Anyhow, the reason I am writing this post is because the CrunchBang project could really do with some help. For anyone not aware, I released a new version of CrunchBang last week. The new the release went well, a little too well in fact and the shared host which I was using to distribute the ISO files went into meltdown within hours of publicising the release. The meltdown was caused purely by a lack of planning on my behalf, I really had not expected so much interest.

Luckily, the CrunchBang community pulled together to save the day. Users on the forums managed to provide some BitTorrent downloads and others provided ad hoc mirrors. We eventually managed to get the files out, albeit rather slowly. Meanwhile, within the #crunchbang IRC channel, Ciemon Dunville suggested I speak to Dave Walker about the mirroring/load balancing scripts which he uses to help distribute the Ubuntu UK Podcast. A short while later, after letting me bug him with questions over the phone, Daviey very kindly offered to help out.

The following day I took out a lease on new dedicated server and Daviey set about working his black magic. As a result of Daviey's know-how and generosity, the CrunchBang project now has much more reliable means of distributing itself. The only things lacking now are volunteers willing to help by creating mirrors. If this is something you think you can help out with, please see the mirror set-up guide.

A HUGE THANK YOU is due to everyone who is helping out and providing mirrors, including; Andrew Williams, Marty Cannon, Alan Pope, Dave Walker, Ciemon Dunville and Stas Sushkov. You are all stars! Hopefully, we can get some more stars involved to help lessen the load! :)

Tags: crunchbanglinux, projects, ubuntu

My only concern with using my new device is that I want to be able to keep track of the amount of bandwidth I am using; I have a monthly contract with an allowance of 15GB per month and I would prefer it if I did not incur any additional fees for exceeding my allowance. The shop assistant who dealt with me seemed to think 15GB was ample, I am not so sure. I have never previously had to worry about such things as I have always had unlimited access, but I believe I could quite easily burn through 15GB. So, I have decided to keep a log of my bandwidth usage. I am using vnStat to achieve this, a handy console based application for recording bandwidth usage for any given network device. vnStat is fairly straightforward to use and I have written some usage notes on my wiki for future reference.

Tags: hardware, linux, ubuntu

Tags: crunchbanglinux, projects, ubuntu

On the subject of developing websites, I have created a fair few in my time, some commercial, some not. Nearly all the sites I have developed have been custom coded to some extent, but this new project site is not. Apart from the front page, the rest of site has been constructed using entirely free and open source web applications.

Forums

The new forums are powered by PunBB, which is described as being a lightweight PHP discussion board. This is the first time I have had any experience of working with this software, and I have to say, I have been thoroughly impressed; the installation was a painless affair and customising the look 'n' feel was also fairly easy. In fact, I only had one real issue; for some reason, the RSS and Atom feed generator did not parse any BBCode, which meant the resulting output was not overly attractive or easy to read. Having said that, I did manage to implement a quick fix without too much hassle. I will post the fix at some point in the future. Anyhow, PunBB, very impressive.

Wiki

The new wiki is powered by the fabulous DokuWiki. Again, I had not had any experience of using the software previous to the installation, although I had read good things about it and I have been subscribed to authors feed for a while, so I was somewhat familiar with it.

For anyone who has not tried it, DokuWiki is an easy to use, standard compliant wiki. It is also fairly unusual in the fact that it does not use an SQL database backend, using flat files instead. I have not been using it long enough to give an opinion on whether or not this provides any advantages, but I think it makes for a refreshing change at the least.

Regarding usage, it is a breeze. Creating new pages, uploading media and modifying access control lists could not be easier, it really is a pleasure to use, that is to say, as pleasurable as using a web application can be :p

Weblog

The new weblog is powered by WordPress. I am sure I do not have to say much about WordPress, only I have not actually used it since about the time of version 1.5.x. Wow! WordPress is definitely one of the most polished web applications I have used in a while. It might be somewhat bloated compared to what I am used to, but I think I can endure a little bloat if it means I get ease of use and rapid development. Nothing more to say about WordPress, other than it is good stuff.

