Use Open Source…

What is Open source vs Free software?
Open source and free software are NOT the same.
Open Source means: The source code for the software is open for everyone to see and maybe open for you to change, update, fix, add your own features BUT the source code that you write may then “belong” to the company who “owns” the software. For example MySQL is now “owned” by Oracle.
Free Software.
Hum. This can be difficult to explain… There are two type of “free”
Free (as in Free Beer!) aka no cost. Shareware and Freeware are two examples of this. Freeware is often a “cut down” version of some useful program where you can use as long as you like but if you want the extra “premium” feature then you have to pay to upgrade or unlock the good bits.
Free (as in Freedom) aka you can do with it whatever you want. Free in this context is sometimes called ‘Libre’. (The French usefully have two words for the different types of free, the English language does not). This freedom allows you to take the code, modify it (or not), repackage it, distribute it, even sell it for profit.

Backing up MySQL

A Little Background I have two computers running MySQL database server software. One on my development laptop and one on my web server. When I have made changes to my development database, I need the changes to be replicated onto the web server. I leave this task to an automated cron script that runs at …

Video Camera to DVD

From Video Camera to DVD using Free and Open Source Software In this article I have documented the step by step process that I use to transfer video from the family video camcorder onto DVD with pretty menu system for use by the DVD player. Equipment: JVC Everio Hard Disk Camcorder (Model GZ-MG361HEK) Mini USB …