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The Perfect Server - Pt4 p.18 Review - Asus UL30-A p.26 Letters p.30 Top 5 - Research Tools p.38
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T
his month we have a new GIMP How-To on digitally retouching photographs.
Many people think GIMP isn't quite up to the power of Photoshop, but this
tutorial proves that GIMP can easily equal Photoshop. Hopefully, we'll have
another GIMP How-To next issue. Speaking of GIMP, we're still getting letters
from Ubuntu users who are wondering what, if anything, will replace GIMP in future
editions of Ubuntu since surely it needs an image editor of some sort, and I have to
agree. Since it can be a bit overwhelming for the beginner, maybe it's time to have a
cut-down GIMP with just the basic features?
Also in this issue, Lucas (our writer) has written a review of Ubuntu is a complete operating
his new Asus UL30-A laptop, and in Ubuntu Games, Ed reviews from system that is perfect for
laptops, desktops and servers.
. Download the demo and give it a try, but do consider buying the full version Whether at home, school or
and support those who are creating native Linux games, £20 ($33 / €26) is a bargain work, Ubuntu contains all the
for a full game. applications you'll ever need
including word processor, email
application and web browser.
This month sees the return of the ! Hosted by Robin Catling, Ed Ubuntu is and always will be free
Hewitt and Dave Wilkins. Many thanks to them for taking up the challenge. Page four of charge. You do not pay any
has the details and download links. You can contact them via: licensing fees. You can
podcast@fullcirclemagazine.org download, use and share Ubuntu
with your friends, family, school
or business, for absolutely
Enjoy the issue, and keep in touch! nothing.
: h-online.com
full circle magazine #34 contents ^
COMMAND & CONQUER
A
fter Issue 33 was Byobu Also, Byobu
released last month, offers an ncurses-
Ubuntu member Chris “ based menu to
Johnston was kind create screen
enough to send me an email profiles. This can
pointing me to Byobu be accessed by
(https://edge.launchpad.net/byo hitting F9 (as
bu). I admit I haven't had quite seen on the task
as much time to play around bar, “Menu:
with it as I would like, but I <F9>”). I won't
have gotten a general idea of add a screen-shot
what it offers. Also, before I of the menu,
started this segment, I saw a since it's rather
lot of mentions of tmux on the straightforward
Arch Linux Forums, so I'll be .” and self-
covering that here as an (Taken from the Launchpad explanatory. multiple sessions, and each
alternative. I won't be going page.) window is an independent
into much detail on the tmux entity which may be freely
features, as Byobu is similar to What this means is that linked to multiple sessions,
Screen's key bindings and Byobu isn't a re-write of “tmux is a terminal moved between sessions, and
settings, and tmux is extremely Screen, but rather something multiplexer: it enables a otherwise manipulated. Each
well documented, and my that goes along with Screen, number of terminals (or session may be attached to
configuration file is commented adding a few features. The windows), each running a (display and accept keyboard
and should be clear enough. main features I noticed that are separate program, to be input from) multiple clients.
Requests for a more in-depth different from Screen, is that created, accessed, and tmux is intended to be a
article on either can be sent to by default, it comes with a controlled from a single screen. modern, BSD-licensed
me via email, since I'm not status bar that offers more tmux may be detached from a alternative to programs such
sure how much demand there information on the system than screen and continue running in as GNU screen.” (From the
will be for a thorough walk- Screen offers by default, as the background, then later homepage at
through of their functions. seen above right. reattached. tmux uses a client- http://tmux.sourceforge.net/)
server model. The server holds
W
Next we stub the menu with cbk = Cookbook() # Initialize the class
e will continue an if|elif|else structure which loop = True
programming our is shown at the top of the next while loop == True:
recipe database print
page. '==================================================='
that we started in print ' RECIPE DATABASE'
Part 7. This will be a long one, Let's take a quick look at print
with a lot of code, so grab on our menu routine. We start off '==================================================='
with all your might and don't let print ' 1 - Show All Recipes'
by printing the prompts that print ' 2 - Search for a recipe'
go. But remember, keep your the user can perform. We set a print ' 3 - Show a Recipe'
hands and feet inside the car at variable (loop) to True, and print ' 4 - Delete a recipe'
all times. We have already then use the while function to print ' 5 - Add a recipe'
created our database. Now we print ' 6 - Print a recipe'
continue looping until loop = print ' 0 - Exit'
want to display the contents, False. We use the raw_input() print
add to it and delete from it. So command to wait for the user '==================================================='
how do we do that? We will to select an option, and then response = raw_input('Enter a selection -> ')
start with an application that
full circle magazine #34 contents ^
PROGRAM IN PYTHON - PART 8 /usr/bin/python -u
"/home/greg/python_examples/APSW/cookbook/cookbook_stub.py"
===================================================
RECIPE DATABASE
if response == '1': # Show all recipes ===================================================
pass 1 - Show All Recipes
elif response == '2': # Search for a recipe 2 - Search for a recipe
pass 3 - Show a Recipe
elif response == '3': # Show a single recipe 4 - Delete a recipe
pass 5 - Add a recipe
elif response == '4': # Delete Recipe 6 - Print a recipe
pass 0 - Exit
elif response == '5': # Add a recipe ===================================================
pass Enter a selection ->
elif response == '6': # Print a recipe
pass
elif response == '0': # Exit the program the EnterNew routines. The
print 'Goodbye' PrintSingleRecipe, items, we will want to print out
loop = False all of the recipes from the
else:
DeleteRecipe and PrintOut
print 'Unrecognized command. Try again.' routines all need to know what Recipe table – so the user can
recipe to deal with, so they will pick from that list. These will
type “0”, and then print need to have a parameter that be options 1, 3, 4 and 6. So,
our if routine to handle “Goodbye” and exit. At this we'll call “which”. Use the pass modify the menu routine for
whichever option the user point, we can now start stubs command to finish each stub. those options, replacing the
selected. Before we can run of our routines in the Cookbook Under the Cookbook class, pass command with
this for a test, we need to class. We will need a routine create the routine stubs: cbk.PrintAllRecipes(). Our
create a stub inside our class that will display all the response check routine will
for the __init__ routine: information out of the Recipes def PrintAllRecipes(self): now look like the code at the
data table, one that will allow pass top of the next page.
