• Nikon manuals for your Nikon camera, coolpix, speedlights and other equipment
  Download pdf manuals for Nikon cameras
  (tags: guide manual nikon photo photography reference camera pdf)

• Thunderbird 3.1.1 Ubuntu PPA Repository [Maverick, Lucid, Karmic, Jaunty and Hardy] ~ Web Upd8
  Ubuntu 10.04 includes Thunderbird 3.0x. This blog post includes a repository for 3.1.1
  (tags: linux thunderbird ubuntu ppa howto)

I recently installed WordPressMU on a virtual server and had problem with the permalinks. Much Google searching followed with little success at first but after some persistence I found the answers I needed.

I will try and write this up for three reasons:

1. So hopefully it could benefit someone else with the same problem
2. To try and better understand it myself
3. I will no doubt forget for next time and need to refer back.

The bulk of this post is taken from a fantastic post on the Drupal site (http://drupal.org/node/332318). Although I had done lots of Google searches I struggled to find the answer for quite some time until I hit the post above. I think this is because the key to finding the right answer for a problem is finding someone with the same set-up. Saying this I found the solution to my WordPress problem on Drupal site although the issue was with a common problem area of ‘mod_rewrite’ on the Apache web server and in particular the Apache server running on Ubuntu. Ubuntu has a different way of storing apache settings (e.g it has a blank htppd.conf and uses apache2.conf) and holds modules in an ‘enabled’ folder not in the main settings file. This may well be better way than the ‘other’ ways but it can mean that a lot of the mod_rewrite ‘solutions’ on Google are not relevant if they are not specifically for Ubuntu.

Just quickly for this project my setup was:

Virtual Server Provider: VPS.net

Base install: Ubuntu 10.04 (Lucid) x64 LAMP*

WordPress 3.0 (with Multisite enabled)

* This was a preconfigured Ubuntu server with LAMP already instated and my experience may have been different if I had taken a clean Ubuntu install and installed LAMP myself. VPS.net do a offer a fully preconfigured WordPress server in Ubuntu which I am sure would have not had these issues but I wanted to install WordPressMU and this requires the install to be on the www root (VPS.net install it on a folder called WordPress) and the latest version. In my way of thinking I would prefer to install from scratch on a clean webserver than upgrading/moving an existing install – OK I like to learn the hardway.

Anyway the solution to my problem:

1. First we need to check if the rewrite module is installed. I was connected to my VPS server via SSH but either in a Terminal or via SSH type (or copy from below):

apache2ctl -M

This should show a list of Apache modules. Rewrite_Module should be there (as it is a default in Ubuntu 10.04) but if not check with your FTP client or in your file browser that /etc/apache2/mods-available contains a file called rewrite.load. If it does not then you need to fix this before you can carry on.

Presuming it does exist then we need to create a symlink (Symbloic Link on Wikipedia) between mods-enabled to mods-available. Again in the Terminal/SSH type or copy:

cd /etc/apache2/mods-enabled
sudo ln -s ../mods-available/rewrite.load

2. Now we need to check that rewrite module rewrite.load is in the mods enabled folder (/etc/apache2/mods-enabled). The easiest way is to have a look at that folder with your FTP client or file browser.

3. Presuming you are still OK then then the final and very import stage is to ‘Enable AllowOverride All’

In the folder /etc/apache2/sites-enabled you should find a file called 000-default and you need to check that all permissions are set to read & write not just read only, easily done with an FTP client (right click file>File Permissions in Filezilla)

In 000-default it will probably say AllowOverride None in several places. Find the one for where you’ve installed WordPress , and change it to AllowOverride All. e.g if WordPress is installed at var/www/????? then it may be under the Directory “/var/www” grouping.

Finally, dont forget to restart Apache from the terminal:

sudo ln -s ../mods-available/rewrite.load

if you don’t restart none of the changes will take affect

That worked for me and hopefully will work for somebody else. A big thanks to the Drupal site for the post but I thought it was worth regurgitating for WordPress users as I am sure it could affect a few.

• Installing LAMP on Ubuntu 10.04 (Lucid Lynx) | Tux Tweaks
  If you're developing websites, it's nice to be able to test your code in the privacy of your own computer rather that out in the public internet. In order to do that, you'll need to install a webserver on your development computer. LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, php) is one of the most common web hosting platforms, so it's a perfect environment for you to build and test your website code. If you carefully follow these step by step instructions, you'll have your own LAMP setup
  (tags: css development install lamp linux mysql php server ubuntu webdesign wordpress webdevelopment 10.04)
• DNS Records Explained with Syntax and examples, DNS Records Tutorials
  DNS Records Explained with Examples
  (tags: networking linux internet cname mx record a domain dns domains)

