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Posts tagged Linux/Unix
GNOME 2.22
4 years ago
by manfred
in Linux/Unix
GNOME 2.22 is the latest incarnation of the GNOME desktop for Linux. I’ve been quite intrigued by the KDE 4 release, but haven’t had the heart to leave the clean, uncluttered desktop environment offered by GNOME.
The latest release enhances many features and improves usability. Providing a PhotoBooth alternative in the form of Cheese is a well-considered addition. For those systems with adequate graphics power, the Windows Compositing now includes drop shadows on windows, live previews when switching windows with Alt+Tab, and transparency effects. The new calendar with an international clock and weather is useful, and the Remote Desktop viewer will be handy for VPN work. There are some additional new features: their full description is available here. Now, it’s just some time to wait for the latest Fedora update to provide the new GNOME.
Hovering audio
4 years ago
by manfred
in Linux/Unix
A nice feature of the Gnome Nautilus file manager: hover the mouse pointer over an audio file and see the icon change.
Then, the audio file starts playing until the mouse is moved away. For a desktop user, there are many features in Linux to make computing a pleasant experience.
Sound online – again
4 years ago
by manfred
in Linux/Unix
Without too much effort I managed to get the system sounds working again in Fedora 8. Incredibly, the solution was far simpler than I expected. Using the software installation tool, I initially removed all components that even remotely mentioned PulseAudio. Once that was done, I simply re-selected them all and installed them afresh. No editing of configuration files or anything else. One reboot and the system was up and running, humming a happy tune. I have no idea why the sound stopped working, and I don’t know exactly why it’s back again. Suffice to say that I’m pleased to have my desktop make a noise and am not too concerned about the solution. It’s certainly not PulseAudio, but there must be some interaction or dependency that PulseAudio has and possibly sets up in the background. Considering that the PulseAudio release presently available in Fedora 8 is still below the version 1.0 mark, some unintended activities on its part are not impossible.
This morning, I started an update of approximately 25 packages. I do hope the update doesn’t disrupt audio as it has in the past and wait in anticipation…
Instant-on Splashtop
4 years ago
by manfred
in Linux/Unix
It would be the case that a cool technology is launched less than a week after I’ve stuck together a brand new workstation. Then again, these boards aren’t immediately available locally, so that’s some consolation. Splashtop is an instant desktop environment embedded in certain higher-end Asus motherboards. For now, the flagship Asus P5E3 Deluxe WiFi AP motherboard pictured below includes Splashtop, with the idea that many more notebooks and lower-end motherboards benefit from this technology in the near future.
Splashtop provides an instant-on operating environment useful for web surfing and VOIP, but many other uses are possible. That means the PC may remain shutdown until needed, with lengthy boot sequences obviated. The operating system: embedded Linux, naturally!
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