Operating Systems

Linux

Command Tutorial

The most thorough guide I have found to using the Terminal in Linux. Read this once you've got it installed.

learnshell.org

An additional BASH tutorial.

Linux Mint

Linux Mint Main Page

This is the home of my favorite operating system. The Cinnamon Desktop version is my first choice for my main machine.

Linux Mint Forums

Here are the forums where you can find excellent installation instructions.

Ubuntu

Ubuntu Main Page

Ubuntu is a very popular Linux distribution too. I also like it.

Ubuntu Forums

Mint is based on Ubuntu which is based on Debian. These forums are also worth searching if you use Mint. Often the solutions on Ubuntu also work on Mint.

Raspbian

Raspbian Downloads

Raspbian is the most popular operating system for Raspberry Pi models.

NOOBS

NOOBS Operating System

NOOBS stands for "New Out Of Box System" for Raspberry Pi units.

MotionEye

Motion Eye OS

A lightweight system to make home security cameras.

Windows 10

Microsoft Windows 10

I use it mostly at work or when I have to.

Windows XP

Microsoft Windows XP

Still running a copy on my Dell 9100!

Hardware

Motherboard

Gigabyte G1 Sniper

The G1 Sniper A88X is the motherboard on my main tower. I built it up from there.

Raspberry Pi

Raspberry Pi Units

If you like to tinker with electronics, this is worth looking into!

Dell Dimension 9100

My old machine

13 years and several hard drives later, this is still running!

Software

All of the following are freeware, often included in Linux Distros. For what I like to do, they are what I consider "must haves". I encourage you to try them. All of them work in Windows too.

Bluefish

Main page and downloads

This is a handy editor for writing code. It takes a little learning to use, but once you get the knack, coding happens a lot faster.

Bluefish Online Manual

The manual is a living, work-in-process document, but helpful.

Apache

Web Server

The worlds most popular web server.

MySQL

MySQL Workbench

For playing with databases and Structured Query Language.

Blender

3D Rendering Software

An exceptionally powerful open source alternative to Maya.

Sintel

A movie made using Blender. Skittles!

Gimp

Image Editing Software

Because I can't afford Photoshop.

Inkscape

Graphics

Nor can I afford Illustrator.

LibreOffice

Alternative Office Suite

and I surely won't do software by subscription.

VLC Player

Media Player

It plays darn near everything I can throw at it.

Stellarium

Astronomy Software

The best guide I know to viewing the celestial heavens

Spotify

Tunes!

I miss the days without commercials, but it is still a worthwhile addition.

Programming

Java

Main Site

Most operating systems have the Runtime Environment (JRE) installed or easily added, but you'll need the Development Kit (JDK) if you want to get into coding Java.

Java Tutorial

Here is a good place to get started.

PERL

Main Site

Check out the 'learn' section if you want to learn PERL. It is powerful stuff if you take the time to delve into it.

Perl Monks

A resource for when you get stuck.

The PERL Repository

Be aware of this resource once you get up to speed.

Strawberry PERL

A nice PERL environment for Windows.

Python

Main Site

Next on my list of languages to learn.

PHP

Main Site

Downloads are available here too, but I recommend your distro repository first.

What Is PHP?

Why you might want to learn it.

Tutorial

An introductory course.

Ruby

Main Site

I haven't even touched this one yet. When I get around to it...

HTML 5

The HTML 5 Specification

The official documentation.

Quackit Website

If you want to learn to build websites, this is where I recommend. A lot of great templates to start with and excellent tutorials.