Record your Skype Calls now!

Skype Call recorder is an open source tool that enables you to automatically or manually record your skype calls on Linux. It's easy to configure and can record calls in MP3, Ogg Vorbis or WAV files. After installation, you can find it under Accessories menu.

One of my clients required me to take down minutes of their conference call and knowing that I can't be able to gather all their ideas at once, I decided to have an audio copy of the conference for reference. I also use SkypeCallRecorder if there are instructions to be given through Skype just to make sure I won't miss any details.

The only problem I had with this tool is that when you run multiple instances of Skype it won't record any of your calls and when you're the one hosting the conference call the recording won't work properly.

Actually, it was my first time to attend my client's conference call to take down the minutes and first time to use the application as well. I had two instances of Skype, one is for my VA account and Jan's account (I was using Jan's account in attending the conference, don't have skype credits in mine) and I was too confident that it would record my calls so I attended the conference and listened to 7 people of different cultures and when the conference was over I searched for the audio file in my directory and found nothing :( . But still I was able to come up with the minutes, an incomplete and short one.

I think this tool is beneficial for all VAs working in Linux environment while for windows users they don't have windows version yet, but I hope soon they'll come up with it since SkypeCallRecorder is really great! Start downloading and record your skype calls now! :)

WHY I LOVE OPEN SOURCE?

I am a loyalist! That's why all these years I'm a fan of commercial software. I usually don't trust unknown software especially open source because I have this impression that they're not reliable and safe. Hahahah! But that was before, before I worked with Virtual Assistant Technologies Inc. In here, we are obliged to work in a Linux environment, which is a well known open source operating system(OS). At first, I was not that comfortable with UBUNTU but after few months I get used to it. Not just used to it, I learn to love it! I learn to love open source!

Using open source software in my daily work gradually changed my perspective towards open source. It opened my mind to all the beneficial factors that it gives and I can say that I am also well informed of the disadvantages that it possesses. Disadvantages that might turn into an advantage through learning to interact in their community while asking questions,hearing answers, comments and feedbacks from other users and eventually gain friendship and wider knowledge.

Few people try to criticize open source because like me years ago, they also believe that it's not reliable since it's free. Yes, it is free but that doesn't mean they are not safe or non-reliable, these criticizers doesn't know who are the people behind the open source software development and they judge them without knowing that. Men behind the development of these softwares are great and intelligent individuals who tried to create options for us. Oppps!!! STOP! Maybe I need to end this issue here before I get attached to it. :)

Okay, so back to my love and interest to open source. Here are the software that I love most and the reasons why.

UBUNTU - I love its interface, especially the 3D desktop wherein I can play with it whenever I get bored with my work. :)

GIMP - Of course, most of us know Adobe Photoshop and you'll tell me "What's that? Never heard!". GIMP is an open source alternative for Photoshop, Corel or any commercialize Graphics/image Editor software. GIMP works almost the same with other commercial software, they have similar features and functionalities but of course there are differences too. I love GIMP nowadays and I use it more often that Photoshop.

PIDGIN - Pidgin is an IM software, an alternative for Yahoo Messenger. Though it has no webcam feature it enables you to add multiple accounts such as AIM, Yahoo Messenger and etc.

BOXEE! - I love Boxee! No need to explain the point is it's lovable! I swear! :)

And more to come! :)

dotProject - Open Source Project Management Software

Climbing the stairs towards fame is dotProject,the Sourceforge.net's Project of the Month for April 2009. dotProject is an open source project management tool developed by a group of brilliant people lead by Adam Donnison. The project started way back 2001 but upon the midst of its development the original team who planned and developed the system was no way to be reached but in persistence of the new team dotProject undergo continuous improvement.

dotProject aims to help not just project managers but other users who dwell most likely to tons of projects and tasks from time to time. It is mainly designed to gather information and generate progress reports for certain projects and tasks. It also includes a detailed information for each project and tasks status. Visit dotProject website and explore its functionality.

BOXEE!

Who doesn't love entertainment? I mean any form of it like movies and music. Nah! I know you do love it too. As I surf the Internet and look for a cool and latest topic to write, I came up with a list and top of the list is BOXEE. Why Boxee? You'll know after reading this article. : )

Just like other entertainment software/applications, Boxee can play movies and music, it also gathers album artworks just like other media players. Other features that sets it apart from others are the following:

It plays content from services like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Shoutcast, Last.fm, Flickr, Picasa, CNN and a lot more.

It pulls in video podcasts and if you want a podcast Boxee doesn’t offer, just add the URL of the feed.

You can share what you’re watching with other Boxee users and they can share their viewing habits – and recommendations – with you.

Boxee's highlighted feature is that these internet-based contents are viewable in your televisions. Imagine accessing these contents while sitting comfortable in a couch with a remote in your hand to navigate through it. Isn't it great!

One more thing, this Boxee software is absolutely free. It is an open source software and its current version works with Intel-based Macs, Apple TV and Linux machines (Ubuntu). For Windows users, Boxee windows version is on its way so better get ready soon!

And I hope now you know why I had this article featured. Excited to have one? Download Boxee here and I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I do.