Professional Documents
Culture Documents
TOP FIVE
MEDIA CENTERS
full circle magazine #32 contents ^
Program In Python - Pt6 p.08
full circle Ubuntu Women p.31
Offline Package Install p.14 Review - MPD p.25 Letters p.29 Top 5 - Media Centers p.38
The articles contained in this magazine are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
This means you can adapt, copy, distribute and transmit the articles but only under the following conditions: You must attribute
the work to the original author in some way (at least a name, email or URL) and to this magazine by name ('full circle magazine')
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G
oogle seem to be hogging the headlines everywhere these days, First it
was their gOS (even though they probably had little to do with it in the first
place), then it was the Google phone (the G1 from HTC, with the Android
OS), then the Chromium browser, then the Chromium OS and now
everyone is a-twitter about the potential release of the mobile phone. Out
of that list, we can only really bring you one thing, the browser. So, this month, we
show you how to install the Chromium browser using an easy to add PPA.
In this months Top 5, Andrew discusses his top media centers, which came in very
Ubuntu is a complete operating
useful to me since I just recently purchased an with the intention of
system that is perfect for
making it a media center. This I've now done, using and which, laptops, desktops and servers.
while still in alpha (beta coming in early January 2010) is an excellent media front- Whether at home, school or
end. Hopefully in next months issue, I'll have a How-To written up on how I did it. work, Ubuntu contains all the
applications you'll ever need
Thanks Andrew!
including word processor, email
application and web browser.
If you skip to the last page of this issue, you'll see something we've never done Ubuntu is and always will be free
before in FCM, an advertisement. I mention it only to clarify that we're making no of charge. You do not pay any
licensing fees. You can
money from the ad, we're merely helping each other obtain more readership. The
download, use and share Ubuntu
next issue of (due in early March 2010) will have a full page ad for with your friends, family, school
FCM (once I make it), so keep your eyes peeled for that! or business, for absolutely
nothing.
Enjoy the issue, and keep in touch!
Once installed, your system is
ready to use with a full set of
productivity, internet, drawing
and graphics applications, and
games.
Editor, Full Circle magazine
ronnie@fullcirclemagazine.org
use the new
'contents' link to jump
to the contents page
full circle magazine #32 from any other page!
contents ^
NEWS
Shuttleworth: My new focus at Canonical Sabayon Linux 5.1 Joker Racer R/C Server
"Gaming" Edition arrives
From March next year, I’ll focus my Canonical energy
on product design, partnerships and customers. Those Sabayon Linux founder
are the areas that I enjoy most and also the areas Fabio Erculiani has
where I can best shape the impact we have on open announced the
source and the technology market. I’m able to do this availability of a
because Jane Silber, who has been COO at Canonical "Gaming" Edition of
virtually from the beginning, will take on the job of CEO. version 5.1 of his popular Linux
distribution. Sabayon [..] is intended
Since Jane joined the company, she and I have shared the to provide a
load of coordinating between the leaders of all the key teams that make up while being both
Canonical. We’ve been through various permutations as new initiatives stable and versatile.
needed different kinds of attention; Jane currently leads the Ubuntu One
effort, for example. The [...] release is based on Sabayon
Linux 5.1 GNOME and features [...] A server on wheels – what comes to
I’ve become very passionate about design and quality, and want to spend turn-based tactical strategy game
more time figuring out how we harness the collaborative process to build your mind when that phrase is
called Battle for Wesnoth, the mentioned? Most of us might think of a
better, more insightful products. I can’t think of a more interesting Warsow first person shooter and a
challenge, and luckily I couldn’t think of a better person to take over my waiter wearing a pair of skates, but
2D platformer called Wormux. The this time round, we’re talking about
formal management and leadership responsibilities at Canonical than Jane. turn-based artillery game Scorched
We’ve worked together long enough, and closely enough, that I can be the Joker Racer R/C Server. This is a
3D and OpenArena first person real deal Linux server that has been
confident of continuity in the pieces I most care about and also excited shooter based on the Quake 3
about the ways in which I think Jane will raise the bar for the senior team. shrunk to a miniscule size, making it
engine are also included. Erculiani small enough to be installed onto radio-
As a former VP at General Dynamics, Jane has more experience of large hopes that the release, which he
customers and large organizational leadership, which I see as essential for controlled cars, where you can then
says control it from a standard Web browser
Canonical over the next five years. We are being welcomed as a partner , will make sure that no one
and supplier to ever-larger businesses, and I want to make sure we are a or using a client program for the
gets . iPhone (which is currently under
robust answer to their needs.
