The current Ubuntu desktop

Take a look at the current temperature in Bs As, a fucking lovely and amazing 12 degrees.

Link to an uncompressed copy on Image Shack

SU Mystery Theater (9)

Back at home, and update time for Thor.
An updated Safari and a rebooted Thor, no problems so far.

The other side of the mountain

Being working on the Chilean office, on Santiago, since really early this Monday. I love this town, specially during the fall/ winter.
This city is amazing, haven being here for about 30 years, and I simply love it, don't understand what the fuck are the tourists (if there is anyone left of those) doing in Bs As... Come to this place, Bs As is a Hell hole and a piece of shit.

Updates dujour

Not really updates, but actually a bunch of programs I have installed on my beloved Tango.
As I have taken her on her first international trip, and she has to give all of herself on this one...

2009-05-25 00:19:09 status installed man-db 2.5.5-1build1
2009-05-25 00:19:10 status installed doc-base 0.8.20
2009-05-25 00:19:11 status installed libadns1 1.4-2
2009-05-25 00:19:12 status installed menu 2.1.41ubuntu1
2009-05-25 00:19:12 status installed wireshark-common 1.0.7-1ubuntu1
2009-05-25 00:19:12 status installed wireshark 1.0.7-1ubuntu1
2009-05-25 00:19:13 status installed libc6 2.9-4ubuntu6
2009-05-25 00:19:14 status installed menu 2.1.41ubuntu1
2009-05-26 01:33:57 status installed menu 2.1.41ubuntu1
2009-05-26 01:33:58 status installed man-db 2.5.5-1build1
2009-05-26 01:33:59 status installed gip 1.6.1.1-1.1
2009-05-26 01:33:59 status installed menu 2.1.41ubuntu1
2009-05-26 01:37:17 status installed man-db 2.5.5-1build1
2009-05-26 01:37:18 status installed nmap 4.76-0ubuntu4

Font problems with VLC (3)

Actually this time the problem it isn't with VLC, but the same problem with QT apps and VRGB/VBGR hinting continues ( link 1 link 2 link 3), or, at least, it still does on the Calendar app of Evolution, specifically, showing the start and stop time of any task.

Well, not a biggie, to be honest.

We are so fucking screwed

30 degrees Celsius when we are practically entering June...

Backups, backups, backups

A couple of interesting links regarding backups.

SBackup
duplicity
Brackup
backup2l

Autumn... Yeah, right.

This is fucking incredible, man, this autumn has to be a total joke.

The current Thor desktop

Another screenshot of Thor, as usual, it is as boring as it can be :p

Link to an uncompressed copy on Image Shack

Print on a Photosmart on Ubuntu

Last night printed a piece of paper for the first time from an Ubuntu box.

Not a big deal, I know, but I hardly print anything, matter of fact, I don't even have a printer.
The whole thing is a piece of cake, enable the CUPS service, connect the printer, and you are ready to go, yeah, helps a lot that the USB printer it is connected directly to the same box to which I'm printing.

Updates dujour

A tiny one today, of course, ntpdate works perfectly after the install:

2009-05-20 00:31:23 status installed man-db 2.5.5-1build1
2009-05-20 00:31:25 status installed ntpdate 1:4.2.4p4+dfsg-7ubuntu5.1

Freaking Saigon autumn

The thing it not over yet...
Another freaking spike will hit us, slowly raising over the week, damn autumn.

Music right now (31)

Yo la tengo - And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside Out - The last days of disco

One the best songs I have ever heard, period
The film that goes by the same name it is must see film if you are in your late 30's early 40's and you are into indy films.(Or into Chloe Sevigny ;) )



Saw you at a party
You asked me to dance
Said music was great for dancing
I don't really dance much
But this time I did
And I was glad that I did this time

And the song said "Let's be happy"
I was happy
It never made me happy before
And the song said "Don't be lonely"
It makes me lonely
I hear it and I'm lonely more and more

Where I belong, where I belong

I wasn't dressed right, I rarely am
You told me that you didn't care
I laughed as you wobbled in your platform shoes
You laughed when I called Andrea true Anita Ward

And the song said "Let's be happy"
I was happy
It never made me happy before
And the song said "Don't be lonely"
It makes me lonely
I hear it and I'm lonely more and more

Where I belong, where I belong

And the song said "Let's be happy"
I was happy
It never made me happy before
It asked "Do you remember?"
And I remember, remember like it wasn't long ago
And the song said "Don't be lonely"
It makes me lonely
I hear it and I'm lonely more and more

Where I belong, where I belong

The current Ubuntu desktop

Not much has changed, really.

