Desktop Mods

compiz_comparison_chart

Compiz 0.9.0 Released – Completely Rewritten in C++

I was doing some in depth research / code hacking regarding the support of multi-headed output (dual monitors) on Linux. I won’t get into details but my video is being output to my monitors as “one screen” with a virtual distinctions handled by the window manager. Because of this, figuring out which of the monitors you are on isn’t as straight forward as you might think. Originally I was looking for a way to access the c functions in compiz through python but that point is now moot (likely for the better).

The first unstable release of the Compiz 0.9 series, completely rewritten in C++. As said, this “brings a whole new developer API, splits rendering into plugins, switches the buildsystem from automake to cmake and brings minor functionality improvements. This release represents the first developer and tester preview of what will eventually make the 0.10.x stable series. Please note that as such, it is not yet ready for general use as there are a number of known ssues, regressions and incomplete functionality.”

Here is a SLIGHTLY DATED graph I got from Santiance.com.

This is a really interesting turning point for the project and I’m glad I came across this while doing my research for multi-head handling in compiz. Knowing where the future lies could drastically change where I put my efforts in developing to support them.

ubuntu-system-panel

Ubuntu System Panel – A 'start menu' for the power-user

Ubuntu System Panel (USP) is a replacement for the standard three menus (Applications, Places, System) that come with Ubuntu in the top left. USP condenses these three menus into one easily filtered menu system. You can either navigate the list by clicking buttons related to the type of application you’re looking for (e.g. Accessories, Games, System Tools) or just start typing the name of what you want for a live filter search (my preferred method).

ubuntu-system-panel

There are many extra tweaks, as seen above I’ve “pimped” mine out a bit with the options. The preferences dialog, you can get to by right clicking system and choosing preferences, has a lot to be desired as it’s interface is a bit O.o. If you play around for a while though, you’ll be able to figure it out.

ubuntu-system-panel_rightclick
usp-preferences

Optionally, I’ve provided my configuration file which you can apply to your USP by selecting “restore” in the bottom right of the preferences dialog.

Read the installation documentation to get started.

systemetrical_detrition-5b.jpg

I'm Back!

Sorry guys, I was out of town for a few days. I don’t have any tips for you today but I have a wallpaper I made yesterday.

Here ya go:

systemetrical_detrition-5b.jpg

Which Widget Didya Get?

I tried Konfabulator a while ago (emphasis on the while) and I wasn’t too pleased. It seemed laggy, buggy and more trouble than it was worth. However, recently I was on the lookout for a good desktop todo list, nothing too fancy but it seemed to achieve this, I would have to put my qualms aside and get some sort of widget program.

I decided to give Konfabulator another shot (now know as Yahoo Widgets. And I must say, I’m quite pleased! Everything runs smoothly, it integrates well with the OS and I haven’t had any crashes.

So if you haven’t tried out Yahoo Widgets, I definitely recommend it.

By the way, here is the todo list that I’m using.

cluster.jpg

Sexy Up Your Desktop With These Dual Wallpapers

Whether you realize it or not, your desktop wallpaper has a very significant impact on your life. Your eyes, your mood and your creativity are all affected by it. This is why I believe it’s important to have a good one… which isn’t always an easy task for someone with dual monitors. Over the years, I’ve collected many many wallpapers and today, I wish to share with your other people rocking dual monitors, some I’ve hand picked from my collection.

I didn’t realize wordpress’s support for uploading multiple images was so weak… so here are a few examples of what you’ll be getting when you download: this zip

EDIT: Link fixed!

abstractiongarden07thumbnail.gif

clusterthumbnail.gif

face_it_by_aerosolfunthumbnail.gif

windinthegarden-daymixthumbnail.gif

And the one I’m currently using…

coldburnthumbnail.gif