• Migrating Multiple Blogs into WordPress 3.0 Multisite « WordPress Codex
  WordPress 3.0 includes new multisite features, meaning that it can run many blogs, even with their own separate domains, on one WordPress installation. This tutorial explains how to migrate multiple WordPress installations into one new WordPress 3.0 multisite. You can migrate sites that are using their own domain, as well as sites using a subdomain on your main domain.
  (tags: wordpress wpmu wordpressmu migrating)
• Komodo Edit is a Free Open Source Editor for Perl, Python, Tcl, PHP, Ruby & Javascript
  Komodo Edit supports PHP, Python, Ruby, Perl and Tcl, plus JavaScript, CSS, HTML and template languages like RHTML, Template-Toolkit, HTML-Smarty and Django.
  (tags: development editor free linux mac opensource programming software tools web crossplatform)
• Meld : Home Page
  Meld is a visual diff and merge tool. You can compare two or three files and edit them in place (diffs update dynamically). You can compare two or three folders and launch file comparisons. You can browse and view a working copy from popular version control systems such such as CVS, Subversion, Bazaar-ng and Mercurial.
  (tags: code comparison development gnome gui linux opensource programming software ubuntu utilities)
• Endeavour Mark II | freshmeat.net
  Endeavour Mark II is a complete file management suite that comes with a file browser, image browser, archiver, recycled objects system, and a set of file and disk management utility programs.
  (tags: linux filemanagement diskmanagement opensource ubuntu)
• KompoZer – Easy web authoring
  KompoZer is a complete web authoring system that combines web file management and easy-to-use WYSIWYG web page editing.

  KompoZer is designed to be extremely easy to use, making it ideal for non-technical computer users who want to create an attractive, professional-looking web site without needing to know HTML or web coding.

  (tags: crossplatform design development editor linux mac mozilla opensource osx software webdesign website windows wysiwyg)
• Screem HTML/XML Editor
  CREEM is a web development environment. It's purpose is to increase productivity when constructing a site, by providing quick access to commonly used features. While it is written for use with the GNOME desktop environment in mind it does not specifically require you to be running it, just have the libraries installed.
  (tags: development tools ubuntu web webdesign xml editor gnome opensource gpl)
• Using Linux for Web Design and Development (Ubuntu) | Webmaster Tips
  Useful set of links to Linux programs for web designers
  (tags: linux webdesign web website tips software list)

Just a few of the great links from this weekends WordCamp UK. A lot of great plugins etc mentioned by the speakers.

• Query Posts Widget: WordPress Plugin
  This widget has everything you’ll ever need to show posts on your site without touching code. It’s like having a WordPress developer ready to do your bidding all wrapped up in a widget. All you need is a theme that’s widgetized, which I believe is pretty standard these days.
  (tags: wordpress wordpressplugins wordcampuk)
• Members: WordPress Plugin
  The Members plugin is a user, role, and content management plugin. Its purpose is to make WordPress a more powerful CMS by giving you fine-grain control over the users of your site
  (tags: wordpress wordpressplugins wordcampuk)
• WordPress › WP-CMS Post Control « WordPress Plugins
  Post Control from WordPress CMS Modifications gives you complete control over your write options for every user level/role. It not only allows you to hides unwanted items like custom fields, trackbacks, revisions etc. but also gives you a whole lot more control over how WordPress deals with creating content
  (tags: wordpress wordpressplugins wordcampuk opensource)
• WordPress › White Label CMS « WordPress Plugins

  The White Label CMS plugin is for developers who want to give their clients a more personalised and less confusing CMS.

  You have the ability to choose which menus appear. We have 3 CMS profiles of Website, Blog or Custom so you can modify the menu system to suit the CMS purpose. These only apply to user role of Editor and below.

