Open source apps and other fun time-wasters

I came across several posts recently from people writing about new open source apps, toys, and gadgets with which they’ve been whiling away the summer hours. I thought I’d round up some of them for you in case you’ve missed them and invite you to plug some of your own. They don’t have to be brand new — just new to you.

First, you might want to check out what’s on blogger Bob Sutor’s list in “Life with Linux: More apps.” He includes descriptions of Wallpapoz, a desktop app for Ubuntu; something called JungleDisk for online storage; and a few text editors he has tried out.

Also, truly moonlighting this time over at ghacks.net, Jack Wallen posted a review of the RPG game Eschalon Book I, which is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. He tells you all about it, along with instructions for getting and installing it (free demo version, but a reasonable $19.95 to download the full version).

Next on my list is the flight simulator my husband has been playing around with at home — FlightGear. For free, it’s a pretty nice program. You can fly over Alcatraz in a Cessna or test your skills in an F-15. Being a nervous air passenger, I’ve never felt the urge to be a pilot, but I did take a turn “flying” last night. It was realistic enough to actually make feel a little stressed when I found myself hurtling toward San Francisco Bay. I quickly gave up the co-pilot’s seat. Check out the FlightGear wiki for more details.

The last thing I’ll mention is the Das Keyboard release of special keycaps for Mac and Linux. Do you want to see Tux on your keyboard? It should make a nice, geeky addition to your Linux setup.