development, seeing action only
More details about the release, sometime next year). While the Joker
Many folks in the community will know Jane from Ubuntu Developer including a full list of games, can be
Summits, and of course she’s well established as a leader at Canonical. In Racer R/C Server is not for sale at the
found in the original release moment, it could have plenty of
order to focus on the new role, we’ll be hiring for a COO and a new lead for announcement and list of packages.
Ubuntu One (both positions will be advertised publicly as well as within potential especially in a tie up with
Sabayon Linux 5.1 "Gaming" Edition Tamiya or other notable R/C car
Canonical). There’s no rush, so we plan to coordinate things carefully and I is available to download for 32-bit
expect I’ll be focused on my new role by March. manufacturers.
systems.
: Ubuntu Weekly News : Hobby Media
: h-online.com
B
efore I start on the doing a follow-up article next and these virtual terminals can simply running it with:
topic for this month's month with a bit more be attached/reattached in a
article, I have to information about Screen), I new terminal, or a different screen
admit to a mistake! decided I'd use Screen as much account, etc. You may be
Reader Stefan Eike pointed out as possible for the weeks that asking yourself: “Why not just You'll notice that it opens...a
that I missed out a “t” last followed, and to configure it as have two or more terminals blank terminal? Screen looks
month, in the command: best as I could - after all, you open?” Which works, and, I exactly like a terminal (if run
can't write about a program have to admit, I am in the habit without
sudo smartctl -H /dev/sda you never used!. of using multiple terminals, but arguments/configuration), yet
Screen offers you the ability to you can see that it is actually
So thanks to Stefan for In this article, I'll focus on have multiple virtual terminals Screen by hitting C-a d (that is:
pointing that out, and sorry to installing, using (keybindings, in a single screen session, “ctrl + a”, and then “d”). You'll
anyone who may have run into etc.), setting up a .screenrc, which act a bit like tabs (yes, I now see the terminal you had
issues with that command. and the pros/cons of Screen. know there are tabbed terminal open before with a line that
Next month's article will be emulators as well). However, reads:
I got an email from focusing on more advanced Screen also allows you to
proofreader Brian Jenkins on [detached]
uses of Screen (multi-user detach and reattach the entire
November 15th, offering his sessions, Screen over SSH, session (tabs included) in a
opinion that an article Which is simply telling you
etc.). That way, everyone new terminal, in a different
dedicated to GNU Screen would that the screen session that
should have the knowledge account, or in a tty screen.
be cool to see, since he had was started was detached, and
required to understand the
started using it and felt it not killed.
