Issue #16 - August 2008 full circle JAMIE STRANDBOGE THE INDEPENDENT MAGAZINE FOR THE COMMUNITY GIMP PART 5 GNOME-LOOK GUIDE CREATE YOUR OWN UBUNTU CREATE YOUR OWN SERVER 8

CREATE YOUR UBUNTU CREATE AND MOVE FILES CREATE A PERFECT INSTALL AND BURN IT TO CD.

MMMM?? DDPPII?? SSIIZZEE IISS EEVVEERRYYTTHHIINNGG IINN:: UUSSIINNGG GGIIMMPP PPAARRTT 55

Full Circle magazine is not affiliate1d with or endorsed by Canonical Ltd. p.04

Creating And Moving Files p.06

Create Your Own Ubuntu p.08 Server Series - Part 8 p.12 GIMP - Part 5 p.15 full circle GNOME-Look Guide p.18 w w w . f u l l c i r c l e m a g a z i n e . o r g Out With The New... p.24

Ubuntu And Kubuntu Themes p.26 : Jamie Strandboge p.27 p.29 p.30 06 p.32 08 12 P. P. P. p.33 : Twitter Clients p.35 p.37

27 .35 P.15 P..18 P. P

The articles contained in this magazine are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license. This means you can adapt, copy, distribute and transmit the articles but only under the following conditions: You must attribute the work to the original author in some way (at least a name, email or URL) and to this magazine by name ('full circle magazine') and the URL www.fullcirclemagazine.org (but not attribute the article(s) in any way that suggests that they endorse you or your use of the work). If you alter, transform, or build upon this work, you must distribute the resulting work under the same, similar or a compatible license.

2 EEDDIITTOORRIIAALL

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This month, we have an in depth article looking at the various pieces that make up GNOME themes. Once you've got your desktop looking pretty, we give you details on how you can create your own perfect Ubuntu install CD from that installation. We also have the next installment of , and the final installment of . Do you, the readers, have anything you want Daniel to discuss next? If so, email him at:: [email protected] After last year's 'Christmas' edition furor, as an artist and art lover, I just want to say that this issue's cover - a painting depicting creation - is appropriate for an issue with an article on creating your own Ubuntu is a complete that is perfect for laptops, Ubuntu. It's an illustration. So, please, no emails on religion! They will desktops and servers. Whether at be ignored. home, school or work Ubuntu contains all the applications you'll No articles means no magazine. Feel free to send us some articles. ever need including word processor, See the news pages for more info. You don't have to be a skilled email application and web browser. writer. An article's content is what is most important. Although we have many translators bringing to their You do not pay any native tongue, we could use more. So, if you would like to translate, licensing fees. You can download, use and share Ubuntu with your please contact us. If there's an active group in your language, we'll friends, family, school or business put you in touch with them. If not, you can start a group. Don't worry, for absolutely nothing. we're here to provide help, raw text and Scribus files. Once installed, your system is ready to use with a full set of productivity, internet, drawing and graphics applications, and games. Editor, Full Circle Magazine [email protected]

3 Feel free to email news stories Intrepid Ibex Alpha-4 released NNEEWWSS to: [email protected] Alpha 4 is the Please include a source URL. fourth in a series of milestone CD Ubuntu-Maker Canonical Joins foundation also supervises the images that will be released Foundation Linux Standard Base, a set of standards and specifications for throughout the Intrepid development cycle. The Alpha the that is followed by buntu distributor images are known to be reasonably the Linux distributors. Canonical has joined the free of showstopper CD build or , installer bugs, while representing a U "We look forward to very recent snapshot of Intrepid. bringing more of a desktop working with them to consumer point of view to the continue the march of : enterprise Linux-dominated Linux in all areas of computing," organization. Canonical CTO Matt Zimmerman Ubuntu has taken on an said in a foundation statement. increasingly important role with Zimmerman noted that Ubuntu its focus on desktops, Windows community members are already compatibility, and ease of participants in foundation installation. workgroups, such as the one A magazine isn't a magazine founded the Ubuntu project in adding to the Linux Standard Base without articles and Full Circle 2004 to get Linux established and one for porting device drivers is no exception. We need your as a low-cost education system that have just become available , and in South Africa, then built for Linux back into the older . We also need Canonical to support it. He still versions of the operating system (games, apps & serves on its technical board. already in use. Ubuntu work on hardware), articles drivers has been critical to (on any K/X/Ubuntu subject) The Linux Foundation is the Ubuntu's ease of installation on and any questions, or vendor-neutral employer of many Windows machines. suggestions, you may have. , Linux originator and lead developer. The

4 NNEEWWSS The Space Cube Runs Linux

SCO fined in Germany over Linux claims Linux server market exceeds 13% SCO Group has been ordered to pay a Linux has always been €10,000 (£7,900) fine in better received in the Germany for making server market than the claims that Linux includes intellectual desktop market, where property from Unix. it's compatibility with UNIX and POSIX- SCO has repeatedly claimed that Linux It’s one of the smallest PCs in the compliance has made it a great fit for is an unlawful derivative of Unix, but had world, with each side measuring companies who aren't about to shell agreed not to make this claim anymore around 2 inches square. out for UNIX licensing. The past year in Germany, following a lawsuit in 2003. along has seen significant Linux server In the flesh it’s even more impressive The current case found that the claims growth, which now accounts for over than in pictures, inspiring awe and were still present in US material 13% of the market. provoking disbelieving reactions across available on the site of SCO Group the PC Pro office. It’s actually quite They share this with many top players, GmbH, the group's German subsidiary. difficult to comprehend just how small including Microsoft, who has more than As well as paying the fine, SCO will have the PC is. a third of the total market. While UNIX- to monitor its German presence. like operating systems still make up the So, we’ve established that it’s "Patent-threat scare tactics lion's share of all servers active in the incredibly, impossibly small. But what’s against free software are world, vendors who support and sell inside? There’s a surprisingly capable frequently used, but have Linux will likely have to find new ways CPU packed away in the tiny chassis never been backed up," said Mark to erode Microsoft market share rather with a top clock speed of 300MHz. It’s Taylor, president of the Open Source than others, or they risk stalling growth. arrived with us clocked at a slightly Consortium, a UK open-source advocacy more modest 200MHz,but a simple IBM remains the number one vendor for group. "Germany's approach is the jumper built in to the case enable the selling servers, selling significantly sensible and traditional 'innocent until processor to be clocked up to either more than HP, Sun, Dell and others. proven guilty' and puts the onus on the 250MHz or the full 300MHz that it’s mud-slingers." : TechSpot.com capable of. : news.zdnet.co.uk : PCPro.co.uk

