax, something youd think the IRS would want you to get right. You can e-file these forms.

CalFile: Most California taxpayers can file their state tax return online for free using CalFile, sponsored by the Franchise Tax Board, but last year only about 1 percent did.

With a Basic CalFile account, you dont need a PIN, but must enter everything manually. With a Deluxe Account, you will have to wait for a PIN in the mail, but you will be able to view and import data from last years tax return, California wage and withholding information, estimated payments and other data the state has on you. (If you get a PIN, dont wait too long to activate your account.)

The income limits to use CalFile are high $182,459 for single and $364,923 for joint returns. But some things will exclude you, such as capital gains or losses, business income, rental income, distributions from a retirement account before age 59 and Roth IRA conversions.

Kathleen Pender is a San Francisco Chronicle columnist. Email: kpender@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kathpender

Where to get free tax-filing software and preparation

IRS Free File: Start at http://www.irs.gov/freefile and click through to a companys site to get free software for filing your federal (and in some cases state) return.

Free in-person tax prep: Go to http://www.earnitkeepitsaveit.org to find centers staffed by VITA, AARP Tax-Aide and other trained volunteers in the Bay Area. (For Sonoma County, go to http://bit.ly/2lhSgrZ). Or dial 211.

For AARP Tax-Aide centers only: Go to aarp.org/taxaide or call (888) 227-7669.

What to bring to your appointment: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/checklist-for-free-tax-return-preparation

Free fillable IRS tax forms: http://bit.ly/2nkeRW3

To file your California state tax return online for free: https://www.ftb.ca.gov/online/calfile. For help with account registration or PINs, call (800) 353-9032.

See the original post here:
How to get your taxes done, or do them yourself, for free - San Francisco Chronicle

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The NASA Software Catalogue offers a portfolio of software products for several technical applications.

US space agency NASA has released its 2017-2018 software catalogue to the public, enabling anyone to access its codes free of charge.

It is the third time NASA has released such a compilation as part of its technology transfer programme.

The catalogue, which is available in both hard copy and online, includes several tools the agency utilises to explore space and widen its understanding of the universe. Several of software packages are being released to the public for the first time.

Structured into 15 categories, the catalogue includes software for data processing/storage, business systems, operations, propulsion, and aeronautics.

It features the code LEWICE, developed to help study the effects of ice on an aircraft in flight and to help develop ice identification systems.

NASAs Space Technology Mission Directorate associate administrator Steve Jurczyk said: The software catalogue is our way of supporting the innovation economy by granting access to tools used by todays top aerospace professionals to entrepreneurs, small businesses, academia and industry.

Access to these software codes has the potential to generate tangible benefits that create American jobs, earn revenue and save lives.

Some of the software available includes codes for more advanced drones, and quieter aircraft.

NASA said that while access restrictions apply to some codes, the automation and update of its software release process in the last two years will make sure that it is as quick, easy and straightforward as possible.

NASAs technology transfer programme executive Dan Lockney said software has been a critical component of each of the space agencys mission successes and scientific discoveries, with over 30% of all reported NASA innovations are software.

Were pleased to transfer these tools to other sectors and excited at the prospect of seeing them implemented in new and creative ways, Lockney added.

NASAs technology transfer programme is managed by the Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD).

Read the original post:
NASA releases key software for free public access - Computer Business Review

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Monday, March 13, 2017, 12:16 AM

Low- and middle- income New York residents can get free help to file their taxes.

State officials say they are offering the free tax-filing assistance this month and next at 54 locations around the state.

Taxpayers with adjusted gross household incomes of $64,000 or less qualify to file their tax returns using free online software at the various locations.

Eligible taxpayers who cant attend an event can access free software at the New York state tax departments website.

Tax returns are due by April 18.

LOCATIONS:

Bronx:

* Eastchester Library

1385 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx 10469

Wednesdays

10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

3/29, 4/5, 4/12

* Melrose Library (South Bronx)

910 Morris Avenue, Bronx 10451

Friday

10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

3/17, 3/24, 3/31, 4/7, 4/10

Brooklyn:

* Coney Island Public Library

1901 Mermaid Avenue, New York 11224

Tuesday

10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

3/21, 3/28, 4/4, 4/11

* Jamaica Bay Library

9727 Seaview Avenue, Brooklyn 11236

Thursday

10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

3/16, 3/23, 3/30, 4/6, 4/13

* Red Hook Library

7 Wolcott Street, Brooklyn 11231

Tuesday

11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

3/21, 3/28, 4/4, 4/11

Manhattan:

* Adam Clayton Powell JR SOB

163 West 125th St Rm 8B, New York 10027

Thursday

10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

3/23, 3/30, 4/6, 4/13

* Neighborhood Trust (Ariva)

1112 St. Nicholas Avenue, New York 10032

Saturday

10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

3/18

Queens:

* Queens Library (Cambria Heights)

218-13 Linden Blvd, Cambria Heights 11411

Monday

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

3/20, 3/27, 4/10

* Queens Library (Central)

89-11 Merrick Blvd, Jamaica 11532

Saturday

10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

3/18, 3/25, 4/1, 4/8, 4/15

* Queens Library (Elmhurst)

86-07 Broadway, Elmhurst 11373

Thursday

1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

3/16, 3/23, 3/30, 4/6, 4/13

* Queens Library (Far Rockaway)

1637 Central Avenue, Far Rockaway 11691

Saturday

10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

3/25, 4/1, 4/8

* Queens Library (Flushing)

41-17 Main Street, Flushing 11355

Tuesday

10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

3/14, 3/21, 3/28, 4/4, 4/11

Thursday

10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

3/16, 3/23, 3/30, 4/6, 4/13

* Queens Library (Lefferts)

103-34 Lefferts Blvd, Richmond Hill 11419

Wednesday

10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

4/5, 4/12

* Queens Library (Ridgewood)

20-12 Madison Street, Queens 11385

Tuesday

1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

4/4, 4/11

* Queens Library (Rochdale)

169-09 137th Avenue, Jamaica 11434

Wednesday

11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

3/29, 4/5, 4/12

* Queens Library (Sunnyside)

43-06 Greenpoint Avenue, Long Island City 11104

Thursday

2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

3/23, 3/30, 4/6, 4/13

* Queens Library (Woodside)

54-22 Skillman Avenue, Woodside 11377

Tuesday

10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

3/28, 4/4, 4/11

Original post:
New York offers free tax filing for low- and middle-income residents - New York Daily News