Introduction

To the man with a hammer, everything is a nail . . .

Having the right tool is important to do the job. I use several tools in my real job and in the other work that I do. This page is my place to express my thoughts on these tools and to share things that I have found.

Perl

I am a long-time perl hacker. I have developed many complex applications with this language and generally find that I can solve most basic problems on the web with it.

Read more . . .

Languages

I am exploring other languages and recording my explorations on the Wiki. Check it out.

Read more . . .

Unix / Linux

I have been a long-time Linux advocate. At present, I don't use it much in my operations, but we are moving more and more towards it at work.

I settled on the Apple Power Book with its Unix base. I really like to look-and-feel of the Power Book 12.1 inch model. It's small enough and can be had with a large enough drive and enough memory.

Because this is a continuing effort, I will use the Wiki to document what I find. Don't expect to find a great deal there as I don't have good deal of time to write about experiences.

Read Wiki . . .

Database

I am an experienced database user. I am also a big proponent of open source databases.

I have been a big proponent of the Postgres database. I use it primarily in connection with the perl DBI/DBD modules to produce robust applications.

I use Oracle and Postgres at work and find that Postgres does everything that I need for the size and type of applicatiobns that I develop.

I am now also working with mySQL. This appears to be the preferred open source database for many applications. As I explore this database, I am writing my findings in a Wiki. You can follow my adventures and give me your opinions there.

UseMod Wiki

I had been looking for a simple way to allow readers to contribute their ideas and have implemented the UseMod Wiki to do so. This is a simple Wiki implemented as a single perl script with configuration options. It does not require a database (a plus for implementation, bad if you are thinking of implementing something like the WikiPedia), and probably isn't best for any large scale Wiki work.

I intend to use it as a supplement to these pages and the GimoBlog. It will become somewhat of a whiteboard.

Go to GimoWiki . . .

Apache

I run the Apache web servers at work. Actually, we have been long term Stronghold users. I find that the packaging done by Red Hat eases maintenance on this open source product. I find Apache to be stable an dependable.

OpenOffice

I have it. Yes. Do I use it? It is my word processing and spreadsheet software on the Macintosh. I don't use it at work since the computers come preconfigured with the Microsoft Office products. But I think I could if the company moved in that direction.

What have I done that is successful? I have created a presentation using OpenOffice which I converted to a SWF file for my kids school site for which I am the webmaster. It was simple and, I believe, effective.

I use the 2+ version of NeoOffice on the Mac. I might use it more if I knew how to integrate cascading style sheets with the product. I have been looking for though organizing products and might be able to take advantage of this product for that purpose. Because it is a Java application, it is a bit slow to get started, but, once it is running it is quite adequate, speed wise.

blosxom

This is a simple perl script which produces a blog (see GimoBlog). It takes plain text files with HTML markup and displays them. It is a relatively simple method of blogging, but it allows me to produce blogs with simple tools and put them up on the website.

Click on the title of this article to go to their website.

Freemind

An open-source, mind-mapping software written in Java. This is a good tool for collecting your brainstorming thoughts while doing research. I use a couple of commercial products for this type of thing. My favorite is Inspiration. I even use Inspiration on my PalmOne PDA! Although I am an Open Source fan, I really appreciate GOOD commercial software at a reasonable price. Both Inspiration for windows and the Palm version are packaged for right around $100 US.

I really find that an outliner is a good tool for me to think with and Freemind and Inspiration give me that sort of quick thinking and organizing capability. Freemind is graphical and icons and formatting can be applied (ala mind-mapping techniques) to organize your thinking.