High-class talks around the clock in the Forum, non-commercial projects presenting their work, new developments at the largest IT fair in the world, CeBIT Open Source 2010 in Hanover, Germany.
An up-to-date look at free software and its makers
PROJECTS ON THE MOVE
Author(s): CARSTEN SCHNOBER
Now that we have entered the age of three-dimensional desktops, suggestions on redesigning controls keep springing up like mushrooms. When Gnome 3.0 sees the light of day, will the menus be circular and include files alongside applications?
Until a couple of years ago, the 3D desktop was considered to be a novelty that got in the way of meaningful work. Despite early skepticism, the major Linux distributions do not want to lose ground to Mac OS and Windows Vista, and all of them now offer user-friendly three-dimensional desktop support. Wobbling windows, transparency, rotating cubes when you switch workspaces – these visual effects raise some doubt as to the 3D desktop’s ability to help users work more efficiently. But at least they give the GUI a more modern and advanced look. Today’s other major operating systems – Windows Vista and Mac OS X – have a similar look, and once you have grown accustomed to effect- packed window managers like Compiz Fusion, you will not want to do without them. Although the benefits might not be tangible, they do much to boost the user’s feel-good factor.
Stop by Rikki's Open Source Exchange for dispatches from the world of women in open source.
Rikki Kite examines the experience of women across the spectrum of open source – the people, projects, organizations, events, articles, issues, and news.
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