Cartoon by Dave Walker. Find more cartoons you can freely re-use on your blog at We Blog Cartoons.
Enabling Ubuntu 8.10 Compiz Fusion
Ubuntu is built on the Gnome desktop and takes a fundamentally different approach to the 3D window manager than the KDE system used in Kubuntu. This will not be a Gnome vs. KDE discussion, although I may yet write one of those, but simply a walk-through how Compiz is set up in Ubuntu 8.10 Intrepid.
First, in order to use a 3D window manager, you need a capable 3D video card in your computer. NVidia and ATI both support Linux with drivers for their cards. I’ve found NVidia Linux drivers more stable and friendly than ATI offerings, but YMMV. I have an NVidia GeForce 8800GTS chip set in my box, which works great under Linux.
Ubuntu natively takes a 3-level preset package approach to 3D desktop effects. You can choose the level of effects from the menu bar using System -> Preferences -> Appearance. Once the Appearance dialog appears, click on the Visual Effects tab. It looks like this:
At first, the None button will be selected. When you choose either Normal or Extra, the Restricted Driver window will appear if you don’t already have a proprietary 3D driver up and running:
In my case, I get the list of available NVidia drivers. Again, at first none of these will probably be selected and the “This driver is not activated” button will be lit. Choose the driver you wish to use (the recommended one is usually a good choice), then click on Activate. Ubuntu will then download and install your selected video driver. After the installation and setup, you will be prompted to restart your computer. After you do, Ubuntu will be using the appropriate 3D driver. You should return to the Visual Effects window to ensure that it is set as you desired.
I wish that I could give you a list of the differences between Normal and Extra, but even the Ubuntu help page doesn’t list those. I can say that Extras enables a minimal set of effects which includes animation for windows creation (zoom/fades in), closing (zoom/fades out), minimizing/restoring (zooms/fades to/from task bar), switching desktops (slides them laterally), wobbly windows, snapping windows, resizing windows, and the visual task switcher. If it does more than that, I didn’t notice. There was no transparency or most stunning Compiz effects. Hmmm.
For more bang, you need to install the Compiz Configuration Settings Manager (called Advanced Desktop Effects Settings in Add/Remove), the Emerald Theme (if you want to customize program windows) , and I also recommend the Fusion Icon. These can be installed by opening Applications -> Add/Remove, then typing “compiz” in the search box:
You will apparently have to use Synaptic if you want to add Emerald, as I did not find it in the Add/Remove list. Select the boxes as shown above and accept the support libraries offered in the popups. Click on Apply Changes to complete the installation.
Compiz Settings may be found under System -> Preferences -> Compiz Config Settings Manager. The application is pictured below:
Oooo, now we see lots of choices! You can scroll though the screen and see what is enabled by the standard Ubuntu Visual Effects settings. The manager works very simply. You can accept the defaults for each effect you desire by selecting the box next to each name desired. Or, just click on the name of the effect that you wish to explore or set, and the settings dialog for that effect comes up. For instance, clicking on the name for Desktop Cube brings up its settings:
From here, you can go through the tabs and adjust both the appearance and speed of the cube’s operation. Click on the Enable Desktop Cube box on the left of the window to enable the cube. Don’t forget to choose Rotate Cube as well to get the most from your cube.
Some effects conflict with others. For example, enabling the cube will produce a dialog saying that the cube conflicts with the desktop wall:
You are offered a choice between the two. This is typical for such conflicts. Simply choose between the competing effects and press on. If you don’t like the net result, you can always change it back.
The Animations effect is one of the most complex:
Don’t be intimidated. Go ahead and play with the settings (within reason) and see what happens. Most settings have an icon on the right (the yellow brush) that allows you to return the setting to its default. Think of it as the “oops recovery button”. The last tab contains settings for the individual animation effects (speed, etc.) Setting changes take effect immediately, so there’s no reason to close the window each time you adjust a parameter.
Also note that there’s another setting for Animations Add-On. This provides additional animation schemes that, when enabled, will appear in the primary animations settings. These include burning windows, beaming in/out, paper airplane effects, and others. However, the detailed settings for the add-ons (speed, # of burn particles, etc.) is under the Add-On dialog. If you don’t see these, you may have to add additional compiz fusion plugins using System -> Administration -> Synaptic Package Manager:
Note that I typed “compiz plugins” in the Quick Search box. That’s the best way to use Synaptic if you know what you want. I added all the plugin packages, including the unsupported ones.
