Google Docs has been around for a while, and although it has not proved to be a Microsoft Office killer, it has become quite popular as a way to share documents. Today we’re looking at how you can integrate your Ubuntu desktop with your Google Docs account to streamline usability. We’ll look at three solutions [...]
Despite the fact that open source has specialty label-and-business-card programs like gLabels and capable desktop publishing apps like Scribus, most general office users are going to continue to create their documents in the word processor of the office suite they feel the most comfortable in, like OpenOffice.org Writer. It is certainly a good choice, too; [...]
Sometimes we need to create a document containing a form for a client to fill out. This form is shared either by email or by downloading from a web location. A lot of people will use a word processor, most often Microsoft Word, to create such a document. It’s the popularity and general availability of [...]
It is all in your head: the plot, the characters, the locations, and even the scenes, but for some reason, staring at the blank page and blinking cursor makes you freeze. You like the idea of writing a book but cannot imagine actually completing it. If that feeling sounds familiar, then this might be the [...]
Scribus is an excellent Desktop Publishing tool. This Open Source project provides a great way to create document, brochures, etc. This tutorial will show you how to set up links to web sites in your document that will link to the actual web site. The best way to learn how to insert links is Read [...]
The PDF file format is quickly becoming the de-facto format for sharing information on the web. The good thing about PDF files is that the format allows the creator of the document, the ability to retain the original formatting even when the document is being viewed on different operating systems or different viewers. The only [...]
The Sun Report Builder extension adds powerful reporting capabilities to OpenOffice.org Base, and using it to create reports is easy, as we can see with a simple example. Suppose you’re a freelance writer, and you want to keep track of your submissions using a simple OpenOffice.org Base database that stores article titles, publications, submission dates, [...]
Ten years ago, a tiny software community launched, for free, Microsoft-like programs for those with UNIX or Linux computer operating systems. A few months ago, this software community—known as KDE—rolled out its first free Office-style software for Windows users. ALTIt’s a competitive first for KDE, and indicative of an industry shift. The shift is toward [...]
AbiWord is a free opensource word processing program like Microsoft Word or Openoffice. Abiword is a light weight multi-platform word processor and is rapidly becoming a state of the art Word Processor, with lots of features useful for your daily work, personal needs, or for just some good old typing fun. Some of the features [...]
Last week we were introduced to the excellent Citadel BBS groupware and messaging server. In my needlessly humble opinion, Citadel is a great choice for the majority of users who need a groupware and messaging server. It’s easy to fling up a working server in a few minutes for a small home network, and it [...]
In my job as a systems engineer, I have handled various storage implementations for our enterprise clients. These may be in the form of direct-attached storage (DAS), network-attached storage (NAS), storage area network (SAN), or Internet Small Computer System Interface (iSCSI) systems. In these implementations, clients generally use proprietary storage products from vendors such as [...]
When most people think of switching out their office to one Linux distribution or another, the very idea of getting started with the needed migration must seem completely overwhelming. Not because using Linux is difficult — rather, the task at hand with getting personnel and equipment up to the challenge is daunting. To respond to [...]
SMILE, Slideshow Maker In Linux Environnement is a free opensource slideshow creating tool for GNU/Linux, although it also works on Mac OS/X. SMILE helps to create video slideshows from images, that can be played on almost all medias. The numerous features and the simplicity of use make it possible to create dynamic and rich slideshows [...]
Converting a PDF file into an HTML or a XML file has been made easy by a small useful utility called PDFTOHTML. PdftoHTml is a Xpdf based tool which can convert PDF files to HTML or XML format. PDFTOHTML also supports encrypted files and support for images in the PDF file by converting to PNG [...]
Over the years, I’ve probably created thousands of reports for customers and co-workers. Usually, I have a web-based program that generates reports in either html or comma-separated format. The html format is a lot prettier and usually gives the user what they want. The comma-separated format allows the user to easily import the results into [...]