Issue #145 / Dec 2012

COVER STORY: 3D with Three.js

Three-dimensional scenes in web browsers with Three.js

HTML5 brings 3D support to browsers. Thanks to WebGL, Firefox, Chrome, and company, you can render three-dimensional worlds without special plugins or viewers, and the Three.js JavaScript library makes programming easy.

KNOW-HOW: RPM Tools

Maintaining system integrity with package management helpers

Linux has several convenient package management systems, but they are not entirely free of weaknesses. We show you how to keep the RPM package management system permanently stable and how to get rid of some ballast with just two small programs: rpmorphan and rpmrestore.

KNOW-HOW: hdparm Drive Utility

Retrieving and setting hard drive parameters with hdparm

Hdparm is the tool to use when it comes to tuning your hard disk or DVD drive, but it can also measure read speed, deliver valuable information about the device, change important drive settings, and even erase SSDs securely.

SYSADMIN: Charly's Column: Swaks

The sys admin’s daily grind: Swaks

Searching for errors on an SMTP server via Telnet and test mails can seem like a never-ending obstacle course. The utility called Swaks helps bring the finish line within reach.

SYSADMIN: Security Lessons: Web Frameworks

Evaluating web frameworks

Stop re-inventing the wheel and build your web applications with the excellent tools already available.

PROGRAMMING: Kotlin Programming Language

Kotlin mixes Java with Groovy and Scala

Kotlin, a small island in the Gulf of Finland, is also the name of a new programming language that aims to become a modern alternative to Java.

PROGRAMMING: Perl – k-means Clusters

Calculating clusters with AI methods

A human observer can register clusters in a two-dimensional set of points at a glance. Artificial intelligence has a harder time getting it done; however, the relatively simple k-means method delivers usable results.

KNOW-HOW: Ask Klaus!

Klaus Knopper answers your Linux

Klaus Knopper is the creator of Knoppix and co-founder of 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

LINUXUSER: Color Temperature Tools

Avoid headaches and eye strain with the right tools

Do you have problems getting to sleep after a late night computer session? Does the monitor brightness hurt your eyes? Several Linux tools are available that could help with these problems.

LINUXUSER: Workspace – Calibre Tips

Tips on using Calibre

We show you an assortment of Calibre-related tricks to help you to get more out of this powerful ebook management application.