Small Business Tech

We have setup a small home file server using Ubuntu. I used an old defunct desktop computer and installed Ubuntu 7.04 alternate. The server is quick to start and easy to shutdown with just one push of the power button. Most of the setup has been done using a very easy web-based interface.

It is a great server for sharing files in a home setting, and it would also be a great system for a small business. For the sake of brevity, I am not going to go into the whole setup process here. Feel free to drop me an email if you would like more information.

Labels: home server, Linux, Ubuntu

I have been watching Zonbu for about a year since the release of their initial desktop computer. Zonbu has recently begun shipping a notebook computer, which I also like watching the space of portable, low-cost, Linux-powered computers as well.

Here is a complete comparison between to VIA-powered and Linux-equipped notebooks computers including the Zonbu.

Learn more about Zonbu's desktop and notebook computers.

Labels: family, Linux, thin client, Zonbu

I have recently begun the search for a better backup system. I had been using a pair of external hard disk drives with goals of backup daily and always storing a backup off-site. To ensure security each backup was encrypted with TrueCrypt. This arrangement was time-consuming and dependant on me to physically swap the drives. The other problem was that the computer and external hard needed to remain powered overnight to perform the backup. Needless to say this did not happen enough and left me without a backup for periods of time. Even if I had did this routine without fail my off-site backup would still be up to a week old.

I have been interested in online backup solutions for some time. I have had a series of requirements that systems have not met such as...

• Open files system that is not dependent on particular software
• Hosted by an established, large company
• Costing based on usage versus a set monthly cost
• Client software compatible with multiple operating systems
• Rich option set on client software

I know I am asking for a lot, but we are talking about the one thing we can do to protect our digital assets. I have found a solution that has met my criteria - Jungle disk.

I have run down my requisites and how Jungle disk has met them all.

• Open files system that is not dependent on particular software

Jungle Disk is not open-source, but the developers do take security very seriously. Steve Gibson of Gibson Research has spoken to Dave Wright the Jungle Disk creator. Steve was impressed with the security of Jungle Disk. If Steve is impressed then I am satisfied.

The other source of satisfaction on this point is that Jungle Disk does not store the backup data in a proprietary format. The data can be accessed by any software that can access Amazon S3.

• Hosted by an established, large company

Amazon S3 service actually stores the backup data. You really cannot get much larger or more established on the Internet than Amazon. (and you thought they just sold books)

• Costing based on usage versus a set monthly cost

There is a minimal upfront cost of $20 for the Jungle Disk software. That does include a copy for all operating system platforms with lifetime upgrade support. Amazon does charge a monthly fee for storage and upload/download. The table below outlines storage costs:

Storage
$0.15 per GB-Month of storage used

Data Transfer
$0.10 per GB - all data transfer in

$0.18 per GB - first 10 TB / month data transfer out
$0.16 per GB - next 40 TB / month data transfer out
$0.13 per GB - data transfer out / month over 50 TB

Requests
$0.01 per 1,000 PUT or LIST requests
$0.01 per 10,000 GET and all other requests*
* No charge for delete requests
Jungle Disk has a great chart and calculator on their home page that simplifies this cost structure.

• Client software compatible with multiple operating systems

Jungle Disk is currently offered for Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. This also includes Windows server flavors including Windows Home Server.

• Rich option set on client software

Jungle Disk offers many options related to your backup routine as well as utilities to manage your S3 backup set.

• Backup interval from 5 minutes to a week
• Limit upload speed
• Clean up backup files (This option deletes files on your backup as you delete them on your hard drive)
• Choose multiple folders to backup and filter files by file type
• Options to keep multiple versions of files for a specified number of days
• View backup history to confirm backups are taking place
• Clean up utility to remove deleted files manually

I would STRONGLY recommend Jungle Disk. I frankly have not been this excited about software or a service in a long time. It handles a universal computer problem in a very sensible and smart manner. So many devices, software, and services come close, but usually miss the mark. That is not the case with Jungle Disk. It hits the mark in every category, and I cannot think of a single way to improve the software/service.

Labels: backup, Jungle Disk, Linux, Windows

Someone at Microsoft or their advertising agency has a good sense of humor.
Stay At Home Server

Coincidently, I am swapping out my dead Windows 2003 home server. I am going to try a recycled Gateway computer with some add-ons and Ubuntu Linux. My Father has provided some insight into loading Ubuntu without the graphical interface. I will update as the project moves forward this week.

Labels: home server, Linux, Microsoft, Ubuntu, Windows

It has long been rumored that Google has wanted to get into the personal computer operating system business. Based on Google's recent moves I doubt they want to go that far but instead have chosen to provide application support to those that want to build low-cost computers based on open source software.

Wal-Mart is now featuring a low-cost PC that is based on Linux with a nice mix of Google-hosted applications and built-in open source software. This isn't a "Black Friday" dash for a low-price computer. It is what appears to be an everyday item in the electronics department in many Wal-Mart stores. The Everex gPC is a low-power $198 computer with a nice mix of applications.

The applications pre-installed or linked to include Skype, Wikipedia, Google Docs, Gmail, Facebook, Google Maps, and Gimp. That is a package that will allow most people to take care of all of their needs. The obstacles that will cause problems for some users is difficulty in finding a printer or scanner that will work with the Linux Ubuntu operating system.

Not all Wal-Marts currently carry this low-priced computer, but many do have them in stock. My father recently saw one at the Deland, FL Wal-Mart store. Here is a list of stores that carry the gPC. One last feature that many will like is that this computer includes 24/7 toll-free phone tech support.

Labels: Google, Linux, thin client, Wal-Mart

Here is a good blog from someone who has ordered and plans on using the Zonbu computer day-to-day. http://mrzonbu.wordpress.com/

Labels: family, Linux, thin client

The Zonbu computer that I first reported about in May is finally available. I had hoped that the price would be lower so that it would be more accessible to everyone. They do offer a variety of monthly service plans that range from free to $19.99 per month. The higher cost plans if they are paid at sign-up for two years do offer up to $150 rebate on the hardware. That leads to a cost range from $249.00 for the basic plan for life up to $517.95 for the best plan for two years. You can try out different combinations very easily and quickly see the cost on the Zonbu web site.

A month ago I would have whole heartily recommended this computer to a family or light computer user. Since I have seen the possibility of a $199 notebook computer from Asus, I am somewhat hesitant to recommend Zonbu. Possibly Zonbu will lower their hardware costs when and if the Asus notebook hits the street for $199.

Labels: kids, Linux, thin client

Zonbu is soon to release a new type of computer for the home user. It features low power consumption and online backup of data. The greatest features are that it is always updated and includes many useful software applications.

The purchase cost is low, but there is a monthly subscription fee based on how much storage that you need. If you compare the costs of a computer, software, and backup media - this could be a positive product for someone that is not proficient in setting up or maintaining their own computer. This also covers computers for kids when the adult does not have the time to maintain the computer? (guilty) This will also keep the kids from "using" your computer. One downside of this computer for younger kids is that it will most likely not run any video games.

This type of computer is called a thin-client. The bulk of the storage and application data is stored on a central server somewhere. This not a new idea. It was discussed by several companies in the 90's. It has even been implemented by some organizations such as the Florida city of Largo.

Labels: kids, Linux, thin client