Jump to content

OpenGEU: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Content deleted Content added
m Typo fixing and cleanup, typos fixed: occured → occurred, a unofficial → an unofficial using AWB (8414)
No edit summary
 
(33 intermediate revisions by 25 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Free computer operating system}}
{{ infobox OS
{{Infobox OS
| name = OpenGEU
| name = OpenGEU
| screenshot = [[Image:OpenGEU Morning Sunshine.gth.png|200px]]
| screenshot = [[File:OpenGEU Morning Sunshine.gth.png|300px]]
| logo = [[Image:Sunshine logo.png|200px]]
| logo = Sunshine logo.png
| caption = An ''OpenGEU'' 9.10 Quarto di Luna Morning Sunshine Screenshot
| caption = An ''OpenGEU'' 9.10 Quarto di Luna Morning Sunshine screenshot
| developer = [http://thedarkmaster.wordpress.com Luca De Marini (AKA TheDarkMaster)]
| developer = Luca De Marini
| family = Derivative of [[Ubuntu (operating system)|Ubuntu]]
| family = [[Linux]] ([[Unix-like]])
| source_model = [[Open source]]
| source_model = [[Open-source software|Open source]]
| language = [[#Multilingual|multilingual]]
| language = <!--Bad link removed-->
| kernel_type = [[Monolithic kernel|Monolithic]]
| kernel_type = [[Monolithic kernel|Monolithic]]
| ui = [[Enlightenment (window manager)|Enlightenment]] plus [[GNOME]]
| ui = [[Enlightenment (window manager)|Enlightenment]] plus [[GNOME]]
| working_state = No longer Active
| working_state = No longer active
| website = [http://opengeu.intilinux.com/ opengeu.intilinux.com]
| website = {{URL|opengeu.intilinux.com}}
| supported_platforms = [[IA-32]], [[x86-64]]
| supported_platforms = [[IA-32]], [[x86-64]]
| updatemodel =
| updatemodel =
}}
}}
'''OpenGEU''' was a free computer [[operating system]] based upon the popular [[Ubuntu]] [[Linux distribution]], which in turn is based on [[Debian]]. OpenGEU combined the strengths and ease of use of [[GNOME]] [[desktop environment]] with the lightweight, and graphical eye candy features of the [[Enlightenment window manager]] to create a unique and user-friendly desktop. While OpenGEU was originally derived from Ubuntu, the design of the user gave it a significantly different appearance, with original art themes, software and tools.


==Geubuntu==
'''OpenGEU''' was a free computer [[operating system]] based upon the popular [[GNU/Linux distribution]], [[Ubuntu (operating system)|Ubuntu]], which in turn is based on [[Debian GNU/Linux]]. OpenGEU combined the strengths and ease of use of [[GNOME]] [[desktop environment]] with the lightweight, and graphical [[eye candy]] features of the [[Enlightenment window manager]] into a unique and user-friendly desktop. While OpenGEU was originally derived from Ubuntu, the design of the user interface made it appear significantly different to the user with original art themes, software, and tools.
Initially called Geubuntu (a mix of GNOME, Enlightenment and Ubuntu), OpenGEU was an unofficial re-working of Ubuntu. The name change from Geubuntu to OpenGEU occurred on 21 January 2008 in order to remove the "-buntu" suffix from its name. This was done in respect for Ubuntu's own trademark policies, which require all officially recognized Ubuntu derivatives to be based upon software found only in the official Ubuntu repositories–a criterion not met by OpenGEU.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ubuntu.com/aboutus/trademarkpolicy |title=Intellectual property rights policy &#124; Canonical |publisher=Ubuntu.com |date=2013-05-14 |accessdate=2013-11-12}}</ref>

==OpenGEU and Geubuntu==
Initially called Geubuntu (a mix of GNOME, Enlightenment and Ubuntu), OpenGEU was an unofficial re-working of Ubuntu. The name change from Geubuntu to OpenGEU occurred on 21 January 2008 in order to remove the "-buntu" suffix from its name. This was done in respect for Ubuntu's own trademark policies, which require all officially recognized Ubuntu derivatives to be based upon software found only in the official Ubuntu repositories–a criterion not met by OpenGEU.<ref>[http://www.ubuntu.com/aboutus/trademarkpolicy '''(EN)''' Ubuntu Trademark Policies]</ref>


==Installation==
==Installation==
[[Image:OpenGEU LC m01.jpg|thumb|right|230px|OpenGEU Luna Crescente Moonlight theme]]
[[Image:OpenGEU LC m01.jpg|thumb|right|OpenGEU Luna Crescente Moonlight theme]]
[[Image:OpenGEU LC M02 1.jpg|thumb|right|230px|OpenGEU Luna Crescente Moonlight theme with a few windows open]]
[[Image:OpenGEU LC M02 1.jpg|thumb|right|OpenGEU Luna Crescente Moonlight theme with a few windows open]]


