My Ubuntu Desktop

Composition:

1) Ubuntu Hardy Heron

2) Avant Window Navigator

3) Compiz Fusion

4) Cairo Type Menu

5) Transparent Terminal

6) NTFS Automounting

7) Readjustments on Panels

Which Linux Distro Are You?

So you want to switch to Linux OR dual boot with Windows OR are searching for a suitable distro. Too many distributions, too much confusion. What to do?

Go to:

(1) http://tinyurl.com/9ezxa [ Zegenie Studios ]

(2) http://tinyurl.com/fp4zp [ polishlinux.org ]

and take the test. Results are out in a giffy, and you will know which distro you belong to. My results were ‘Fedora’ and ‘Mandriva’ respectively. Nevertheless, I love Ubuntu ( Came 2nd in both tests ) and it Rocks ! 🙂 Have Fun !

Repairing WinXP doesn’t mess up GRUB on dual boot system ( Ubuntu 8.04 + WinXP SP2 )

I got in trouble with Win XP when I used Wine ( on Ubuntu 8.04 ) to install a software on my mounted windows NTFS partition. An ambitious approach, but i took the risk to see what will happen. I don’t quite love my mistress (WinXP) you see 😉 It completed the installation and everything seemed fine.

As expected, there were issues:

1) Win XP will boot and then stall at the desktop wallpaper
2) No icons or taskbars are seen
3) Nothing works
4) Ctrl + Alt+ Del will work and the Task Manager will Appear
5) Same issues with Safe Mode.
6) Restoring registry didn’t work either.
( by commanding ‘ scanreg /restore ‘ at command prompt )

Since safe mode didn’t work either, I knew system files have gone bonkers. So what did I do? Of course I thought of formatting, and thats kinda usual for Windows users. Then i recalled a previous incident where my GRUB was totally distorted by a fresh installation of Windows ( A very jealous mistress indeed ). Of course i prepared myself with all those tools : Super Grub Bootable, UBCD 4 Win, Ubuntu Live CD etc. But it gets messy you know.

Then a thought flashed my mind. Why don’t I just try to repair Windows? Will it or will it not destroy my GRUB? So I just had to try it…

This is what happened

1) WinXP SP2 bootable disk initializes as the PC boots

*2) Then a screen appears, where we have to choose whether we should Repair ( press ‘R’ ) or install WinXP ( press <Enter> )

Note: Now this is the interesting part –> PRESS ENTER. DO NOT press ‘R’.

*3) It will take you to the next screen where it will search for previous installations of Win XP.Your current installation will be highlighted, and the installer will ask you what to do?
It is here where you should choose to REPAIR.

* = Pay special attention to this lines

From now on…it will do the ‘ repairing ‘ work 🙂 Just wait and be patient.
After its done, you will be extremely happy to see your GRUB load as normal as it reboots.

Before formatting Windows, I guess this method is a golden tip to save lotsa time if its not a virus issue etc. Whenever there is a problem with Windows, before you give up, almost always try to REPAIR. It may just be the solution for you…

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Tags: ubuntu, windows, Winxp, dual, boot, repair, GRUB, partition, linux,

And you thought Mac was cool

V’s Ubuntu Hardy Heron ( 8.04 ) LTS

Note: Ensure you have enabled Extra Visual Effects in the Appearance Preferences

( which is accessible by a Right Click on the desktop –> Change Desktop Background –> Appreaceance Preferences –> Visual Effects )

AWM

Download PDF for instructions. Click here.

The Dock Rocks

Talk about user friendly…

Compiz Fusion

Open a whole new world of cool effects. Once Hardy Heron has been setup, open a new terminal window and type

sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager

When finished, you’ll have a new option under System – Preferences called Advanced Desktop Effects. Here you can tweak the animations for individual window effects as well as enable new features. Below are some of the animations and effects that I have enabled for my Linux box.

Wobbly Windows ( Just drag any window )

The Ring Changer ( *Super + Tab )

*Super = Windows Key

3D Cube Switch ( Control + Alt + Click and hold left mouse + drag to the left/right )

3D Cube Switch ( Control + Alt + Click and hold left mouse + drag to the left/right )

Alt + Tab

Desktop Zooming ( Super + Mouse scroll button up/down )

Cube Unfolded ( Control + Alt + Down Arrow Key )

View Desktops ( Super + E )

Paint Fire ( Super + Shift + Press left mouse button and move around )

To clear ( Super + Shift + C )

This is not a screen saver. The Ubuntu Dekstop is still running and I can still use it…

Cool… ( As Above )

Fade any windows – not an issue ( Alt + Mouse scroll button up/down )

After enabling other effects ( based on your choice and taste ) in the Advance Desktop Effect Settings, this are the keyboard shortcuts that maybe of use:

Desktop Effects1 Keyboard Shortcuts
Rotate Cube Mousewheel on Desktop
Switcher2 Alt + Tab
Shift Switcher3 Super + Tab (2 modes: flip and cover)
Ring Switcher Super + Tab – overrides Shift Switcher
Expo Super + E (toggle)
Film Effect Ctrl + Alt + Down Arrow4

