Killer Applications for Shift Linux

By Barney T.
in Linux

 Share

Recommended Posts

Grand Master

Barney T. Administrators

Posted
  • Administrators
Posted

Hi All,

We were mulling over what would make for some great "killer apps" for Shift One. I'm not talking about just the standard package set, but something that would make our distro a "must have".

So far, we have thought of Avant Window Navigator (AWN) and Compiz / Compiz Fusion, along with some desktop docks. Can you guys help us out?

Many thanks,

Barney

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/641922-killer-applications-for-shift-linux/
Share on other sites
Grand Master

markwolfe Veteran

Posted
  • Veteran
Posted

Since Neowin users sometimes want to use Shift to recover data from a drive that no longer boots, maybe adding in a couple of small tools from RIP would be a good idea. Namely the photorec and testdisk apps.

Grand Master

Borbus

Posted
Posted

Killer apps for GNU/Linux is a funny one really... there are a lot less than you would expect. To get a higher number you would have to talk about killer free software apps, like Firefox and VLC Player. The thing is that the very nature of most free software means it is available for any OS including Windows. Even Compiz-Fusion should work with any X window system so it is not limited to just GNU/Linux.

So really... there are no killer apps for GNU/Linux imo. A killer app is a proprietary software thing and I wouldn't even like to see any killer apps for GNU/Linux.

Grand Master

Barney T. Administrators

Posted
  • Author
  • Administrators
Posted

Some of these posts reminded me... we need to make sure that our apps are true GNU and not licensed outside of OSS. Ndiswrapper is, unfortunately, one of those that is not Open Source...... :(

Grand Master

Borbus

Posted
Posted

Well they don't have to be GNU (as in part of the GNU project) they just have to be free software. ndiswrapper is free software (licensed under the GNU GPL) but the proprietary stuff they use must be downloaded by the user (and the user should be warned that they are non free really).

Proficient

rson451

Posted
Posted

screen: you can't do day to day ssh'ing without this application. simply a necessity.

maybe a good chat client, say to connect to neowin irc for example. i've only used irssi and i know it's not the most user friendly one so maybe something more along the lines of xchat?

Grand Master

roadgeek9

Posted
Posted
Since Neowin users sometimes want to use Shift to recover data from a drive that no longer boots, maybe adding in a couple of small tools from RIP would be a good idea. Namely the photorec and testdisk apps.

Wait, can Shift read NTFS drives? That reminds me, NTFS-3G (or whatever its called).

Rookie

deniseweird

Posted
Posted

A rather long request, but still. :p I would like to request this:

Emulators:

Snes9x GTK by BearOso

ZSNES

bsnes

Yabause

PCSX-df

mupen64plus

Gambatte

VBA-M

mednafen

Gens

Instant messaging:

emesene

amsn2 (It's very basic right now, but when it has evolved it would be nice to have. If you're releasing the next version very soon, you can skip this until the version after that.)

Languages:

Gjiten

A simple Input Method, wich works in all applications, along with a simple graphical tool to enable/disable it in all applications regardless of session. This is very important for me in order to be able to type in Japanese and Korean.

Multimedia:

SMPlayer

Kaffeine (When the KDE4 version comes)

Amarok2

The following request is maybe not considered "application", I am not sure, it's very important to me:

Support the latest OSS. This means both having an up to date package in the repositories, and making sure the whole system works nicely with it. Right now I am using Ubuntu, and these are the problems I have had so far:

HAL is incompatible with OSS 4.0 and above. Phonon is dependant on what information it gets from HAL. This means that there is no sound for me in any new applications from the KDE project. Maybe you could see how FreeBSD will solve this. (Or maybe they didn't upgrade to OSS4 yet?)

Gstreamer seems to be incompatible with OSS 4.1. I am not sure if this is OSS' fault or Gstreamer, but it needs a fix.

I had problems with portaudio when it had ALSA support compiled in, so I had to recompile it without ALSA support to use an application with it.

Almost all applications in Ubuntu's repositories are dependant on ALSA, even ones wich don't output sound. Please don't replicate this behaviour. I want to be able to remove everything that has anything to do with ALSA, and just forget about the whole thing.

