OESF Portables Forum
Everything Else => Zaurus Distro Support and Discussion => Distros, Development, and Model Specific Forums => Archived Forums => Debian => Topic started by: ZDevil on March 29, 2008, 03:29:54 am
-
AmigaFalcon has asked some good questions about the desktop icon and program menu settings in IceWM which is the default WM in my rootfs tarball. I reposted here for easy reference.
Q1: A few applications, such as XMMS and Dillio, etc are nowhere to be seen in the program launcher/taskbar. I have to execute these apps from the command line instead. Infact, very few apps (system file browsers, word processors, etc) are visible from the application launch menu - which is surprising considering how large the Rootfs is. I guess they are all hidden somewhere on the drive? Again, is this standard for this distro?
A1: There are several solutions:
Solution 1: Edit "~/.icewm/menu" and add whatever you want there. A tedious way.
Solution 2: Install a program call "menu" and run "update-menus". But the result is less than satifactory as there are too many trivial folders and categories and duplicated entries.
Solution 3: Add "icewm-menu-gnome2" in ~/.icewm/menu . See http://myy.helia.fi/~karte/icewm.html (http://myy.helia.fi/~karte/icewm.html) for instructions. But again I find the menu generated not so optimal.
Solution 4: Use this "icewm_meuntools" scriptpack (https://www.oesf.org/forum/index.php?act=attach&type=post&id=5376) which is a slightly modified and enhanced version of Meanie's tools in pdaXii. Extract the tarball somewhere, then enter the extracted "icewm_menutools_0.1a" directory, and run "./install.sh" there. A few seconds later you'll see a new IceWM menu with program icons sorted, plus a few goodies. smile.gif
Q2 There are no app links setup on the desktop, no access to any GUI Filebrowser on desktop (or even in the app launcher) , etc unlike distros such as PdaXRom where everything is immediately accessible...
A2: Again there are several solutions.
Solution 1: Use Rox desktop, just like in pdaXrom. See here for how to install it: http://www.debianhelp.co.uk/rox.htm (http://www.debianhelp.co.uk/rox.htm)
Solution 2: Use idesk, and it requires manual editing of the config file. Just "apt-get install idesk". See http://idesk.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page (http://idesk.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page) for how to set up the menu file.
Solution 3: Use pcmanfm. Go to "Preferences > Desktop", then check "Show file icons on desktop". You can also set desktop wallpaper there (but I find it slower than using icewmbg directly). Also add "pcmanfm &" in .xinitrc, above the line "icewm-session".
-
Just updated the installer script to make it generate new IceWM menu items once. Those downloaded 0.1 can simply run "makeicewm" without using 0.1a.
Have fun.
-
Thanks!! It indeed makes things nice and easy!!
-
A 0.2 scriptpack is underway.
Enchancements (already/almost done):
1) Add an uninstaller script to remove the installed files and to resume the backup menu file;
2) Add desktop icons functionality using idesk;
3) Add automatic wallpaper rotation (landscape <-> portrait) using fbsetbg from fluxbox;
I am still thinking of adding some panel items, like volume control, etc. Any good suggestion and pointer?
-
A 0.2 scriptpack is underway.
Enchancements (already/almost done):
1) Add an uninstaller script to remove the installed files and to resume the backup menu file;
2) Add desktop icons functionality using idesk;
3) Add automatic wallpaper rotation (landscape <-> portrait) using fbsetbg from fluxbox;
I am still thinking of adding some panel items, like volume control, etc. Any good suggestion and pointer?
network applet-- usb, pppd, eth, wlan, etc? to monitor and manage connections? File sharinng applet? swap and card mangement? Basically what has been done in either cacko or pdaxii13 has been useful.
-
Hi, ZDevil!
tested your script, menus are updated fine, did even find fluxbox .
Installed pcmanfm, followed your instructions -> icons on the Desktop. Fine!
My only problem: Didn't use icewm, had to reinstall. That's why i'm using xsession for choosing the windowmanger, this way (kdrive, xdm):
#exec startfluxbox
exec icewm-session
Now i don't know, how to autostart pcmanfm. Any help?
