Darran Kartaschew wrote: > Hi Guys, > > I've been using SXDE (in it's various versions) for about 9mths now and have > just recently migrated to it as my sole platform on my home PC**. From the > outset I've been extremely happy with SXDE and the direction it's taking. (I > started with SXDE 05/07 and have upgraded with every release of SXDE). > > I do have a few queries regarding it though? (Most of these are desktop > focused). > > 1. The default libSDL (SUNWlibsdl) library doesn't come with OpenGL enabled. > What's the rational behind this? Many more recent games are using SDL > w/OpenGL, and therefore fail to run using the default libSDL installation. > Eg, ioQuake3 (svn version ~1200+), WormUX, Scorch3D, etc. (I've just rebuilt > libSDL myself with the appropriate support, and all the above games run > extremely well on my box). > > 2. While it's great that GTKKam is included, has there been any though to > including UFRaw as well for those of use that have DSLRs? (UFRaw also has a > GIMP plugin, that allows GIMP to load RAW images directly). > > 3. RhythmBox doesn't come with any support of MP3 players built-in, even > though it does support them according to it's website? In lieu I've installed > GNomad2 and it's working fine with my iRiver Clix mp3 player. > > 4. On x64 systems, I've noticed a large difference between the 32bit and > their respective 64bit library counterparts. (Comparing what's in /usr/lib vs > /usr/lib/amd64). I did read somewhere, someone has filed a bug report against > this, but can't find it anyway? Does someone have an update on this? (It's a > PITA to build software for 64bit, only to realise while the 32bit library > exists, it's 64bit version is missing. eg libGlade, libGTKSourceView). > > 5. I respect to the above, is it possible (on x86/x64 systems) to change the > default build from 32bit to 64bit? Is there a pure 64bit version in the > pipeline, (that can run 32bit code when needed, similar to how FreeBSD does > it for x64 based systems). > > 6. Does anyone have instructions on how to rebuild GStreamer with mp3 > encoding and DVD playback support? (For the moment, I've installed LAME/Grip > for CD ripping, and MPlayer for DVD playback to get around this). But it > would be nice to use the built-in apps for these applications. (PS. I do > understand why mp3/DVD support isn't part of the default build). > > 7. During installation (and while using Caiman), is it possible to tell > Caiman not to create a live-upgrade partition if your drive is larger than > 20GB? > > 8. Are there any plans to create a suite of tools like those found in MS > Windows Small Business Server, that will help new users setup a complete LAN > infrastructure with NIS+, SAMBA, OpenLDAP, etc. using a single wizard? And > then a management tool to assist with the local management. I'm not staying > the tool should cover a huge multi-site WAN setup, but something to take on > MS Windows SBS. > > 9. And kudo's again to the dev team for a solid OS. > > Darran. > > PS. Re: point 8, it's more of a pipe-dream than a real question... > PPS. Hardware is dual Opteron 242, 2GB RAM , SCSI RAID, nVidia gfx (GF5500 > AGP), VXA Tape, DVD-RW, etc. All my hardware was supported out-of-the-box. :) > > ** I was triple booting FreeBSD 6.x, WinXP x64 and SXDE until recently. > > > This message posted from opensolaris.org > _______________________________________________ > desktop-discuss mailing list > desktop-discuss at opensolaris.org > 1.) Solaris isn't for games, even though ioQuake3 has a Solaris port. It's not a much asked for feature, if you think it is, submit a RFE (Request for Enhancement) with your reasoning.
2.) I agree, since GIMP is included with Solaris/OpenSolaris, though most people don't work in RAW, let alone does most cameras for users have RAW image support, but nonetheless this is a reasonable request and I think another RFE is in order if you think it would be beneficial without too much work involved to make it happen. 3.) Their website doesn't take into account the GPL linking pollution with patented software, Sun cannot risk such a thing until every gstreamer backend has an exception if it is regular GPLv2 (LGPL, MIT, BSD do not have this problem) 4.) Submit a bug report regarding missing pieces, I have little problems myself recompiling as 64-bit, but environment settings are required with respective paths. 5.) For most things, yes, but for some things no. What specifically do you need to be 64-bit clean in complete? (GNOME?) I understand your concern about 6.) but it's a legal issue, DVD is not gonna happen, unless Sun can muscle the WinDVD, PowerDVD, or MPEG folks. Sun has rights to one of the MPEG codecs so I've been told, but I don't think in regards to DVD support is it covered. MP3 is forthcoming, Sun pays for royalties, it's a GPL linking issue with gstreamer backends which are dangerous to have lingering for combination of any gstreamer backend GPL licensed with non-GPL causes pollution and causes pain. (Bleeding and broken legs for example) You can use fluendo's free mp3 codec which is available for Solaris/OpenSolaris x86/SPARC. Just install the codec (.so file) into /usr/lib/gstreamer-x.xx :-) (Note, IMHO, its quality seriously sucks, it lags badly for no reason) 7.) Not that I am aware of, I use the old installer since I allocate a lot to ZFS and migrate /opt to a ZFS slice. 8.) Not sure, someone might know, but GUI wise not right now is it available, documentation wise, it's safe to use the official references, but integration wise, your mileage will vary if you are intending to create a replacement infrastructure to MS SBS. (AD/DNS/CIFS) Not an unreasonable idea, but there are bigger issues to address I'm certain. Sun may have plans to address the deficient Sun Management Console product in the future, but don't count your chickens. 9.) Agreed Hope you are enjoying OpenSolaris on your Opteron machine. If you have issues, we're here to give you answers. (Accuracy may vary, exceptions may apply, check deposit requested upon delivery of bad information) Regards, James
