Introducing OSC_T.V.: the OSC new year's resolution

I have decided to do a weekly U-stream event, starting this Sunday. I am really excited to be doing this. I came up with the idea to start my first weekly show on 1/1/2012 @ 1:11 PM.

The first show will explain what Open-source is, and how it has changed our world. I will explain some of the myths about open-source software. Things like you cannot profit off of selling open-source software, or only real techno geeks can understand open-source software like Linux.

I will also be speaking out against the clear and present danger to our way of life, that is the SOPA/PIPA legislation working it's way through congress. I am a strongly apposed to any legislation that blocks the freedom of speech in the United States of America.

I am also working on a segment on teaching how to increase computer productivity through keyboard/mouse shortcuts.

My purpose from all upcoming broadcasts, is to find people who hunger for knowledge & wisdom.

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/osc-t-v-open-source-construction-television

Sintel: A Blender movie

I was stunned by an incredible movie produced by the Blender foundation a few days ago. This movie truly felt like a masterpiece to me. The movie was only 15 minutes long, but it felt like it was an hour long. I mean that in the most respectful way possible. I felt like at the end of the movie that I had bonded with the main characters, and that their struggles connected with me on a deep emotional level.

On a technical level I was visually blown out of my seat. I remember a time when in the early days of CGI(computer generated imagery), that watching a characters lips move while listening to them was almost painful. The way the characters moved seemed so life-like. I also really enjoyed the Celtic sounding music. This could be because I am descended from Nordic people. 

For those of you who may not yet have heard of Blender, or the Blender foundation; Blender is a piece of Open-source software capable of stunning 3D animation.

a you-tube video on the making of Sintel with Blender.

You-tube is full of tutorials to help independent animators/artists Learn how to create awe inspiring works of art.

http://www.blender.org/

http://www.blender.org/education-help/tutorials/

http://www.blender.org/features-gallery/blender-open-projects/ 

Below I have am embedding from you-tube the first and second movie's created from the Open movie project:

Elephants dream

This was the first Open Movie project, that was created in 2006.

Big Bucky Bunny

Big Bucky Bunny was the first Open Movie, that I saw back in 2008.

Increase your update speed using Linux Mint: apt-fast script

I just wanted to write today about how you can use a simple script to increase your update times. Speeds, up to four times as fast have been reported using this script. It is ridiculously easy to install this script, that any script kiddie can use it.

First of all you will need to install the axel download framework. So your first step to installing this script is to install the axel framework, from the terminal.

$ sudo apt-get install axel

After which you will enter your user password, press "enter", and also press "y" when prompted. After which you will just wait for the "$" prompt to appear, that signals your software is installed.

The rest is really easy. Start by downloading the script from this link, here. Make sure to download this to a place, that is easy to remember.

Next go to that location. I often right click on the Firefox download manager, and select "go to location".

Next you will need to place the script into the /usr/sbin folder.

If you still have your terminal open you can use the following commands:

$ cd Downloads

 ~cd is much like it is in the DOS command line shell from MS, because it stands for change "Change Directory", and performs the same function. 

$ sudo mv apt-fast.sh /usr/sbin/apt-fast

~sudo is needed to add, remove, or modify files within system file directories.

~mv is the command for moving a file for one place to another. This is the same as cp(copy), except that after the copy from place A, to place B the file is deleted from the original location.

~when using a mv, or cp command the first file name is the original name/location of the file. The location of the file was not used in this command because it is assumed, that you are already located in the directory(folder); that contains the script file.

~Notice that the second file has not ".sh" extension @ the end of it. This is how files are renamed within the Linux terminal, by the destination being different from the original file.

The main benefit from this command is that you can move the script to the correct location, and rename it at the same time.

You will also need to add permissions for the script to be executable with the following command.

$ sudo chmod +x apt-fast

 Now for the GUI(graphical User interface) way of doing things.

(this assumes that you downloaded the script to your Downloads directory(folder), within your User home folder.)

Step 1)Change the file name to just apt-fast.

*Downloads is the default location for your Firefox downloads.*

First rename the scrip to just apt-fast.
 

After the following screen, just move your cursor to the end of the line with the "end" key, or three presses of the arrow key. Once your cursor is at the end of the file name, then just simply press the backspace key three times. This will get rid of the .sh file extension. After you have done this press the "enter" key to finish renaming the file. By the way this is the same way you rename files in Windows.

Step 2)Change the permission of the file to allow for the execution of the code.

This involves a few simple clicks. First you will need to right click the menu, and select properties, at the bottom of the context menu.

PRO USER TIP: context menu
                          keyboard- shortcut.

"shift" + "F10"

*This will only help if the file is selected(highlighted)*

Then the following menu will appear.

Now you will need to click on the "Permissions" tab. The "permissions" tab is located in between the selected "Basic" tab & the "Open with" tabs.

Now all you need to do is to click the check box "Allow executing file as program", and click close the window.



