For a long time now I’ve been obsessed with my computer desktop and whether or not it helps me work efficiently. I find desktop eye-candy fascinating yet in the end it always seems to get in my way or distract me from doing serious work. Because I’m always worried that I’m not making the most of my desktop, I always like to ask people what their desktop looks like. In the spirit of my obsession, I thought it would be fun if everyone posted a screenshot of what their desktop looks like. Since the purpose of this idea is to see what everyone’s work environment looks like, it is only fair that you post a screenshot of your everyday desktop not one beefed to the max with eye-candy. Also, if you have an unusual setup or don’t check the site often, please include a description of what environment/programs you use.

Having been a Linux user for many years I’ve come to know a great deal about my preferred operating system. I truly believe the most enjoyable way to learn to use Linux is to tinker with every little thing until you figure out how it works. A good deal of my knowledge comes from endlessly playing with new programs and poking around in configuration files until I master whatever project that occupies my mind this week. I am driven by my determination to one day use Linux as my primary operating system, finally casting Windows off of my hard drives and banishing it to the nether-dimensions from whence it came. In the quest to gain total mastery over Linux I have kept clear of the one task that haunts my dreams and mocks my very existence…compiling the kernel.

For lots of Linux users the kernel is a dark and mysterious thing that should be worshipped as a god, lest it become angry and smite you. So when I was forced recently to recompile my kernel in an attempt to gain ACPI functionality on my new laptop, I was prepared to endure ritual and torment to appease the kernel god for a successful compile. Miraculously, after my fourth day of Googling in preparation for building my kernel, I stumbled across a wholly wonderful post on how to recompile the 2.6 kernel without the need for a blood sacrifice.

I have to tip my hat to the author as this is one of the easiest to read articles on how to compile a kernel ever brought my way by the wide and wonderful internet. After following the instructions, I made short work of my valiant task and was running my custom-compiled kernel in no time. One thing I must note however, is after building the kernel modules I simply needed to do a make install before the kernel would boot properly. I haven’t yet investigated whether this is a step exclusive to Mandriva 2006, or simply an oversight. If anyone out there would like to share their experience with this matter, please add a comment below.