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Thursday, June 27, 2013

TechSource: Best GTD Applications for Android

TechSource: Best GTD Applications for Android


Best GTD Applications for Android

Posted: 27 Jun 2013 04:55 AM PDT

Although I've been plowing through David Allen's book, struggling to understand the whole system, one thing that I can take away from the whole book is that organizing and collecting data is of prime importance if you want to live a stress-free and productive life. David Allen's system, though vastly different from other productivity techniques, focuses more on getting into a flow-like state rather than tackling a heap of to-do items.

That said, many people find the system a tad difficult to implement given the fact that it takes a lot of new habits and changes to start any new system. However, with the help of hundreds of GTD-based applications that are out there on the desktop and mobile platforms, the transition becomes a tad simpler. This transition becomes even easier if you use a GTD application on your smartphone since your phone is something you carry around every day and you can jot down any idea that comes to your mind instantly no matter where you are.

So, if you're looking for some good GTD-based applications for your Android device, read on as we cover the best of the lot.


Doit.im

Doit.im is a multi-platform GTD application that sticks to David Allen's 5 principles of getting things done which are: Collect, Process, Organize, Review, Pick tasks and Do. Doit.im lets you capture everything that's on your head in a neat inbox and then process it into specific categories like Scheduled, Someday, and Waiting. The application then syncs all your data to the cloud so that you can access your tasks from your desktop (Windows and Mac) as well as from the web. 



Asana

Asana is a collaboration tool that lets you communicate with your teams in an organized and effective way. The service can be used not only by teams but also by individuals who want to improve their productivity. Asana, though not a GTD application per se, can easily be modified to create a solid GTD setup. If you want to setup Asana to work with the GTD method, you can refer to this guide that shows you how to do that.



Evernote

Evernote is a massively popular service that lets you capture almost everything that's in your head. You can use the service from your mobile, desktop, and even from your email to capture notes, to-do lists, pictures, and even snippets of web pages. Needless to say, this method of capturing and organizing can be tweaked a little to suit the needs of any hardcore GTDer. This is where the website Secret Weapon comes in handy. It includes a series of video tutorials that teach you how to modify your Evernote account to turn it into a full-fledged GTD setup. Having said that, whether or not you're a GTD fan, Evernote is an app you must try out if you want to ramp up your productivity.



Toodledo

Toodledo is one of the most popular task management applications for Android as well as the web. Though the app's interface is not as beautiful as other to-do apps like Any.do, what makes Toodledo so special is that it comes packed with some very powerful features that make it easier for you to adapt the service to your advantage. One of the ways you can turn Toodledo into a solid GTD setup is by following this guide written by a Toodledo user in the service's forums. Also, since there is no official Toodledo app, you'll have to use DGT's GTD plugin for Toodledo for using the service on Android.



DGT

DGT is an Android app designed specially with the GTD system in mind. Once installed, the app lets you organize tasks by folder, context, location, and tags. You can also break down any task into subtasks. Furthermore, you can synchronize your tasks with the aforementioned Toodledo service, or if you're not a Toodledo user, you can sync them with Dropbox or FTP. Despite the plethora of features that this app offers, its biggest caveat is that it is still in alpha stage. Once it comes out of development, it has a huge potential to become a one-stop productivity solution for many GTD-loving Android users.

[HowtoForge] Newsletter 06/27/2013

HowtoForge Newsletter 06/27/2013
================================

*** Version 1.4 of the ISPConfig 3 Manual ***
=============================================

The next update of the ISPConfig 3 Manual is available in PDF format (version 1.4 for ISPConfig >= 3.0.5; Date: 02/22/2013).

Version 1.4 for ISPConfig >= 3.0.5 (Date: 02/22/2013)
Author: Falko Timme
373 pages

The manual can be downloaded from these two links:

http://www.ispconfig.org/ispconfig-3/ispconfig-3-manual/
http://www.howtoforge.com/download-the-ispconfig-3-manual


*********************************************
*********************************************


ISPConfig Monitor App for Android Phones
========================================

With the ISPConfig Monitor App, you can check your server status and find out if all services are running as expected. You can check TCP and UDP ports and ping your servers. In addition to that you can use this app to request details from servers that have ISPConfig installed; these details include everything you know from the Monitor module in the ISPConfig Control Panel (e.g. services, mail and system logs, mail queue, CPU and memory info, disk usage, quota, OS details, RKHunter log, etc.).

