I didn't know you could do that in Linux!

David M Williams
Wednesday, 05 November 2008 18:59

Opinion and Analysis

7. The joy of X – master the Linux GUI
Now, chances are you’ve heard of GNOME and KDE. These two popular desktop environments are really the pinnacle of a deep iceberg of technology with the X-Windows graphical interface underpinning it all.

Here is an overview of what X is, plus a couple of ways to tame it.

This really is the kicking off point for a journey of unlimited ability to change the Linux look-and-feel. In fact it leads us right onto ...

8. Linux incognito part one: the Leopard
One commonly-stated barrier to Linux adoption is that it looks different to the regular computer environment people are used to.

Yet, one of the strengths of Linux over other operating systems is that its user interface can be totally replaced to suit any occasion. Here is how to trick it out like MacOS's Leopard, and trick your friends.

9. Linux incognito part two: Windows XP
For an awful lot of people their first encounter with a computer will invariably be Microsoft Windows. This straight away creates a barrier against considering alternate operating systems because they look different to what the user has been accustomed to.

Following on from the above, here is how to paint a Windows facade over Linux and remove that obstacle.

10. Linux incognito part three: Windows Vista
Here's how to skin Linux to give a Windows Vista appearance. You can help provide a familiar look and feel to your Windows-trained friends and family as you coax them towards Linux. Or you can enjoy the satisfaction of having something looking like Vista actually run with stability.

Read about it here.

Two more, including one never before published! If you haven’t already, you’ll soon be saying, “I didn’t know you could do that in Linux!”

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