Note from Richard: From time to time, we love to look beyond the world of pure SEO and focus a little more on interesting topics like the Ubuntu operating system and related technologies. On that note, I’d like to introduce Jeff Orloff, a technology coordinator with the School District of Palm Beach County. He also works as a consultant for Sequoia Media Services Inc., specializing in companies that are implementing social media into their businesses for collaboration and information-sharing. He is currently writing a book titled MediaWiki: A Beginner’s Guide. Today, Jeff will be talking about Ubuntu in the Office. Over to you, Jeff!
I’ve had some time this weekend to play around with Ubuntu and update some of my more popular Ubuntu posts. Today, I updated the how to install Compiz post for Jaunty Jackalope. Here’s a screenshot of my beautiful new desktop in 3d mode: (Click the image to enlarge)
If you want to build a similar Ubuntu setup, and you’re starting from scratch, here are the guides and resources you’re going to need to get going:
1) Install Ubuntu with the Ubuntu installation guide
2) Activate “restricted” drivers for NVIDIA or ATI graphics cards
Those of you who read this blog regulary know that I’m really keen on promoting and using the open source operating system, Ubuntu. It’s the most popular Linux flavour for those people considering moving away from Windows, it’s powerful, reliable and, you can make it look really pretty just like this:
I’ve just updated my Ubuntu installation guide for users wishing to install the latest Ubuntu Jaunty Jackalope release (9.04) using Wubi (the installer from inside Windows) or, the full installation on a new partition from either a USB stick or a CD.
Note from me: Bob Smiley left a fantastic comment on my blog a few days back. The comment was so rich, detailed and lengthy that it justifies a blog post all on its own. So, Bob Smiley summarises the advantages of Ubuntu Linux on SEOgadget.co.uk. Thanks Bob!
The advantages of Linux (Ubuntu in particular) are:
a) It’s free of charge (seriously, you can download and install it for free!)
b) You’re free to do with it as you please (no proprietary / closed source apps, unless you install them yourself.)
I discovered Crunchbang on Lifehacker earlier today and couldn’t resist a quick tour by installing it to a USB drive. Crunchbang is a fast and light flavour of Ubuntu, and, if you’re an advanced Windows user curious about Linux, it’s an ideal entry point to explore the world of super fast Linux distros. See how dark and cool looking it is!
Want to try Crunchbang? Here’s how to install it on a USB drive from Windows Vista:
I’m really enjoying using AWN (Avant Window Navigator) on my Ubuntu desktop at the moment. AWN is a great “productivity” tweak making it easier to access your favourite application by adding customisable buttons at the base of your screen. Using AWN means no more navigating through the Ubuntu applications menu for your commonly used apps and it gives you an easy way to make little shortcuts and generally tweak your desktop. Just to add a little extra fun AWN comes with a suite of widgets such as a quick window navigator launcher (hence the name..) and even a Last.fm app – the icon for which turns into the album cover of the track you’re listening to. Nice touch!
Here’s a handy little tip if you’d like to add a deleted items icon to your Ubuntu desktop:
Run terminal and type: gconf-editor /apps/nautilus/desktop
You should see configuration editor appear for your Nautilus settings and specifically, these useful little checkboxes:
Just click “trash_icon_visible” and your deleted items icon will appear!
Amazing Conky powered theme in Ubuntu using Emerald & Avant Window Navigator from startup
Here’s my my new Ubuntu Intrepid Installation running the Quicktweaks Conky setup. Conky is a powerful little tool that allows amazingly detailed levels of system monitoring and can easily be modified to perform other tasks. If you want to find out more, visit the Conky website here and see how it can be customised here. This desktop is a wonderful example of real time system monitoring and the display is even checking my Gmail inbox status and the outdoor temperature from Weather.com!
I’ve added a new section to my “how to install Ubuntu” guide, covering off a slightly different approach to the Ubuntu Intrepid Ibex installation process.
Basically, it’s much easier to set up a dual boot installation by running the installation CD from Windows. I’ve added to the instructions with screenshots so I hope the guide is still useful and upto date for the new Intrepid release.
I’ve got to say, I’ve been excited about the new release for a while. Though there have been some early disapointments. Users are reporting problems with Nvidia graphics drivers, myself included. For some reason Ubuntu does not allow you to activate the proprietory drivers, like you could in Hardy.
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