Is the MEPIS Desktop in Need of a Makeover? Part 2
Posts: 340
From time to time, we hear from users who say that the look of the MEPIS desktop isn't on par with the quality of the MEPIS operating system. We tend to agree that the desktop could use a little makeover. The problem is that we just don't have the money to hire a professional to design a desktop, nor do we have the time to work on it ourselves. So this is a call to you graphic designers out there, and anybody else who would like to tackle the MEPIS desktop makeover. Please give us your comments and ideas, and also indicate whether you'd be interested in working on this project.
i figure its bill gates?
Posts: 31
i figure its bill gates?
Meplantis
Posts: 365
Hi everyone;
I'm quite proud of the next result, another three hours of playing with this 3D-app.
This would be Meplantis then!
I hope you like it a bit...
Ruud
=====
Compaq N1050v, Pentium 4 1.8 GHz, 1024Mb Ram, MEPISLite-3.3.2-1.rc1, Syllable 0.6.2.
Shuttle SN41G2, AMD Athlon XP 3000+, 512Mb RAM Mepis 6.0.
Linuxuserreg # 417292 Tiocfaidh ár lá
=
You Are Getting There
Posts: 499
You are getting there fast. The image is a bit fuzzy. The night sky isn't quite right. You are getting there. I know, why don't I just do it myself. That would take away all of this fun.
Joe Pearce
The student is not above the teacher
The servant is not above the master
The student shares the teacher's fate
The servant shares the master's
Getting there...
Posts: 365
The image is a bit fuzzy. The night sky isn't quite right.
Hi Joe;
It is a small pic indeed, that's why it's a bit fuzzy.
The nightsky is supposed to be water, that's why I called it Meplantis.
This is what I've been trying to make:
two glass pyramids, and a glass sphere, the moon under water.
The moon reflecting the two pyramids, and the water reflecting it all...
I was hoping that this was recognised that way.
Ruud
=====
Compaq N1050v, Pentium 4 1.8 GHz, 1024Mb Ram, MEPISLite-3.3.2-1.rc1, Syllable 0.6.2.
Shuttle SN41G2, AMD Athlon XP 3000+, 512Mb RAM Mepis 6.0.
Linuxuserreg # 417292 Tiocfaidh ár lá
=====
one thing
Posts: 28
Hey Ruud looks like you are enjoying bryce, its one of my favourite programs off all time, second only to xara, but I digress, one thing I hope you will do is make the moon much bigger and dont assign a glass/water material to it, maybe try one of those planet textures or earth textures that come with bryce, and you could then make the pyramids out of glass/water texture, anyway that is my suggestion, I think it would look good, keep it up!
Regards
Julz
PS before anyone asks why I havent made one myself, just call me lazy!
I Got The Underwater Idea
Posts: 5513
Ruud, you amaze me! I DID get the underwater "motif" that you were using. I just looked at it again, and had an idea (probably a bad one). How about a small Tux scuba diving on by. Yeah, penguins don't need aqualungs, but you get the idea 
Jon
Maybe I'll dive into that, and a newer version.
Posts: 365
Hey Jon';
Funny idea, but I'm not that good in this 3D-app, yet...
So be patient with me!
Glad you do like it though!
==========
EDIT
==========
Hi Everyone;
Could you believe I'm working on these wallpapers with a big grin on my face?!?
I'm starting to like this app more every minute, as you might understand!
Okay, maybe I tend to go quiet slow in improving the design,
but in this 3D-app, I don't think one can improve any quicker than this?!?
Or am I wrong about that?
Look at this, it took me three quarters of an hour...
I called it MEPISFuture, for all obvious reasons!
Look at the reflection in the sphere, it is amazing!
I'm not too shy to tell you I'm SO PROUD about it!
Happy-Happy, Joy-Joy!
(Stimpy, from Ren Hoek that is, hahah)
P.S. Julzz;
This is a bit of both our tastes, I just couldn't leave the metal sphere, next time maybe?
Ruud
=====
Compaq N1050v, Pentium 4 1.8 GHz, 1024Mb Ram, MEPISLite-3.3.2-1.rc1, Syllable 0.6.2.
Shuttle SN41G2, AMD Athlon XP 3000+, 512Mb RAM Mepis 6.0.
Linuxuserreg # 417292 Tiocfaidh ár lá
=
Umm,
Posts: 5513
Umm, Ruud, did you put that last slide in upside down?
Never mind, I'll just turn my monitor over...
Jon
INSPIRATION, please!
Posts: 365
Hi everyone;
Feel free to leave some of your thoughts in here with the wallpapers.
I'm not sure if I should go on with the same idea, two pyramids and a moon...
Should I bring in some other items like trees, sanddunes, or should I leave it clean as possible?
Give me some hints, comments, I could read all messages again, but going over 170 items, I think it would be easier to fill me in with some NEW/NEWER data and ideas. Maybe even build upon the two recent wallpapers, making a few additions?