SUPER+SHIFT+DRAG LEFT MOUSE = draw fire
SUPER+SHIFT+C = clear fire
CTRL+ALT+DRAG LEFT MOUSE = rotate cube
CTRL+ALT+LEFT ARROW = rotate cube
CTRL+ALT+DOWN ARROW = flat desktop
SHIFT+ALT+UP=initiate window picker
CTRL+ALT+DOWN=unfold cube
ALT+TAB=window switch
SUPER+TAB=flip switcher or ring switcher depending on which is enabled.
ALT+F7=initiate ‘move windows’
SHIFT+F9=water effect
SHIFT+F10=slow animations
CTRL+ALT+D=show desktop

For Grouping and Tabbing:
SUPER+S=Select Single Window
SUPER+T=Tab Group
SUPER+Left=Change Left Tab
SUPER+Right=Change Right Tab
SUPER+G=Group Windows
SUPER+U=Ungroup Windows
SUPER+R=Remove Group Window
SUPER+C=Close Group
SUPER+X=Ignore Group
hold the super button then select the windows you want to group and then hit super+g

Rotate Cube Manually: Ctrl + Alt + Left Mouse Button
Scale Windows: Alt + Shift + Up Arrow
Show/Clear Desktop: Ctrl + Alt + D (toggle)
Snapping Windows : Move a window across workspaces5
Screenshot: Super + Left Mouse Button
Zoom In/Out: Super + Mousewheel
Transparent Window : Alt + Mousewheel
Resize Window : Alt + F8
Move Window : Alt + F7
Add Helper : Super + P
Widget Layer: F9 (toggle)
Water Effects: Shift + F9 (toggle)
Fire Effects: On Super + Shift + Left Mouse Button
Fire Effects: Clear Super + Shift + C
Annotate: Draw Super + Left Mouse Button
Annotate: Start Super + 1
Annotate: End Super + 3
Group: Select Window(s) Super + S
Group: Group Windows Super + T
Group: Ungroup Windows Super + U
Group: Flip Windows Super + Right or Left Arrow

Two Words : UBUNTU ROCKS ! [ AWN and COMPIZ FUSION Rolls 🙂 ]

Cheerz !

Ubuntu

When I first was introduced to this term, I was like…Whatta the heck ? 😉
But, its way much more then just a word. It carried meanings greater then words can ever express.So what is Ubuntu ?

Its an african word meaning ‘humanity towards others’ OR
‘ I am what I am because of who we all are ‘. Interesting I said.

I forgot to mention where I ran across this term. Its actually a whole OS ( Operating System ) for PCs ( which was introduced to me by a friend ). It was not common for me, to see such words uttered/used/utilized in the forever competitive Software Industry. I was pretty much amazed and excited. I wanted to know more.

So I went digging deeper. What is this all about ?

Linux was the answer to this question.
And whenever I mention this word to some friends, either they get scared and immediately put on a ” this is not for me ” attitude OR will be alienated by the word.
But I don’t blame them, it has always been that only a computer science graduate or a advanced computer user can utter that word. Its not for us. I always was told that too.

But trust me, it isn’t so. 60 ~ 70 % of the internet is running on Linux Systems.
Ubuntu is by far the most user friendly Linux system I have seen. When I surfed http://www.ubuntu.com , I was so touched by its philosophy. They are working day and night for humanity…their core philosophy:

That software should be available free of charge, that software tools should be usable by people in their local language and despite any disabilities, and that people should have the freedom to customise and alter their software in whatever way they see fit.

I mean I couldn’t believe my eyes. And I installed it. I was amazed.
Everything is FREE OF CHARGE. FREE in a sense of FREEDOM and $$$.
Their group is working day and night, to provide us with an essential part of our computing life, The OS. You can download the source code and tweak it anyways you want.

You can even improve upon it and submit for review. I mean how cool is that.
Of course that will take some technical knowledge and know-how, but look at the FREEDOM. No one will come harassing you…and you need not spend THOUSANDS of $$$ in your organization to buy licensed softwares.

Need not worry on where to find Pirated Versions of Windows, Windows validation and all sorts of licensing CRAP etc etc etc. 🙂
Its soo good, that EVERYTHING that you can do in Windows, you can do in Ubuntu.
Documents files, Spreadsheets, Presentations from Microsoft Office can be edited and modified in Ubuntu, using OPEN OFFICE and other OPEN SOURCE softwares.

Currently Microsoft is charging hundreds of ringgit for their OS ( Vista / XP ).
Ubuntu is FREE. I was inspired by this movement and started taking up the Python
Programming language. I did suceed up to a certain extend, and I am proud of it.
Ubuntu is created using the Python programming language.

I am not saying totally do away with Windows. NO. You will take some time getting use to Ubuntu / Linux platforms, but you could always allocate space on your harddrive for a dual boot system. Slowly get use to Ubuntu…and then, if you are satisfied, get rid of Windows. And if you are not, get rid of Ubuntu. OR Keep both.
The choice is yours.

