Monday, November 8, 2010

Linux on the learning curve.

If I had to learn everything on my own I most likely would just use the GUI (Graphical User Interface). But thanks to the podcasts and the sites they recommend I am learning loads under CLI (Command Line Interface).

How to set up Servers, how to use MySql, PHP, Apache, the learning is just so fun.

I would recommend to anyone who is tired of Windows and defragging, Anti-Virus checking, wasting good computer time to maintenance of simple things or your computer will not run. To take a good long look at Linux.

Download a few different distros and burn CD's then boot your computer using the live cd's to check out what Linux can do for you.

You will have fun. If you never get past the GUI you will enjoy it. Seek out a LUG (Linux User Group) near you. There should be someone there to help you out.

You will not be disappointed. Besides the best part of moving to Linux? Money savings.

What? Yes, You heard me. You can save loads of money. First the OS (Operating System) is downloadable. In most cases it costs nothing. But if you want to pay, there are some Linux's that will charge you for service. Kinda like paying for the OS.

Then there is the software. How much did you pay for MS OFFICE, PHOTOSHOP or any other piece of software? What if I told you, you can get the same level of software in most cases for the same price you paid for the OS. Nothing. There is a software house in each Distro. You need internet connection and just open your software house and point and click each package. I would suggest keep it down to under 50. You have to remember it will also load packages needed to help run the packages you selected. In some cases a package you selected may also install 20+ other packages.

Have fun.....

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

My Software pick on Linux for Notes.

Listening to Going Linux Podcasts a listener wrote in wanting to move to Linux but is using Microsoft Office with OneNote. He is willing to move to OpenOffice but can't find a replacement for OneNote. So the folks at Going Linux did some searching and came up with Basket. I have used OneNote and Basket is very, very close to it. It does not allow pictures which OneNote does. But the makers of Basket said you can use pictures in the next version Basket.

What is OneNote and Basket?

It is a note taking program that you can organize it in several different ways. Think of it as a file cabinet. With Folders within Folders. So you can think of School as one folder, Math class as a folder inside of School and then Yesterdays, Today's class in different folders within the math folder. Then different aspects of today's class in again different folders.

Then you can also have a folder like English under school and class folders up to today's class. Then within today's class we could have Reading folder, and Author's folder and maybe even rough draft folder for today's assignment.

You can keep your thoughts organized and if needed break them down into more folders so to grasp the idea. Break it down to bites that you understand. Then build up from the lowest folder.

I can see applications for Programming. Main Idea then folders for sub ideas then even folders for code to make those ideas possible. Folders within those code folders for algorithms for different areas of the code.

I can see applications for teachers, as well as students. Businesses, clubs. Your mind is the only limitation on how you can use these programs.

Basket also allows you draw notes from other programs.

So as a great program for Linux. Basket fills the bill. Look in your menus for your Package Manager. Then search for Basket. Install it. You will not be disappointed.