Here’s another important safety tip on animations. Sometimes you change an animation type for an action but it doesn’t “take” right away. You can fix this by clicking on the “oops recovery button” to return the setting to its default, then make your change again. It should work the second time. I don’t know why it does that, but it’s easy to recover.
I’m a big fan of the compiz fusion cube. Like my KDE setup, I have Ubuntu set to swing the cube to the next/previous face by using ctrl-alt-right/left respectively. The zoom is set so that I can see it change size as it rotates. Using the trackball, I can swing it around to bring up the side I wish. 3D Windows sets the open windows off of the cube face. Partial transparency combined with the cube gears give the whole thing a mechanical-system look. The net result is hard to catch in a still screenshot, but here’s my attempt:
Very cool. Or, you can add surface reflection and deform it to a sphere to get this:
I didn’t bother with the Emerald Theme Manager for this post. It can tailor the appearance of program windows quite a bit and is easy to work. A little artistic acumen helps produce visually pleasing results. I created a custom theme for KDE, but haven’t done that yet for this Gnome test system.
With a little extra effort, it’s not difficult to create a very sharp 3D desktop using Compiz-Fusion in Ubuntu. On a good 3D video card, these effects can fly across the screen (quite literally if you use the paper airplane animation). By default, Ubuntu will enable some simple effects. For the hard core, though, Compiz Configuration Settings Manager comes through!
See also on www.reformedmusings.wordpress.com
Windows 7
Three years from now, it means 2011, there will be a new genereation of windows, windows Seven. Maybe it decided to replace windows vista, that seems like a failure.
Many of us realize that the previous genereation, windows XP is much better than the new one. Vista has a troublesome system, like the recognition of software, though it gives security to users, but it’s too over protected. We(include myself) feel annoy whenever we try installing new software. Windows box, that asks us whether it well or harmful software, always appear in no time. Beside that problems, XP needs less computer spec. Vista is work well with minimal 1 giga RAM. Furthermore with Vista, some game freaks will feel enjoy play their game at XP.
Do you know that some Vista code has been release to entire world. Yes, They have make it an open source. Microsoft office’s code also included there. I hope that the wikinomics era will change the world.
Okay, back to Topic. Windows Seven will come eith a new appearance : touch screen system. I wonder what is that. But I am sure that it will boom when the time’s come.
So just wait for three years patiently.
Wii Sport Resort (Wii Motion Plus)
Wii Sports is the best selling game for the Wii, which may not mean much considering it comes bundled with every Wii console. The next best selling game is Wii Play, but that also comes bundled with something, a spare Wii remote. However, it is still the most talked about Wii game on the market currently, possibly because everyone has it, but more importantly because everyone plays it.Wii Sports Resort is the true sequel to Wii Sports, and it again is going to be bundled with hardware, though this time that hardware will be important to gameplay. It will use the Wii MotionPlus, an add-on for the Wiimote that dramatically increases the sensitivity of the Wii remote.
Unfortunately, the spokesperson on hand couldn’t describe what the MotionPlus does save for make the Wiimote “one to one” with the Wii, but we’ll get the technical details on this new piece of hardware shortly.
In terms of hardware specifics, I’ve been told that it will be bundled with the game, but not how many would be with each title. It will be sold separately, but for an unknown price. It comes with a port for nunchuk use and the previously released plastic skins have been elongated to use with the MotionPlus, though based on the Nyko Cord-Free, it’s highly likely that the older skins will work just fine, even if mildly stretched. No word has been given whether third party developers have access to the MotionPlus.Wii Sports Resort currently offers three games to play, all utilizing the MotionPlus. The first game is jet skiing, where players hold the Wiimote and nunchuk with their tops facing each other as if on a jet ski. My tests of the system showed that it was very realistic in terms of control. Anyone who’s used a jet ski will be comfortable with the controls, even if the nunchuk cannot simulate an actual grip. I set the high score for the event, only to be beaten by one point by my cameraman.
The next game is a Frisbee throw. An animated puppy onscreen kindly demands you play, and throw the Frisbee for it to retrieve. The throw is done like a normal Frisbee throw, so there is some skill with a Frisbee required. What was interesting is that while the physics react normally, throwing it doesn’t just work based off of the velocity the Wiimote is moved, but the actual force behind it, which is where I believe the MotionPlus is kicking in. Frisbee throwing was very realistic, and I was generously reminded of how poor I am at throwing one.Finally, the best for last, swordplay. Using the Wiimote with MotionPlus as a sword is actually possibly with two hands because the Wiimote is longer, though it does take getting used to. As someone who has actually trained with a sword, it isn’t comfortable, but it’s the closest I’ve seen to making a realistic swordplay game.
