I’ve been using Linux for almost 13 years. I’ve been answering folks questions about Linux for almost 13 years too. And if you asked me to give you an answer how to find something on your Linux server via Twitter in 140 characters, I’d not be able to do it. In fact, I’d not even try it. No friggin’ way.

Well, thankfully a much smarter and much more experienced person did just that. Found a way to answer questions about Linux in 140 characters or less for most anything you could want to find in Linux.

Dead serious.

One of the biggest challenges we face in using Linux and UNIX on servers is how to find files or small strings of text lost in the labyrinthine file system of a server. “Where was that executable?” “PHPMailerHost? Where’s that?”

Fortunately, most Linux (and UNIX) systems provide two powerful tools for searching.

IT veteran Don R. Crawley says that you can almost always find anything you want in the file system with either the “find” or the “grep” commands. These are just two of the commands he explains in his new book, Tweeting Linux, 140 Linux Configuration Commands Explained in 140 Characters or Less.

Tweeting Linux: 140 Linux Configuration Commands Explained in 140 Characters or Less is a straight-forward approach to learning Linux commands. Each command is first explained in 140 characters or less, then examples of usage are shown in screen captures, and finally more details are given when necessary to explain command usage. You’ll see the most commonly-used commands, plus a few gems you might not know about.

Don R. Crawley writes from experience and has an informative blog too. The book is on sale at Amazon for $30.00 and well worth the peace and quiet information that your forgetful friends will gain from this book. Give it a look!

[ Links: Tweeting Linux: 140 Linux Configuration Commands Explained in 140 Characters or Less ]

Armed with an adjustable, articulated back stand, the Zero Chroma allows for multiple hands-free viewing angles whether the Apple iPad is in landscape or portrait mode.

The Zero Chroma Vario Apple iPad case allows for:

• 16-Angle Rotating Theater-Stand – Pick almost any desired angle for hands-free movies, reading, typing, gaming, surfing, etc.
• Landscape & Portrait Modes – Rotate the stand until it clicks into place in landscape or portrait, then pick an angle.
• Unlimited Handle-Modes – Effortlessly hold the stand in any number of handle-modes.
• Anti-Slip Rubber Bumpers & Stand Tip – Bang away on the keyboard – no worries.
• Slim, Fold-Flat Features – When the show’s over, the slim, fold-flat stand hides itself within the case.
• Interior Rubber Shock Absorbtion – Cushions and protects, like a helmet.
• Reversible Screen-Shield Mode – Pop the case off, flip it, and snap it on the screen – then throw it in your bag and relax.
• Wrist Strap Ready

Despite having an articulated back and rugged looks, it still doesn’t seem to add a lot to the Apple iPad – it still looks like an iPad, not something else – and comes in Black, White (pictured) and Pink. Retails for $69.95, Zero Chroma also has cases for the Apple iPhone 4, iPod Touch and Amazon Kindle.

I seriously could have used this on my last trip!

[ Links: Zero Chroma ]

The iPad is a unique innovation that allows people to access the internet, personal documents, and a variety of applications while on the go. The iPad combines the best features of a laptop and an iPhone in order to offer uses a tablet that is easy to transport, fun to use, and includes a screen just big enough to comfortably watch videos, browse pictures, and even read books. However, while the iPad was the first and currently most popular tablet to be released, there are a variety of others that can compete with its technology.

The Blackberry Playbook.

This tablet offers users a 1 GHz dual-core processor, 1 GB of RAM, and all of the capabilities of a laptop. The Blackberry Playbook is great for internet browsing, game play, video, and can even be used for video conferencing. What makes this tablet an iPad competitor is its Flash capabilities and its camera. While the screen is almost three inches smaller than the iPad, users can take pictures and enjoy carrying a lighter tablet.

The Dell Streak.

Currently, at five inches, this is the smallest tablet offered. While this may appeal to some users, others might dismiss this tablet in favor of one offering a bigger screen. However, this tablet is extremely portable, offers a camera, and at $299, is much more affordable than the iPad.

The WePad Android Tablet.

The WePad is an 11.6 inch tablet, offering a 1.66GHz processor, memory expansion options, a camera, and supports Flash. This tablet also has a SIM card slot and two USB ports, which is an upgrade from the iPad. While this tablet offers users a larger number of features than the iPad, it is a bit pricey. These tablets range from $611 to $744, which may just place them out of many consumers’ price range.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab.

This Android tablet will appeal to users comfortable with Google. This tablet is also priced approximately $100 less than the iPad and includes a camera, which the iPad is lacking. While 7-inch tablet may not be as large as the iPad, it supports Flash, offers memory expansion options, and will appeal to shoppers looking for a deal.