My beloved Emerald, GTK & icon set themes up and running, and, even tho I had look, all around, the default Jaunty wallpaper looks rather sexy IMHO.

The biggest difference between this screenshot, this setup, and the past ones is that I have added a second Gnome Panel on the bottom, and a bunch of resource graphers on the top one, but they look like arse, not sure for how long they will remain up there.

Link to an uncompress copy on Image Shack

Amazing weather

I have been really busy these last few days, and rather lazy as well in terms of adding stuff here.
The good new is that the autumn continues at full blast, even tho, it looks like this week there will a bit of a spike in the highs, but what a hell, at least we have an autumn.

SU Mystery Theater (8)

Installed the Security Update on Thor just a couple of minutes and a reboot ago.
No problems at all.

Updates dujour

More updates, and as usual so far, install and reboot and no problems after that.

2009-05-13 22:38:10 status installed man-db 2.5.5-1build1
2009-05-13 22:38:11 status installed libgl1-mesa-glx 7.4-0ubuntu3.1
2009-05-13 22:38:11 status installed libgl1-mesa-dri 7.4-0ubuntu3.1
2009-05-13 22:38:11 status installed libglu1-mesa 7.4-0ubuntu3.1
2009-05-13 22:38:12 status installed mesa-utils 7.4-0ubuntu3.1
2009-05-13 22:38:12 status installed libical0 0.43-2ubuntu1
2009-05-13 22:38:12 status installed libc6 2.9-4ubuntu6

The real autumn

Yes, I mean the real one, and it is here, let's just hope the MF doesn't go away in the immediate future.

Updates dujour

Lotsa updates for Tango!
Of course, as usual so far, a reboot later and everything is golden.
And, what do you know, this update fixes the issue with VLC (among other programs) and fonts.

2009-05-13 00:01:59 status installed man-db 2.5.5-1build1
2009-05-13 00:02:01 status installed libqtcore4 4.5.0-0ubuntu4.1
2009-05-13 00:02:01 status installed libqt4-xml 4.5.0-0ubuntu4.1
2009-05-13 00:02:01 status installed libqt4-dbus 4.5.0-0ubuntu4.1
2009-05-13 00:02:01 status installed libqt4-script 4.5.0-0ubuntu4.1
2009-05-13 00:02:02 status installed libqtgui4 4.5.0-0ubuntu4.1
2009-05-13 00:02:02 status installed libqt4-designer 4.5.0-0ubuntu4.1
2009-05-13 00:02:02 status installed libqt4-network 4.5.0-0ubuntu4.1
2009-05-13 00:02:02 status installed libqt4-sql 4.5.0-0ubuntu4.1
2009-05-13 00:02:02 status installed libqt4-qt3support 4.5.0-0ubuntu4.1
2009-05-13 00:02:03 status installed qt4-qtconfig 4.5.0-0ubuntu4.1
2009-05-13 00:02:03 status installed libqt4-sql-mysql 4.5.0-0ubuntu4.1
2009-05-13 00:02:04 status installed apturl 0.3.3ubuntu1.1
2009-05-13 00:02:05 status installed ekiga 3.2.0-0ubuntu2
2009-05-13 00:02:06 status installed gnome-desktop-data 1:2.26.1-0ubuntu2
2009-05-13 00:02:06 status installed gnome-about 1:2.26.1-0ubuntu2
2009-05-13 00:02:06 status installed libgnome-desktop-2-11 1:2.26.1-0ubuntu2
2009-05-13 00:02:07 status installed libc6 2.9-4ubuntu6

Updates dujour

Once again, not really updates, but actually the installed packages needed to get the PPTP VPN client up and running.

