No network on Fedora 9 x86_64

Using a x86_64 DVD version of Fedora 9, I have installed the system and noticed an issue: the network is not active when trying to use third-party repository. For some unknown reason, the network is not using Ethernet despite manually setting the IP. I had submitted a bug report and followed suggestion: still no online access even with NetworkManager disabled. The same issues also occured on... Fedora 8. The Ethernet adapter is a integrated Marvell Yukon on the motherboard, it ran fine on Fedora 7 and i386 version of Fedora 9 using network install. Hopefully thi issue will be resolved soon.

Small notes about Fedora 9

The new sounds effect on Gnome desktop environment is refreshing. At home, the x86_64 DVD version is seeded now that I have a T1 connection and have upgraded the DDR-RAM to its maximum (4GB). Being busy with school, I just say: well done team. Next step, bring Echo icon theme for Fedora 10 and get more artists involved.

For some reasons on Fedora 9 RC, Inkscape has issues with selecting the typeface and Scribus does not have a default paragraph style. Hopefully those bugs have been rectified.

Expanding waves animation

Following Máirín blog, I took occasion create a set of eight wallpapers (wave-testXX) displaying rippling effects. Each set represent the time of day from sunrise to right. For example, sunrise-wave-test00 switches to day-wave-test01 that switches to sunset-wave-test02 that swithces to night-wave-test03 then sunrise-wave-test04. As a result, each wallpapers will be different while still retaining the wave theme giving a quiet dynamic feel.
The cure wave-test.xml file is set for a quick animation thus might cause slowdown for low-end desktops and laptops. The work is in progress as bubble and stars are not included and the time of day is not included yet, it should land on Fedora 9 soon. Improvement is welcome.

New address - nouveau courriel

My new address is now luyaATfedoraprojectDOTorg

Ma nouvelle adresse est luyaAROBASfedoraprojectPOINTorg

Scribus revisited

After learning the use of Adobe InDesign CS3 from class, I decided to take a look to Scribus. The interface is now familiar and easier to grasp than ever. Now it is possible to redo the old assignment with ease. Turned out these new skills are transferable which bring more flexibility.

Food for thought

Spring break has begun to fully recover from the stress of Graphic Design Winter session. Wave theme for Fedora 9 artwork was chosen over Shoowa. I was not surprised from the verdict considering the fact the former received more development and the latter has lost anyway even though it should not made in the third round in my opinion. Nevertheless, I am glad the round is over so I can focus on other stuffs.

Having learned to use Adobe InDesign, I started to use Scribus 1.3.4 on Fedora 8 but there is a bug that prevent to write a text inside the frame. Another issues is the PDF conversion into Scribus that feels somewhat incomplete. Then no standard for a publishing format is set as sla is for Scribus and indd is for Adobe InDesign,

Now that I have a decent free time, let practice some new earned skilled on Gimp and Inkscape too.

I would like to write a French version but I promise to do it on the next blog.

Food for thought

Winter session is almost over. I have been busy tuning some assignments for Graphic Design class. I have learned a lot from the making of logo, magazine, art history (from Art Nouveau to Contemporary styles), printing procedure, and advanced typography. Ironically, I had indirectly know the process before inside Fedora Project especially the making of the logo.

Working on creating the set of Echo icon is quite fun but the lack of time, due to class and the development of Fedora 9 art theme (shoowa as candidate), prevent me to progress to the point it won't be ready for Fedora 9. The big challenge is to make sure the guideline is easily comprehensive. The lesson on that project is a better planning.

Speaking about Fedora 9 theme, it looks like Waves is the preferred for the development due to its organic shape opposed to Shoowa with its geometrical version. The difficulty is to incorporate those geometry that won't necessarily distract desktop users but subtle. Now that the deadline is approaching fast, the challenge seems to be difficult but not insurmountable.