Download/Usage
==============

For download and usage instructions, please visit http://www.ispconfig.org/ispconfig-3/ispconfig-monitor-app-for-android/ .


*********************************************
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*** HowtoForge Now Has Its own Facebook Page ***
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We at HowtoForge are proud to announce that our new Facebook page is now available under http://www.facebook.com/howtoforge. As most of you probably have a Facebook account, we want to use this additional channel to post updates and get feedback from you. Therefore we would like you to "Like" our page, share it with your friends, post comments, etc.

http://www.facebook.com/howtoforge
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New HOWTOs:
===========

* Server Monitoring With munin And monit On Debian Wheezy
* High Performance Linux Router With Optional LMS Web Panel And Radius Server In 5 Minutes
* How To Add WiKID Two-Factor Authentication To OpenVPN Community On Ubuntu 13.04
* Installing The Galera-Iworx Cluster

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Server Monitoring With munin And monit On Debian Wheezy
=======================================================

In this article I will describe how you can monitor your Debian Wheezy server with munin and monit. munin produces nifty little graphics about nearly every aspect of your server without much configuration, whereas monit checks the availability of services like Apache, MySQL, Postfix and takes the appropriate action such as a restart if it finds a service is not behaving as expected. The combination of the two gives you full monitoring: graphics that lets you recognize current or upcoming problems, and a watchdog that ensures the availability of the monitored services.

You can find the document here:
-------------------------------
http://www.howtoforge.com/server-monitoring-with-munin-and-monit-on-debian-wheezy




High Performance Linux Router With Optional LMS Web Panel And Radius Server In 5 Minutes
========================================================================================

Every network administrator managing a pool of many routers, knows how important configuration repeatability is. For this reason I have presented how to install high performance router under Debian Linux OS with configuration done in an easily editable text files in few simple and pleasant steps. The whole installation should not take more than 5 minutes!

You can find the document here:
-------------------------------
http://www.howtoforge.com/high-performance-linux-router-with-optional-lms-web-panel-and-radius-server-in-5-minutes




How To Add WiKID Two-Factor Authentication To OpenVPN Community On Ubuntu 13.04
===============================================================================

These instructions describe setting up two-factor authentication with WiKID Strong Authentication, which is a commercial/open source two-factor authentication system and OpenVPN, an SSL-encrypted VPN, on an Ubuntu 13.04 Linux server using the Radius Pluggable Authentication Module. First, we will configure PAM to use Radius, then we will configure OpenVPN to use PAM and one-time passwords, then we will create a network client on the WiKID server for OpenVPN. We won't go into specifics about installing these services, rather we will focus on configuring them to all work together.

You can find the document here:
-------------------------------
http://www.howtoforge.com/how-to-add-wikid-two-factor-authentication-to-openvpn-community-on-ubuntu-13.04




Installing The Galera-Iworx Cluster
===================================

This document describes the installation of the Galera/Interworx cluster. This cluster provides the default Load Balancing that is available within Interworx, and additionally MySQL loadbalancing through MySQL Galera Clustering.

You can find the document here:
-------------------------------
http://www.howtoforge.com/installing-the-galera-iworx-cluster


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You can now support HowtoForge by becoming a subscriber:

HowtoForge Subscription
=======================

*** New! We now accept RBS WorldPay payments in addition to PayPal. ***

For a monthly fee of 5 EUR or 25 EUR for half a year, you can become a HowtoForge supporter and help us cover our costs (servers, bandwidth, etc.) and support ISPConfig development. In return, you receive the following benefits:

1. Download the ISPConfig 3 Manual (from http://www.howtoforge.com/download-the-ispconfig-3-manual).
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3. Access the whole HowtoForge web site without any ads.
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5. Download our tutorials as PDF files.
6. View our tutorials as printer-friendly pages.
7. You will be marked as a "HowtoForge Supporter" in your forum posts.
8. Plus, you support the ISPConfig development.