Installation of OpenGEU was generally performed via a [[Live CD]], which allowed the user to first test OpenGEU on their system prior to installation (albeit with a performance limit from loading applications off the disk). This is particularly useful for testing hardware compatibility and driver support. The CD also contained the Ubiquity installer, which guided the user through the permanent installation process. Due to the fact that OpenGEU used "Ubiquity," the installation process was nearly identical to that of Ubuntu.<ref>[http://fullcirclemagazine.org/issue-9/ '''(EN)''' Full Circle Magazine issue 9]</ref> Alternatively, users could download a disk image of the CD from an online source which could then be written to a physical medium or run from a hard drive via [[UNetbootin]]. Another option was to add the OpenGEU repositories to an established Ubuntu-based system and install OpenGEU via the [[Advanced Packaging Tool|package manager]].
Installation of OpenGEU was generally performed via a [[Live CD]], which allowed the user to first test OpenGEU on their system prior to installation (albeit with a performance limit from loading applications off the disk). This is particularly useful for testing hardware compatibility and driver support. The CD also contained the Ubiquity installer, which guided the user through the permanent installation process. Due to the fact that OpenGEU used "Ubiquity," the installation process was nearly identical to that of Ubuntu.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://fullcirclemagazine.org/issue-9/ |title=Issue 9 « Full Circle Magazine |publisher=Fullcirclemagazine.org |date= 25 January 2008|accessdate=2013-11-12}}</ref> Alternatively, users could download a disk image of the CD from an online source which could then be written to a physical medium or run from a hard drive via [[UNetbootin]]. Another option was to add the OpenGEU repositories to an established Ubuntu-based system and install OpenGEU via the [[Advanced Packaging Tool|package manager]].


==Programs==
==Programs==
===Default environment===

===Default Environment===
As described above, OpenGEU includes software from both the GNOME and Enlightenment projects. Unlike Ubuntu, which uses [[Metacity]] or [[Compiz]] 3D, OpenGEU used [[Enlightenment DR17]] as its primary window manager for its rich two-dimensional features, such as real transparency and desktop animation options. Starting with OpenGEU 8.10 Luna Serena, a port of Compiz called [[Compositing window manager#List of compositing window managers|Ecomorph]] has been available for 3D effects, as well.
As described above, OpenGEU includes software from both the GNOME and Enlightenment projects. Unlike Ubuntu, which uses [[Metacity]] or [[Compiz]] 3D, OpenGEU used [[Enlightenment DR17]] as its primary window manager for its rich two-dimensional features, such as real transparency and desktop animation options. Starting with OpenGEU 8.10 Luna Serena, a port of Compiz called [[Compositing window manager#List of compositing window managers|Ecomorph]] has been available for 3D effects, as well.


===OpenGEU Themes Manager===
===Themes manager===
Starting with OpenGEU 8.04.1 Luna Crescente, the GEUTheme application became default in the distribution. This is a toolshowed a list of installed OpenGEU themes to the user, enabling the user to browse through them and select one with one-click ease. GEUTheme could fetch new themes from the internet or from an expansion CD for the user. The tool had some advanced customization abilities–it helping the user to install and customize many aspects of their OpenGEU desktop environment (including [[Computer icon|icon]] themes, [[GTK+]], <abbr title="Enlightenment ToolKit">ETK</abbr>, [[Enlightenment DR17|E17]], <abbr title="Enlightened Widget Library">EWL</abbr> themes, wallpapers, fonts, etc.). It was also possible for the user to create new OpenGEU themes, as well as to export, import, and share them. The creation of this tool marked the first availability of a Desktop Effects Manager, similar to that of Ubuntu, for an Enlightenment desktop. This tool was incorporated into the GEUTheme application.
Starting with OpenGEU 8.04.1 Luna Crescente, the GEUTheme application became default in the distribution. This is a tool that displays a list of installed OpenGEU themes to the user, enabling the user to browse through them and select one with one-click ease. GEUTheme could fetch new themes from the internet or from an expansion CD for the user. The tool had some advanced customization abilities–it helping the user to install and customize many aspects of their OpenGEU desktop environment (including [[Computer icon|icon]] themes, [[GTK+]], <abbr title="Enlightenment ToolKit">ETK</abbr>, [[Enlightenment DR17|E17]], <abbr title="Enlightened Widget Library">EWL</abbr> themes, wallpapers, fonts, etc.). It was also possible for the user to create new OpenGEU themes, as well as to export, import, and share them. The creation of this tool marked the first availability of a Desktop Effects Manager, similar to that of Ubuntu, for an Enlightenment desktop. This tool was incorporated into the GEUTheme application.