  (tags: wordpress wordpressplugins wordcampuk opensource)
• WordPress › Mingle « WordPress Plugins
  The simplest way to turn your WordPress website into a Social Network comparable to Facebook or LinkedIn. Mingle makes it easy to create a social network for your family, church, business or even a premium membership site! Mingle uses your standard WordPress website and standard WordPress theme to create your Social Network instantly. So go ahead and try it out–give your users a more social experience on your website today
  (tags: wordpress wordpressplugins wordcampuk socialmedia socialnetworking socialnetwork opensource)
• WordPress › TinyMCE Advanced « WordPress Plugins
  This plugin adds 15 plugins to TinyMCE: Advanced HR, Advanced Image, Advanced Link, Context Menu, Emotions (Smilies), Date and Time, IESpell, Layer, Nonbreaking, Print, Search and Replace, Style, Table, Visual Characters and XHTML Extras.
  (tags: wordpress wordpressplugins wordcampuk editor)
• WP Geo – Google Maps plugin for WordPress
  WP Geo is a Google Maps plugin for WordPress which enables you to easily attribute a location and map to a post or page.
  (tags: wordpress wordpressplugins geo location maps googlemaps wordcampuk)
• GigPress
  GigPress is a powerful WordPress plugin designed for musicians and other performers. Manage all of your upcoming and past performances right from within the WordPress admin, and display them on your site using simple shortcodes, PHP template tags, or the GigPress widget on your WordPress-powered website.
  (tags: wordpress wordpressplugins music gigs wordcampuk)
• WordPress › WP-Table Reloaded « WordPress Plugins
  WP-Table Reloaded enables you to create and manage tables in your WP’s admin area. No HTML knowledge is needed. A comfortable backend allows to easily edit table data. Tables can contain any type of data and additional JavaScript libraries can be used to extend it with features like sorting, pagination, filtering, and more. You can include the tables into your posts, on your pages or in text widgets by using a shortcode or a template tag function. Tables can be imported and exported from/to CSV, XML and HTML.
  (tags: wordpress wordpressplugins wordcampuk opensource)
• WordPress › Redirection « WordPress Plugins
  Redirection is a WordPress plugin to manage 301 redirections, keep track of 404 errors, and generally tidy up any loose ends your site may have. This is particularly useful if you are migrating pages from an old website, or are changing the directory of your WordPress installation.
  (tags: wordpress wordpressplugins opensource)
• WordPress › After the Deadline « WordPress Plugins
  After the Deadline helps you write better and spend less time editing. Click the proofread button in the visual or HTML editor toolbar to check spelling, style, and grammar.
  (tags: wordpress wordpressplugins opensource)
• WordPress › Welcome Pack « WordPress Plugins
  Welcome Pack is a BuddyPress plugin bu Paul Gibbs that enhances the new user experience. When a user registers on your site, Welcome Pack lets you automatically send them a friend or group invitation, a Welcome Message and can redirect them to a Start Page. You can also customise the default emails sent by BuddyPress to ensure that they match the brand and tone of your site.
  (tags: buddypress wordpress wordpressplugins plugin opensource socialmedia)
• WordPress › BuddyPress Links « WordPress Plugins
  BuddyPress Links is a drop in link and rich media sharing component for BuddyPress 1.2.x
  (tags: buddypress wordpress socialmedia opensource)
• WordPress › oEmbed for BuddyPress « WordPress Plugins

  The easiest way to share your favorite content from sites like YouTube, Flickr, Hulu and more on your BuddyPress network.

  oEmbed for BuddyPress utilizes WordPress’ own oEmbed class, so by default, you can share content from the following site

  (tags: buddypress wordpress socialmedia opensource)
• BuddyPress Test Drive | Home

  This site is a default installation of BuddyPress that should hopefully give you a good idea about how it works out of the box. Please register for an account and test out some of the features. If you have any questions, please send a mention to @andy .

  This site also acts as a place where users can test and find bugs. If you do find a bug with the site, please report it as it will help make each release as stable as possible. You can report bugs at http://trac.buddypress.org/newticket/ – you can log in with your BuddyPress.org or WordPress.org account.

  (tags: buddypress wordpress socialmedia opensource)

• FeedWordPress | simple and flexible Atom/RSS syndication for WordPress
  FeedWordPress is an open-source Atom/RSS aggregator for the WordPress weblog software. You set up feeds that you choose, and FeedWordPress syndicates posts from those sources into your WordPress posts table, where they can be displayed by your WordPress templates like any other post — but with additional meta-data about the source of each syndicated post, so that your templates can properly attribute the post to its source.
  (tags: aggregators atom autoblog autoblogging automatic feedwordpress wordcampuk code)
• Wonderflux – The WordPress theme framework for designers
  WordPress Theme framework released under GPL v2
  (tags: wordpress framework gpl gplv2 opensource wordcampuk)

• WordPress Appliance | TurnKey Linux Virtual Appliance Library
  (tags: appliance blogging blog free wordpress turnkey)
• Creating a Social Media Command Center Using WordPress | Social Media Answers
  (tags: analytics dashboard monitoring social socialmedia tools web2.0)
• The Top 30 Free Google Android Apps 2010 – Free Google Android Apps 1-10 – The Top 100 Free Apps for Your Phone 2010 | PCMag.com
  (tags: android topten apps chart mobile mtech)

• ThemeShaper | Shaping WordPress Themes
  Thematic is a free, open-source, highly extensible, search-engine optimized WordPress Theme Framework featuring 13 widget-ready areas, grid-based layout samples, styling for popular plugins, and a whole community behind it. It's perfect for beginner bloggers and WordPress development professionals.
  (tags: wordpress wordpress-themes wp theme opensource free thematic framework)

• How to Set Up a Killer WordPress Testing Environment Locally | Nettuts+
  If you’re a heavy WordPress developer like me, you might find that you need to create a new installation for each site that requires a strange structure or specific posts, instead of using your uniform local test WordPress installation. Cue WordPress Mu. WordPress Multi User is a platform created by the geniuses at Automattic that is basically a WordPress installation that allows multiple blogs to run using the same software
  (tags: mamp osx wordpress wordpressmu wp mac install)

I have read quite a few books from PacktPub as they have range of books on Open Source Content Management Systems a subject I am very passionate about. The also have many books on other technologies including many on open source software. I use WordPress at work for clients and for my own personal blogs so was very interested when asked to review a new WordPress book from PacktPub ‘WordPress 2.8 Themes Cookbook‘.