Cleaning up

Apparently, cool URIs do not change. So, with this is mind I have been attempting to migrate as much information as I can to the new site without causing too much disruption to existing project data. I have implemented as few server-side redirects as possible. The old forums will remain archived in a read-only state and the mailing list will stay put for the time being as I have yet to set-up Mailman on my VPS.

Future focus

Overall, I am really pleased with the new site and I am hoping it will provide for some positive discussions and improvements to the distribution. I am also hoping the new easy to use web applications will mean I can spend less time administering and more time developing. Which reminds me…

…CrunchBang Linux uses many packages which are not in the standard Ubuntu desktop. Due to this, some of these packages are possibly not as well maintained as they could be — just an observation, not really a criticism. Anyway, if CrunchBang Linux does nothing else, it would be good if the future focus of the distribution could be to improve these packages and feed any improvements back upstream.

Anyhow, I am sure I have rambled for far too long :S If you have any feedback, comments or suggestions for improvements to the new site, please feel free to post them, all are welcome and greatly appreciated!

Tags: crunchbanglinux, projects, ubuntu

Tags: crunchbanglinux

As well as being based on the latest Ubuntu release, I have also made several other changes over the previous releases, including, but not limited to:

• A new darker theme.
• Tablaunch removed (finally).
• Some additional default shortcut keys added, including main menu.
• OpenOffice.org replaced by Abiword and Gnumeric.
• pypanal replaced by lxpanel.
• AcidRip removed.
• Twitux replaced by Gwibber.
• Mirage replaced by GPicView.
• VLC removed in favour of Totem — VLC is now a non GTK+ app :(
• etc.

The above changes are based on changes I have made to my own system since the previous CrunchBang release.

Anyhow, there is a new LiveCD available for testing. If anyone would like to give it a try, please do so. Feedback, suggestions and ideas for improvements are more than welcome and greatly appreciated. See the forum for download locations.

Tags: crunchbanglinux, ubuntu

I have released a couple of new images for my CrunchBang Linux project. This new release brings CrunchBang Linux up-to-date with packages available from the 8.04.01 point release of Ubuntu. The new images have been completely rebuilt from scratch and feature a whole bunch of changes.

What's new?

• As stated above, all packages from the Ubuntu repositories have been updated to bring them in-line with Ubuntu 8.04.01. Most notably, Firefox 3 is no-longer beta software and a couple of well-known security vulnerabilities have been patched.

• Openbox has been updated to the latest version. See Openbox:Changelog for more information.

• An alternative XFCE4 desktop environment is available from the GDM login screen. It has been set-up to behave identically [well, near enough] to the default Openbox session. e.g. right-click menus, shortcut keys etc. This new feature is currently being guinea pigged by Becky the Linux user.

• Both the Openbox and XFCE4 sessions use the XFCE4 Settings Manager. This adds some overhead to the Openbox session, but also provides a solution to the problem of gnome-settings-daemon overriding users settings when invoked by accident — there are a surprising number of applications which invoke gnome-settings-daemon for no obvious reason.

• ROX-Filer has been replaced by Thunar as the default file manager; the thunar-volman package now handles auto mounting of devices. This is a huge improvement over the previous release, which used Ivman.

• A new "Lite" image has been made available. This image features the same Openbox and XFCE4 environments, but does not have the plethora of applications available in the full image. Hopefully, this new image will go a long way to satisfying requests to remove applications. The Lite image comes in at approximately 403M, making it significantly smaller than the standard image at approximately 633M.

• An alternative installation method. CrunchBang Linux can now be built from a minimal "CLI" installation of Ubuntu.

• Numerous other tweaks and changes, including but not limited to:

  • A new Usplash theme.
  • New GDM theme.
  • Xarchiver replaced by File Roller.
  • GnomeBaker removed in favour of Brasero.
  • Terminator now set as the default terminal emulator.
  • RealPlayer plugins enabled by default.
  • OSMO replaced by Orage.
  • Et cetera.