def __init__(self): def SearchForRecipe(self):
you to search for a recipe, one pass
pass
that will show the data for a def One more thing to do is to
single recipe from all three PrintSingleRecipe(self,which) set up the __init__ routine.
Now, save your program :
tables, one that will delete a Replace the stub with the
where you saved the database pass
recipe, one that will allow you def DeleteRecipe(self,which): following lines:
you created from the last time,
to add a recipe, and one that pass
and run it. You should see def __init__(self):
will print the recipe to the def EnterNew(self):
something like that shown pass global connection
default printer. The
above right. def PrintOut(self,which): global cursor
PrintAllRecipes routine doesn't pass self.totalcount = 0
need a parameter other than connection=apsw.Connection(
It should simply print the "cookbook.db3")
the (self) parameter, neither For a number of the menu
menu over and over, until you cursor=connection.cursor()
does the SearchforRecipe nor
full circle magazine #34 contents ^
PROGRAM IN PYTHON - PART 8
Recipes' as the item for each recipe.
cntr = 0 This will allow us to select the
if response == '1': # Show all recipes for x in
cbk.PrintAllRecipes() cursor.execute(sql): correct recipe later on. When
elif response == '2': # Search for a recipe cntr += 1 you run your program, you
pass print '%s %s %s %s'
elif response == '3': # Show a single recipe should see the menu, and
%(str(x[0]).rjust(5),x[1].lju when you select option 1, you'll
cbk.PrintAllRecipes() st(30),x[2].ljust(20),x[3].lj
elif response == '4': # Delete Recipe ust(30)) get what's shown at the top of
cbk.PrintAllRecipes() print '-------------' the next page.
elif response == '5': # Add a recipe self.totalcount = cntr
pass
elif response == '6': # Print a recipe That's what we wanted,
cbk.PrintAllRecipes() The cntr variable will count except if you are running the
elif response == '0': # Exit the program the number of recipes we app in Dr.Python or the like, the
print 'Goodbye' display to the user. Now our
loop = False program doesn't pause. Let's
else: routine is done. Shown below is add a pause until the user
print 'Unrecognized command. Try again.' the full code for the routine, presses a key so they can look
just in case you missed at the output for a second or
First we create two global something. two. While we are at it, let's
Next, we will want to do a print out the total number of
variables for our connection
“pretty print” to the screen for Notice that we are using the recipes from the variable we
and cursor. We can access
headers for our recipe list. We'll tuple that is returned from the set up a moment ago. Add to
them from anywhere within the
use the “%s” formatting cursor.execute routine from the bottom of option 1 of the
cookbook class. Next, we
command, and the left justify ASPW. We are printing the pkID menu:
create a variable self.totalcount
command, to space out our
which we use to count the
screen output. We want it to
number of recipes. We'll be def PrintAllRecipes(self):
look like this:
using this variable later on. print '%s %s %s %s'
Finally we create the Item Name Serves Source
%('Item'.ljust(5),'Name'.ljust(30),'Serves'.ljust(20),
connection and the cursor. 'Source'.ljust(30))
print '---------------------------------'
---------------------------
sql = 'SELECT * FROM Recipes'
The next step will be to flesh cntr = 0
out the PrintAllRecipes() Finally, we need to create for x in cursor.execute(sql):
routine in the Cookbook class. our SQL statement, query the cntr += 1
print '%s %s %s %s'
Since we have the global database, and display the
%(str(x[0]).rjust(5),x[1].ljust(30),x[2].ljust(20),x[3
variables for connection and results. Most of this was ].ljust(30))
cursor, we don't need to re- covered in the article last time. print '---------------------------------'
create them in each routine. self.totalcount = cntr
sql = 'SELECT * FROM
full circle magazine #34 contents ^
PROGRAM IN PYTHON - PART 8
from the tuple returned by
ASPW. In this case, we use x as
Enter a selection -> 1
Item Name Serves Source the gross variable, and then
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- each one with bracketed index
1 Spanish Rice 4 Greg into the tuple. Since the table
2 Pickled Pepper-Onion Relish 9 half pints Complete Guide to Home Canning layout is
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
=================================================== pkID/name/servings/source, we
RECIPE DATABASE can use x[0],x[1],x[2] and x[3]
=================================================== as the detail. Then, we want to
1 - Show All Recipes select everything from the
2 - Search for a recipe
3 - Show a Recipe ingredients table where the
4 - Delete a recipe recipeID (our key into the
5 - Add a recipe recipes data table) is equal to
6 - Print a recipe the pkID we just used. We loop
0 - Exit
=================================================== through the tuple returned,
Enter a selection -> printing each ingredient, and
then finally we get the
instructions from the
print 'Total Recipes - %s' user input, we'll use the the connection and cursor instructions table – just like we
%cbk.totalcount Try|Except structure. We will again, then create our SQL did for the ingredients table.