3) Add automatic wallpaper rotation (landscape <-> portrait) using fbsetbg from fluxbox;
I am still thinking of adding some panel items, like volume control, etc. Any good suggestion and pointer?
Some kind of panel-button showing quality of wlan-connection and if the zaurus connected at all would be fine, just like it was done in cacko.
Another question: What are the icons (Light-Bulb*.png, Rotate*.png) for?
-
To autostart pcmanfm:
Add the line "pcmanfm &" above "exec startfluxbox" or "exec icewm-session".
The additional icons are for the IceWM menu. See the attached screenshot.
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Fluxbox is definitely a great option and I will explore it after doing the finetuning.
-
network applet-- usb, pppd, eth, wlan, etc? to monitor and manage connections? File sharinng applet? swap and card mangement? Basically what has been done in either cacko or pdaxii13 has been useful.
One quick solution may be using the matchbox python scripts in pdaXrom (with modification if necessary), as they are supposed to be platform-neutral. Will put them on my setup and test soon.
-
Ah, that looks great!
As for fluxbox, i really like how easy the keyboard-shortcuts can be defined (maximize, minimize windows and so on).
-
As for fluxbox, i really like how easy the keyboard-shortcuts can be defined (maximize, minimize windows and so on).
Same in IceWM. All shortcut keys are in the "keys" text file. Super easy syntax and runs great. The default "preferences" already contains fullscreen, maximize and minimize (and many more) settings.
This is a nice review: http://polishlinux.org/apps/window-manager...ows-emmigrants/ (http://polishlinux.org/apps/window-managers/icewm-a-desktop-for-windows-emmigrants/)
The main reason why I try not to use pcmanfm to set desktop icons is because the desktop icons must go together with the wallpaper setting in pcmanfm. I have yet to figure out how to set desktop icons by pcmanfm while using a different wallpaper application (icewmbg or fbsetbg or hsetroot). And the thing is the pcmanfm wallpaper doesn't rotate...
-
Same in IceWM. All shortcut keys are in the "keys" text file. Super easy syntax and runs great. The default "preferences" already contains fullscreen, maximize and minimize (and many more) settings.
Yes, am already fiddling with it right now
This is a nice review: http://polishlinux.org/apps/window-manager...ows-emmigrants/ (http://polishlinux.org/apps/window-managers/icewm-a-desktop-for-windows-emmigrants/)
Bookmarked.
The main reason why I try not to use pcmanfm to set desktop icons is because the desktop icons must go together with the wallpaper setting in pcmanfm. I have yet to figure out how to set desktop icons by pcmanfm while using a different wallpaper application (icewmbg or fbsetbg or hsetroot). And the thing is the pcmanfm wallpaper doesn't rotate...
Hm, i never rotated my fluxbox , prefer the clamshell in landscape-orientation. Anyway, i will setup a fresh sd-card with the your last rootfs, do apt-get upgrade (takes a lot of time), so i can test your scripts better.
But right now, i will take a walk with my dogs.
-
Same in IceWM. All shortcut keys are in the "keys" text file. Super easy syntax and runs great. The default "preferences" already contains fullscreen, maximize and minimize (and many more) settings.
Yes, am already fiddling with it right now
Just a note: don't use those graphical configuration tools for IceWM. They haven't been updated for a long time and seem to break some of the settings in the current version (1.2.35). This great tutorial http://www.osnews.com/story/7774 (http://www.osnews.com/story/7774) will walk you through.
-
Just an idea:
pcmanfm uses ~/.pcmafm/mainfor it's preferences, including the geometry:
[General]
[Window]
width=640
height=435
splitterPos=160
[Desktop]
Perhaps we can use two different files together with zaurusd, to have pcmanfm scale the background right?
Maybe we should quit pcmanfm, when the orientation changes, change the two files and after that restart pcmanfm? But on my C1k pcmanfm is a bit slow...
Can't try it on my own, still apt-get upgrade running ... (still 12min to download, some hours for the configuration...)
...
And the thing is the pcmanfm wallpaper doesn't rotate...
