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This will be a short post since I havent played with Ubuntu Natty for long. But first impressions are mixed if Im to be kind. On the upside Ubuntu is still usable. On the down side, its not what Im looking for in a desktop OS.

The new interface just sucks for desktop users. It might make sense on a tablet where only one application is being used at any given time. But it just doesnt work as a desktop GUI. I dont like it. Its not what Im used to and I dont want to be "converted". Imagine my eation then when I discovered the "Ubuntu Classic Desktop" option at the log-in screen. Then imagine my disappointment when I realised it didnt actually do anything yet.

Mono is once again a sore point. I just dont see the point. Mono doesnt bring anything to the mix that isnt already there. Other than possible legal troubles of course and a ridiculously bloated install foot print. So as you might expect I tried removing it. And guess what? Ubuntu didnt seem to lose any functionality that couldnt be replaced by installing alternatives. The applications I lost included Gbrainy, Tomboy Notes and Banshee. All of which I can live quite happily without.

OpenOffice.org has been replaced with Libre Office. Again Im not really sure what the advantage is other than Libre Office has been contaminated with OOXML support. Canonicals leanings towards Microsoft technologies is beginning to annoy. I moved to Linux to get away from Microsoft. Please for the love of all thats still pure in the world dont drive me on to a Mac.

The Gimp was notable by its absence. Which means Ill have to install it since I was planning on doing a clean installation for 11.04. Its not a hard thing to do. But the Gimp has been a standard application on the Linux desktop for so long. It just doesnt seem right its not there any longer. Im a Gimp user. So I need it.

The one thing that did really impress me with this installation was the new Ubiquity installer. Hopefully Ill have a video posted to YouTube soon. This is the one part of Ubuntu that has gotten better with every version of Ubuntu. This time around basic information is collected as the system is being set up. So its no longer a case of collecting data and then copying files. Files are copied while basic user data is collected. Which does speed up the whole process by a few minutes. And lets face it. Anything that helps cut down installation time has to be good.

Ubuntu MATE 15.04 was released today, this being the first version as an official member of the Ubuntu family. Compared to the previous releases, when the distro was an unofficial flavor, there are numerous changes, including new default applications, a built-in panel layout switcher, new default theme and much more.

For those who are not familiar with MATE, this is a GNOME 2 fork which lets you use the old GNOME 2 desktop interface and applications but it also allows you to use new applications so for instance, you can use Gedit 3 if you want, etc.

One of the most interesting changes for regular desktop users in Ubuntu MATE 15.04 is MATE Tweak, which is installed by default and comes with a couple of new features which many MATE users will love.

Firstly, the app now allows switching between Compiz and Marco, just like in Linux Mint 17.1 MATE, without having to restart the session:

CompizConfig Settings Manager, the tool which allows enabling various Compiz plugins and tweaking its settings, is not installed by default though.

And secondly, the tool can now be used to switch between various panel layouts, including: Ubuntu MATE (default), Eleven (with a top panel for the menu, systray, etc. and Plank at the bottom, as the app switcher/launcher) and more:

Depending on the packages installed on your system, more layouts can show up here. For instance, if you install the Ubuntu Indicator Applet from the PPA linked below, youll get an extra panel layout with Ubuntu Indicators.

Another change compared to the previous (unofficial) Ubuntu MATE releases is that Ubuntu MATE 15.04 doesnt support Ubuntu/Unity Indicators out of the box because they dont support GTK2:

The Ubuntu Indicator Applet version used in previous Ubuntu MATE releases was patched to work with GTK2 and it was available in a PPA - since Ubuntu MATE 15.04 is an official Ubuntu flavor, it cant use PPAs by default and thus, the patched Indicator Applet is not provided on a fresh installation.

However, you can install the Ubuntu Indicator applet along with the Sound Indicator package (patched for MATE) from a PPA by following THESE instructions.

As for the artwork, Ubuntu MATE 15.04 ships with a new default theme, called Yuyo Dark, as well as a light "Yuyo" alternative:

However, Ambiant MATE is still used for the LightDM Greeter (login screen), probably because Yuyo still needs some tweaks to work to properly support it.

Also, compared to Ubuntu MATE 14.10, the default icon theme (Ambiant MATE) now uses green icons (this was already available in Ubuntu MATE 14.04), as you can see in the screenshots above.

The latest Ubuntu MATE 15.04 ships with MATE 1.8.2 and compared to Ubuntu MATE 14.10, it comes with quite a few new default applications:

Besides the new default apps, Ubuntu MATE 15.04 ships with Firefox 37, Thunderbird 31.6.0, LibreOffice 4.4.2, Transmission 2.84, Shotwell 0.20.2, Rhythmbox 3.1, Pidgin 2.10.9, Brasero 3.12, Deja Dup 32 and HexChat 2.10.1, as well as the MATE 1.8.x core apps like Caja (file manager), Pluma (text editor) and so on.