If you have the free VMware Server or Player installed, you can import our VMware images and start playing around with the results of our tutorials immediately. It's a great way to track down problems with your own setup or simply to save time. ;-)

More details can be found on http://www.howtoforge.com/subscription.

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Email: info@howtoforge.com
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Tuesday, June 25, 2013

TechSource: Can Apple's iOS 7 Beat Android?

TechSource: Can Apple's iOS 7 Beat Android?


Can Apple's iOS 7 Beat Android?

Posted: 24 Jun 2013 11:12 PM PDT

At WWDC this year, Apple unveiled its biggest design change ever. Getting rid of skeuomorphism and rounded design, both of which were outmoded, iOS 7 flaunted a sleek, flat design that conforms to the latest trends. Apart from new icons came new features that further simplify the way a user interacts with the mobile operating system. In other words, Apple, with this release, is playing catch up with Android who is ruling the mobile OS market at this moment. The question remains whether these changes are enough for the average Android user to jump ship and become an Apple loyalist.


Design

Apple's iOS 7 comes with a completely revamped design that keeps up with the latest trends. The icons now sport a flat look and no longer can you see any hint of the infamous skeuomorphism that Apple was known for all these years. The design borrows heavily from Android and Windows Phone OS. For example, the all-new Control Center is similar to what Android offers with Jelly Bean's notification toggles. The colors are fresh and effects like Blur, which aren't present in many mobile operating systems these days, make an appearance. Personally, I'm a fan of the interface as it is fresh, easy to use, and just works. When compared to Android, though, it has a lot of catching up to do. But still, given the fact that Apple had a huge responsibility of coming up with something new yet staying familiar to users at the same time, this is an amazing milestone. Summing up, one can say that the design is a bit polarizing. Some people will instantly get drawn to it, while others won't even look at it and prefer Android or WP7 instead.

"True simplicity is derived from so much more than just the absence of clutter and ornamentation -- it's about bringing order to complexity" -- Jony Ive


Features

iOS 7 comes with a lot of new features. Multitasking, upgraded default applications, iCloud sharing, iTunes Radio, Anti-Theft functionality, improved Notification Center are some of the features that are going to please a lot of iOS fans. However, as far as the competition is concerned, Android users won't be that interested in this update as most of the new features are already present in Android Jelly Bean



Siri vs. Google Now

Siri, Apple's innovative voice assistant has gotten some major updates. It now has male and female voices and can now speak French and German as well. Apart from the voice change, Siri now looks more aesthetically pleasing and has gotten much more control over the device. You can now ask Siri to play your voicemail, turn down brightness, turn off Bluetooth, and more. As compared to Google Now these features put Apple a step ahead of Android. However, just Siri isn't enough for Apple to evangelize a horde of Android fanboys and fangirls into buying a new iPhone.


Maps

Maps is an area where Android still has an upper hand over Apple. Apple Maps, Cupertino's ambitious-yet-failed attempt at taking on Google is something Tim Cook is still embarrassed about. That's why Apple has offered users a choice between the installed maps applications. However, those choices don't compare against the stable and powerful built-in maps application that Android provides.


Fragmentation

The biggest problem that Android is facing is that of fragmentation. Unlike Apple wherein you'll find same or similar operating systems installed across all devices, the fragmentation has made it hard to find uniformity in the platform. And, as long as Google doesn't fix this problem, Apple will keep having an upper hand in this department. For example, if you consider iOS 7, the update is compatible not only with the latest iPhone 5 but also with iPhone 4, iPhone 4s, iPod Touch, iPad 2, iPad mini, and iPad with Retina display. iOS7, by making the update compatible even across older devices has reminded Android that it's not too late to fix the fragmentation problem.


Conclusion

Given the way Android has been improving recently, there is barely any chance that we'll see a major migration of users towards Cupertino. That said, with iOS 7, Apple has given its old users something to look forward to. The release, being compatible across so many devices, says that Apple still cares about its old users and is not going to let their devices become obsolete.


Written by: Abhishek, a regular TechSource contributor and a long-time FOSS advocate.