I will be reading the book over the next couple of weeks and trying some of the advise in the book on my own blogs. I will post the full review on my blog once completed

In this years pre training videos for the The 30 Day Challenge the browser of choice is Google Chrome (previous years have used Flock and Firefox). This year Gurubob goes through which Google Chrome extensions they will be using to help with Search Engine Optimisation. Whether you are interested in the 30 day challenge or not its a great list of extensions when looking at SEO.

The training video is below and the links to the extensions below that.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKsWjhuBuqk

• RSS Subscription Extension (by Google) -- Google Chrome extension gallery
  This extension auto-detects RSS feeds on the page you are reading and upon finding one will display an RSS icon in the Omnibox, allowing you to click on it to preview the feed content and subscribe.
  (tags: chrome extensions rss blogs)
• Google Global -- Google Chrome extension gallery
  Google Global is an extension that allows you to see how Google search results appear in different countries, regions and cities. Google global has default countries set and allows you to add customized locations so you can see how search results appear in the exact location that you require. Excellent for SEO/Marketing companies who work with clients in different regions
  (tags: chrome extensions seo)
• Ultimate Chrome Flag -- Google Chrome extension gallery
  This extension displays country or region name, Geo, Google PageRank, Alexa Rank and WOT info for the websites you're visiting. recommended in the 30 day challenge 2010.
  (tags: chrome extensions seo)
• SeoQuake -- Google Chrome extension gallery
  SeoQuake is a SEO extension (toolbar) for Google Chrome, it shows PageRank, Alexa and tons of SEO parameters, also works in SERP. Recommended in 20 day Challenge 2010
  (tags: Chrome extensions seo)
• Kuber PageRank Checker -- Google Chrome extension gallery
  This SEO tool shows the pagerank of webpages beside the address box. Recommended on the 30 day Challenge
  (tags: chrome extensions seo google)
• Chromed Bird -- Google Chrome extension gallery
  Chromed Bird is a Twitter extension that allows you to follow your timelines and interact with your Twitter account. Recommended on 30 Day Challenge
  (tags: chrome extensions google twitter socialmedia)

• MAMP: Mac, Apache, MySQL, PHP
  The abbreviation "MAMP" stands for: Macintosh, Apache, Mysql and PHP. With just a few mouse-clicks, you can install Apache, PHP and MySQL for Mac OS X!

  MAMP installs a local server environment in a matter of seconds on your Mac OS X computer, be it PowerBook or iMac. Like similar packages from the Windows- and Linux-world, MAMP comes free of charge.

  (tags: wordpress apache mac macosx mysql opensource osx php server webdesign mamp)

• Resources – 12 Indispensable Web Design Apps for Ubuntu | Think Design
  The reason that millions of users worldwide choose to use Ubuntu over other operating system is its ease of use. The clue is in the name, with ‘Ubuntu’ meaning ‘humanity towards others’ and also the name of a South African ideology. It was designed to be user-friendly, and there are a whole range of apps available, often to download for free, which make it even more so. You can tailor Ubuntu to suit your web development and design needs, but there are hundreds and hundreds of apps to choose from, many of which prove services difficult to differentiate between. So, like a web development app filter, we’ve saved you some time and selected the best 12 Ubuntu apps out there.
  (tags: apps blog design linux resources software ubuntu web webdesign)
• WordPress › WordPress MU Domain Mapping « WordPress Plugins
  This plugin allows users of a WordPress MU site or WordPress 3.0 network to map their blog/site to another domain.
  (tags: 3.0 domains plugin plugins wordpress wordpressmu)
• WordPress 3.0: Multisite Domain Mapping Tutorial » Otto on WordPress
  Guide to installing WordPress 3.0 MU with multiple domains
  (tags: wordpressmu wordpress tutorials plugin 3.0)

• Buzz can tweet – Send your buzz to Twitter
  Linking Buzz to Twitter will make your buzz automatically be sent to Twitter and will include a link back to your buzz, which means that all your Twitter followers can enjoy all photos, videos etc without having to follow you on Buzz. Messages can be longer than 140 characters as your followers can just hit the link to read the rest.
  (tags: buzz integration microblogging socialmedia socialnetworking sync tool tools twitter twittertools google-buzz googlebuzz push post)