next segment, and I can focus Of course, the best way to
extremely useful. So, Brian, more on the how and why find out what Screen is, is to
here's your article! I have to Now, for a complete list of
instead of the usage of Screen. actually install and use it. In
thank him again for reminding keybindings for Screen, you'll
So, to begin with, what is GNU order to install Screen on your
me of Screen, I seem to have have to check the link in the
Screen? GNU Screen is a system, you can run this
always managed to overlook it Further Reading section. A few
terminal multiplexer. In case command:
when deciding on an article. that I find myself using a lot
that means absolutely nothing
After he suggested this topic, sudo apt-get install screen are:
to you, a terminal multiplexer
and I decided that it was a essentially creates a series of Ctrl + a, d – detaches a
great idea to write an article or “virtual” terminals within a Once it's installed, you can screen
two about (I will most likely be terminal emulator/tty screen, get your first taste of Screen by
I
move to the Toolbar frame, go naming conventions in a bit. above the other, and close to
hope you've been playing back to the New tab, and add Set the size to 400x340 by the center of the frame. Select
with Boa Constructor since another frame to our project by clicking on the Size check box. the top button, name that
our last meeting. First we clicking on wx.Frame (which is This drops down to show “btnShowNew”, and set the
will have a very simple right next to the wx.App height and width. Height label to “Show the other
program that will show one button). Make sure that the should be 400 and width frame” in the Constr tab of the
frame, then allow you to click Application tab shows both should be 340: Inspector frame. Use the
on a button that will pop up frames under the Module Shift+Arrow combination to
another frame. Last time we did column. Now go back to the resize the button so that all the
a message box. This time we new frame and save it as text is visible, and then use the
will do a totally separate frame. “FrameSecond.py”: Ctrl+Arrow combination to
This can be helpful when doing move it back to the center of
an application with multiple Next, open FrameMain in the frame. Select the bottom
frames or windows. So... here the designer. Add a wx.Panel to button, name that “btnExit”,
we go... the frame. Resize it a bit to and set the label to “Exit”.
class FrameMain(wx.Frame):
def _init_ctrls(self, prnt):
GUI2 code: # generated method, don't edit
wx.Frame.__init__(self, id=wxID_FRAMEMAIN,
#!/usr/bin/env python name=u'FrameMain',
#Boa:App:BoaApp parent=prnt, pos=wx.Point(846, 177),
size=wx.Size(400, 340),
import wx style=wx.DEFAULT_FRAME_STYLE, title=u'Main
Frame')
import FrameMain self.SetClientSize(wx.Size(400, 340))
import FrameSecond self.Center(wx.BOTH)
I
f you are among those who deb-src sudo apt-key adv --recv-keys
http://ppa.launchpad.net/chro --keyserver
N/A have yet to take the mium-daily/ppa/ubuntu karmic keyserver.ubuntu.com 4E5E17B5
plunge to use a version of main
Google Chrome or the And now you're finished.
open-source Chromium, I To get Ubuntu to add these Refresh your package listing
highly recommend you give it a package sources to your source either through the Software
try. This HowTo will walk you list, go to: System > Sources applet, or just execute
through installing Chromium Administration > Software apt-get update from the
using the daily builds provided Sources. Then select the Other terminal. To get Chromium via
through a Personal Package Software tab. Once there, the terminal:
Dev Graphics Internet M/media System Archive (PPA) at select the Add... button, and, in
LaunchPad.net. There are no the APT line text box, enter the sudo apt-get install
deep secrets in this article; all first line from above (note that chromium-browser
the information I'm about to you should substitute your
CD/DVD HDD USB Drive Laptop Wireless provide can be found at the version of Ubuntu in the place And, after that runs its
PPA page at LaunchPad of 'karmic' as appropriate). course, you've got one of the
(https://launchpad.net/~chromi Repeat this step for the second best running browsers today
um-daily/+archive/ppa). To line above. running on Ubuntu, based on
make this as user friendly as my experience. If you happen
possible, I'll demonstrate the Ubuntu isn't going to be to be running Karmic you can
steps to take through the happy to trust this third-party add a new software source,
Ubuntu sources list GUI. source you've just added. To and its key, with:
alleviate this you will need to
To update your sources to sudo add-apt-repository
authenticate the source with ppa:chromium-daily
include the packages from the the proper GPG key. This can
PPA for Chromium, you will be accomplished through the And, just like that, I've made
need to use the following: GUI, but this step is easily my little HowTo obsolete.
accomplished through the
deb
terminal. Open your terminal
http://ppa.launchpad.net/chro
mium-daily/ppa/ubuntu karmic and execute the following
main command:
W
on which we can see the party repositories, such as
hile there is an dependencies. Now, which of medibuntu.
ever-increasing these dependencies do we
growth in Internet already have? If you had Once you have gathered the
connectivity known in advance to grab the .deb packages, you can bring
around the world, there are still /var/lib/dpkg/status file, you them back to your offline
many users with dialup or no could search through your machine and install them one
Internet connection. Sure, currently installed packages to by one by double clicking them
installing packages is quick First, we will explore see which packages you do or and installing them with GDebi.