Download locations

As always, CrunchBang Linux has been developed for my personal use; however, everyone is free to download and use as they see fit. If you do decide to download, please pay special attention to the disclaimer, which basically states, "if you brick your system, do not come running to me."

For download locations, see: CrunchBang Linux 8.04.02 Download Locations. For the alternative installation instructions, see: CrunchBang Linux 8.04.02 Alternative Installation.

Screenshots

Some screenshots of CrunchBang Linux 8.04.02 in action, click on the thumbnails for larger images.

Tags: crunchbanglinux, openbox, projects, ubuntu, xfce4

So, I created a backup of Becky's data and proceeded to install my latest remastered version Ubuntu. I could of installed a vanilla Ubuntu install, but I wanted her first real experience of Linux to be as smooth as possible. Once the installation had completed, I restored Becky's data and handed back her laptop; she powered it up and proceeded to go about her business.

I waited for the comments and questions, but they never came. As it turned out, I actually ended up pestering her to show her a few things; we had a play with entering a few terminal commands and installing the odd package. Finally, Becky reluctantly said, "It's quite good".

Result :)

Tags: advocacy, life, linux, ubuntu

The good stuff

Here is a short list of features I like about openSUSE:

• The default look and feel is really professional and very slick. I know it is only a cosmetic issue, but first impressions count, or so I have been told.

• The single GNOME panel and main Slab menu make for a good combination. I did not think that I would be overly enamoured with it, but I found myself liking its simplicity. It only took a few minutes to make myself familiar with how it operates and when it is used in conjunction with the next impressive feature, it works well.

• GNOME Do is installed by default. I have been loving the speed advantage this application has given me, to quote the website, GNOME + Do = Crazy Delicious :)

• Both Compiz and PulseAudio are integrated into the desktop environment. I did not have to install any additional packages to make the most of Compiz as CompizConfig Settings Manager was installed by default.

The not so good stuff

Unfortunately, my time spent with openSUSE has not been all good, here is a short list of stuff I noticed which is not so impressive:

• During the installation I was unceremoniously dropped to the console and presented with a login prompt. This was slightly disconcerting and I nearly rebooted as I thought the install process had failed; then, just as I was about to restart my system, X popped back to life and the installation continued. I am not sure what that was all about?!

• I have experienced numerous application-level crashes. Banshee seems particularly unstable on my system and often disappears from my desktop without so much as a bye-your-leave — most disappointing as I was expecting good things from Banshee :(

• openSUSE's package management is fine, but it is not APT. I miss APT.

Conclusion

I have not been using the system long enough to make any solid conclusions; however, from what I have experienced so far, openSUSE 11 is definitely worth a look. If I was not so attached to APT, I would maybe consider keeping it installed. Having said that, it really is not too difficult to set-up Ubuntu to mimic and take advantage of the features I like in openSUSE.

Tags: linux, opensuse, ubuntu

• LugRadio — one of my favourite podcasts and probably THE podcast which got me hooked on listening to podcasts. LugRadio is released every 2 weeks and is currently in its 5th season. The production quality is always excellent and the content can be very thought provoking. Note, the LugRadio presenters are somewhat notorious for their use of colourful language, therefore it is probably not wise to listen to this podcast while at work [without headphones], or in the company of minors ;)

• The Linux Link Tech Show — again, another personal favourite, and again, a podcast which is not particularly safe for work. TLLTS is released every week and is normally over 2 hours in length. It is also probably [?] the longest running of all Linux related podcasts. Production quality is not always the best; however, the show is presented in a down-to-earth manner and the content is varied and interesting. The presenters often interview influential members of the Open Source community.