5 the directory, but you can do so, if you like to be sure what's CCOOMMMMAANNDD AANNDD CCOONNQQUUEERR going on. You need to be careful Written by Robert Clipsham when using mv and cp, as they will overwrite any existing files ow that you know how to I'm not going to tell you what it is!). you may have. This is not an navigate a command line, Now that we have a file and directory issue with our practice files, but Nfind out where you are, and to practice with, it's time to do when you do it with real files, it how to list the files in your current something with them. The first thing could cause problems. You directory, we'll show you how to I'll show you is how to make a copy should back up before manage your files using a shell. To of a file or directory. interacting with any files using the command line if you are begin with, open up a terminal $ cp foo foo2 and do the following: worried about losing things. If This will copy the file 'foo' (which you would like to be notified $ touch foo we created earlier) to 'foo2'. Now when your command calls for an $ mkdir bar let's move our new file 'foo2' to the overwrite, use the -i switch. For The first of these commands 'bar' directory, and at the same time example: will create an empty file called rename it to 'foo'. To do this, we use $ cp -i foo bar/ 'foo'. This is often useful if you run the mv tool. a web server along with web If you did 'mv foo2 bar/foo' $ mv foo2 bar/foo applications, and are asked to before, you will be prompted to create a file with the given name Notice how you can use the mv make sure you want to overwrite to prove you have permission to tool to rename files, as well as move the file. There are several other install the application. The second them. If you just wanted to move options that you might find command is used to make 'foo2' to the 'bar' directory without useful which can be found in the directories, and here makes a renaming it, you could do either of man pages. One you may want directory called 'bar'. If you want the following: is -v, which will show all files as to make sure these commands they are copied or moved. You worked, you can use the $ mv foo2 bar/ can use wildcards to copy or command you learned last issue $ mv foo2 bar/foo2 move multiple files. to see a list of files/directories As you are not renaming it, you within your working directory (No, don't need to append the filename to

6 $ mkdir new-directory/ $ rm -rf bar/ sure that if anyone is giving you $ mv bar/* new-directory/ $ rm -rf new-directory/ support and tells you to use rm, $ rm foo you know what you're removing, This will move everything from especially if it has sudo in front Using rm with -rf causes rm to bar/ to new-directory/. If you of it. Don't forget to backup any remove files and directories would rather move the full important files, even if you think recursively, and to force removal directory, and not just the files you aren't going near them! and directories within it, use the without prompting. This is normally same command, but without the used for removing folders and all '*'. their contents. Be very careful that you enter the right file or directory Finally, let's remove all the when using rm; if you hit tab and is a self confessed geek, whose hobbies example files using the rm don't look at what it has completed command. include: programming/scripting, to, you could end up removing chatting on IRC and not writing something you didn't want to! Make his articles on time.

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7 HHOOWW--TTOO CCRREEAATTEE YYOOUURR Written by Laszlo Noficzer OOWWNN UUBBUUNNTTUU

here are many articles on possible errors. Furthermore, it is a machines) and booted the ISO. the Web about how to Kubuntu system, which I don't like, The Ubuntu bootscreen was a Tcustomize a Windows OS or so I changed KDE and KDM packages little bit strange for me: a . On the to GDM and to GNOME. The result Windows platform, you can use was not exactly up to my As you can see in the picture, nLite for Windows XP or vLite for expectations because I couldn't use Windows Vista. There are similar X. User from programs for Linux that are able www.prohardver.hu suggested the to create distributable live CDs solution: I have to install the xfonts- based on your present system. base package separately (strange: I The disadvantage of installing an could bypass this step using KDE). original Ubuntu, or one of its Another recommendation, from derivatives, is that it includes a , also on lot of applications and files which www.prohardver.hu, changed my I never use. Therefore, I decided thinking. to build my own version of Ubuntu. While reading 's if I wanted a normal installation Some weeks ago, I found an recommendation, I learned that all I had to do was press ENTER. article about building a there is an Ubuntu minimal release. I However, my target was to customized Kubuntu at found it at install a base system without www.howtoforge.com. The https://help.ubuntu.com/community/I GUI, so after the boot: prompt, I author's method is simple; use an nstallation/MinimalCD, and typed: Ubuntu server version instead of downloaded the x86 platform 32 bit a desktop system because the version. cli former doesn't have a graphical This way, only the base interface. My problem is that you Then, I made a virtual machine (see Luca De Marini's guide in system will be installed with then have to change the kernel. command line interface. That This could result in a lot of Issue 5 for using virtual

8 way, I can choose what packages Before rebooting, it is often a good Okay, let's see the next error: to install later. Also, I don't have idea to have the build-essential to change the kernel. Best of all, package. If it is missing, you can be the installed packages will all be in trouble if you're trying to compile the most up-to-date versions. Of from source. course, for this type of installation, you should have a sudo apt-get install build- This means that the Human broadband Internet connection. essential GDM theme is missing: It is not absolutely necessary, but I The installation is very similar usually reboot at this point. to the normal "alternate" ls /usr/share/gdm/themes installation, so I won't explain it sudo shutdown -r now total 12 here. If you're interested in this drwxr-xr-x 2 root root 4096 After the first login, I saw this: topic, you can read it in Issue #3. 2008-07-20 15:05 circles After the base installation had You can answer 'Delete' as we will drwxr-xr-x 2 root root 4096 been finished, I rebooted and solve this manually with the following 2008-07-20 15:05 happygnome began to build up my own command: drwxr-xr-x 2 root root 4096 customized system. 2008-07-20 15:05 happygnome- list sudo apt-get install xserver- xorg gdm -core xfonts- There are a lot of possible base xterm pmount gnome- solutions. You can install the mount synaptic -y Human theme, a different one, or use the default theme – the xserver-xorg, gdm, gnome-core, choice is yours. I recommend xfonts-base, xterm, gnome-mount installing a new theme because and synaptic are the parts of the (I think) the basic GUI is ugly. GUI and the package manager while pmount is for mounting As you can see above, there removable devices as a simple are three icons next to the user. I used the -y option when System menu. The two installing, which means that all application launchers are empty sudo apt-get install fast-user- the confirmation dialogs will be and Help is available from the answered with 'yes'. switch-applet menu, so I deleted these.

9 Okay, now you have a base the official repositories, so you have then get a little help about the system with a GUI but no to add its repository to usage of Remastersys. To use applications. The choice of what /etc/apt/sources.list with vi, Nano, the GUI, I installed Zenity: to install is yours, though I Gedit or Kate: recommend using only free sudo apt-get install zenity ## Remastersys software as non-free can have and started Remastersys from deb legal complications. Only make a the GUI. "clean" system, then let the user http://www.remastersys.klikit- install all the additional programs, linux.com/repository/ codecs and so on. I installed the remastersys/ ones I usually use with the Now refresh the package following command: manager's known repositories and install Remastersys: sudo apt-get install firefox- 3.0 thunderbird sudo apt-get update && sudo openoffice.org flashplugin- apt-get install remastersys nonfree sun-java6-jre sun- java6-plugin xpdf After installation, Remastersys is found in the System menu, not the First, I always select the Modify This installs Firefox, Flash, Java Application menu. If you try to start it option. This lets you specify for web browsing, Thunderbird for from the menu, nothing happens. some parameters, like the name email, OpenOffice.org for The reason is obvious if you start it of the ISO file or the description. documents, and Xpdf for viewing from the terminal – now you have the After doing this, do not start to PDF files. error: make your distribution yet, as Now, for the core of the article: sudo remastersys-gui some preliminary steps are remastering your own distro. A Cannot find either zenity or needed. You do not want to put user named Tony Brijeski (also kdialog the installation packages of the known as Fragadelic) created the programs you already installed Remastersys program, which is The package enables on your ISO; this can cause able to backup an Ubuntu-based communication for shell scripts over oversizing (remember, you only system or to make a distributable the GUI. If you do not want the GUI, have 700MB to work with). live CD. Unfortunately, you can start Remastersys from the Therefore, run the following Remastersys cannot be found in command line without '-gui'. You will command:

