Email is a great tool for communication and that is why even in the age of social networks, it persists. However, if you work in an office environment that requires constant and real-time communication between users, email may not cut it. Sometimes you just want to send a quick message without clogging your users Inboxes. […]
Git – The open source developer’s favorite version control system
Today, my brother sent me a link to Clay Sirky’s talk on the political ramifications of ‘cooperation without coordination’ on communities – How the internet will one day transform government. Knowing how much an advocate for open source software I am, he couldn’t have picked a good time. I’ve been thinking of recommending an open […]
Open Source and Digital TV Migration Updates in East Africa
Some interesting news stories in our neck of the woods that caught my attention recently: Kenya is considering moving away from proprietary to open source software solutions for government bodies. As the article suggests, this move is not only a cost saving measure, but opens up opportunities for local software developers. I think other economies […]
How to create an encrypted USB drive in Linux using the command line
Recently, I was tasked to write a backup program for a small office. A key requirement was that the portable backup drive they are using needed to be encrypted since it would have to be ferried off site on a daily basis. The idea was that, if the drive fell in the ‘wrong hands’ during […]
Uganda’s transition to Digital TV. Where are we now? (II)
As reported in one of the local dailies, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has directed TV broadcasters to plan for digital TV using DVBT-2 capable equipment. DVBT-2 is the second generation of of Digital Video Broadcasting and ensures spectrum usage efficiency of up to 50% while providing for better quality HDTV. Uganda joins countries such […]
Mobile SMS gateway server using Linux
Like many parts of Africa, SMS messages in Uganda continue to play a big role in the way people communicate. For the majority, the mobile phone is the first tech device and as such the use of SMS messages to send information in bulk and real time makes it ideal in fields such as health. […]
UTL 3G – A painful experience
I’ve recently been testing 3G-based Internet access provided by Uganda Telecom. The test locations were in the Northern suburbs of Kampala. My experience with this connection type was not a good one. Here is why. Depending on your location, the 3G signal is very weak. Typical strengths range anywhere form 0 to 19%. The 3G […]
Remind: A Cool CLI based UNIX program
I have started a category on this blog featuring cool open source programs. These are mainly command line based, since that is where I spend most of my time. I will also pick those programs that have real life and practical applications. Remind: As its name suggests is a reminder application. I use it to […]
Happy New Year
Just a quick one to wish you a great year ahead!