print the prompt to the user statement. In this case, we use Finally, we wait for the user to
print '---------------------- (Select a recipe → ), then, if
----------------------------- 'SELECT * FROM Recipes press a key so they can see the
-' they enter a correct response, WHERE pkID = %s” % recipe on the screen. The code
we'll call the str(which)' where which is the is shown on the next page.
res = raw_input('Press A Key PrintSingleRecipe() routine in value we want to find. Then we
-> ') our Cookbook class with the “pretty print” the output, again Now, we have two routines
pkID from our Recipe table. If
We'll skip option #2 (Search the entry is not a number, it
for a recipe) for a moment, and try:
will raise a ValueError res = int(raw_input('Select a Recipe -> '))
deal with #3 (Show a single exception, which we handle if res <= cbk.totalcount:
recipe). Let's deal with the with the except ValueError: cbk.PrintSingleRecipe(res)
menu portion first. We'll show catch shown right. elif res == cbk.totalcount + 1:
the list of recipes, as for option print 'Back To Menu...'
else:
1, and then ask the user to Next, we'll work on our print 'Unrecognized command. Returning to menu.'
select one. To make sure we PrintSingleRecipe routine in the except ValueError:
don't get errors due to a bad Cookbook class. We start with print 'Not a number...back to menu.'
You can see how nicely the Easy enough. Now for the ingredient search...
program prints the output.
Now, the user can go back to Enter a selection -> 2
the menu and use option #3 to -------------------------------
Search in
print whichever recipe they -------------------------------
want to see. Next we will add 1 - Recipe Name
recipes to our database. Again, 2 - Recipe Source
we just have to add one line to 3 - Ingredients
4 - Exit
our menu routine, the call to Enter Search Type -> 3
the EnterNew routine: Search for what in Ingredients (blank to exit) -> onion
Item Name Serves Source Ingredient
cbk.EnterNew()
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Spanish Rice 4 Greg 1 small
The code that needs to Onion chopped
replace the stub in the 2 Pickled Pepper-Onion Relish 9 half pints Complete Guide to Home Canning 6 cups
Cookbook class for EnterNew() finely chopped Onions
is at: --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Press a key
http://pastebin.com/f1d868e63.
T
his month, our subject Now, one by one, we will
N/A is digital retouching of apply our solutions. We'll begin
photographs. by removing the acne and
Nowadays, spots. The healing tool will be
unblemished or even perfect used for this. Choose
faces are the rule on magazine the healing tool (right)
covers and billboards. In this from the toolbox. Its
article I'll show you some shortcut key is H. perform the same process for
general cosmetic retouching all acne/spots.
T
continue.
o install the D. Set pre-defined settings
for specific IMAP servers
SquirrelMail webmail C Turn color on Back at the Main Menu, To install ISPConfig 3 from
client, run: S Save data enter: to save data, and you the latest released version, do
Q Quit will see: this (replacing ISPConfig-
3.0.1.6.tar.gz with the latest
aptitude install squirrelmail Command >>
Data saved in config.php version) :
Press enter to continue
Then, create the following Enter: cd /tmp
symlink... Back at the Main Menu,
Now, you will see a list of enter to quit. wget
ln -s IMAP server options entitled: http://downloads.sourceforge.
/usr/share/squirrelmail/ Afterwards you can access net/ispconfig/ISPConfig-
/var/www/webmail Please select your IMAP 3.0.1.6.tar.gz?use_mirror=
SquirrelMail under:
server:
http://server1.example.com/we tar xvfz ISPConfig-
... and configure SquirrelMail:
Enter the word: bmail 3.0.1.6.tar.gz
php -q install.php
http://server1.example.com:80
80/
or:
http://192.168.0.100:8080/
M
y Linux story began only an exercise in pleasing my up my data in anticipation of teacher could kick their butts
with frustration. I inner geek. Years ago, I tried the next disaster, I always in online first-person shooters,
am a high-school Red Hat and found it seemed to lose a few files, or that he could lose himself in
teacher who relies promising, but I didn't have the including some that had to be a good RPG. I've played PC
on his computer for everything. time or patience to face the recreated at a cost of time I games since the days of
From typing tests to preparing learning curve. Over the next didn't have to spare. Wolfenstein 3D, so, unless
lessons to keeping track of few years, I tried out many Linux could scratch my gaming
grades, my home computer other distributions: Corel Linux, I knew Linux could provide itch, it wasn't going to keep me
kept my classroom cooking. Fedora, Mandrake, Xandros, stability and stave off many of happy.