10 sudo apt-get clean redistributing it. If you can see something like the screen shown left, you have Okay, now that you have If everything is OK, you should see your own Ubuntu distribution. cleared your system, start something like the following during

Remastersys again and select the boot-up: Dist option. Remastersys will then begin to copy the files and folders and create the ISO. During this work, you can take a cup of coffee was introduced to the world of computers in the Commodore 64 or have a lunch, as it will take a era. He learned programming in long time if you have installed lots secondary school and, following of applications. Do not open any that, began working at a large IT windows or run any programs company. He likes soccer (favourite while Remastersys is working. club: AC Milan), reading Sci-Fi, playing video games and enjoys Once the ISO file had been helping people who have IT created, it is recommended to problems. test it in another virtual machine before burning it and

• Sometimes Remastersys will tell you the cdfs filesystem is missing. The first time, installing the build-essential package fixed the problem. The second time, only the reinstallation of Remastersys worked. It's possible there could be an easier solution, but I didn't find anything about this at the support forum. • If you start Remastersys from the command line, you will sometimes see this message: Recovery file "squashfs_recovery_filesystem.squashfs_12544" written If Mksquashfs aborts abnormally (i.e. power failure), run mksquashfs dummy /home/remastersys/remastersys/ISOTMP/casper/filesystem.squashfs -recover squashfs_recover_filesystem.squashfs_12544 to restore filesystem To prevent future problems, record the command. It cannot be found in the Remastersys log, so I strongly recommended that you record it or, if you started the program from the command line, redirect the standard output to a file. If you experience problems, you will have to use the command to restore it and you won't have to start the build again from nothing. • Sometimes, even though I set up a background image to my desktop, it didn't become part of the remastered system. I can only imagine that the problem was the picture was not in the system's place for background images.

11 HHOOWW--TTOO CCRREEAATTEE YYOOUURR OOWWNN Written by Daniel Lamb SSEERRVVEERR -- PPaarrtt 88

e are now going to add defaults should be fine for anyone to Ensure the user has users to eGroupware and use. There are also preferences for permissions to use the ical Wgive them permissions to which any users can set themselves. server. You can do this via the various items. Again, the defaults are fine, but you User Accounts tab from the might choose to change them Admin menu, then click on the To add a user, log into your depending on the use you have user you wish to have eGroupware install with the admin planned for them. permissions for this, or do it via user you created before. Browse the groups menu. My user is to Admin, click on Admin, and fill A request I received from Philipp called manager, so if I type in: in the boxes as you wish, I Hohn was how to connect suggest putting a tick in the box and to http://server/egroupware/icalsrv.p "Never Expires". You can also give eGroupwares ical server. To get a list hp/manager/list. the users different permissions. of calendars (below), go to the URL: You may want some to be able to I get a number of calendars view only emails, whereas you http://servername/egroupware/icalsrv showing up. I want to use the may wish to give full control to .php/username/list.html main-events calendar, so in others. After adding a user, , under the calendar remember to click "Add". option (as long as you have lightening installed, there are You now want to add a group. loads of guides how to do this on You can use the default group for the Web), I would simply right everyone, or use the Admin group click and select New Calendar, if you wish. choose 'On The Network' then enter the URL: You will see under Admin a large number of options http://10.0.165.15/egroupware/ic depending on what you want to alsrv.php/manager/events.ics do. Go through the different options there, although the Click 'Next' then choose your

12 preferred name for the calendar. mv doc_download.html run which depends on java so we When prompted, enter the doc_download.zip need to install java and set it so username and password for the tomcat knows it’s the default account. apt-get install unzip java environment. Do this by typing: We are now going to install unzip doc_download.zip You will now have a new folder apt-get install sun-java6- . Some of you may not use called Quotero_Bundle_0.6. We want bin it, but in a business environment to move that file to it is invaluable. update-java-alternatives -s /usr/share/Quotero. To do this, use java-6-sun this command: Now you can start Quotero mv Quotero_Bundle_0.6/ with this command: /usr/share/Quotero -r Sudo As Quotero uses sh files you need ./usr/share/Quotero/Quotero. to make them executable. Again, to sh do this for all the files type in the following commands: Now browse to the URL for To do this we are going to drop Quotero to continue the install: chmod +x to the command line again and /usr/share/Quotero/quotero_tomc http://servername:8080/Quotero enter the following command to at/bin/startup.sh Deploy download it. chmod +x All the default settings are fine wget /usr/share/Quotero/Quotero.sh except for changing the http://www.quotero.com/downlo Database type to HSQL, leave ads/doc_download.html chmod +x the default Database Username, /usr/share/Quotero/quotero_tomc As it is automatically Password and Name as it is. Fill at/bin/catalina.sh downloaded as an HTML file we in the SMTP username and need to rename it to a zip file and chmod +x password. Then click Validate. It extract it. To do this, we type in /usr/share/Quotero/quotero_tomc will now carry out the install for the following commands: at/bin/setclasspath.sh you. Once it has come up with the message 'Enjoy, click on Quotero uses Tomcat Apache to Let’s go Quotero...'

13 You can now log in using the the various users you have created. URL: By clicking on the button you can add a new folder by clicking on New http://servername:8080/QuoteroCli folder, and call it what you wish, and ent/login.jsp add relevant permissions. You can and the username "admin" and now upload documents by clicking on password "admin". To add users, the button next to the folder name click on Administration, expand and select Import Document. The domains, then HQUOTERO, click Document will now be in the folder. on users. You can add new users You can now check out this here using the button Add. Under document, open it just to view it or owns and runs Special Roles you can add various start a workflow involving the and is based in users with different permissions document (as well as a number of Perth, Scotland. He is also other options) or any others you add. involved in a number of open for different tasks. source projects such as You can check out a document then Under Quotero Server v0.6, , check it back in again, which will and . click on this button and choose mean only one person can use it at a New workspace, name it whatever He is also a committed Leeds time. This is very powerful software United fan. you wish and add permissions for and can save businesses a lot of time. full circle magazine on UbuntuForums.org, and IRC on the irc.freenode.net server, channel: #fullcirclemagazine

