Showing posts with label Unity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Unity. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Saturday, July 14, 2012
gnome classic panel + unity launcher in ubuntu 12.04 precise - YouTube
gnome classic panel + unity launcher in ubuntu 12.04 precise - YouTube
edit: Well so much for that. Compiz is apparently crashing I can't run the command anymore :( SO I just moved the Avant bar back to the bottom, not bad, but not Unity either. Ubuntu really needs to fix these issues including supporting multiple monitors (more than two) with ease if they want to stop the bleeding. Fortunately, there really isn't a competitor out there (for me at least) that I have found.
Heck yeah! I'm using GNOME classic (fallback session) because it's the only one that can run my Quad monitors fairly well (Wasn't a huge fan of Kubuntu nor Xubuntu. I liked them but they seemed to be slow at times and things would crash on me for some reason. I've just always come back to Ubuntu-GNOME classic.)
Anyways, I really liked the Unity launch bar and tried to replace it with Avant, Cairo, and Docky. Cairo looked nice, but I had issues with windows blocking it and didn't feel like trying to fix it. Avant worked pretty well but once I filled up the side bar it's scrolling feature sucked.
Finally, found this, duh. You can launch the Unity 2D shell in GNOME classic!! The Unity 2D login didn't work for quads either which is why I am not using it if you are wondering.
Run:
sudo apt-get install gnome-session-fallback unity-2d-launcher
if not already installed, then log into GNOME classic, open a terminal, and run:
unity-2d-shell
The thing is I've probably read how you could do this, but I just didn't realize it. The whole Unity, Unity 2D, GNOME, GNOME classic thing can be quite confusing.
Here is a nice post which goes into quite some detail (scroll down to the comment section as well; the author puts several informative responses there).
http://complete-concrete-concise.com/ubuntu-2/ubuntu-12-04/ubuntu-12-04-how-to-install-the-gnome-desktop
See the thing is this link^^^ says install GNOME desktop which now seems to include the GNOME 3 shell/desktop, the GNOME classic, and the GNOME classic (no effects). Quite confusing because you can install the GNOME classic with a different command I thought. It also seems, now that I understand, that GNOME classic simply runs on top of GNOME 3 with the GNOME 2 look alike desktop...? Whatever, it works so far with me and my quads and I'm happy with the desktop (not Xubuntu, Kubuntu, etc). I think I'll try to figure this out and break it down in another post some other time.
edit: plus each one runs on different window management systems such as compiz, metacity. etc...sheesh
edit: Well so much for that. Compiz is apparently crashing I can't run the command anymore :( SO I just moved the Avant bar back to the bottom, not bad, but not Unity either. Ubuntu really needs to fix these issues including supporting multiple monitors (more than two) with ease if they want to stop the bleeding. Fortunately, there really isn't a competitor out there (for me at least) that I have found.
Heck yeah! I'm using GNOME classic (fallback session) because it's the only one that can run my Quad monitors fairly well (Wasn't a huge fan of Kubuntu nor Xubuntu. I liked them but they seemed to be slow at times and things would crash on me for some reason. I've just always come back to Ubuntu-GNOME classic.)
Anyways, I really liked the Unity launch bar and tried to replace it with Avant, Cairo, and Docky. Cairo looked nice, but I had issues with windows blocking it and didn't feel like trying to fix it. Avant worked pretty well but once I filled up the side bar it's scrolling feature sucked.
Finally, found this, duh. You can launch the Unity 2D shell in GNOME classic!! The Unity 2D login didn't work for quads either which is why I am not using it if you are wondering.
Run:
sudo apt-get install gnome-session-fallback unity-2d-launcher
if not already installed, then log into GNOME classic, open a terminal, and run:
unity-2d-shell
The thing is I've probably read how you could do this, but I just didn't realize it. The whole Unity, Unity 2D, GNOME, GNOME classic thing can be quite confusing.
Here is a nice post which goes into quite some detail (scroll down to the comment section as well; the author puts several informative responses there).
http://complete-concrete-concise.com/ubuntu-2/ubuntu-12-04/ubuntu-12-04-how-to-install-the-gnome-desktop
See the thing is this link^^^ says install GNOME desktop which now seems to include the GNOME 3 shell/desktop, the GNOME classic, and the GNOME classic (no effects). Quite confusing because you can install the GNOME classic with a different command I thought. It also seems, now that I understand, that GNOME classic simply runs on top of GNOME 3 with the GNOME 2 look alike desktop...? Whatever, it works so far with me and my quads and I'm happy with the desktop (not Xubuntu, Kubuntu, etc). I think I'll try to figure this out and break it down in another post some other time.
edit: plus each one runs on different window management systems such as compiz, metacity. etc...sheesh
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Unity 5.2 Released, Brings in Multi-Monitor Support | Tech Drive-in
Unity 5.2 Released, Brings in Multi-Monitor Support | Tech Drive-in
Sweeeeeeet. Too bad it is available only in Ubuntu 12.04 alpha.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Best New Feature of Ubuntu Oneric - GNOME Shell | Tech Drive-in
Best New Feature of Ubuntu Oneric - GNOME Shell | Tech Drive-in
Sweet, some good news regarding GNOME 3, Unity, and Ubuntu!!
Sweet, some good news regarding GNOME 3, Unity, and Ubuntu!!
Friday, September 2, 2011
Rotate Lenovo X60 tablet PC screen with a single button in Ubuntu 11.04
oh, unix: Rotate tablet PC screen with a single button in Ubuntu 11.04
Ah, I finally got this to work. I had originally posted a comment on this blogger's post asking for help because I didn't get what to do with everything and where to put it. I never heard back but, eh whatever, I understand as I am pretty busy myself. They even posted a couple of links which they used to develop this shell script and how to get the desktop button launcher to work.
