30 Days: Slackware...the final post

Well, its over. I've run out of the time to continue trying Slackware 12.0 as I have quite a bit to do for the rest of June. Anyway, here's my conclusion.

Slack is very, very stable, and ran without any OS related issues. Some KDE software had problems later in my experience, but I usually fixed that with alternative software or bugging my friend for advice. I wish I had tried KDE 4, but there simply was no time to configure it (or download it for that matter). Configuring Compiz-Fusion was a breeze, and I really enjoyed the desktop cube and using multiple desktops. Windoze has taught me how truly crippling having one desktop is.

Pros: Stable, I love the quotes in the Konsole, KDE is great (but I still like Gnome better), gslapt and slapt-get integrate well to give Slackware repository like functions, quick boot and shutdown time, the ability to fight the corporate machine =P.

Cons: Still waiting for KDE 4 to be bundled, but I guess that may ruin the stability, setting up my internet connection was incredibly annoying (and my friend had the same problem too with Slack!) but fixable, not really noob friendly.

Overall: I liked Slackware 12.0, and would like to try Slack 13 when it comes out (hopefully with KDE 4!).

Send me ideas for new distributions to try! (or even a BSD)

Fin.

30 Days: Slackware Entry #4

As aforementioned on one of my earlier posts, I have to cut short my 30 days of Slackware as I will be too busy to post or get at my computer in the coming weeks.

Once again, no problems with Slackware. I'm beginning to like KDE, but I still favor Gnome over KDE. Gnome's interface is much nicer to look at right after install, and after customization looks great. I can't stand the look of KDE even after crazy modifications to the look and feel of the desktop and windows. Oh, and gnome's settings manager is infinitely superior to KDE control center. Gnome for the win.

Also, I'll need some ideas for my next 30 days adventure over the summer. What distro shall it be this time?

Revolution AWEsomeness

This is a truly epic documentary about the humble beginnings of Linux, the GNU project, the Free Software movement, and the Open Source movement. I recommend anyone interested in Linux or a long time fan of the operating system to watch this movie (it is available for download from google video for ipod or PSP formats including .mp4).

The Podcast, PSP, and Random Musings

Sorry for not updating the Weekly Headshot Podcast in a long time. I have been busy the last couple weeks and have not had time to fully produce an episode. However Episode 6 will be back with a vengeance hopefully very late tonight or early tomorrow morning (we're recording within the hour).

Also, I finally fixed my Windows install. There had been no need to fix it with Slack working so well for a couple weeks, and I hadn't even noted there was a problem until I wanted to play some Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, where I saw that Windows would display the splash screen and not boot. All was well after I used the install CD to repair the install (which took less than an hour). After Windows was good as new (or as good as it will ever be). I immediately noticed how crippling the lack of multiple desktops is =P.

Within the next couple hours I shall have posted one of the final 30 Days of Slackware posts.

Oh, and did I mention I got the PSP?
The white "Darth Vader" edition (Darth Vaders face/helmet is painted onto the back of this model in black, contrasting the ceramic white color). A few hours later I realized updating the firmware was a bad choice and with some workarounds I hope to run homebrew apps on it and "hacks" that I have heard about from friends and seen on the internet (I hate it when people call it the 'net).

I'll post more later. I have a podcast to record =D

30 Days: Slackware Entry #3

Slackware still running great, and with sound and video all working masterfully, I have had absolutely no reason to go to my Windows partition (except for the occasional video game). Also, I installed Unreal Tournament 2004 because I own the game and remembered it has a linux installer. Game worked with next to no configuration, and I updated in less than 10 minutes and was playing online games. Party on!

Abiword Mindfuck

I thought this was really funny, so I figured I'd share. (yes I made it)

Configuring the Sound Blaster Audigy 4 for Slackware 12.0 (or 12.1)

Ok, well this problem took me awhile, and there really wasn't much on google about this. The folks at LQ basically said use "alsaconf" and then mess around with "alsamixer", then save your alsamixer settings with "alsactl store". This; however, did not work for me. I did have to edit one thing on alsamixer; however, (I actually used "kmix" but they both work) by changing the Analogue/Digital output switch to "on". After that, I needed to edit the /etc/rc.d/rc.local file. So, once superuser ("su" then password) type "nano /etc/rc.d/rc.local" and insert the following at the end of the file

amixer sset 'Audigy Analog/Digital Output Jack' 'on'
amixer sset 'Tone' 'on'
amixer sset 'Surround' '90'
amixer sset 'Treble' '80%'
amixer sset 'Bass' '80%'

and your done. After that, I was playing my music in Amarok and loving that sound finally comes from my speakers

30 Days: Slackware Entry #2

Ok, loving my slackware install so far, however I have encountered a couple problems.

1. I cannot get my sound to work. I'm using a Sound Blaster Audigy 4 and I also have Realtek onboard audio. I have tried "alsaconf" and "alsamixer (with alsactl store)." Any suggestions?

2. I was using the gslapt package manager, but for some reason it will no longer open. I tried running it in the terminal to see the error (when I am on my slackware computer later I will add the error message).

3. Is there a way to set compiz to run on startup? I have it installed and working but I need to start it every time I boot up.

Other than that everything has been excellent. I've been installing applications and themes to make my interface look better and have been able to use pretty much all the same apps I used in windows. Also, the nvidia display drivers were fairly easy to install and configuring multiple monitors was a breeze. Next, I installed compiz fusion for added sexiness on my desktop and then began theming my computer to overall look kickass. Currently I'm just enjoying the windows free lifestyle. Oh, and I forgot, installing the wireless drivers for my WMP54G was incredibly easy using ndiswrapper.