In 2003 I was asked to write an outline for a book to be titled Linux Marvels that would focus on the best open source software for Linux (yes, this was the descendent of Open Source Gems, outlined on another page on this site). Once again, it was "from the womb untimely ripped," as Shakespeare puts it, but here's the outline. Marvel at what was popular (and necessary—I mean, my goodness, Amphetadesk as an RSS reader? Yuck!) in 2003!

1. Introduction
2. Software Installation & Maintenance
   1. APT for RPM
   2. YUM
   3. CheckInstall
   4. Kconfigure
3. Preparation
   1. User Mode Linux
   2. Samba
4. Backup
   1. Unison
   2. K3b
5. Administration
   1. VNC
   2. Webmin
   3. Knoppix
6. Utilities
   1. File Roller
   2. KRename
7. Office Applications
   1. OpenOffice.org
8. Internet Server
   1. Kroupware
   2. Jabber
   3. Blosxom
   4. Plone
   5. TikiWiki
9. Internet Clients
   1. Mozilla Firebird
   2. Mozilla Thunderbird
   3. Kontact
   4. Evolution
   5. GAIM
   6. Amphetadesk
   7. NewsMonster
10. Security
    1. Nessus
    2. Kismet
    3. Privoxy