Things you can do with Linux: Program Your DVR

I'm not a Linux person. I approach a new OS with trepidation. My memory stretches back to the days of frequent OS crashes -- at least the bomb on the Mac was cute. (The Sad Face was real trouble.)

I know Linux has many virtues, of operating stability, plus it's free. Fine for the command-line people. But what about the average user, like me, who just wants to get things done? Can computers outpace the methods of paper and pencil and string around the finger?  What's Out There for the Linux platform that will work on the CherryPal?

Found a surprise on a recent Lifehacker posting. There's a program for Linux that let's you control your VCR through your computer. Details posted below. (We have a TiVo so probably won't be testing this immediately -- but someone else might find this just the thing to organize their lives.)

MythTV (Linux)

MythTV
is a free, open source DVR application. First released way back in
2002, MythTV is one of the first homebrew DVR apps. Once only a viable
option for veteran Linux users and hackers, MythTV has evolved into an
excellent DVR app for those of us lacking much Linux experience,
although it still remains a system tweaker's dream. MythTV is available
in several flavors, including KnoppMyth, a Linux live CD with MythTV preloaded, and Mythbuntu, a MythTV-focused distribution of Ubuntu.

Bing's the Thing: New Netbook from CherryPal

Green, low-cost PC maker CherryPal will present its newest innovation: the Bing nettop computer during Sundance Film Festival, this week in Park City, Utah. The introduction of the new 10.2' wide-screen Intel AtomTM N270 based Cherrypal Bing netbook. Battery life will be five hours for this ultra-efficient machine, and with ease-of-use built in from conception as well as an attractive size/price point, it is ideal for busy filmmakers as well as consumers. Running on the basis of the Linux based GreenMaraschino operating environment, Bing was designed for environmentally savvy, budget minded consumers, and provides excellent web browsing, file sharing, media and music capabilities. It can be used with or without the CherrypalCloud™, which makes the user experience simple, efficient and highly secure.

Excellent news! While setting up my CherryPal 114, I'm thinking, I'm really into portable computing now. I am perhaps spoiled by owning a MacBook and an iTouch; I prefer to think of it as advanced user interface study. Portables seem to fit the busy contemporary lifestyle of staying in touch. Early adopters who are curious about what the CherryPal has to offer can take advantage of 2-for-1 pricing this week, in honor of Sundance.

Details and tech specs in the press release of Jan. 18:
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/01/prweb1879064.htm