Linux Advancements In 2007

[JLaCroix]

I don't want to start a debate on what the "best operating system" is or anything like that. I don't think many of you guys use Linux, so with this thread you can see what all the hype is about. Here are two of the things that really turned peoples heads this year.

Compiz Fusion
Compiz is kind of like a program that transforms your desktop by using your 3D Accelerator's resources instead of 2D resources to give you the worlds first (true) 3D desktop. It's not the same as Vista, because Vista's 3D desktop is only pseudo 3D. It did come out years ago, however this year it hit mainstream.

Check out these videos for a demonstration:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=bvnQE1EAEZY
http://youtube.com/watch?v=utv0I9F3blM

KDE 4.0
With Linux you don't have to use whatever user interface you are given, you can use any one of several. KDE 4.0 was supposed to launch at the tail end of 2007, however it's been pushed back to 1/11/08. KDE 4.0, while not everyone likes it, is attempting to completely change how you use your computer. Here is a screenshot of what the Linux desktop will look like in 2008:



More screenshots here:
http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?pag...item=941&num=1

[John Mora]

Re: Linux Advancements In 2007

That Fusion thing is horrendously gimmicky and a wee bit tacky.

[JLaCroix]

Re: Linux Advancements In 2007

That Fusion thing is horrendously gimmicky and a wee bit tacky.

Those are just show off videos. They went way over the top with the features just to show you what it can do.

Compiz Fusion actually helps you out with desktop space. The way things are right now with Windows, you have one screen where all your applications has to fit.

With Compiz Fusion, you have four or more sides of a cube, with each surface being its own desktop. You can have all your internet applications on one side, your games on another, and your word processor on another side. This gives you alot more room.

It also makes switching from one screen to another make more sense. For example, if you have internet apps on one side and your music player on another, all you have to do is move your mouse to the right to switch screens and toggle your playlists.

Also, minimizing and maximizing your windows makes more scientific sense. It's actually really cool. You'd probably have to try it out to get the full gist of it, but it does help out alot.

[John Mora]

Re: Linux Advancements In 2007

And all I have to do now is move my mouse on my one screen and I can select things easily. I mean, it'll be way too easy for people to forget which side of the cube they stored an application on.

[JLaCroix]

Re: Linux Advancements In 2007

And all I have to do now is move my mouse on my one screen and I can select things easily. I mean, it'll be way too easy for people to forget which side of the cube they stored an application on.

Not at all, there is an icon box that gives little previews of what each screen contains.

[Valkysas]

Re: Linux Advancements In 2007

With Compiz Fusion, you have four or more sides of a cube, with each surface being its own desktop. You can have all your internet applications on one side, your games on another, and your word processor on another side. This gives you alot more room.

Pointless and over-complicated. as-is, I can just put stuff in whatever folders I want inside other folders on my desktop, and not have to deal with some cube-thing.

[Crimson Knight]

Re: Linux Advancements In 2007

I think all these new OSs are pointless anyway. Don't people think about being PRACTICAL with PCs anymore?

What about that time machine feature I keep hearing about? That's more useful than "OMG WINDOW ALPHA VALUES!".

[JLaCroix]

Re: Linux Advancements In 2007

Pointless and over-complicated. as-is, I can just put stuff in whatever folders I want inside other folders on my desktop, and not have to deal with some cube-thing.

I don't think you're understanding the purpose.

I think all these new OSs are pointless anyway. Don't people think about being PRACTICAL with PCs anymore?

What about that time machine feature I keep hearing about? That's more useful than "OMG WINDOW ALPHA VALUES!".

Linux has several time machine similar programs and has had them before Apple did. There are ALOT of advancements that are less eye candy and more productivity, but I only had time to post two things. I was at work.

[orius]

Re: Linux Advancements In 2007

What about Wal-Mart's $200 Linux computer?

[Caciss]

Re: Linux Advancements In 2007

I'm sorry but the cube thing is dumb looking. I don't get how opening a folder really differs from changing cube sides.

[JLaCroix]

Re: Linux Advancements In 2007

What about Wal-Mart's $200 Linux computer?

That was a good advancement. I didn't have time to list a whole bunch because I was at work.

I'm sorry but the cube thing is dumb looking. I don't get how opening a folder really differs from changing cube sides.

It's because opening a folder has nothing to do with that.

[d2king10]

Re: Linux Advancements In 2007

I'd have to agree with everyone on this one, it does seem very pointless. I'd much rather just move my mouse to another folder and open that then have to rotate a cube...

[Crimson Knight]

Re: Linux Advancements In 2007

The whole cube thing is like, too futuristic for me. I mean, we don't have flying cars yet! O_O

[Chad]

Re: Linux Advancements In 2007

PowerToys.

I have been meaning to mess around with Linux though. How am I supposed to call myself a nerd without recompiling the kernel often enough?