gnuArtist is an artistic Linux distribution like ArtistX and OpenArtist, providing the end-user with tools for digital content creation. The software provided grew out of what these distributions lacked (or in some cases too much software). However, its main purpose is to demonstrate how open-source software can be used to replace the need for traditional commercial software for anything dealing with digital media.
Xubuntu at its heart:
gnuArtist is a highly customized setup of Xubuntu 8.04.3 (32-bit alternative install), to ensure a lightweight and stable environment for people who want stability and productivity. Any future versions will be based on the LTS versions of Ubuntu (rather than normal releases). This decision is to provide better stability and also allow more time for its overall design and development.
“Easy on the Eyes” GTK Theme:
The default GTK theme is Aurora BlueGrey, which provides a nice neutral grey theme that is "easy-on-the-eyes". This was inspired from the EMRays theme, which is made for users in a color/contrast working environment. AdriX is the default icon theme. Other GTK themes have been provided, to provide variety for the end-user.
Slogan & Logo:
The logo of gnuArtist is a graphics tablet & pen, showing an artistic eye, with the words “gnuArtist” in calligraphic writing, and the slogan “Unleash your creativity”. The idea of the tablet came from one of primary features of gnuArtist - the default setup of Wacom Control Panel & Gnome Graphics Tablet Apps, which provide control for pressure sensitivity. This feature was tested using a Wacom Graphire 4 CTE-640. Other tablets cannot be confirmed, but should work with default wacom-tools drivers installed.
Unique Software Selection:
The software selection for gnuArtisit was not an easy task. It grew out of using OpenArtist, where there was simply too much choice, and ArtistX, where there was less choice, but not enough. In short, it provides the end user with software that is useful and versatile, but not too much software to overwhelm any first-time users of Linux, but enough for experienced users to go to immediate work. The software categories include the following:
* Audio – (Editing, Recording & Music Composition)
* Video - (Editing, Capture & Conversion)
* 3D Modeling & Animation
* Image Editing & Digital Paint
* Font Creation & Management
* Animation (2D Vector & Traditional)
* HTML/Programming & Web-Design
* Internet & Networking
* Multimedia Players
* DVD Authoring & Backup
Product's homepage
What's New in This Release: [ read full changelog ]
· This initial beta release is dubbed "gnuArtistLite", which focuses on a CD-R base installation, rather than a DVD install. Although this new version may seem small, it is vitally important because it will be the basis and foundation of the upcoming "gnuArtisitXL", which will be a DVD-R based install, like the original 8.04 DVD release.
· Like the original 8.04 release, gnuArtist will be based on the new Long Term Support of Ubuntu (Lucid Lynx). The main reason for this the 2 year support of updates and also to provide a productive stable environment for serious work. In short, gnuArtist is not a mainstream setup for the average joe. It is made for Artists and designed by those who want get work done. Although, there is software for enjoyment and entertainment, it's main focus is to provide tools for the creative mind that are open-source and free.
Also, this initial beta release differs from the original XFCE based release. Some major changes are the following:
· 1 - GNOME is now the primary interface. This is to ensure compatibility issues with any program.
2 - Three major programs now provide a familiar, but unique interface to help both Mac & PC users to migrate to Linux:
· 1. Gnome Global Menu - a Mac-bar like interface that provides menus like OSX.
· 2. Avant Window Navigator - a Mac-like dock that provides a quick and easy workflow.
· 3. Cairo-Menu - a quick and easy 'Start-button' for fast and easy access to programs.
· 4. Echo Icon Theme - this is a temporary replacement for the upcoming 'Isometric-Eye' icon theme...
· 'Isometric Eye' will be a collection of isometric icons, similar to those used in Silicon Graphics' IRIX operating system, but with a more modern look and feel The idea is simple - if SGI still existed today, what would the IRIX desktop look like? A collection of various icons are being compiled together to help provide possible ideas.
Also, I am in need of artists who are skilled in icon creation, digital artwork, and also programmers who can help solve problems, or provide tools for gnuArtist, beta-testers, or anyone who can help provide suggestions, ideas and support! gnuArtist has been from the beginning, a one-person project! Which makes it very time consuming and frustrating! So, if anyone is willing to help, please contact me!!! Thank you. Enjoy the release. Here is the following URL for those who are interested:
· http://gnuartist.linuxfreedom.com/download.html
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