Linux Compatibility

I've been experimenting more and more with different "flavors" of Linux. To date I've tried Red Hat Desktop, CentOS, Fedora Core, Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Edubuntu, Xubuntu, DreamLinux, OpenSUSE, FeatherLinux, and I think there are others. Each of these distros have their strengths. I like the "smooth" feeling in the Red Hat/CentOS, Fedora camp. I like the feeling of community, support, and development in the Ubuntu arena. I really like the collection of applications in the Edubuntu project. The LTSP project embedded in Edubuntu is very intriguing. Perhaps a GREAT use of older laptops as thin clients.

My latest test distribution is Freespire Linux. One of my frustrations has been the lack of support for popular internet file types. Only recently was Flash 9 released. I've always struggled with QuickTime and Windows Media file formats.
Freespire includes legally licensed codecs for dealing with many proprietary file formats. While not for the OSS purist, this distribution is the most comprehensive that I have seen when it comes to multimedia. For the complete newbie, I highly recommend Freespire. It truly is easy and intuitive.

There are a few drawbacks that I have come across in my brief trial of Freespire. Namely, it seems to take an extraordinary amount of time to completely boot. Perhaps those proprietary drivers and codecs are at fault?? Also the trackpad on my laptop was unpredictable until I turned off the "tap" feature and used the left and right mouse buttons exclusively.
The "Click-N-Run" or CNR service makes adding programs and security updates a snap.

Overall, a strong performer for what I do. I would definitely recommend Freespire IF you have the RAM to run it. It likes 256MB or better. The minimum system requirements say 128MB...

Compare how comprehensive your version of Linux is at this site with sample files: http://www.linspire.com/products_linspire_whatis.php?tab=compatibility

I like what I see. Time will tell how active this community is.

Tags: Open source, linux, freespire, multimedia

Unlimited Online File Storage- So What's the Catch?

I see that divShare now boasts unlimited online file storage for free. Can't be. There must be a catch but I can't find one. I'm going to scour their terms and conditions but at first glance it seems too good to be true. Here's what they say:

• Upload unlimited files
• Serve unlimited downloads
• Files stay online forever!
• No pop-up ads or spam
• Incredibly fast, reliable servers

More great stuff:

• Keep your files private!
• Add a link and logo to your download pages
• Easy image galleries and thumbnails
• Nearly every file extension supported

Anyone have any experience with this site? I haven't read about any partnerships or integration.

Tags: Free online file storage, free uploads, free storage

Teacher laptops- Back-up solution needed

My school district is a "Classrooms for the Future" grant recipient. To this point, laptops for teachers has been cost prohibitive. With grant funds we'll be providing teachers with laptop computers. One of the challenges of mobile computing in general is the file back-ups.

We've experimented with the file synchronization built in to Windoze. It's cumbersome at best. We've had success with administrator laptops having the files saved locally and periodically reminding them to back-up to their network directory. Some administrators do this, some don't. We've been fortunate with few hard drive failures. We've also considered an easy batch file to copy local files.

This post from the techlogg brings another creative solution- online backup.

MediaMax is an online file storage site that provides 25GB of free storage. (1GB transfer per month and 25MB max file size). They offer a free back-up application for Windoze that allows a user to keep an online backup of their files. Called KeepVault, the free application looks promising.

I'd be interested to hear how others back-up files for mobile computer users.

Genealogy Open Source Software- Introducing GRAMPS

The Holiday season is a time for friends and family. The endless food and cheer have REALLY shown their effects this year! :)

Visiting grandma and seeing my parents and siblings is a reminder that time is precious. In speaking with grandma I found myself more intrigued this year with family history. Grandma is in her 90s. What valuable memories will she take with her? Can I do something to capture the most important ones?

I started thinking about the family history. A quick search turned up some fascinating software to help organize the family tree. The software is called GRAMPS - this description from the site:

GRAMPS is a genealogy program for Linux and other UNIX-like systems. The GRAMPS name stands for Genealogical Research and Analysis Management Programming System.

GRAMPS helps you track your family tree. It allows you to store, edit, and research genealogical data. GRAMPS attempts to provide all of the common capabilities of other genealogical programs, but, more importantly, to provide an additional capability of integration not common to these programs. This is the ability to input any bits and pieces of information directly into GRAMPS and rearrange/manipulate any/all data events in the entire data base (in any order or sequence) to assist the user in doing research, analysis and correlation with the potential of filling relationship gaps.

GRAMPS currently runs on Linux, BSD, and Solaris. Some experiments are being made running it on Windows. For more information about getting GRAMPS, see the download page.

The thing I like most about learning Linux is that there is a program for most anything. The GRAMPS software does just what I need and likely much more. It's stable, downloadable, and free. Somehow I feel less apprehensive to experiment with software tools on Linux. Perhaps I just haven't been burned yet.

This would be nice software to facilitate a Social Studies project in family history. How many Linux computer labs are out there in our schools??

If anyone can help with some online resources that are FREE to help research family history, I'd be interested in hearing from you.

Tags: Linux, open source software, genealogy