Know your Linux Commands

May 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment

As you use Linux more and more you will find your way around an operating system that is growing in popularity with programmers due to its functionality and flexbility.

Getting to know a few popular commands will really help you to navigate the operating system with ease and will also grow your confidence and encourage you to develop further.

We have listed below a few Linux commands that you may not have come across before.   The script for these commands can be found on any number of Linux chat forums.

  1. There is a command for breaking up huge chunks of data into more manageable chunks which become much easier to manipulate
  2. ISOF is a great command which helps you open files and also find out which ports may be open.
  3. filename.bak is a great command if your working on something precious and need to do a quick back up
  4. YOu can also capture a video on a linx desktop using a simple command
  5. For something amusing there is the fortune commad which will display a quote or something amusing and insipirational
  6. THere are many funny Linux shell commands to be found on the internet for when you need some down time!

The key to learning is to have fun and really be engaged in a product.  The more you try these commands, learn the lingo and explore the parameters of of Linux the more

Filed Under: Linux, Operating Systems, Programming Tagged With: , ,

What is Linux?

May 4, 2011 By Leave a Comment

With so many operating platforms out there today what is LINUX? And why is it so popular?  Lets start with what the most popular operating systems are currently on the market.  The are MAC OS, Windows and UNIX.  Windows being the clear market leader but MAC OS is hot on its pc heels.  These operating systems are basically the brains and nerve endings of your computer.  Ensuring your PC can run your applications and tasks including your peripherals such as your keyboard, printers, speakers and mouse.  The main difference between the big players is the use ability and look and feel.  Essentially they provide similar services.

Tux, as originally drawn by Larry Ewing

Image via Wikipedia

 

Linux is growing in popularity over recent years.  The Linux operating system was originally free and enhanced by programmers all over the world.  Thats why Linux is held close to many a programmers heart.  The programming community feels that they contributed to this operating platform and so will always hold a place in their hearts.

But what is so good about Linux?  Well its not your standard consumer product.  It’s difficult to get used to and not user friendly. But there are a wealth of tools available to someone who knows their way around a pc.  If you are a programmer looking for a new project or challenge then this would be the operating system for you.  Many old school programmers who have used UNIX also us Linux as their preferred system.

There is a huge online community of Linux users around the world so you can ask any Linux question you like or share tips and tricks in user forms.  Give Linux a try, it could be the perfect partnership!

 

Filed Under: Programming Tagged With: , ,

Needing Windows Media Player

March 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

It can be annoying when visiting a website ready to watch a video or even listen to music, but it doesn’t happen. An error message indicates the computer needs Windows Media Player (WMP) to show that video or play that music.

Some computers come with WMP already installed or perhaps it was installed and quit working for some reason. It might just need an upgrade. Well, getting WMP installed on a computer is just a click away. There is a download available for all sorts of systems that can work with WMP. If it is being downloaded for the first time find the latest version. It is free so getting the latest will help out in the long run. Keep in mind some older computers could have a rough time with newer programs. Try the new program first and if it doesn’t work go down the list until it does install properly.

If working with Windows 7 or Vista be prepared for problems because the WMP plug-in is missing. There are other Windows programs that have this trouble too.

*Try installing a new WMP with Firefox for the new plug-in or restore the plug-in.

*Don’t reinstall the WMP program through the original download because it still won’t work. It will take forever to try and the message will again be an error.

*Use the Media Player Connectivity add on to get the WMP to work if there is still a problem.

Furthermore, keep in mind that WMP does not work unless the computer is connected to the internet and has a live internet connection. If it is and still doesn’t work then check that the Internet connection system on the computer is set to active or online mode.

Filed Under: Programming, Software Tagged With: , ,

What’s Extreme Programming?

February 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Extreme Programing (Dic/2008)

Image by leo.prie.to via Flickr

Communication and feedback are part of the core for extreme programming. This is a software development discipline and is developed by a team working to improve a situation or create a new one.

Everyone on the team is important for extreme programming success. The teams could be groups or even just two members. Team members usually include programmers, testers, analysts, coach and manager. The tester and analysts work with customers making sure the testing or trial process happens properly. The coach keeps the extreme programming team focused and the manager handles all the resources, organization and communications.

The extreme programming team doesn’t just start planning without a plan or concept because these elements are important to keep them on task. Those involved work as a team with a particular plan that includes:

*practices

*feedback

*fine tuning

During this process the team works with customers that will use the software. Having customer feedback helps the team know what needs to be developed, changed or improved. This usually happens a few times a month. It allows them to plan according to the reports they are given including what the customer expects in features. This is when the programmer estimates costs and created a task idea.