2009-05-11 18:59:04 status installed man-db 2.5.5-1build1
2009-05-11 18:59:05 status installed pptp-linux 1.7.2-1
2009-05-11 18:59:06 status installed network-manager-pptp 0.7.1~rc4.20090316+bzr23-0ubuntu3
2009-05-11 18:59:07 status installed libc6 2.9-4ubuntu6

Install a PPTP client on Jaunty

Had to connect to a Windows VPN today, as simple as:

sudo aptitude install network-manager-pptp

Then reboot, and you are set.
Fuck, Linux is getting harder and harder with the years.

At last

The cold is here, well, at least for the moment.

Font problems with VLC (2)

Find out what the VLC font problem was all about...

It is a known problem with VLC, and the solution seems to be only using only an RGB Subpixel Order.

Updates dujour

A tiny update for today:

2009-05-09 14:04:47 status installed compizconfig-backend-gconf 0.8.2-0ubuntu2

As usual, no problems after installing it.

Updates dujour

Updates, updates, updates...
As usual, no problems after the install and a reboot.

2009-05-08 01:10:48 status installed python-support 0.8.7ubuntu4
2009-05-08 01:10:49 status installed man-db 2.5.5-1build1
2009-05-08 01:10:51 status installed shared-mime-info 0.60-1
2009-05-08 01:10:54 status installed gnome-applets-data 2.26.1-0ubuntu1
2009-05-08 01:10:57 status installed gnome-applets 2.26.1-0ubuntu1
2009-05-08 01:10:57 status installed libnautilus-extension1 1:2.26.2-0ubuntu2
2009-05-08 01:10:58 status installed libbrasero-media0 2.26.1-0ubuntu1
2009-05-08 01:11:00 status installed brasero 2.26.1-0ubuntu1
2009-05-08 01:11:29 status installed gnome-app-install 0.5.24-0ubuntu1.1
2009-05-08 01:11:29 status installed libsoup2.4-1 2.26.0-0ubuntu3
2009-05-08 01:11:29 status installed libsoup-gnome2.4-1 2.26.0-0ubuntu3
2009-05-08 01:11:31 status installed nautilus-data 1:2.26.2-0ubuntu2
2009-05-08 01:11:31 status installed nautilus 1:2.26.2-0ubuntu2
2009-05-08 01:11:31 status installed splix 2.0.0-0.1ubuntu3.1
2009-05-08 01:11:33 status installed gnome-settings-daemon 2.26.1-0ubuntu1
2009-05-08 01:11:34 status installed python-support 0.8.7ubuntu4
2009-05-08 01:11:34 status installed libc6 2.9-4ubuntu6
2009-05-08 01:12:33 status installed libmodplug0c2 1:0.8.4-3ubuntu1.1
2009-05-08 01:12:33 status installed libmpfr1ldbl 2.4.0-1ubuntu3.1
2009-05-08 01:12:34 status installed libc6 2.9-4ubuntu6

A splash of Jaunty

Fixed the small usplash glitch I was having on Tango.
The problem was on the fiel '/etc/usplash.conf' which was blank except for a standard disclaimer.

Added some resolution values, and a reboot later and everything is just fine, the file looks like this:

# Usplash configuration file
# These parameters will only apply after running update-initramfs.

xres=1024
yres=768

After editing the file, issued a:

sudo update-initramfs -u

To pass the new values for the next boot.

Tried using Tango's native resolution, the usplash logo does show up, but totally off centered, so it'll have to be 1024x768 for the time being.

11 screws to keyboard Nirvana

Pulled the trigger and finally got the keyboad "in English" for Tango... Talk about spannungsbogen...

The whole thing now feels like day and night, now the little laptop that could is complete, and Ubuntu feels and runs way, way happier.
The process itself it was rather swift and harmless. It took only 11 screws to be able to remove the keyboard.

This Compaq has given me nothing but joys, specially since I have started to use Linux exclusively on it, if it was made of aluminum instead of pure crappy plastic, the thing would be a miracle.

