Wireless Keyboard for Linux

After building my new home Linux based workstation i was left with a slight issue with physical space for a keyboard, the tradional full size WYSE keyboard i was using just failed to fit comfortably on my desk. After a quick visit to ebuyer i spotted the Keysonic ACK540RF Mini wireless keyboard with a built in touchpad. My only concern at the time of purchase was the compatability with Linux, however after some reseach i took the plunge

The keyboard has been a great success, good key action but a rather difficult placement of the CTRL key. The batteries last very well due to a good power saving implmentation by Keysonic, you can take the keyboard out of power save mode by pressing the 'ESC' key which works flawlessly. The Linux integration works very well with a true plug and play experience, the USB dongle provides an amazing range for the wireless function. All in All a great device,You can pickup this item now for around £30 from ebuyer and amazon......a Very Nice Linux Device but change that CTRL key placement !

Mindmaps for Projects

I use Mindmaps to help me deliver projects, this technique of using mindmaps as project support documents really helps me co-ordinate activities within plans across multiple projects, in effect visualizing a programme of project activities. I recently changed my software tool that i use to create the Mindmaps i now use to the open source Xmind application, for which i can provide a hearty recommendation.

The real trick of mindmapping is ensuring you have the discipline to update the mindmap on a very regular basis along with your other project logs and project support documentation. I am a Prince2 Practitioner and i have adopted the methodology where possible in my work environment, i really should work out what the mindmap could replace if at anything in my project support documents.However for the time being i am happy to be possibly duplicating effort.

If you feel you could benefit from mindmapping check out the wikipedia article below for a guide to Mindmaps

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_map

Also search for Xmind on google or indeed Freemind which is another great open source application. You may also enjoy this article on lifehacker which reviews both free of cost and commercial mindmapping applications

http://lifehacker.com/5188833/hive-five-five-best-mind-mapping-applications