Linux distros tested and reviewed

Dreamlinux 5
Dreamlinux uses Xfce instead of KDE or Gnome, Softmaker Office instead of LibreOffice, it's ready to play video and audio, and it's based on Debian. Is it any good?

Fuduntu - Fedora/Ubuntu hybrid
With hundreds of Linux distros available you might wonder whether enthusiasts are running out of ideas, but it appears not. Fuduntu 14 is a unique blend of Fedora and Ubuntu.

Mageia - a new Linux distro
Mageia's developers were not happy with the way Mandriva was going back in 2010, so they decided to create their own based on it. Here's what you need to know.

Kororaa Linux - an easy to use distro?
Kororaa is an easy to use Linux distro for new users while still being useful for experts. It aims to be a complete general computing solution. KDE and Gnome distros in 32 and 64-bit versions are available.

ZevenOS - Ubuntu meets BeOS
ZevenOS is a Linux distro that has the look and feel of BeOS. Will it quietly disappear like BeOS? No, this OS is all Linux and underneath and it has some great features.

Selected Linux articles and tips

3 Linux download managers
Store download links for later, adjust the bandwidth used, and speed up downloads by opening multiple connections, all with a free download manager.

Anonymous web browsing
If you really want to be anonymous on the internet and prevent anyone from tracking you or identifying you, one solution is to use Tor.

Classic menus in Ubuntu Unity desktop
If you miss the old style of menu and can't get used to the new Unity's, you can add a menu using ClassicMenu Indicator.

Linux password managers to keep logins safe
Use a password manager to store the login details for the sites you visit and the services you use. All you need is one password and the rest are stored securely. Here are three.

7 free calendars
Everyone needs a calendar application on their computer and they help you to organise your time whether it is for work or leisure. Whatever your requirements there is sure to be a calendar that you will like. Here are seven.

Essential Terminal commands
The number of times you have to use the Terminal is a shock when switching to Linux and you need to know how to list the disk contents, move around directories and so on. Here are some useful commands to get you started.

Securely delete files
Many files on the computer contain sensitive and private information that you would not wish to be made public. You should securely delete them to prevent anyone from accessing them.

4 home finance programs
It's impossible to get an overall picture of your net worth when your money is at different institutions. Until there's some way of pulling all your data together online, these traditional home finance programs are indispensible.

Three ways to monitor the system
It is a good idea to keep an eye on the system and to monitor the resource usage. In Linux this is easy and there are several ways of performing this task.

Anonymous web browsing
If you really want to be anonymous on the internet and prevent anyone from tracking you or identifying you, one solution is to use Tor.

Boost speed with Adaptive Readahead Daemon
This runs in the background monitoring the programs you run. It then predicts what you might run next and preloads it to make the system snappier and more responsive. Show me how....

Configure routers/firewalls for BitTorrent
BitTorrent client won't work with a firewall's default configuration. You must set up port forwarding on the router and also open the ports required on the PC too. Here's how to and get the Transmission BitTorrent client working behind a router and firewall.

Access Linux using an iPad
It's possible to be sitting in a coffee shop with your iPad and access your work or home PC running Linux as if you were sat in front of it, all using the iPad's touch screen interface. It's like running Linux on your iPad.

3 graphical firewall utilities
Linux PCs aren't immune from attack and they can be hacked with the right tools and someone could access it and steal information. Fortunately, there are graphical tools for enabling the firewall to protect your PC.

Watch YouTube with Minitube
If you are a fan of YouTube and love watching online videos then there is an interesting alternative to the web browser. Use Minitube to watch videos on the desktop.

General tips and articles
Using Buffalo Linkstation Live NAS
Access files and programs with Gnome Do
Get your combo printer/scanner up and running
Upgrade to VirtualBox 4
Install and run VMware Player and use virtual machines
Use a Buffalo Linkstation Live NAS
Print file and folder/directory listings
Create shortcuts and menus for Java applications
Restore running applications when you restart
VirtualBox additions in Mandriva 2010 Linux
Access hidden applications and utilities
Create accounts for all users
Open files with any application
Install essential files for the web
Install VirtualBox additions
Solve VirtualBox additions install problems
Auto-load your favourite programs

System tips
Shut down Linux from the command line
Send the disk to sleep with hdparm
Check the hard disk drive for errors
Get updates with apt-get or Update Manager
Three ways to remove unwanted Adobe AIR apps
Check out the new Disk Utility in Ubuntu 10.04
Extend Gnome's Nautilus with scripts
Change the window title bar button positions
Upgrade your PC to Ubuntu 10.04 LTS Lucid Lynx
Show or hide hidden files and folders
Set the sources for software installation
Prune the Grub list when it grows too long
Force quit a crashed or locked up program
Set Windows as the default OS in Grub
Set the correct monitor refresh rate

Photo, video and audio tips
How to play DVD movies
Run iTunes in Linux: Wine vs VirtualBox
Adjust the volume
Set the volume control preferences

Performance tips
Use Adaptive Readahead Daemon for a speed boost
Three ways to monitor the system resources
Benchmark DNS servers for a faster web
Limit the bandwidth of downloads
Test your internet connection using ping and host
A faster more reliable internet with OpenDNS
Change the priority of programs
Monitor battery health and performance
Clean up the system and recover lost disk space

Desktop tips
Ditch Unity and restore Gnome in Ubuntu
Add a classic menu to Ubuntu Unity desktop
Run Ubuntu 11.04 Unity desktop in VirtualBox
Change the wallpaper with Desktop Drapes
Add 200 amazing screensavers
Configure Search in Gnome
Hide the panels for more screen space
Add System Monitor to the panel
Edit the items on the menus
Switch from KDE to GNOME and back
Problems settings the screen resolution?
Get web fonts for a better display
Adjust the default fonts in openSUSE
Get more space with mutiple desktops
Move windows between desktops
Resize the desktop icons
Add favourite tools to the Panel
Configure the Panel for more space
Improve font rendering
Change the default font sizes
Stop windows snapping to the sides
Add the weather to the panel
Shrink the menu, use the sidepane
Add recent documents to the menu