For me, I am currently happy with my dual boot system and am doing fine.
Linux gives me ultimate power over the machine. I mean real POWER.
Infact, I hardly boot into Windows nowdays. Everything is done thru Ubuntu.
I love it.

I am also excited by the $100 OLPC Project. OLPC – One Laptop Per Child
( http://www.laptop.org/ ). Also runs on a Linux based OS ( Known as XO ) which is targeted for education purposes. This will enable the young ones to own and also be exposed to technology at a young age. I mean, its amazing what Linux can do and achieve. Many many other peripherals are using it successfully without you knowing.

Linutop is another project … providing cheap CPUs for the end users.
And so many many others. I wonder what will happen in another 50 years.
There is enough for all of us. As long as the OPEN SOURCE / FREE SOFTWARE movement rules planet earth, greedy ones will always be weary. I foresee a different future altogether…a future where we all will “Ubuntu” the Linux way.

Anyways, I am attaching a snapshot of my desktop below. Check it out.

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The background – Official Logo Of UBUNTU

Contribute and Support the OPEN SOURCE / FREE SOFTWARE movements.
SOFTWARES WITH A SPIRITUAL EDGE. Awesome !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

V is currently enjoying :

Hans Zimmer & Lisa Gerrard – Now We Are Free ( Gladiator OST )

UBUNTU,
V

P.S. Windows Attacked (some funny ones) :

This is Unix and Netware country, on a quiet night you can hear NT Reboot.

“[Unix] is not necessarily evil, like OS/2.” – Peter Norton

“The number of UNIX installations has grown to 10, with more expected.” (6/72)

“Unix is simple, but it takes a genius to understand the simplicity.” – Dennis Ritchie

A computer without a Microsoft operating system is like a dog without bricks tied to its head.

A computer without Microsoft is like a chocolate cake without mustard.

A Windows user spends 1/3 of his life sleeping, 1/3 working, 1/3 waiting.

Beat me, whip me, make me use Windows!

Claiming that your operating system is the best in the world because more people use it is like saying McDonalds makes the best food in the world.

Customer: I’m running Windows ’98
Tech: Yes.
Customer: My computer isn’t working now.
Tech: Yes, you said that.

DOS Computers manufactured by companies such as IBM, Compaq, Tandy, and millions of others are by far the most popular, with about 70 million machines in use worldwide. Macintosh fans, on the other hand, may note that cockroaches are far more numerous than humans, and that numbers alone do not denote a higher life form. — New York Times, November 26, 1991

DOS is Unix’s retarded younger brother.

Error #152 – Windows not found: (C)heer (P)arty (D)ance.

Ever notice how fast Windows runs? Neither did I…

For evil to triumph it is only necessary for good men to buy Microsoft. (Seen on alt.os.linux.caldera)

Hidden DOS secret: add BUGS=OFF to your CONFIG.SYS

I don’t do .INI, .BAT, or .SYS files. I don’t assign apps to files… I don’t configure peripherals or networks before using them… I have a computer to do all that… I have a Macintosh.

I heard on the news last night that Bill Gates and his wife are expecting a baby in June. I’m betting that baby will be late.

If an infinite number of computer programmers programmed for an infinite number of years, they would eventually come up with a working operating system. Bill Gates, being impatient, gave them two days and took the first one that was finished.

If Bill Gates had a dime for every time a Windows box crashed…oh, wait a minute – he already does.

It’s a good thing Linux is under GNU (General Public Lisense) or Microsoft would buy them out too! — Kunphuzil

Linux means productivity and fun. NT means ‘Not Today’.

Linux renders ships. NT is rendering ships useless…

Linux. The choice of a GNU generation.

Linux: The smack in the face that Windows gripers have been begging for these past 10 years…

Love is Hate. War is Peace. Windows is stable.

Lunix… because I’m better than you.

Microsoft is not the answer. Microsoft is the question. ‘No’ is the answer!

Microsoft manager to programmer: You start coding. I’ll go find out what they want.

Microsoft Windows: computing While U Wait,

Microsoft Windows: Proof that P.T. Barnum was correct.

Name one nice thing about Windows? It doesn’t just crash, it displays a dialog box and lets you press ‘OK’ first.

The day Microsoft makes something that doesn’t suck is probably the day they start making vacuum cleaners.

The software said Windows95 or better, so I got Linux…

The Windows98 Eveready Bunny: It’s still loading, and loading…

There are two major products that come out of Berkeley: LSD and UNIX. We don’t believe this to be a coincidence. – Jeremy S. Anderson

This is Linux country. If you listen carefully, you can hear Windows reboot…

Those who do not understand Unix are condemned to reinvent it, poorly.

Unix is user friendly – it’s just picky about it’s friends.

W.I.N.D.O.W.S – Will Install Necessary Drivers, Or Won’t Start

Windows 3.1 – The best $89 solitaire game you can buy.

Windows: Just another pain in the glass.

Your mouse has moved. Windows NT must be restarted for the

change to take effect. Reboot now? [ OK ]