Linux - Zorin OS
Derek Smith • 27 December 2020
Linux
I’ve been using Linux on computers on, and off since 2002, admittedly more off, than on, as generally I prefer to use Apple Mac OS, or Windows 10.
Linux is “open source”, free to use, and will often work well on far older computers that are usually operating Windows Vista, XP, or even Windows 7, the drivers are often not available for these computers to upgrade to Windows 10, preferring for the consumer to purchase a new computer instead.
My first experience with Linux began in 2002 with the purchase of a digital camera, installing the camera drivers onto the Windows 98 SE computer was simple enough, but when the camera was connected the computer froze completely. I installed Red Hat Linux alongside the Windows installation, and the camera photos downloaded to the Red Hat Linux without any issues.
In the past I’ve tended to use a version of Linux, (SuSe, Ubuntu, Mint, and Fedora) on various low specification computers with varying degrees of success, Linux is constantly evolving and improving, and often installs onto a new computer within 30 minutes, and that is the complete operating system and all the included software. I tend to test the suitability of a particular Linux distribution by running a YouTube video, this will test the internet connection, the graphics card, and the sound card.
Recently I purchased a Lenovo S130 laptop, with a 32Gb flash drive, a 11.5” screen, and Windows 10 preinstalled, initially the laptop ran very well, and I was able to run the Firefox browser, Affinity, and the FastStone image viewer, overtime though with every Windows 10 update, the laptop has becoming so short on memory to the point that the laptop was unable to update any more, even with all of the software uninstalled.
After reading several favourable reviews of the Linux Zorin Lite OS, I’ve installed Zorin onto the laptop, over writing the Window installation, the Linux operating system is far faster on the laptop and only consumes 10Gb of disc space.
The Achilles heel of any Linux operating system is that it is unable to run proprietary software, so no Microsoft Office, Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, Serif Affinity, or Luminar photo editing suites. On a positive note alternative software coded specifically for Linux is plentiful, and free to use, the Firefox internet browser works very well, I use the Mozilla Firefox sync option and all of my passwords, and bookmarks synchronise across my Mac Mini, Windows 10, and now Zorin OS. OpenOffice / LibreOffice is a viable replacement for the Microsoft Office suite. As an email client Thunderbird, and Evolution work well, but I’m using Mailspring which I quite like. I downloaded the Ubuntu / .deb version of Zoom, from the Zoom website, and that works without any glitches.
Now this is where things get interesting for photographers requiring to import, and edit photos in Linux. An application called Shotwell is normally installed with Zorin OS, and the application is reasonable, importing, and filing the images, as well as providing basic editing functions. However, when editing of RAW images is required The Gimp, RawTherapee, and Darktable are perfectly functional. For my purposes Darktable is perhaps the best option, offering non-destructive editing, several masking options, and a method of organising workflow. The RAW image is imported into the lighttable view, and editing is undertaken in the darkroom view using a base tone curve, a “filmic” tone curve is also available to boost the mid tones which I’m keen to try.
The Darktable application is free to use, and is also available to download for Windows, and Mac OS, learning to use the software is aided by a useful manual, and YouTube videos, perhaps try Darktable on your computer, remember it’s free to download, and use, and if enough members like the editing suite perhaps I could run a Zoom tuition session.
So, with Zorin OS Linux I’ve been able to make an inexpensive Lenovo notebook usable again, it may also bring an otherwise redundant computer that you own back to life again.
It may seem an unusual topic to have a blog about the Linux computer operating system on a photography blog page, but as our computers have now become our digital darkrooms for photographers all will become clear as you read on.
I’ve been using Linux on computers on, and off since 2002, admittedly more off, than on, as generally I prefer to use Apple Mac OS, or Windows 10.
Linux is “open source”, free to use, and will often work well on far older computers that are usually operating Windows Vista, XP, or even Windows 7, the drivers are often not available for these computers to upgrade to Windows 10, preferring for the consumer to purchase a new computer instead.
My first experience with Linux began in 2002 with the purchase of a digital camera, installing the camera drivers onto the Windows 98 SE computer was simple enough, but when the camera was connected the computer froze completely. I installed Red Hat Linux alongside the Windows installation, and the camera photos downloaded to the Red Hat Linux without any issues.
In the past I’ve tended to use a version of Linux, (SuSe, Ubuntu, Mint, and Fedora) on various low specification computers with varying degrees of success, Linux is constantly evolving and improving, and often installs onto a new computer within 30 minutes, and that is the complete operating system and all the included software. I tend to test the suitability of a particular Linux distribution by running a YouTube video, this will test the internet connection, the graphics card, and the sound card.
