Evolution of Linux computing and its implications

Thirty years ago, computers were so physically immense that they often had to have rooms and buildings built with the purpose to accommodate them. Yet even with such bulky restrictions, the main problem posed by computers at the time was that each one had a different, unique operating system. Software was mainly created or customised to suit the specific needs of individual computers and inter-compatibility between operating systems had yet to be considered nor developed. Understandably, computers at the time were extremely costly items, were temperamental, and more often than not caused headaches for both users and system administrators alike.

KT&G introduces 'Davidoff' brand

KT&G’s Davidoff Classic

KT&G, Korea's foremost tobacco manufacturer, is poised to bring the world-famous ``Davidoff''-branded products in the nation under a partnership with Imperial Tobacco Group. 

The Seoul-based outfit said Monday that the products, dubbed Davidoff Classic, will be released Wednesday nationwide at the price of 2,500 won (around $2) a pack. KT&G said that the new tobaccos are designed to meet local tastes.

``Davidoff cigarettes are typically 9.3 centimeters long but we cut down the length to 8.4 centimeters, which are loved by a vast majority of domestic smokers,'' a K&G spokesperson said. 

Woori Investment eyeing Asian market

Woori Investment & Securities CEO Hwang Sung-ho

Woori Investment & Securities is set to become a player in Asia's regional financial markets, expanding its business overseas.

"Within the year, we plan to integrate the research center in Beijing and a liaison office in Shanghai into a consultative body, and it will work in line with the investment bank (IB) team in Korea to invigorate business in China," Woori Investment CEO Hwang Sung-ho said in a press conference, marking the first anniversary of his inauguration in Seoul, Tuesday.

The 56-year-old said that the soon-to-be-built local subsidiary would part of the IB department and it would prepare an initial public offering (IPO) - the act of selling shares in a company for the first time - after recruiting local employees.

Hyundai-Kia signs fair trade pact with suppliers

Yoon Yeo-cheol, sixth from left in the front row, vice chairman of Hyundai Motor, poses with Jeong Seok-soo, ninth from left in the same row, vice chairman of Hyundai Mobis and chief executives of the automotive group’s parts suppliers after the group signed a fair trade pact with 2,700 domestic parts makers, Tuesday. / Courtesy of Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group

The Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group has inked a fair trade pact with its 2,700 domestic parts suppliers, a move seen as improving the quality of its finished products.

National Assembly elects new leaders

Park Hee-tae New National Assembly Speaker

Park Hee-tae, a six-term lawmaker, has been elected the new speaker of the National Assembly, in a plenary session, Tuesday. He replaces Kim Hyong-o.

Park was the only candidate running for parliamentary leadership, which typically goes to the majority party under a bipartisan agreement. He won 236 of 249 votes cast.

He will lead the National Assembly without party affiliation for the two-year remainder of the 18th National Assembly as the speaker is prohibited from having party membership. 

A native of Namhae, South Gyeongsang Province, Park previously worked as a prosecutor. He is known for his sharp tongue. 

Samsung out to steal iPhone’s thunder on domestic market

Shin Jong-kyun, president of Samsung Electronics’ mobile division, unveils Samsung’s Galaxy S during a press conference in Seoul, Tuesday. / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics

Samsung Electronics has teamed up with Google and SK Telecom in an attempt to dethrone Apple as the leader on the domestic smartphone market. 

"Samsung can take on Apple and the Galaxy S will lead the way," Shin Jong-kyun, president of Samsung's mobile division, said in a news conference unveiling the latest Samsung smartphone. Top executives from Google and SK Telecom were also present. 

The unveiling came on the heels of Steve Jobs' presentation of the latest iPhone 4 model. KT, Apple's Korean partner, said that the smartphone will be marketed here from July.

The Galaxy has everything Samsung can throw into the smartphone: It has a "Super AMOLED" screen, which makes the gadget more power-efficient and gives sharper pictures.

The 1GHz processor provides an improved touch-screen experience, and talks are underway with Google to offer more customized applications.

Drink model in provocative pictorial

A girl who is sweet by day and sexy by night is every man's dream, and a new online pictorial seeks to fulfill that fantasy.

Actress Im So-yeong Wednesday revealed her provocative photographs at a press meet-and-greet. The pictorial, titled 'Day and Night,' showcases two different images of the 26-year-old actress.

In the first part, Im shows an innocent and cheerful side of her personality. The latter part is more provocative, featuring images of Im in revealing swimwear and lingerie.

"She was very proactive, experimented with different outfits and poses," an on-set source revealed. "Her professional work ethic wowed everyone on the set."

Im is famous for her role in the popular 2006 TV drama series 'Jumong.' She recently emerged on the public's radar again for her recent TV commercial for energy drink Bacchus-F, earning her the nickname 'Bacchus Girl.'

The pictorial is available online at the Starhwabo website (www.starhwabo.com) as well as on major mobile phone networks.