I’ve known for the longest time that it’s possible to have (x)emacs backup files to a central directory instead of littering your filesystem with ~ files. Every time I’ve tried to make this work, though, it hasn’t. My latest attempt was more successful, thanks to this page.
Highly recommended if you use emacs.
Screen has long been a program I find essential in unix. While the rise of multi-tab terminals in GNOME or KDE has obviated the need for it somewhat, it’s still very useful for keeping a set of programs running for long periods of time across login/logouts. This article has more on why you should be using it if you’re not already; I learned a few things from it, like monitoring for silence or activity in a terminal.
So, it’s a bad sign when your computer just stops and then power cycles without ever reaching POST, yes?
Update: It was the power supply. After being worried for a while that it was the motherboard, it came as a relief.