Recently I purchased a Lenovo S130 laptop, with a 32Gb flash drive, a 11.5” screen, and Windows 10 preinstalled, initially the laptop ran very well, and I was able to run the Firefox browser, Affinity, and the FastStone image viewer, overtime though with every Windows 10 update, the laptop has becoming so short on memory to the point that the laptop was unable to update any more, even with all of the software uninstalled.
After reading several favourable reviews of the Linux Zorin Lite OS, I’ve installed Zorin onto the laptop, over writing the Window installation, the Linux operating system is far faster on the laptop and only consumes 10Gb of disc space.
The Achilles heel of any Linux operating system is that it is unable to run proprietary software, so no Microsoft Office, Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, Serif Affinity, or Luminar photo editing suites. On a positive note alternative software coded specifically for Linux is plentiful, and free to use, the Firefox internet browser works very well, I use the Mozilla Firefox sync option and all of my passwords, and bookmarks synchronise across my Mac Mini, Windows 10, and now Zorin OS. OpenOffice / LibreOffice is a viable replacement for the Microsoft Office suite. As an email client Thunderbird, and Evolution work well, but I’m using Mailspring which I quite like. I downloaded the Ubuntu / .deb version of Zoom, from the Zoom website, and that works without any glitches.
Now this is where things get interesting for photographers requiring to import, and edit photos in Linux. An application called Shotwell is normally installed with Zorin OS, and the application is reasonable, importing, and filing the images, as well as providing basic editing functions. However, when editing of RAW images is required The Gimp, RawTherapee, and Darktable are perfectly functional. For my purposes Darktable is perhaps the best option, offering non-destructive editing, several masking options, and a method of organising workflow. The RAW image is imported into the lighttable view, and editing is undertaken in the darkroom view using a base tone curve, a “filmic” tone curve is also available to boost the mid tones which I’m keen to try.
The Darktable application is free to use, and is also available to download for Windows, and Mac OS, learning to use the software is aided by a useful manual, and YouTube videos, perhaps try Darktable on your computer, remember it’s free to download, and use, and if enough members like the editing suite perhaps I could run a Zoom tuition session.
So, with Zorin OS Linux I’ve been able to make an inexpensive Lenovo notebook usable again, it may also bring an otherwise redundant computer that you own back to life again.
Zorin OS Desktop
Photo By: Derek Smith
Lighttable View
Photo By: Derek Smith
Darktable Edit Mode
Photo By: Derek Smith
Bokeh Test Shot
Photo By: Derek Smith
Louth Photographic Society
Our print competition with the categories of “Britain's Coastline”, and “Open” was held last night. Gail Wrigg, the LPA President, was the judge for the evening, and there were some stunning prints submitted into the competition to review. The images were judged fairly, majoring on the technical imperfections of the images, depth of focus, composition, elements within an image that could have been removed, and improved cropping of an image. Gail always connects with the audience with her critique of the submitted competition entries. It's surprising how the print medium looks, and feels so different from an image viewed on a screen, just very alive, and tactile. The competition results have been updated on the Competition page of our website.
Good Morning All, I visited Welton-Le-Wold nature reserve the other evening, a bit like a small Red Hill, there were a lot more wildflowers there than Red Hill but again not many insects, it may be better in the daytime? It is only about two miles from Louth as well. Last week was the LPA battle at Scunthorpe, only Dave Turner went taking our prints with him, not a good result for Louth, 1st Grimsby 258, 2nd Scunthorpe 245 and 3rd Louth 236, quite a difference from the first round but that's LPA battles. The next round is at Cleethorpes, it would be good if a few more members could attend. It will soon be our annual dinner at the Splash, any more deposits this week please and menu choices by midnight Wednesday please, otherwise you may go hungry. This week, Wednesday 18th June, we hold our monthly print competition, with the categories of “Britain's Coastline” and “Open” there has been a good entry so should be a good night. Regards Graham
Good Morning All Last week we visited Red Hill nature reserve, a very good turnout, but the wildlife didn't seem to know we were going, it's quite worrying though the lack of any butterflies or any other insects of any sorts. Hopefully we all got some photographs before we visited the Three horseshoes at Goulceby. I did photograph an unusual caterpillar but couldn't manage to identify it? This week we are away in the LPA Battles at Scunthorpe, for anyone planning to attend it is at the Pavilion, Bramley Crescent, Bottesford DN16 35N this Wednesday 11th at 7.30pm. I don't think I will make it due to work but hopefully some members will attend. There will be no meeting at Louth this week as members will be a way at Scunthorpe. The following week, Wednesday 18th June, we are holding the monthly print competition, if you can email your titles to Dave Turner by midnight Wednesday 11th if you have not already and bring your prints in on the night by 7 pm as no one is there to collect them this week. There are still a few deposits for the meal to come in yet, but in two week's time will be ok. If you can send your menu choices to me if you are attending by midnight 0n the 18th June please, as they need typing out and sending to the Splash two weeks in advance. Well, I think that's all, Regards Graham