Thursday, June 20, 2013

TechSource: How to Turn Your Android Smartphone Into a Remote Control

TechSource: How to Turn Your Android Smartphone Into a Remote Control


How to Turn Your Android Smartphone Into a Remote Control

Posted: 20 Jun 2013 07:18 AM PDT

Once you come home tired from work, all you want to do is sit back, relax, and watch TV. That, however, doesn't always make you feel relaxed. Instead, sometimes, all you find on TV are those same boring reality shows, which tend to irritate you more than ever. Then, while bored, you scan around the room and your tired eyes see a computer lying around the corner. Suddenly, you remember the amazing movie collection that is still unwatched. Oh, and there are those episodes of "Game of Thrones" as well. "Wow, how come I never watched that stuff," you say to yourself. But you are too tired to get up and wished that you had a special remote control for your PC.

If, right now, you're lying there supine on your couch flipping through the boring TV channels hoping for a better alternative, you've come to the right place. In this article, we'll cover some of the best apps that let you convert your smartphone into a remote control for your desktop or laptop computer. These apps work on Android and most of them don't require any special equipment to get started.


YouTube Remote

YouTube remote lets you control YouTube using your Android device. Once you pair your smartphone with YouTube, you can search a video from your device and then watch it on the bigger screen. What's interesting is that the app ties up with your account so that you can access your previous playlists and watch them anytime you want.



Media Remote for Android

This application lets you control selected Sony devices from your Android smartphone. Once installed, you'll be able to switch channels, adjust volume, access settings, and do pretty much everything that your remote lets you do. There is also an interesting feature called Catch and Throw that lets you send and/or receive URLs between your phone and your TV or laptop. The app is known to work with most Internet-enabled BRAVIA TVs and Sony VAIO computers as well, but unfortunately, it doesn't work with PS3 systems.



Remote Control Collection

This app brings along a compilation of remote control that you can use to control your PC wirelessly. You can use them to control almost all major aspects of your computer right from mouse to media player. One interesting feature about this application is that it lets you use your smartphone as a touchpad device. So, if you're too lazy to reach out for the mouse but still want to control your computer, this application will come in handy. 



Unified Remote

This application, though compatible with Windows only, lets you control almost all of your desktop functions with your phone. With support for applications ranging from VLC to Firefox, Unified Remote makes it easier for you to do menial tasks on the desktop with relative ease. 



Remote for VLC

The application, as the name suggests, lets you control VLC from your smartphone. Once paired with your desktop, you'll be able to browse through your VLC library, change tracks, and access the DVD menus as well. Overall, this is a great application for VLC lovers.
 


Ubuntu Remote Control

This application lets you control your Ubuntu desktop with your computer. Despite the fact that installing this application and getting it paired with the desktop is a rather tedious task, Ubuntu Remote Control does succeed at giving you some of the main functionalities you need from a remote control application. For example, you can unlock the screen, change the volume, and shutdown or restart the computer as well. 



Written by: Abhishek, a regular TechSource contributor and a long-time FOSS advocate.

[HowtoForge] Newsletter 06/20/2013

HowtoForge Newsletter 06/20/2013
================================

*** Version 1.4 of the ISPConfig 3 Manual ***
=============================================

The next update of the ISPConfig 3 Manual is available in PDF format (version 1.4 for ISPConfig >= 3.0.5; Date: 02/22/2013).

Version 1.4 for ISPConfig >= 3.0.5 (Date: 02/22/2013)
Author: Falko Timme
373 pages

The manual can be downloaded from these two links:

http://www.ispconfig.org/ispconfig-3/ispconfig-3-manual/
http://www.howtoforge.com/download-the-ispconfig-3-manual


*********************************************
*********************************************


ISPConfig Monitor App for Android Phones
========================================

With the ISPConfig Monitor App, you can check your server status and find out if all services are running as expected. You can check TCP and UDP ports and ping your servers. In addition to that you can use this app to request details from servers that have ISPConfig installed; these details include everything you know from the Monitor module in the ISPConfig Control Panel (e.g. services, mail and system logs, mail queue, CPU and memory info, disk usage, quota, OS details, RKHunter log, etc.).

Download/Usage
==============

For download and usage instructions, please visit http://www.ispconfig.org/ispconfig-3/ispconfig-monitor-app-for-android/ .


