Drupal, Linux and Other Observations

Tools

PDF Manipulation with pdftk

I recently had the need to combine multiple PDF's into a single file.  Since I did not own any PDF manipulation software I naturally hit Google for potential solutions.  Of course, I got 53M matches that led to a bunch of scams and online services.  However, when I added +Ubuntu to my search I quickly found a solution and within 10 minutes had delivered a single, merged PDF file to my client.  Man...I love the world of open source.

Upgrading Open Atrium to 1.0-beta8

I heard my phone go off the other day and it was a Twitter message announcing the new release of Open Atrium from Development Seed.  They are up to 1.0 beta-8 and with each release a few more things get fixed and the whole product gets a little tighter and a little bit better.  The release announcement promised that this update contains some of the biggest changes since last wi

Mind Mapping with FreeMind

Since there never seems to be enough time in ANY day I am always looking for ways to save time and be more efficient.  It is rare that I come across something which not only saves time but also improves my deliverables.  About a year ago I was introduced to the concept of mind maps and an open source Java application called FreeMind.  Since that time I have found both to be invaluable tools in my everyday processes.