The KDE and Gnome desktops have developed into mature operating environments. These technologies not only act as interfaces between the user, the powerful Linux kernel and GNU operating system, but they do so in a fun and intuitive way. Many users are content with the tools and facilities included with these desktops, but--for those who are ready to probe a little deeper--much more functionality can be found by going under the hood. With hacks that any user can follow, Linux Desktop Hacks demonstrates how easy it is to modify Linux to suit your desires. The book is packed with tips on customizing and improving the interface, boosting performance, administering your desktop, and generally making the most out of what X, KDE, Gnome, and the console have to offer. From the practical to the whimsical, and some things you never thought of trying, the hacks in the book include the following, and more: Kill and Resurrect the Master Boot Record Jazz Up Your Debian System Boot Energize Your Console with Macro Music Magic Konquer Remote Systems Without Passwords Run KDE on the Bleeding Edge View Microsoft Word Documents in a Terminal Read Yahoo! Mail from Any Email Client Motion Capture and Video Conferencing Fun Automate Your Life with cron Protect Yourself from Windows Applications Make an Internet Connection Using Bluetooth and a Mobile Phone Print to Unsupported Printers Accelerate Your Gaming If you're yearning for information to make the Linux desktop easier, more powerful, and more fun, Linux Desktop Hacks is just the ticket Linux is the most customizable and configurable operating system you can run on your desktop. Where some people see a lack of polish or incomplete features, others see an opportunity for hacking. And when all of the code is open, there is no end to what you can do.Linux Desktop Hacks demonstrates how easy it is to modify Linux to suit your purposes. The book is packed with tips on customizing and improving the interface, boosting performance, administering your desktop, and generally making the most out of what X, KDE, Gnome, and the console have to offer.From the practical to the whimiscal, the hacks in the book cover the following and much more, including creative how-tos that you never imagined!: Take control of Linux startup by mastering the boot loaders and creating splash screens that display during the entire boot process, Access your desktop over the Internet from Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux machines, and run applications at near local speed, Run the kernel, KDE, and GNOME on the bleeding edge, View Microsoft Word and PDF documents in a console or text email client, Encrypt and filter your email for increased security and reduced spam, Automate your system with cron and protect your network with a firewall, Make an Internet connection using Bluetooth and a mobile phone, Print to unsupported printers, Play Windows Media and Quicktime files and watch DVDs, Utilize 3D video cards and portable music players to their full potential.If you're craving information to make the Linux desktop easier, more powerful, and more fun, Linux Desktop Hacks has one hundred quick and easy hacks waiting for you. Linux Desktop Hacks is packed with tips on customizing and improving the interface, managing system resources, and making the most out of KDE, Gnome and the new Java desktop
