Silver Imaging

As you all probably know, I primarily use Linux. I was thinking today, “It’s pretty funny that I can do Aero-like effects (compiz-fusion, look it up on youtube) in Linux and not in Windows Vista.” So, I’ve decided to make my desktop look as much like Vista (ewww) as possible. Here are some screenshots:

The wallpaper is one of my photos. You can find it in the “More K200D Photos” gallery.

It may not be as pretty as in Windows or in Mac OS X, but I got Apple’s Safari Web Browser to work in Ubuntu through a program called wine (see the screenshot below). wine allows one to use windows programs in Linux. This is the first time I’ve used it in months, and it now supports applications designed for XP, Vista, and Server 2008, instead of versions < or = Windows 2000. Once I get the chance, I will try installing Photoshop Elements 4.0 using wine.

I have spent the past few days taking tons of pictures with my new K200D, and have uploaded a new gallery. You can find it @ http://www.silverimaging.net/galleries/more_k200d_photos/. In it you will find some photos I took on a recent visit to the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens in Fort Worth, Texas. I hope you like them.

Well, I took the plunge and ordered the PENTAX K200D (body only) on Wednesday from amazon.com. When I ordered, I chose two-day shipping, but the camera arrived a day early. + 10 points for amazon!

I am not dissapointed by the K200D. For an entry-level DSLR, it has a lot of features, and is built like a tank. Not only that, but it works with all of the aging K-mount lenses that my father and grandfather have loaned me. It has the CCD from the K10D, PENTAX’s older top-tier DSLR (it has been replaced by the K20D). The CCD is 10.2 megapixels. Even though it is a DSLR, the K200D has a lot of auto and scene modes for beginners, and a unique Sv (sensitivity priority) mode, where one can choose an ISO speed to use and the camera chooses the appropriate aperture and shutter speed.

But don’t take my word for it, I’ve taken a bunch of pictures with it. You can find the gallery @ http://www.silverimaging.net/galleries/first_slr_photos/, or at the photos page.

That’s right, I’ve finally managed to upload another gallery (finally!). It has a lot of flowers and plants in it, thus the name ‘Flowers N Stuff.’ You can find the new gallery @ http://www.silverimaging.net/galleries/flowers_n_stuff/.

I finally recieved my beta testing invitation for viviti.com’s webhosting service. Their claim to fame is a unique dynamic website editor. I’ve used it for a while, and I am begining to like it. You can check out this alternative rendition of Silver Imaging @ beta.silverimaging.net.

In other news, I am considering buying a Pentax K200D digital SLR. It works with all of my K-Mount lenses I have for my old ME Super. Seems like a cool camera. Check out its product page at amazon.com.

Well, it’s finally here. I’ve been relaxing a lot lately, and I need to take more pictures and upload them here. Stay tuned for some great photography :).

Just two more (school) days…I can’t wait until this year is over.

…That I need free software!! HA!! Actually, Microsoft did say that, but not to me. See this @ digg.com:

http://digg.com/linux_unix/Microsoft_Says_I_need_Free_Software

Today (and yesterday) I have been experimenting in the GIMP (see software) in creating reflections. It is fairly simple once you get used to it. Below is a sample reflection I made:

Pretty sweet, no? See http://www.gimptalk.com/forum/topic/Reflections-484-1.html on how to make your own reflections.