Link to an uncompressed pic on Image Shack

Updates dujour

Bunch of uptades for Tango, installed those last night, as usual, and after rebooting a couple of times -for other things not related to the updates- everything is kosher with the box.

The only "glitch" I could think at the moment, is that I'm not seeing the Ubuntu usplash booting animation... A shame, since the new one on Jaunty looks rather nice :D

I'll have to look what the hell is going on with that.
Perhaps, and I'm not sure, it has to do with something regarding the high resolution console tweak I did last Saturday.

2009-05-05 02:53:07 status installed man-db 2.5.5-1build1
2009-05-05 02:53:08 status installed doc-base 0.8.20
2009-05-05 02:53:10 status installed ufw 0.27-0ubuntu2
2009-05-05 02:53:11 status installed ubuntu-docs 9.04.10
2009-05-05 02:53:11 status installed libbluetooth3 4.32-0ubuntu4.1
2009-05-05 02:53:12 status installed udev 141-1.1
2009-05-05 02:53:14 status installed bluez 4.32-0ubuntu4.1
2009-05-05 02:53:16 status installed update-manager-core 1:0.111.9
2009-05-05 02:53:21 status installed update-manager 1:0.111.9
2009-05-05 02:53:25 status installed acpid 1.0.6-9ubuntu4.9.04.3
2009-05-05 02:53:25 status installed bluetooth 4.32-0ubuntu4.1
2009-05-05 02:53:26 status installed bluez-alsa 4.32-0ubuntu4.1
2009-05-05 02:53:26 status installed libcups2 1.3.9-17ubuntu3
2009-05-05 02:53:26 status installed libcupsimage2 1.3.9-17ubuntu3
2009-05-05 02:53:26 status installed cups-common 1.3.9-17ubuntu3
2009-05-05 02:53:51 status installed cups 1.3.9-17ubuntu3
2009-05-05 02:53:52 status installed bluez-cups 4.32-0ubuntu4.1
2009-05-05 02:53:52 status installed bluez-gstreamer 4.32-0ubuntu4.1
2009-05-05 02:53:52 status installed bluez-utils 4.32-0ubuntu4.1
2009-05-05 02:53:59 status installed checkbox 0.7.2
2009-05-05 02:54:02 status installed checkbox-gtk 0.7.2
2009-05-05 02:54:03 status installed libck-connector0 0.3.0-2ubuntu4
2009-05-05 02:54:03 status installed consolekit 0.3.0-2ubuntu4
2009-05-05 02:54:03 status installed cups-client 1.3.9-17ubuntu3
2009-05-05 02:54:05 status installed cups-bsd 1.3.9-17ubuntu3
2009-05-05 02:54:05 status installed evolution-exchange 2.26.0-0ubuntu3
2009-05-05 02:54:07 status installed libpam-ck-connector 0.3.0-2ubuntu4
2009-05-05 02:54:07 status installed libudev0 141-1.1
2009-05-05 02:54:09 status installed libwmf0.2-7 0.2.8.4-6ubuntu1.1
2009-05-05 02:54:09 status installed libwmf0.2-7-gtk 0.2.8.4-6ubuntu1.1
2009-05-05 02:54:09 status installed libc6 2.9-4ubuntu6
2009-05-05 02:54:23 status installed initramfs-tools 0.92bubuntu29

The current Ubuntu desktop

The results of this weekend window shopping.

 
Link to uncompressed copy on Image Shack
Link to uncompressed copy on Image Shack

Although, in the end, I did not chose this theme, and settle for my beloved Human Tiger.

 
Link to uncompressed copy on Image Shack
Link to uncompressed copy on Image Shack

Font problems with VLC

It looks like there are a some issues with the fonts on this version of VLC...

Updates dujour

These are not updates per se, as they were a couple of programs I have installed in order to get Tango to full speed.

They were mostly installed to get the whole Gnome environment they way I like it, during Saturday's window shopping spree.