===Additional Components===
===Additional components===
Since the distribution was an Ubuntu derivative, the range of available software was almost identical to that of Ubuntu and the other related Ubuntu projects. Additional repositories were created by the OpenGEU development team, and were pre-enabled for the distribution's use. Enlightenment 17 software was compiled, re-packaged in the [[Deb (file format)|.deb]] packaging format, and uploaded to the repositories and a number of new software packages were developed by the OpenGEU team itself: the OpenGEU Themes Manager, eTray, e17-settings-daemon and several E17 modules.
Since the distribution was an Ubuntu derivative, the range of available software was almost identical to that of Ubuntu and the other related Ubuntu projects. Additional repositories were created by the OpenGEU development team, and were pre-enabled for the distribution's use. Enlightenment 17 software was compiled, re-packaged in the [[Deb (file format)|.deb]] packaging format, and uploaded to the repositories and a number of new software packages were developed by the OpenGEU team itself: the OpenGEU Themes Manager, eTray, e17-settings-daemon and several E17 modules.


==OpenGEU themes==
==Themes==
The E17 window manager used a number of different libraries to render [[GUI]] applications. To ensure every application shares the same look on the desktop, it was necessary to develop themes for various libraries that utilize the same [[art]] and [[graphics]]. This was a difficult and time-consuming task compared to that of GNOME, where all the GTK+ applications use the same default [[GTK+]] libraries to [[Rendering (computer graphics)|render]] [[GUI widget|widgets]]. OpenGEU therefore developed a way to allow easy switching from one theme to another, and accordingly change the graphics of every desktop component at the same time. Every OpenGEU theme was also capable of changing the look of icon sets and wallpapers. In other words, OpenGEU themes were just a set of sub-themes for all of the different libraries used in the distribution (Edje, ETK, EWL, GTK+), designed so that the user would not notice any change in the appearance when opening their various chosen applications.
The E17 window manager used a number of different libraries to render [[GUI]] applications. To ensure every application shares the same look on the desktop, it was necessary to develop themes for various libraries that utilize the same [[art]] and [[graphics]]. This was a difficult and time-consuming task compared to that of GNOME, where all the GTK+ applications use the same default [[GTK+]] libraries to [[Rendering (computer graphics)|render]] [[GUI widget|widgets]]. OpenGEU therefore developed a way to allow easy switching from one theme to another, and accordingly change the graphics of every desktop component at the same time. Every OpenGEU theme was also capable of changing the look of icon sets and wallpapers. In other words, OpenGEU themes were just a set of sub-themes for all of the different libraries used in the distribution (Edje, ETK, EWL, GTK+), designed so that the user would not notice any change in the appearance when opening their various chosen applications.


Line 50: Line 49:


==Remixes==
==Remixes==
OpenGeeeU 8.10 Luna Serena was released March 23, 2009. It's a version of OpenGEU modified to work on the [[Asus EeePC]]. OpenGeeeU 8.10 uses [[EasyPeasy]] as its platform, so it is optimized for [[netbook]]s and it includes all of the drivers and fixes needed for EeePC to work out of the box.<ref>[http://opengeu.intilinux.com/news/opengeeeu-8-04-1-live-cd-for-eeepc-released] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100325192802/http://opengeu.intilinux.com/news/opengeeeu-8-04-1-live-cd-for-eeepc-released|date=March 25, 2010}}</ref>


==Release history==
'''OpenGeeeU 8.10 Luna Serena''' was released March 23, 2009. It's a version of OpenGEU modified to work on the [[Asus EeePC]]. OpenGeeeU 8.10 uses [[EasyPeasy]] as its platform, so it is optimized for [[netbook]]s and it includes all of the drivers and fixes needed for EeePC to work out of the box.<ref>[http://opengeu.intilinux.com/news/opengeeeu-8-04-1-live-cd-for-eeepc-released OpenGeeeU 8.04.1 Live CD for EeePC released]</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable"