and easy with aptitude or http://packages.ubuntu.com. do not need. Without it, you This will work for the most
Synaptic, but how can one This website, hosted by will have to settle for part, and you will have to
install without an Internet Canonical, keeps a running tab downloading all of these install the dependencies first.
connection? If you've ever on all of the available packages packages and decide whether It's not streamlined, but it gets
attempted this, you and meta data (specific or not to grab their the job done.
understand how frustrating it information on each package) dependencies as well. The
can be. However, there are a for all of the primary Ubuntu packages they depend on may
L
community for various reasons. # The primary network
ast month, we did the (See aptitude install vim-nox interface
basic Ubuntu Server auto eth0
http://ubuntuforums.org/showth
You don't have to do this if iface eth0 inet static
installation from CD, read.php?t=765414) address 192.168.0.100
and got to the point of you use a different text editor netmask 255.255.255.0
Install The SSH Server
rebooting into the installed such as joe or nano. network 192.168.0.0
system. broadcast 192.168.0.255
(Optional) Configure The Network
gateway 192.168.0.1
Get Root Privileges If you did not install the Restart your network with:
Because the Ubuntu
OpenSSH server during the installer has configured our
After the reboot you can /etc/init.d/networking
system installation, you can do system to get its network restart
login with your previously
it now: settings via DHCP, we have to
created username (e.g.
administrator). Because we change that now because a Then edit /etc/hosts:
aptitude install ssh openssh-
must run all the steps from this server server should have a static IP
address. Edit vi /etc/hosts
Both should show Change The Default Shell has advantages (think of this -
after you have done a week of
It is a good idea to
now. synchronize the system clock
trouble-shooting because some
/bin/sh is a symlink to with an NTP (network time
service wasn't working as
Edit sources.list And /bin/dash, however we need
/bin/bash, not /bin/dash.
expected, and then you find
protocol) server over the
Internet. Simply run
Update Your Linux Therefore we do this:
out that everything was OK,
only AppArmor was causing the
Installation dpkg-reconfigure dash problem). Therefore, I disable it
aptitude install ntp ntpdate
C
urrently, I am a work only with an adult. A few children engaging fun. To operating environment, they
teacher working with applications became hits. I combat student deficiencies in become more inquisitive. Then
students diagnosed found that the children reading, math, science, and I allow them to add both
with severe to gravitated to GCompris (an history, as well as high rates of traditional and educational
moderate Autism. My educational software suite) and secondary school dropout, games from the Add/Remove
rewarding connection with Tux Paint, both of which I use at some schools spend massive application. From this activity,
these children enables me to home with my young amounts of money on they get a feeling of
assist them in their daughters. GCompris was the programs and labs that offer ownership, control, and thus
achievements. I employ consistent winner. The far less than does the confidence. Established and
various resources to facilitate interface for GCompris is deployment of educational newer open-source
this; this is where Linux comes simple and intuitive and clean applications found in the Linux applications are improving the
in. and attractive. The audio is repositories. Over the years, I capabilities of these autistic
stimulating, the applications have had more consistent children. GCompris has
My first Linux distribution are engaging, and the students success with a scheduled breeched their reservations
was Slackware96 in college. get both visual gratification for application of GCompris, and made them comfortable
Since I have a background in accomplishments, and voiced Childsplay, Tux Math, etc., with the PC/Xubuntu interface.
computers, they are often instructions, in the newer together with data tracking Tux Math has improved number
donated to me to be repaired releases. and analysis. I purchased an recognition and computation.
or cleaned up, for either my Eee 901 and installed the We've used OpenOffice to
classroom or neighborhood Manipulatives play a large Ubuntu derivative Easy Peasy create Social-Studies-Fair
children in need. My position is part in how material is to carry around when assisting projects, a first for this group.