[SOLVED] trying to write a script for screen rotation with xrandr... - January 25th, 2011 - http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1675299
[SOLVED] How do I add my script to the Unity launcher bar? - March 5th, 2011 - http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1700605
I still couldn't figure it out. I think I needed some screen shots and/or just wasn't familiar enough with the terminology/what was going on. (The more I looked at it the more it started to make sense, especially after messing with it in GNOME classic.)
Anyways, I first just switch DEs to Ubuntu Classic and used the GNOME classic interface. I then create a application launcher and added it to the menu, something pretty easy and straight forward in Ubuntu classic/GNOME 2.
You could also use the post I just added on the GNOME classic menu indicator in Unity where the app button should be available from where you originally put it in with the GNOME classic desktop or I guess you cold use the indicator in Unity to do it too.
So as I was trying to figure out how to do this in Unity, as it kept bugging me in the back of my mind because a) I like Unity, especially if it is the future of Ubuntu, and b) it bugs the crap out of me when I can't understand or get something wrong and it won't leave me alone until I figure it out, I came across a couple of more links in google from typing in "adding applications to the unity toolbar" because I knew I was close with the GNOME application. I then went back and looked at the script and .desktop file written by the blogger and it all fell together.
One way you could go about it, which I didn't but almost did is from this link using the gconf-editor:
Add Favorite Applications to Ubuntu Unity Launcher in Ubuntu 11.04 Natty Narwhal - http://www.liberiangeek.net/2011/04/add-favorite-applications-ubuntu-launcher-11-04-natty-narwhal/
One thing about the script is that the buttons on the round arrow pad are not inverted. Will try to fix and post about that later.
Ah, I finally got this to work. I had originally posted a comment on this blogger's post asking for help because I didn't get what to do with everything and where to put it. I never heard back but, eh whatever, I understand as I am pretty busy myself. They even posted a couple of links which they used to develop this shell script and how to get the desktop button launcher to work.
[SOLVED] trying to write a script for screen rotation with xrandr... - January 25th, 2011 - http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1675299
[SOLVED] How do I add my script to the Unity launcher bar? - March 5th, 2011 - http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1700605
I still couldn't figure it out. I think I needed some screen shots and/or just wasn't familiar enough with the terminology/what was going on. (The more I looked at it the more it started to make sense, especially after messing with it in GNOME classic.)
Anyways, I first just switch DEs to Ubuntu Classic and used the GNOME classic interface. I then create a application launcher and added it to the menu, something pretty easy and straight forward in Ubuntu classic/GNOME 2.
You could also use the post I just added on the GNOME classic menu indicator in Unity where the app button should be available from where you originally put it in with the GNOME classic desktop or I guess you cold use the indicator in Unity to do it too.
Arranging Applications on the Launcher To arrange applications on the launcher in Unity 2D, press Alt-F2 on your keyboard, then type the command gconf-editor and select gconf-editor program to open.I then found this link, which was really helpful, on askUbuntu.com: How can I edit/create new launcher items in Unity by hand? - http://askubuntu.com/questions/13758/how-can-i-edit-create-new-launcher-items-in-unity-by-hand I was about to follow the selected answer post, the first, but someone commented to follow the one below it, the second and most voted. This one is much easier and more simple, I think.
This is a method without editing config files and without root privileges. First create the Launcher on the Desktop (only temporary) - right click your desktop - select Create Launcher... - create the custom Launcher as you want to.The blogger's script file is (sorry, as I haven't added syntax highlighting to my blogger post, will do later): TabletRotation.sh This Gist brought to you by GitHub.Now you got the launcher on the Desktop. If you are satisfied with it, get it in the Launcher Panel: - Open your Home Folder. Press Ctrl + H to show hidden files if necessary. - Browse to .local/share/applications - Drag and drop your Launcher from Desktop to that folder. - Now drag and drop your launcher from .local/share/applications to the Launcher Bar on the left on your Screen. - You can now delete your custom Launcher on the Desktop if it's still there. That's it.
#!/bin/bash rotation=`xrandr --query --verbose | grep "LVDS1" | awk '{print $5}'` if [ $rotation = "normal" ] then xsetwacom set "Serial Wacom Tablet stylus" Rotate half xrandr -o inverted else xsetwacom set "Serial Wacom Tablet stylus" Rotate none xrandr -o normal fiRotateButton.desktop This Gist brought to you by GitHub.
#!/usr/bin/env xdg-open [Desktop Entry] Version=1.0 Type=Application Terminal=false Icon[en_US]=/usr/share/icons/gnome/256x256/devices/video-display.png Exec=/path/to/script/TabletRotation.sh Name[en_US]=Rotate Tablet PC Screen Comment[en_US]=Toggles Tablet PC rotation Name=Rotate Tablet PC Screen Comment=Toggles Tablet PC rotationMy big flaw was missing this. You need to copy your path to where you located your file by right clicking and selecting properties. So change this:
Exec=/path/to/script/TabletRotation.shHere is a screen shot of my button on the Unity toolbar.
Ubuntu 11.04 Fix: Add the Classic Gnome Menu (Applications/System/Wine) to the Unity Panel System Tray « Ubuntu Genius's Blog
Ubuntu 11.04 Fix: Add the Classic Gnome Menu (Applications/System/Wine) to the Unity Panel System Tray « Ubuntu Genius's Blog
Uh, this is pretty sweet! If you would like to add an indicator to the top right of Ubuntu Unity 11.04 which produces a GNOME-like classic menu application then run:
Or search in the Unity application button by typing classicmenu-indicator.
Uh, this is pretty sweet! If you would like to add an indicator to the top right of Ubuntu Unity 11.04 which produces a GNOME-like classic menu application then run:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:diesch/testing
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install classicmenu-indicator
Once installed, hit Alt+F2 and enter classicmenu-indicator as the command to run.