|+ History of OpenGEU releases
==Release Notes==
{| width="100%" summary="History of OpenGEU releases"
|-
|-
! scope="col" | Version
! Version
! Name
! scope="col" width="20%" | Name
! scope="col" width="20%" | Release Date
! Release date
! class="unsortable" | Description
! scope="col" | Features and description
|-
|-
| {{version |o |7.04}}
! scope="row" style="background-color: #ffcccc" | 7.04
| Geubuntu Prima Luna
| Geubuntu Prima Luna
| 18 September 2007
| 18 September 2007
| The first version ever released. The main innovation of this distro was the idea of using a big number of system and configuration tools taken from the Gnome world, together with the Enlightenment Window Manager. Geubuntu 7.04 included [[GNOME Panel]] and [[Nautilus (file manager)|Nautilus]].<ref>[http://thedarkmaster.wordpress.com/2007/09/18/geubuntu-704-prima-luna-has-been-released Geubuntu 7.04 Prima Luna has been released « Il Pozzo Oscuro<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
| The first version ever released. The main innovation of this distro was the idea of using a big number of system and configuration tools taken from the Gnome world, together with the Enlightenment Window Manager. Geubuntu 7.04 included [[GNOME Panel]] and [[Nautilus (file manager)|Nautilus]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thedarkmaster.wordpress.com/2007/09/18/geubuntu-704-prima-luna-has-been-released |title=Geubuntu 7.04 Prima Luna has been released &#124; Il Pozzo Oscuro |publisher=Thedarkmaster.wordpress.com |date= |accessdate=2013-11-12}}</ref>
|-
|-
| {{version |o |7.10}}
! scope="row" style="background-color: #ffcccc" rowspan="2" | 7.10
| Geubuntu Luna Nuova
| Geubuntu Luna Nuova
| 6 December 2007
| 6 December 2007
| The second GEUbuntu release came with brand new (and original) Sunshine and Moonlight themes and it focused much more than the first release on eye-candy and speed. It adopted [[Thunar]] instead of the Nautilus File Manager and XFCE 4 Panel instead of the GNOME Panel.<ref>[http://opengeu.intilinux.com/news/geubuntu-luna-nuova-released]</ref>
| The second GEUbuntu release came with brand new (and original) Sunshine and Moonlight themes and it focused much more than the first release on eye-candy and speed. It adopted [[Thunar]] instead of the Nautilus File Manager and Xfce 4 Panel instead of the GNOME Panel.<ref>[http://opengeu.intilinux.com/news/geubuntu-luna-nuova-released] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713050737/http://opengeu.intilinux.com/news/geubuntu-luna-nuova-released|date=July 13, 2011}}</ref>
|-
|-
| {{version |o |7.10}}
| OpenGEU Luna Nuova
| OpenGEU Luna Nuova
| 21 January 2008
| 21 January 2008
| This version was released shortly after the release of Geubuntu Luna Nuova and with this version Geubuntu changed its name to OpenGEU. Using the name change as an opportunity for releasing a new version, OpenGEU Luna Nuova is released and is a far more stable distribution, many [[Software bug|bugs]] have been fixed. Another change was the use of [[FBPanel]] instead than XFCE Panel as the additional panel of the distribution.<ref>[http://opengeu.intilinux.com/news/opengeu-luna-nuova-released]</ref>
| This version was released shortly after the release of Geubuntu Luna Nuova and with this version Geubuntu changed its name to OpenGEU. Using the name change as an opportunity for releasing a new version, OpenGEU Luna Nuova is released and is a far more stable distribution, many [[Software bug|bugs]] have been fixed. Another change was the use of [[FBPanel]] instead than Xfce Panel as the additional panel of the distribution.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://opengeu.intilinux.com/news/opengeu-luna-nuova-released | title=OpenGEU Luna Nuova released|accessdate=April 28, 2017 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713050843/http://opengeu.intilinux.com/news/opengeu-luna-nuova-released |archivedate=July 13, 2011 }}</ref>
|-
|-
| {{version |o |8.04}}
! scope="row" style="background-color: #ffcccc" | 8.04
| OpenGEU Luna Crescente
| OpenGEU Luna Crescente
| 8 September 2008
| 8 September 2008
