computing and other things
Posts tagged Free
Ubuntu 10.4, Lucid Lynx is already among us
April 30th
I recommend using the download via the BitTorrent network , in contrast to the direct downloads faster as more people download it in 15-20 minutes you can have it. If you try a direct download servers you are probably saturated.
You have no excuse not to download the 700MB better invested in the season includes some new features as we discuss and simply encourage you to try it, it's as easy as downloading the ISO file, burn it to CD with any program that allows PC and start the system including Ubuntu LiveCD. If you like what you see then you can make a facility shared with your Windows system with few problems. Even you have an available install Ubuntu from a Windows utility called Wubi .
Is there a version for each PC, 32bits, 64bits, for servers and even a version for netbooks (small laptops).
You're taking too long to try it!
PDFsam, cut and combine PDF documents
February 1st
PDFsam is a completely free application that allows us to extract, cut or combine the contents of PDF documents in the most convenient and fast as possible. It is a tool that can be very useful for those who work often with PDF documents and need to make changes or remove portions of these.
The application is available for almost all systems and languages, so just need to have Java on your system.
Some of the features we have with PDFsam:
- Extract specific pages of a PDF document.
- Cut a document into sections and create an individual file for each.
- Combine multiple PDF documents into one, we can add new pages to a document.
- Re-order pages in the document with a visual editor.
- Change the orientation of the pages of the PDF document.
- Allows mixing different page sizes such as A4, A5, A3 ...
- We can make some batch operations on multiple documents simultaneously.
In the tests we have carried out the re-conversion to a document of thirty pages or took half a minute, we divided every five pages and has created the files corresponding to each group of pages.
Official Site | PDFsam
Linux video editing easy, thanks to OpenShot
January 18th
There are many programs to edit video, but not all are focused on a specific user. As we shall see OpenShot is a video editor that combines a number of features that its competitors lack.
Often, in the edition of our videos we have to consider three things;
- Power of our computer.
- Price video editing program.
- Complexity of the program.
Power: Obviously the first point is important, but any current mid-range computer meets the requirements without much effort. As for the processor (CPU) with an intellectual or a CD or C2D do AMD Athlon, 2GB of RAM (depending on OS), a video card if not integrated onboard the better and more hard drive can store more videos.
Price: One of the best professional video editing software is Adobe Premier, but not its 700 € cost make it suitable for everyone, Pinnacle Studio is more attractive with a very economical price (less than 100 €). Remember that Pinnacle offers everyone a free product called Videospin that although compliance with the above function has some limitations when exporting the video. Considering the price, look for a video editor free and also available for Linux.
Complexity: Please note that the more things we can do with a program is more complete, but also increases the difficulty. Often I hear people complain about the difficulty of Adobe Premier, when you simply should rethink what they do. What is the best video editor does not mean that it is the best solution for them. Often a simpler and less complex program will do what they need / want to do.
Given all this, look for a video editor that is free, easy to use and available for Linux. Jahshaka now CineFX platform and is free, but too complex for an average user, Kino is simpler, but I just do not convince, OpenShot, easy to use, free and available for Linux. There are many others, I always recommend trying out a few and stick with what you need to offer.
What can we do with this free video editing program (OpenShot)?
- Non-linear video editing.
- Transitions, video effects to image.
- Multi-track video and audio.
- Split screen to show more than one video at a time.
- Chroma key, to change a color to a video, that is, the typical green screen background that is used in special effects.
- Key frame animations.
- Export to various video formats (avi, mpeg) and codecs (DivX, XviD, H.264), among others.
The OpenShot includes an interface very similar to other video editors like Pinnacle Studio and is available in many languages. It is ideal for creating videos that we either send Internet services like YouTube or Vimeo.
Links;
- www.openshotvideo.com - official website OpenShot Video Editor.
- www.openshotvideo.com/2008/04/videos.html - films.
- en.wikipedia.org / wiki / List_of_video_editing_software - List of video editing software
Other video editing programs;
- Pinnacle Studio - www.pinnaclesys.com/PublicSite/sp/Products/Consumer+ Products / Home + Video / Studio + Family
- Pinnacle Videospin - www.videospin.com
- Windows Live Movie Maker - download.live.com / MovieMaker
- Adobe Premiere - www.adobe.com / products / premiere
- CineFX - www.cinefx.org
- LIVE - lives.sourceforge.net
- Kino Video Editor - www.kinodv.org
Frets on Fire, the definitive music simulator
January 16th
Following in the footsteps of today's musical games such as Guitar Hero, Rock Band and Singstar, we find that new versions of the free PC game Frets on Fire include the ability to play more of a game controller at the same time, simulating all components of a band of Pop / Rock.
Allows 4 players to play simultaneously, with different configurations, the most common being a guitar player, another a low one on drums and finally the singer. All you would need the accessories (or drivers) game, that would be the guitars, drums and microphone, if you already have a game console can use their accessories, we lack only the USB adapter to connect it the computer. Even if we can buy compatible accessories always come cheaper than the official game and meet perfectly ... needless to say we can play well with the keyboard!
