5. Install Skype
The AA1 is a great communications device, but Skype doesn't come pre-installed. Head over to the Skype website and download the VoIP app. You're looking for the Linux versions and, in particular, the release for Fedora 7, the Linux distribution on which the AA1's Linpus Linux is based.
Skype's .rpm downloaded
When it's downloaded, open up your AA1's Downloads folder - click on any of the entries in the desktop's Files section - and double-click on the skype-2.0.0.72-fc5.i586.rpm icon.
Again, when it's installed, Skype will appear in the Advanced Menu, part of the Network sub-menu.
6. Add Desktop Icons
It's all very well having the Advanced Menu, but for some apps you'd also like the fast access provided by the AA1 desktop. Here's how you make them appear. Press Alt-F2, type in xterm to open the command line window - experienced Linux hands call it a Terminal - and click on Run...
Linpus' desktop configuration file
Click for full-size screengrab
At the command line, type sudo mousepad /home/user/.config/xfce4/desktop/group-app.xml and hit Enter. This calls up the desktop's configuration file. Scroll through and you'll see how the entries are arranged. Skype's already present, but it's set so that the desktop will ignore it - remove the !-- at the start of the line it's in and the -- at the end. You'll also need to change the app sequence= number - set it to 8.
Save the file then restart your AA1. Click on the right-arrow button in the Connect section, and you should see a new Skype icon. Drag and drop it higher in the list if you prefer.
The AA1 desktop... with new Skype, VLC and Gimp icons
Click for full-size screengrab
Other apps are kept in the AA1's /usr/share/applications folder as .desktop files. You can add these to the desktop UI by editing the group-app.xml file as above, copying the Skype line, pasting it into any of the four sections and changing the name of the app to be loaded. Make sure all the apps in a section - indicated by the <id>x</id> tags - have different app sequence= numbers.
COMMENTS
Can't get Skype on AA1 desktop.
Wish I had read your 10 tweaks article first. I followed the directions from another web site. In the xml edit, I failed to remove the last two dashes at the end of the line. Only removed the exclamation point and first two dashes. Of course Skype icon was not on desktop as a result. Went back to edit the line correctly, and the line with Skype reference was completely gone. Fortunately, Skype program still runs and is still listed in the desktop menu. But, is there anyway now I can get the Skype icon in the Connect Group on my AA1 desktop?
re: Linux Fan succumbs to dark side
Your time is not that valuable. Time learning a unix OS is well spent, as you hone your Jedi skills. Money given to the Empire prolongs the tyranny of the Death Star.
Turn away from the dark side, before its too late.
Use the source for good.
Linux fan, but...
I've been a casual Linux fan for a decade and thought that SCCs would be the catalyst for Linux. For the 2 weeks that I had my AA1 (Linpus + 6 cell battery) I loved it, until I wanted to make some "simple" changes. I wish I had read this great article earlier. I just wanted FF3 and to stream music/movies from my media server. After much reading, trial & error and numerous uses of the recovery DVD, I realised my time was too valuable and I returned it for the AA1 Windows version. I even tried installing other Linux distributions but most do not support the AA1 wi-fi card or make proper use of SSD storage expansion slot :-(
Linux is great... and SCCs are a great way to learn if you have the time. Usually you pay a $100 premium for Windows, but with the price difference between Windows and Linux on SCCs being so small I had no choice but to ultimately opt for the dark side. At least my "simple" changes are now "simple".
Aside: I strongly recommend paying the extra for the 6-cell version. You get 5+ hours of constant usage.
Jolly good stuff
Except the equivalent in XP would go something like this:
Tweak A:
1. Download .exe file.
2. Double click and click OK.
3. Go to Tools...Settings.
Tweak B:
1. Right click > Properties.
2. Go to the Settings tab.
3. Tick the XYZ checkbox.
I want the OS to be as unintrusive and passive as possible. Not a hurdle that I have to jump every time I want to make a minor change. I don't want to faff with registry or .inf files. I pay good money for a relatively robust OS lets me get on with my job by installing whatever software I want. Be it freeware / OSS / paid for / other.
There might well be something very satisfying about building your own house. But you'll spend so much time learning about how to do the building, you'll have no time left for interior design.
Horses for courses. Each to their own, etc.
Coat?
Yup that's mine - I'm off to go leaf kicking.
I trust yours is the hand-me-down with elbow patches. And you'll be hand-sewing extra pockets on, amending the hem stitching, dye-ing the colour, and changing the buttons on it all by yourself, yeah? And knitting your own jumper, no doubt. It'll be summer again by the time your done.
In case you change your mind... coats aren't that expensive these days and the shops have got a sale on. Come on guys: it's fun outside.