*********************************************
********************************************


*** HowtoForge Now Has Its own Facebook Page ***
================================================

We at HowtoForge are proud to announce that our new Facebook page is now available under http://www.facebook.com/howtoforge. As most of you probably have a Facebook account, we want to use this additional channel to post updates and get feedback from you. Therefore we would like you to "Like" our page, share it with your friends, post comments, etc.

http://www.facebook.com/howtoforge
********************************************************************


New HOWTOs:
===========

* The Perfect Desktop - Linux Mint 15 (Olivia)
* Using RoundCube Webmail With ISPConfig 3 On Debian Wheezy (Apache2)
* How To Set Up Apache2 With mod_fcgid And PHP5 On OpenSUSE 12.3
* High Availability NFS With DRBD + Heartbeat
* How To Use PHP 4.4.9 (FastCGI) With Apache & ISPConfig 3 (Debian Wheezy)
* Multiarch: How To Use 32bit Packages On A 64bit System (Debian 7 Wheezy)
* Monitoring OpenStack Swift With Opsview

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The Perfect Desktop - Linux Mint 15 (Olivia)
============================================

This tutorial shows how you can set up a Linux Mint 15 (Olivia) desktop that is a full-fledged replacement for a Windows desktop, i.e. that has all the software that people need to do the things they do on their Windows desktops. The advantages are clear: you get a secure system without DRM restrictions that works even on old hardware, and the best thing is: all software comes free of charge.

You can find the document here:
-------------------------------
http://www.howtoforge.com/the-perfect-desktop-linux-mint-15-olivia




Using RoundCube Webmail With ISPConfig 3 On Debian Wheezy (Apache2)
===================================================================

This guide explains how to install the RoundCube webmail application on a Debian Wheezy server running ISPConfig and Apache2, and how to enable the ISPConfig 3 plugins for RoundCube so that users can perform actions like changing their email passwords from within RoundCube. Roundcube webmail is a browser-based multilingual IMAP client with an application-like user interface; it comes with functions like MIME support, address book, folder manipulation, message searching and spell checking.

You can find the document here:
-------------------------------
http://www.howtoforge.com/using-roundcube-webmail-with-ispconfig-3-on-debian-wheezy-apache2




How To Set Up Apache2 With mod_fcgid And PHP5 On OpenSUSE 12.3
==============================================================

This tutorial describes how you can install Apache2 with mod_fcgid and PHP5 on OpenSUSE 12.3. mod_fcgid is a compatible alternative to the older mod_fastcgi. It lets you execute PHP scripts with the permissions of their owners instead of the Apache user.

You can find the document here:
-------------------------------
http://www.howtoforge.com/how-to-set-up-apache2-with-mod_fcgid-and-php5-on-opensuse-12.3




High Availability NFS With DRBD + Heartbeat
===========================================

This document describes information collected during research and development of a clustered DRBD NFS solution. This project had two purposes: HA NFS solution for Media-X Inc.; develop a standard tool kit and documentation that Win2ix can use for future projects.

You can find the document here:
-------------------------------
http://www.howtoforge.com/high-availability-nfs-with-drbd-plus-heartbeat




How To Use PHP 4.4.9 (FastCGI) With Apache & ISPConfig 3 (Debian Wheezy)
========================================================================

Since ISPConfig 3.0.5, it is possible to use multiple PHP versions on one server and select the optimal PHP version for a website. If you have some very old websites on your server, they might not work with PHP5, but only with PHP4. This tutorial shows how to build PHP 4.4.9 as a FastCGI version for use with Apache2 on a Debian Wheezy server. This PHP version can be used together with the default PHP (installed through apt) in ISPConfig.

You can find the document here:
-------------------------------
http://www.howtoforge.com/how-to-use-php-4.4.9-fastcgi-with-apache-and-ispconfig-3-debian-wheezy




Multiarch: How To Use 32bit Packages On A 64bit System (Debian 7 Wheezy)
========================================================================

On Debian Wheezy, it is now possible to run a i386-linux-gnu application on an amd64-linux-gnu system. This is called Multiarch and refers to the capability of a system to install and run applications of multiple different binary targets on the same system.

