We’ll introduce you to Python, an easy-to-learn scripting language, and also help you get started creating your own practical Python scripts.

When foreign characters occur in program code or data, Perl programmers need a solution that avoids the tribulations of Babel.

The trick to optimization is to save time in the right places.

This month we look at photo stitching, photo gallery software, and the Atunes music player.

Klaus Knopper is the creator of Knoppix and co-founder of the LinuxTag expo. He currently works as a teacher, programmer, and consultant. If you have a configuration problem, or if you just want to learn more about how Linux works, send your questions to: klaus@linux-magazine. com

Are you interested in storing, organizing, and searching instant messaging conversations on your IMAP server? The Perl script in this month’s column can help you do just that.

This month, we look at free projects as a replacement for Flash and Java. Both Flash and Java are so widespread that you can’t realistically do without them, so it’s a pity that both are released under proprietary licenses. The community has started to remedy the situation.

Working in the shell has many benefits. Pipelines, redirectors, and chains of commands give users almost infinite options.