[Android] New to Android? TalkAndroid Will Get You Started!

New to Android and need a quick tutorial of what the Android operating system can do?  TalkAndroid has a quick write-up to get you started.  Click the link and check out Dustin Karnes' article.

[Ubuntu] Wallpaper Changer on Your Taskbar

Here's a cool way to change your wallpaper with a simple click.  I change my wallpaper several times a day.  This seems to be the medicine for those of us who have wallpaper attention deficit disorder.

Indicator-wallpaper changer anyone?

By Joey Sneddon, posted December 29, 2010

It seems there are more ways to change desktop wallpaper in Ubuntu than there are wallpapers.

DesktopNova is another tray-based tool for switching between wallpapers but one which , thanks to Michael Otto (who has also made a Virtualbox indicator), now has a shiny application indicator to control it with.

Install

Installation via PPA sound good? Add ppa:michael-astrapi/ppa to your software sources or open a terminal and run the following command: -

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:michael-astrapi/ppa

The following command will install the required app and indicator: -

sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install desktopnova indicator-desktopnova

Get it working

First configure Desktop Nova via Applications > Accessories > DesktopNova. Choose a folder full of wallpapers, enable the ‘GNOME 0.2′ module, hit the save button followed by the ‘start daemon’ button.

The Indicator can be launched from the ‘Applications > Accessories’ sub-menu.

Check out the original article by Joey Sneddon on OMG! Ubuntu!

[APP] Android Home Screen Alternatives

If you're anything like me then you probaly have gotten tired of your home screen on your Android device.  Especially if you have one of the custom interfaces made by various companies like Samsung's Touchwiz or HTC's Sense home screen interfaces.

Well I tried a few last night and they're are a lot of great alternatives out there.  None of them were just plain bad which is the good news.  The bad news is that each one felt like it was missing that one something that would have made it perfect.

[Android] Receive Android call, text alerts on your Ubuntu Desktop

Just as the title says.  Got a cool Android phone? Or maybe a not so cool one?  Running Ubuntu on your desktop?  If so no you can setup your desktop to receive your text and phone call alerts.  If interested, check out omgubuntu site.

[News] Nexus S Released Today!

The almighty Nexus S made by Samsung in cooperation with Google is being released today.  As of right now I believe they can only be picked up at Best Buy.  Much better than last release of the Nexus that was exclusive to Google's website for a long time.

Screenshots of Games Working Under Ubuntu 10.10

If there's one thing that's going to keep people from migrating over to Linux, it's games.  Generally Linux doesn't compare to the amount and quality of games that Windows can provide.  But that's changing by the day.  Many games are now supported under Wine (not emulator but environment).

[Top-Notch Android App] Angry Birds Live Wallpaper

If you own an Android device, chances are that you've heard of the award winning, mega popular Angry Birds game.  If not, where you have you been?  Well for the holiday season I've found a way to decorate your Android's home screen and get into the Christmas spirit.  Angry Birds Live Wallpaper is a great way to do this and support your favorite mobile game. This live wallpaper is made by Tiny Wolf Studios.  So go search Angry Birds Live Wallpaper in the market and give yourself some Angry Birds holiday spirit on your Android device.

Angry Birds Live Wallpaper in the Market

What my home screen looks like currently

As a note, I believe you have to be on Android 2.1 or higher and support live wallpapers.

EDIT: I forgot to mention that if you touch the presents and the angry birds located at the bottom of the screen you get an animation and sound clip associated with each. Go download it now and try it out.

[Tuturial] How to receive files via Bluetooth on Ubuntu 10.10 Maverick

After installing Ubuntu 10.10 and trying to pair my Android phone to it I started getting an error that stated "Cannot start "Personal File Sharing" Preferences". Basically I could pair my device to the PC but could not send or receive any files. If you're having this problem here's a quick fix for this:

How to receive files via Bluetooth on Ubuntu 10.10 Maverick
In short:

1. Go to the Ubuntu Software Center.
2. Search for "personal file sharing" without quotes.
3. Install the "personal file sharing" package.
4. Click the bluetooth icon & select "preferences".
5. Click receive files button thats near the bottom of the new window.
6. Check the receive files check-box.
7. Hit the close button & your done.

Sending and receiving files should work now.  Thanks to Aamir Aarfi for the great information over at botskool.com.

[Tuturial] Install Linux with Thumbdrives

I'm not sure about the rest of the world but I've not found a need for any CD or DVD media for a long time now.  Not sure how long exactly but its been some years.  I was perfectly happy with the lack of need for optical media until I had to install the new Ubuntu 10.10 on my home desktop and my kids netbooks.  The CD/DVD burner on my desktop has been acting wacky and just making coasters.  As you may know, many netbooks don't even come with a optical drive.  The most logical alternative?  Thumbdrives.

[Opinion] Working on New Game Rig

I'm looking to build another PC after the Christmas holidays.  I'm looking at about $600 to $700 for the components that I will need to get. Below is what I have wish listed so far for the project.