| OpenGEU Luna Crescente is based on [[Ubuntu 8.04|Ubuntu 8.04.1 Hardy Heron]]. It introduced a lot of new software directly developed by the distribution team, like the OpenGEU Themes Manager (GEUTheme), an application called eTray (a system tray for Enlightenment, which lacked this kind of tool) some E17 modules like the Trash Bin (there was no trash bin whatsoever in Enlightenment before this) and Extramenu (a module that enables the user to add a custom menu, with submenus, to the standard E17 menu). With this release the OpenGEU team started compiling and managing their own repositories both for Enlightenment and the rest of the newly developed software. OpenGEU uses the default Ubuntu repositories too. With every OpenGEU release, new Sunshine and Moonlight themes have been developed and are used by default. With the release of GEUTheme, a lot more OpenGEU themes have been created and are available for download from the official repositories.<ref>[http://opengeu.intilinux.com/news/opengeu-8-04-1-live-cd-released]</ref>
| OpenGEU Luna Crescente is based on [[Ubuntu version history#0804|Ubuntu 8.04.1]] (Hardy Heron). It introduced a lot of new software directly developed by the distribution team, like the OpenGEU Themes Manager (GEUTheme), an application called eTray (a system tray for Enlightenment, which lacked this kind of tool) some E17 modules like the Trash Bin (there was no trash bin whatsoever in Enlightenment before this) and Extramenu (a module that enables the user to add a custom menu, with submenus, to the standard E17 menu). With this release the OpenGEU team started compiling and managing their own repositories both for Enlightenment and the rest of the newly developed software. OpenGEU uses the default Ubuntu repositories too. With every OpenGEU release, new Sunshine and Moonlight themes have been developed and are used by default. With the release of GEUTheme, a lot more OpenGEU themes have been created and are available for download from the official repositories.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://opengeu.intilinux.com/news/opengeu-8-04-1-live-cd-released |title=OpenGEU 8.04.1 Live CD released|accessdate=May 3, 2017 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713051019/http://opengeu.intilinux.com/news/opengeu-8-04-1-live-cd-released |archivedate=July 13, 2011 }}</ref>
|-
|-
| {{version |c |8.10}}
! scope="row" style="background-color: #d8ff84" | 8.10
| OpenGEU Luna Serena
| OpenGEU Luna Serena
| 12 February 2009
| 12 February 2009
| Luna Serena featured ''Ecomorph'' (modified [[Compiz]] for [[Enlightenment (window manager)#E17|E17]]) - an optional compositing window manager for computers running 3D graphics cards, and a new settings manager and places menu.<ref>[http://opengeu.intilinux.com/news/opengeu-luna-serena-packages-version-released]</ref>
| Luna Serena featured ''Ecomorph'' (modified [[Compiz]] for [[Enlightenment (window manager)#E17|E17]]) - an optional compositing window manager for computers running 3D graphics cards, and a new settings manager and places menu.<ref>[http://opengeu.intilinux.com/news/opengeu-luna-serena-packages-version-released] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713051124/http://opengeu.intilinux.com/news/opengeu-luna-serena-packages-version-released|date=July 13, 2011}}</ref>
|-
|-
| {{version |p |9.10}}
! scope="row" style="background-color: #99ccff" | 9.10
| OpenGEU Quarto di Luna
| OpenGEU Quarto di Luna
| 27 January 2010
| 27 January 2010
| This was the final release, although there were no means of downloading it directly. According to the release announcement, one can install Quarto di Luna via [[APT]] repositories into an existing [[Ubuntu 9.10]] installation.<ref>[http://opengeu.intilinux.com/news/opengeu-9-10-quarto-di-luna-repos-are-online]</ref>
| This was the final release, although there were no means of downloading it directly. According to the release announcement, one can install Quarto di Luna via [[Advanced Packaging Tool|APT]] repositories into an existing [[Ubuntu version history#0910|Ubuntu 9.10]] installation.<ref>[http://opengeu.intilinux.com/news/opengeu-9-10-quarto-di-luna-repos-are-online] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100213095109/http://opengeu.intilinux.com/news/opengeu-9-10-quarto-di-luna-repos-are-online|date=February 13, 2010}}</ref>
|}
|}
{{version |l}}