But two years ago my desktop Debian, and Slack. While I was the dangers to which other
computer picked up a Trojan intrigued and impressed, none operating systems fell prey. I My second problem was my
that left the system inoperable. of them had convinced me to also knew, thanks to the many family. While I was geeky
Despite frequently updating make the switch from my bootable CD versions of Linux enough to tackle Linux, my
antivirus- and spyware- Redmond-centric OS. I'd tried over the past wife and kids were another
protection software, my several months, that matter. My two sons,
computer came to a crashing But, thanks to my latest Linux had reached like their dad,
halt three times in a year from Trojan-induced disaster, I knew a level of were avid
a nasty virus, leaving me the time had come. Linux, after usability that gamers who
unable to get my work done. all, was virtually immune to would more would need
Once I was supposed to give a viruses and spyware, two than meet my their gaming
test the next day, but without a problems that had cost me far needs. But I fix. My wife,
working computer to type my too much time and had two however,
exam that didn't happen. While productivity. Teachers don't problems to who is also
my students weren't exactly have enough time as it is. solve before I a teacher,
upset about this (the little Preparing for class, grading could switch saw the
buggers actually seemed assignments, attending my home computer as a
happy for some reason!), I was meetings and trainings – a computer to a necessary evil.
annoyed, to say the least. To teacher's plate is full enough Linux system. While she enjoyed
say the most, I'd had it. without having to wipe and email and online
reinstall your computer's First, I love computer Scrabble, the computer was
I had tried Linux before, but operating system twice a year. games. My students always more of an irritant for her than
those experiments had been And while I diligently backed found it amusing that their a labor-saving device. Routine
I
n 2002, we started
Powerpets.com, a
Canadian company based
on a small idea and big
dreams: to create an
entertaining virtual world with
many educational aspects to
support and spread awareness
of abused and abandoned
animals. restart it. Unfortunately, last in the mail. As soon as we had
year the flavor of Linux that we some free time we installed
Less than half a year into had chosen for the office was Ubuntu on an old (test) laptop.
the project, we were sold to another company who The installation was quick and
experiencing explosive growth pretty much abandoned the OS. without a hitch, despite the
and an equal number of outdated hardware.
problems - mainly e-mail based A great deal of research Subsequently, everyone in our
viruses. We just happened to then went into selecting a new office installed Ubuntu and was
be affected by the world’s next- Linux OS to carry us through using it in a matter of hours.
big-virus threat weeks before the next decade without Some changes were hard to
any large anti-virus companies headaches - or an overload of get used to, such as the
such as McAfee had a fix for it. IT expenses. Ubuntu quickly SAMBA shares, but the switch
More time was spent fixing our caught our attention. An to Ubuntu was an overall
Windows office computers than additional month passed success.
working on our business. before we requested an Ubuntu
CD, because we couldn't find Many thanks Ubuntu for
When we switched to Linux an option to purchase one and sending us the CD and for our
we were keenly aware that we felt uncomfortable ordering a great experience with your
would face quite a few hurdles, free CD. (With satellite operating system!
but it was nice to know that Internet, we were unable to
once the system was set up we download the ISO image.) A
wouldn't have to worry about few weeks later, our CD arrived
it. We wouldn't even need to
full circle magazine #34 contents ^
MY OPINION 9.10 Issues
A
fter reading Maciej boots faster than 8.10 I can't If I plug in one of my just works! That's when I ran
Miller's letter in the sense it. Of course, it is worlds pendrives, the desktop display into the uuid fiasco mentioned
November Full Circle, faster than XP or Vista. shows "4 GB Filesystem" below above - couldn't figure out why
I just had to add my its icon. Nautilus' Places- I had no /swap partition! So
two cents. For me, the change Grub >Computer displays roughly now, with a 1.5 GB /swap,
from Ubuntu 8.10 to 9.10 has the same information. But Ubuntu still can't suspend or
been a deep disappointment. Apparently Grub2 replaces a Nautilus' folder display title bar hibernate. Interestingly, a prior
After weeks of frustration, I'm program that has served well - shows "881A-9238". /ls/media version of Ubuntu, maybe 7.??,
pretty much unhappy with the simply for the sake of making a gives 881A-9238 for my PNY was able to hibernate - now
whole thing. After backing-up change. It is impossibly pendrive, BCC4-4D1A for my that's progress?
and removing most of the complex to configure. Grub2 Toshiba pendrive but CRUZER
hidden folders and files in my still thinks that my HP/Compaq for my SanDisk. I don't find Video
"home", I did a fresh system restore partition is that informative.