-----------------------------------

This is what I can think of now. Having all this done would make this distro simply amazing! :D

  • 3 weeks later...
Apprentice

Jyang

Posted
Posted

Sorry guys, I didn't have much time in this period and I couldn't participate to the 2 meetings because I had some important exams. I think Shift should have pacman + libalpm as a package manager and ABS and other tools for compiling stuff so you can create your own repository without using another distro's one. Also some scripts can be written to automatically detect hardware and configure everything(X included) when installing the system. IMHO it's better not to install Compiz or other compositing window manager because some need powerful hardware.

Grand Master

4CxbqFxVnstmA Veteran

Posted
  • Veteran
Posted
I think ndiswrapper is ok. It is just the Windows-specific .inf and driver stuff (which makes it work) that isn't freely re-distributable.

Yes and ndiswrapper is actually on the Ubuntu live cd I believe.

Maybe a nice desktop calendar (similar to rainlendar2 on windows)

Another possibility is something like this Mac trick which I could imagine on the dropdown from the day/date/time in the upper right corner of a standard Ubuntu install. Gnome only has got the timezone bit below the calendar, but the other tabs would be cool to integrate with Evolution or tie them in with google calendar.

Grand Master

markwolfe Veteran

Posted
  • Veteran
Posted
you dont overclock through linux...

:blink:

It seems that with more open and direct access to the hardware you have under Linux than you do under Windows, that you would be able to overclock.

It seems that there Linux overclockers from a quick google that led me here and here as the first two hits.

I've never much cared for "overclocking". If I wanted that little bit of extra performance, I would buy one step up on CPU, etc. In fact, since I didn't buy/use Windows, I guess you could say that I used that savings to get slightly better hardware. I guess that is my overclock. ;)

Grand Master

MrA

Posted
Posted
screen: you can't do day to day ssh'ing without this application. simply a necessity.

On that thought, how about an X11 equivalent of screen. Imagine being about to ssh into your server with X forwarding, launching an X11 app using the screen equivalent, then being able to detach the X11 connection and reattach it whenever you want to any X11 server. I remember a summer of code project to that, anyone heard anything about this?

Community Regular

DGMurdockIII

Posted
Posted

I thnk there shold not be as many apps included with a distro as get included there shold be one app that dose only add removing of software ( none that i now but would be very helpfull)

Have no more than two media player:

1. Songbird - http://getsongbird.com/

2. Vlc - http://www.videolan.org/

Instant Messenger:

Instantbird - http://www.instantbird.com/

Pidgin - http://pidgin.im/

Microsoft Publisher alternative

Scribes - http://scribes.sourceforge.net/

  • 2 weeks later...
Rookie

deniseweird

Posted
Posted
I thnk there shold not be as many apps included with a distro as get included there shold be one app that dose only add removing of software ( none that i now but would be very helpfull)

Have no more than two media player:

1. Songbird - http://getsongbird.com/

2. Vlc - http://www.videolan.org/

Instant Messenger:

Instantbird - http://www.instantbird.com/

Pidgin - http://pidgin.im/

Microsoft Publisher alternative

Scribes - http://scribes.sourceforge.net/

Actually, if I understood this topic right, it's not so much about what to have preinstalled, but rather what should be available in the repositories. The topic started should clarify this though.

This topic is now closed to further replies.
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Posts

    • Windows 11 version 26H2 is now available for testing in the latest preview build

      By TarasBuria · Posted

      Windows 11 version 26H2 is now available for testing in the latest preview build by Taras Buria Friday Windows 11 preview builds are here. Insiders in the Experimental (formerly Dev) and Beta Channel can download builds 26300.8697 and 26220.8690. There are no new features, but Microsoft is officially moving the Experimental Channel to version 26H2. In addition, Microsoft is improving the copy dialog in File Explorer, the Start menu reliability, and fixing virtualization issues. Here is the changelog: [General] With today’s build, Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel will see the versioning updated under Settings > System > About (and winver) to version 26H2. For more information, see the Windows Insiders blog. [File Explorer] We’ve improved the visual consistency and reliability of the Copy dialog in Dark mode, including its launch experience and the expanded progress view. [Start menu] - Also available in Beta Improved reliability of Start menu reflecting newly installed or removed apps without requiring sign-out or restart. [Taskbar] Fixed an issue for Insiders using the new smaller taskbar option, where the system tray might get cut off or pushed off screen. [Settings] - Also available in Beta Improved reliability of Settings > Apps > Startup. [Virtualization] - Also available in Beta This update addresses an issue that could result in bugchecks citing HYPERVISOR_ERROR (0x20001) and KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED (0x1E) errors after installing the latest flights on some devices during system restarts, virtual machine operations, or while running some gaming applications. You can find the official changelog for the Experimental build here and for the Beta build here.
    • We now know when and how the Universe may truly end