-
Just an idea:
pcmanfm uses ~/.pcmafm/mainfor it's preferences, including the geometry:
[General]
[Window]
width=640
height=435
splitterPos=160
[Desktop]Perhaps we can use two different files together with zaurusd, to have pcmanfm scale the background right?
Maybe we should quit pcmanfm, when the orientation changes, change the two files and after that restart pcmanfm? But on my C1k pcmanfm is a bit slow...
Can't try it on my own, still apt-get upgrade running ... (still 12min to download, some hours for the configuration...)
...
And the thing is the pcmanfm wallpaper doesn't rotate...
Hmm... That's a very interesting idea.
... What if I am using pcmanfm to move some critical data while switching the display mode(s) (landscape<->portrait)?
Another way is to swap two "~/.pcmafm/main" on the fly during the switching event, but I'm not sure if this is possible.
-
network applet-- usb, pppd, eth, wlan, etc? to monitor and manage connections? File sharinng applet? swap and card mangement? Basically what has been done in either cacko or pdaxii13 has been useful.
One quick solution may be using the matchbox python scripts in pdaXrom (with modification if necessary), as they are supposed to be platform-neutral. Will put them on my setup and test soon.
Excellent! One of my main Z actities is to take get quick info-- tick the pppd buttn, get BT to phone and be online in seconds-- and the easier it is to pick networks the bettr, right?
-
Oh dam....
I run into something very horrible!
It's probably more than what you guys are asking for...
Will also install Debian on my Eee PC and apply the same "thing" as on my Z now.
Stay tuned.
-
What's that ???!!!!
-
Oh dam....
I run into something very horrible!
It's probably more than what you guys are asking for...
Will also install Debian on my Eee PC and apply the same "thing" as on my Z now.
Stay tuned.
Hi ZDevil,
These configuration tweaks and enhancements sound great. It's little details like these that really make a distro. feel "solid" and complete and give them that instant "YES! I like this distro" effect, at least for Linux n00bs (like myself) who are not as skilled as yourself and others on this forum. I will have a go at some of these new scripts and config. ideas, as soon as I have some free time. After your last post tho, I think I'll hold out to see just what horror you have just encountered (so i can avoid them myself)!
Anyway, this distro really seems to be taking shape as a nice, complete and functional whole..
*me waiting with baited-breath for news update from ZDevil!
-
Thanks. It's very close. Now creating a big installer for a brand new desktop + window manager suite, with tons of useful small apps and applets. Hope can post it today or tomorrow, depending on when my 3200 finishes compiling xmame-x...
-
Wooohoo!
-
Upcoming ...
Mouse right click by tapping longer ... [DONE] (no more extra binaries/keybinding... yike!)
Wallpaper auto-resizing after screen rotation ... [DONE]
Panel resizing after screen rotation ... [DONE]
Panel applets: clcok w/ PIM functionality, battery, memory cards, volume, network (can open wifi-radar!), weather, file finder, and even SSH mount etc. ... [DONE]
Easy to use system root program menu ... [DONE]
Window maximizing, minimizing, fullscreen ... [DONE]
Eye-candies, speed, lightweight ... [DONE]
All these will show up in a new "environment" tailored-made for Debian/Zaurus.
Very very soon ...
-
Wow, sounds really nice! Particularly exiting keywords for me:
Panel applets, SSH mount, fullscreen, speed!
Thanks!
-
Upcoming ...
Mouse right click by tapping longer ... [DONE] (no more extra binaries/keybinding... yike!)
Wallpaper auto-resizing after screen rotation ... [DONE]
Panel resizing after screen rotation ... [DONE]
Panel applets: clcok w/ PIM functionality, battery, memory cards, volume, network (can open wifi-radar!), weather, file finder, and even SSH mount etc. ... [DONE]
Easy to use system root program menu ... [DONE]
Window maximizing, minimizing, fullscreen ... [DONE]
Eye-candies, speed, lightweight ... [DONE]
All these will show up in a new "environment" tailored-made for Debian/Zaurus.
Very very soon ...
We're ready, ZDevil.....
Thanks!
-
Upcoming ...
Mouse right click by tapping longer ... [DONE] (no more extra binaries/keybinding... yike!)