installation of Ubuntu 9.10, Windows 2K. But thinking that Now I admit to having an
Kosmic Kludge, to the same HP/Compaq's Windows XP Again, complexity replacing "old" video card featuring an
partitions I've been using for partition is Linux is completely relative simplicity for the sake nVidia Gforce2 MX400 chip. But
years. inexcusable! of change and "correctness". hey, I don't play video games -
it handles Stellarium's needs
Boot Disk by uuid Suspend and Hibernate just fine. I can't understand
why I have to use nVidia's
The log-in screen is, at a I'm supposed to know that On Windows XP, my box drivers and enable a bunch of
minimum, corny. The whole 409c796f-29c1-4336-8e7a- suspends and hibernates silly desktop effects just to get
scheme is flawed: first a mouse 1ed18db8706f is really hda5! It without problems, but Ubuntu a display that even works. If I
click to confirm the user, then really makes no sense, to me 9.10 can't handle these don't, the "system" insists on
change to the keyboard to anyway, that resizing hda5 operations. At first, I thought using a VESA driver and a
enter a password, and then generated a completely new the problem was that I had window manager that don't
change back to the mouse to uuid for the same chunk of disk increased RAM from 500MB to work - yes I've filed a bug. In
confirm log-in; but, if you use a real estate. Of course that 1GB leaving /swap at 900 MB. that respect, 8.10 was head
left-handed mouse, the system made the partition unavailable Finally, I worked up the nerve and shoulders above 9.10!
can't figure out what you're to Ubuntu. to resize the partition using
doing even though it knows Gparted Live. Wonderful 9.10 still happily paints
who the user is! If Ubuntu 9.10 application - simple, quick, it files/drives on top of other
full circle magazine #34 contents ^
MY OPINION - 9.10 ISSUES
files/drives in the initial Wine) that tries to install the
workplace display. Microsoft Core Fonts complains
that it times-out - trying after
Audio 10 minutes or so. A
workaround removes part of
The main reason I the install script having to do
"upgraded" to 9.10. I can play with time-outs.
music and hear the audio from
videos, but, frankly, I'm afraid Default applications
to reinstall Skype, or
Wine/EchoLink, or even see if Why anyone would choose
my microphone works. I just Evolution for the default mail
don't need any more hassle. and calendar application is
completely beyond me. Like
Internet most Swiss Army Knife
solutions, it fails to satisfy
Somehow, 9.10 has needs in almost every respect.
introduced a 7-10 second delay I tried - really tried - to use
Evolution for several months drives. If I open a folder with F-
when an application tries to Spot, I can view thumbnails entire time from now to release
access a URL - every URL. I use on 8.10. The only thing going
and photos, but there are no of 10.04 in resolving various
Thunderbird, Firefox, and for it is that it can back-up and
editing features. G-thumb issues such as these. I do
Seamonkey - they all manifest restore the mail folders. I won't
seems to be a more able and understand that it is way more
the same problem. I spend way even get into the mess that
intuitive application for the fun to do something new than
too much time watching Evolution made of my Palm!
purpose. it is to fix some niggling little
'waiting for ...' down on the issue - but it must be done. It
status bar. 8.10 didn't have this I've never been able to
I do like the new Ubuntu just works - yeah right! Hey
problem. The version of understand F-Spot - I can't get
Software Center, though Maciej you forgot to mention
eeebuntu on my EEEPC is it to do anything. If I want to
(pictured). openSuse as a viable
based on 9.04, and it doesn't organize or edit photos that
alternative.
have the problem. I can't even exist, I understand that they
have to be "imported". The To me it seems that
figure out what to file a bug Canonical has drifted off into
against for this issue. "import" function doesn't give
me a choice of folders to the 'sell the sizzle not the beef'
import from - just my Windows mindset. In my opinion, the
This bug causes "collateral developers should spend the
damage"! Any application (e.g. partition or mounted USB
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.