== The end ==
{| align="center" summary="Used Colors Legend"
Despite announcing a switch to Debian as a base rather than Ubuntu a while after publishing Quarto di Luna in January 2010, a public release never came. As of August 2012 the Web site has been taken down along with their forums, mailing lists and other information, indicating that the project has disbanded.
! colspan="3" | Used Colors Legend
|-
| width="33%" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | Release no longer supported
| width="33%" bgcolor="#d8ff84" | Release no longer supported
| bgcolor="#99ccff" |Release no longer supported
|}

==The end of OpenGEU==
Despite announcing a switch to Debian as a base rather than Ubuntu a while after publishing Quarto di Luna in January 2010, a public release never came. As of August 2012 their website has been taken down along with their forums, mailing lists and other information, indicating that the project has disbanded.

==Reviews and Citations==


==Reviews and citations==
OpenGEU has been independently reviewed by a number of on- and off-line Linux magazines:
OpenGEU has been independently reviewed by a number of on- and off-line Linux magazines:
* [[Full Circle Magazine]]<ref>Luca de Marini. "Flavor of the Month". [http://fullcirclemagazine.org/issue-9/ ''Full Circle Magazine'', issue 9], 2008, p. 6.</ref>
* [http://gnulinuxmag.com GNU Linux Magazine (FR)] issue 84, '''(IT)''' GNU Linux Magazine issue 93, '''(IT)''' Linux Pro issue 72 '''(EN)'''
* [[Softpedia]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.softpedia.com/news/Testing-OpenGEU-8-04-Beta-92148.shtml |title=Testing OpenGEU 8.04 Beta |publisher=News.softpedia.com |date= 20 August 2008|accessdate=2013-11-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.softpedia.com/news/OpenGEU-8-04-1-Faster-Desktop-Experience-Great-Looks-93374.shtml |title=OpenGEU 8.04.1: Faster Desktop Experience, Great Looks |publisher=News.softpedia.com |date=2008-09-11 |accessdate=2013-11-12}}</ref>
* [[Full Circle Magazine]]<ref>Luca de Marini. "Flavor of the Month". [http://fullcirclemagazine.org/issue-9/ '''(EN)''' ''Full Circle Magazine'', issue 9], 2008, p. 6.</ref>
* [[Linux.com]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.linux.com/feature/123494 |title=When Enlightenment met Ubuntu |publisher=Linux.com |date= |accessdate=2013-11-12}}</ref>
* [[Softpedia]]<ref>[http://news.softpedia.com/news/Testing-OpenGEU-8-04-Beta-92148.shtml "Testing OpenGEU 8.04 Beta". 20 August 2008]</ref><ref>[http://news.softpedia.com/news/OpenGEU-8-04-1-Faster-Desktop-Experience-Great-Looks-93374.shtml "OpenGEU 8.04.1: Faster Desktop Experience, Great Looks". 11 September 2008]</ref>
* [[DistroWatch]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://distrowatch.com/weekly.php?issue=20071210#review |title=Put the fun back into computing. Use Linux, BSD |publisher=DistroWatch.com |date= |accessdate=2013-11-12}}</ref>
* [[Linux.com]]<ref>[http://www.linux.com/feature/123494 "When Enlightenment met Ubuntu". 4 January 2008]</ref>
* Dedoimedo.com<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dedoimedo.com/computers/opengeu_overview.html |title=openGEU - sunny Ubuntu - Overview & short tutorial |publisher=Dedoimedo.com |date=2008-02-16 |accessdate=2013-11-12}}</ref>
* [[DistroWatch]]<ref>[http://distrowatch.com/weekly.php?issue=20071210#review "First look at Geubuntu 7.10"]</ref>
* [http://dedoimedo.com Dedoimedo.com]<ref>[http://www.dedoimedo.com/computers/opengeu_overview.html "OpenGEU – sunny Ubuntu Overview & short tutorial"]</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
{{Portal|Free software}}
{{Portal|Free and open-source software}}
* [[GNOME]]
* [[Bodhi Linux]]
* [[Bodhi Linux]]
* [[Ubuntu (operating system)|Ubuntu]]
* [[Enlightenment (window manager)]]
* [[Ecomorph (window manager)]]


==Citations==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


== External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category-inline}}
{{Commons category}}
*[http://opengeu.intilinux.com '''(EN)''' opengeu.intilinux.com] – Official OpenGEU Home Page
*{{official website|http://opengeu.intilinux.com/}}
* {{DistroWatch|opengeu|NAME=OpenGEU}}
*{{DistroWatch|opengeu|NAME=OpenGEU}}
*[https://launchpad.net/opengeu OpenGEU's page on Launchpad]
*[https://launchpad.net/opengeu OpenGEU's page on Launchpad]


{{Enlightenment desktop}}
{{Enlightenment desktop}}
{{Ubuntu-distro}}
{{Ubuntu}}
{{Linux distributions}}
{{Linux distributions}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Opengeu}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Opengeu}}
[[Category:Ubuntu (operating system) derivatives]]
[[Category:Discontinued Ubuntu derivatives]]
[[Category:Linux distributions]]

[[es:OpenGeu]]
[[fr:OpenGEU]]
[[it:OpenGEU]]
[[pl:OpenGEU]]
[[ru:OpenGEU]]

Latest revision as of 20:22, 15 July 2024

OpenGEU
An OpenGEU 9.10 Quarto di Luna Morning Sunshine screenshot
DeveloperLuca De Marini
OS familyLinux (Unix-like)
Working stateNo longer active
Source modelOpen source
PlatformsIA-32, x86-64
Kernel typeMonolithic
Default
user interface
Enlightenment plus GNOME
Official websiteopengeu.intilinux.com

OpenGEU was a free computer operating system based upon the popular Ubuntu Linux distribution, which in turn is based on Debian. OpenGEU combined the strengths and ease of use of GNOME desktop environment with the lightweight, and graphical eye candy features of the Enlightenment window manager to create a unique and user-friendly desktop. While OpenGEU was originally derived from Ubuntu, the design of the user gave it a significantly different appearance, with original art themes, software and tools.