Or search in the Unity application button by typing classicmenu-indicator.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Quad Monitors in Linux
Well, I couldn't get it to work in Unity yet. I do have a work around for my setup which works for Ubuntu GNOME classic and KDE. This is what I posted in the Ubuntu Forums so far.
Next steps: 1) see if I can get separate screen for each monitor and be able to move windows amongst them all and 2) get this to work in Unity!!
Ubuntu 11.04 + Gnome Classic + 4 LCD Monitors - http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1743715&page=2
July 7th, 2011:
Ugh, can't get 4 to work at all. I have NO problems with a dual setup. I want 1x4.
Running 8800GTS for ASUS 22" both DVI, Twinview works fine.
Other card is an 8400 GS, two Acer 19", one DVI, one VGA. I see everything fine in in nvidia x server settings, but the two Acer screens have a red tint to them when I enable them.
I've also had both Acer's working with the 8800. I wanted to add two more displays for multi-tasking so I got the ASUS screens and the 8400 (no particular reason except the ASUS's were cheap open box on newegg and the card was just something that seemed like it would work fine for what i wanted).
Running Ubuntu 11.04 Unity, I have also had the same issue in both KDE and XFCE desktops. Not sure if I've had dumb luck with duals and Ubuntu because I haven't had any issues, knock on wood.
Sorry, nothing to really add. Just wanted to log my setup and issue. Still a noob to Linux/Ubuntu (been using about a year), but I'm not looking back, I love it so far!!
Oh, and I am pretty sure I am not running any of the fancy Compiz stuff (3D, etc.). I don't want/need it.
Today/Yesterday: Sunday, August 14, 2011
Update: Still no working solution.
So I did get quad monitors to "work" but ran into the issues others have posted about (not sure if it was here or not). It was weird. I had live screens on all four monitors, but the far two "duals" on the right had the tool bar one the left of the two screens. So monitor 3 of 4 had the tool bar as if the screens had shifted from what I thought I had setup to be 1-4 starting from the far left. However, I had to click on the left two "duals" in blank space (I had a desktop background just no windows or the tool bar) which showed up on the right duals. So in order to restart or change the configurations back, I had to blindly click in monitor 1 of 4 to execute what I saw in monitor 3 of 4. Or it may have been the other way around. I forget, it has been probably a month since I did it. Sorry, should have posted when it was fresh, but I was so DAMN frustrated!! I want to say I enabled Xinerama to get the four monitors to "work" or at least display something on the screens with two TwinViews(???) since I have two monitors on one card each.
Anyways, still chugging along fine with dual monitors TwinView, except, I get black blocks every now and then on windows where I had to shrink or move the window to get everything to show again. I also noticed that Ubuntu Unity 11.04 allows the window snap feature of the half screen to work in the middle of the TwinView for both screens. I don't think that was working before, but maybe I missed it too. Thought that was pretty sweet. So if they are fixing stuff like that, then I think 11.10 and 12.04 are going to be so much better (well I am not sure if it was an Ubuntu update or nVidia or both since I did update my driver to 280.13, but I still think the next Ubuntu releases will be a big fix). Try to hang in there guys with Unity. I like it. At first I was ehh, but I got used to it. Of course everyone has their personal preferences for their needs, and I am definitely not going to "force" someone to use it or say that it is better than blah, blah, blah.
Anyways, hopefully next post will have a fix!
edit: Now that I think about, I remember I had the left two screens stretched as one screen at one point. Not sure if this was with the other two screens "working" or not. Maybe I'll try GNOME classic or KDE, but I relly like Unity now that I am used to it, .
edit2: ok, so a work around! GNOME classic and KDE allow quad monitors for my setup. However, I have "two" stretch "screens" for the left and right pair of monitors, but I can move windows to all four monitors. You have to have Xinerama enabled. Even if the pairs are treated like separate X screens then the monitors are still stretched. Also in the "separate" mode there is no bar across the right pair of screens nor can I move windows between pairs. This might be the best solution for now. At least I can use the real estate now. I can even use snap windows in KDE so I don't have to manually resize too much which I thought might be a problem with the stretched screens!! I am guessing XFCE might work in this way too. Sticking with KDE for now since a) I love blue, and b) I use Kile and Kopete anyways.
I'm new to KDE so I don't know all of its tricks. I am liking it so far.
Screenshots:
edit3: Ok, so KDE was running slow. Not sure if it had to do with the screens or not. Quads do work in XFCE and Xubuntu. I am going with Xubuntu for now.
Next steps: 1) see if I can get separate screen for each monitor and be able to move windows amongst them all and 2) get this to work in Unity!!
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Ubuntu Unity - some additional thoughts, some alternatives including Unity 2D and Lubuntu
Here are a couple of links to the Ubuntu forums on some discussion about Unity.
I am dating the articles so that myself and readers can see some chronology. Some of these posts on Unity were on some alpha/beta versions of 11.04 before the official release.
Post began May 1st, 2011 Improving Unity - http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1746352
Post began March 20th, 2011 Have you changed your mind about Unity? - http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1711109
Some info on the latest of the next Ubuntu release, Oneiric Ocelot Ubuntu 11.10.
Run Ocelot, Run! (Unity Report for 13 July) - http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/?p=17599
Some more Unity story/article links.
Ahhh, the ultimate guide on Unity with a butt load of links posted by a Ubuntu Community Team, Canonical Ltd. developer, Jorge Castro. I've seen him on the Ask Ubuntu site too!
