Links

Linux

Linux is a computer operating system (like Microsoft Windows or Apple OS-X). However unlike Windows or OS-X, Linux is free software and is a good example of open-source software development. Unlike OS-X and Windows, there are many variations of Linux. Because it is free software, people and organizations are capable of combining Linux with other free and non-free software to create what is called a Linux distribution.

There are a bewildering amount of different Linux distributions available, all repurposed for different uses. Trying to recommend the 'best' Linux distribution can spawn arguments of religious proportions! All I can tell you is that I currently run Ubuntu (version 7.10) and am quite happy with it. However many other distributions like OpenSuse, Fedora, and ArchLinux also come highly recommended by many people. The beauty of LiveCD's is that you can try out many different distributions without changing a thing on your computer.

If all this sounds far too complicated, worry not. You can download your own CD or DVD image of a linux distribution called a Live CD. With this type of disc you can try out a Linux distribution entirely risk-free, without fear of damage or modification to your own computer.

Even easier still, Ubuntu has a service called ShipIt that will send you Live CD install discs free of charge through the mail no matter where you are. How's that for service!

Free Software

Free software can be an ambiguous term. There are a few different ways to clarify, the most popular being "Free as in speech, not as in beer". So it's not necessarily about cost (although in most cases free (as in speech) software is also free (as in beer). You might prefer "Free as in freedom, not as in lunch".

The concept of software freedom was brought to the forefront by Richard Stallman. In doing so, he architected a software license called the GPL (GNU Public License) which forms much of the backbone of the free software movement. The key concept of software freedom are summarized by four freedoms which are, the freedom to:

run the program for any purpose
study how the program works and adapt it to your needs
redistribute copies so you can help your neighbours
improve the program, and release your improvements to the public, so that the whole community benefits

Podcasts

A podcast is simply an audio file (usually an .mp3 file) that someone produces on a regular or semi-regular basis. There are thousands of different podcasts, on thousands of different topics. Think of it as radio, but you listen to it when you want. The quality can vary from professionally produced shows to somebody recording into a cell phone in their basement.

I'm a big fan of podcasts and rarely listen to the radio anymore during my commute. Mostly I listen to tech-related podcasts but there are other ones as well. You can simply download them directly and put them on your mp3 player or in my case, onto a USB key which my car stereo happens to play. You can also burn them onto CD's if that's your thing. Although the emphasis is on automating the process by using iTunes or some other podcatching software to subscribe and download shows automatically to your computer and/or mp3 player. The name is unfortunate, because you do not need an iPod to listen to podcasts... any mp3 player will do it!

Some of my current favourite podcasts are:

Lottalinuxlinks

A great linux podcast by Dave Yates, recorded in his car at 70mph. This man has a gift, and a wonderful southern accent to go along with it.

The Bitterest Pill

A podcast from a stay at home dad in L.A. Lots of middle-aged male angst. Right up my alley.

The Linux Link Tech Show

Another Linux podcast. They do this show live-streamed and release a podcast recording of it each week. They do interesting interviews and have lots of good banter. They've been doing this one for quite some time.

Seventh Son

This one's a serial audiobook type of podcast. It's actually a trilogy of books. Very very well produced. Very gripping and full of cliffhangers from episode to episode. If you're looking to get your feet wet in audiobooks, then this is a great place to start.