ArsGeek

Not to long ago Google released their gadgets for Linux.  Those fine folks at GetDeb.net have compiled an easy to use .deb file for us Debian based Linux folk to use.  It’s quite simple - here’s what you do.

First, download this .deb file (or this one if you’re on a 64 bit Ubuntu install).

Once you’ve downloaded this, double click on it to install it.  You’ll be asked to provide your password and your Ubuntu install will probably download a few dependencies.

After you’ve done this, you’ve got Google Gadgets installed!

Now to get it running.  For starters, you can run a one-off instance of this to see if it works.  hit CTRL-F2 (hit gently friends, your keyboard is your friend) and type:

ggl-gtk

A neat little sidebar should now appear on your machine, causing all of your friends to drop their caffeinated beverages and wonder why the hell you switched to Vista.

If you want this to autostart when you turn your system on, go to System-> Preferences -> Session and click Add.  Call it Google Gadgets and in the command line, put

ggl-gtk

Now each time you start your computer up, Google Gadgets will auto start.

By typing ggl-gtk -help, you get this handy list of extras:

-z zoom    Specify initial zoom factor for View, no effect for sidebar.
-b         Draw window border for Main View.
-ns        Use dashboard mode instead of sidebar mode.
-bg        Run in background.

Enjoy!

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