• Ubuntu UK Podcast — a fairly new podcast, [just released episode 6], but a very good one; IMHO, it could quite easily become the official Ubuntu podcast. The presenters apply the Ubuntu Code of Conduct to the show and therefore it is safe for work. Production quality is excellent, as is the content; Mark Shuttleworth has already been interviewed twice! Hopefully the presenters will be able to continue to push out this level of quality. The show is published every 2 weeks.

• Launchpod — again, another fairly new podcast. Launchpod is not strictly speaking a Linux podcast, still, due to Launchpad's close ties to Ubuntu it is interesting to hear news from the Launchpad developers. Production quality is fair and content ranges from Launchpad specific news to interviews with Launchpad users. There does not seem to be a set release schedule [very un-Ubuntu like]. Note, listen out for the funky bass!

• lottalinuxlinks — a Linux related podcast by Dave Yates, recorded at 75 miles per hour during his drive to and from work. I am not sure it is entirely safe [or legal for that matter] to record a podcast whilst driving, still, I enjoy listening to this podcast as it has character :) Like TLLTS, the presenter has a relaxed, down-to-earth approach to podcasting. Production quality is fair and the content is varied. Released frequently.

• Fresh Ubuntu — an Ubuntu specific podcast which covers news and community happenings. Another podcast which is presented in a down-to-earth manner. Production quality is generally good, as is the content which provides an insight into what is occurring within the Ubuntu community. Released most weeks.

• Linux Basement — "Greetings & Salutations", is how this podcast is commonly introduced, it goes downhill from there :D Just kidding, the Linux Basement is another down-to-earth Linux podcast, although content covers other topics such as Drupal and web development. The presenter, Chad Wallonberg, also entertains by writing and performing songs for the show. Production quality is good and the podcast is released every 2 weeks or so.

• Linux Outlaws — a podcast in which the presenters take a "laid-back" look at Linux and the Open Source scene. The presenters have good chemistry and the show is often amusing and insightful, although not particularly safe for work. Production quality is good and the show is released most weeks.

• The Bad Apples — Linux from the perspective of an ex-Apple user. The show has recently been released less frequently than before; still, when it is released it is often varied and insightful.

• The Talk Show — okay, so it is not Linux related; however, it amuses me to listen to Mac fans. Also, is it not good to mix it up now and again? Released sporadically.

• hashlugradio — a podcast which discusses issues raised by the LugRadio podcast and its community. Has recently been released less frequently than before, when it is released, the quality is good and often amusing. Another show featuring colourful language.

• The Linux Action Show — the Linux podcast presented by Bert 'n' Ernie from Sesame Street. Not :) The real presenters, Bryan 'n' Chris, take an energetic look at the latest Linux related news and releases. Production quality and content is excellent. The show does feature some strong language, though not nearly as colourful as LugRadio. The podcast is released every 2 weeks.

The above pretty much sums up the podcasts I am currently subscribed to. Am I missing any which you think I might enjoy?

Tags: linux, podcast, ubuntu

As with Darkness Returns, Brightness uses the Clearlooks GTK+ engine. I have made the theme available on my wiki. I have used the theme under Openbox with no known issues. I have not tested the theme under GNOME.

Regarding the origin of the theme, if I remember correctly, I used the Gilouche theme as basis to work from. Even though I prefer to use a darker theme, I still really like the openSUSE artwork, it is professional and consistently good.

Tags: artwork, crunchbanglinux, openbox, themes, ubuntu

The theme I have settled into using is called Darkness Returns. I named it so because CrunchBang Linux was originally distributed with a dark theme, then it changed to a light theme, before moving back to a dark theme for the last release; hence, Darkness Returns — pure genius :)

Darkness Returns is based on the Clearlooks GTK+ engine. It is not actually as dark as some dark themes, instead it is more of a halfway house between the lightness and the darkness; maybe I should have named it "Sitting On The Fence"? Anyhow, a couple of people have asked me for the theme and so I have made it available on my wiki. More screenshots of the theme can also be seen on my wiki: CrunchBang Linux 8.04.01 Screenshots. Feel free to use and abuse :)

Tags: artwork, crunchbanglinux, openbox, themes, ubuntu

Finally it has happened! The last 'official' release of Puppy was version 3.01, released October 15, 2007. Version 4.00 is happening 6 months later, which is an incredibly long time considering the previous frenetic schedule of releases. Anyway, here it is: the live-CD file is 'puppy-4.00-k2.6.21.7-seamonkey.iso' and is just 87.1MB. Download from http://puppylinux.com/download/.