Ruud
P.S. Does the MEPISteam think I'm on the right track, some advise would be appreciated!
=====
Compaq N1050v, Pentium 4 1.8 GHz, 1024Mb Ram, MEPIS 3.3.1-1, Syllable 0.6.2.
Shuttle SN41G2, AMD Athlon XP 3000+, 512Mb RAM Mepis 6.0.
Linuxuserreg # 417292 Tiocfaidh ár lá
=====
Logo
Posts: 38
Maybe itsa better to start only on a new design of the logo our use the old logo in a new jacket. Then fill in the gap of the background.
The logo looks to big in my opinion and isn't looking familiar with the old one.
Goodwork and keep it up.
More info forthcoming
Posts: 340
Great work so far, everyone! Warren and I talked about the desktop redesign today and he's hoping to find some time soon to read through the threads and offer some advice. Thanks again for taking the time to help with this project.
Erin
MEPIS Nights
Posts: 365
Hi;
For all Mepis users, who are online or developing, when everyone else is asleep:
Ease to the eye and still Mepis...
More to come!
And a sunset:
Ruud
AdrianTM posted a Poll here:
http://www.mepislovers.com/forums/index.php?topic=3014.0
Vote people...
=====
Compaq N1050v, Pentium 4 1.8 GHz, 1024Mb Ram, MEPIS 3.3.1-1, Syllable 0.6.2.
Shuttle SN41G2, AMD Athlon XP 3000+, 512Mb RAM Mepis 6.0.
Linuxuserreg # 417292 Tiocfaidh ár lá
=====
My vector contribution
Posts: 28
Well here is my constribution, probably will do another one based on this one!
Regards
Julz
Julz, when it comes to art I
Posts: 516
Julz, when it comes to art I can tell when some one knows what they are doing and you do. Your composition is great, nice job.
------------------------------------------------------------
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way: www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html#id274601
MEPIS Help Files: www.mepis.org/docs/index.php/Main_Page
haha
Posts: 28
Thanks mate
Just too much time on my hands....
after looking at the above picture for a while, the pyramid shadows didn't look right, so here is an updated picture with a shadow tweak! I know its supposed to be a moon, but I liked the idea of a sunburst. I 'll let Ruud play with 3d software, Im a fan of vector art!
Julz
this is my last submission,
Posts: 28
this is my last submission, this one is just for fun if anything.
Julz
Great
Posts: 365
I 'll let Ruud play with 3d software, Im a fan of vector art! Julz
So am I, but I just had to go on...
It looks great what you did, Julzz.
Much closer to the original!
Ruud
=====
Compaq N1050v, Pentium 4 1.8 GHz, 1024Mb Ram, MEPIS 3.3.1-1, Syllable 0.6.2.
Shuttle SN41G2, AMD Athlon XP 3000+, 512Mb RAM Mepis 6.0.
Linuxuserreg # 417292 Tiocfaidh ár lá
=====
Helping out(Not Really Though)
Posts: 1
I think MEPIS would be da bomb if we had a theme like the ones from PCLinux OS, add Transparency to windows and taskbar and add a nice wallpaper, viola! We have a nice looking MEPIS
These is a poll on
Posts: 4077
These is a poll on Mepislovers on Ruud's wallpapers:
http://www.mepislovers.com/forums/index.php?topic=3014.0
It looks like watery desktop is winning.
--
Check out Mepis wiki: www.mepis.org/docs
thanks for the ideas
Posts: 340
Thanks to everyone who posted wallpapers and comments! We're using your feedback, ideas, and suggestions to update the look of the default desktop for the next release of SimplyMEPIS.
inspiration
Posts: 18
hey, you're on the right track!!! i like the 3D effects better than pc linux anyday.
Can't wait
Posts: 365
Thanks to everyone who posted wallpapers and comments! We're using your feedback, ideas, and suggestions to update the look of the default desktop for the next release of SimplyMEPIS.
Hi;
I can't wait to see the results!
Must be realy cool...
Ruud
=====
Compaq N1050v, Pentium 4 1.8 GHz, 1024Mb Ram, MEPIS 3.3.1-1, Syllable 0.6.2.
Shuttle SN41G2, AMD Athlon XP 3000+, 512Mb RAM Mepis 6.0.
Linuxuserreg # 417292 Tiocfaidh ár lá
=====
Mandriva Desktop Theme
Posts: 2
Since I am new to MEPIS, and Linux, there have been several distros that I have played around with lately.
The one that impressed me the most was the Mandriva 3D desktop features.
Is there a package that I can install to get the same look and feel of the window decorations and animations?
What I found useful:
> Placing the mouse cursor in the upper right hand corner tiled all the open windows on the desktop so that I could choose with window to bring to the front.
> When moving a window, it would apear to be elastic and stretch and bend when moving.
I know it is nothing serious, however I would love to see my MEPIS 6.0 powered laptop have the same features.