To open up Nautilus with root privileges, you will first need to open the run dialogue, and then type in the following command:

"alt" + "F2"

gksu nautilus

Make sure to substitute <your_user_name> with the user account you are logged in under. If not you will not find the folder when you open Nautilus with root permission. 

This will open up a nautilus file manager with root power.

Enter your password, and select "OK".

Next you will need to navigate to your users Downloads folder.

 

From this screen there are two ways to navigate to the "/" of the file system. You could either use the keyboard shortcut "alt" +   <up arrow>, or you could click on the little Less than sign, and the small hard drive that appears.

select the highlighted home folder.

 You will find a folder within this "home" folder, that is named <your_user_name>; that contains your "Downloads" folder.

I have two user folders within my "home" folder, because I have separate user accounts for me and my roommate. 

PRO USER TIP: In order to use the split view for easy drag/drop of your files within nautilus you can use the "F3" key to toggle split pane view, or navigate the view drop-down menu and select "extra pane". When you are in split pane view the window that has a white background, is the one that is active.

Now you will need to double-click the "Downloads" folder. 

Now that you are within the "Downloads" folder as root, you will need to right-click & select the copy option. 

 

Now you will need to navigate to the / of the file-system, before navigating to the /usr/sbin folder. You can do this by selecting the small Hard drive icon, just to the Left of the home button. From here you will need to double-click on the "usr", and "sbin" folders in turn; until you end up at the following location.

Click through the highlighted /usr folder, and also double click the /usr/sbin folder within the /usr folder. Make sure not to put it in the /sbin directory on the base of the file-system.

congratulations you finally found the /usr/sbin folder.

Now you will need to right click anywhere that is not a file, until you find the following menu; and select "paste".

 

Now your apt-fast script is installed, and here is how you use it. When you would normally use a command like apt-get update, now you will use apt-fast update. It is that simple. 

Let's open a terminal to check it out:

"Ctrl." + "alt" + "t" :opens a terminal window, without having to search for your distribution's terminal program within a burred menu.

PRO_User_TIP: Notice how I added the apt-fast upgrade, and the apt-fast upgrade commands together with the double ampersand symbols; so that I don't have to wait for one command to complete before starting another.

Enter your password when prompted, and don't panic if you don't see anything when you type your password; just do it and press "Enter".

notice the three connection's, all collecting bits of the file; all at the same time.

type "y", and "enter" when prompted by the [y/n] prompts. All activity will stop until you choose "y" or "n".

Done already? verify that all packages are installed properly. If errors are found, run apt-get clean as root and try again using apt-get directly.

DJL-Linux gaming evolved

I have heard many people think that there is no good games for Linux. Now I could get furiously mad, because I know the truth; or I could just show you truth.

Featurs:
~Inspired by Valve's Steam platform for windows.
~simple install_I will walk you through it.
~works on any Gnu/Linux distribution.
~has 156 current games as of this writing.
~written in python 2.5
~Licensed under the GNU public license, so it is fully open-source.
~allows for easy one-click install/un-install of games.
~Through the use of plugins allows for in-game chat on certain games.
~98% of the software has a free-ware or GNU public license.

Easy install:

step one:

click on this download link to download the compressed archive. I recommend saving this file to your Downloads folder within your User's home folder.

step two:

uncompress the archive. To do this simply right click on the compressed archive, and click "extract here".

step three:

navigate within the newly created djl folder. next right click anywhere in that folder, that is not a file or folder. In the context menu that shows up, you will need to click "open in terminal".

step four:

type in the next command:

$ sh djl.sh

***Please note that you may need to input this command into your terminal before step four will complete successfully and launch djl....$ sudo apt-get install python-Qt4***

**Also note that in my Linux mint 12 install I had to click the button on the main screen of djl "add a shortcut on KDE/Gnome panel".** 

step five: 
Install games.
Next click on the repository tab.  Once you have found a game that you want, all you need to do is to click the install button. to watch the downloads/installations click on the Downloads tab on the far Left of the screen.

notice that I am downloading to install the game Wolfenstein: Enemy territory.

Now I would like to show you some of my top ten favorite games within the djl game manager.

open sonic-A well done sonic the hedgehog game licensed under the GPL.

This game has an innovative tag team system.

smokin-guns-A firt person 3D shooter game in a spaghetti western style.

Alien-Arena-A 3D FPS, where you destroy random aliens.

ASCIIportal-A 2D portal game, that looks like it came from the days of the comidore 64.

digital paint paintball- A paint-ball 3D FPS.

Neverball-A 3d ball rolling game. you control the tilt of the landscape through your mouse/tracpad, while you try to get enough stars, avoid obstacles, and finish by ending in the finish hole.

NeverPutt-A 3D miniature golf game similar to neverball.

warsow-A cell-shaded 3D FPS game. Also available for mac or windows, so your friend's can play along.

super tux-kart-a fun little game similar to mario-kart in play style, but with open-source mascots for characters.

racer-a great Racing simulater, that started as a driving simulator. This game was based on the source code from the open-source racing game torcs.

djl home page
djl description
Download djl

list of available games on djl game manager

How to enable dual-screen monitor in Linux w/ Nvidia X server config.