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EUR 2 9
£ 24. 90 /
I
recently took the plunge occasional video, lots of typing, playing, I decided to also try
and bought a larger CULV surfing the Web, music, etc.). brightening/dimming the
(Consumer Ultra-Low So, I was aiming for at least 9 screen (and turning the
Voltage) laptop (13.3” as hours of battery life in Linux backlight off), and each of the
opposed to my 10” Samsung (I've learned to expect a little Fn keys responsible for those
N110 netbook). After having it less battery life). The version functions worked out of the
for a little under a month, I of Ubuntu I installed was 9.10 box, as well as the Fn keys for
can't really say I've tried out x86_64, and once I got it volume. I didn't test the
everything, but I have installed off the USB stick, I wireless on/off key (I never use
definitely checked the vitals in noticed that a) I had Bluetooth it), nor did I try the custom
Ubuntu and Arch Linux. I (the laptop was advertised as Asus-software keys (I doubt
figured that other people might without Bluetooth, so that was they'd do anything). Media
• Intel Core 2 Duo SU7300 ULV
processor @ 1.3GHz be interested in the laptop, so a nice surprise!), and b) it was playback keys (play/pause,
• 4GB of DDR3 RAM (DDR3 1066 here I am, writing this review. running at native 1366x768 stop, back/forward) are
2GB*2) For a quick summary, check resolution (with Compiz). So recognized by Ubuntu, but it
• 320GB hdd (5400R, SATA)
the conclusion of the article. far, so good. Connecting to my does require a media player
• 802.11b/g/n + Bluetooth
• Ethernet (Atheros AR8132 – WPA2-TKIP wireless network that uses them - I use MPD,
uses ath9k module) 10/100 My first impression was that went off without a hitch, and and a custom function bound
• Intel X4500MHD the laptop looked a lot nicer ethernet had no issues running to the keys for controlling
• 13.3” HD LED Monitor with
than any that I owned before it at its max (100mb/s) speed. playback. I also checked to see
integrated 0.3MP webcam
• German keyboard - it's silver brushed-metal on if the monitor model was
• 8 Cell 5600mAh battery top, which makes it look and Once I was connected to the correctly recognized - Ubuntu
• Model: UL30A-Q0229V feel a bit sturdier than my 'net and updated, I decided I'd hadn't done that for any of my
• Dimensions: 12.7" x 9.0" x 0.9-
netbook. install Ubuntu-restricted- computers before - and was
1.1" (323 mm x 229 mm x 22.9-
27.9 mm) extras, and check the Flash shocked to see that the model
• Weight: 3.7 lbs (1.7 kg) The OS it comes with is playback. Flash ran smoothly was listed there, and the
• Ports: 3 USB 2.0, 1 VGA, 1 Windows 7 Home Premium at 360, 480 and 720p You Tube default settings were chosen
HDMI, 1 RJ45 10/100 Ethernet via
64bit, which I left on it, to dual- playback (it did get a bit warm as recommended by the model
Atheros AR8132, 1 analog
headphone output, 1 analog boot. In Windows, the battery doing HD playback, but that's number. It may seem like a
microphone input offers me between 10 and 11 Flash's fault), and Flash sites small thing, but it was new to
hours of normal usage (read: seemed to run smoothly as me.
: 679.00€
well. While the video was
full circle magazine #34 contents ^
REVIEW - ASUS UL30-A LAPTOP
Suspend/resume was the I also tested the Bluetooth should be fine - you can rotate know how many people really
next on my list to try and, lo functionality with my phone (a it after the fact as well, so no use a laptop's integrated
and behold, both worked Motorola RAZR V8), and it issue there. microphone in the first place.
without a problem (I didn't try worked fine. The only thing I
hibernate, as I skipped setting found an issue with is the The only device I didn't test One last note - which was a
up a swap file/partition). I webcam: Cheese, Skype, (at least, the only device I concern for me at first - is that
figured that since aMSN, etc. all recognized and know I didn't test) is the Express Gate (Asus's 8 second
suspend/resume worked used the webcam fine, but the microphone. According to boot OS) still works after
without a problem, it was time resulting image was upside- alsamixer and the Gnome installing GRUB, so you can still
to try it on battery power, and down. I'm sure it's a module sound applet, it's recognized as have quick and easy access to
see what Gnome-Power- issue (doesn't happen in a valid input device, but I did Skype, the internet, etc.
Manager told me - so I Windows), and it may be fixed not try it in anything, because I
removed the A/C adapter, and sooner or later. It's not never use microphones. To sum up: Everything
gave Gnome-Power-Manager a too big a deal, Chances are good it works out of the box except the
moment to update, then however, can be made to webcam, which presents
checked the reading. With the because the work - if it images upside-down (I didn't
brightness as low as it went, laptop's doesn't work test the microphone). The 8-
Gnome-Power-Manager was webcam of out of the cell battery gives 10-10.5
telling me I had 10 hours of only 0.3 box. If estimated hours of usage
battery life left (sometimes megapixe anyone is (according to Gnome-Power-
going up to 10 hours and 30 ls makes thinking Manager). All in all, I'm
minutes). I realize it's not me of extremely happy with the
accurate, but even if it's off by doubt buying laptop. Since I bought it, I've
about an hour, that's more that this found less and less reason to
than enough time for a full day anyone laptop, turn my PC on, which is nice. I
of use for most people, so I left will buy and needs also haven't found anything I
it at that. I have tried it more the laptop to know if do regularly that has really put
extensively in Arch (since it's for heavy the a strain on it. HD video (HD
my Linux of choice), and it webcam usage. microphone Revision3 shows mainly) plays
does indeed give me about 10 If I remember works, I would be without a hitch, and it delivers
hours of battery life using correctly, Cheese willing to respond to a consistently smooth user
custom ACPI handler.sh offers the ability to an email query, and to make interface. If anyone is looking
settings, so I imagine it's rotate/flip the webcam input a short note in one of my for a thin, light-weight laptop, I
possible in Ubuntu as well. (similar to photobooth on Mac articles for anyone else highly recommend this one!