It starts off by allowing both players to get adjusted by cutting blocks of wood, then places both players on a tall round surface to battle. Gameplay is simple: knock the other person over the edge. Hitting or successfully blocking pushes them back. Because it doesn’t use the nunchuk, movement was somewhat difficult, but meant to be unnecessary.
The MotionPlus registers movement by moving the Wiimote far to the right or left. In my match against the Nintendo spokesperson, I won first by tremendous skill, lost by a tremendous lack of it, and tied by running out of time. Overtime makes the circle so small that a single hit or block would throw either player over the edge. While he was talking, I took my chance and won. Suffice to say, expletives were voiced.Normally I’d say that yes, the game is fun in the way that Wii Sports was fun; simple games that don’t require much and are familiar activities (c’mon now, who doesn’t pretend to play with swords?). However, the most important innovation is the completion of the Wiimote, which has been severely lacking in many titles we’ve reviewed for the Wii.
Developers have complained that yes, while the Wii is unique in its motion sensitivity, it wasn’t capable of enough. Based on what I’ve seen, I believe it is now. The only problem is timing. The MotionPlus is not due out for quite some time.
Wii Sports Resort is set to release, bundled with the MotionPlus Wii Remote add-on, in spring 2009. It is claimed to possibly house as many as 10 games, but Nintendo has not commented on the exact number.
See also on www.gwn.com
Call Of Duty: World At War
Call of Duty: World at War is a first-person shooter video game developed by Treyarch and published by Activision for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Wii, Xbox 360, Nintendo DS, and PlayStation 2.[1] It is the fifth installment in the main Call of Duty series.[2] The game is set in the Pacific theater and Eastern front of World War II.[2][3] The game shipped in North America on November 11, 2008,[4] in Australia on November 12, 2008,[6] and in Europe on November 14, 2008.[5]
The story focuses on the final battles of World War II in the Pacific and Eastern Europe involving the United States, the Empire of Japan, the Soviet Union, and Nazi Germany.[2] It is told from the perspectives of a Marine Raider and a Red Army soldier, and is based on several historical battles, including the Makin Island raid, the Battle of Peleliu, and the Battle of Berlin.[1][10] The multiplayer portion of the game contains various game modes, and contains a leveling system that allows the player to unlock additional weapons and rewards as they progress, which was originally implemented in Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. A new feature to the Call of Duty series is the co-op mode, which can support up to four players online and two offline.[3]
Gameplay
World at War features a more mature theme than previous installments in the series.[11] The game is more open-ended than previous games in the series, as there are multiple ways to complete objectives.[12] The gameplay of World at War shares several features with previous iterations of the franchise. Once again, players fight alongside AI-controlled teammates. They help during the game’s missions by providing cover fire, shooting down enemies, and clearing rooms for entry.[13]
The game’s return to World War II-era warfare reintroduces weapons and technology that have been seen in other games in the Call of Duty franchise, including the Thompson submachine gun, flamethrowers, the Mosin-Nagant rifle, and the Panzerschreck anti-tank rocket. The player gains access to these over the course of the game, but may only carry up to two weapons in addition to grenades. Weapons from fallen foes can be picked up to replace weapons in a player’s arsenal. Players can also find weapons with additional attachments, including guns equipped with rifle grenades and telescopic sights.[13]
A character can be positioned in one of three stances: standing, crouching, or prone; each affecting the character’s rate of movement, accuracy, and stealth. Using cover helps the player avoid enemy fire or recover health after taking significant damage, as there are no armor or health powerups. When the character has taken damage, the edges of the screen glow red and the character’s heartbeat increases. If the character stays out of fire, the character can recover. When the character is within the blast radius of a live grenade, a marker indicates the direction of the grenade, helping the player to either flee or toss it back to the enemy.[13]
A special mode called “Nacht Der Untoten (Night of the Undead)” is unlocked once the player completes the single player campaign. In it, up to four players must attempt to defend themselves from limitless waves of undead Nazi soldiers. The players are confined to a delapidated house divided into three sections, two of which must be unlocked; each section contains different weapons and more places for enemies to enter. Players can unlock the rest of the house and purchase new weapons by spending points, which are earned by shooting and killing enemies as well as repairing barriers. The mode can be played in single-player, splitscreen co-op, or online co-op.[14]
Monster Hunter 3 (Wii)
Release : TBA (JPN)
Publisher : Capcom
Developer: Capcom
Genre : Action Role-Playing
Story
Not too diffrent with the previous series. Its all about monster and monster. But list of monster will be more.