• WordPress › Short URL Plugin « WordPress Plugins
  Create your own short urls (simulate to bit.ly) using WordPress and this plugin.
  (tags: plugin plugins wordpress)

• Adding Bookmarklets on iPad and iPhone
  Very useful article on adding bookmarklets for iPhones and ipads
  (tags: bookmarklet bookmarklets del.icio.us tools iphone ipad)

• Fotobook – A WordPress Plugin to Import Facebook Photos « aaron harp
  Fotobook is a WordPress plugin that will link to your Facebook account and import all of your photo albums into a page on your WordPress installation. It makes use of Facebook's API so importing your photos is a breeze
  (tags: wordpress plugins plugin facebook photo)
• Smart Youtube | Prelovac.com
  Smart Youtube is a WordPress Youtube plugin that allows you to easily insert Youtube videos/playlists into your post, comments and in your RSS feed. The plugin is designed to be small and fast and not use any external resources.
  (tags: video wordpress youtube plugin plugins)
• Twitter Tools : Crowd Favorite
  This plugin integrates your WordPress blog with your Twitter account allowing you to send new blog posts to Twitter as a tweet and and vice versa. Cross-promotion of a blog posts to Twitter is fairly common and can be automatically achieved with Twitter Tools. You can also create digests that consolidate all of your tweets. Also, the plugin is entirely pluggable and can be extended just like WordPress itself.
  (tags: plugins tools twitter wordpress)
• Lifestream for WordPress
  Lifestream is a plugin built on top of the WordPress platform. It allows you to effortlessly integrate your social network activity across the web with your blog.
  (tags: aggregator wordpress socialmedia plugin plugins)

• WordPress › BuddyPress Like « WordPress Plugins
  Adds a 'Like' button to activities in the stream, allowing users to 'like' the item and see who else has done the same.
  (tags: buddypress plugin plugins wordpress)
• WordPress › Facestream « WordPress Plugins
  Facestream a Buddypress facebook intergration plugin.

  With this plugin you can synchronize your activity stream and your facebook items. Also you can send a facebook update upon forum topic creation and topic reply.

  (tags: buddypress facebook integration plugin wordpress plugins)
• WordPress › Tweetstream « WordPress Plugins
  Tweetstream a Buddypress twitter intergration plugin. With this plugin you can synchronize your activity stream and your tweets. Also you can send a tweet upon forum topic creation and topic reply.
  (tags: buddypress plugin plugins twitter wordpress)
• Top 10 BuddyPress Plugins to Build Your Own Social Net
  Nice List of useful plugins fir Buddypress
  (tags: buddypress plugin plugins socialmedia wordpress)

• KeepNote: Note taking and organization
  evernote like software open source and cross platform
  (tags: opensource cross)

• Best Ebook Reader apps for iPad – iPad E-Reader Apps
  (tags: apps ipad ebook ereader)
• Dyslexia Action | Home
  (tags: dyslexia)
• Dyslexia Association of Staffordshire
  (tags: dyslexia)
• Home Page – The British Dyslexia Association
  (tags: dyslexia)

• Update Manager for Joomla! – Joomla! Extensions Directory
  Great Extension for Joomla Websites that automatically downloads and updates Joomla. Great for security patches.
  (tags: extension joomla security upgrade joomla_extensions)
• WordPress › Smells like Facebook « Free WordPress Themes
  A WordPress theme in the style of Facebook. Whatever your views on Facebook clearly a a lot of work and effort went into this theme to get the Facebook look and feel into WordPress.
  (tags: blogging facebook free templates theme themes wordpress wp webdesign)

• WordPress › WP Facebook Like « WordPress Plugins
  Add the a Facebook Like button to your WordPress pages and posts using this great wordpress plugin.
  (tags: facebook wordpress plugins plugin)

• Free Robotic Social Media Icons Set Released | Onextrapixel – Showcasing Web Treats Without A Hitch
  Free Social Media icons with a robot theme
  (tags: design download free icons socialmedia robots)

• WordPress › Google Analyticator « WordPress Plugins
  Google Analytics plugin for WordPress with lots of of great features
  (tags: analytics google plugin wordpress wordpressplugins googleanalytics google-analyticator)

• Kineo Open Source – Free resources – Downloads – SugarCRM ‘Community Edition’ open source sales reports
  3 free reports for SugarCRM using Zucker reports the SugarCRM plugin that integrates Jasper Reports the open source business intelligence software.
  (tags: sugarcrm jasperreports crm reporting plugin)

