Virtual private network aka (VPN)

One of the things I love is VPN. It makes one able to connect to his work internal network from the comfort of one's home without actually having to get out and grab the bike and go there. Yes, more reasons to stay lazy, work on weekends or even late at night ... terrible. But actually handy sometimes, especially if your'e abroad and need to access the network or just do some work.

The software provided by the workplace is Cisco AnyConnect VPN client, which is excellent but not free nor open source. I found out that the open source OpenConnect VPN client, which is more convenient for Gnome-Desktop users, is compatible with Cisco. I found this article .. very useful indeed.

VPN is also helpful in case you need to access services that a given network has a subscription to ;)

Linux and I

It has been a while now since I was first introduced to Linux. My first distro, almost 2 years ago (end of 2009), was an OpenSuse. I had it installed as a virtual box under Vista. I tried to use it as a Windows substitute, as I was really amazed by the open source concept. Nevertheless, I did not really have a motivation to make the transition. My use of the virtual box faded until I almost forgot about it.

Last February, I was introduced to a new software that run under Linux. So I had my second virtual box, Ubuntu this time. I had to learn a little bit about bash, more details on the Linux file structure. Before I knew it, I was a potential for a Linux geek :) It seems that help is always there online when you need it (provided you knew what the problem is). I skimmed two references that I always keep nearby (The Ubuntu Bible and Ubuntu Unleashed).

In less than two month, I abolished Windows off my PC and was a pure Ubuntu. I'd really give my vote to Linux at any given argument. Nevertheless, someone has to do something about office productivity if Linux is to be a Win substitute. That's why I keep a Win system for MS-Office works.

I guess I have learnt a couple of tricks through my work. I like to share what I've learnt here. It is the best way to look up what did one do before ;)