Flash 8 on Linux
Just got Flash 8 to run on Open Suse 10.1; which is a good thing, because I need it for class and don't want to use my old Windows Box.
So far, everything seems functional and runs quickly. I used the tutorial
here to get it running. It's specified for Ubuntu but it works fine in Suse too, or probably most large Linux distros without too much pain.
coLinux (Cooperative Linux)
Run Linux on Microsoft Windows?Okay, so in the words of the website: 'Cooperative Linux is the first working free and open source method for optimally running Linux on Microsoft Windows natively.'
And before I decided on Suse 10.1 (see blog entry Suse 10.1 with Xgl), I thought I would occasionally want to run Linux inside Windows XP without having to reboot.
So, I installed
coLinux which: '...allows one to freely run Linux on Windows 2000/XP, without using a commercial PC virtualization software such as VMware, in a way which is much more optimal than using any general purpose PC virtualization software.'
Here's a screen of the command console with the Debian 1Gb file image which I chose to use. Note, it also allows you to use Gentoo if you choose so in the installation options.
After that you can then you can use apt to install an Xserver and KDE desktop. There is a good howto on linx-mag.com. Then you run vnc's server in coLinux and log into it using VNC viewer on Windows using the ip address of coLinux (ifconfig to check). And there we have it: Debian KDE desktop within Win XP without having to reboot.
There is it, KDE running over Win XP.
CaveatIt is slow, even with a decent system. This is not a replacement for a dedicated Linux system, but it is fun.
Suse 10.1 with Xgl and Compiz: 3D Desktop!
Initial Impression:Wow! I have had so much fun with this Desktop.
I never get tired of the water effects trailing the cursor as in this screenshot.
Notice also how The Gimp is semi-transparent and you can see through to the window below. Yes, it's been done before. But the Xgl windows also wobble, bounce lightly, pull like putty, zoom in and out, and bend around corners. This is something I have not seen so well executed in an OS untill now!
The desktop cube can have up to 100 sides, and begins to look like a sphere at that point. But, how many desktop sides do you need?
Another nice feature is that when you click an application you have running on the taskbar, it will spin the cubed desktop and take you to the correct window where that application is running. You even get to see the sides spin if it is on another face of the cube. Super Cool!
I am amazed there is no apparent slowdown to this 3D OS. I am running a 3.6 Ghz, 1 Ghz RAM machine, NVDIA 6800 GS -- hardly a Jonesin' setup, but this OS on my system runs smooth. In fact, probably faster than my Windows XP partition.
Also, I got to give credit to Novell for the ease of installation of Suse 10.1. It even concentrated my already existing Windows partition non-destructively, so I could use Grub to choose between XP or Suse. Nice and easy.
The only complaints I offer are nitpicky: Sometimes right clicking in X windows seems not to work (not sure if it has anything to do with Xgl), and all these desktops faces and open, spinning, gyrating windows can lead to sensory overload. But, hey, sometimes I like sensory overload!
Conclusion:I have used Linux for 5 or 6 years or now, but primarily depended on Microsoft Windows -- as I'm a big gamer and use Adobe Flash; but with this new desktop setup I find myself yearning for more Suse and less and less for my Windows Partition.
This is the future; and well, it ain't Mac or Windows.