• SugarCRM Custom Fields on Vimeo
  Demonstration video on how to create custom fields in SugarCRM 5. In the video I explain how to create 3 custom fields in the contacts module. This is necessary for integration with some joomla extensions.
  (tags: sugarcrm howto)
• iSugar – iPhone client application for SugarCRM | PTT Solution
  iSugar brings SugarCRM to your iPhone. iSugar provides abilities to manage SugarCRM even when the network is off. iSugar is highly customizable to adapt your CRM’s need.
  (tags: sugarcrm iphone)
• SugarForge: KINAMU Outlook Connector: Project Info
  An Outlook Plugin for Outlook 2007 that integrates Outlook to SugarCRM. The current release allows Contact and Account creation as well as email Archiving and Address Book integration and Calendar synchronization.
  (tags: outlook sugarcrm plugin integration)

• Community Guide to PostgreSQL GUI Tools – PostgreSQL Wiki
  (tags: postgresql opensource database gui sql)

• Let's make the web faster – Google Code
  Links and tools from Google to speed up your website. With Google now paying special attention to speed in its search algorithm its never been more important to improve you sites speed. Google themsleves offer some great tools, links and advise although the page can be a little hard to find.
  (tags: performance tools google web optimization speed programming webdesign)

• WordPress Optimization Bible | Prelovac.com
  This WordPress optimization tutorial is the most comprehensive guide to WordPress optimization created with the intention of helping you troubleshoot performance related issues and provide you with guidelines on how to speed up your WordPress site..
  (tags: blog performance wordpress optimization)
• 10 Google Chrome Extensions you should install
  (tags: chrome extensions google browser)
• The Ultimate WordPress 2.8 Optimization Guide
  Having a blog that’s snappy & responsive is just one of the many factors that makes a great blog. Even with the best content in the world, a slow blog will frustrate readers & potentially force them elsewhere. In this post we’ll focus on optimising WordPress, a popular free open source blogging platform that runs on PHP
  (tags: blogging blog performance wordpress wp speed tips)

photo credit: Cappellmeister

Bigger Image - http://www.flickr.com/photos/cappellmeister/5921913/sizes/o/

I often look at project/document management software. In the traditional Microsoft world MS Project is not much more than a Gantt chart, Microsoft would like you to use Sharepoint for document management and collaboration. I am no fan of Microsoft and certainly no fan of Sharepoint, the licensing can be expensive and confusing and I believe there are better solutions available.

There are many project management solutions available including web based and open source software. Many of the project management solutions will include some element of document management (check in/check out, version control etc) but this functionality maybe basic and if it is a serious document management solution that is required I would recommend looking at specific document management software.

Web based solutions

At the low and free end Microsoft offer Office Live and Office Live Workspaces, not really project management but it has a task list and the although Office Live Workspaces doesn’t offer offline collaboration it does offer documents to be “checked out” and “checked in,” for editing locally using Microsoft Office but the service does integrate with MS SharedView for real-time screen sharing. Office Live Workspace keeps track of older versions of  files and you can use the web interface of either to roll back to a previous copy.

More links to project management software:

• Feng Office
  Formerly called OpenGoo – open source web based office software including project management
  (tags: projectmanagement collaboration crm document saas webapp office online opensource)
• GanttProject Home
  Open source Gantt chart software similar to Microsoft Project
  (tags: business projectmanagement gantt opensource)
• Project.net | Open Source Web-based Project Management Software, Project Portfolio Management Software
  (tags: web2.0 webapp collaboration opensource projectmanagement)
• O3Spaces Workplace | Click and Run Document Management and Collaboration
  (tags: business openoffice.org management documents dms o3spaces ooo odf)
• dotproject – Open Source Software :: Open Source Project and Task Management Software
  (tags: business projectmanagement software web2.0 dotproject gantt)
• Project management, collaboration, and task software: Basecamp
  Basecamp Web Based Project Management Software from 37 signals
  (tags: projectmanagement web2.0 business software 37signals)
• Project Management Software, Online Collaboration and Document Sharing ~ Huddle
  (tags: apps business collaboration web2.0 projectmanagement webapp huddle)

• 10 Great Website Designs Using WordPress As CMS
  (tags: blog wordpress wp cms website webdesign)
• 101 Techniques for a Powerful CMS using WordPress – Noupe
  (tags: blog cms wordpress wp website tips)

While at Mitch Altmans How to make cool things with Microcontrollers Workshop at the weekend I recorded quite a bit of video. I now need to cut most of this down in size and length. I have put a couple of these videos on youtube. They were taken with the incredibly inexpensive Kodak ZX1. The quality has been reduced for youtube and apologies for the hand shake that you inevitably get with these small cameras.