      By sphbecker · Posted

      I've always preferred this possibility. There is something that feels good about the idea that all matter in the universe will eventually come back together and maybe even result in another big bang. The idea that the universe would fizzle out over the eons and forever drift apart is a little depressing. I realize it is not logical to let a basic human desire for life to have a grand everlasting meaning change the way I feel about a scientific theory, but I am human, so that is how I feel :-).
    • Microsoft: Windows 11 could finally solve a major issue across AMD, Nvidia, and Intel GPUs

      By Jdoe25 · Posted

      Windoze 11 could finally go to hell, instead of making me savor yet another error I've never had. "Bad Pool Caller" or whatever TF cryptic crap0la message it is. Adding salt to injury, it says something along these lines (on the blank black screen after it hard stops): "Your windoze needs to restart. You can restart." NO WAY SHERLOCK. The PEECEE, look, it's *blocked*, I can do jack sh1t with it as it is and you say that it needs to restart? Further, that I can restart? What am I supposed to do, take a herbal bath? Sudo a sandwich? Timewaster pile of useless slop and errors, coded by monkeys and force-fed on us by a pedo-founded corporation, that's all there is to it. Now, let's have a fun weekend trying to handle the error, which after a quick internet check can basically be due to EVERYTHING, from memory faults to drivers to motherboard issues. Thanks M$.
    • Zen Browser 1.21.3b

      By Copernic · Posted

      Zen Browser 1.21.3b by Razvan Serea Zen Browser is a privacy-focused, open-source web browser built on Mozilla Firefox, offering users a secure and customizable browsing experience. It emphasizes privacy by blocking trackers, ads, and ensuring your data isn't collected. With Zen Mods, users can enhance their browser experience with various customization options, including features like split views and vertical tabs. The browser is designed for efficiency, providing fast browsing speeds and a lightweight interface. Zen Browser prioritizes user control over the browsing experience, offering a minimal yet powerful alternative to traditional web browsers while keeping your online activity private. Zen Browser’s DRM limitation Zen Browser currently lacks support for DRM-protected content, meaning streaming services like Netflix and HBO Max are inaccessible. This is due to the absence of a Widevine license, which requires significant costs and is financially unfeasible for the developer. Additionally, applying for this license would require Zen to be part of a larger company, similar to Mozilla or Brave. Therefore, DRM-protected media won't be supported in Zen Browser for the foreseeable future. Zen Browser offers features that improve user experience, privacy, and customization: Privacy-Focused: Blocks trackers and minimizes data collection. Automatic Updates: Keeps the browser updated with security patches. Zen Mods: Customizable themes and layouts. Workspaces: Organize tabs into different workspaces. Compact Mode: Maximizes screen space by minimizing UI elements. Zen Glance: Quick website previews. Split Views: View multiple tabs in the same window. Sidebar: Access bookmarks and tools quickly. Vertical Tabs: Manage tabs vertically. Container Tabs: Separate browsing sessions. Fast Profile Switcher: Switch between profiles easily. Tab Folders: Organize tabs into folders. Customizable UI: Personalize browser interface. Security Features: Inherits Firefox’s robust security. Fast Performance: Lightweight and optimized for speed. Zen Mods Customization: Deep customization with mods. Quick Access: Easy access to favorite websites. Open Source: Built on Mozilla Firefox with community collaboration. Community-Driven: Active development and feedback from users. GitHub Repository: Contribute and review the source code. Zen Browser 1.21.3b changelog: New Features Updated to Firefox 152.0.1 Fixes Fixed transparency not working after updating to 1.21.2b (#14259) Fixed frequent crashes affecting users with Intel Raptor Lake processors Fixed an issue on macOS where choosing a PDF option, such as "Save as PDF", from the system print dialog would send the job to your printer instead of saving a file. Other minor bug fixes and improvements. Download: Zen Browser | 90.2 MB (Open Source) Download: Zen Browser ARM64 | Other Operating Systems View: Zen Browser Home Page | Screenshots 1 | 2 | Reddit Get alerted to all of our Software updates on Twitter at @NeowinSoftware
    • Get 1-year and $60 of Sam's Club value for just $15 with Auto-renew