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14 HHOOWW--TTOO UUSSIINNGG GGIIMMPP -- PPaarrtt 55 Written by Ronnie Tucker

his month, we will focus on If you can't see the X and Y Why have these different sizes. GIMP can use several resolution section, click the measurements? If you were Ttypes of measurements for Advanced Options text below the working on a banner which was images. Create a new image by Image Size and orientation. to be used on a web site, for clicking File > New and let's example, then you would need Beside Image Size, you see width examine some of the to create your image in pixels, and height values. To the right of the measurement types. say 400 wide by 50 high. But for height value you see a drop-down print work, your image may need menu. In my case it is showing to be 8 inches wide by 12 inches 'pixels'. Put simply, pixels are the high. Switch between small dots that make up your display. measurement types as needed. So in this case the image would be 640 pixels (or 'display dots') wide. Just below the Advanced Click the drop-down menu to see the Options text is the X and Y other available options. Now, try resolution. This is, by default, set clicking on inches. at 72 pixels per inch, also known as dots per inch (DPI), and is See the sufficient for most computer values change? display and web work. Think of It is now only DPI as being detail. The more 8.889 wide. dots per inch, the more detail Why? Because you can put in the image. Be we are now in aware, however, that a high DPI inches. 8.889 can slow some PCs down and will inches wide is result in much larger file sizes. the same as 640 For print work it should be set to pixels wide. about 300, but check with whoever is printing the image

15 beforehand. If in doubt, use 300 I trust GIMP, I really do. But DPI. let's play Devil's Advocate and double check, using a different So, with our new image (below), tool, to make sure there really is let's move on to rulers. one inch between the ruler on the page and the edge of the image. For this, we need the Measurement Tool (below left). This tool is like a tape measure. You click to create a start point, and You'll see a horizontal line (or ruler) click to create an end appear on your image (above). This point (below). Between the two ruler does not damage your image in points, a red line is drawn. In the any way, it is merely a guideline and information bar (again, below can be moved by clicking and the image) you'll see some dragging on it with the movement numbers. These represent the You'll notice that, at the top and tool. Drag it back to where it came length of the line, the angle of the left side of the new image, from to remove it completely. You'll the line, the width of the line there are rulers displaying the notice in the information line below (from start point to end point) current measurement type, inches the image tells you exactly where the and the width of the line (again in my case. This allows for precise ruler is on the page (vertically in this from start to end). measuring and placement of case). Drag from the left (vertical) items within the image. If I need a ruler on to the page to get another circle to start one inch down the ruler one inch from the left (below). page and one inch from the left, Where those imagine how much trial and error two rulers it would take to get it absolutely converge is where right. It'd be almost impossible! you would start But with rulers, we can be much dragging your more precise. Click on the top circle out from (horizontal) ruler and drag down (inset). onto the image.

16 And from my measurement line box, or resized by clicking and I can see that the ruler is indeed dragging on one of the inside edges one inch out. Good job GIMP! of the box. Notice how the area Clicking any other tool will outside the box darkens to focus remove the measuring tape from your attention inside the box. Use the screen. the crop tool to remove uninteresting areas around photographs. Click One last tool to cover inside the box area to crop the image. in this section is the crop tool (left), which Help keep the comes in handy for bugs at bay. keeping a single, rectangular, piece of an image. Select the crop tool, then click and drag a box around the area Join Launchpad.net you wish to keep (below).

See how cropping the image has forced you, the viewer, to focus on the patio step. Previously, you may have been focusing on the paving stones. If something is unnecessary in a photo, crop it out.

is Editor of magazine, a proud Kubuntu user, and This area can be moved by part-time artist whose gallery of work can clicking and dragging inside the be seen at www.RonnieTucker.co.uk.

17 HHOOWW--TTOO Written by David D Lowe GGNNOOMMEE--LLOOOOKK GGUUIIDDEE

hen I first joined the harddisk, say, ~/Pictures/Wallpapers. right-clicking on your desktop Ubuntu community, I and selecting the appropriate You may have noticed that gnome- button (you know which one!). Wwas extremely look.org separates wallpapers into impressed with the amount of different categories, according to the customization Ubuntu had to size of the wallpaper in pixels. For Don't let acronyms intimidate offer. People posted impressive the best quality, you want this to you; you don't have to know screenshots, and mentioned the match your screen resolution. If you what the letters stand for to themes they were using. They don't know what your screen know what it is. Basically, GTK is soon led me to gnome-look.org, resolution is, click System > the system GNOME uses to the number one place for GNOME Preferences > Screen Resolution. display things like buttons and visual customization. The However, Ubuntu stretches controls. GNOME is Ubuntu's screenshots there looked just as wallpapers quite nicely if you picked default desktop environment. I impressive, but I was very the wrong size, so you needn't fret will only be dealing with GNOME confused as to what the headings about it. on the sidebar meant, and I had customization here--sorry no idea how to use the files I SVG is a special image format that Kubuntu and Xubuntu folks! downloaded. Hopefully, this guide doesn't use pixels; it uses shapes Gnome-look.org distinguishes will help you learn what I found called vectors, which means you can between two versions of GTK: out the slow way. make it as big as you want without 1.x and 2.x (x stands for any losing quality. Don't hesitate to use number). Ubuntu Hardy Heron these. can use both kinds, but I This should be self explanatory. After you've finished downloading recommend GTK 2.x, as Ubuntu Wallpapers are what you decorate the wallpaper, simply open it in the prefers this upgraded version. the background of your desktop image viewer, and click Image > Set with. Click on a wallpaper, and Before we continue, let me as wallpaper. then click on the download link, make an important distinction and save the image to the You can also set your wallpaper by between GTK themes and GTK

18 engines. Unfortunately, gnome- Appearance > Install. Click > Install, and find it by clicking look.org categorizes both of them Customize and your new theme Customize > Window Border. as theme/style, but you'll see why should be listed under the Controls That's it! in a minute. GTK engines extend tab. default GTK-theme functionality. Metacity themes have the GTK themes are usually They are like programs and are .tar.gz filename extension. compressed with the .tar.gz filename installed like programs: do a extension. search for -engines in synaptic and see for yourself. GTK themes Fusion is what's used style your controls; they usually when you enable visual effects. depend on an engine. One engine It has an insane number of can have lots of themes, and one options, which you can access theme can be re-done for several by installing the compizconfig- engines and made into several settings-manager package from themes. the repositories. All sorts of customizations for Compiz are The reason why gnome-look.org shared on gnome-look.org in just lists both as theme/style is one category, but I'll separate because an engine usually comes the main ones here: with a default theme named after Metacity is the program that the engine. Clearlooks, for displays window borders, basically example, is the name of both an the title-bar including the minimize, engine and a theme. maximize and close buttons (above). Window borders are also called All of the most popular engines window decorations. Metacity is used are already installed by default in by default in Ubuntu for all the Ubuntu, so unless a theme's window borders. Alternatives include description specifically says it Emerald, which I'll cover later. like needs a specific engine, you don't metacity, Emerald is a window need to worry about it. So pick a Metacity themes are pretty simple, decorator (above). However, it GTK theme and download to your for once :) . Just choose one, has more effects then Metacity, hard disk. Then install by clicking download it, and install it by clicking such as transparent title-bars. It System > Preferences > System > Preferences > Appearance requires Compiz and is not