Also from the release notes, and something that I am particularly pleased with:

GTK1 and Tcl/Tk abandoned. The decision was made to go for a totally GTK2-based system. This meant that there could be a consistent user-interface throughout and further reduced the size.

I am downloading the live-CD as I type. I will give the system a run tomorrow night, and if I get time, I will post with my initial thoughts/feedback.

Tags: linux, puppy, ubuntu

The current version of Xpad available from the Ubuntu Hardy repositories [2.13] suffers from a rather drastic 100% CPU bug; therefore, I have updated the package to the latest 2.14 release and uploaded it to the CrunchBang Linux repositories. I have also filed a small bug report on Launchpad and I am looking for a mentor to help me update the package; I understand it is a busy/hectic time for Ubuntu developers at the moment, so I will not hold my breath while I wait for a reply :)

Tags: crunchbanglinux, openbox, software, ubuntu

This is the third release of CrunchBang Linux. This release is based on the current development version of Ubuntu, "Hardy Heron". As with the previous releases, I have developed CrunchBang Linux for personal use; however, I have released it as a download on the off chance that others may find it useful.

I have been running this release on my own systems for a number of weeks and it seems to be quite stable. Having said that, this release is based on a "development" release of Ubuntu and therefore is not recommended for anyone needing a stable system or anyone who is not comfortable running into occasional, even frequent breakage.

What's new?

I am really quite happy with how CrunchBang Linux is developing. This release sees numerous improvements and when installed makes for a really usable, fast and attractive system. I would really like to thank the users on the forums for all their suggestions and feedback; I have implemented many improvements based solely on their input. See below for a list of changes.

Major updates:

• CrunchBang Linux is now based on Ubuntu 8.04 "Hardy Heron". This brings many new improvements and package updates; most notably an updated 2.6.24.15 Linux Kernel, and Xorg 7.3.
• Openbox 3.4.7-pre2, this release includes many improvements including the GDM control mentioned here.
• CrunchBang Linux repositories are now enabled by default. The repositories include CrunchBang Linux specific packages and fixes, plus Openbox related updates etc.
• A new default theme based on Clearlooks, "Darkness Returns". See the screenshots.

Other changes:

• Firefox 3 Beta 5 is now the default browser, replacing Epiphany.
• Claws Mail replaces Thunderbird as the default e-mail client.
• Mirage replaces EOG as the default image viewer.
• Easy enabling of compositing via xcompmgr and a new Openbox pipe menu.
• tablaunch application launch bar installed by default. Easy configuration via "Preferences" menu.
• Parcellite clipboard manager, replaces Glipper. Fixes this.
• Skype and Gizmo VoIP clients removed.
• Osmo PIM installed and linked to pypanel clock. Thanks to K.Mandla for the suggestion.
• pysdm "Storage Device Manager" added to "Tools & Utilities" menu.
• Xpad sticky notes added to "Tools & Utilities" menu.
• Gtk+ 2.0 Change Theme added to "Preferences" menu.
• Nitrogen GUI desktop background/wallpaper setter installed.
• Numerous other minor fixes and improvements.