Apr 22, 2011 The Power User's Guide to Unity - http://www.linuxtoday.com/news_story.php3?ltsn=2011-04-22-011-41-NW-AP
This ^ links to here -> The Power User’s Guide to Unity -http://castrojo.tumblr.com/post/4795149014/the-power-users-guide-to-unity
May 10, 2011 How Ubuntu's Unity Can Be Improved - http://www.linuxtoday.com/infrastructure/2011051000439OSDVUB
This ^ links to here -> May 9, 2011 How Ubuntu's Unity Can Be Improved - http://itmanagement.earthweb.com/osrc/article.php/3932966/
May 18, 2011 Other Linux Distros' View of Ubuntu's Unity: It Ain't Pretty - http://www.linuxtoday.com/infrastructure/2011051800141OSDT
This ^ links to here -> May 17, 2011 Other Linux Distros' View of Ubuntu's Unity: It Ain't Pretty - http://itmanagement.earthweb.com/osrc/article.php/3933716/Other-Linux-Distros-View-of-Ubuntus-Unity-It-Aint-Pretty.htm
Apr 25, 2011 Ubuntu's Unity in 11.04 - Not All That Bad - http://www.linuxtoday.com/news_story.php3?ltsn=2011-04-25-007-41-OP-GN
This ^ links to here -> April 18, 2011 Ubuntu's Unity in 11.04 - Not All That Bad - http://all-things-linux.blogspot.com/2011/04/ubuntus-unity-in-1104-not-all-that-bad.html
May 20, 2011 Top 4 Lightweight, Official Ubuntu Based Alternatives for Ubuntu 11.04's Unity - http://www.linuxtoday.com/infrastructure/2011052000139OSHLUB
This ^ links to here -> May 18, 2011 Top 4 Lightweight, Official Ubuntu Based Alternatives for Ubuntu 11.04's Unity 3D - http://www.techdrivein.com/2011/05/top-4-lightweight-official-ubuntu-based.html
This ^ article also talks about Lubuntu and Unity 2D as well as Kubuntu and Xubuntu.
Lubuntu is Ubuntu running the LXDE or the lightweight version of the X11 Desktop Manager similar to how Kubuntu and Xubuntu run Ubuntu in alternate desktop managers, KDE and XFCE. Apparently, Lubuntu or the LXDE system is even lighter than the already light XFCE, that is it uses less resources such as memory and hdd space and/or other low-spec hardware. Lubuntu might also be a great alternative for tablet PCs and/or netbooks.
Links to information on Lubuntu and LXDE.
Lubuntu - https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Lubuntu
LXDE - https://wiki.ubuntu.com/LXDE
Install LXDE on Ubuntu 10.04 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbObK2_YQls
June 29, 2008 - LXDE - Lightweight X11 Desktop Environment for Ubuntu - http://www.ubuntugeek.com/lxde-lightweight-x11-desktop-environment-for-ubuntu.html
Lubuntu - https://launchpad.net/~lubuntu-desktop
LXDE - https://launchpad.net/~lxde
Lubuntu - http://lubuntu.net/
LXDE - http://lxde.org/
An article on using a GNOME like menu interface with Unity using Cardapio.
May 17, 2011 Get the Best of Both Worlds,Your Own Alternative to the Default Unity Main Menu - http://www.linuxtoday.com/infrastructure/2011051700739NWSWUB
This ^ links to here -> May 15, 2011 Get the Best of Both Worlds,Your Own Alternative to the Default Unity Main Menu - http://www.ubuntuvibes.com/2011/05/get-best-of-both-worldsyour-own.html
Ubuntu 11.04 : Uninstall Gnome3 and revert to Gnome 2.x - April 26, 2011 - http://www.ajopaul.com/2011/04/26/ubuntu-11-04-uninstall-gnome3-and-revert-to-gnome-2-x/
I am dating the articles so that myself and readers can see some chronology. Some of these posts on Unity were on some alpha/beta versions of 11.04 before the official release.
Post began May 1st, 2011 Improving Unity - http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1746352
Post began March 20th, 2011 Have you changed your mind about Unity? - http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1711109
Some info on the latest of the next Ubuntu release, Oneiric Ocelot Ubuntu 11.10.
Run Ocelot, Run! (Unity Report for 13 July) - http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/?p=17599
Some more Unity story/article links.
Ahhh, the ultimate guide on Unity with a butt load of links posted by a Ubuntu Community Team, Canonical Ltd. developer, Jorge Castro. I've seen him on the Ask Ubuntu site too!
Apr 22, 2011 The Power User's Guide to Unity - http://www.linuxtoday.com/news_story.php3?ltsn=2011-04-22-011-41-NW-AP
This ^ links to here -> The Power User’s Guide to Unity -http://castrojo.tumblr.com/post/4795149014/the-power-users-guide-to-unity
May 10, 2011 How Ubuntu's Unity Can Be Improved - http://www.linuxtoday.com/infrastructure/2011051000439OSDVUB
This ^ links to here -> May 9, 2011 How Ubuntu's Unity Can Be Improved - http://itmanagement.earthweb.com/osrc/article.php/3932966/
May 18, 2011 Other Linux Distros' View of Ubuntu's Unity: It Ain't Pretty - http://www.linuxtoday.com/infrastructure/2011051800141OSDT
This ^ links to here -> May 17, 2011 Other Linux Distros' View of Ubuntu's Unity: It Ain't Pretty - http://itmanagement.earthweb.com/osrc/article.php/3933716/Other-Linux-Distros-View-of-Ubuntus-Unity-It-Aint-Pretty.htm
Apr 25, 2011 Ubuntu's Unity in 11.04 - Not All That Bad - http://www.linuxtoday.com/news_story.php3?ltsn=2011-04-25-007-41-OP-GN
This ^ links to here -> April 18, 2011 Ubuntu's Unity in 11.04 - Not All That Bad - http://all-things-linux.blogspot.com/2011/04/ubuntus-unity-in-1104-not-all-that-bad.html
May 20, 2011 Top 4 Lightweight, Official Ubuntu Based Alternatives for Ubuntu 11.04's Unity - http://www.linuxtoday.com/infrastructure/2011052000139OSHLUB
This ^ links to here -> May 18, 2011 Top 4 Lightweight, Official Ubuntu Based Alternatives for Ubuntu 11.04's Unity 3D - http://www.techdrivein.com/2011/05/top-4-lightweight-official-ubuntu-based.html
This ^ article also talks about Lubuntu and Unity 2D as well as Kubuntu and Xubuntu.