Although we have called the game Frets on Fire, we will use a version (an alternative project) called FoFiX , which includes many improvements and possibilities towards the original game. We can download from this link to the official website of the mod (modification).
Benefits;
- The game is free and available for different platforms such as Windows, Linux and MacOS. We can even find 100% legal music (creative commons, etc.).
- We can "play" any song that you like, just someone has created, or we can create . Practically we have no limit, from the most popular songs to frikades true.
- Allows 4 players to play simultaneously, each with an instrument.
- We can configure virtually everything, performance, appearance, behavior ...
Disadvantages;
- The standard visual appearance is somewhat lower, with dynamic 3D scenes has not (so far). And if you want to "mash" to be customized with themes (themes) to be found based on the aforementioned games.
- It requires the user to find songs to play, including some that are well made and synchronized, but we can not find it.
- If you want to enjoy all the instruments and possibilities of the game we have to configure everything, the appearance and all accessories. It may be a task too easy.
- To get the 100% we have the drivers (guitars, drums, microphone).
NOTE: To play the bass / drums / mic need songs ready, that is, containing the instrument you want to play. Searching the net will find songs from the game Rock Band and others, including these other instruments besides the guitar.
Not need to play a great team with dedicated video card, but it helps, especially if we play with 4 players at once and using many visual effects issues. If your computer is not powerful, you can play with the themes "light" and recommended a single player.
Download songs and packs (no particular order of priority);
- www.fretsonfire.net/forums/viewforum.php?f=5
- fretsonfire.wikidot.com / custom-songs
- fof.iioiooioo.com / Frets-on-fire-songs / artists
- www.geetarfreaks.webs.com
- fretsonfiremx.blogspot.com
- fof-tm-meteorito.wikidot.com/canciones
Recommended links;
- www.fretsonfire.net / forums - Frets on Fire fan forum.
- fretsonfire.sourceforge.net - Official site of the original project Frets on fire.
- code.google.com / p / fofix - official website fofix mod for Frets on fire mod.
- code.google.com / p / fofix / w / list - wiki with information about the mod fofix.
- fretsonfire.wikidot.com - Frets on fire wiki.
- fof-tm-meteorito.wikidot.com/system: show all -
PS: I have not talked about FOF United States because it is not updated for months or page or downloads, and is full of advertising and pop-ups. There are better alternatives to this site.
Where to find instructions?
January 15th
One thing that bothers me is wasting time looking for the instructions for a particular product. And needless to say still bothers me even more when the manufacturer offers through its official website, and not speak step-listed products from or import is something that should take care brands if they offer a better service after sale, and not avoid receiving some calls to the switchboard of their service departments. Have a small database from products that links to a download page with product information does not cost much, just keep it updated and do not delete the information, just file it.
Needless to say, that sometimes we ourselves who are causing the problem, beginning to make use of an article without reading the instructions, filing documents in place will certainly not meet again or even throwing it to the trash in order to contribute to the cause of recycling. We may also find that the product does not have all the information you need or the same format is not suitable for our needs.
Assume that we have sought information on the product's support page and find the information you want, it will be time to use Web search engines, but if you want to save a good bit of work you can start your adventure by Page Diplodocs , which will help in the difficult task of finding guide, instructions, manuals and guidelines for the use of many products, not just electronics and / or technology. There is absolutely everything, but if we can help if you need more than one occasion.
This page is available in many languages, including Catalan (with varying degrees of success), Spanish, English, French ... where you'll find instructions in many languages too, although the majority in English.
It also has a section that allows us to add new files and contribute to its archive.
Needless to say, lately all the instructions of electronics sold on CD in PDF format, from my point of view is a business success, reduce printing costs and provide flexibility in searching for information to your customers, as long as you have a computer able to read PDF documents. When you have a manual over 100 pages, the search function within PDF documents will be your ally!
Do you know an alternative?
OpenCart v1.4 available
January 11th
We have available the new version of e-commerce solution that will allow us to have a virtual shop on the Internet of products and services. You can download it from the official website and see the different comments to note about the new forum of official contacts .
The new version represents a major improvement in the program interface, both in the administration section and in the default theme of the store. You can verify this in the store demo:
- http://demo.opencart.com/
- http://demo.opencart.com/admin/ (user name and password "demo")
Even a few days to provide the translation into Catalan of this new version. As soon as it becomes available we will inform you via the blog.
If you need advice or support to create your online store you can contact us , to create a custom design, get a domain and hosting for the online store, advertising campaigns or training to learn all that we this software provides.
Synthesia, a game to learn to play piano
December 30th
If you think you've seen everything in music simulators such as Guitar Hero series (and all other * Bands or Hero), Singstar, such as DDR and we can add another name Synthesia game with a difficult to pronounce and even more difficult to master. The purpose of the game is nothing less than playing the piano. And I do not mean to pretend that you play the piano but to play the piano, playing the piano:
By way of summary, we say that the game is free and does not require a very powerful computer. The mechanics of the game is simple, vertical bars are going down the screen into a virtual piano keyboard, so you have to press the corresponding key at the right time. We will obtain the best score according to our skills and practice.