Just like Ubuntu 15.04, the latest Ubuntu MATE release ships with the Ubuntu Linux Kernel 3.19.0 based on the upstream 3.19.3 Linux Kernel, Mesa 10.5.2, Xorg server 1.17.1, PulseAudio 6.0 and systemd 219 (and uses systemd as the default init system).

Download Ubuntu MATE 15.04 (now also available for Raspberry Pi 2)

Before installing it, make sure you read the official release notes! Also, note that Ubuntu MATE 15.04, like all non-LTS Ubuntu flavors, is supported for only 9 months!

Along with the other flavors, Ubuntu MATE 14.10 was released today. This is an unofficial (it will most probably become an official Ubuntu flavor in the near future) MATE-based Ubuntu flavor, "ideal for those who want the most out of their desktops, laptops and netbooks and prefer a traditional desktop metaphor", which had its very first stable release today.

MATE is a GNOME 2 fork which lets you use the old GNOME 2 desktop interface and applications but it also allows you to use new applications so for instance, you can use Gedit 3 if you want, etc.

Like the old GNOME 2, MATE (and thus, Ubuntu MATE) offers a traditional desktop layout with two panels and is highly customizable: themes can be installed or changed from the Appearance dialog (and there are quite a few themes available by default), the panels can be resized and they support autohide and a multitude of applets, the notifications position can be changed and so on:

Ubuntu MATE 14.10 includes the latest MATE 1.8 which, compared to MATE 1.6 (available in the Ubuntu 14.04 repositories) includes support for Metacity as window manager, side-by-side tiling and more.

While it includes the default MATE applications such as Caja (file manager), Pluma (text editor) and so on, Ubuntu MATE 14.10 ships with some applications youll also find in other Ubuntu flavors, like Firefox, Pidgin, Thunderbird, Transmission, LibreOffice, Totem or Rhythmbox, so users coming from Ubuntu w/ Unity should feel at home from this point of view. Also, for the display manager, LightDM is used by default, with the GTK greeter:

Furthermore, Ubuntu MATE uses the default Ubuntu icons and a GTK theme based on Ubuntus Ambiance so besides the traditional desktop layout, things should look pretty close to Ubuntus defaults.

Before installing Ubuntu MATE 14.10, make sure you checkout the official release announcement.

Download Ubuntu MATE 14.10

 

Source: http://www.webupd8.org/2014/10/ubuntu-mate-sees-its-first-release-1410.html

Best first cars HD Wallpaper for Iphone - Hd Wallpapers Pcs Provides High Quality in wide screen  Best first cars HD Wallpaper for Iphone. We have selected the list of best top  Best first cars Pictures. Free download the best resolution photos for your PC, Desktop, Laptop, IPad, IPhones and other mobile devices using as backgrounds, screen savers and wallpapers. Also find other related Best first cars HD Wallpaper for Iphone here top quality wallpapers for free to download and enjoying them to use for your devices

 






- MINI Cooper-

Top Ducati 848 Streetfighter Review - First Ride

The most obvious difference between the two 2012 Streetfighter models is engine displacement. Whereas the Streetfighter S utilizes Ducati’s 1099cc L-Twin cylinder engine producing a claimed 155
hp and 89 ft.-lb. of torque at 9500 rpm, the new Fighter is powered by an 848cc Twin outputing a claimed 132 hp and 69 ft.-lb. of torque at 10,000 and 9500 rpm, respectively. Producing its peak horsepower 500 rpm higher in the rev range and with a compression ratio of 13.2:1, compared to the S’s 12.5:1, the new SF is a little more high-strung than the larger-displacement model.

The new 2012 848 Streetfighter doesn’t breathe as much fire as the original 1098 model, but it’ll still burn anyone who foolishly disrespects the smaller Fighter.

Ducati’s crankshaft-derived power figures will decrease when run on a rear-wheel dyno. The 848 Superbike is factory-rated at 140 hp, 8 up from the new Streetfighter due to slightly less valve lift and duration, and it produced 119 hp on the Superflow dyno at Mickey Cohen Motorsports during our middleweight sportbike shootout. Thus, we expect the 848 SF to generate a little over 110 ponies at the rear wheel.
This amount of power is plenty fun and exciting on a bike weighing approximately 410 pounds full of fluids. On the street there’s enough oomph for any situation, whether it be wheelieing or passing, while on the track the 848 Fighter will make easy work of better bikes with lesser riders.
Set to retail at $13,000, the 848 Streetfighter is substantially more affordable than the $19,000 Streetfighter S but only $2000 less than the soon to be nonexistent $15,000 standard Streetfighter (hurry and get yours now if you perceive the standard 2011 1098 Streetfighter a better value). The 848 does retain Ducati Traction Control, which is a commendable technology to be included at such a low MSRP.
The bigger Streetfighter S model, in addition to the increased power of the larger engine, boasts an Ohlins fork whereas the 848’s front legs are of the Marzocchi variety. Both suspension components are fully adjustable and measure 43mm in diameter. The 848’s front end, however, is steeper than the S with 24.5 degrees of rake compared to 25.6 degrees on the S model. The 848 also has less trail than the S, 103mm vs 114mm, respectively, but the wheelbase of both bikes remains identical at 58.1 inches.