19 installed by default. To use it, the open button to load your Icons: these are just simple, simply install the 'emerald' skydome. single icons. You can find the package from the repositories, GNOME logo here, for example. If your skydome doesn't load, don't press alt-F2, and type 'compiz - - Icon themes: these interest us worry, try another one. Compiz may replace' (that's two dashes). If more. Each icon theme tries to refuse your skydome because it you want to use this window customize a maximum number doesn't fit your screen, or because it decorator by default, launch of icons on your system, so don't is too big for your memory (I think!). Advanced Desktop Effects be surprised if your application Skydomes are image files so they Settings (System, Preferences), logos your file type icons and have .jpg or .png file extension. click on the window decorations your commonly used action icons plugin, and change command to change. Installing them is 'compiz - -replace'. simple: just download an icon Beryl used to be a competing theme (or icon set), click System project to Compiz, but now they've > Preferences > Appearance download it, merged into Compiz Fusion, which then Install and open your click System > Preferences > Ubuntu uses by default, so I'll skip downloaded file. You can find Emerald Theme Manager, click this section. your icon theme by clicking 'Import' and open your Customize > Icons. downloaded file. Click on a theme to apply it. Emerald themes have Icon themes are the biggest a .emerald extension. files on gnome-look.org, and they have the .tar.gz extension. Skydomes are background images for Compiz's cube plugin. Setting up the cube is beyond the scope of this guide GDM is the login screen but skydomes aren't. Simply system that comes installed by download the skydome, click default in Ubuntu. If you're tired System > Preferences > of the brown default one, or you Advanced Desktop Effects want one with a face browser Settings > Desktop Cube > (shows a list of users), you can Appearance > Skydome and tick install other ones. Simply the 'Skydome' checkbox. Click on Gnome-look.org divides the icon category into two sub-categories: download one to your liking, click

20 System > Administration > Login splash screens, but I won't. splash screen and download it. Window > Local > Add, and open Click System > Preferences > if you have your file. There are other options, Splash Screen, click 'Install' and more than two systems installed, say such as randomly selecting a open your downloaded file. Make Ubuntu and Windows, and are dual- different login screen every sure 'Show splash screen on booting, then on every boot you are session, which I'll let you explore. startup' is ticked, and you're shown a list to choose from. By done! By the way, did you notice that default, Ubuntu uses grub, with a the login preferences window menu that is black and white and GNOME splash screens are didn't have the same theme as ugly. However, you can add a images, and have .jpg or .png the one you have on your background image to the grub extensions. desktop? That's because you ran bootmenu so you can feel good from it as root, and root has its own the first few seconds after you turn preferences for its themes. the computer on. GDM themes usually have the after .tar.gz extension. you select Ubuntu from the grub menu, Ubuntu will proceed to load, while displaying the Ubuntu logo and a simple progress bar. You can replace this with another splash screen of your choosing. some of you may remember the days when this was enabled by default. A small If you have installed window would appear after logging from the repositories, then you in, showing the icons of programs might be looking for more being loaded. If you want, you can desklets than the ones that Unfortunately, gnome-look.org bring it back. came by default. You can find doesn't distinguish between them here. Installation is as different types of splash screens First, make sure you have gnome- simple as downloading the file, (above), and incorrectly splashscreen-manager installed from and then clicking File > Install categorizes them all as GNOME the repositories. Select a GNOME Package from the gdesklets

21 manager. Gdesklets are simple system. You can download some fc-cache -f -v ~/.fonts desktop widgets that provide lots custom themes for it from gnome- Truetype fonts have a .ttf of different functionality. look.org. extension, and usually come in a Gdesklets generally have the compressed archive like .tar.gz. .tar.gz extension. A place where people have uploaded screenshots of their This contains clipart for desktops to show them off. We are, is a more up-to-date GNU/Linux and other open of course, impressed. widget system for Linux and source projects. See if you find competes with Vista gadgets, as anything that interests you here. well as gdesklets. Screenlets is available in the Hardy Heron Fonts are also called typesets. repositories. Download a screenlet They determine what text looks like. These are collections of from gnome-look.org, and install it Popular fonts you might have heard system sounds. Unfortunately, using the 'Install Screenlet' button of are Times New Roman and Comic they're usually just a bunch of in the screenlets manager. You Sans MS. Both of these are Microsoft sound files, and you have to should be getting used to this by fonts and can be installed on your manually select each type of now! system with the msttcorefonts system sound for each package from the Multiverse corresponding file. To do so, click Screenlets have the .tar.gz repository. Gnome-look.org has lots System > Preferences > Sound extension. of truetype fonts to choose from. then the Sounds tab. There are several ways to install them, the simplest being to just The sound files are usually ogg download a compressed archive of files. Ogg Vorbis is a free-as-in- fonts and extract it to ~/.fonts freedom alternative to restricted (remember, that's a hidden folder). MP3. That should be enough for most systems. If you find that the fonts Mouse themes don't show up in any applications, change your mouse run this command in a terminal, and XMMS is a media player for cursors, also called restart the applications. Linux, and it has its own theme pointers. Download a

22 pack, and install it using System small clock widget that can be lock dialog's description. If it > Preferences > Appearance > installed from the repositories. Its asks you to edit a gconf key, just Install. You can find your mouse package name is cairo-clock. It run and use gconf-editor. themes under Customize > basically transforms the look of your Pointers. analog clock. Download one from gnome-look.org, open it and extract Nautilus is the default file If you're running Compiz Fusion, it to ~/.cairo-clock/themes . You will explorer that comes with GNOME you'll always want to tell it to use need to make that directory yourself. and Ubuntu. When you click on the same mouse theme. Click To do so, make sure you have Places > Home Folder, you're System > Preferences > enabled viewing of hidden files. using Nautilus. Advanced Desktop Effects Settings > General Options, and Cairo clock themes are generally You can extend Nautilus' change the value of the cursor downloaded inside a compressed functionality using scripts; think theme field to the exact name of archive with the .tar.gz extension. of them as extensions, if you your theme. Make sure you like. Simply download one from respect case. gnome-look.org and extract the archive into ~/.gnome2/nautilus- apps (KDE apps) use KDE's You should know what these are. scripts (remember to enable mouse theme. You can customize Ubuntu comes with a lot of them by viewing hidden folders). That's it! it by installing and running default. Just load System > Preferences > Screensaver to select kcontrol. Mouse themes have the Scripts don't have extensions, one. .tar.gz extension. but they're usually contained Screensavers are actually inside a compressed archive: programs, which means there are either .tar.gz or .tar.bz2. This is almost like lots of different ways to install them. brainstorm.ubuntu.com, except Just follow the instructions in the it's for GNOME. Plus it includes description and you should be fine. Enjoy your new powers of conceptual art. You can post your customization! If you're still Lock dialogs are also under this ideas and design documents here. hungry for more, I'd like to category. A lock dialog is the window mention art.gnome.org, ubuntu- you see after you lock the screen, art.org, docks like AWN, cairo- and you want to return to your and Kiba dock, and my still- session. You can customize this as Cairo clock is a in-development project complete- well. Follow the instructions in each look hosted on launchpad.net. 23 MMYY SSTTOORRYY OOUUTT WWIITTHH TTHHEE NNEEWW,, Written by Irv Risch IINN WWIITTHH TTHHEE OOLLDD