The first video is a great introduction from Mitch Altman and Jimmie P Rodgers explaining about hackerspaces (introduced by the great Antonio Roberts)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYPbhRlQLOU

The second video is a great guide from Mitch Altman on how to solder properly

www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZhR2uQMCSI

On Sunday I went to Mitch Altman’s How To Make Cool Things With Microcontrollers workshop organised by Fizzpop where with lots of help from Mitch Altman from Cornfield Electronics, Jimmie P Rogers and my son we made this:

What is it? Its a Mignonette Game a mini games console that you can build yourself. It comes pre- installed with a mini pacman type game but you can also download mini Space Invaders and mini Tetris.

photo credit: Huasonic

Social bookmarking buttons/badges for blogs have been popular for a long time  but with the success of Twitter the Tweetmeme button has become widely used especially with blogs like Mashable who can receive over 1000 re-tweets on popular posts. Then came along the  Facebook button which allows you to share a post on Facebook. Both of these buttons have official WordPress plugins (links below) with lots of control over look and location although placement of multiple buttons can be trial and error. The plugins allow you to easily amend the CSS to layout the buttons on a single blog post.

At the time of writing the the CSS settings for the Tweetmeme and Facebook buttons are:

Tweetmeme:

float: right;

Facebook:

clear:right; float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top:10px

With Google Buzz now getting a lot of attention it was not going to be long before a WordPress plugin was available to automatically post blog posts to Buzz. Mashable did an excellent post on the current plugins available and all of these without an API available from Google. Currently the Buzz plugin I am using relies on a Buzz user having Google Reader connected to their buzz account so it can post a link through and the counts of the Buzz’s is controlled by bit.ly. No doubt soon Google will open the API and make plugins easier.

• WordPress › TweetMeme Button « WordPress Plugins
  Tweetmeme Button for WordPress as used on Mashable and other popular sites
  (tags: tools wordpress twitter blog plugin plugins)
• WordPress › Google Buzz Button For WordPress « WordPress Plugins
  Google Buzz button for WordPress similar to Tweetmeme button as used on Mashable
  (tags: wordpress blog plugins google icon buzz)
• WordPress › Facebook Share (New) Button « WordPress Plugins
  Share on Facebook button for WordPress similar to the Tweetmeme button as used on mashable
  (tags: wordpress social plugins facebook plugin)

• TypePad Motion
  Open Source Social Media Platform from Typepad
  (tags: opensource software socialnetworking socialsoftware socialnetwork platform typepad sixapart)

• AddThis – Get Your Button Code
  Add this the social bookmarking badge has code for both WordPress.com and WordPress.org
  (tags: tools wordpress social plugin widget bookmarking sharing)
• Add to Any – Get the Share button for WordPress.com
  Add to any is a social bookmarking button that can be added to a hosted WordPress.com site via a bookmarklet.
  (tags: wordpress blog tools web2.0 bookmarklet sharing webdesign buttons)

• How to Market on Flickr | Small Business Search Marketing
  Guide to using the social photo sharing site flickr for business.
  (tags: socialmedia howto socialnetworking social business flickr marketing photography seo images photos)

• Convert PowerPoint To Video: Guide To The Best Free Services
  Great post with list of ways to convert powerpoint presentations to video's that can then be uploaded to youtube or other sharing services if required.
  (tags: software tools video free conversion powerpoint youtube socialmedia)

Facebook turned 6 years old on Friday and as well as throwing a party they announced they will pass 400 million users this week. What makes this even more incredible is that they reached 350 million users in December only required a few short months to add another 50 million (they have added 200 million in less than 12 months). They also announced changes to the interface, which I noticed where introduced over the weekend for me, and as always appears to be getting mixed reactions.

I am currently looking at Facebook pages and the use of Facebook for businesses and a few useful links,  I have saved on delicious, are below (all my facebook related bookmarks can be found at http://delicious.com/philoakley/facebook)

• Facebook | Facebook Widgets
  Page of official Widgets nd badges available from Facebook including the fan box and page badge.
  (tags: facebook widgets widget tools webdesign social socialmedia socialnetworking badge)
• Facebook | Facebook Pages: How to Promote your Page off Facebook
  Find us on Facebook badge provided by facebook
  (tags: socialnetworking facebook marketing pages social_networking promotion badge)
• 10 Privacy Settings Every Facebook User Should Know
  Excellent post on privacy setting on Facebook to give you better control over your profile, photos etc
  (tags: socialmedia facebook socialnetworking privacy settings social-networking social_networking identity)
  8 Essential Apps for Your Brand’s Facebook Page
  Facebook applications that can be used on business pages from Mashable

  (tags: socialmedia twitter apps facebook applications business)
• Business Applications for Facebook | Small Business Marketing Blog from Duct Tape Marketing
  List of business applications for Facebook
  (tags: tools socialmedia apps socialnetworking business facebook marketing applications facebookapplications)

photo credit: Stéfan

I am always looking for screencasting software for Mac, Linux and even Windows. I have updated my links on delicious for some screencasting software with a few great lists below:

• TUAW Faceoff: Screencasting
  List of screencasting software for a Mac
  (tags: software tools mac screenshot screencast screencasting screencapture macosx screencasts)
• ScreenCasters – DonationCoder.com
  Comprehensive review of screencasting software
  (tags: software screencapture screencast videos windows)
• Coding Horror: Screencasting for Windows
  List of Windows screencasting software which can record you desktop for demo’s etc.
  (tags: software capture screenshot screencasting screencast screencasts recording windows)

photo credit: SC Fiasco

Looking for an emailing solution for a newsletter or email campaign? MailChimp is an excellent mass mailing solution which also has a plugins for the WordPress blogging and content management system and Magento the open source e-commerce software. Links below to the two plugins:

• MailChimp WordPress Plugin | MailChimp Email Marketing Blog
  (tags: mailchimp web2.0 wordpress plugins)
• Magento – Blog – MailChimp Integrates with Magento – eCommerce Software for Growth
  (tags: cms ecommerce marketing magento email)

photo credit: kruder396

Just discovered the Pomodoro Technique which is based on working exact 25 minute stints and taking regular breaks. I can definitely see some advantages with this although from my first few attempts I can say it is harder than you would first think. Link below to more details which includes excellent documentation.

• The Pomodoro Technique™
  Time Management technique for focussing on work in 25 minute blocks
  (tags: pomodoro time agile inspiration time-management procrastination technique gtd productivity)

photo credit: sachman75

Random Links and a random picture that I liked.

• Using Categories and Tags Effectively on Your Blog

  This post on using Tags and Categories on a blog was written by Michael Martin from Pro Blog Design.

  In terms of coding, categories and tags are almost identical. A category system could very easily be used as a tagging system, and vice versa.

  So what is it that makes the two different? And how are they best used?

  (tags: blogging categories blog tags tips tagging organization wordpress)
• How to Take a Screenshot in Linux (Ubuntu) | Webmaster Tips
  Great list which keeps expanding of lots of options to take screen captures in Linux, Ubunti and Gnome.
  (tags: linux screenshot howto ubuntu tips reference software tutorial)
• Screengrab Screen capture Add-on for Firefox
  It will capture what you can see in the window, the entire page, just a selection, a particular frame… basically it saves webpages as images – either to a file, or to the clipboard.
  (tags: firefox screenshot extension plugin tools addon browser extensions)
• 32 Ways to Use Facebook for Business
  (tags: facebook business socialmedia marketing howto tips socialnetworking social)

• Free and Open Source Screencasting Software Applications for Linux | TECH SOURCE FROM BOHOL
  List of screencasting software for Linux.
  (tags: linux video screencast screencasting software list tools training ubuntu)

• Renaissance – OpenOffice.org Wiki
  OpenOffice.org project to“Create a User Interface so that OpenOffice.org becomes the users' choice not only out of need, but also out of desire” OP
  (tags: openoffice opensource ux ui project design usability accessibility ooo)
• 10 Things to do After Installing WordPress | Pro Blog Design
  (tags: wordpress tips webdesign blog tutorial howto tutorials wordpress-tips blogging)

• Setup a MediaWiki – GLUG-BOM
  (tags: mediawiki setup wiki howto tips opensource wikipedia)
• Article epub Format on the Kindle
  Savory: Native Kindle epub and PDF Converter – O'Reilly Radar
  (tags: kindle pdf converter ebooks epub ebook savory amazon)

• Pligg CMS | Open Source Content Management System
  Pligg is an open source Content Management System (CMS) that you can download and use for free. Pligg CMS provides social networking software that encourages visitors to register on your website so that they can submit content and connect with other users. Our software creates websites where stories are created and voted on by members, not website editors. Use Pligg content management system to start your own social networking community in minutes.
  (tags: cms opensource digg software pligg php ajax social)
• Elgg – Open Source Social Networking and Social Publishing Platform.
  Elgg empowers individuals, groups and institutions to create their own fully-featured social environment.
  (tags: opensource social software socialnetworking community socialsoftware cms)
• GetBoo – Get your bookmarks!
  social bookmarking open-source platform.
  (tags: bookmarking social bookmarks opensource del.icio.us)
• Scuttle | Get Scuttle at SourceForge.net
  Web-based social bookmarking system. Allows multiple users to store, share and tag their favourite links online.
  (tags: opensource php bookmarks del.icio.us social software bookmark)
• BuddyPress.org
  BuddyPress is a suite of WordPress plugins and themes, each adding a distinct new feature. BuddyPress contains all the features you’d expect from WordPress but aims to let members socially interact
  (tags: wordpress socialnetworking social buddypress opensource blogging wordpressmu cms tools)
• WordPress MU › Blog Tool and Publishing Platform
  Ever dream of running hundreds of thousands of blogs with a single install of WordPress?
  (tags: wordpress blog multiuser opensource blogging software cms blogs)

• HOW TO: Use Social Media for Better Health
  (tags: health socialmedia socialnetworking fitness nhs)