Just a suggestion ...
here it is
Posts: 2299
the guide to wondrous yet superfluous 3d effects: http://www.mepislovers.com/forums/index.php?topic=2590.0
Be aware that it may cause instability. My opinion is it is good for fun, but bad for productivity. But of course I am a grumpy middle aged seen-em-all-had-em-all kindaguy
Newbie or not Newbie, there's always a question
erin, sounds like you guys
Posts: 31
erin, sounds like you guys made up your minds? whats it going to be?
Let's be very careful - egocentricity can deny lateral thinking
Posts: 75
Thanks to everyone who posted wallpapers and comments! We're using your feedback, ideas, and suggestions to update the look of the default desktop for the next release of SimplyMEPIS.
I certainly hope "We're using your feedback, ideas, and suggestions to update the look of...etc" doesn't stop at using only the submissions in these forums. If so I would far prefer we stay with the existing.
Although initially enthused, I found myself rapidly losing interest when it came down to a "look at me" effort.
IMHO although there was considerable effort being put in behind the scenes - IF a change is to be made to Mepis that is to have any "lasting power" I feel we need as well to reach OUTSIDE the small circle of submissions that we have seen here.
Irrespective of input effort & vested interests, submissions so far have not in any way reached the level that we need IF it is to warrant a change.
To the people that I have shown submissions - the ONLY area which has impressed users & non users alike has been from..
http://browse.deviantart.com/projects/contests/freespire/?order=9&alltime=yes
These are truly in a class of their own.
These were pointed out by one Mepis user very early in this discussion but there seems to have been very little, if any followthrough.
seagull, i think the "look
Posts: 31
seagull,
i think the "look at me" comment is off the mark. i don't think these people were showing off at all. they were contributing, and really exited. these are great things not bad.
still, i agree that we should raise the bar and go to the pros, ie deviantart. no offense, to those who contributed here, but the freespire wallpapers from deviant art, were above and beyond what i saw here. setting up a contest on deviantart is EASY!
i think we have the chance to make an ugly looking distro look gorgeous, maybe even one of the most gorgeous. thats a big deal, and just what mepis needs. i think with a serious makeover, mepis can go straight to the top.
Constructive criticism accepted & I'm with you.
Posts: 75
seagull,i think the "look at me" comment is off the mark. i don't think these people were showing off at all. they were contributing, and really exited. these are great things not bad.
still, i agree that we should raise the bar and go to the pros, ie deviantart. no offense, to those who contributed here, but the freespire wallpapers from deviant art, were above and beyond what i saw here. setting up a contest on deviantart is EASY!
i think we have the chance to make an ugly looking distro look gorgeous, maybe even one of the most gorgeous. thats a big deal, and just what mepis needs. i think with a serious makeover, mepis can go straight to the top.
Hi whorush,
Texting & brevity means that postings don't always read quite as we would like them to & so I fully accept your response.
I am pleased also to see that at least you have stood up & spoken out as I was very concerned that we were not aiming high enough.
"mepis can go straight to the top" - Well I guess we are unlikely to ever beat the big money supported distros so we may never actually position at #1 but that is nothing to be ashamed of - we already place very well & are holding steady on Distrowatch - but are unlikey for the aforementioned reasons to touch #1.
However - I feel we can certainly reach a much WIDER audience & that's where aiming high ( & wide ) is so vitally important.
OK, I have to make a comment
Posts: 4077
OK, I have to make a comment about this "looks" issue. I'm writing this from a Mac and I'm observing that:
1. the default wallpaper is a simple blue image
2. the wallpaper doesn't have any BIG logo, there only a small apple mark in the Menu
3. there's a consistenncy between widgets look and icons
From what I gather people consider that Macs are stylish. I'm not sure what's the general opinion, I don't care for looks so much, I just want something that's simple and that doesn't intrude and distrub you when you look at your desktop and this is the best example that I could find.
Why not go that way? Use a simple wallpaper with no BIG logo, or no logo at all. Of course this simplicity should be hand in hand with trimming down Kicker stuff...
--
Check out Mepis wiki: www.mepis.org/docs
Bryce 5
Posts: 365
Hi Joe;
It's Bryce 5 that I use!
I know you think it's a bit too happy, but this is what I reached after fiddling about in this program four only three hours.
So who knows what might happen?!?
I'm a creative designer during the daytime-job and wouldn't mind having a graphic career at MEPIS all the time!
But we all know that's not going to happen...
Boohooo!
I have no idea what comic you're refering to Jon, but it must be a funny one,
but maybe you could draw one and than I can include it in my next "mission impossible", hahah!
Ruud
=====
Compaq N1050v, Pentium 4 1.8 GHz, 1024Mb Ram, MEPISLite-3.3.2-1.rc1, Syllable 0.6.2.
Shuttle SN41G2, AMD Athlon XP 3000+, 512Mb RAM Mepis 6.0.
Linuxuserreg # 417292 Tiocfaidh ár lá
=