Advanced backup tools that keep multiple copies of files and so on have their place, but sometimes you just need a simple scheduled sync, not a full backup. For example, I have an SD card that stays in my laptop almost all the time. On this, I keep a copy of most of my home folder that gets updated every day at 1:30 in the morning. I no longer have to think about it, it just happens.

Cloud computing is causing IT vendors to change their pitches on the off chance that cloud could actually end up generating some money. And to that end, rPath is shifting gears with version 5.0 of its rBuilder.

Abiword has just become my new favorite word processor. It’s always been nice for being so quick and low on resources, but the 2.6 release of Abiword has added two new features which have pushed it over the top for me.

I am not a programmer. Yet Linux is built on the philosophical principle of freely sharing source code. This is how those who create Linux frequently advocate it. But if I'm not a programmer, and source code therefore means little to me, why do I use Linux?

One of the biggest arguments people try to use against Open source programs is the supposed lack of support. In general I have found that support for open source programs is equal to and ofttimes better than that provided by proprietary companies.

I’ve been researching concepts of minimalism as it applies to computing and personal productivity, and I’m convinced that in many cases, a minimal setup can really help you get more done.

The final and stable version of Ubuntu 9.04 "Jaunty Jackalope" is about to be unleashed.

The Linux Foundation recently announced the winner and runners up of the "We're Linux" video contest that it sponsored as a response to the well-known promotional campaigns by Microsoft and Apple.  The selections are professional and inspiring, but I worry that their focus on "freedom" limits their effectiveness.  Here's why.