a special education teacher in conveyed to students in my with different cases and One of my students started
the south where resources are classroom. Our Linux clients. It's also useful for improving socially when we
tight. My classroom computers applications offer a wonderful collecting and studying student found BOS - he started
are older donated models - supplement to what we were data and for exposing children expressing himself verbally,
perfect candidates for already doing. Students with to these exceptional with eye contact and
Xubuntu, which I installed deficits in social interaction, educational applications when engagement, in regard to his
along with some applications. writing, reading, etc., do well I'm stuck in a Windows-only victories and strategies; we are
The kids loved the “new” on the computers, particularly environment. seeing a great deal more of his
computers. Some warmed to games. GCompris offers an personality and character now
the GUI and played a few environment that tracks As the students become that this new catalyst for social
games, while others would student data and gives the more comfortable with the interaction has been
T
he launch of a new upgrade, or do a clean install,
version of Ubuntu is without any problems. The
greeted with a sense main recurring theme seems to
of anticipation and be problems with wireless,
much publicity about the graphics, and multimedia, all of
improvements and new which are fundamental
features. Unfortunately, this elements of the operating
doesn’t translate into reality if system.
you read many of the
comments on the Ubuntu I’ve been using Ubuntu for a
Forum pages. couple of years, but still regard
myself as a newbie. I did a
Many of the comments clean install of Karmic on a
focus on three areas: separate partition and, while
that worked OK, I immediately
1) bugs in the previous version found problems connecting to
that are still present in the new the Internet. Even though the
version; desktop icon told me I was
connected, I couldn't get
2) things that worked in the old further than my router. After
version that no longer work in some searching I partially
the new version; resolved this problem, but I still
can't get Update Manager or launching a new version every launch of Windows Vista but,
Synaptic to connect. More six months. Perhaps it is time by all accounts, Windows 7 is a
3) and new features that seem
searching in the forums is to consider extending the time much better OS. If the Ubuntu
to have more disadvantages
required. between releases to allow strategy is to create a credible
than the ones they replace, for
more time for testing, and alternative to Windows, then
example GRUB2, and the
I have huge respect and making sure that bugs are the product must live up to the
Ubuntu Software Centre.
admiration for what the fixed prior to release. publicity and 'Just Work'. Sadly,
developers have achieved, but with Karmic Koala this is still
From the online poll, at the
I wonder whether they are I'm sure Ubuntu has gained not the case.
time of writing, only 32% of
being too ambitious in many new users since the
users had managed to
I
am not a complete 9.10 -- is not ready for prime world of apt-get and other community, and the sheer
newbie. I have dabbled time. keyboard manipulations. It’s a nastiness towards Windows.
with Linux Distros for mouse click-click world they The Linux experts and
years, starting well before For example, I wanted to live in. It’s GUI all the way. everyday users would be
the Mandrake era. I have establish a connection between better served in advancing
always been wedded to MS my ‘all in one’ HP printer and In the Linux world, I had Linux maturity by working with
Windows because that is what I Ubuntu 9.10 on my PC. Worked expected NOT being able to each other and reaching out to
grew up with. It was the only perfectly; drop-dead simple for import MS office into Ubuntu, the commercial environment
game in town that business printing, but I had to jump but I DID expect to install a and its users.
used, except for Unix and Macs through hoops to get the newer version of Open Office
(graphics). I remember when I scanner to be recognized by WITHOUT a hassle. I expected One more thought: the
didn’t know the difference Xsane. I did Google the Xsane to recognize the HP Internet has developed into an
between an Apple and an IBM problem and found my answer scanner (with the HPLIP version all-inclusive answer to
clone/compatible computer, or after much effort: command- that came with the OS); I did everyone’s needs, so people
know which one to buy. I never line stuff. With an earlier not anticipate the problems dismiss the importance of what
did get the hang of MS-DOS. At Ubuntu version, I had the same that I finally had to face and OS the user is running, and pay
one time, I was a confirmed problem, and wrote Full Circle overcome to make it work. attention to the browser
Wordperfect disciple - but was for some insight regarding the employed. If the Linux experts
forced to drop it and take up same printer. Another simple I know there is a work smarter than ever, maybe
MS Office. Harvard Graphics problem was with Open Office. constellation of Linux users a distro can be compiled well
was fun to play with, but that In an earlier Ubuntu version, I reading this, with various levels enough to take a lead to work
went away too. I am aware of wanted to upgrade the OO of experience, who can point within the ‘cloud’ computing
difficulties in moving from one version. I was never able to out how easy Linux is. This is that is bandied about on the
system to another, especially accomplish this. fine with me, but for the talk circuits. I believe that the
when it’s not your choice. Windows user trying to cross tipping point has arrived for
Windows users have been over to Linux, it ain't Linux to jump over MS, or else
However, the difficulties I conditioned to expect things to necessarily so easy. close up shop for good.