Download

The CrunchBang Linux ISO image is approximately 614MB. It can be downloaded from the following locations:

• http://crunchbang.net/pub/linux/crunchbang-8.04.01.i386.iso
• http://www.dropshock.com/pub/crunchbang-linux/crunchbang-8.04.01.i386.iso - courtesy of Jason Liquorish
• http://stas.nerd.ro/pub/cbl/crunchbang-8.04.01.i386.iso - courtesy of Stas Sushkov

MD5: 90c83bac8ec4411fea422b439bfbcc65

Screenshots

Disclaimer

CrunchBang Linux is not recommended for anyone needing a stable system or anyone who is not comfortable running into occasional, even frequent breakage. CrunchBang Linux could possibly make your computer go CRUNCH! BANG! Therefore CrunchBang Linux comes with ABSOLUTELY NO WARRANTY, to the extent permitted by applicable law.

Tags: crunchbanglinux, openbox, projects, ubuntu

It is a simple Bash script, but quite effective. Please feel free to modify/improve as you see fit.

#!/bin/bash
# Openbox Pipe Menu for xcompmgr
################################

# Set xcompmgr command options
EXEC='xcompmgr -c -t-5 -l-5 -r4.2 -o.55' #basic compositing
#EXEC='xcompmgr -cCfF -t-5 -l-5 -r4.2 -o.55 -D6' #more effects

# Toggle compositing. Call with "myxcompmgr --startstop"
if [ "$1" = "--startstop" ]; then 
    if [ ! "$(pidof xcompmgr)" ]; then
      $EXEC
    else
      killall xcompmgr
    fi
    exit 0
fi
# Output Openbox menu
if [ ! "$(pidof xcompmgr)" ]; then
    cat << _EOF_
    <openbox_pipe_menu>
        <item label="Enable Compositing">
            <action name="Execute">
                <execute>myxcompmgr --startstop</execute>
            </action>
        </item>
    </openbox_pipe_menu>
_EOF_
else
    cat << _EOF_
    <openbox_pipe_menu>
        <item label="Remove Transparency from Target Window">
            <action name="Execute">
                <execute>transset 1</execute>
            </action>
        </item>
        <item label="Set Target Window Transparency to 10%">
            <action name="Execute">
                <execute>transset .90</execute>
            </action>
        </item>
        <item label="Set Target Window Transparency to 20%">
            <action name="Execute">
                <execute>transset .80</execute>
            </action>
        </item>
        <item label="Set Target Window Transparency to 30%">
            <action name="Execute">
                <execute>transset .70</execute>
            </action>
        </item>
        <item label="Set Target Window Transparency to 40%">
            <action name="Execute">
                <execute>transset .60</execute>
            </action>
        </item>
        <item label="Set Target Window Transparency to 50%">
            <action name="Execute">
                <execute>transset .50</execute>
            </action>
        </item>
        <item label="Set Target Window Transparency to 60%">
            <action name="Execute">
                <execute>transset .40</execute>
            </action>
        </item>
        <item label="Set Target Window Transparency to 70%">
            <action name="Execute">
                <execute>transset .30</execute>
            </action>
        </item>
        <item label="Set Target Window Transparency to 80%">
            <action name="Execute">
                <execute>transset .20</execute>
            </action>
        </item>
        <item label="Set Target Window Transparency to 90%">
            <action name="Execute">
                <execute>transset .10</execute>
            </action>
        </item>
        <separator/>
        <item label="Disable Compositing">
            <action name="Execute">
                <execute>myxcompmgr --startstop</execute>
            </action>
        </item>
    </openbox_pipe_menu>
_EOF_
fi
exit 0

How to use the script

Follow the instructions below to install the script and set-up the Openbox pipe menu:

1. Open a terminal and download the script with the following command:

wget http://crunchbang.org/misc/myxcompmgr

2. Move the script to your "bin" directory and make executable:

mv myxcompmgr ~/bin/myxcompmgr && chmod +x ~/bin/myxcompmgr

3. Open your Openbox menu.xml file for editing:

gedit ~/.config/openbox/menu.xml

4. Insert the following code where you would like the menu to appear, save and exit:

<menu execute="myxcompmgr" id="CompositingPipeMenu" label="Compositing"/>

5. Issue the following command to update/reconfigure Openbox:

openbox --reconfigure

Optional: You could also place the following entry in ~/.config/openbox/autostart.sh to start xcompmgr on boot:

# Enable Eyecandy, see ~/bin/myxcompmgr for more info
myxcompmgr --startstop &

Tags: bash, crunchbanglinux, openbox, ubuntu

I have updated my original post and wiki page to reflect tonight's changes. If you are currently using the repository, please update your APT sources. Apologies for any inconvenience/disruption this might cause. FWIW, this will definitely be the final location for the 7.10.xx repository; also, the move was necessary to accommodate a new 8.04.xx repository. More details on that soon.