You can download the game from the official website: www.synthesiagame.com
Source of version 0.62 is available on the SourceForge project page , from this version the game has become free but not free.
Although the "game" is only officially available for Windows and Mac OS are working with a conversion for Linux called Linthesia. Although the official website of the project still will not find much information, you can download a preview version from sourceforge.net / projects / linthesia
I took a month to "play" in a position with this game, and I think now I can comment on the same property and knowledge. To remove all the juice we need music in this game simulator;
- A computer with Windows or Mac OS. Although since recently there is also a version available for Linux.
- A keyboard or piano "e" to exit USB or MIDI in and out.
- Find the songs you want played.
- Buy the " Learning Pack . "
If we want we can do with just a PC and a conventional qwerty keyboard (with letters and numbers of lifetime). Not required to have a piano to play this game, but if you enjoy the music and the game ended up buying a piano. For less than 150 € (200 € maximum) can have a good Yamaha keyboard with 61 keys and MIDI connections. I have been testing a Yamaha PSR-E323 Entry-Level Portable Keyboard , which has no USB connection, but if MIDI input and output, then I bought a USB to MIDI adapter like this, EMU Xmidi 1 × 1 USB MIDI Interface (29 €) or such other USB MIDI Cable Converter PC to Music Keyboard for under 15 € and runs smoothly.
Some may find it expensive, but if we start to count euros invested in plastic guitars that do not serve as an instrument of truth and games that teach us anything, it may change your mind.
If someone asks if it is worth paying for improvements to the learning package, the answer is without a doubt YES. For these reasons:
- Contribute to maintaining the project, which involves new features for future versions. For less than 13 €!
- You'll get a set of tools that allow you to learn to play piano. Not only to play.
If you have any questions you can access the forum of the game , where you can find all information and assistance possible, even to find that song in MIDI the way we like.
Anecdotally, we note that this game was called Piano Hero, until the good people of Activision (Guitar Hero poseidors) you were required to ask the creator to change the name because it was too similar to the game their property ... The Wikipedia is a source of information!
On youtube and you will find many similar channels and video dedicated to the game , I would highlight each of HDPiano.com you will find lessons to learn to play piano with the help of Synthesia.
If even the HOYGAN speak !
could only betohoben jugarlo
The list of the 5 major free applications for home users
December 1st
Top ten lists and the like are a quick and easy way to show the "best" applications, often with news on over there for all tastes, and sold a few days ago it echoed in Noticias3D ( MuyLinux - SmashingApps ) with 15 large open source software projects.
I also encourages me to do it, but with a difference, create different lists of applications for each sector of users. I begin by the end user, for those who want to use a computer without being a hacker or have a university degree in telecommunications and computer engineers.
This list of open source software (open source) will consider most important the following criteria;
- Programs that can be used by any person regardless of their knowledge.
- Son of daily use applications, which cover the tasks that we perform at any time before a computer.
- All applications will be free and available free for various platforms (Windows, Linux, Mac).
- In almost all cases are also available in Catalan.
The list of the 5 most important applications for home users is this;
- GNU / Linux , with distributions such as Ubuntu , Debian ... I think that today, anyone can use a Linux distribution without many problems. Maybe the installation of the system is a separate issue, but if you know to install Windows you'll have no problem with Linux. And you can always try it with a LiveCD .
- OpenOffice , the free office suite's most important moment will find everything you need to create text documents, spreadsheets, presentations, diagrams ... And the most useful tools such as spell check in almost all languages and compatibility with other similar programs such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Powerpoint).
- Mozilla Firefox , one of the best web browsers of the time. The points in favor, reliability and the large number of extensions that can add, such as to avoid the publicity of many websites.
- 7-zip , compression of files with one of the best levels of compression and supports many popular formats such as zip or rar.
- VLC Media Player , media player perfect for videos and DVDs.
Find an application that is missing? Do not you agree with the list?
Later I will create another list with a total of 10 free applications for home users and other more specific lists.
Catalan translation for OpenCart v1.3.4
November 17th
Lately I have been shopping trastejant with a platform on the Internet called OpenCart , its flexibility and excellent graphical interface complete as we can add another reason to use it, the Catalan translation of the entire section of the store (catalog) for the current version of 1.3.4.
I liked so I decided to contribute to the project by providing a translation into Catalan, I hope everyone can enjoy. Remains the administration section. More>
FrostWire, Ares Linux
November 5th
FrostWire, P2P file sharing application
FrostWire is a free program (software) file sharing P2P in the style of eMule and Ares. It's available for Linux (Ubuntu / Debian, Red Hat), Mac OS X (Apple) and Windows (since 2000).
Official: www.frostwire.com - Download the program
Recently I've known, mainly because I am not very common for these types of programs (I'm more lightweight Bittorrent client), but needed a program similar to the Ares, without having to rely on Windows. The main quality of this program is the form that includes search engine, ideal for downloading files very specific. It is quite fast, both in the process of search and in the dumpster, with quite surprising results.
It uses the network protocol Gnutella and therefore is "compatible" with other clients like Shareaza or Ares Galaxy.