e live in a world where protection because it is so just about everything secure. I have found only one Wcosts money. Fuel prices problem: Linux sometimes does are skyrocketing; food prices are not like new hardware. My old going through the roof. I think you laptop runs just fine with Linux, know what I mean. And wait until but my new one doesn't. But this winter when fuel prices hit there is an interesting thing I our pocketbooks! Anyone who found out: my new computer owns a computer knows the with Vista runs much slower expense of owning one: the cost then my old Ubuntu laptop, of hardware, software, Internet despite the hardware having access and so on. The Linux world lower specs (less memory and a is a breath of fresh air. Well, I slower processor). have my feet in two different I know that many computer computer worlds and I am finding users are afraid of trying Linux out I like one much better than mean I am using two different because they don't want to learn the other. Let me explain. computer operating systems. Now, how to do things all over again. I had a laptop that died on me, any Windows system costs money to Let me tell you I find enjoyment so I went out an bought a new run. Almost every time you buy or in learning and using new things, one (above right). My old laptop upgrade software or have to and that Linux was very easy for was not running Windows but subscribe to anti-virus software for me to learn. Now that I have Ubuntu Linux. However, my new protection, it costs money. It's not been using Linux for many years laptop came with Windows Vista. that way with my Linux system. I dislike Windows, but I am afraid Luckily, after some repairs, my Everything is free, and I mean I am stuck with using Microsoft's old laptop is now running fine. everything. The operating system is OS because of my new Therefore, when I say I have my free, all the software is free, and I hardware. I am torn between feet in two different worlds, I find I have no need to have virus two systems. Do I keep using the

24 one I don't like or do I go back to the old system that I do like (right)? I would love to be able to use my new laptop with Ubuntu but I have so many issues. The laptop I have is a Dell Inspiron 1521. I don't know if there is any one place I can go to find all the GetDeb extends the existing Linux drivers for this hardware or software options for Ubuntu (and if upcoming releases of Ubuntu derived) Linux distributions by will address these issues with this providing major updates and hardware. I have trouble with the software not yet available on the sound, Wifi card, video, built-in official Ubuntu repositories. webcam, etc. My old laptop, some reason none of the extended which is a no-name, runs perfect features on offer are available. This with no need for third-party means despite the hi (sic) end drivers. I wish hardware graphics this laptop supports no cool manufacturers would realize that cubes or wobbly windows quite a there is more that just Windows in shame really.” the world. My biggest issue was the wireless I did some Googling and found card. I did get it to work, but when I some stuff on the Southend Linux was on the road, I really had Wiki Site, but the news was not problems with roaming and finding good for this laptop. Just a short an Internet connection. It was hit and quote from this site said, miss. “Regrettably the Dell Inspiron 1521cannot (sic) run Ubuntu or Well, in the end, I removed Ubuntu LinuxMint Eyecandy although and went back to Vista on the new restricted drivers are installed and laptop. However, I am still using the hardware should support the Ubuntu on the old one; for the time extended features both Ubuntu being, it will stay that way. www.getdeb.net and LinuxMint are capable of, for

25 MMYY OOPPIINNIIOONN UUBBUUNNTTUU AANNDD Written by Lance Arnold KKUUBBUUNNTTUU TTHHEEMMEESS

have been using Ubuntu and themed, but again, it's not an option made it too small and now can't Kubuntu for over a year now. I by default in KControl. Why does it seem to find a way to click in an Ilove it! I've been toying around require an application to be installed? open space in the bar to make changes. with Linux since Mandrake 5, and 3. After downloading a theme, it has taken me a long time to there is nowhere to apply it unless 4. I wanted to set the finally convert. I kept waiting for you know that it can be dragged and wallpaper as none and just use a Enlightenment to really take off, dropped on top of the settings color. However, this was not an but it never really hit a stage of window, or that you can go to the option by default in Ubuntu 8.04. completeness that I was looking command line and use KControl. Was this intentionally removed? for, so I have temporarily given up on it. Now to my point: I have 4. I also had to install Ksplash to 5. I could find no way to theme some issues with themes on both change and theme the splash screen the splash screen after login but GNOME and KDE 3. It is a just after login, but before you hit the before you hit the desktop. challenge to get KDE themed if desktop. There are other issues with you don't know what to get, and it themes but I would like to see took me several days of hunting more attention given to to find what needs to be installed 1. This one is a real challenge for customizing the desktop, boot in order to fully theme Linux/KDE. me. First, I don't care for the dual screen, login managers, splash Here is what I have found that bars, so it takes some time to get it screens, icons, window borders needs some work. configured to one. and menu. In my opinion it 2. GNOME themes are a real chore seems clunky, all the options are not in one location, some apps 1. In order to theme the login to get installed and applied. I did get are hidden, or you need to install manager you have to install one to work, but it took me forever other apps to get things done. I KControl. Why is this not already and is not a part of GNOME itself did find that everything I needed available in the Look and Feel? from what I can tell. is in the repositories. It just took 2. The GRUB boot loader can be 3. Once I got my bars all setup I some time to find out what I needed to install, and do. 26 MMOOTTUU IINNTTEERRVVIIEEWW Taken from JJAAMMIIEE SSTTRRAANNDDBBOOGGEE

Behind MOTU is a site featuring interviews with those known as 'Masters of the Universe' (MOTU). They are the volunteer army of package maintainers who look after the and software repositories.

and ask someone if something isn’t clear. Since Breezy.

Easy – the people. It is very satisfying working with people I became a MOTU in December 2007 who share the same passions and I got involved by reviewing and want to make Ubuntu even universe security updates for better! sponsorship. 36

Rochester, NY USA Start doing the work, ask jdstrand questions and most importantly, I learned most of what I know about don’t be afraid to admit when packaging through my work on the you don’t know something or Gnome 2.2 backport for made a mistake. This gets back Woody from several years ago. I am to learning how Ubuntu teams I was introduced to Linux in 1997, a big fan of Debian Policy and work–there is a lot to learn but and installed Redhat 5.0 on my package nearly everything I want to one of the strengths of our home system in 1998. I started put on more than one computer. As community is that we have a using Debian not too long after far as learning how teams work, if I tremendous collective that. don’t know something, I read the wiki knowledge base.

