Grid computing lets little PCs work on big problems. You can use the grid system of the famous SETI@home project to build your own grid computing solutions.

Debian hotplug is designed for little more than loading drivers and configuring devices. The collection of scripts discussed in this article helps Linux to respond when a network cable is plugged in or when a cellphone is in the vicinity. Read on for more on how to define custom hotplug events.

Hotplugging is invisible and automatic – if you want it to be. But a close look at the Linux hotplug system reveals interesting opportunities for customization.

Gnome version 2.14 includes new features for restricting the user’s access to the system. The Pessulus lockdown editor and the Sabayon profile editor help manage the Gnome user experience.

The Greenstone suite helps you build your own digital library.

An old computer is all you need to build your own do-it-yourself personal phone server.

When you want to call your friends in distant countries, don’t pick up the phone; just put on your headset and fire up Linphone.