You can find the document here:
-------------------------------
http://www.howtoforge.com/multiarch-how-to-use-32bit-packages-on-a-64bit-system-debian-7-wheezy




Monitoring OpenStack Swift With Opsview
=======================================

This is a quick how-to for Opsview users who need to monitor an OpenStack (Essex) Swift installation.

You can find the document here:
-------------------------------
http://www.howtoforge.com/monitoring-openstack-swift-with-opsview


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

You can now support HowtoForge by becoming a subscriber:

HowtoForge Subscription
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*** New! We now accept RBS WorldPay payments in addition to PayPal. ***

For a monthly fee of 5 EUR or 25 EUR for half a year, you can become a HowtoForge supporter and help us cover our costs (servers, bandwidth, etc.) and support ISPConfig development. In return, you receive the following benefits:

1. Download the ISPConfig 3 Manual (from http://www.howtoforge.com/download-the-ispconfig-3-manual).
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3. Access the whole HowtoForge web site without any ads.
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6. View our tutorials as printer-friendly pages.
7. You will be marked as a "HowtoForge Supporter" in your forum posts.
8. Plus, you support the ISPConfig development.

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Monday, June 17, 2013

TechSource: 10 Things We Want in Ubuntu 13.10 (Saucy Salamander)

TechSource: 10 Things We Want in Ubuntu 13.10 (Saucy Salamander)


10 Things We Want in Ubuntu 13.10 (Saucy Salamander)

Posted: 17 Jun 2013 01:13 AM PDT

Ubuntu 13.04 wasn't a big release. Apart from stability improvements, application updates, and performance tweaks, Raring Ringtail didn't get the same amount of attention as Ubuntu's previous releases did. That said, the distribution did lay the foundation for a bigger release, which is expected to come out this year and that is Ubuntu 13.10. 

Christened Saucy Salamander, Ubuntu 13.10 is expected to bring along some major, awaited features to the Ubuntu desktop. Though we'll have to wait till October to get our hands on this one, our wish list for the release is already ready.


1. Better, Stable, and Useful Scopes

The new Smart Scopes feature has already arrived in Ubuntu 13.10 daily builds. Giving users the ability to search from various Internet sources, Saucy's Scopes will put information of tons of sources at the user's fingertips. With the aim of turning the Dash into a desktop-based search engine, Canonical has a lot of hopes banking on this new feature. The only thing we want from Shuttleworth is that he ensures that these features are as stable as possible. Considering the high standards that Ubuntu is setting after each release, users expect nothing but the best from the open-source operating system.


2. Social from the start

One thing that disappointed many users was the exclusion of Gwibber from Ubuntu 13.04. Since the app was busy being revamped, the default desktop lacked a social element. Ubuntu 13.10 should focus on tightly integrating social features into the desktop. This means not just including the Friends app in the default application set, this also means allowing users to share their photos, screenshots, and music files right from the desktop. So, for example, if I open a photo in GNOME Image viewer, there should be a functionality to share that image on Twitter, Facebook, or Flickr. Probably, adding a couple of social buttons to the toolbars won't be such a bad idea.


3. Even faster

Though Ubuntu 13.04 was blazing fast, speed freaks like us won't be satisfied with anything but the best. We want faster booting, faster shutdown, and pretty much everything else to be blazing fast.


4. WUBI (or something better)

WUBI was a great way Windows users could try out Ubuntu without having to know much about the installation process. Though Ubuntu's installation is dead simple these days, WUBI does seem like a better, safer option for Linux neophytes. While there is nothing wrong with bringing WUBI back from the grave, providing users with something even better than the installer would be a great idea. A revamped WUBI maybe?


5. Support for rolling releases

Though there are a few people against this move, a rolling release seems like the best way forward for the desktop. Not only will users get fewer bugs, they'll also get to use the latest stable versions of their favorite applications without having to upgrade the whole desktop.


6. New icon set and new wallpaper

Though Ubuntu 13.04 brought along some small changes to the default icon set, a completely redesigned set of icons is what Ubuntu needs for this release. Furthermore, instead of flipping the same wallpaper in 4 different directions for every release, Ubuntu could think about using new wallpaper as its default.


7. Minimize to click

I don't know how Canonical missed this one but every time I try to click on an application's icon in the launcher, instead of minimizing, nothing happens. It's about time they baked this small but much-needed functionality into the next release.


