Posts from April 2011

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The little things that matter: Unity’s new grid animations

I'm a sucker for detail. In yesterdays update to Ubuntu 11.04's Unity interface the Grid plugin (read 'aero snap') for Compiz added some animated 'effects' when being invoked. Read on to see them in action and why I think they're more than just simple 'bling'...

8 April 2011
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‘Test Drive’ for Natty now allows install-free try out of almost every app in Ubuntu

Ubuntu 11.04's neat 'Test Drive' feature - which allows you to try applications without installing them - just got a whole lot better. Earlier today Stéphane Graber has announced that the service now allows for test-driving of almost every application and utility that is installable via the Ubuntu Software Centre. That's over 1300 different applications!

7 April 2011
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Synapse launcher update brings new theme, more options

A new release of semantic file and application search tool 'Synapse' has been made available for download. Although similar in function to other launchers, such as GNOME Do or Launchy, the vala-written Synapse is lightweight in resource use and fast in presenting a variety of results thanks to tight Zeitgeist integration.

7 April 2011
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Zeitgeist work towards GNOME 3.2

So with an awesome GNOME 3.0 out I already had some stuff prepared for 3.2 that can show off some of the power and awesomeness Zeitgeist could provide for GNOME 3.2 The designs are random till now and we (Federico, Siegfried and me) are waiting for directions. Until then we are doing what we think somehow makes sense for new GNOME 3.2 features.

7 April 2011
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Novacut live videocast at 1800 UTC today

Inspired by the Ubuntu Community Manager Jono Bacon's weekly videocast, the Novacut folks have decided to do a same style videocast where you can ask them questions about anything you would like to know about the upcoming video editor.

7 April 2011
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Elementary OS adds 64bit support and direct downloads

When the elementary project launched the first release of their operating system late last month the only way to download a copy was by jumping on the torrent bandwagon. Not so any more! Download links and further info tucked away behind the 'read more' button.

7 April 2011
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The first 20 years of Linux [video]

As someone who is still "relatively" new to Linux compared to many - having jumped aboard the Tux train at Ubuntu 7.10 - it's all-to-easy for me to remain unaware of the history and legacy upon which the operating system I spend my days writing about builds upon.

7 April 2011
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Banshee sucketh the big one, or how to correctly file a bug and stop worrying

There are bugs in Banshee, as I write this, 815 known or suspected bugs to be specific. Likely there are many more... and you, the user, is thus at risk of hitting one. Here is what to remember when experiencing a Banshee problem.

7 April 2011
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GNOME 3 released; to be available for Ubuntu 11.04 via PPA

The latest version of the GNOME desktop environment has been released - and what a release it is. GNOME 3, aside from looking visually different to GNOME 2 thanks to its new 'Shell' - has had a refit, rethink and re-code of pretty much everything.

6 April 2011
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New Skype beta for Linux improves call quality, adds Skype Access

A new beta release of internet telephony application Skype is available. And about time too, eh?

6 April 2011
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maps.ubuntu.com shows ubuntu servers around the world

Information is so much easier to digest - and so much more impressive to look at - when you can see it presented graphically. Like these map of Ubuntu servers in use around the world.

6 April 2011
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How to add Quicklists for Opera in Unity

Kyle Baker recently posted a short guide on adding Quicklist options to Opera's launcher in Unity, and whilst his guide relates to Opera, the Unity developers have made it an easy enough 'hack' to apply to a variety of applications.

6 April 2011