      By News Staff · Posted

      Get 1-year and $60 of Sam's Club value for just $15 with Auto-renew by Steven Parker Become a Sam's Club Member Now! Shop Premium-Quality Products and Enjoy Incredible Perks, and Savings. Today's highlighted deal comes via our Gift Cards section of the Neowin Deals store, where for only a limited time, you can save 75% off a Sam's Club 1 Year Membership with Auto-Renew. Sam’s Club is a membership warehouse club, a limited-item business model that offers members quality products at an exceptional value unmatched by traditional retail. From groceries and kitchen supplies to electronics and furniture, Sam's Club has great deals on the items you want! By redeeming and signing up as a member, you'll be paying just $20 for a 1 year Sam's Club membership (normally $50.) You'll receive a complimentary household card for more savings from already low-priced items. Sign up now and save money on all your food and decor. Find great deals on groceries, kitchen supplies, electronic, furniture & more Get discounts on hotels, rental car, live events, attractions, movies, & more Save up to 60% on hotel accommodations around the world Get a complimentary household card for more savings from already low-priced items Although it was published quite some time ago, Sam's Club members can enjoy discounts like this. Important Details For a physical membership card after online membership registration, present your phone number or email along with a valid ID at Sam’s Club Membership Services in any US Sam's Club location to have your membership card printed. This membership offer is only available to new Sam's Club members in the USA. It is not valid for membership renewals, for those with a current membership, or those who were Sam’s Club members less than 6 months prior to the current date. To check your renewal date, please check your billing statement or your online account, or chat with an associate. Promotion code is non-transferable Offer valid for new Sam’s Club members only; not valid for membership renewals, for those with a current membership, or those who were Sam’s Club members less than 6 months prior to the current date. Auto Renew: By accepting this offer, you authorize annual recurring charges to any card on file for your Sam's Club membership fee(s) plus any applicable taxes at then-current rate every year until you cancel. Current rates, which may change, are $50 for Club level and $110 for Plus level. Visit SamsClub.com or a club or call 1-888-746-7726 for full terms or to cancel auto-renewal. Valid at over 597 U.S. Sam’s Club locations. Find a location near you. Redemption deadline: redeem your code within 30 days of purchase Access options: desktop & mobile Membership MUST be activated within 30 days Membership expires 1 YEAR from the date the Sam's Club membership is activated Limit 1 per person, may buy 1 additional as gift This Sam's Club 1 Year Membership normally costs $60, but can now be yours for just $15, for a limited time, that's a saving of $45 (70%) off! For specifications, and terms, please click the link below. Get 1-year of Sam's Club with Auto-renew for just $15 (was $60) This deal is only available to U.S. residents. Support queries If you have queries or need support for any of the Neowin Deals, please use the contact form here. Neowin Deals are managed and sold by StackCommerce who represent Neowin on an affiliate basis. Why we post these deals We post these because we earn commission on each sale so as not to rely solely on advertising, which many of our readers block. It all helps toward paying staff reporters, servers and hosting costs. So for those that keep moaning and complaining, be thankful we're still online for you to even do that. Other ways to support Neowin Whitelist Neowin by not blocking our ads Create a free member account to see fewer ads Make a donation to support our day to day running costs Subscribe to Neowin - for $14 a year, or $28 a year for an ad-free experience Disclosure: Neowin benefits from revenue of each sale made through our branded deals site powered by StackCommerce.

  • Recent Achievements

    • Collaborator
      ryansurfer98 went up a rank
      Collaborator
    • Week One Done
      Eurosoft10 earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • One Month Later
      Eurosoft10 earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • One Year In
      Skeet Campbell earned a badge
      One Year In
    • One Month Later
      Sharbel earned a badge
      One Month Later

  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      578
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      190
    3. 3
      Michael Scrip
      77
    4. 4
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      76
    5. 5
      Steven P.
      73
    Show More

  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!