Lubuntu is Ubuntu running the LXDE or the lightweight version of the X11 Desktop Manager similar to how Kubuntu and Xubuntu run Ubuntu in alternate desktop managers, KDE and XFCE. Apparently, Lubuntu or the LXDE system is even lighter than the already light XFCE, that is it uses less resources such as memory and hdd space and/or other low-spec hardware. Lubuntu might also be a great alternative for tablet PCs and/or netbooks.
Links to information on Lubuntu and LXDE.
Lubuntu - https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Lubuntu
LXDE - https://wiki.ubuntu.com/LXDE
Install LXDE on Ubuntu 10.04 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbObK2_YQls
June 29, 2008 - LXDE - Lightweight X11 Desktop Environment for Ubuntu - http://www.ubuntugeek.com/lxde-lightweight-x11-desktop-environment-for-ubuntu.html
Lubuntu - https://launchpad.net/~lubuntu-desktop
LXDE - https://launchpad.net/~lxde
Lubuntu - http://lubuntu.net/
LXDE - http://lxde.org/
An article on using a GNOME like menu interface with Unity using Cardapio.
May 17, 2011 Get the Best of Both Worlds,Your Own Alternative to the Default Unity Main Menu - http://www.linuxtoday.com/infrastructure/2011051700739NWSWUB
This ^ links to here -> May 15, 2011 Get the Best of Both Worlds,Your Own Alternative to the Default Unity Main Menu - http://www.ubuntuvibes.com/2011/05/get-best-of-both-worldsyour-own.html
Edit: 8-22-11
Here is another article on Cardapio.
Use A Classic Menu In Unity (ClassicMenu Indicator Or Cardapio) - 04 Jun
2011 - http://www.webupd8.org/2011/06/use-classic-menu-in-unity-classicmenu.html
Some articles on using GNOME 2 in Ubuntu 11.04 also known as Ubuntu Classic.
How To Switch Back to the Old Gnome Interface in Ubuntu 11.04 - May 3, 2011 - http://techhamlet.com/2011/05/how-to-switch-back-to-the-old-gnome-interface-in-ubuntu-11-04/
Ubuntu 11.04 Change From Unity To Classic Gnome - March 5th, 2011 - http://scottlinux.com/2011/03/05/ubuntu-11-04-change-from-unity-to-classic-gnome/
Ubuntu 11.04 : Uninstall Gnome3 and revert to Gnome 2.x - April 26, 2011 - http://www.ajopaul.com/2011/04/26/ubuntu-11-04-uninstall-gnome3-and-revert-to-gnome-2-x/
Some tools to configure Ubuntu 11.04 Unity - Confity and Gunity, and some additional Ubuntu 11.04 thoughts
Earlier I posted about the Compiz Configeration Settings manager or CCSM. In this post, I link to two alternate settings managers developed by users of Ubuntu. The two are Confity and Gunity. Why would anyone use these instead of CCSM? Well, apparently, after doing some research it seems that CCSM can break Ubuntu and Unity. How or why I have no clue and will post some specifics later, hopefully. (such as, see the comment section here -> Easily tweak the Unity desktop with ‘GUnity’ - http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2011/05/gunity-app-lets-you-tweak-the-unity-desktop/
)Anyways, check these out if interested.
Easily tweak the Unity desktop with ‘GUnity’ - http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2011/05/gunity-app-lets-you-tweak-the-unity-desktop/
Easily Configure Ubuntu’s Unity Interface With Confity [Linux] - http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/easily-configure-ubuntus-unity-interface-confity-linux/
Confity by petrus6 - http://sourceforge.net/projects/confity/
‘Confity’ lets you configure Ubuntu 11.04 Unity easily - http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2011/05/confity-lets-you-configure-unity-easily/
Confity & Gunity - 2 Simple tools to configure Unity the easy way - http://www.linuxtoday.com/infrastructure/2011052301239OSHLUB
which links to:
Confity & Gunity- 2 Simple tools to configure Unity the easy way - http://www.unixmen.com/linux-tutorials/linux-distributions/linux-distributions4-ubuntu/1732-2-great-tools-to-configure-u
Configure Unity with Confity & Gunity - http://www.ubuntu-corner.com/2011/05/configure-unity-with-confity-gunity/#more-431
Change Unity Settings Easily With Confity - http://www.addictivetips.com/ubuntu-linux-tips/change-unity-settings-easily-with-confity/
One point I saw someone make on a comment section here -> ‘Confity’ lets you configure Ubuntu 11.04 Unity easily - http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2011/05/confity-lets-you-configure-unity-easily/ makes a very good point. While the Canonical development team has focused on bugs and stability in Ubuntu 11.04 some things have been overlooked or underdeveloped due to time constraints. Thus, things like configuring Unity has been severely restricted. However, the beauty in the Ubuntu community and Linux community in general is that a few dedicated people have developed software especially for these uses, such as Confity and Gunity.
However, I see many complaints about this or that in Ubuntu's latest release. I haven't been a Ubuntu user for long, just over a year, but if I didn't not like something in Ubuntu that has changed I would look for something new, and the beauty about Ubuntu and Linux distros in general is that there is something for everyone and you and generally tweak the heck out of it to suit your needs. For example, if you don't like Unity, there are plenty of ways to not use it either by another distro, switching desktop environments such as GNOME, KDE, or XFCE, and I am sure many more. Heck you can still run older versions of Ubuntu if you like!! I mean you can do this in Windows too, but I am sure there is more support for older versions of Ubuntu even though Canonical does not officially support them like Windows doesn't support '98, XP, etc. I believe Ubuntu 6.04 would have better support because it is open source and I am sure someone has tweak with it to this day, unlike Windows '98!! Of course, I am generally not too hard to please so changes may not affect me or some users as much as others. Agian, the beauty in this system is that the creativity and options are endless like the differences in every single person on this planet.
