IBM has published the following new technical articles, tutorials, and downloads on its DeveloperWorks website. They cover a range of interesting (though not necessarily embedded) technical topics, primarily related to Linux and open source system development. Some require free registration. Enjoy . . . !

• “Knock” Some Sense into your Linux Laptop — Using Linux and the HDAPS kernel drivers, you can access the embedded accelerometers on Lenovo ThinkPads, then process the accelerometer data to read specific sequences of “knocking” events — literally rapping on the laptop case with your knuckles — and run commands based on those knocks. Double tap to lock the screen, and knock in your secret code to unlock. You can also download and use article Perl scripts to customize your own knocking input environment.
• Go beyond the basic browser with Rich Internet Applications — Rich Internet Applications (RIAs) go beyond the standard limited set of conventional user interface (UI) controls provided by HTML. RIAs provide users with a much richer set of controls, and a more sophisticated server interaction mechanism. Developers and architects might be particularly interested in this discussion of Laszlo, XUL, XForms, Macromedia Flex, and Dojo — the common technologies currently available in this area.
• Build a better mashups with XQuery — The new paradigm of Web application development goes far beyond the traditional Model-View-Controller (MVC) model. Unfortunately, many Ajax Web application frameworks, such as Direct Web Remoting (DWR) and JavaServer Faces (JSF), can present challenges. Learn how XQuery can be effective in facing these challenges, as you build a powerful mashup application.
• Take Control in the Bash Shell — Get an introduction to the Bash shell, which you can use on nearly any UNIX-based operating system. Bash is a mature, powerful, yet easy-to-use shell that is freely available. This tutorial provides an overview of Bash, as well as how to work at a command prompt, with files and directories, customizing, and job control all within the Bash shell. Also learn more about the UNIX file system.
• Developing your first Eclipse RCP application — The objective of the Eclipse Rich Client Platform (RCP) is to enable Eclipse to be used in a wide range of end-user applications that are not integrated development environments (IDEs). With the release of Eclipse V3.1, it is easy to create RCP applications. This tutorial will guide you step by step in building your very own RCP application.
• Create an embedded Derby database Ajax application — Derby is a great database for Ajax applications — particularly if the client and server are on the same host — due to Derby's zero admin requirements and ability to be embedded. This article explains all the steps and requirements to create an embedded database and Web server Ajax application. This simple demonstration of using Ajax with Derby serves as a foundation for understanding the ease of embedding Derby in Web applications.
• PHP encryption for the common man — In this increasingly virtual online world, you have to be careful to protect your data. Get an overview of what it means to encrypt and decrypt information, as well as some practical examples involving passwords and other data, using PHP's built-in functionality. With this information you can make your next PHP project a security success.
• Power Architecture's New Identity — Michael E. Sullivan of IBM discusses how Power Architecture technology is being reborn under Power.org as a community-driven architecture and brand inspired by the open-source Linux model. Learn what motivated the changes, what they will mean for customers and partners, and what the new logo symbolizes.

 
This article was originally published on LinuxDevices.com and has been donated to the open source community by QuinStreet Inc. Please visit LinuxToday.com for up-to-date news and articles about Linux and open source.