OS X), so taking pictures with it interested. However, I don't
R O
egarding Ubuntu n my new Gateway
Regarding FCM#31, page 26, I
planning to give up SX2800 ($400) with can't avoid replying to this one, A good way to check your layout is
GIMP begs the Windows 7 Home since I know the answer! What to compare it to some Ubuntu
question: what will Premium the system must be done for burning a DVD install CDs (also named Alternate
they replace it with? Surely boots a good bit faster than which is recognizable in this way is CDs) - check the differences, and
to have a folder where all contents be sure about what to edit in the
they must replace it with Ubuntu 9.10 - that's with the of the DVD will be burnt. Inside this three files mentioned above. Of
something as Ubuntu can't be AVG free anti-virus program, folder, we create a 'pool' directory. course, check if all info inside these
without some sort of graphics the Windows firewall, etc. inside of it we have files is correct, to avoiding some
application. I agree that the Firefox 3.5.6 shows my all the .deb files we need. unwanted surprises. At this point,
we may have at './' :
GIMP is perhaps too fancy for homepage in about 2 seconds, In a terminal at this directory, we
most of us non-graphics Thunderbird 3 opens in about do: (assuming apt-ftparchive ./pool (folder with .deb files inside)
professionals, so perhaps we 3 seconds - yes loading current command is installed) ./Packages
need an open-source version content takes time but ./Packages.gz
apt-ftparchive packages ./Packages.bz2
of Photoshop Elements? nowhere as long as it does on pool/ > Packages ./.disk/info
Ubuntu 9.10. OO Writer and ./aptoncd.info
On another related tack, it Calc both open in less than 4 apt-ftparchive packages ./README.diskdefines
would be great if Ubuntu would sec. Oh, and may I mention pool/ | gzip > Packages.gz
Now is the time to burn the CD or
automatically offer to reduce that under Windows 7 the apt-ftparchive packages DVD - if burning the folder using
the size of photos when e- system will actually "sleep" pool/ | bzip2 > Brasero it may show errors, so you
mailing as Windows does. At and recover from it? Packages.bz2 may need to make an ISO, and
the moment, when you want to burn that to CD/DVD. After burning
It's important that all three of these the CD or DVD, it's time to check if
e-mail photos you have to The assertion that Windows files are created completely, since it behaves just like an installable
open each one in GIMP, reduce 7 won't run older apps is just these files have all the database one, just like an alternate or extra
the size and then attach it to plain wrong. I run FreeBASIC needed from apt-get (and Synaptic Ubuntu CD or DVD - and having
your message. This is a bit of a and FBIde, both relatively old as well) and later, we will need stuff there like all Ubuntu
more 3 files: repositories inside!
pain when sending multiple 32 bit aps. The same version
photos. of Ancestral Quest 12 runs on ./.disk/info
XP, Vista and 7 without issues - ./aptoncd.info
same for PAF5.2. I run CADKEY ./README.diskdefines
99 on 7 without problems - the
Full Circle
continue with Ubuntu Women
MD: I'm involved in LinuxChix, as it's an important part of the
and used to organize the local community, regardless of what
chapter's pre-LUG meet-ups.
I'm also my LUG's secretary. I
was also on the Linux Australia
Council (the group that
others think.
I
into fairly simple computer always moving you forward. of the game.
ntroversion Software has systems - to steal data and However, after a few hours,
always provided excellent
support for Linux. About a
then email it to your clients. and plenty of missions
completed, it can become
Score: 7/10
Fairly soon, you will be
year ago, I reviewed one attempting more challenging repetitive. All the missions are
of their games, Defcon. Here is missions to change the data, very similar - the way you
• Becoming a hacker!
another of their games, Uplink. crack a bank, hack a rival into begin the job, and what is
• Unique game
jail, and crash the stock involved with each job, are
Uplink is very different from market. You will be needing a basically the same.
any game you have ever more powerful computer and a • Clunky interface
played. The game is all about more advanced system. The atmosphere of the
• Repetitive
you being a freelancer hacker. However, it's not as simple as game is excellent, with the
You will be assigned jobs to cracking the password and dark desktop screen giving you
infiltrate companies' computer performing your job - you also a sense of the hacker working
systems to steal or change need to watch your back. Each in a dark room, hidden away.
data. With the money you earn connection you make is traced, The game music is '90s retro
from the jobs, you will be able so make sure you connect to music, similar to the year the Ed Hewitt
to buy tools and software to plenty of different computers - game is set in. The interface of
perform more challenging jobs. the trace will take longer to the game is easy to manage,
The aim is to become the 'l33t' track you down. Uplink is very though connecting to different
(elite) hacker. good with progression - it is computer systems, and moving
Q
Whenever I login to ability to shut off, or limit your blocklists. And as for phone and you should be able
Linux, two new files access time for my kids, and sharing with Windows to control your computer.