Another complaint is the time release of Ubuntu. They release versions every 6 months with long-term support versions every 2 years. Some people do not like this since 6 months is not a lot of time to do major updates/upgrades/changes which is true. Take the jump from 10.10 to 11.04. I mean Ubuntu and Canonical were working on Unity with a 10.10 netbook release, but Unity in 11.04 for all is far from perfect. Of course, I have run into far less problems since I generally don't get into the guts as much as others, but I have noticed some nuances which are somewhat annoying, but I love Ubuntu and have gotten used to some small errors which does not stop me from uninstalling to another distro or version nor stops me from doing daily tasks. Also, with time the release is getting better, and I would put money on 11.10 and 12.04 being pretty damn good. Anyways, my point is, yes, the time table is short and can cause some development issues, but why complain when there are several options and routes to take to lessen the irritation, such as alternate distros, older versions, and the ability to test Linux using a Live CD or usb stick.
Good article here supporting my thoughts which I found after writing this.
Top 4 Lightweight, Official Ubuntu Based Alternatives for Ubuntu 11.04's Unity 3D - http://www.techdrivein.com/2011/05/top-4-lightweight-official-ubuntu-based.html
)Anyways, check these out if interested.
Easily tweak the Unity desktop with ‘GUnity’ - http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2011/05/gunity-app-lets-you-tweak-the-unity-desktop/
Easily Configure Ubuntu’s Unity Interface With Confity [Linux] - http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/easily-configure-ubuntus-unity-interface-confity-linux/
Confity by petrus6 - http://sourceforge.net/projects/confity/
‘Confity’ lets you configure Ubuntu 11.04 Unity easily - http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2011/05/confity-lets-you-configure-unity-easily/
Confity & Gunity - 2 Simple tools to configure Unity the easy way - http://www.linuxtoday.com/infrastructure/2011052301239OSHLUB
which links to:
Confity & Gunity- 2 Simple tools to configure Unity the easy way - http://www.unixmen.com/linux-tutorials/linux-distributions/linux-distributions4-ubuntu/1732-2-great-tools-to-configure-u
Configure Unity with Confity & Gunity - http://www.ubuntu-corner.com/2011/05/configure-unity-with-confity-gunity/#more-431
Change Unity Settings Easily With Confity - http://www.addictivetips.com/ubuntu-linux-tips/change-unity-settings-easily-with-confity/
One point I saw someone make on a comment section here -> ‘Confity’ lets you configure Ubuntu 11.04 Unity easily - http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2011/05/confity-lets-you-configure-unity-easily/ makes a very good point. While the Canonical development team has focused on bugs and stability in Ubuntu 11.04 some things have been overlooked or underdeveloped due to time constraints. Thus, things like configuring Unity has been severely restricted. However, the beauty in the Ubuntu community and Linux community in general is that a few dedicated people have developed software especially for these uses, such as Confity and Gunity.
However, I see many complaints about this or that in Ubuntu's latest release. I haven't been a Ubuntu user for long, just over a year, but if I didn't not like something in Ubuntu that has changed I would look for something new, and the beauty about Ubuntu and Linux distros in general is that there is something for everyone and you and generally tweak the heck out of it to suit your needs. For example, if you don't like Unity, there are plenty of ways to not use it either by another distro, switching desktop environments such as GNOME, KDE, or XFCE, and I am sure many more. Heck you can still run older versions of Ubuntu if you like!! I mean you can do this in Windows too, but I am sure there is more support for older versions of Ubuntu even though Canonical does not officially support them like Windows doesn't support '98, XP, etc. I believe Ubuntu 6.04 would have better support because it is open source and I am sure someone has tweak with it to this day, unlike Windows '98!! Of course, I am generally not too hard to please so changes may not affect me or some users as much as others. Agian, the beauty in this system is that the creativity and options are endless like the differences in every single person on this planet.
Another complaint is the time release of Ubuntu. They release versions every 6 months with long-term support versions every 2 years. Some people do not like this since 6 months is not a lot of time to do major updates/upgrades/changes which is true. Take the jump from 10.10 to 11.04. I mean Ubuntu and Canonical were working on Unity with a 10.10 netbook release, but Unity in 11.04 for all is far from perfect. Of course, I have run into far less problems since I generally don't get into the guts as much as others, but I have noticed some nuances which are somewhat annoying, but I love Ubuntu and have gotten used to some small errors which does not stop me from uninstalling to another distro or version nor stops me from doing daily tasks. Also, with time the release is getting better, and I would put money on 11.10 and 12.04 being pretty damn good. Anyways, my point is, yes, the time table is short and can cause some development issues, but why complain when there are several options and routes to take to lessen the irritation, such as alternate distros, older versions, and the ability to test Linux using a Live CD or usb stick.
Good article here supporting my thoughts which I found after writing this.
Top 4 Lightweight, Official Ubuntu Based Alternatives for Ubuntu 11.04's Unity 3D - http://www.techdrivein.com/2011/05/top-4-lightweight-official-ubuntu-based.html
Friday, July 1, 2011
Ubuntu 11.04 - My first thoughts, tips, tricks, help, and more (Unity)
Ok so I upgraded to Ubuntu 11.04, and so far it is eh, ok. The things I like are the snap windows like Windows 7 has which are very helpful to me since I use them to split things on the screen when using my laptop.
(Edit: 7-17-11, I think Unity just takes some getting used to and this is a very un-mature version since it is the first, I expect things to get significantly better with 11.10 and 12.04 LTS. Also it is a personal preference too. Many still like GNOME, KDE, or XFCE which is, of course, fine, but I figured that I might as well get use to Unity since it is going to be the norm for Ubuntu from now on.
End edit.)
