Filed under: crunchbang

Crunchbang, Redux

I reinstalled Crunchbang Linux back onto my netbook.  I have Ubuntu Netbook Remix (UNR) fully functional, but I didn't have wireless working on the Crunchbang side of my netbook. I got the System76 driver working on both sides, and had been using UNR for awhile until I decided to boot into Crunchbang for the heck of it.  Somehow, the wireless started working (magic? luck? Who knows, it's working now.) and I got down to business. First I added some programs:
  • Tomboy; lets me keep track of notes and whatnot (pic below).
  • Flock; this is installed to my /home directory, so it was already there, but I installed the three addons from this Lifehacker post.  Now I have perma-tabs and I don't need various programs installed to track my gmail and my g-greader feeds.  (See the pic below for the idea.)
  • Wakoopa; for software tracking.
  • Gwibber; #! comes with this, but I always add the daily PPA.  I like to live on the edge with this program.
  • Gnome-Do; because it's awesome and easy to start.
  • Dropbox: So I can sync various things between my computers (Tomboy notes, for instance).
First, let's start with a screenshot:
Media_httpfc09deviant_qfleg
Note the icons in the notifcation area: Gwibber, Dropbox, Tomboy, Gnome-Do, Power, Volume, Networking, and Wakoopa. Along the side there is Conky, showing my system information, hard drive information and network information.  I'm thinking about modifiying it though and adding weather (maybe). Next screenshot:
Media_httpfc01deviant_xuzgi
This screenshot shows Gwibber.  I'm using the Twitter, identi.ca and Jaiku services.  The theme is a Crunchbang eeePC theme.  Very nice. Next:
Media_httpfc06deviant_ikmbt
This shows Tomboy Notes.  Awesome little app if you don't mind running Mono.  I have a folder in Dropbox that I use to sync all my notes to all of my computers.  Again, awesome. Next:
Media_httpfc08deviant_hchfh
This screenshot shows Flock.  I've used the addons linked in the second bullet above to have permanent gmail, g-reader, and g-calendar tabs.  I love those addons. Ok, now that's what it looks like.  I basically changed my theme and my wallpaper. Crunchbang is based on Ubuntu.  It's running the Openbox theme and has some additional things that Ubuntu does not, like the codecs to play DVDs, MP3s and other multimedia.  Also, it includes Gwibber, the oft-mentioned microblogging app I use. It's fast, pretty easy to use (especially if you know your way around a terminal), and if you don't mind delving into some configuration files, it's very configurable.  I like the simplicity of Openbox and how it works.  I like the right-click menu and the speed.  The fact that it's black doesn't hurt either. The only real problem I have with it is the fact that when I mouse over a folder or a file, it selects it.  I would prefer to select with one click instead.  EDIT: This is Fixed.  I modified a config file and deleted a line.  Now my file manager doesn't open on one click. Score: 4.75/5.  Speed, functionality (after initial setup), programs, and looks.  It's perfect for a netbook or another computer that you might need a lighter operating system.
Blogged with the Flock Browser

Crunchbang Linux

I've decided to embark on a mission to increase my knowledge of other Linux distros.  Again. This time, I'm trying out Crunchbang Linux on my netbook.  I know the System76 driver works just fine with Crunchbang, as I've tried it already. I think I like Openbox, as it's clean and pretty quick. Screenshot:
Media_httpfc00deviant_iodbi
I think I messed it up a little bit though.  I tried to install Ubuntu Netbook Remix back to the netbook and use the same /home partition.  Well, I seem to have messed up some of the files there... so, I'm going to completely reinstall and create my partitions ahead of time.  That way, eveything is set up and my partitions are organized so I can install easier. We'll see.  I need to do the partitioning and installing before I can call anything a success.  I have everything saved on a separate hard drive, so it's no big deal to reinstall and then restore from the external drive. Wish me luck, and I hope to post more about this little adventure soon!
Blogged with the Flock Browser