Issue #103 / Jun 2009

Hooked on Python's "wrist-friendly" syntax? Enamored of .NET architecture but equally appreciative of C#'s strong typing? Boo offers the best of three worlds.

Although a USB toy such as a polystyrene rocket launcher only includes a Windows CD, it works fine on Linux with a spot of reverse engineering. With libusb, this doesn't even require compiling a device driver – Perl controls the device from userspace.

Install and manage packages from the command line with the powerful yum package manager.

The lean Xoops CMS offers only basic functionality, but it is easy to extend.

Writers who submit papers to publications can create a database to track and report the status of their projects.

Far from an anachronism, the command line lives on as an indispensable part of the modern free desktop. Viva the command line!

If you're starting from scratch, you'll need a lot of users to attract a strong development community.

Drupal community leaves its semi-annual conference more than US$ 650,000 richer.

Even admins get bitten by the gaming bug. Frets on Fire lets you train for an air guitar competition. Or try the free business simulation clones Transport Tycoon, Simutrans, or OpenTTD.