ran across in getting Ubuntu to work right out of the box. They
work would put off any do not face issues that require Reading numerous blogs
Windows user who is used to command-line usage. The and articles over the years,
plug and play. It implies that Windows environment shields one does get so tired of the
even the best Linux -- Ubuntu them from the raw woolly flame wars within the Linux
full circle magazine #32 contents ^
REVIEW Music Player Daemon
I
've always been a fan of /var/lib/mpd/). There's also a with some new features written As you can see, there are
MOC (Music on Console) configuration file in C++: command-line frontends, as
because it is lightweight, /etc/mpd.conf, which holds the http://unkart.ovh.org/ncmpcpp/ well as GTK+ and QT-based
and it works even from a path to the music folder, the clients. I choose ncmpcpp
tty screen. Lately, I have playlist folder, the database • , an ncurses client because it's a command-line
noticed a lot of references to folder, the mpd user, and so (highly configurable and program (I prefer these on my
MPD (Music Player Daemon) on forth. Those of you who, like accessible - Sourceforge netbook) which seems to offer
the ArchLinux Forums. One me, enjoy having configuration website of pms is the most features.
comment that intrigued me files instead of GUI-based http://pms.sourceforge.net/
was that MPD allows you to configuration windows, will MPD is available from the
pause music playback, restart enjoy MPD's clear configuration • , a GTK+ client with a Ubuntu repositories.
the computer, then pick up file. Rhythmbox-like library browser
where you left off. This is useful (http://ario- Now, on to the actual
for me, since I hate having to Now, on to the frontend. The player.sourceforge.net/) program. MPD creates a very
find the song again if I shut off frontend I chose was ncmpcpp - good database, and fairly
my netbook/PC in mid-song for a re-write of ncmpc (an • , a Python GTK+ quickly: it took less than a
whatever reason. After reading ncurses-based music player) in client (http://sonata.berlios.de/) minute on my Intel Atom
the comment, I pulled up the C++. However, there are many 1.6GHz CPU for about 7.7GB of
wiki page for MPD to get more to choose from. Here are • , a GNOME client music. It also offers lots of
specific instructions on some of them: (http://gmpcwiki.sarine.nl/index. extra features. I noticed a
installing and using it. Since php?title=GMPC) reference to last.fm's database
MPD acts as a daemon (much • , a command-line client of music, although I haven't
like gdm, ssh, (you'll probably want this one • , written with Qt tested it, since my music is
networkmanager, or any other no matter what) 4.x. fully ID3 tagged. Also, MPD's
file in /etc/init.d/), it requires (http://bitcheese.net/wiki/QMPD configuration seems clean and
some frontend program that • , an ncurses client Client). easy, as long as you have
allows you to access the (handy for running in a some sort of reference to work
daemon. MPD mainly just console, I admit, I have shamelessly with (highly recommended
creates a database of songs http://hem.bredband.net/kaw/nc copied the list from the when trying new programs),
(called “mpd.db”), and sets up mpc/ ArchWiki, because the list is and the features it offers, such
an mpd user who has rights to quite good and offers links to as resuming playback after the
the folder (on my system it's • , a clone of ncmpc all the official websites as well. PC has been powered off, are
L I
ike Doug, I also had to would like to see a guided
I
stick with Windows for article on how to make a first glance, quite
wish to express my
quite a time as I server without any display. complicated, is actually, in
opposition to the
couldn't get any decent I want to build and operate practice, very easy to use, at
removal of The GIMP
accounts software. Now I am a a server just like the one which least for the simple things
from the default
happy little Vegimite as I now featured in Issue 27 of FCM in we need to do with our
installation of 'Lucida.'