Geubuntu

[edit]

Initially called Geubuntu (a mix of GNOME, Enlightenment and Ubuntu), OpenGEU was an unofficial re-working of Ubuntu. The name change from Geubuntu to OpenGEU occurred on 21 January 2008 in order to remove the "-buntu" suffix from its name. This was done in respect for Ubuntu's own trademark policies, which require all officially recognized Ubuntu derivatives to be based upon software found only in the official Ubuntu repositories–a criterion not met by OpenGEU.[1]

Installation

[edit]
OpenGEU Luna Crescente Moonlight theme
OpenGEU Luna Crescente Moonlight theme with a few windows open

Installation of OpenGEU was generally performed via a Live CD, which allowed the user to first test OpenGEU on their system prior to installation (albeit with a performance limit from loading applications off the disk). This is particularly useful for testing hardware compatibility and driver support. The CD also contained the Ubiquity installer, which guided the user through the permanent installation process. Due to the fact that OpenGEU used "Ubiquity," the installation process was nearly identical to that of Ubuntu.[2] Alternatively, users could download a disk image of the CD from an online source which could then be written to a physical medium or run from a hard drive via UNetbootin. Another option was to add the OpenGEU repositories to an established Ubuntu-based system and install OpenGEU via the package manager.

Programs

[edit]

Default environment

[edit]

As described above, OpenGEU includes software from both the GNOME and Enlightenment projects. Unlike Ubuntu, which uses Metacity or Compiz 3D, OpenGEU used Enlightenment DR17 as its primary window manager for its rich two-dimensional features, such as real transparency and desktop animation options. Starting with OpenGEU 8.10 Luna Serena, a port of Compiz called Ecomorph has been available for 3D effects, as well.

Themes manager

[edit]

Starting with OpenGEU 8.04.1 Luna Crescente, the GEUTheme application became default in the distribution. This is a tool that displays a list of installed OpenGEU themes to the user, enabling the user to browse through them and select one with one-click ease. GEUTheme could fetch new themes from the internet or from an expansion CD for the user. The tool had some advanced customization abilities–it helping the user to install and customize many aspects of their OpenGEU desktop environment (including icon themes, GTK+, ETK, E17, EWL themes, wallpapers, fonts, etc.). It was also possible for the user to create new OpenGEU themes, as well as to export, import, and share them. The creation of this tool marked the first availability of a Desktop Effects Manager, similar to that of Ubuntu, for an Enlightenment desktop. This tool was incorporated into the GEUTheme application.

Additional components

[edit]

Since the distribution was an Ubuntu derivative, the range of available software was almost identical to that of Ubuntu and the other related Ubuntu projects. Additional repositories were created by the OpenGEU development team, and were pre-enabled for the distribution's use. Enlightenment 17 software was compiled, re-packaged in the .deb packaging format, and uploaded to the repositories and a number of new software packages were developed by the OpenGEU team itself: the OpenGEU Themes Manager, eTray, e17-settings-daemon and several E17 modules.

Themes

[edit]

The E17 window manager used a number of different libraries to render GUI applications. To ensure every application shares the same look on the desktop, it was necessary to develop themes for various libraries that utilize the same art and graphics. This was a difficult and time-consuming task compared to that of GNOME, where all the GTK+ applications use the same default GTK+ libraries to render widgets. OpenGEU therefore developed a way to allow easy switching from one theme to another, and accordingly change the graphics of every desktop component at the same time. Every OpenGEU theme was also capable of changing the look of icon sets and wallpapers. In other words, OpenGEU themes were just a set of sub-themes for all of the different libraries used in the distribution (Edje, ETK, EWL, GTK+), designed so that the user would not notice any change in the appearance when opening their various chosen applications.

Sunshine and Moonlight

[edit]

OpenGEU was presented as an artistic distribution. The two main signature themes of OpenGEU were Sunshine and Moonlight. While Sunshine and Moonlight are considered the primary themes, there were also a number of alternative themes available.

Project focus

[edit]

OpenGEU focused on reducing minimum hardware requirements, such as by providing two alternative methods to enable compositing effects without any particular hardware or driver requirement.

The primary OpenGEU concept was that of building a complete and universally accessible E17 desktop—filling all of the missing parts in E17 with GNOME tools, while maintaining the speed of the distribution–for usability on any system.