Top Ducati 848 Streetfighter Review - First Ride

Whether on the street or the track the Streetfighter takes some time for the bike to feel comfortable and/or familiar. The front end on the 848 version as well as the 1099cc original can feel a bit twitchy, especially when leaned into a corner, and trail braking doesn’t come naturally when riding the Streetfighter. With the 848 spanning the same distance between contact patches as the S model but with a steeper rake and less trail suggests that Ducati may still be searching for a better base setup — which if achieved would go a long way in making the bike more inviting — but neither measurement lends itself to improved confidence.
Usually less rake and more trail would help calm down a nervous front end, so Ducati’s unconventional approach of more rake and less trail to apply calm is interesting. Without a 1098 Streetfighter to ride for comparative purposes at the event, it’s hard to say if the change in front end measurements are better or worse, with the issue still persisting, though, it’s definitely not solved.
It wasn’t until the second session on the track that I was riding comfortably fast, pushing the Streetfighter closer to the edge of its performance envelope. The front end’s nervousness and higher handlebars dictate a light touch — ham-fistedness results in a wondering front wheel.

Top Ducati 848 Streetfighter Review - First Ride

Other significant differences of the 848 SF include a wet rather than dry clutch and new 10-spoke wheels instead of the five-spokers on the S. The tapered aluminum handlebars of the 848 are also 20mm higher than those of the S model. The high seat height of the S, 33 inches, carries over to the new 848, as do the slippery footpegs.
The majority of these changes comprise to make the new 848 Streetfighter a better companion to the motorcyclist who is more concerned with the competency of the Streetfighter as a usable streetbike and less about the upgraded performance of the S model.
The higher handlebars, for instance, relieve some of the pressure on a rider’s wrists allowing for more time spent in the saddle. Because Ducati didn’t go as far as to change the seating position itself, this extra leverage is oftentimes put to use maintaining a comfortable distance between fuel tank and crotch. The combination of a very narrow tank/seat junction and downward sloping seat can make bumpy road riding a testicle-harrowing experience.

Top Ducati 848 Streetfighter Review - First Ride Light weight, wide bars and a narrow mid-section make the 848 Streetfighter easy to transition from side to side.

On a smooth, closed course racetrack such as the brand new Autodromo Modena (the 848 Streetfighter press intro was the track’s first official function) the narrow seat/tank juncture allows for quick, side-to-side transitioning.
Complaints were made of the original Streetfighter that a rider’s right ankle was forced uncomfortably away from the bike due to an exhaust heat guard. Ducati addressed this on the 2012 848 SF by adding a 10mm spacer to the right footpeg. Yes, the ankle no longer feels at an odd angle, but the modification did take away a degree of lean angle on a bike that has riders touching toe sliders to tarmac in concert with placing a knee on the ground.
The twin front, radially-mounted Brembo brakes and 320mm discs provide good braking power and didn’t fade during our two track sessions, but feel at the adjustable lever is a little vague.

Top Ducati 848 Streetfighter Review - First Ride

At the rear of the bike a fully adjustable Sachs shock attaches to a cast aluminum single-sided swingarm. The 5.5-inch rim holds a new 180/60 ZR17 Pirelli Diablo Corsa tire. The new size tire provides a wider contact area over its radius, and Pirelli claims improved damping capabilities to provide a smoother ride. Boasting a World Superbike compound on the right and left sides, the tire’s traction was never in question.
The 848 Streetfighter will be available in Fighter Yellow, Ducati Red and Dark Stealth but in any color the bike remains a stunner. The aggressive sex appeal of this motorcycle is undeniable, and if you can manage its few foibles, the 848 Streetfighter should make for a wonderful companion.
With the exception of the uncomfortable tank/seat juncture, the seating position provides plenty of leg room and a respectable distance from seat to footpegs. The higher handlebars will help keep the weight of a passenger off the rider’s back and the increased distance of the footpeg alleviates discomfort of the rider’s right foot.

Top Ducati 848 Streetfighter Review - First Ride Unskilled riders on faster bikes will see a lot of this angle of the 848 Streetfighter.

I personally wouldn’t want to spend more than an afternoon on the Streetfighter, but for a motorcyclist looking for competent weekend carver and occasional track day tool the Streetfighter is all that in an attention-getting package.

Mini Cooper Paceman First Look When we first laid eyes on the Mini Paceman concept -- essentially the coupe version of the Countryman four-door -- at the 2011 Detroit auto show, we wondered, is it a niche too far? How many more ways can Mini slice and dice its lineup? Apparently, Mini believes theres a group of customers out there who want a car with the same driving attitude as the base Mini hardtop coupe, but wrapped in a bigger, more useful package.

Mini Cooper Paceman First Look

Mini Cooper Paceman First Look

 Mini Cooper Paceman First Look

Mini Cooper Paceman First Look

Mini Cooper Paceman First Look