have virtual box in Linux the My Story Aticle by Daniele snapshots.
running Windows XP for MYOB, Del Priore. Today there are
My wife and I, both just
and I can use a printer (I use multiple users in a household. "They say" that few
ordinary computer users
the new wireless HP printer). If To share data and resources a people use The GIMP. How
(who refused to use
the printer is offline (like I'm at server is a good idea but how do "they" know who or how
Windows Vista and replaced
work) I can save the file as PDF to set up one in Ubuntu is not many people are using it?
it with Ubuntu), are
and print it later on linux. known by many. Also such No one ever asked me or my
definitely not sophisticated
servers can be used by wife!
photographers. We both
organisations such as
tried using F-Spot for
businesses, cafes, hotels,etc. I hope you can express
regular manipulations of our
PHP & SVN for their purposes.
snapshots (changing the my opinion to the "powers
Y
size of the image, removing that be" and let them know
ou write that a good red-eye, changing the png that I think it would be a
program for coding types my son and others mistake to drop The GIMP. I'd
PHP is Geany, but Offline Package sent to us to jpg types, etc.) rather see them drop F-Spot!
should also mention Installation and we both came to the
the, much better in my same conclusion that F-Spot
I
opinion, Eclipse PDT 2.1. And am new to both Ubuntu is a hopeless program.
for SVN clients I would mention and Linux and am using
RabbicVCS (formerly nautilus- Ubuntu now as a The GIMP, though, on
svn). secondary OS for the past
six months. Ubuntu is great for
novice users. I am enjoying
I
've been programming in but Python 2.5 and older are
Python for two years, and gone!
was very happy with the
release of Python 3 and Sorry for the boring letter,
compatible Python 2.6. I only but I just wanted to explain
recently heard about Full myself. Why not change the
Circle, downloaded it and, yes, "Programming in Python"
the first section I looked at was articles to the new Python
"Programming in Python". format?
A
game far more enjoyable, since begging for multiplayer. This
rcade shooters is you will just crash into enemies game would be excellent if two
where gaming really instead of dodging them. players could fight together to
kicked off, with destroy the enemy ships, one
games such as space The graphics stand up well player using the mouse and the
invaders. This month, I have compared to other space other the keyboard.
gone back to classic shooters shooters; the game looks great,
with a small game called especially in the heat of battle. Chromium BSU is a highly Ed Hewitt
Chromium BSU. It's a fast- However, the sound is terrible. addictive game, which brings
paced arcade space-sim I'm not sure if this is a fault of the success of classic space
shooter. It's simple: you control pulse audio, but it seems too shooters to Linux. It looks great
the spacecraft, and shoot at crackly. Chromium is a very and it's an absolute blast
enemy ships, and make sure
full circle magazine #32 contents ^
Q&A questions@fullcirclemagazine.org
Please include as much information as you can about your problem.
Q Q A
My laptop has a My girlfriend had her automatically to the wireless Yes, simply add the
webcam installed hard drive take a dive, network. But it can not connect watermark as a new
upside down. Skype and had to have a when tried in other places (the layer onto the image,
for Windows has a serviceperson restore SSID is the same and active). move it into place
button to correct it, but not her disk to an external drive. While still using Jaunty and adjust the transparency to
Ubuntu. Also, the sound was Now she has the original Jackalope, finding and make it semi-transparent.