The Amazon Kindle 3G.

There are a number of things about the Kindle 3G that makes it a strong iPad competitor. The first thing is its price. The Kindle 3G retails for $189, which is hundreds of dollars cheaper than even the most affordable iPad. The second thing is the fact that the Kindle screen uses e-ink, and can be read easily outside in direct sunlight. While users cannot watch videos or use apps, the affordable price is a huge benefit to many budget conscious consumers with simple needs.

When she’s not getting excited about new gadgets, Britney Baker writes about prepaid cell phones for PrepaidCellphones.net. Her latest article took a look at the GoPhone from AT&T.

Sporting a lower price, a better high-contrast e-Ink screen and a much slimmer design, the new generation of the Amazon Kindle comes in built-in wi-fi and double the storage. Other features include a much better battery and the same 6″ screen size but much smaller bezels around the screen.

Kindle is our #1 bestselling item for two years running. It’s also the most-wished-for, most-gifted, and has the most 5-star reviews of any product on Amazon. Now it’s even better.

• All-New, High-Contrast E-Ink Screen – 50% better contrast than any other e-reader
• Read in Bright Sunlight – No glare
• New and Improved Fonts – New crisper, darker fonts
• New Sleek Design – 21% smaller body while keeping the same 6″ size reading area
• 17% Lighter – Only 8.5 ounces, weighs less than a paperback
• Battery Life of Up to One Month – A single charge lasts up to one month with wireless off
• Double the Storage – Up to 3,500 Books
• Built-In Wi-Fi – Shop and download books in less than 60 seconds
• 20% Faster Page Turns – Seamless reading
• Enhanced PDF Reader – With dictionary lookup, notes, and highlights
• New WebKit-Based Browser – Browse the web over Wi-Fi (experimental)

Currently up for pre-order at $139 via Amazon.com

[ Links: Amazon Kindle Pre-Order ]

Once again, I’ll be sitting back watching the news and surfing the internet while somebody unfortunately gets trampled for a relatively inexpensive gadget somewhere in America. Let’s save some lives as well as some money… the following links will hopefully save both.

Dealnews Black Friday Deals – Some Black Friday deals are already active, more tomorrow
Black Friday 2009 – Another collection of Black Friday deals and announcements of best deals
Dealighted’s Black Friday Deals – True to form, Dealighted.com also has some collected Black Friday Deals online
Fatwallet Black Friday/Cyber Monday Reviews – The great thing about Fatwallet is that the members will outright tell you the pros and cons of the ongoing sales
Black Friday Watcher by Deals2buy.com – Yet another ongoing list of Black Friday sales, with some online sales that aren’t highly publicized
Amazon.com Black Friday Deals – Get your refresh button finger ready… some killer deals indeed pop up there

Even though I joke, who knows… this might just save a life or two. Hope that you get everything that you’re looking for.

[ Related: RTL Deals ]

Everybody loves Amazon.com, right? It’s convenient, it’s trusted, it’s huge and sometimes it’s the cheapest place to shop for certain items. And every now-and-then, it’s incredibly cheap. But those heavily discounted items can be hidden under all of the items offered at the Amazon site. And did you know that Amazon sometimes has coupons? That’s right, certain items can be bought for even a bit cheaper. But how?

Enter Top Hot Deal [ site here ] who brings to the table a unique way to save money via Amazon discount codes and percentages off on a site I use (honestly) at least twice a month for quite a few purchases. For instance, let’s say you’re looking for a belt you’re in need to replace. Hit up Top Hot Deal, click Amazon discount deals, then click Apparel & Accessories then click on (and I’m being greedy here) 90% discount. In my search via the site, I came up to a belt that could take a buckle for 77 cents in the first few search results.

Go to Amazon directly, search for belts. Then change to Men’s, then sort by price. That same item price still doesn’t initially show up. It was hidden a bit on the third or so page – the price on my initial find came up still under its original price of $18.95 instead of the killer 77 cent deal I found on the same belt. This isn’t saying that the Amazon.com search is a pain in the butt horribly flawed, but I found my experience via Top Hot Deal rather easy and quick.

Just wish I went to the site first when I just bought “The Lost Symbol”. Found a coupon that could have saved me a few more dollars. Live and learn I guess.

Note: Sorry for the delay on this week’s Save Money Monday feature. Due to a server issue, things got delayed but all is fine now.