2009-05-02 19:47:53 status installed python-compizconfig 0.8.2-0ubuntu1
2009-05-02 19:47:54 status installed compizconfig-settings-manager 0.8.2-0ubuntu1
2009-05-02 19:59:06 status installed shared-mime-info 0.60-1
2009-05-02 19:59:07 status installed man-db 2.5.5-1build1
2009-05-02 19:59:08 status installed libemeraldengine0 0.7.2-0ubuntu2
2009-05-02 19:59:09 status installed emerald 0.7.2-0ubuntu2
2009-05-02 19:59:10 status installed libc6 2.9-4ubuntu6

Panel locking on Gnome

This one liners will lock (and un-lock) the Gnome Panel, preventing any changes on it.

Ideal to use this after you have spent all that time configuring those Panels just the right way.
To lock it up

gconftool-2 --type bool --set /apps/panel/global/locked_down true

To un lock it

gconftool-2 --type bool --set /apps/panel/global/locked_down false

Music right now (30)

Bob Dylan - Oh Mercy - Most of the time


Most of the time
I'm clear focused all around
Most of the time
I can keep both feet on the ground
I can follow the path
I can read the signs
Stay right with it
when the road unwinds
I can handle whatever
I stumble upon
I don't even notice
she's gone
Most of the time

Most of the time
It's well understood
Most of the time
I wouldn't change it if I could
I can't make it all match up
I can hold my own
I can deal with the situation
right down to the bone
I can survive,
and I can endure
And I don't even think
about her
Most of the time

Most of the time
My head is on straight
Most of the time
I'm strong enough not to hate
I don't build up illusion
'till it makes me sick
I ain't afraid of confusion
no matter how thick
I can smile in the face
of mankind.
Don't even remember
what her lips felt like on mine
Most of the time
Most of the time
She ain't even in my mind
I wouldn't know her if I saw her
She's that far behind
Most of the time
I can't even be sure
If she was ever with me
Or if I was ever with her

Most of the time
I'm halfway content
Most of the time
I know exactly where it all went
I don't cheat on myself
I don't run and hide
hide from the feelings
that are buried inside
I don't compromise
and I don't pretend
I don't even care
if I ever see her again
Most of the time

Weather discrepancies

  

I still don't get why Apple's Weather Widget gets so fu-bared values regarding the weather, at least, for Buenos Aires... It looks like they were pulling the data from God knows where, instead of a reliable source.

The lows are really, but really, screwed up; the highs seems to be Ok, or at least, not totally offbeat.

Window Shopping on a slow Saturday

Being window shopping today, mostly Emerald themes, looking for another theme to, perhaps not replace my beloved Human Tiger, but to give it a little of rest.

These two are the defacto install on my Gnome setups, they look kick ass on any Ubuntu setup:

- GNOME-colors 3.1
The greatest and meanest Gnome icon set for Ubuntu, IMHO.

- Human Murrina
Yeah, it might be "old", but I love it, to me it should be Gnome's default theme.

And these ones I have researched, installed on Tango and tested:

- Belgrade OS X theme
- New Clearlooks Orange (Ubuntu) 1
- Ubuntu Human soft 1.1
- Ubuntu Dust theme 1.0
- Humanized 0.1
- Human Leopard 1.1

But none of them convinced me...
The best one was 'Ubuntu Human Soft', but didn do the thing for me, and in the end, I went back home to my beloved Human Tiger.

Ubuntu high resolution console (3)

Enabled the high resolution console on Jaunty. I have always loved the way that a ultra wide console looks, it is almost a fetish I have.

Basically, it is the same as on Intrepid, except for one step; there is no '/etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-framebuffer' file to configure on Jaunty, so you have to skip that one :)

Other than that, at least on the Alternate CD install I used to install it on Tango, the steps are the same than the ones described here Ubuntu high resolution console

Other posts related to this one:

- CentOS 5 console customization - Yeah, it's for CentOS, but somehow related
- Fight font uglyfication (console)
- Adventures in Ubuntu Land
- Of services & servers on Ubuntu

The current Ubuntu desktop

Not much to see, I'm still trying to use the installed defaults on this one. But Emerald's Human Tiger it is starting to pull its strings on me.

Un compressed copy on Image Shack