8. More Indicator Applets

Including a few more indicator applets on the menu bar won't be such a bad idea since it lets users do much more than what they can do with normal menus.


9. A better lock screen

The current lock screen is nothing but a simple box that lets you input your password to get back to your desktop. Ubuntu should consider revamping this feature completely and focus on building something that is at par with or better than what Cinnamon Mint's lockscreen has.


10. Consistent menus

Be it locally integrated menus, a traditional menu bar, or something entirely new, let's hope that Ubuntu 13.10 will have a consistency across all the applications as far as menus are considered. 


Written by: Abhishek, a regular TechSource contributor and a long-time FOSS advocate.

Thursday, June 13, 2013

TechSource: Top Android Apps for Managing Mobile Data Usage

TechSource: Top Android Apps for Managing Mobile Data Usage


Top Android Apps for Managing Mobile Data Usage

Posted: 12 Jun 2013 10:56 PM PDT

These days our smartphones let us do much more than just send a text or make a call. These pocket-sized gadgets have transformed themselves into little computers that we can carry around anywhere we want. They let us send emails, browse social networks, upload photos and do much more. Needless to say, they can let you do pretty much everything that you do on an Internet-enabled computer.

Having said that, these powerful features come at a price. Often times, even a task as simple as uploading a photo ends up emptying a major chunk of your mobile Internet data. Mind you, 3G and 4G cellular data connection can be pretty expensive and one has to be careful not to use too much data at once. So, the big question is, how does one take full advantage of a smartphone's features while not paying exorbitant mobile data charges?

Thankfully, the answer to the question lies in the Google Play Store. There are a lot of Android apps that work intelligently in the background to help you save precious data. So, if you're looking for an application that allows you to save mobile Internet data, and of course your money, here's a list of the best data-saving apps in the Play Store:


My Data Manager

My Data Manager is a simple yet powerful application for keeping an eye on your data usage. The application is easy to setup and can track app time and usage pretty accurately. Once it has collected enough information about your usage, it will show you a visual chart of your data usage that helps you understand which app consumed the most data. My Data Manager also lets you setup usage alarms that alert you whenever you've exceeded the data limits.



Onavo Count

Onavo has to be the best data-saving application out there in the Play Store. The app, once installed, keeps a close eye on your data usage and promptly warns you when you're about to exceed the limits. One of the best things about Onavo is that it lets you set data caps in your own currency. So, for example, here in India, I can set Onavo to follow my data plan that costs around 249 ₹. Then, the application counts how much data I've already spent and how much is remaining. What's more, Onavo also smartly turns off your data once you've reached bandwidth limits. It identifies data hogs and restricts them to Wi-Fi so that you won't get an exorbitant data bill for uploading a couple of photos to your favorite social networking site. 



dodol Phone

With over 11 million downloads, dodol is an app that comes with one of the cleanest UIs as far as data-saving apps are considered. dodol is packed with nifty features and shows your usage in neat charts that are easy to understand. Another great thing about it is that it also supports widgets for your homescreen. 



3G Manager


This is a simple application that saves your data by disabling 3G whenever your screen is locked. Other than that, this app also supports disabling data whenever Wi-Fi network is connected. What I personally like about this application is that it lets you specify reconnection time. This means that you can set the app to connect to the network at specific intervals so that you won't miss out on important mail notifications. Though not loaded with too many features, 3G Manager is a great choice if you're looking for something simple that just does the job.
 


3G Watchdog

3G Watchdog is a simple application that monitors your 3G data usage and warns you are about to exceed the data limits. Once installed, the application runs quietly in the background showing you a status icon in the notification bar. If the status icon is green, you're good to go. If it turns orange however, you'll have to be careful with your data usage as you might exceed the usage limits. If you have exceeded the limits, the icon will then turn red. Apart from notifying you of your usage, the application also presents detailed reports that let you understand how much data was uploaded and downloaded from your device in a single day, week, and a month. Though not as feature-rich as Onavo, 3G Watchdog is a great choice if you're looking for a decent data-saving app.
 


Written by: Abhishek, a regular TechSource contributor and a long-time FOSS advocate.