Graphics
With released on PS3, for the Wii version must not too good. But sure Capcom have other good cosideration for releasing this game in Nintendo Wii Version.
Sonic Unleashed (PS2, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii)
Story
Sonic like usual currently fighting againist his prime enemy, Dr. Eggman. Dr Eggman this time has a weapon for manipulating ability of Chaos Emerald, power used by Sonic too. This weapon will be hits the planet core and destroy it to seperate parts. The bad news is, Sonic suffered the effect of this weapon. On the night time Sonic turn to WereHog.
To save the world, sonic must adventure to the entire world on the universe and found temples where he must fix The Emerald and turn the world condition as well. Same as previous too. Dr. Eggman not just sitting around, and send the staff. With his new power, are Sonic able to save the world?
Kapan PS4, XBox 720 dan Wii2 Dirilis??
Kapan PS4, Xbox 720 dan Wii 2 Dirilis?
Pertarungan di pasaran konsol game antara Nintendo Wii, Sony PlayStation dan Xbox besutan Microsoft rasanya bakal terus bertahan lama. Demi memenangkan persaingan, generasi masa depan ketiga konsol game itu tengah dipersiapkan oleh produsen masing-masing.
Menurut analis industri game dari Lazard Capital Markets, Colin Sebastian, konsol game Sony Playstation 4 dan Xbox versi terbaru yang sementara ini diketahui bernama Xbox 720, kemungkinan akan dikeluarkan tahun 2011 atau 2012.
Belum lama ini juga sudah berkembang berita bahwa Nintendo sedang serius mempersiapkan Wii generasi baru menyusul kesuksesan besar Wii edisi perdana. Masih menurut Sebastian, upgrade Wii kemungkinan berupa kapabilitas DVD dan kapasitas penyimpanan yang besar.
Pendapat Sebastian tersebut juga diamini oleh presiden perusahaan pengembang game Crytek, Cevat Yerli. Menurutnya, seperti dilansir RegHardware dan dikutip detikINET, Senin (1/9/2008), Playstation 4 dan Xbox 720 memang bakal meluncur antara tahun 2011 atau 2012.
Pendapat tersebut tampaknya berpedoman pada jangka waktu peluncuran konsol game yang biasanya berjarak antara empat sampai enam tahun. Sebagai contoh, Playstation 3 diluncurkan enam tahun sesudah Playstation 2.
Memang belum ada pernyataan resmi dari Nintendo, Microsoft atau Sony soal kepastian peluncuran konsol terbaru namun pastinya, mereka tengah bersiap. Sejak tahun 2006 misalnya, Sony yang diwakili VP Sony Entertainment Europe, Paul Holman sudah mengkonfirmasi mereka segera mengembangkan Playstation 4.
Nintendo siapkan Wii Terbaru!!
Nintendo Siapkan Wii Terbaru
Jakarta, Konsol game Nintendo Wii meraup sukses besar. Namun keberhasilan itu tampaknya belum membuat Nintendo puas. Bahkan Wii generasi kedua kini sedang mereka siapkan meski waktu peluncurannya belum dipastikan.
Nintendo WiiItulah pengakuan dari bos Nintendo, Satoru Iwata dalam wawancaranya dengan media. Iwata memaparkan, perusahaannya memang selalu mempersiapkan diri dalam mengembangkan generasi produk baru. Namun seperti dilansir TechRadar dan dikutip Kamis (31/7/2008), Iwata hanya mau mengungkap sedikit detail mengenai Wii baru itu. Ia hanya berkomentar, tiap perangkat Nintendo baru harus punya fitur revolusioner.
Konsol Nintendo Wii generasi pertama sendiri memang menyajikan metode permainan baru yang mengharuskan pemain game aktif bergerak. Akankah ada terobosan baru lagi dalam Wii generasi baru ini?
“Wajar konsumen mengharapkan sesuatu yang berbeda dari Nintendo. Namun jika orang mengharapkan terlalu banyak perbedaan, sulit untuk merealisasikannya,” demikian tutur Iwata.
Konsol Wii memang berkah besar bagi Nintendo. Dipicu oleh laris manisnya Wii, laba Nintendo hampir mencapai USD 1 miliar untuk periode April sampai Juni 2008 ini.
Artikel: www.kilasberita.com
