Linux Journal June 2012

by Dave Taylor, Jill Franklin (Editor), Doc Searls (Editor)

A quick overview of what's in this special Cool Projects * Create Your Own Cloud-Based Storage Service with ownCloud * Build a Wall-Mounted Dual-Head Power-User Desktop * Animation and Video Techniques for Linux * A Guide to 3-D Printer Hardware * Revolutionize Your Storgage Strategies with ZFS and BtrfsDetailed Keeping It Cool...Three days ago here in northern Michigan, we had a heavy frost overnight.Those gardeners who ambitiously planted their plants early had to coverthem with tarps or tents to make sure they didn't die in the frigid night.Yesterday, the temperature was 96° F. Michigan weather is weird. This month is our Cool Projects issue, so even if the temperature continues to push100°, I'll rely on the June issue of Linux Journal to keep things cool.Reuven M. Lerner starts the issue off with a great way to make your sites look nice, even if you're not a designer. Twitter Bootstrap is a framework that hasgained lots of following during the past year, and Reuven shows why. Speaking of "why", Dave Taylor continues down his dark path ashe describes how to cheat at Draw Something. If you liked the fame and fortune Dave's Scrabble scripts provided, you'll likely feel right at home with his next round of rule augmentation. In all seriousness, Dave uses some pretty cool methods for teaching powerful scripting techniques. We won't judge him too harshly, because it's all done in the name of education. Still, I'm neverplaying an on-line game against him!Kyle Rankin has been chatting with me over IRC for months about his newtoy. This month, you get to see the all details, as he shows off his fancy3-D printer. Whether you try the model Kyle bought or decide a differentstyle is more appropriate for your needs, the concepts are fairly similar.And as much as I resisted the idea of 3-D printing, I have to admit I sortof want to try it myself. At the very least, printing knick-knacks as giftsmight be a way to help fund the purchase. Oh, and Kyle? My birthday is inJuly. I really could use a charging stand for my phone!Inside a hot server room, nothing is quite as cool as Linux. In my Open-Source Classroom column this month, I talk about file serving. As far as the "cool factor" goes, it may not be the most exciting thing to set up, but it's a great way to introduce Linux into a traditionally proprietary environment. Following my column, I got to review a seriously awesome desktop computer from Polywell. The i2303 looks like a nettop but behaves like a workstation-class machine. Find out if this little powerhouse ticks all your boxes as well.Amit Saha introduces a really cool project this month, ownCloud.If you like the convenience of cloud computing, but worry about someoneelse controlling your data, why not make your own cloud? Supportingeverything from file storage to music management, ownCloud allows you toaccess all your data from a browser. Rather than the other end of thatbrowser connecting to a giant server farm, however, it can connect to yourown servers, or at least servers you control.Sometimes systems don't come with all-inclusive components like ownCloud.James Litton explores integrating disparate systems this month, evenif they aren't designed to do so. In situations like these, it's often justas important to be creative as it is to program well! Rebecca"Ruji" Chapnik follows that creativity through with her article on video art.

183 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 30, 2012

About the author

Dave Taylor has been involved with the online world since it was the ARPAnet and is recognized globally as an expert on technical and business topics. He has been published over a thousand times, launched four Internet-related startups, written more than twenty business and technical books and has an MBA and MS Ed.

He runs the popular YouTube consumer electronics review channel AskDaveTaylor, is a columnist for the Boulder Daily Camera and appears in other publications both online and in print. Dave teaches undergrad and graduate courses on marketing, public speaking, film, and media & society at the University of Denver, where he's also a recognized Leader in Teaching Excellence.

Based in beautiful Boulder, Colorado, Dave is an award-winning speaker, sought-after conference and workshop participant, and frequent guest on radio and podcast programs, an active member of his community and father to three young adults who are themselves also avid readers.

You can find Dave online at AskDaveTaylor.com and catch up on his latest film, game, and car reviews at PlanetDave.com.