While most Windows fanboys are anticipating Windows Vista, the Linux camp had been doing some great innovation in Linux desktop environment.
Novell has demonstrated XGL and Compiz, the new window manager/composition manager for Linux. It can do variety of effects including true transparent, wobbling windows, 3D cube desktop switching and other cool effects that is first seen in Linux. I was impressed when I saw the video. It’s like an imitation of Vista and OS X’s graphical effects combined with a twist. The wobbling window effect is quite original but I don’t see any advantage using it. Even the 3D cube desktop switching is fabulous but not really needed in your day to day computing. I would normally turn off these features even though they are eye candies.
Novell Linux Desktop (NLD) 10 will be able to play videos and MP3 music files, exchange music and photos with iPod and digital cameras right out of the box. It will use Gnome (view the recent mock ups here).
Most hardcore Linux users won’t be delighted by these cool graphical enhancements in Linux; however, it’s a step forward to make use of hardware acceleration to make Linux desktops more usable for beginners.
Links:
Novell Linux Desktop 10 videos
Novell.com: Novell Raises the Bar for the Linux Desktop
PCWorld.com: Novell Shows Off Linux Desktop 10
Linuxedge.com: Novell Linux Desktop Demonstration Videos
Technorati Tags: Novell, Linux, XGL, Compiz, Gnome
Recent Comments