There is a little know fact about the history of the computer operating system called Linux that I have to mention here at the out set. Debian Linux was built for HAM operators thanks largely to Bruce Perens. I've always liked the idea to be able to contact someone on the other side of the world without giving a dime to Ma Bell. The added bonus is being able to do this without being dependent on the grid, and solely self-contained.

There is an often missed topic for Survivalists and that I find unusual, and that being communications. Communications is the root of information, and information is key to survival. As I create How To's and Guides on this site I will tend to break it up into smaller bits and bites (pun intended), so for the first step in learning about HAM Radio Communications, I am providing a list of free open source programs related to HAM Radio.