June 15, 2011
"Way back in 1999 I predicted a significant market for desktop Linux by 2005. (I was targeting better than Mac OS type numbers, in the 10-15% range.) It was clear back then that Linux had found a substantial adoption as a server OS, and it seemed only time before the desktop adoption rivaled at least “the other desktop”. Obviously I was wrong."

—

From Focusing on the next Linux client (btw the title of the post is a picture).

TL;DR: we give the tiniest sh*t for the Linux desktop, and it’s because we think it’s irrelevant.

This post wasn’t needed Adobe, we already knew that. Sincerely yours, a Flash 64bits Linux user.

by jjm on 5:52pm  |   URL: http://tumblr.com/ZPorZy66sJOC
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(Notes: 9)
  
Filed under: Flash Adobe Linux market desktop we don't care 
May 3, 2011
"Because JavaScript is pretty free-form, consistent coding style and unit tests are critical to give it some structure and keep it readable.

We propose that all GNOME usage of JavaScript conform to the style guide in doc/Style_Guide.txt to help keep things sane."

—

From README of GNOME Spidermonkey Javascript binding.

I think this README file sums up my opinion about Javascript in Gnome 3: I can’t understand why Javascript is used in the shell and not a more suitable language (such as Python). It was a very good opportunity to open the desktop to new developers, but… Javascript?

by jjm on 9:40pm  |   URL: http://tumblr.com/ZPorZy4q4Wsi
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(Notes: 1)
  
Filed under: GNOME Gnome 3 Gnome Shell Javascript Desktop Python 
October 1, 2010
"New users wising to develop Python applications using GTK are recommended to use the
GObject-Introspection features available in PyGObject. Existing authors of PyGtk applications are also recommended to port their applications to PyGObject if they wish to take advantage of new features appearing in GTK-3 and beyond."

—

From PyGTK 2.22.0 announcement.

PyGTK-2.24 will be next and last PyGTK version, and if you’re willing to write a GTK+ application in Python it’s highly recommended that you use PyGObject, because it’s the project that will be supporting GTK+3 (and later).

At the moment it’s unlikely that your distribution has packaged a recent enough PyGObject, and the introspection modules are beta anyway, so I guess it’s a uncertain moment to start a new GTK+ application in Python.

by jjm on 8:40am  |   URL: http://tumblr.com/ZPorZy18mqIM
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(Notes: 1)
  
Filed under: Python GTK+ PyGTK PyGObject GTK+3 bindings Gnome Desktop 
April 24, 2010
Desktop Evolution (?)

There’s a meme out there about how looked like your first desktop, and how it looks right now (related to theme changes in the next Ubuntu release).

I don’t have a screenshot of my first desktop, but I have one shot from 2003:

If I recall correctly that was a KDE 3.1.1 running in a Debian Woody with lots of steroids (please notice the Mozilla 1.0.0, great browser back in the days!).

I’ve tried to reproduce that screenshot again with my Fedora 12 and Gnome 2.28.2 (and Chromium 5.0.382.0), and this is the result:

Not that different I guess, but I don’t know if it’s good or not. I’m looking forward to see if Gnome 3 is the answer to that question.

by jjm on 9:55pm  |   URL: http://tumblr.com/ZPorZyWa2wm
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(Notes: 1)
  
Filed under: Fedora Desktop Ubuntu Debian KDE Gnome Desktop Evolution 
July 14, 2009
Strategy for Windows Desktop Replacement

I’m partially involved in a project that aims for the full replacement of Windows as a desktop OS in a BIG institution in the autonomous goverment in Valencia. Although I don’t want to give too much details by now, I’ve proposed to the project manager a strategy based on Fedora/CentOS/Red Hat.

The main problem of a big institution is there are several kinds of desktop users (and desktop needs). In a first approach we’ve defined three variables:

  • Features: Do we need the shiny new features of the desktop world, or can we live with outdated (but stable) applications? In this variable Fedora is a big winner as a cutting edge distribution.
  • Stability: I know that new applications can be stable enough, but for the user that only does ‘1, 2, 3’ every day, it doesn’t matter if there’s Firefox 3.5 or 1.5. We want stability and support as long as possible without upgrading. Here I suggest CentOS.
  • Support: Sometimes the work in a desktop is critical and we may need paid support, and Red Hat has a good reputation for our customer, so RHEL is the best choice.

Another big problem is the number of desktops, and a nice tool to help administrate all the computers would be a good point for the proposition (we’re providing solutions, not new problems heh).

The bonus is that we can manage all three distributions with Spacewalk (or Red Hat Network Satellite, although the reason behind the desktop migration is money), and the customer loves the idea of a three level solution related to the same vendor.