Tags: crunchbanglinux

I have written the following PyGTK script to take advantage of the new GDM control. Python is not currently a language that I am too familiar with, so please feel free to rip the script to bits improve as you see fit.

#!/usr/bin/env python

import pygtk
pygtk.require('2.0')
import gtk
import os

class DoTheLogOut:

    # Cancel/exit
    def delete_event(self, widget, event, data=None):
        gtk.main_quit()
        return False

    # Logout
    def logout(self, widget):
        os.system("openbox --exit")

    # Reboot
    def reboot(self, widget):
        os.system("gdm-control --reboot && openbox --exit")

    # Shutdown
    def shutdown(self, widget):
        os.system("gdm-control --shutdown && openbox --exit")

    def __init__(self):
        # Create a new window
        self.window = gtk.Window(gtk.WINDOW_TOPLEVEL)
        self.window.set_title("Exit? Choose an option:")
        self.window.set_resizable(False)
        self.window.set_position(1)
        self.window.connect("delete_event", self.delete_event)
        self.window.set_border_width(20)

        # Create a box to pack widgets into
        self.box1 = gtk.HBox(False, 0)
        self.window.add(self.box1)

        # Create cancel button
        self.button1 = gtk.Button("Cancel")
        self.button1.set_border_width(10)
        self.button1.connect("clicked", self.delete_event, "Changed me mind :)")
        self.box1.pack_start(self.button1, True, True, 0)
        self.button1.show()

        # Create logout button
        self.button2 = gtk.Button("Log out")
        self.button2.set_border_width(10)
        self.button2.connect("clicked", self.logout)
        self.box1.pack_start(self.button2, True, True, 0)
        self.button2.show()

        # Create reboot button
        self.button3 = gtk.Button("Reboot")
        self.button3.set_border_width(10)
        self.button3.connect("clicked", self.reboot)
        self.box1.pack_start(self.button3, True, True, 0)
        self.button3.show()

        # Create shutdown button
        self.button4 = gtk.Button("Shutdown")
        self.button4.set_border_width(10)
        self.button4.connect("clicked", self.shutdown)
        self.box1.pack_start(self.button4, True, True, 0)
        self.button4.show()

        self.box1.show()
        self.window.show()

def main():
    gtk.main()

if __name__ == "__main__":
    gogogo = DoTheLogOut()
    main()

Tags: code, crunchbanglinux, openbox, python

Yes, it's the age old question — what is your preferred desktop manager? This time we ask you to not only cast your vote but to follow-up with a comment below. We'd like to know if you've switched your "favorite" in the last year or two and why. Did you use to be a KDE fan but recently switched to GNOME? Or perhaps you're exploring with something less mainstream (so to speak) and are loving it. Inquiring minds want to know…

I've cast my vote and posted the following comment:

I've switched from using GNOME to Openbox. I find that Openbox is faster and more hackable. Strictly speaking though, Openbox is a Window Manager as opposed to a Desktop Manager — therefore it requires some additional applications to provide the same functionality as a Desktop solution. Either way, I prefer it over GNOME and I can't see me moving back any time soon.

I could have written more, but I'm not sure that a comment form is best place to off-load. Anyhow, it'll be interesting to see which is the most popular "Window Manager" :)

Tags: linux, openbox

URL: http://crunchbang.wordpress.com/

Tags: crunchbanglinux