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If you want to learn Java, Python, or Ruby but can't stand the thought of slogging through a huge pile of books, take a look at the open source video tutorial service, ShowMeDo. It's loaded with screencasts that walk you through how to use popular programming languages and an assortment of open source applications like Vim and Blender.

ShowMeDo has plenty of in-depth videos on all kinds of involved programming techniques, but there are several quick one- or two-minute tutorials on handy techniques like how to install the AdblockPlus plugin for Firefox and how to change the password to a KeePass database. Tutorials are submitted by the open source software community and range from near-professionally produced to self-proclaimed amateurs with an interest in programming.

On the company's blog, Red Hat has posted a collection of 16 short videos, dubbed Red Hat Stories. The videos feature company leaders from around the world discussing who we are, what we do and how we do it, according to the post. One features Red Hat president and CEO Jim Whitehurst talking about open source and enterprise-class software, another provides a breakdown of Red Hat technology, and there is one dedicated to the subscription model that most observers see as key to the company's success. If you watch selectively, these could be useful.