27 Words to live (and work on Ubuntu) idea of ’spare time’ intriguing by. and would like to explore it more. Seriously though, when not at the computer I spend time with My priority is always security my family, greyhounds, and Hmm, ’spare time’. Well, Wikipedia updates, but I am also working on playing music. says: “Leisure or free time, is a the soon-to-be-uploaded ufw, period of time spent out of work and ubuntu-cve-tracker, apparmor essential domestic activity.” I find the profiles, and network authentication (among other things).

As an LTS release, Hardy will provide polish and many improvements for all users. I am particularly excited about Ubuntu Server, as there is a great community surrounding it and lots of new features since Gutsy and especially Dapper.

I’ll give the first two that popped into my head:

Leviticus 19:18

Yoda from ‘The Empire Strikes Back’

28 UUBBUUNNTTUU WWOOMMEENN Written by Elizabeth Bevilacqua

vast numbers of women to the Linux Amarok or Rhythmbox a spin. world. • Does she just want word processing, The real answer is simply, "Just like email, instant messaging and web you'd get anyone else interested!" browsing? Give her a quick tour of the default applications in a vanilla Ubuntu Ask the woman in your life that you Desktop install and send her on her want to switch what applications she way. uses. Take out your laptop and show Keep in mind that throughout her the options available in Ubuntu. this process you want to keep • Does she want to be able to customize her as engaged as possible. the colors in GNOME to satisfy her love for Show her how to install software, the color green? From the System menu, don't take the keyboard away select Preferences > Appearance, then click ne of the most commonly on a theme and click the Customize button when she gets stuck, and make asked questions from and go to the Colors tab and make changes. her feel comfortable so she will Opeople interested in the Voila, custom green theme! be successful once you walk Ubuntu Women project is: "How • Does she want to play a great first person away. Women are humans too do I get my girlfriend/sister/wife/ shooter? Show her how to use Add/Remove and Ubuntu was made for all of mother to use Ubuntu?" to browse games and install Open Arena. us. While you're at it, explain how she can do Many answers to this question this for thousands of software packages, all have been proposed over the for free. is a years, ranging from creating a • Does she want a recipe manager? A quick Systems Administrator in distribution of Linux for women, to Google search brings up the Gourmet Pennsylvania. She has been using Recipe Manager, which I highly recommend. Ubuntu since 2005 and became a creating more pink themes and member of the Ubuntu project in wallpapers, to writing more The download page even has a .deb package that easily installs on Ubuntu. 2007. She currently leads the applications targeted at women. Philadelphia Linux Users Group In general, these suggestions • Does she really get into music (PLUG) and the Philadelphia were not successful in drawing organization via iTunes? Have her give Chapter of LinuxChix (PhillyChix).

29 Every month we like to publish some of the emails we receive. If you would like to LLEETTTTEERRSS submit a letter for publication, compliment or complaint, please email it to: [email protected]. PLEASE NOTE: some letters may be edited for space reasons.

ust stumbled upon your link in Writer of Letter of the Month wins LETTER OF THE MONTH two metal Ubuntu case badges! JUbuntuForums.org. I have been looking for something like this A few years ago, while at University, a for a while now. The forums have friend introduced me to Linux and and admin Network Administrator news and other good content, but explained what it was all about and most about doing a trial of Ubuntu machines on the you have to look through pages importantly at the time the fact that it was all . network. Since and pages of threads to really get free! I looked into it but ..the school will April of this year something good. It would be nice my computer skills were save thousands we have been to have it all consolidated into lacking at the time and trialing with just on licenses... one, convenient, PDF. didn't fancy messing with one machine something I didn't understand. Later getting it on to the network and I like the "My Desktop" section after finishing Uni a good friend of mine working as a viable client. We are not and want to try out new themes introduced me to Linux again, but this there yet, and seeing as it is the but still haven't figured it all out. time it was Ubuntu. By this time my summer holidays at the moment, it's on hold for now, we are still Like what Metacity, Emerald, GTK computer skills had developed a lot and the whole Windows, virus, firewall, soldiering on. We hope to roll this out and all that stuff means, and how updates, insecurity, costly thing just to the whole school in three or four to change it. I need to look annoyed the life out of me. So I years time, which ultimately means through some of the old issues, repartitioned and installed Edgy and the school will save thousands on but if you haven't had a how-to on instantly I was amazed and couldn't licenses for software, particularly the themes, it would be a big help, as believe how great it was. office stuff. So I decided to send in this letter, to show my appreciation I haven't found a thread on the Then more recently (I became a teacher) of what the Open Source community forums for complete beginners, the school I work for informed us and Ubuntu have done for me, and and it is something that I could (although seemingly inappropriate to the are doing for the school and for majority of staff) that the school would everyone who uses Ubuntu directly or see many beginners struggling be losing some funding so wouldn't have with. Keep up the good work! indirectly. Keep soldiering on and as much money in the future. Upon fighting the good fight. hearing this, I spoke to a good friend of mine who is the school Web architect Ed: '

30 is much quicker to just open a page. terminal and type in this command: 4. Now, type this command into sudo apt-get install python-qt3 a terminal: 2. Before going any hp-toolbox have lost count further, use the A window will open (below), of the number of Ubuntu developers do Synaptic package giving you access to all sorts of Itimes that I have not include the manager to ensure goodies, such as ink levels, head helped new users Python QT3 bindings... that HPLIP is cleaning, queueing, etc. install HP printers installed. Just on UbuntuForums.org. search for hplip and make sure that If HPLIP Toolbox is not in your there are green ticks next to , System>Administration menu For some unknown reason, the and . list, you can add it by navigating Ubuntu developers do not include to System>Preferences>Main the Python QT3 bindings when : If you installed Ubuntu with Menu and add it there. Ubuntu is installed, even though a your HP printer plugged-in they HP printer is detected and HPLIP should already be installed. is automatically installed. 3. Next, after In many instances, the standard ensuring that your Printer installer will detect and HP Printer is install the correct driver, but you plugged into your cannot use HPLIP's toolbox utility PC and powered-up to check for ink levels and for type this command print head cleaning, because into a terminal: HPLIP requires the Python QT3 bindings to function. sudo hp-setup After entering your Here is a simple way to install HP password, a window printers the RIGHT way. will open and guide 1. Install the Python QT3 bindings. you through the This can either be done using the installation. It will Synaptic Package manager, but it then print a test

31 If you have Ubuntu-related questions, email them to: QQ&&AA [email protected], and Tommy will answer them in a future issue. Written by Tommy Alsemgeest

Unfortunately not. But for your Novatel Merlin U740, this Q Apage should be of help: Q http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread. php?t=253466

Type: MPEG-4 video As long as you have Q Size: 39.3 MB installed Qt 4, Qt 4 SQLite Duration: 21 minutes Amodule, and SQLite, you Codec: MPEG-4 AAC have to compile, then install. To Channels: Stereo find out how to do this, have a Sample Rate: 44100 hz look at the How-To in . Yes there is. First, start up the Ubuntu Live CD, open a Aterminal and type You might want to give sudo grub Q Avidemux a go. It is find /boot/grub/stage1 primarily a video root (hd*,*) A editor/converter, but it can also replacing the *'s with what you got save/convert just the audio, and from the find command. should be able to save the audio to MP3. setup (hd0) And you're done.