good one time, then it stopped. pictures, and a bunch of connecting the laptop to the
Q
I tried a lot of solutions from smaller duplicate ones (up to 7 network was very easy. Hi guys, I've just
A
the forums without any luck. copies). I am looking for a stepped into the Linux
The maximum sound level is program that can compare the This seems to be a world. I installed
about 25% of what I had before. images from the multiple files known bug: Ubuntu 9.10 with
https://bugs.launchpa
A
so I can delete the duplicates. Vista, as dual boot. The
d.net/ubuntu/+source/
A
Since I don't know problem here is I can't logout
which version of Two programs I have linux/+bug/425455 by using "./crclient -u (my user
Ubuntu you are using, found that should be name)>". After pressing enter,
or the model of able to do this are I would suggest subscribing the following line appears on
webcam you have, I can only and . to the bug, so that you can be the terminal: 'non-option ARGV-
give you solutions that have They are both in the Ubuntu notified when the problem is elements: (my user name)'.
fixed, or if you can't afford to
A
worked for others. First repositories.
command to try is: wait you could always Try running
Q
I have upgraded my downgrade to Jaunty.
sudo echo 1 notebook (Lenovo
Q
>/sys/class/video4linux/video I'm working on
R61i) from Jaunty
0/vflip
Jackalope to Karmic putting my artwork
Koala. When trying to find together, and was ./crclient --help
If that fixes the problem,
wireless networks around me, wondering if there is a
add that line to the file:
Karmic Koala did not find any way to put watermarks on an which should tell you what the
/etc/rc.local - If not, give this
existing network. When I tried image? Does GIMP do that or correct syntax is. As it is, it is
tutorial a try:
the other networks in the office would I need another program? not accepting the username as
http://ubuntuforums.org/showth
and manually entered the a valid argument.
read.php?t=838210
parameters into the network
manager applet, it connected
full circle magazine #32 contents ^
MY DESKTOP misc@fullcirclemagazine.org
Moovida is probably the premier open-source media center. If Moovida doesn't float your boat, check out Entertainer. It's a
Formerly known as Elisa, this GStreamer-based app is a great sleek, GTK and GStreamer-based media center, written in
option for media lovers. It supports standard media formats, Python. While not quite as customizable or feature-packed, it
but its real strength lies in its internet-enabled channels sports a really clean and shiny OpenGL interface. It definitely
(YouTube, Apple Movie Trailers, and a bunch of news is less extensible and customizable than Moovida, but it does
networks), and its beautiful yet simple interface. It also its thing, and does it quite well.
supports external media devices and TV output.
Entertainer is available via PPA at
To install Moovida, use the ` ` package in the http://url.fullcirclemagazine.org/abb068. At the time of this
`universe` repositories (if you're using an older distro, you'll writing, however, it was not available for Karmic due to some
need the ` ` package in the same repo). toolkit issues (see http://url.fullcirclemagazine.org/8026c9 for
more).
XBMC Boxee
http://xbmc.org/ http://www.boxee.tv/
To install XBMC, use the PPA at The good news is that Boxee offers an Ubuntu repository (see
http://url.fullcirclemagazine.org/d30a6a. http://url.fullcirclemagazine.org/bf34a2). The bad news is that
it doesn't yet support Karmic. However, while you're waiting,
you can grab the source or try installing the Jaunty version
(although we don't recommend the latter option).
Mythbuntu
http://www.mythbuntu.org/
http://podcast.ubuntu-uk.org/
If the simple applications don't cut it for you, you may want
to look at installing a full-blown operating system for your
media connoisseuring. If that's the case, look no further than
Mythbuntu. It's based on Xfce and Ubuntu, and uses the
popular MythTV media center as its main app. That means
you get all of its robust features as well, including lots of TV
tuner features that you won't find on many of the other
options reviewed here.
You can install Mythbuntu two different ways. First, you could
install it as a separate operating system. Or, you could use
the simple instructions at http://www.mythbuntu.org/existing-
ubuntu to add Mythbuntu's package to your existing install.
Mike Kennedy
David Haas
Gord Campbell
If you would like to submit , email it to: news@fullcirclemagazine.org
Brian Jenkins
Send your or Linux experiences to: letters@fullcirclemagazine.org
Ubuntu User is the first print magazine created specifically for Ubuntu users. Ease into
Ubuntu with the helpful Discovery Guide included in each issue, or advance your skills
with in-depth technical articles, HOW-TOs, reviews, tutorials, and community reports.