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Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Make KDE Look Like Gnome

This guide will show you how to make KDE applications look just like and feel like Gnome applications. I can't live without my KDE applications, specifically Amarok, k3b or k9copy; but have always been annoyed by the clashing of styles on my desktop.

KDE Applications Before Using The Guide:
Screenshot-Amarok

Screenshot-K3b - The CD and DVD Kreator

Screenshot-Style - KDE Control Center


After using the Guide:

Screenshot-Amarok

Screenshot-K3b - The CD and DVD Kreator

Screenshot-k9copy



Configure KDE
To make this guide work you first need to download the KDE Control Center, kControl. It is the centralized settings manager for the KDE desktop environment.
Screenshot-KDE Control Center
To Download kControl
sudo apt-get install kcontrol

To launch kControl, enter kcontrol into a run box (Alt+F2), or type it into a terminal.


Gnome Style
Klearlook is a widget style for KDE that is based off the QtCurve style. As its name suggests, it is intended to be a KDE replica of the GTK theme "Clearlooks". Navigate to Appearance & Theme>Style.
Screenshot-Style - KDE Control Center
To Download Klearlook
sudo apt-get install kde-style-klearlook
Select Klearlooks from the drop down menu under Widget Style.


Gnome Icons
Human Icon Pack for Kde is the best replica of the Human theme for Kde I have seen. It cover all major and minor icons. Navigate to Appearance & Theme>Icons.
Screenshot-Icons - KDE Control Center
To Download Human_KDE.tar.gz, click this link.
Select Install New Theme and navigate to where you saved the Human_KDE.tar.gz file and install it.


Gnome Colors
To make the color scheme in KDE match Gnome, navigate to Appearances & Themes>Colors.
Screenshot-Colors - KDE Control Center
Enter these values to match Gnome color layout.
Inactive Title Bar #C1C5AB
Active Title Bar #D5A637
Standard Text #000000
Selected Text #F8C779
Standard Background #FFFFFF
Link #0000C0
Followed Link #800080


Gnome Feel (Mouse Options)
To make KDE applications feel more like Gnome applications, navigate to Peripherals>Mouse to change KDE's single click default to match Gnome's double click default.
Screenshot-Mouse - KDE Control Center
edited by pHreaksYcle

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Linux on the Linksys WRT54GL

In a move to put Linux on everything I own, I just installed DD-WRT on my Linksys router. DD-WRT is free Linux-based firmware for several wireless routers, most notably the Linksys WRT54G family. Many of DD-WRT's features are not included in typical router firmware. These features include support for the Kai network, daemon-based services, IPv6, Wireless Distribution System, RADIUS, advanced quality of service, radio output power control, overclocking capability, and software support for a Secure Digital Card hardware modification.

The Linksys WRT54GL was released in 2005 to support third-party firmware based on Linux. Its fully compatible with DD-WRT. This guide also works for a couple of other LinksysWRT54G, models WRT54G v4 and earlier, but the WRT54GL is the the preferred router to buy/use.

If you want to see what other routers are DD-WRT compatible go here.

BEFORE YOU START:
Use an ethernet cable to connect your PC to your router (use port 1)
DO NOT attempt to use the guide via wifi, you will brick your router.


Step 1: Get Your Router Ready
Type the following into your browser's URL box:
http://192.168.1.1

Restore your router to its factory settings:
In the Administration tab, under Factory Defaults, select YES and the SAVE the Settings.

Log Back Into Your Router:
http://192.168.1.1
name= *Leave It Blank*
password= admin


Step 2: The Inital Flash
Download dd-wrt.v23_mini_generic.bin

Unzip the dd-wrt.v23_sp2_mini.zip file

Go to Firmware Management, under Administration>Firmware Management.
Select the dd-wrt.v23_mini_generic.bin file
Select UPGRADE to begin the process.
* Do not interrupt the process * make sure the router stays plugged in

You will see an Upgrade Successful screen message
Click CONTINUE.


Step 3: Reset and Flash Firmware Again
Find the reset button on the back of the WRT54GL
Hold down the reset button for 30 seconds
Release the reset button
Allow the lights to blink for 15 seconds

Log Back Into Your Router:
http://192.168.1.1
username= root
password= admin

Download the dd-wrt.v23_generic.bin

Unzip the dd-wrt.v23_sp2_standard.zip file

Go to Firmware Management, under Administration>Firmware Management.
Select the dd-wrt.v23_generic.bin file
Select UPGRADE to begin the process.
* Do not interrupt the process * make sure the router stays plugged in

Find the reset button on the back of the WRT54GL
Hold down the reset button for 30 seconds
Release the reset button
Allow the lights to blink for 15 seconds


Step 4: Login & Setup Your Router
http://192.168.1.1
username= root
password= admin