July 24, 2012
That VLC pretty much plays everything that you throw at it is old news. It is also a media genie when it comes to other things apart from playing movies. We looked at some of them in two previous posts. But there are still some ‘top secret’ features left to talk about. So, let’s spill the beans.
Keep Reading »
July 21, 2012
Force yourself to take a break. That’s the idea behind DrWright, a Linux program that will not only tell you it’s time for a break but actually stop you from using your computer until your break time is over. Force yourself to get up, walk around and briefly do something that does not involve staring at a screen.
Keep Reading »
July 18, 2012
Do you love Google Reader, but wish you could access it offline? Ubuntu client Lightread lets you do just that, and also gives you an extremely simple user interface to read with. Lean back and browse, because with Lightread you only need the arrow keys to navigate your feeds. You can read your feeds and even star articles and sync changes later.
Keep Reading »
July 18, 2012
I have felt it. Visual clutter – thanks to menus and other markup features – have often cemented my writer’s block. So, I have tried out quite a few distraction-free text editors in a grand attempt to chip away. And yes, I have won a few battles with the minimalist text editors by my side. So, here am I rounding up the Magnificent Ten.
Keep Reading »
July 14, 2012
Do you know how customizable Linux really is? Well you should if you've even heard of Linux or dabbled in it a bit. If not, try taking a look at a list of over 1,000 different Linux distributions currently available. All of them try to cater to your exact needs and tastes, so a reasonable mind would think that there'd have to be a distribution out there with which you'll find the perfect companion.
Keep Reading »
July 4, 2012
For a long time, I've been curious about Linux operating systems. I've used Windows my whole life, so the idea of switching to another operating system is a pretty big deal. I think switching to a new OS could be a lot of fun - something completely new. What made me decide to take a closer look at Linux operating systems out there is the fact that I love the Android OS on my Droid so much - and the fact that I've never had to "reboot" it once.
Keep Reading »
July 2, 2012
If you're a Linux user, security was probably one of the benefits that made you switch from whatever operating system you were using before. Linux has a great reputation for being one tough nut to crack, and it lives up to that reputation daily. Users don't have to worry about viruses or other malware to the point where anti-virus tools made for Linux actually sniff out Windows viruses to help fight their spread.
Keep Reading »
June 30, 2012
In today's highly competitive world, people are constantly looking for ways to make their minds sharper in order to gain an advantage. Others may also want to keep their minds in good shape as they age. Whatever your reason may be, finding programs which can fulfill that role may sometimes be a little difficult. Linux users have nothing to worry about, however.
Keep Reading »
June 28, 2012
Love Ubuntu, but find yourself infuriated by the lack of a traditional menu? Don't panic: simply install ClassicMenu Indicator. This simple program brings the simple menu of Gnome 2 to the indicator area. Sure: it's not the perfect location for a menu, but it's there when you need it.
Keep Reading »
June 20, 2012
Easily configure Ubuntu's Unity, without causing crashes and instability. MyUnity is an application for customizing Ubuntu's interface and is so stable and easy to use, it's included in the default Ubuntu repositories. If there's one thing commenters complained about when I reviewed Ubuntu 11.04, it's the lack of customization options.
Keep Reading »
June 18, 2012
Pidgin is a free instant-messaging client that combines all your IM accounts in one simple application. Instead of running several different IM clients that display ads and eat up memory, just use Pidgin. All your chat contacts across every network will be combined into a single buddy list, and all your conversations can be combined into a single tabbed chat window – or multiple windows.
Keep Reading »
June 16, 2012
Get better battery life from your Linux laptop. Jupiter Applet is a small program that helps you save energy by adjusting your CPU, tweaking the Linux kernel and your hardware. You probably won't notice a performance difference, but your battery will last longer.
Keep Reading »
June 16, 2012
The "Linux release season" is starting to come to an end as the last few major distributions are coming out with their latest release, most notably Linux Mint. This time around the Linux Mint developers have released version 13, codenamed "Maya". As far as major releases go, Linux Mint 13 is a very solid update that rides on Ubuntu 12.04's LTS (long-term support) status.
Keep Reading »
June 15, 2012
With CamDesk, you get a constant feed from any of your webcams in a customizable window, and can keep track of what’s going on no matter what you're doing. It can be used for anything from spying on your cats and keeping an eye on your door, to getting a constant feed of yourself while video chatting or recording a video.
Keep Reading »
June 14, 2012
The world of Linux desktop environments has dramatically changed since then. Gnome 3 was born, Gnome 2 was essentially thrown to the side, Gnome 3 was forked to create Cinnamon, and so on. However, Gnome 2 wasn't completely thrown to the side, as it its code is now actively maintained in another project called MATE. Is it stable? Is the experience exactly as Gnome 2's? Let's find out!
Keep Reading »