[ TopHotDeal: Amazon Discounts Codes ] [ Related: RTL Deals ] [ Amazon ]

After the incredible Foreign Exchange “Leave It All Behind” where we saw the collaboration of dutch producer Nicolay and North Carolina native Phonte from Little Brother, thus Foreign Exchange, change their direction in not only music but also vocals – Phonte and company actually sang on the entire album as opposed to the 2004 debut from Foreign Exchange “Connected” which saw Nicolay’s soulful musical chops and Phonte’s lyrical ability.

Simply put… just like the last Foreign Exchange, City Lights Volume 2: Shibuya is “grown folks music”. After taking a quick listen to the snippets on Amazon [ click here to sample ] I cannot help but think that Nicolay channeled George Duke and a few other musicians that you would not normally bring up when talking about a normally hip-hop producer.

A radical move on their part where two people… no, where two musicians are showing their talent and love for music that came before them – jazz, soul, funk, early hiphop, electronica, etc. – and doing it in a way that is distinctly their own music, not some watered down tribute or facade.

Bravo Nicolay. Bravo Foreign Exchange. That’s twice in a year y’all got my money on your music. Get “Lose Your Way” for free today too.

[ Amazon ]

The KOR ONE – all caps like MF DOOM – is a BPA-free hydration vessel. Yes, hydration vessel.

Don’t you dare call it a mere “water bottle”.

Currently on sale at KOR ONE‘s website and Amazon.com, this $29.99 hydration vessel is stylish enough to make you stand out, yet environmental friendly enough to show that you care – less water bottles in the landfill is a very good thing ya’ll.

The 750ml (very solid) plastic container with a very wide mouth is easy to refill – and I can slide in ice cubes as well. Seriously, the mouth of this thing is sizable. And while you flip the KOR ONE lid, you’ll be greeted with a personal mission statement on the replaceable KOR Stone inserts. A good way to personalize your experience.

After getting my personal water cooler in my house, where I trade in the 5 gallon water bottles, I’ve seen that I’ll buy one water bottle while out, come home, refill it for a while. The price is $29.99 and as many bottles as I’ve gone through, to me it’s worth well it mainly because I will keep that many more water bottles out of the landfill. And currently at KOR Water’s website, you can get free shipping until 12/31/2008.

[ KOR Water ]

Next!

Prior RTL* Last Second Shopper Gift Guide Options:

• #10 – Nike Zoom Potro PrizeFlight Premium
• #11 – Tank Theory Dungeons Belt Buckle
• #12 – Vaja Case iVolution Case for the Apple iPhone3G

Ok. If you wasted away the last few hours of the holiday shopping doing things you’d rather do like watch football, drink beer or basically procrastinate like no other… you might be able to save a bit of face even still going into the Christmas Day.

How? Let ol’ Uncle Will tell you how…

First off, if you need to, go to Apple.com and purchase an iTunes Music Store gift card. Or check out Amazon.com and purchase and order a gift card from them. Got a person looking for some new or customized sneakers, hit up NikeID.com and also purchase and e-mail your gift card to the person you seriously need to make up for your procrastination.

If you’re in the need to have something physical to place under the tree and you’re in the US, hit up the local Walgreen‘s and CVS stores. Not only will they have batteries that you more than likely forgot, but they will have small items that you could purchase real quick for a cheap gift to place under the Christmas tree.

And if you’re really desperate, hit up the local gas station. Nothing says “I was really thinking about you” more than a Snickers bar with a bright red bow on it.

Glory to the last second shopper. I’m glad I finished my shopping last month

Happy Holidays all…

Even though the color just doesn’t do me any justice, I thought that I’d share some cool headphone news and an Amazon and TigerDirect exclusive for a very good cause… the copy and paste is below:

Music enthusiasts can now enjoy renowned sound quality while also supporting an important cause close to many hearts: through the end of May 2008, audio specialist Sennheiser Electronic Corporation is offering a bubblegum-pink version of the best-selling CX 300 ear-canal headphone via select retailers to support Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

$8.99, or 10%, of the MSRP for each limited-edition CX 300-Pink—the vibrant variant of Sennheiser’s popular CX 300 ear-canal headphones—will be donated directly to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The organization strives to cure breast cancer at every stage and is made up of both survivors and activists.

Like the CX 300, the new CX 300-Pink seals off ambient noise with comfortable ear adapters, which come in three different sizes for a perfect seal. The powerful bass-driven headphones are a must for music lovers and are an ideal complement for virtually any portable music and gaming device.

The CX 300-Pink is available now exclusively at Amazon.com and TigerDirect.com with an MSRP of $89.95.

And more about Susan G. Komen:

About Susan G. Komen for the Cure
The organization has regional affiliates in 125 cities and communities and is the world’s largest and most progressive grassroots network of its kind. For more information, visit the Susan G. Komen website.