I have shown in an earlier post that dual-monitor works great on Linux Mint 12. Dual monitor is great if you are coding, and like doing a ton of things at the same time. Although there are times when dual-monitor can be a pain in your brain.

enhanced productivity, or distraction.
The choice is yours.

Like for example when I tried to play the incredible game ZAZ"Zaz aint zaz" full-screen, it tried to take up both monitors. Although this is one of the funest games I have played in a long time. In theory you should be able to play your favorite game, in one window while browsing or chatting in another. But your mileage may seriously vary.

I often use Fire-fox in one window, and chrome in another. Or you may need to have a file browser open on one window, and a web-browser handy in another.

So here is how it is done.

STEP ONE: Install your most video drivers.

type:  "super key"

type: "additional"

hit the enter key to open the additional drivers program.

This will box will show up briefly,
while your hardware is being checked.

In this screen-shot I had already highlighted the recommended driver, and clicked activate. After which you will be prompted to enter your password, provided you are an administrator.

After you have entered your password, the installation of the Nvidia drivers will happen. The reason my screen-shot says it is not currently in use, is you will need to reboot after the installation is complete.


STEP TWO: Configure the Nvidia X server.

Do a search for the word "nvidia", just like you did with additional. Then strike enter to open the Nvidia X server configuration tool.

In the Left hand box make sure to check the "server Display configuration option".

You may or may not see your secondary monitor in the layout box, like mine does. When I first opened up this box, there was only my Dell monitor showing. I had to Left-click/HOLD the monitor icon, and drag it from on top of my other monitor until they were directly side by side.

Notice the Monitor icon on the Left is highlighted, showing that it is selected. Notice that the selected monitor, is the same as the controls in the Display box.

In the resolution drop-down menu, you will need to set the resolution to auto. Also you will want to choose the monitor on the right to have the "Make this the primary display for the X screen" checked.

You may wish to choose the position of the main monitor, to the position "Left of" as the screen-shot below shows.

After you click apply you have 15 seconds to hit the OK button to keep the settings.

Notice Cancel is highlighted.
Press enter to cancel emmediately.
Press Left, then Enter to keep settings.

 You could even choose to have your monitors in a stacked array if you wish, although that would be confusing if your monitors are not physically stacked.

There is one final thing that you must do, in order to make your changes permanent.  You must click "Save to X configuration file."

After you select save, you will be prompted to enter your password. This is due to the fact that you are changing a system configuration file. Any changes to configuration files, must be done by an administrator. Once you have done that your configuration will be permanent.

PRO-tip: If you want to know the current operating temperature of your GPU(GFX Processing Unit), you may click on "Thermal Settings". Although that is a bit misleading, because there is nothing to set, only a chart of your current temperature as shown below.

Once this is done you will be able to move the cursor freely from one display to another. You could drag a running program to your secondary monitor, for ease of reference if you wish.

With these simple instructions you can easily double your productivity. Good luck to all of you curious geeks out there. Although don't blame me if your games don't work perfectly in dual-screen mode.

Linux Mint 12 review: wrap up...getting used to gnome again.

Linux Mint 12 review: wrap up...getting used to gnome again.



I am happy with the polish that the Mint developers did polishing Linux Mint 12. I enjoy having my menu back. I have found myself slowly transitioning away from the menu-bar, as I get more used to using gnome 3. Although I have noticed that tabs in the menu bar, are not universal throughout all of the work spaces. So If I have fire-fox on one work space and chrome on the other, only one tab will show up per workspace.

Mint menu expanded.

The far Left side of the mint menu directly relates to the gnome 3 Dash bar automatically.

Notice the favorite bar on the right side.

I like the fact that there are many ways you can  choose to get to your applications.

If you need to get to your clean desktop use the show desktop button,
which is directly next to the menu button.

I was slightly disappointed that the only way to search with only the keyboard, is to use the gnome shell method. Gnome shell does not seem to base their search results on how often I use a program, but the program I am looking for always shows up somewhere in the list within the first three key-strokes.

USER TIP:

Use the "super" key(aka windows key) to initiate the "activities Overview" (dark) portal.

I was expecting to want to throw gnome 3 out of a window, by the end of day 2. But I am already feeling like a gnome shell ellite user after just 3 days. I think if you approach Linux Mint 12's new interface w/ an open-mind you will be very happy, and be able to stay on topic.

I added the canary-yellow background.
The default was plain white.

I found out that there is no longer any sarcastic ascii art animals to welcome you to the Linux terminal mode. Although I do get the same Humor from the AWN(avant window navigator) dock, through the animal farm applet.

PRO TIP:

After you initiate search, you can click one of two search tabs at the bottom of the window. These search tabs when clicked or "return", will automatically launch a new tab in your web-browser to either Google or Wikipedia. Also if you ever need to exit the dark portal, all you need to do is to hit the "esc" key.

Below I have included a couple of youtube video's about gnome 3.

 

FEWER INTERRUPTIONS:

messaging with gnome 3.

 

Working with Windows.