The new Ubuntu desktop interface called Unity takes some getting use to, and it is growing on me. There is a button at the top you click on to find other programs and such.
Ubuntu is going towards maximizing window space in 11.04 so they did away with visible scroll bars (well except now my scroll bars are present; I installed the KDE and Xfce desktops since at first I was a little frustrated with Unity so I think it has a tendency to switch styles on me even though I am in Unity??) and moved window commands to the top bar.
EDIT: The scroll bars appear on some programs such as Chrome, Foxit, etc. but are "hidden" in the file managers.
Ubuntu also did away with the bottom bar of open windows so I had to get use to using the keyboard command ATL + TAB to shift from on to the other (the same command works in Windows 7 as the same function). You can also awitch workspaces by pressing CTRL+ATL + arrow keys.
EDIT: Unity seems to push the user to using more keyboard shortcuts. I personally like this since you can sometimes be more efficient with keyboard commands. However, others may not like using the keyboard much and would rather use the mouse more which 11.04 still allows for the most part. All personal preference.
So Ubuntu also went Windows 7-ish with the side bar which contains a list of programs saved like you had at the top bar in previous Ubuntu versions, and it shows you what windows you're in and how of those windows are open.
I found the scroll bar example. Seems it doesn't apply to Google Chrome or Foxit.
When you click on the button with several windows it will give you a preview of all open windows and or open all minimized windows of that program or bring them to the front.
Anyways the sidebar can be a little frustrating at times since it auto hides, which is great, but when you have a lot of program buttons installed it will zoom to the section nearest your mouse cursor. So sometime it can be frustrating because it takes two or three attempts to get to the section you want where your program button is visible. This is only minor and you get use to it after awhile and get pretty good at it.
(Edit: 7-17-11 Also scroll down for links to Ubuntu keyboard commands and shortcuts which should help if there is still mousing difficulty.
Or you can also disable the auto-hide feature if you like the bar to remain visible at all times. To do this simply install the compizconfig-settings-manager or CCSM. To do this, since it is now installed by default, simply go to the Synaptic Package Manager type in compiz and the CCSM should appear in the list. You may have to scroll down to find it or it may be the first one to appear, I forget which it is. Op, it is about the 11th down.
Anyways, mark this to be installed and apply it. It will also install python-compizconfig which is the Compizconfig bindings for python. It is a two rows down.
I have no clue what it is or does. Just do it, :P! Then you can run CCSM and find the Ubuntu Unity plugin. Click and find the hide settings.
Links where I found this. I have also added more feeds to my blog list.
Tweak Unity to better suit your needs. Don't give up! - http://ubuntu4beginners.blogspot.com/2011/04/tweak-unity-to-better-suit-your-needs.html
How To Change The Settings Of Ubuntu Unity With CompizConfig Settings Manager - http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/change-settings-ubuntu-unity-compizconfig-settings-manager/
Links on Ubuntu 11.04 Unity and impressions:
Ubuntu 11.04 Unity – A Big Leap Forward For Linux - http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/ubuntu-1104-unity-big-leap-linux/
Ubuntu Wicoh'an - My thoughts on Unity - http://ubuntuwicohan.blogspot.com/2011/04/my-thoughts-on-unity.html
A nice 7-page review from ars technia-> Riding the Narwhal: Ars reviews Unity in Ubuntu 11.04 -http://arstechnica.com/open-source/reviews/2011/05/riding-the-narwhal-ars-reviews-unity-in-ubuntu-1104.ars/
Unity customization information:
Unity personalization: how much can you really do? - http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2011/03/unity-personalization-how-much-can-you-really-do/
For those that long for GNOME...in Unity, and some "reflections" on Unity opinions in the comments section:
‘Classicmenu indicator’ puts old-school GNOME menus in Unity - http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2011/06/classicmenu-indicator-puts-old-school-gnome-menus-in-unity/
Edit done.)
I found this site/blog really interesting and helpful. They several good topics about Ubuntu posted, and the site is regularly updated.
http://www.techdrivein.com/
Here are a few of their post.
31 Useful Ubuntu 11.04 Unity Keyboard/Mouse Shortcuts
18 Applications You Need to Install and Experience After Installing Ubuntu
12 Things I did After Installing New Ubuntu 11.04 "Natty Narwhal"
Edit/Update: 7-17-11
I've added some more blogs to the blog list, so check them out.
Here is a useful post on keyboard shortcuts for Unity from http://ubuntu4beginners.blogspot.com.
Unity desktop mouse tricks and keyboard shortcuts - http://ubuntu4beginners.blogspot.com/2011/04/unity-desktop-mouse-tricks-and-keyboard.html
The link above in turn links to a great Ubuntu community called AskUbuntu (http://askubuntu.com/) and a post there.
Unity keyboard/mouse shortcuts - http://askubuntu.com/questions/28086/unity-keyboard-mouse-shortcuts
(Edit: 7-17-11, I think Unity just takes some getting used to and this is a very un-mature version since it is the first, I expect things to get significantly better with 11.10 and 12.04 LTS. Also it is a personal preference too. Many still like GNOME, KDE, or XFCE which is, of course, fine, but I figured that I might as well get use to Unity since it is going to be the norm for Ubuntu from now on.
End edit.)
The new Ubuntu desktop interface called Unity takes some getting use to, and it is growing on me. There is a button at the top you click on to find other programs and such.
Ubuntu is going towards maximizing window space in 11.04 so they did away with visible scroll bars (well except now my scroll bars are present; I installed the KDE and Xfce desktops since at first I was a little frustrated with Unity so I think it has a tendency to switch styles on me even though I am in Unity??) and moved window commands to the top bar.
EDIT: The scroll bars appear on some programs such as Chrome, Foxit, etc. but are "hidden" in the file managers.
Ubuntu also did away with the bottom bar of open windows so I had to get use to using the keyboard command ATL + TAB to shift from on to the other (the same command works in Windows 7 as the same function). You can also awitch workspaces by pressing CTRL+ATL + arrow keys.