They work together with the customer throughout the planning process. This team helps determine every step of the project until it is finished. It is usually a business value concept that is considered. Team members have made a list of what customers want and they design the program around these ideas.

The practices include small releases and customer tests. This is how team members get some feedback to help guide them to a successful completion. Programmers work to write the code as a team so everything can input and create great programming. The team works continually toward a specified goal as they share their thoughts and ideas with one another through completion.

Filed Under: General, Programming Tagged With: , ,

Learning Programming Languages

February 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Many, many, many programming languages are used in the computer world. People have heard that there are programming languages and know they basically help the computer programs function. Yet, for the everyday computer they may not really have considered the true idea of learning more about programming languages. They just do their work or search the internet knowing it works.

Programming languages are used by a variety of machines and not just computers. Programming languages are designed for primarily computers thought to go through computations allowing them to work a program. The programming language is artificial. It is a form of communication used by machines. Programming languages are known to be in the thousands and more are being developed yearly.

A programming language often uses algorithms in a particular order to express a function. Each language has the form or syntax and the meaning or semantics that is specific to them or an element of reference. These important languages are placed in categories such as object-oriented, functional, transformation and text.

Some programming languages are:

*Perl

*Python

*Blue

*Dylan

*Cecil

*Scalla

*Haskell

There are some programming languages that are widely known as may have even been heard of by the everyday computer user. Nevertheless, object-oriented languages such as Cecil are often not well known. This example supports a variety of expressive as well as new elements. Functional programming languages include those that are high level with various implementations and development assisting interpreter. Transformation programming languages work as transforming models while text programming languages are often text formatting based.

It comes down to it that the everyday computer user doesn’t need to know about programming languages. Yet, many may be interested in learning more about how you can work a computer.

Filed Under: Computers, Programming Tagged With: , ,

The Importance of Unique Content

December 10, 2010 By Leave a Comment

One of the most important things you can do for you business when you are trying to establish your online brand is to use unique content. You can choose to write the content yourself or you can outsource to other people to do it for you. Either way, it’s vital that the work is not scraped off of someone else’s blog or website. Here are a few reasons why being unique is so important in the online world.

To start with, Google does not like duplicate content. If it finds several duplicate pieces of work it will either index just one of them and then let the rest slip into oblivion, or simply choose to not index any of the articles. Once your page is de-indexed you don’t stand a good chance at getting it back into the ranking game  this really sucks when you’ve poured a lot of money and research into your business idea.

Writing unique content gives you an edge on your competition. Your readers are following you because they are interested in what you have to say  not the person that is competing with you. If you start duplicating content you will begin to lose trust and interest from your followers which will in turn hurt your money making opportunities. Consumers don’t want to visit ten websites that all say the same thing  give them a reason to buy from you, and you alone.

The most important reason that places unique content far above duplication is the fact that copying the work that someone else has done is just wrong. They took the time to research and write it, you shouldn’t steal that from them. If you want to use someone’s idea consider quoting them and then linking back to their website on yours, or just using it for inspiration.

Filed Under: Computers, Internet, Linux, Programming, Software

Learning Java

December 6, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Java (programming language)
Image via Wikipedia
Whether you’re a seasoned programmer or just a novice, you can still learn how to use Java. Perhaps you’ve spent some time thinking about writing your own computer program using Java. The nice thing about Java is that the Internet offers everything you need to know about Java programming for free. So, if you’re thinking about learning Java or want to brush up your programming skills, you can do it for no charge. If you’re a beginner, then Java is a good place to start. Once you learn Java, the learning curve for other programs becomes much easier. You can also learn Java without spending a dime on compilers and documentation.
Practically everything you need to start programming in Java can be found on the Internet at no charge. All you need to do is open your Google browser and search for the word, "Java." You should be able to pull up nearly everything you need to know about the language. Java programming is available to anyone who wants to learn it. All you really need is additional time. Java also serves as a good baseline for other types of programs, so once you learn it, you can get started with more complicated programs like C and C++.
In order to get started with Java, however, you’ll need a few basic concepts and tools for computer programming. First off, you’ll need a compiler for the Java Script. The purpose of the compiler is to translate your Java program into a language that your computer can understand. Setting up the compiler is very time consuming; you’ll need several hours to accomplish the task. In addition, you’ll need lots of free disk space on your computer. It’s a good idea to check your computer to see how much space is available on your hard drive before you get started. Compared with other programmer languages, Java is relatively easy and fun to learn.
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Filed Under: Computers, Programming, Software Tagged With: , ,

