| GNOME 2.16 arrives |
Sep. 07, 2006
 Analysis -- The GNOME project released version 2.16 of its popular Linux desktop on Sept. 6. In many ways, this is just a minor release. In others, however, it's a significant step forward for the Linux desktop.
The first change old GNOME hands will notice is that, most, but not all of the default icon theme has been changed. It's now based on Tango. The Tango Desktop Project is an effort to create a consistent graphical user interface across all Linux desktops.
What's important about this, is that it's working with the Portland Project's efforts to make it easier for both users and ISVs (independent software vendors) to work to use the Linux desktop regardless of whether it's KDE or GNOME-based. Thus, the GNOME Tango-based icon theme will now work with applications written for other desktops, such as KDE or XFce.
GNOME 2.16's Tango-based icon theme
(Click to enlarge)
In the pure eye-candy department, the new GNOME Metacity, its default window manager, is making its first steps into Xgl and Aero Glass' 3D desktop look. Unlike Xgl, however, Metacity is still very much in the experimental stages. The only way you can get at it today is to compile Metacity with the special "enable-compositor" option, and run it on a system with Intel i830 to i945 graphics or a video card with ATI Radeon 7000 to 9250 chips.
It's nothing as pretty, but many users will be happier to see that GNOME Foundation adoption of the GTK+ 2.10 library means that the printing dialog, and the API (application program interface) beneath it, have been improved. Many users over the years have found GNOME's printing facilities... less than adequate. This should make those users much happier.
The new GNOME also has several other nice, though small, additions. For example, GNOME 2.16 now has integrated power management support for laptops. With its graphical display, it actually makes, dare I say it, managing your battery life interesting.
GNOME 2.16's power management window
(Click to enlarge)
The GNOME developers have also replaced the old menu editor with a new, vastly improved one, named Alacarte. Ubuntu users already know Alacarte. It makes adding new menus, new items, or separators much easier for power users who want their desktop menus to be "just so."
GNOME 2.16's new improved menu editor
(Click to enlarge)
Totem, the GNOME video player, is also looking a lot better. It now supports XSPF (XML Shareable Playlist Format) for sharing playlists. What most people will notice, though, is that it will now -- if you have the proper codecs installed -- play web-based Real and Windows media even if the page specifically checks for Windows Media Player or Real Player.
Another small, but significant, improvement is that GNOME's Nautilus File Manager now supports changing the file permissions of all files in a directory by right-clicking its folder and selecting "Properties+Permissions."
GNOME 2.16 boasts more than just enhancements to its desktop and built-in applications. Its email client, Evolution, has gotten an interface clean-up, as well. The improvement that most users will like is the new vertical pane view of email messages. The one most likely to catch your eye, though, is the improved calendar interface. The program also boasts better search functionality.
Behind the scenes, Evolution has a greatly improved IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) implementation. The overall effect is to make it work much faster with IMAP mail servers. It's fast enough to make me consider switching from POP (Post Office Protocol) to IMAP for the first time with Evolution.
Taken as a whole, GNOME 2.16 is a must-upgrade for any GNOME user. Indeed, it's a good enough step-up to make me, a confirmed KDE-user consider -- for just a moment, mind you -- switching over to GNOME.
Q. Where can you find GNOME 2.16? A: here
-- Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols
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