Remixes

[edit]

OpenGeeeU 8.10 Luna Serena was released March 23, 2009. It's a version of OpenGEU modified to work on the Asus EeePC. OpenGeeeU 8.10 uses EasyPeasy as its platform, so it is optimized for netbooks and it includes all of the drivers and fixes needed for EeePC to work out of the box.[3]

Release history

[edit]
History of OpenGEU releases
Version Name Release date Description
Old version, no longer maintained: 7.04 Geubuntu Prima Luna 18 September 2007 The first version ever released. The main innovation of this distro was the idea of using a big number of system and configuration tools taken from the Gnome world, together with the Enlightenment Window Manager. Geubuntu 7.04 included GNOME Panel and Nautilus.[4]
Old version, no longer maintained: 7.10 Geubuntu Luna Nuova 6 December 2007 The second GEUbuntu release came with brand new (and original) Sunshine and Moonlight themes and it focused much more than the first release on eye-candy and speed. It adopted Thunar instead of the Nautilus File Manager and Xfce 4 Panel instead of the GNOME Panel.[5]
Old version, no longer maintained: 7.10 OpenGEU Luna Nuova 21 January 2008 This version was released shortly after the release of Geubuntu Luna Nuova and with this version Geubuntu changed its name to OpenGEU. Using the name change as an opportunity for releasing a new version, OpenGEU Luna Nuova is released and is a far more stable distribution, many bugs have been fixed. Another change was the use of FBPanel instead than Xfce Panel as the additional panel of the distribution.[6]
Old version, no longer maintained: 8.04 OpenGEU Luna Crescente 8 September 2008 OpenGEU Luna Crescente is based on Ubuntu 8.04.1 (Hardy Heron). It introduced a lot of new software directly developed by the distribution team, like the OpenGEU Themes Manager (GEUTheme), an application called eTray (a system tray for Enlightenment, which lacked this kind of tool) some E17 modules like the Trash Bin (there was no trash bin whatsoever in Enlightenment before this) and Extramenu (a module that enables the user to add a custom menu, with submenus, to the standard E17 menu). With this release the OpenGEU team started compiling and managing their own repositories both for Enlightenment and the rest of the newly developed software. OpenGEU uses the default Ubuntu repositories too. With every OpenGEU release, new Sunshine and Moonlight themes have been developed and are used by default. With the release of GEUTheme, a lot more OpenGEU themes have been created and are available for download from the official repositories.[7]
Current stable version: 8.10 OpenGEU Luna Serena 12 February 2009 Luna Serena featured Ecomorph (modified Compiz for E17) - an optional compositing window manager for computers running 3D graphics cards, and a new settings manager and places menu.[8]
Future release: 9.10 OpenGEU Quarto di Luna 27 January 2010 This was the final release, although there were no means of downloading it directly. According to the release announcement, one can install Quarto di Luna via APT repositories into an existing Ubuntu 9.10 installation.[9]
Legend:
Old version, not maintained
Old version, still maintained
Latest version
Latest preview version
Future release

The end

[edit]

Despite announcing a switch to Debian as a base rather than Ubuntu a while after publishing Quarto di Luna in January 2010, a public release never came. As of August 2012 the Web site has been taken down along with their forums, mailing lists and other information, indicating that the project has disbanded.

Reviews and citations

[edit]

OpenGEU has been independently reviewed by a number of on- and off-line Linux magazines:

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Intellectual property rights policy | Canonical". Ubuntu.com. 2013-05-14. Retrieved 2013-11-12.
  2. ^ "Issue 9 « Full Circle Magazine". Fullcirclemagazine.org. 25 January 2008. Retrieved 2013-11-12.
  3. ^ [1] Archived March 25, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
  4. ^ "Geubuntu 7.04 Prima Luna has been released | Il Pozzo Oscuro". Thedarkmaster.wordpress.com. Retrieved 2013-11-12.
  5. ^ [2] Archived July 13, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
  6. ^ "OpenGEU Luna Nuova released". Archived from the original on July 13, 2011. Retrieved April 28, 2017.
  7. ^ "OpenGEU 8.04.1 Live CD released". Archived from the original on July 13, 2011. Retrieved May 3, 2017.
  8. ^ [3] Archived July 13, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
  9. ^ [4] Archived February 13, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
  10. ^ Luca de Marini. "Flavor of the Month". Full Circle Magazine, issue 9, 2008, p. 6.
  11. ^ "Testing OpenGEU 8.04 Beta". News.softpedia.com. 20 August 2008. Retrieved 2013-11-12.
  12. ^ "OpenGEU 8.04.1: Faster Desktop Experience, Great Looks". News.softpedia.com. 2008-09-11. Retrieved 2013-11-12.
  13. ^ "When Enlightenment met Ubuntu". Linux.com. Retrieved 2013-11-12.
  14. ^ "Put the fun back into computing. Use Linux, BSD". DistroWatch.com. Retrieved 2013-11-12.
  15. ^ "openGEU - sunny Ubuntu - Overview & short tutorial". Dedoimedo.com. 2008-02-16. Retrieved 2013-11-12.
[edit]