Why Store Your Files in the Cloud

December 6, 2010 By Leave a Comment
abundant files
Image via Wikipedia
Are your servers buggy and bogged down with too many files?  Does your network run sluggishly and inconsistently?  These might be signs that you need to consider doing something differently.  You might need to think about moving your files to the Cloud.  Even the most un-technically savvy business people have heard of this Cloud.  It is the hottest thing in computing these days or so it seems.  Either way, if storing your files in the Cloud will help you secure more customers and grow your business then the time to look into this solution is now.
So how does cloud storage work and what are its benefits?  Let’s look into that.  Usually a company will provide you with the amount of storage you need based on your business needs.  If you only need a small amount then you will pay less than if you needed a larger amount.  File size is often limited but total storage capacity generally is not limited.  Many times your costs will include the storage space and the bandwidth needed to get access to your files.  You should also make sure you can control who can access your data.  Make sure there are different levels of accessibility and of course make sure your data is secure.
Some of the benefits are obvious.  You can free up your storage capacity and move larger files to your cloud storage for easy access.  Often the company that provides your storage will have better technology than you do so your customer’s files might be able to be transferred at higher rates which will make them happier.  Another thing to consider is that your cloud computing provider should also have a full time security department and constant intrusion monitoring.  In that case, their security measures are probably better than yours.  That will make your customers happy as well.  All of these are good reasons to consider storing your files in the Cloud.
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Filed Under: Programming, Software Tagged With: , ,

Backing Up Data Files

December 2, 2010 By Leave a Comment

As a computer user, you’ve spent hours saving file to your computer’s hard drive, and in most cases, it’s information that you need to save. You can’t afford to lose information; it’s valuable. If you use your computer on a regular basis (as many people do), it’s critical to back up your files on a regular basis. As a general rule, you should back up the data files on your hard drive every week. Data files are anything you create on your computer’s hard drive, include databases, documents, and spreadsheets.

If you don’t have an external hard drive or network attached drive available to you, more recently, your choices for backing up data files include either a CD or DVD burner (assuming you don’t have an external hard drive or network). Since a CD holds 400 or 500 times much more information than a floppy disk, it’s a much better option for storing files.

Many years ago when computers were first invented, the only way to back up files was to use a floppy disk. It was an ineffective way to back up files, since the disk held on 1.44 megabytes of data (which isn’t very much information).

When backing up data files, keep in mind that you don’t have to back up every single file on your hard drive, especially if you’re a Linux user. In that case, you’ll only need to back up a few files that exist outside of your Home directory. If, you were to lose all the data on your computer (heaven forbid) or your hard drive, you’re options are to reinstall the Linux operating system. In addition, you’d need to restore the backed-up contents of your Home directory. Typically, your Home directory contains your personal mail file, as well as setting and preference for the applications installed on your computer.

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Filed Under: Computers, Linux, Open Source, Programming Tagged With: , , , ,

Skipping Steps in Programming Isn’t Always the Best Tactic

August 18, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Error Messages Guide Templates For Software De...
Image by Ivan Walsh via Flickr
As a programmer, no doubt you’ve been faced with countless deadlines and pressure to complete a project. Let’s say, for example, you’re working on a project with has a very tight deadline. It’s late Friday night, and your software project is due on Monday morning. Luckily, you have a lot of coffee in the cupboard because you’re faced with a few nights of non-stop programming. You’ve probably thought about cutting a few corners in order to get the job done quicker.
In an act of desperation, many programmers skip the planning phase altogether and start writing code. However, skipping the planning phase isn’t always the right decision. If you’re new to programming, it may seem like a good idea, but and experienced developer may beg to differ. The problem is that people in the software development world don’t practice the adage that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
Let’s say, for example, that you’re building a home. You want it built quickly, but would it make sense to skip the architectural design phase in order to save time? Probably not. A real estate developer or a builder isn’t going to skip the design phase and start laying concrete for the foundation. Much like a real estate developer, software programmers typically begin their projects with a blueprint or some type of plan. Experienced programmers use flowcharts and diagrams to begin their work. Real estate developers and software developers both know that they need a solid plan before they begin their work.
In today’s corporate world, it seems that managers and programmers skip over the design work and start coding. Problems often arise when programmers begin their work without a well thought out plan. By the time people start testing the code, it’s often too late to fix the problem. Similar to other projects in business, it’s much easier to “get it right the first time,” than to try and fix the problem later on.
Filed Under: Computers, Open Source, Programming, Software Tagged With: , ,
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