Re-tooling for the cloud future

Image via Wikipedia

I guess that just as other industries and trades grow up and evolve, so must the IT industry.  And it’s funny saying that because IT moves so fast and seems to be evolving all the time.  But in the time I have been living and working in IT, the shift to cloud style services is probably the biggest shift since the move to Domain servers and Active Directory.

For so long the big tech industry has been telling consumers what to use.  And instead of making things easier, engineers have created software and systems which are inelegant and clumsy. Things like Domain controllers, Active Directory and Visualisation are cool but they weren't created for the end user.

Click to read more ...

Spying on yourself with Dropbox

Image via CrunchBase

Dropbox has become one of those "this is how to use the Internet" services.  The idea is kind of simple, but many of us in the trade know how much messing around there is in setting up RSync, FTP, and any of the old school solutions, it is tough to do it right.

For those who haven't played with Dropbox before, it gives you the ability to setup folders on your device (I say device because Dropbox works on Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad etc) that are first sync-able with their online storage, and then any other device you choose.  This gives you the ability to work on a file in one device then, as long as you are connected, go to another device and pickup where you left off, essentially on the same file.

Dropbox is a very useful tool indeed, but I came across this other use that I hadn't thought of, using it to spy on your computer while you're not there.  Digital Inspiration has a great post on how to use Dropbox for this purpose, and the more I think of it, the more sense it makes.  And it opens the door to a lot of uses for Dropbox, sure could change the log monitoring game....

Monitor your Computer Remotely with Dropbox (via labnol.org)

Jason

...if it isn't Broken, remember Dropbox is watching.

UbuntuOne V's Dropbox

Image via Wikipedia

When you think of the Linux platform, you think of division, fragmentation, and nerds, lots and lots of nerds.  You think of a bunch of part-time developers working hard on a number of exciting projects that never get finished, and that won't work on the version you are running.  It is and was the stereotype of the platform, but as with all things, there is beginning to be progress.

Ubuntu has been one of the handful of Linux distributions to have some user success, during the last couple of years.  One of the pluses for the Ubuntu platform is that they have somehow been able to bring enough people onto the same wavelength.  And this has started to solve the main issue that has been stopping Linux from being a home and business platform.

In a Apple-like way, Ubuntu has focused on the ecosystem and making sure that moving to the platform is as easy as possible.  There are a couple of ways to install software, which don't involve the Terminal and a knowledge of code.  And updating the system works well and is straight forward.  The default install of Ubuntu seems to cover most of the needs of the Windows switcher.

One of the cool ideas/services that came with the last release was UbuntuOne, a online storage/syncing/backup service in the style of Dropbox.  The problem with UbuntuOne for me was that it only had a client for Ubuntu, so I couldn't move files around automatically between all the computers I work on.  So I signed up, but haven't really played with it  because I had Dropbox which does it all for me.

I may be taking another look at UbuntuOne as it looks as though the developers have realised the above and are working on a Windows version to be dropped at PyCon 2010.  Although the wording on the site under Agenda doesn't fill me with much confidence.

The plus here is a service that can be better integrated into the Ubuntu platform and will hopefully mean a better cloud-type solution, making the Ubuntu NetBook, Windows/Ubuntu desktop, and Windows work computer all play nice.

OMGUbuntu.com had a point: "This will finally allow dual-boot users & those who require use of a Windows machine the ability to access, upload and sync their files."

To me all these small steps help make the Linux a home and business desktop option. And as one who has helped his father-in-law install the Ubuntu system as his main desktop,  I have to say that I'm glad that the platform is working on making Ubuntu into that option.  I really don't see a problem with having a high-end Linux platform, and a switcher platform.  As long as the platforms are better than Windows, it's all good.

Jason Remnant

...if it ain't Broken, "We will work on getting Ubuntu One File Sharing to work on Windows." Maybe.

File Sync in the cloud: Dropbox

Image via CrunchBase

I don't think I have posted about Dropbox yet, which is a bit remiss of me.  As it is one of the best file syncing and online storage services out there.  Similar to Microsoft's Mesh product, Dropbox let's you have one or more folders on a Windows, MacOS, and Linux computers sync with online storage, other computers, and even your iPhone.

Of cousre there is a lot more to it than just the above, but until i get around to during a write up Maximumpc.com has a geart post "15 Hacks Every Dropbox User Should Know" which will give you a good idea of what you can do with the service.

Jason

...if it ain't Broken, sync it somewhere else.