Technology Tales

diagrams.net

Formerly known as draw.io, this diagramming and visual design tool enables users to create technical diagrams, flowcharts and system visualisations through a browser-based editor that requires no installation or account registration. The software runs primarily in web browsers but also offers desktop versions for Linux, macOS and Windows, supporting both online and offline diagram creation. Users can produce a wide range of outputs including flowcharts, UML diagrams, network infrastructure maps, entity relationship diagrams, organisation charts, floor plans and mind maps through a drag-and-drop interface with extensive shape libraries and templates.

Files can be saved locally or directly to cloud storage services such as Google Drive, OneDrive, GitHub, GitLab and Dropbox without passing through intermediary servers, and diagrams can be exported in multiple formats including PNG, JPEG, SVG, PDF and HTML. The editor integrates with collaboration platforms like Atlassian Confluence, Jira, Nextcloud, MediaWiki and Notion, allowing diagrams to be edited within documentation systems.

Released under the Apache 2.0 licence, the tool is free to use and particularly popular among developers and engineers who appreciate its ability to store diagrams as simple XML files that can be version-controlled in Git repositories alongside code. The project evolved from early graph visualisation work beginning in 2000, launching as Diagramly in 2011 before being renamed draw.io in 2012 and moving to diagrams.net in 2020, with development maintained by JGraph Ltd operating from the United Kingdom and Switzerland.

JFrog provides a software supply chain management platform that serves as a centralised system for managing, securing and governing software and AI assets throughout the development lifecycle. The platform includes various products such as Artifactory for artifact management, Xray, Curation, Distribution, Container Registry, Connect and JFrog ML, all designed to help organisations accelerate software delivery whilst reducing complexity for development teams. The company positions itself as offering ecosystem freedom through automated and integrated tools that support various roles including developers, DevOps teams, security professionals and AI/MLOps practitioners. With a customer base that includes over eighty per cent of Fortune 100 companies across multiple industries, the platform aims to break down silos in software delivery by providing one unified record for the entire software supply chain. JFrog offers free trials, demonstrations and self-guided tours for organisations interested in evaluating the platform, alongside resources such as documentation, community forums, security research and educational materials about software supply chain topics.

drive

Server Backups to Google Drive Using the Drive CLI Tool

Setting up a backup system using the Drive CLI tool involves several straightforward steps. First, the Drive application must be downloaded and configured on the local machine, ensuring it is executable and accessible via the command line. Authorisation follows, requiring a user to visit a specific URL provided by the tool and input a code obtained from Google's authentication process. This step generates a credentials file that must be securely stored. Once authorised, the user can begin transferring data to Google Drive by specifying a destination folder and the local files to be uploaded. The push command checks for existing files on the remote server and only uploads new or modified content, ensuring efficiency. To automate this process, a script can be created that archives data locally, uploads it to Google Drive and removes older backups to manage storage space. This script is then scheduled to run at regular intervals using cron, allowing for consistent and unattended backups. The approach minimises manual intervention while ensuring data is regularly secured in the cloud.

dbxcli: A command line tool for Dropbox users and team admins

This is a third-party command-line interface tool for interacting with Dropbox, offering functionalities such as file management, search and team administration through the Dropbox API. It is not officially supported by Dropbox and users should be aware that features may be incomplete or unstable. The tool can be installed via pre-compiled binaries or by building from source, requiring development keys obtained through Dropbox's API dashboard. It supports a range of commands for file operations and team management, with documentation available for users seeking to contribute or troubleshoot.

Lustre

This open-source parallel file system supports the demanding requirements of high-performance computing simulation environments used in leadership-class applications. The platform offers comprehensive resources for both developers and potential users, including documentation, software downloads and community support channels. Key features include a releases roadmap outlining scheduled updates and major features, development opportunities for community participation through code contribution, testing and benchmarking activities, and an extensive wiki covering topics such as administration, architecture, monitoring and training. The project maintains active mailing lists, hosts regular administrator and developer workshops, and provides tools for issue submission and collaborative advancement of the file system's capabilities.

FileInfo

This online database provides detailed information about more than 10,000 file extensions and the software programs that can open them. The platform allows users to search for unknown file types and learn about their associated formats, whilst also offering the ability to upload files directly for identification. Featured content includes daily highlights of specific file formats such as JPEG Network Graphic images and musical notation files, alongside weekly listings of commonly searched extensions like executable files, Android packages and compressed archives. The service recommends universal file viewing utilities for different operating systems and maintains updated information about file formats, with the database being freely searchable for anyone needing to identify or work with unfamiliar file types.

PDFsharp

PDFsharp and MigraDoc are open-source .NET libraries designed for generating, modifying and merging PDF documents, offering tools for creating reports, invoices and other structured content with layout capabilities. Both support cross-platform use on Windows, Linux and Mac and integrate with various .NET versions. Additional services include commercial licensing for closed-source or enterprise applications, technical support, contract development and tailored solutions for advanced requirements, with options for custom integration and expert assistance provided by the developers at empira Software GmbH.

SnapLogic offers an integration platform designed to unify data, applications and AI across enterprises, enabling scalable automation and innovation through low-code tools, pre-built connectors and secure workflows. The platform supports data orchestration, API management and AI-driven automation, with features tailored for diverse industries and use cases. Recognised by industry analysts and awarded for its user-friendly interface and generative AI integration, it has been adopted by organisations to streamline operations, reduce integration complexity and empower non-technical users to build applications and workflows. Customer testimonials highlight its role in accelerating processes, cutting costs and enhancing productivity, while its agentic approach combines governance, security and flexibility to support enterprise growth in an AI-driven environment.

TbSync

Connecting to Microsoft Exchange Calendar from Mozilla Thunderbird

Connecting to a Microsoft Exchange calendar from Mozilla Thunderbird involves several approaches, with some options proving ineffective or outdated. ExQuilla and Exchange Calendar are no longer viable due to lack of calendar support or compatibility issues with recent Thunderbird versions. TbSync, however, functions effectively by synchronising calendars, contacts and tasks via Exchange ActiveSync, requiring specific plugins and manual configuration such as entering the server address and protocol. Alternatively, DavMail acts as a proxy, translating Exchange's Web API into CalDAV for native Thunderbird support, necessitating local server setup and configuration adjustments. For Linux users, Evolution with the evolution-ews connector offers another functional pathway. Additional solutions exist, including custom implementations like exchange-ews-thunderbird and MExInt, though they may require further technical steps. Configuration details for DavMail include setting specific ports and enabling remote access, while TbSync provides options for manual or automated synchronisation depending on server setup.

How to Convert Video Formats on Linux

How to Rip DVDs With VLC

The process of converting media files on Linux involves selecting appropriate software and following installation steps tailored to the distribution in use. For video playback, VLC is a widely used tool that supports a range of formats and features such as subtitle integration and playback controls. Its installation varies slightly across distributions, with repositories providing versions for Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora and Arch. Users can open files directly through the application’s interface, making it accessible for both casual and more technical users. HandBrake, another essential tool, focuses on video conversion and offers presets to simplify the process. Its availability through repositories or third-party sources depends on the distribution, with specific commands required for Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora and Arch. Once installed, users can load source files, select conversion settings and choose output formats. The software’s interface allows for customisation, though presets streamline common tasks like adjusting resolution or preparing files for specific devices. Both tools are designed to be user-friendly, ensuring that even those unfamiliar with advanced settings can achieve their goals without unnecessary complexity.