It’s been a busy year, so maybe you didn’t get a chance to check out all the Linux.com Weekend Projects. If you’ve missed out, don’t worry — we’ve bundled the top 10 Weekend Projects of 2010 here for your convenience. Whether you want to set up OpenID, analyze your network, take your instant messaging Off the Record, or record Skype calls, we’ve got you covered.
Analyze Your Network with Wireshark
Wireshark is an open source network packet analyzer. Without any special hardware or reconfiguration, it can capture live data going in and out over any of your box’s network interfaces: Ethernet, WiFi, PPP, loopback, even USB. Typically it’s used as a forensics tool for troubleshooting network problems like congestion, high latency, or protocol errors — but you don’t want to wait until your network is in trouble to learn how to use it. If you missed it the first time, put it on your calendar to Analyze Your Network with Wireshark.
Secure Instant Messaging with Off The Record
If 2010 has taught us anything, it’s that protecting conversations and keeping them Off the Record (OTR) is a very good idea. This weekend project was well ahead of the curve. If you want to keep your Instant Messaging (IM) conversations off the record, take a weekend and Secure Instant Messaging with Off The Record.
Linux Filesystem Tune-up
Weekends are a great time to give the old laptop or desktop a tune-up. If you didn’t tackle this in 2010, think about spending a weekend and giving your system a Linux Filesystem Tune-up.
Record From Skype Calls and Other Apps on Linux
When Skype isn’t having an all-day outage, it’s a great service that a lot of Linux users depend on to make cheap or free Voice over IP (VoIP). But what if you want to record the calls? Skype doesn’t make it easy, but it’s easy to set it up so you can Record from Skype Calls and Other Apps on Linux.
Open Source Alternatives to Adobe Flash on Linux
Want to break the Flash habit? No problem. You can find several alternatives to Flash in this Weekend Project: Open Source Alternatives to Adobe Flash on Linux.
Accept OpenID Logins
Don’t you hate having to register at every site you want to log into or leave comments at? We all do, which is why OpenID was invented. If you want to spread the love, you can Accept OpenID Logins on your own site.
Monitor Your Server with StatusNet Updates
Who says that Microblogging services aren’t useful? Put Status.net to work for you by using it to monitor your server status! There are several different ways you can make use of a microblogging service to keep an eye on your server (or, for that matter, desktop machine), depending on what kinds of message you want to receive. Learn the ropes with this weekend project: Monitor Your Server with StatusNet Updates.
Get to Know Your Source Code with FOSSology
If you work with open source software of any kind — whether at work or as a volunteer — then you understand the importance of license compliance and keeping track of copyright ownership. But as a project grows, those tasks can get tricky, even when everyone is on the same page. Keep it simple by Getting to Know Your Source Code with FOSSology.
Set Up Squid on Linux as a Caching Web Proxy
Save bandwidth in 2011 by using Squid. A transparent caching proxy can intercept and cache HTTP traffic for your entire LAN, without the need to individually configure each browser. But Squid has a lot of options, so it needs to be not only configured, but thoroughly tested as well. Take a weekend and Set Up Squid on Linux as a Caching Web Proxy.
Intrusion Detection on Linux with AIDE
Front-line measures like firewalling, strong authentication, and staying on top of security updates are mandatory steps to keeping your system secure. But you also need to check your system’s health frequently and make sure a compromise didn’t slip past you unnoticed. Start 2011 off right by setting up Intrusion Detection on Linux with AIDE.
More in 2011
If you enjoyed the Weekend Project on Linux.com, check back every Friday in 2011 for a new Weekend Project. Have a project you’d like to see tackled? Leave us a note in the comments!