I’m optimistic about this project, and customer feedback it’s also good, so I’ll keep you informed.

by jjm on 4:04pm  |   URL: http://tumblr.com/ZPorZy8RmM6
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Filed under: Fedora support desktop CentOS RHEL 
June 26, 2009
CentOS Server Install

I know I’m an old-school system administrator, who doesn’t want a X session running on his servers.

The Console and the CLI are the ultimate tool for a sysadmin (In the Begining was the Command Line), and I don’t like the extra stuff, specifically when you have to update the system: desktop applications have frecuently security updates, as other applications, but I’m not using them in a server so I feel it’s a waste of time and bandwith.

I tend to say base system as synonymous for bare minium install, and yesterday I had a little problem with a partner and a CentOS install.

We requested just base and the IT guy did a default install, that includes all the Gnome desktop and associated applications. That’s not a big deal, but it’s not the optimal situation.

What do you think? Are you OK with a desktop installed in a server?

by jjm on 7:32am  |   URL: http://tumblr.com/ZPorZy7nlcJ
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Filed under: CentOS base install CLI console Server Desktop 
May 23, 2009
"Next up is creating the seamless Bluetooth desktop experience from pair to air by adding the necessary bits to the applet and connection editor. But the heavy lifting on the NetworkManager side is mostly done. Thanks to Bastien, NetworkManager 0.8 will ship with native Bluetooth support that doesn’t suck"

—

From A•B•C Delicious.

IMHO NetworkManager is one of the best pieces of software I’ve seen that actually makes desktop’s life better. Seriously.

While others are wondering what will be the next step in desktop experience (you know those compiz bells an whistles, desktops shells, trackers to slow down you computer, etc), I thank there are people that has focus and provides us with software that is really needed.

Don’t get me wrong, bells and whistles are OK and I like them, but everybody can choose his heroes, and I’m with NetworkManager team. Keep on good work!

by jjm on 9:13am  |   URL: http://tumblr.com/ZPorZy6gaPj
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Filed under: NetqorkManager Bluetooth modem desktop stuff that matters 
May 12, 2009
A Desktop Linux Distribution for non-TIC Users

A workmate asked me for recomendation for a Desktop Linux distribution to a user without too much experience with computers. That user was a costumer.

My first answer was: Ubuntu. It’s user friendly, stable and it’s easy to add new applications with GUI tools.

After answering that… I added: or Fedora.

This user (costumer, remember) already knows Red Hat in bussiness, but Ubuntu it’s unknown for him. But being honest, I don’t think Fedora it’s right now as friendly as Ubuntu. I know that I can’t say something like this without proving it. Just an example: Ubuntu documentation vs Fedora user guide.

I don’t mean Fedora it’s not a good desktop distribution, but I wouldn’t recommend it to a newbie.

Update: fortunately, the documentation is here for the new shiny Fedora 11. Rectify is of wise people (although when I wrote this post, there wasn’t any documentation).

by jjm on 10:19pm  |   URL: http://tumblr.com/ZPorZy6Nmk-
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Filed under: Ubuntu Fedora desktop friendly newbie 
April 12, 2009
"We have an extraordinary brand, and the last thing I want is for someone to take a computer home and find something is not working."

—

From Red Hat Opts for Pragmatism Over Glitz, about Linux and desktops.

Red Hats wants to stick at the server market, and it makes sense to me: they do it extremely well at it.

But the fact is that Red Hat, even in their desktop editions, isn’t ready for the desktop: they rely on tested and stable software (that’s a very good idea for the server editions), so they’re missing the great improvements on the Linux desktop world out there, and that’s related to the something not working part Jim Whitehurst (Red Hat’s CEO) is telling us.

That’s why the Fedora project exists, and that’s why Fedora it isn’t the Red Hat brand. It’s a different market and Red Hat doesn’t want to fight in that front.

I think Ubuntu (and Canonical) are doing it very well on the desktop, but that’s not Red Hat bussiness right now. Period.

by jjm on 5:32pm  |   URL: http://tumblr.com/ZPorZy5iBSz
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Filed under: Red Hat Ubuntu desktop Linux 
January 6, 2009
Avant Window Navigator, a dock-like navigation bar for the linux desktop

It’s cool, and makes me feel old.

Why? I’m used to the old-fashioned Gnome panels, and I think they’re OK. Indeed I agree with Ted about notification area’s abuse. I think it’s a problem we (the Open Source desktop) have embraced from Windows Tray Icons crazyness.

by jjm on 7:35pm  |   URL: http://tumblr.com/ZPorZy46Ky4
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Filed under: GUI desktop linux AWN