by superdope01
Our random post for this month is going to be on Linux. We’re going to talk about Ubuntu/Kubuntu and upgrades, as I have just upgraded to Jaunty Jackalope on all my installs. I upgraded my Ubuntu install about three weeks ago. I had a few problems, so I’ve been dragging my feet upgrading my Kubuntu install. I prefer KDE to Gnome so Kubuntu is my everyday OS. I just use Ubuntu for testing new (buggy) software and upgrades.
One problem I had with Ubuntu was, after the upgrade, I couldn’t watch any flash video. I watch ALOT of TV on HULU, so I didn’t want to take the chance with my everyday OS. I got the flash working about two weeks ago, so now I was ready to upgrade Kubuntu. Then I put it off another week because I didn’t have the time. This weekend, I was just sitting around doing nothing, so I decided to pull the trigger.
Once I did the upgrade, I rebooted to see a brand new log-in screen. Very sleek. Of course, it was in the wrong resolution, so I started to feel a tightening in my stomach. After logged in, I noticed a new desktop background and none of my custom panels were there. Oh no, what had they done to me? Then I noticed that my Knewsticker was gone from the panel, and not an option anymore in the “add applets to panel” menu. No more news ticker in the panel? That’s one of the major reasons I prefer KDE. Maybe when I get some time, I can research re-installing kdesklets and get that functionality back, but that’s still extra work. Damn you, Linux!! Why do the ones you love end up hurting you the most?
First, I got the resolution turned back to the correct one, and my screen actually filled the entire monitor. There was only a panel/toolbar at the bottom, and I like my Linux installs to have a top panel also. Of course, you have to decide which one you want your windows to minimize to. Top or Bottom. I like top. So that means moving the default bottom panel up to the top. Pretty simple. Even though the entire menu for dealing with panels had been completely redone, I managed to add a new panel at the bottom, got it to fill the entire bottom of the screen, and got it to where it was always visible. At least we’re starting to look like one of my installs. LOL
Next, it was time to deal with the desktop settings and add some stuff to the panels. After setting my desktop background back to my Tron pic, I started adding stuff to the panel I had created. I found a twitter app for KDE that allows you to tweet straight from your desktop. It also shows the latest tweets from your friends with their user icons. I added a RSS reader to replace my Knewsticker. Not anywhere near the same since it is not a ticker. I can click on it and it pops up the latest posts in the feeds I have added. Then I found something I’ve never seen in a default install of KDE. A weather app for the panel. I use the weather app for Gnome’s panel all the time in Ubuntu and was pleased to see something like it finally added to KDE.
Once the headaches were all taken care of and the concessions accepted, I got to use it for a while. This is one of the sleekest KDE desktops I’ve ever seen. Gnome has always been more finished, in my opinion. KDE has always looked a little dated, but had so many extra apps. and applets. I think this is all in the past now. Everything lights up when you hover over it. The panels/toolbars are semi-transparent. Everything seems to have a finish that shines. Kubuntu blows vista away. I am very pleased. And as always, from the headaches comes new knowledge. I always learn something when I use Linux. I haven’t learned anything using micro$oft in years.
I’ve only begun to scratch the surface of this new desktop. I’m sure there are all kinds of new bells and whistles yet discovered. New sections of settings menus. Who knows? That is one of the things about Linux that keeps me fascinated. I never know what I will find with each different distro or version upgrade, but it’s always good. Now it’s time to start tweeking this baby. LOL