Thinkpads Forum

I just learned about something called GKrellM, a fancy little system monitor. Since my experience with it represents something that has perplexed me since I started my trip with Linux, I'll use it as my example. I "installed" GKrellM with Package Manager but couldn't figure out what to do next--it didn't show up anywhere in System Tools (where a few other apps I've installed have ended up [e.g., VirtualBox, btnx, thinkpad monitor, etc.]) So how do I run it? Do I have to wade through /etc or something to find it? Do I type something in the Terminal? I looked through the FAQs at the GKrellM site, but I guess my questions aren't "frequent" enough . . . It's just something I've experience with Linux along the way and haven't really figured out what to do when it happens. It's like it installed without a trace . . . Help?

In GNOME it usually shows up in the system,monitor category in the menu. but you have to reboot or restart GDM first. If it still doesn't show up, hit alt-f2 and type gkrellm. Then enter

Gkrellm is a great app and I put it on every TP I set up with Ubuntu, so as to monitor the CPU temperature and the fan.

I don't know which version of Linux you use, but I'll describe how to do it in Ubuntu.

Having installed it, to start it initially, in the terminal type
You can then play around with it, set it up, move it to where you want it etc.

To ensure that it starts up every time find the Startup Programs; in Ubuntu it's System > Preferences > Sessions > Startup Programs tab.
Click on Add.
In the new window which opens, give a name like Gkrellm.
Command type Ignore Comments.
Click OK button.

Gkrellm will now start each time the TP starts

Have a look at the weather apps which are great.

Thanks, poshgeordie. Good instructions. My question was both specific and general (though the latter may not have been entirely clear . . . ) Might it be safe to say that if I install something with Package Manager and I can't 'find' where it has been installed that I can type the application's name as it appears in Package Manager in Terminal and it will run? And then, as you say, play around with it? I'm trying to get away from the "type this string of [at this point meaningless] code, click this, and whatever that" mentality that is so prevalent in the Linux community. Not that it's bad--it obviously works for many many people!--but I don't find it particularly satisfying. Especially when something like this comes up. I'd like to understand--even a little--what's going on "under the hood". Thanks for any advice . . .

It's a pleasure Paul.
Just seen in your sig that you're running Ubuntu.

Ubuntu is one of the best distros for installing and running programs, but there's no getting away from having to resort to the Terminal to run some apps.
There are a number of programs which don't have a GUI and you have to use the Terminal command line.
Typical is smartoolsmon which is a great app for checking your HDD, but only runs from the Terminal.
On the other hand if you do come across a program that has to be launched via the terminal, then you can create a Desktop launcher by right clicking on the Desktop, select Create Launcher and proceeding from there.

Most people come to Linux having become thoroughly familiar with Windows thinking.
There's no getting away from the fact the Linux is totally different and therefore your thinking has to change as well.
Whilst the Ubuntu (and other distro) developers are working to reduce terminal work, it's unlikely that it'll ever be completely eliminated.

One of the best sites for explaining how the Terminal works is the Psychocats site which uses the Terminal all the time and is extremely well written.

Hope this isn't too much of a waffle for you!!

You can always add it to the menu in 5 easy steps.
1) Right click the "Ubuntu" button (Start button in Windows) and select "Edit Menu".
2) Click the category you want to put the item in and click "New Item".
3) Type gkrellm in the name box and in the command box.
4) Close the menu editor.
5)Log out and log back in
Now you have a menu entry for gkrellm. Do the same for any other app that does not make an entry in the menu automatically.
The reason you have to do this is because not all Linux distros use the same path for the menu so the menu entry is not always created.

If I could clarify that, Edit Menu can be found by right clicking any of the following:
red circle icon in the top left corner
Applications
Places
System

I have used the menus C_U mentioned and it's the way to go - I'd just not heard it described that way - which is also fine.
It's just that I couldn't find the icon you were meaning at first!

Thanks, guys! This is getting better all the time! It's these "basics" that can leave a guy like me hunting for days . . . Off to build my menu!