32 Your chance to show the world your desktop or PC. Email your screenshots and photos to: [email protected] and include a brief paragraph about your MMYY DDEESSKKTTOOPP desktop, your PC's specs and any other interesting tidbits about your setup.

My computer is a 4-year-old Compaq Presario SR1265 mini- tower featuring an AMD Athlon XP 3200 processor, 1 GB of RAM I use Enlightenment DR17 with the BlackTheme, using the and an ASUS motherboard with Via KM400A chipset. I'm using wallpapers: enrotacion, nixie, Zerg (by maidenjeanne) and the on-board S3G UniChrome video and AC97 audio. It has a Black_wall. If that seems like a lot, it isn't. It's one theme and 160 GB hard drive, both CD-R/W and DVD-RW drives and a raft four wallpapers, one for each desktop. of front mounted I/O ports. It came with a nice Compaq 17" LCD with a resolution up to 1280 X 1024. I'm dual booting the original Windows XP with Ubuntu 8.04. Windows is booted once a month or so to keep things up to date - some day I'll flush it or get another drive.

33 MMYY DDEESSKKTTOOPP

My laptop is my best friend, and I've chosen Ubuntu as the best Window borders & menu colors are from operating system for her. She is a Dell Inspiron 6400 gnome-look.org. Wallpaper is . Icons are the standard Vista/Ubuntu dual boot with Lintel video card and 1.5GB of RAM. Ubuntu human icons. I've been using Ubuntu since Ubuntu 6.06 and now I have the Specs on my digital friend: Intel core 2 duo e 6300 @ 1.86 GHz, fantastic Ubuntu 8.04 Hardy Heron. I've chosen all of the icons 1GB ram, 512 MB GeForce 7 7500 LE 512 MB video card, 320GB myself from the Web, and I use the Ubuntu Studio theme with hard disk, Ubuntu 8.04 (single-boot), 5.1 surround sound the OS X border and black pointer. I use AWN and Screenlets to speakers and a 20 inch widescreen monitor make it more beautiful. I made the right panel to make it easy It is good enough. It even runs and to access the Internet. nicely, and - of course - and , you name it...

34 Your monthly list of Linux games or applications TTOOPP55 TTWWIITTTTEERR CCLLIIEENNTTSS from the depths of the Internet. If you have an idea Written by Andrew Min for a list, please email: [email protected]

Homepage: http://www.twhirl.org/ Homepage: http://code.google.com/p/gtwitter/ is one of the most If you've used Twitter popular Adobe for a while, you've applications around. There's a probably heard of reason: it's got everything , the Mac-only except the kitchen sink client that's so popular packed into a little Twitter it costs $15. Haven't client. Simply download the you ever wished that latest release and get there was a Linux started. works with version (that was free)? multiple accounts and even Well, there is. It's called supports other sites like , . Right now, , and . It'll 's in heavy also automatically shorten development, so it's not completely featured. Even your URLs with , or ; posts images; basic features like Direct Messages are missing. and search. I wasn't thrilled with the cluttered However, it shows a lot of promise. Currently, my interface or the lack of speed (though this is mainly favorite feature is the incredibly handy list view, the fault of ), but it's a great replacement for the which condenses screen space very effectively. So if web version. you don't need fancy bling but just want to check your Twitter with a GTK client, is your app. To install , you'll need the Adobe runtime, which you can get at To install , just grab the package in http://labs.adobe.com/downloads/air_linux.html. the universe repositories. Then, download and then double click the installer.

35 Homepage: Homepage: http://engel.uk.to/twitkit/ http://live.gnome.org/DanielMorales/Twit Homepage: If you're one of those Firefox-inclined people ux http://techbase.kde.org/Projects/Plasma who like Twitter in a browser, give a /Plasmoids#Twitter_Microblog A more simple Twitter client, is a whirl. Just hit Ctrl-Shift-F (or the really clean GTK application that just button that you can add to your navigation is a KDE 4 widget that lets works beautifully. With an interface very bar), and the sidebar opens up with you update, and receive updates, from reminiscent of , focuses on a list of your timeline. There are also handy other users. It's not as fully featured as cleanliness rather than power. However, buttons to reply to someone, view his or her some of the others on this list, but if all it still has all the features that most profile, and update your status. It doesn't, you need is a simple replacement for Twitter clients have, such as sending unfortunately, have a few vital features like the web version, give it a try. It shows messages, posting statuses, and viewing direct messaging or reading archives, but if a list of the last few messages and an everyone else's statuses. It even comes all you need is a simple Twitter client, option to update your status. The with a few extra surprises, like spell is for you. It's the Twitter client for downside is that it doesn't warn you check. As a final bonus, it, like , me, anyway. when you go over 140 characters. has an option to reside in the tray and, Also, the applet was unstable. To install , you'll need (I'm not unlike , display notifications if Sometimes, text 'falls off' the widget, sure about the version, but it worked for me you're tweeted. But with all of this, making it look unprofessional. on 3.0). still manages to keep a To install KDE Twitter, you'll need the wonderfully clean interface. has been a Linux addict package in the To install , use the since he first installed openSuSE in universe repositories, then add it to package in the universe repositories. VMWare. Learn more about him at your desktop. http://www.andrewmin.com/

36 HHOOWW TTOO CCOONNTTRRIIBBUUTTEE Full Circle Team - Ronnie Tucker [email protected] - Rob Kerfia We are always looking for new articles to include in Full Circle. For article guidelines, [email protected] ideas, and for issue translation, please see our wiki: http://wiki.ubuntu.com/UbuntuMagazine - Robert Clipsham [email protected] Please email your articles to: [email protected] Robert Clipsham Daniel Cohen Philipp Höhn Andrew Min If you would like to submit news, email it to: [email protected] HAVE YOUR SAY Send your comments or Linux experiences to: Matthew Holder [email protected] If you want to have your say on how Ryan Hartlage Full Circle Magazine develops, please Andrew Min Hardware/software reviews should be sent to: attend our monthly IRC meeting. Robert Orsino [email protected] Rob Kerfia You can find our next Agenda at: Chad Merkert Questions for Q&A should go to: http://url.fullcirclemagazine.org/f2ba08 Matt Janeski [email protected] David Sutton We want input from you, the reader, to Jim Barklow MyDesktop screens should be emailed to: help us make decisions that affect the Mike Kennedy [email protected] magazine. David Haas Next general meeting (all welcome): Gord Campbell If you have questions, you can visit our forum: at . www.fullcirclemagazine.org Meetings take place in the IRC channel , which is on the irc.freenode.net server. Or you can use And our thanks go out to our webIRC page which is at , the http://irc.fullcirclemagazine.org and it and the many translation Sunday 07th September. will allow you to interact with our IRC teams around the world. channel from within your web browser. Friday 26th September.

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