GTD on Linux with Tracks
Saturday, May 12th, 2007
Unfortunately, the Getting Things Done (GTD) playing field on Linux is pretty limited; as with most business applications. One tool that separates it self from the pack is Tracks; an Open Source project from rousette.org covered under the GNU GPL. It is a web based application that can be run as a multi user server, or locally as stand alone. I want to make it clear up front that this is no iGTD, KGTD, or Actiontastic. It is a useable GTD interface with many gaps, but Linux usability is relative. As I continue to bellyache about: The Linux community is way behind the curve in the business applications department, so pickings are slim.
Aside from the above complaints it is one of the best solutions I could find on Linux. Its use is strait forward and can be mastered without an instruction manual. It follows the standard GTD thought process and is a snap to pickup if you are already a GTD disciple.
The installation is not so intuitive and requires the installation of a database, a couple scripting languages, a web server, and the application it self.
I installed it on Ubuntu Linux; my Linux of choice, running in VMWare Fusion on Mac OS X– Say that ten times as fast as you can. Before I could install Tracks I had to install MySql 5 and Ruby; both can be installed through apt-get or the GUI package manager. The installation instructions for Tracks are pretty good. I followed the directions that assume you are using the included Web Server 1. I had to change the localhost entries to 127.0.0.1 in database.yml because of aWEBrick. I found only two problem areas:
1. I had to change the localhost entries to 127.0.0.1 in database.yml because of a /tmp/mysql.sock error
2. I had to use the alternate table creation script rake db_schema_import instead of rake migrate.
Other than those two issues things went according to plan.
To start the server locally you enter ruby script/server -e production, or you can create a rc or local startup script. Your first time in you will want to create a user account for yourself by pointing your browser to http://0.0.0.0:3000/sign up, from that point forward just go to http://0.0.0.0:3000.
I know this sounds like a lot of work to my Mac and XP patrons, but this is common place for Linux users– life is not simple.
The biggest complaint I have with the application is one that I also have with most GTD applications; the ability to easily print the contextual tasks. For GTD to be fully implemented you need to be able to take your tasks with you, and lugging around a computer has some serious restrictions. To be fair, this issue is not fully resolved with even the best of the dedicated GTD tools; that is except the Hipster PDA.
If you are a hardcore Linux user, this is probably the best native GTD app you will find today. So, if you want to join the GTD revolution give it a shot. The file can be downloaded from rousette.org.
As a side note: Tracks can also be installed on OS X and XP for the more adventurous.
M Nassal 2007
