Ubuntu Tips n Tricks

Posted: 03 Aug 2011 12:01 AM PDT

So, you're slightly on the geekier side of life? And, you're an Android user? Well, thanks to the relative openness of the popular mobile platform, you won't be missing out on all the geeky fun you have on Linux. Unlike the Apple app store, the Android Market is laden with apps that folks from every walk of life can relish.

Here are some Android apps that our geeky friends would love to tinker with, without bricking their phones… Well, hopefully.

ConnectBot

ConnectBot is an open-source SSH client for your Android mobile. With this nifty little app, you can connect to any SSH server located on this planet (and beyond). Features include simultaneous SSH connections, tunneling, and copy/pasting between different applications. There are plenty of other SSH apps, but according to user ratings, this is by far, the best one out there. It has a 5 star rating from about 21,397 users, so go ahead and start connecting.

App Link: https://market.android.com/details?id=org.connectbot

Hacker's Keyboard

A good hacker loves his or her keyboard more than anything else. It's their only weapon, which brings them a notch closer to their goal of world domination. Whether you've just started or have already conquered half of Antarctica, this little app will allow you to use a full-fledged keyboard on your Android tablet or phone. Apart from being a good replacement to the default Android keyboard, Hacker's Keyboard acts as a perfect companion to the aforementioned ConnectBot app. So, you no longer have to worry about mistyping those life-changing commands you tap in the wee hours of the morning.

App Link: https://market.android.com/details?id=org.pocketworkstation.pckeyboard

Android IRC

You have managed to establish that vital SSH connection that shuts off Skynet. You're just a few taps away from becoming a global superhero. And, in the heat of the moment, you forgot the final command! Bummer! What will you do? Of course, like every seasoned Linux user, you'll seek help on IRC. That's where this great app called Android IRC steps in. In this app, you get all the features of a full-fledged IRC client, thus making sure that help is just a tap away. This is by far the best and the most advanced IRC client for Android and undoubtedly it is not free. Go ahead, give it a try.

App Link: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.countercultured.irc&feature=related_apps

Irssi ConnectBot

This is a modified version of the aforementioned ConnectBot app thus allowing users to use Irssi, the popular IRC client on their phones. Irssi ConnectBot is a free application that has managed to get 4 and ½ ratings so far with more than 10000 downloads.

App Link: https://market.android.com/details?id=org.woltage.irssiconnectbot

Touchqode

If you are a compulsive coder, traveling might be a big hurdle in your marathon programming sessions. If you own an Android device, then thanks to this app, your nerdy mind won't be cranky on the bus anymore. Just install this free application and enjoy most of the features of a desktop IDE. Touchqode currently supports Java, HTML, JavaScript, Python, C++, C#, Ruby and PHP. It also has an FTP and SFTP client built in so that you can upload your code instantly.

App Link: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.touchqode.editor&feature=search_result

Google Sky Map

So, you want to be an astrophysicist? Well this next app won't exactly make you one, but definitely will help you get there faster. This free app from Google allows you to explore the sky like never before. Simply point your Android's camera towards the sky and the screen will come alive with stars, planets and constellations lying in that direction. You can also search for a particular planet you might want to invade in the future. Also, if you're not a wannabe astrophysicist but always wanted to know what the different objects in the skies are called, then just go out in the open and point your camera towards any bright object (make sure it's not a plane or a bird!). Google Sky Map will tell you instantly which star or planet it is. However, don't curse me if you won't find Alderaan there.

App Link: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.google.android.stardroid

Jedi Light Saber

Whether you're an astrophysicist or a seasoned coder, one thing's for sure, you're a Star Wars fan at heart (sincere apologies to all Trekkies). And, if the Jedi inside you yearns to grab the hilt of the coveted Lightsaber, this app is just for you. Jedi Light Saber allows you to defeat your evil adversaries in a Lightsaber duel with all the realistic sound effects. The app is free, so go and hit the download button now!

App Link: https://market.android.com/details?id=pl.pawelbialecki.jedilightsaber

Vader Voice

This is an amazing little app that allows you to transform your voice to sound like Darth Vader's. A nice way to pester that guy called Luke who lives in your neighborhood.