Issue #78 / May 2007

REVIEWS: Ulteo

Ulteo declares a desktop revolution

The top-secret Ulteo project aims for the goal of the world’s easiest Linux.

KNOW-HOW: OpenLaszlo

Cross-browser Internet applications with OpenLaszlo

Long before Ajax hit the scene, Flash gave developers a basis for designing interactive web content. The OpenLaszlo framework, with its easy-to-learn command syntax, is the foundation on which many Flash applications build.

KNOW-HOW: TeXmacs

TeXmacs – A convenient layout program for your text documents

If you need to lay out a text document, you can opt for a WYSIWYG application, like OpenOffice, or a genuine layout system such as TeX. TeXmacs combines the advantages of both approaches: premium document quality and intuitive controls.

KNOW-HOW: ASK KLAUS!

Klaus Knopper is the creator of Knoppix and co-founder of the LinuxTag expo. He currently works as a teacher, programmer, and consultant. If you have a configuration problem, or if you just want to learn more about how Linux works, send your questions to: klaus@linux-magazine. com

SYSADMIN: Charly's Column

The sys admin’s daily grind: Deborphan

Debian fans appreciate the ability to update their systems to a new release without having to reinstall. The Deborphan tool takes care of the victims of the upgrade by searching for orphaned packages on which no other packages depend.

SYSADMIN: Write Barriers

Working with write barriers and journaling filesystems

Your journaling filesystem is carefully tracking write operations – but what happens when the data gets to the disk? A write barrier request can help protect your data.

PROGRAMMING: Mercury

Introducing the Mercury declarative, logical-functional, OO programming language

The Mercury programming language offers the expressive power of logic programming with the performance of an imperative language like C or C++.

PROGRAMMING: Perl: X10 Module

A remote control to reset your router

My low-budget router has just crashed, and there is no way to reset the beast remotely via a network. Never fear – an X10 module, controlled by a web GUI with an Ajax interface, can actuate the mains switch.

LINUXUSER: KTools: Krecipes

Create a KDE-based recipe database

Balance your diet with a recipe database that serves up a healthy dose of KDE in your kitchen.

LINUXUSER: Workspace: WikidPad

A wickedly useful application

What is WikidPad? Well, that’s a tough one. The author calls it an “IDE for thoughts,” and although that’s a pretty good description, it just doesn’t really do WikidPad justice. Basically, WikidPad is what you want it to be: a notebook, an address book, a to-do manager, and a desktop wiki.