Where Shift Should Begin


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In order for Shift Linux to continue, we need to have requirements and high standards for the distribution. Currently, Shift Linux is recognized throughout the Linux community as well as being a registered trademark.

The goal of this project is to provide members with a chance to help create and learn about Linux and to build a Linux distribution that is the highest of quality. The project is more about the learning than the product. The goals of the project are HERE.

Our distribution has two versions, a Gnome and a Lite (XFCE or Fluxbox) version, that are based on Ubuntu. These are designed to service two types of users: those with up-to-date computers that have higher processing and power, and those who use older computers and need a lighter, less resource intensive version. Instructions on how to create the Gnome version is found HERE:

https://www.neowin.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=616205

We need people who have some experience in programming, coding, and making scripts (including .deb files). We also need graphics people to make splash screens, wallpapers, and icon sets ( installable ones as found at Gnome-look).

Mark Jensen has graciously agreed to help with our Lite version. But our staff needs to have several members talented in each area so that if someone decides to leave the project, it will still go on.

As for myself, if we get enough interest, I will continue to manage the distro. However, we need to replace the extremely talented folks who moved on, so those who wish to start, please read the threads identified above. I will hold an IRC meeting next month to see if there is enough support to keep this distro going. We have our own Shift IRC channel.

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Remember, Barney, that my experience is with Fluxbox, and the XFCE half of Shift Lite is... well..

:iiam:

(at least to me)

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Well I don't really have a lot of experience with programming as such. I do have a level of Java, Eiffel and some web based languages as well as a good to advanced understanding of Linux (Ubuntu/Gnome). Also, this is the sort of project that would help me greatly with my current course at university. However, I do understand that there are more than likely, a lot more users here who are probably more equipped to helping this project progress. If you do wish to let me "help out" per say, I'd greatly do my best to help you guys.

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If you are still keen on someone to help with the Wiki and with Promotions, I am still here. I'll keep adding to the Wiki in any case. Most of this weekend is free for me, and I'll be working on the Wiki and send some ideas for promotions.

I do know how to make a distro (I have made about five Gnome distros of my own), but for things beyond changing packages and a few basic tweaks, I'd have to learn more. I don't mind having a go with that, but in the past I have hesitated more because there were people with so much more skill who could sort these things out and anyway I am keener trying to promote Shift and work on the Wiki.

But I don't want Shift to die, so I will work on learning more than a personalised distro, if it will help. In any case, I'll be glad I did as I am glad for all I have learnt so far. And keeping Shift alive in the future probably will mean having lots of people who can pick up where someone who had to leave left off.

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Remember, Barney, that my experience is with Fluxbox, and the XFCE half of Shift Lite is... well..

:iiam:

(at least to me)

That is cool, Mark... Flux is awesome! :) Let's start with that!!

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Like I said before I can help with python and bash scripts and compile stuff(also .deb files). My programming skill are lacking now because I haven't programmed in c for 3-4 years. If you need help with documentation I can write some guides and tutorials but they should be corrected by English-speaking people.

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That is cool, Mark... Flux is awesome! :) Let's start with that!!

Well, for the sake of others here without access to the Dev area, here are the open items with Flux that I have identified:

  • Shift Wallpaper is needed
  • add 'feh' to packages to properly handle wallpaper image handling
  • Create a flux theme that matches the unified "Shift" theme in Gnome and other desktops
  • Make a flux menu to match the general menus in XFCE and/or Gnome
  • Create a little 'intro to flux' html file that opens automatically for the user (assuming that they are unfamiliar with Fluxbox's lack of start menu and icons).

The first two are trivial to change. The others take a little bit of work, but not much, and I have experience with those types of things, so I guess we say they are almost as good as taken care of.

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I'd be more than willing to help out where I can (Programming/web stuff/whatever else you guys need).

And as I've said elsewhere, I'm pretty damn certain we have enough talent among us to get Shift off the ground :).

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And as I've said elsewhere, I'm pretty damn certain we have enough talent among us to get Shift off the ground :).

I agree. I vote the Shift Team are restarted and we have an IRC meeting ASAP to clear the air and put the past behind us. I also vote that Barney continues to head the Team as he has done an excellent job in the past. I'm just hoping he wants to continue as leader. :yes:

If we do eventually have an IRC meeting, maybe the channel could be opened up again, like the dev area, to those of us who used to be on the Team but no longer can access them.

Edited by James7
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I agree. I vote the Shift Team are restarted and we have an IRC meeting ASAP to clear the air and put the past behind us. I also vote that Barney continues to head the Team as he has done an excellent job in the past. I'm just hoping he wants to continue as leader. :yes:

If we do eventually have an IRC meeting, maybe the channel could be opened up again, like the dev area, to those of us who used to be on the Team but no longer can access them.

We'll have a meeting on IRC mid April. I need to take a small break, as well as try to recruit some new talent. I appreciate all of the kind comments here. Hope those of you who are interested will join us when the meeting is announced.

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I hope Shift project will not suffer after these changes (less credible) ... that's all I can worry from my position .

Waiting the meeting . Cosmin

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Hi Barney,

I private messaged you a few days back, but since you have this thread, I thought I'd have my input. :)

I'm definitely very keen on helping, whatever that may be (just don't ask me do any graphics) :p

I currently know the following programming languages:

PHP

AJAX

HTML

XHTML

vB

I also do Java and C++, but I'm not quite equipped in either area, yet. Saying that, I already know a lot and have been coding both languages for a while -- I just don't want call myself a 'guru' at either language. ;)

I love making new features, fixing bugs, ect. I also like writing documentations, or just about anything else for that matter, so that's a bonus.

I've got another test machine coming soon, so as soon as it comes -- I'll get Shift Linux loaded on it and we'll see what I can do.

Anyway, if you do need the extra assistance -- please let me know! I could also let a few people know about this; the more the merrier. Oh and Barney, if you'd like to talk more, drop me a PM with your MSN or Yahoo email address and we can speak one to one (assuming you have either) :p

Thanks!

Regards Jason :)

Edited by Jason Amison
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^ Thanks Max, Jason and Cosmin. We will get going with our IRC meeting in April. I will make sure that you all are invited! I might suggest that you take a look at the construction of Shift thread before, just to see how it is done.

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That's great Barney. I'll send you my email address now so that you can send me an email when you're about to have the meeting.

Regards Jason :)

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