XBMC as DLNA/UPnP Digital Media renderer (DMR)

XBMC can be easily configured as DLNA/UPnP  Digital Media renderer (DMR).

Digital Media Renderer (DMR): These devices play content received from a digital media controller (DMC), which will find content from a digital media server (DMS).

Examples :
DMR : PC / laptop with XBMC running
DMC : Your smart phone - Android and iphone has many applications so it can be used as DMC
DMS : NAS or PC/Laptop with DLNA server running. There are many free DLNA servers are available like serviio, PS3 media server, Twonly, etc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3Fl1JO3Elg

Configuration: 
Start XBMC --> Settings --> Network --> Allow Control of XBMC via UPnP
That's it - you're done. Open DMC app on your smart phone and enjoy....

  

Raspberry Pi alternatives

Raspberry Pi  has created endless focus and possibilities for small, inexpensive computers, Fortunately, it's not alone in the marketplace. Here are few alternatives that offer power as well as comfort to your wallet.

BeagleBoard

It is from Texas Instruments and provides a highly flexible development platform. However, at $150 and lot more expensive than the $35 Raspberry Pi B.

VIA APC

Taiwanese VIA Technologies announced it will begin selling its Android-based APC system in July 2012 at price around $49, However, extra cash buys you more USB slots, RAM and many other goodies. You can register on their website to get latest information on release date and price.

Intel NUC

Although it's also why above $35 Raspberry Pi's price range at $100, Intel's Next Unit of Computing packs on some beefy hardware with ability to mighty Windows. It is not yet available and expected release in the latter half of 2012.

MK802

At price tag of $74, the MK802 is Android-based mini system. It is very compact and looks amazing. Unfortunately like the Raspberry Pi, the MK802 is currently out of stock :(

Windows DLNA player / renderer / client

The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) is a non-profit organization established by Sony in mid 2003. It is responsible for defining interoperability guidelines to enable sharing of digital media between consumer devices such as computers, printers, cameras, cell phones, and other multimedia devices.

There are many DLNA servers available in market both in paid and freeware segments. However, there are very few DLNA player/renderer/client (DMR) which can be remotely managed by your smart phone. So if your PC/laptop is hooked up with speakers then from your mobile phone (as remote) you can play any music/video/photos.

1. XBMC -  How to configure & YouTube
2. Twonky Media Manager : Video & Audio
3. Foobar2000 supports via the Foo_UPnP plugin: only Audio - Freeware
4. Samsung All Share :  Video & Audio - Freeware

Ubuntu share internet via ethernet

Recently I tried setting up the laptop computer in my home to share its wireless Internet connection via Ethernet to my Playstation 3.
Let me explain : I'm using wifi on my laptop and connected to VPN to login into specific region. I also want my Playstation 3 to connect to VPN to access few region specific content.

You may have your old computer which doesn't support wifi and you want to hook up into your home network.

Step 1: Open and Edit Network Connections

Step 2: Go to IPv4 Settings - Method : Shared to other computers

Step 2: Go to IPv6 Settings - Method : Ignore

That's it : Now connect both the devices using ethernet cable and you're done!

Screenshot or Region Capture in Ubuntu (Snagit)

Snagit is really nice software for windows which lets you capture sections of a screen, entire webpages or your full screen view. If you’re running Ubuntu then unfortunately Snagit is not available for you. However, there is an alternative of Snagit called "GIMP"



Open Gimp and go to File>Aquire>Screenshot


From this screen you can take a screenshot, capture a region or capture a selected window. Moreover, what is very helpful  is the ability to set a delay in seconds.