Linux Software for Kids

I recently recycled an old desktop PC into a kid's computer for my 3 year old son. After installing a current version of Ubuntu, the next task was to find some software for him. Luckily, there are some great packages out there for youngsters. Here's what I have installed so far:

1. Tux Paint - An easy-to-use drawing and painting program for kids ages 3 to 12. Released under the GNU license.
2. GCompris - An educational software suite for ages 2 -10. This suite is loaded with activiies based on color, games, math science, computer skills and more. Released under a GNU license.
3. Childsplay - A software suite for young children released under a GNU license. My son really likes the memory game.
4. Tuxmath - An arcade game to help kids develop math skills.


For more information about kids software available on GNU Linux, check out this presentation by Bill Kendrick - the creator of Tux Paint.

Roundup of GIMP Tutorials

1. Tutorials at the official site Gimp.org
2. Gimp tutorial editing and retouching photos at gimps.de
3. Really basic photo editing with Gimp
4. Gimp tutorials at About.com Graphics Software
5. Basic layers tutorial

A few useful tutorials for the GNU Image Manipulation Program or GIMP.

Arduino Oscilliscope

One the coolest open source projects out there is the Arduino. It's an open-source electronics platform based on a Amtel microcontroller. This is one of the cooler and more practical Arduino projects I've seen so far. It's a simple oscilliscope (10 bit resolution), but it will only set you back $30 bucks. (Hat tip to Hacked Gadgets.)

Poor Man's Oscilloscope (Arduino + Processing)

BTW, if you are not familar with the Arduino. There's a great podcast with the projects founder about Arduino at FLOSS Weekly.

Top DIY Books at the Gutenberg Project

Project Gutenberg is the largest collection of free books on the internet. Most of these books have been transferred to public domain status as a result of their age - so these books are truly free.

There are a few gems here. Things to make has plans for everything from a book stand to a model steam turbine. And wood joinery does not really go out of style, this books covers a variety of classic joinery techniques like dove tail and mortise and tenon joints.

1. Things to Make by Archibald Williams

2. Woodwork Joints by William Fairham

3. A Course in Wood Turning by Archie S Milton and Otto K. Wohlers

4. How to Make Mission Furniture by H.H. Windsor

DIY Network Cables

Even with wireless technology now, I still use network cables here and there. I am writing this post right now on old computer in my basement running Ubuntu. Adding a wireless card into this machine is more trouble than it's worth.

You can save a lot money making your own cables compared to what they cost at Best Buy or other retailers. I've noticed they really go for the margins on cables, memory and other components.

I recently bought 100' feet of cable for about $20 and RJ-45/RJ-11 crimping tool will set you back another $20 or so. The only thing you need now is a pin-out map for the connector. Here are a few useful links:

RJ-45 pinouts and hints
Dux Computer Digest

Hackerspaces

Pretty good amount of chatter out there on Hacker Spaces. These are collectives where fellow DIY enthusiasts can get together and share ideas, equipment and know-how. Here are a few essential links.

Wired Blog article on the rise of Hackerspaces
Hackerspace.org
Wikipedia Entry on Hackerspaces
NYCResistor

DIY Washing Machine Repair

In this new era of austerity, it's pretty hard to bite the bullet on a new washing machine when the old one breaks. Mine went down a few weeks ago and was able to fix it for about $60 bucks.

I have a Kenmore 110.49722990 (what product manager came up with that?). I was unable to find an online manual, but did, somehow, mange to find mine. I guess I can't upload that file to blogger, but will find another way to publish it for others. (post a comment if you are interested)

Mine was unable to go into the drain and spin cycle, so I guessed correctly that the pump was not working. When I took it out, I discovered it was full of nails! Whoops.

Here's a few useful links:

E-how: How to diagnose washing machine problems
Appliance and Air
Fixya.com

Parts:
Partstap