EDIT: Unity seems to push the user to using more keyboard shortcuts. I personally like this since you can sometimes be more efficient with keyboard commands. However, others may not like using the keyboard much and would rather use the mouse more which 11.04 still allows for the most part. All personal preference.
So Ubuntu also went Windows 7-ish with the side bar which contains a list of programs saved like you had at the top bar in previous Ubuntu versions, and it shows you what windows you're in and how of those windows are open.
I found the scroll bar example. Seems it doesn't apply to Google Chrome or Foxit.
When you click on the button with several windows it will give you a preview of all open windows and or open all minimized windows of that program or bring them to the front.
Anyways the sidebar can be a little frustrating at times since it auto hides, which is great, but when you have a lot of program buttons installed it will zoom to the section nearest your mouse cursor. So sometime it can be frustrating because it takes two or three attempts to get to the section you want where your program button is visible. This is only minor and you get use to it after awhile and get pretty good at it.
(Edit: 7-17-11 Also scroll down for links to Ubuntu keyboard commands and shortcuts which should help if there is still mousing difficulty.
Or you can also disable the auto-hide feature if you like the bar to remain visible at all times. To do this simply install the compizconfig-settings-manager or CCSM. To do this, since it is now installed by default, simply go to the Synaptic Package Manager type in compiz and the CCSM should appear in the list. You may have to scroll down to find it or it may be the first one to appear, I forget which it is. Op, it is about the 11th down.
Anyways, mark this to be installed and apply it. It will also install python-compizconfig which is the Compizconfig bindings for python. It is a two rows down.
I have no clue what it is or does. Just do it, :P! Then you can run CCSM and find the Ubuntu Unity plugin. Click and find the hide settings.
Links where I found this. I have also added more feeds to my blog list.
Tweak Unity to better suit your needs. Don't give up! - http://ubuntu4beginners.blogspot.com/2011/04/tweak-unity-to-better-suit-your-needs.html
How To Change The Settings Of Ubuntu Unity With CompizConfig Settings Manager - http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/change-settings-ubuntu-unity-compizconfig-settings-manager/
Links on Ubuntu 11.04 Unity and impressions:
Ubuntu 11.04 Unity – A Big Leap Forward For Linux - http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/ubuntu-1104-unity-big-leap-linux/
Ubuntu Wicoh'an - My thoughts on Unity - http://ubuntuwicohan.blogspot.com/2011/04/my-thoughts-on-unity.html
A nice 7-page review from ars technia-> Riding the Narwhal: Ars reviews Unity in Ubuntu 11.04 -http://arstechnica.com/open-source/reviews/2011/05/riding-the-narwhal-ars-reviews-unity-in-ubuntu-1104.ars/
Unity customization information:
Unity personalization: how much can you really do? - http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2011/03/unity-personalization-how-much-can-you-really-do/
For those that long for GNOME...in Unity, and some "reflections" on Unity opinions in the comments section:
‘Classicmenu indicator’ puts old-school GNOME menus in Unity - http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2011/06/classicmenu-indicator-puts-old-school-gnome-menus-in-unity/
Edit done.)
I found this site/blog really interesting and helpful. They several good topics about Ubuntu posted, and the site is regularly updated.
http://www.techdrivein.com/
Here are a few of their post.
31 Useful Ubuntu 11.04 Unity Keyboard/Mouse Shortcuts
18 Applications You Need to Install and Experience After Installing Ubuntu
12 Things I did After Installing New Ubuntu 11.04 "Natty Narwhal"
Edit/Update: 7-17-11
I've added some more blogs to the blog list, so check them out.
Here is a useful post on keyboard shortcuts for Unity from http://ubuntu4beginners.blogspot.com.
Unity desktop mouse tricks and keyboard shortcuts - http://ubuntu4beginners.blogspot.com/2011/04/unity-desktop-mouse-tricks-and-keyboard.html
The link above in turn links to a great Ubuntu community called AskUbuntu (http://askubuntu.com/) and a post there.
Unity keyboard/mouse shortcuts - http://askubuntu.com/questions/28086/unity-keyboard-mouse-shortcuts
Friday, May 20, 2011
Ubuntu Unity - Sidebar getting stuck
Edit: 9-15-11, looks like Ubuntu's latest update has fixed this!!
One thing that frustrates me about Ubuntu 11.04 and Unity is when I am in Mendeley Desktop and want to combine authors or do something on the LHS the sidebar will pop up and remain there blocking part of the window. At first I thought it was broken, but it is, not really buggy, just flawed. The way I figured how to get it to hide again is go to somewhere like an internet page and click and drag across some text to highlight, then click in the highlighted text and drag away like you're going to place it somewhere else where you'll see the hand in a fist, the transparent text, and a plus sign, and the side bar will hide again once you release the button.
Also see here where I posted on AskUbuntu - http://askubuntu.com/:
What to do when Unity's Launcher gets stuck open? - http://askubuntu.com/questions/41962/what-to-do-when-unitys-launcher-gets-stuck-open/44165#44165
One thing that frustrates me about Ubuntu 11.04 and Unity is when I am in Mendeley Desktop and want to combine authors or do something on the LHS the sidebar will pop up and remain there blocking part of the window. At first I thought it was broken, but it is, not really buggy, just flawed. The way I figured how to get it to hide again is go to somewhere like an internet page and click and drag across some text to highlight, then click in the highlighted text and drag away like you're going to place it somewhere else where you'll see the hand in a fist, the transparent text, and a plus sign, and the side bar will hide again once you release the button.
Also see here where I posted on AskUbuntu - http://askubuntu.com/:
What to do when Unity's Launcher gets stuck open? - http://askubuntu.com/questions/41962/what-to-do-when-unitys-launcher-gets-stuck-open/44165#44165
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