Many computer users believe that Linux operating systems are only suitable for software engineers and developers. This was kind of true many years ago, but Linux operating systems have evolved dramatically in the recent past. Gone are the days when you had to have programming knowledge in order to operate a Linux operating system. Now, just like any other operating system, Linux offers a very user-friendly Graphic User Interface (GUI) along with very attractive layouts for home users.
Linux Ubuntu 12.04 is the perfect example of a modern Linux operating system that can be operated by any basic computer user. It has all the ingredients of all the successful operating systems among the masses like Windows & Mac OS. For instance, the default photo viewer, Shotwell Photo Manager, in Ubuntu is a comprehensive tool to take care of all your basic photo viewing and editing needs.
Shotwell Photo Manager not only lets you view or edit your images, but you can share your images directly to some of the most popular social networking websites within a few seconds. Just like accessing any other application in Ubuntu, it is very easy to access Shotwell Photo Manager. Click on the “Dash Home” icon at the top on the left hand bar and type “Shotwell Photo Manager”.
Click its icon and Shotwell will start importing image files from your Ubuntu Library. However, you can import more images by selecting additional folders manually. To import more images manually, click “File” and then click “Import From Folder”.
Now, browse the location from where you want to import the images and click “OK”.
It will then give you the option to cancel the operation or copy the photos in your library before importing or import the photos directly without copying them into your Ubuntu Library. However, choosing “Copy Photos” is a recommended action.
You can see in the screenshot that the 7 images have been imported.
To open an image, simply double click the image.
In this screenshot, you can see that there are a few different options at the bottom. You can easily edit your photos with the help of a few clicks. For instance, you can correct the red-eye problem with just a single click. Similarly, you can rotate, crop or straighten your images. With Adjustment tool, you can make your photos look cool by adjusting the Exposure, Saturation and Temperature of the images.
On the other hand, you can click the “Enhance” button to enhance your images automatically with just a single click. Here is the output of the image after applying the “Enhance” effect on the image.
Finally, after editing your photo, you can share it easily on your Facebook, Flickr, Picasa Web Albums or Piwigo. To do so, click on “File” then click “Publish” or you can simply press shortcut key “Shift+Ctrl+P”.
Only for the first time, you will have to set up your Facebook account with Shotwell. Click Login and enter your user name and password.
Click “Go to App” and then click “Allow”.
Finally, you will get the options to upload your photo in any existing folder or create a new folder.
So, you can see that unlike the old days, Linux has become an advanced operating system that can be suitable for social network fanatics as well.
All Screenshots by Zealous.Zaryab