Wallpaper auto-resizing after screen rotation ... [DONE]
Panel resizing after screen rotation ... [DONE]
Panel applets: clcok w/ PIM functionality, battery, memory cards, volume, network (can open wifi-radar!), weather, file finder, and even SSH mount etc. ... [DONE]
Easy to use system root program menu ... [DONE]
Window maximizing, minimizing, fullscreen ... [DONE]
Eye-candies, speed, lightweight ... [DONE]
All these will show up in a new "environment" tailored-made for Debian/Zaurus.
Very very soon ...
@ZDevil
This sounds interesting. Could you post your tips on icewm?
-
Sorry for delaying the launch of my little "project"
There is some perfectionist bug in my making, which causes me to keep creating a couple more small handy applets and menu items and making things look nicer.
Just added and tested these on top of the previous list:
Yet a few more new menu items ...- Connect/Disconnect (will find out which wireless interface you are using and operate on it ; pretty much like in Sharp/Cacko rom)
- Screencap w/ timestamp
- One single rotate button (instead of two in the first scriptpack) to switch between landscape/portrait + wallpaper auto-resizing
- Find file
Yet a few more panel applets- Showdesktop
- Fullscreen
- Window + Workspace list
- Screencap
- Virtual keyboard (xvkbd in pdaxrom-style)
... and yes, I can use the stylus to do mouse right click simply by tapping longer on the screen. No more xbindkeys or "mouseclick".
I've started creating .debs and writing documentations.
It still takes a bit more time, as I've splitthe project into two: 1) a full-blown desktop environment suite; 2) a Icewm-only enhancement (without desktop manager)
The goal is simple: to create a fast, lightweight and really good-looking desktop environment for Debian/Zaurus, comparable to the interfaces in Sharp/Cacko/pdaXrom.
I've set up exactly the same desktop environment on my Eee PC 701 (running Debian Lenny). Honestly I love this much more than Xfce4.
I am working on this right now (nice weather here!). I guess I can finish and launch it today.
-
Great work zdevil !!
Can't wait for the new rootfs which undoubtedly will include ur new fixes/additions!
-
Latest update:
I find myself working on three things instead of one as originally planned: i) a general hotfix package; ii) a icewm enhancement package; ii) a full-blown new desktop enviroment installer. Still refining a couple of postinst and postrm scripts. And I am trying to pick up some python to modify the wifi applet to add a connect/disconnect button to its popup menu. So please expect a short delay again.
Things are 90% done now.
-
Latest update:
I find myself working on three things instead of one as originally planned: i) a general hotfix package; ii) a icewm enhancement package; ii) a full-blown new desktop enviroment installer. Still refining a couple of postinst and postrm scripts. And I am trying to pick up some python to modify the wifi applet to add a connect/disconnect button to its popup menu. So please expect a short delay again.
Things are 90% done now.
Hi ZDevil,
Wondering if you can release at least a 90% done version or so if you haven't had time to finish everything you wanted to do yet???
Would be great to have now!
Thanks!
PS. Have a feeling that you've been distracted by work on HTC Universal.....
-
Latest update:
I find myself working on three things instead of one as originally planned: i) a general hotfix package; ii) a icewm enhancement package; ii) a full-blown new desktop enviroment installer. Still refining a couple of postinst and postrm scripts. And I am trying to pick up some python to modify the wifi applet to add a connect/disconnect button to its popup menu. So please expect a short delay again.
Things are 90% done now.
This is interesting.
I'm working on a new distro (Titchy 2?) for clamshell Zauri and the HTC Universal, that will run from an SD card without touching the installed OS (like a live CD). I want to have as much as possible working "out of the box", and some of your "tweaks" sound like they would make very useful additions...
-
ummm... maybe the eeePC killed the zaurus star?
In this moments is when I realize how been so stupid makes me feel unhappy
-
I am still deciding whether to try and put debian on my 3100 from scratch - this sounded great and I hope zdevil still puts something out...
-
"No news are always bad news."
... specially when so much improvements are really done and my noob fingers can`t achieve those value bits.
I'll just try to be a little more patient from now on.