(New Document.ott be able to better block their computers, Samba is the most
and New viewing content, as well as commonly used. This page
Spreadsheet.ots) are access my music files and should get you up and running:
Q
automatically created with no pictures from any computer in https://help.ubuntu.com/commu I have a problem: I
content inside them. If I delete the house, such as my media nity/SettingUpSamba got the Ubuntu 9.10
these files, and again login, PC running Windows 7 Home Install CD and I want
these files are again created Premium 64bit. Please help, or make an upgrade
automatically. Why did this give links to where I can find from my Wubi Ubuntu 9.04
Q
happen? such info. I want to control my desktop. How can I do it?
A A
laptop (Lenovo R61i,
A
Chances are you Your best bet for Ubuntu Karmic Koala) Unfortunately, the
have something in restricting access via Bluetooth using Ubunu Live CD
your startup list. Take time is IPtables, which cell phone (Motorola Q9H) and doesn't have the tools
a look for anything should let you restrict / or wifi using PDA (Palm needed to upgrade,
unusual in based on the IP address of the Tungsten C), for example for so you will need to either run
clients. It has quite a steep presentation (OpenOffice the online upgrade, or
. learning curve, but there is a Presentation) and multimedia download the alternate install
very comprehensive tutorial, (Rhythmbox / VLC). What CD, which does contain the
thanks to bodhizazen, which applications should I install on needed files to upgrade. This
should have all the info you my laptop and cell phone / page should have everything
Q
I am fairly new to the need: PDA? you need:
A
whole Server and http://bodhizazen.net/Tutorials/i http://www.ubuntu.com/getubu
Linux use, and could ptables/. For blocking the The anyremote ntu/upgrading
use your help. I wish viewing content I would project (ganyremote
to set up a box as a server with suggest OpenDNS and kanyremote in
dual NIC cards, after my DSL (http://www.opendns.com/), the Ubuntu software
Modem, and put my wireless/4 which will allow you to block centre) should do what you
port switch behind it to which based on category (phishing, need. Simply install it into
all my other computers pornographic, time-wasters), Ubuntu, then install the Java
connect. I would love the as well as add custom sites to remote into your Bluetooth
full circle magazine #34 contents ^
MY DESKTOP misc@fullcirclemagazine.org
Hello, I present my 70's desktop (wallpaper found on I am using the Moomex Metacity theme (from gnome-
devianART) with conky, Compiz Fusion, Emerald (fonts look.org) with Black-White 2 Gloss icons and _jack
"Hippy Participants") and Cairo-dock + display album art wallpaper (also from http://gnome-look.org). Also in the
3D installed on Ubuntu 9.04. mix is the Avant Window Navigator and Compiz.
I have a Dell Inspiron E1405 with dual-core 1.60GHZ I started using Linux with Ubuntu 8.04. I have tried other Linux
processors and 2GB of RAM. I'm running Ubuntu 9.10, Jaunty distributions, but Ubuntu is my absolute favorite. I use a
Jackelope. I use Compiz. I use screenlets on my right (a Gateway laptop computer M-6309 Intel Pentium Dual-core
clock, a picture frame, a pager, and the pidgin screenlet, all T2330 GHz processor, 2GB memory, 320 GB hard drive, and I
docked to a sidebar), and the Avant Window Navigator am using Ubuntu 8.10. The wallpaper is called Ubuntu 2.0 -
(AWN) as a dock. I use a custom theme built off of available from http://www.gnome-look.org/. I tried using the
Clearlooks, using the Mist icon set and Gilouche window Avant Window Manager dock, but I prefer to launch programs
borders. My terminals are transparent. The applications on from the Applications Menu on the top panel. I am also using a
my dock are Firefox internet browser, Thunderbird email desktop PC with Ubuntu 9.04. I love all the great applications
client, Drivel journal/blog client, Leafpad text editor, Pidgin available in Ubuntu. I never want to pay for software again.
instant messenger, Rythmbox music player, GIMP, and
Transmission bittorrent client, with a trash bin on the ends.
To install Indywiki, use the ` ` package in the To install wikipedia2text, use the ` ` package
`universe` repositories. in the `universe` repositories.
wikipediafs StarDict
http://wikipediafs.sourceforge.net/ http://stardict.sourceforge.net/
dict
https://sourceforge.net/projects/dict/
http://podcast.ubuntu-uk.org/
Sometimes, simplicty trumps all. And that's where dict, a
terminal-based client, comes in. It's fully compatible with
StarDict (as a matter of fact, StarDict is based on dict), but
without a GUI. You don't get all the bells and whistles, but you
get a clean, powerful tool that supports a ton of services with
unmatched speed. Sometimes, there's no school like old
school.
Jim Barlow
If you would like to submit , email it to: news@fullcirclemagazine.org
David Haas
Gord Campbell
Send your or Linux experiences to: letters@fullcirclemagazine.org
Brian Jenkins
Mike Kennedy
Hardware/software should be sent to: reviews@fullcirclemagazine.org
And our thanks go out to
for Q&A should go to: questions@fullcirclemagazine.org
Canonical, the Ubuntu Marketing
Team and the many translation
screens should be emailed to: misc@fullcirclemagazine.org
teams around the world.
... or you can visit our via: www.fullcirclemagazine.org