The browser wars are heating up again, and things are starting to get really interesting. Everyone who has tried Google Chrome mentions right away how fast the new web browser is. Firefox didn’t take these statements lying down, however. The perennial number two browser in the world have released an official report that claims the private beta version of Firefox 3.1 is faster than Chrome. Google has no comment on the matter at this time.

One of the web sites getting a boost from faster browsers is Picasa. The new release contains several new tweaks and upgrades, but the most arguably most interesting of the lot is its experimentation face recognition technology. While the technology needs some work (lighting issues, profile shots, and other ambient conditions), the overall concept is commendable and intriguing.

In Linux news, we here at the Free Line would like to wish a very happy birthday to GNU. First started by programmer Richard Stallman in 1983 as derivative of the UNIX operating system, GNU has went on to become the symbol of free software worldwide. GNU is perhaps best known for the GNU Public License, a legal document that describes in detail what free software is and how that software can be used. Several Free Line all-stars are covered under the GPL, including OpenOffice.org, VideoLAN player, and Scribus.

In celebration of this landmark occasion, Steven Fry talks for a bit on YouTube about GNU, free software, and the open source market it created. For those unaware, Stephen Fry is a British actor/comedian best remembered for his comedy duo with House star Hugh Laurie. Fry is also an admitted technophile, claiming to own several smartphones and the second Mac ever sold in the UK.

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