When you use a digital camera for the first time it’s tempting to shoot in fully “Auto” mode, however if you continue using this mode you will be missing out on the full functionality, and capability of your camera. What I would suggest is to use one of the other modes, most photographers use the semi-automatic “Aperture Priority”, denoted by the A or Av on the mode dial, this is not as daunting as it may at first sound. There are 3 variables to obtain a properly exposed photograph, aperture, the lens opening letting the light onto the camera sensor, shutter speed, a slow 1/60 sec shutter speed allows a greater amount of light to reach the sensor than 1/250 second, and ISO, which adjusts the sensitivity of the sensor to light. Using “Aperture Priority” mode (A or Av) allows the photographer to take control over the camera settings for improved photos, and greater creative control. Switch to "Aperture Priority" mode and use the dial, or touchscreen to vary the lens opening size, displayed as an "F" number in the viewfinder or rear screen. A lower F number allows a greater amount of light to reach the sensor, reducing depth of field. A higher F number increases depth of field. To put this into perspective, I like to think of the aperture values in terms of bands: – f/1.2 – f/4 for portraits, or subject isolation, with a narrow “depth of field” f/4 – f/7.1 for wildlife, and architecture photos f/7.1 – f/16 produces great landscape images with a large “depth of field” ensuring the photo is sharp from the foreground to the distant background. These aperture values are not meant to be arbitrary, but rather to provide some guidance, the “depth of field” will vary depending on the focal length of the lens, the size of the sensor, and the distance of the photographer to the subject. The ISO value can be set to Auto ISO, or fixed at a set value, if the shutter speed drops below 1/60, the image may become “soft” the ISO can be increased to raise the shutter speed, thus ensuring a sharper image. The two images of Filey crazy golf course demonstrate the advantage of choosing an “Aperture Priority” over “Auto” mode. With the camera in “Auto” mode an aperture of f/4.5 was chosen by the camera, and the foreground rock becomes soft. Selecting “Aperture Priority”, and choosing f/8, the image is now sharp from the foreground to the background.
At Red Hill nature reserve last night members had the opportunity to practice their macro skills. The evening was bright, but with a chilly wind, both of which made macro photography fairly challenging. Macro photography needs patience and a wealth of subjects, we didn’t see any butterflies, only a couple of grasshoppers, and a ladybird. In the wildflower meadow the orchids hadn’t grown fully yet, there was plenty of Birds Foot Trefoil around, I managed to get a reasonable shot of a grasshopper, and a grass seed head, which are posted on here. It was good to see so many members attending; it was a chance to get down to ground level and see the beauty of macro / close up photography.
Good Morning All Bank Holiday Monday I went to Chambers wood in search of the Marsh Fritillary, a butterfly I had never seen before, it must have been a good year for them as there were quite a lot of them about in the meadows. Last week at the club we concentrated on macro and close up photography, showing a DVD the first half which should have given us all the technical knowledge we will need for this weeks outing to Red Hill. The second half Derek demonstrated with the help of his carved owl some of the things that had been shown in the DVD. You can go to Red Hill earlier if you like but if we say meet for 6.30pm at the reserve and I have checked the website for The Three Horseshoes at Goulceby and it says it is open until 10pm, so that's refreshments sorted. Red Hill is just over 8 miles from Louth, on the Wolds near Stenigot, the nearest postcode is LN11 9UE and a map is on the Lincolnshire wildlife trust's website. I will have my phone in case you get lost, but I can't guarantee a signal out there ( 07884316994 ). To find Red Hill if you head for Goulceby from Louth by going past the top end of Hubbards Hills you should find it ok. The following week we are away at Scunthorpe for round two of the LPA battles, more info next week for members who are planning to attend. Regards Graham
At our meeting last night an instructional DVD on “Macro Photography” was shown. The DVD material was quite detailed, very interesting, with lots of facts, and figures to consider. After the break, I attempted to unpack some of that detail with a practical demonstration using my own camera, (the OM Systems OM-1) a set of extension tubes, an LED light, and an on-camera flash. There’s lots to consider when beginning with macro photography, first of which I would say is get to know your camera, being able to adjust aperture, ISO, and watching the shutter speed if shooting in Aperture Priority mode to optimise exposure, and detail. Next, lens choice, select a lens with the closest focusing distance, if you have a dedicated macro lens then use that, otherwise a set of extension tubes may bring your camera closer to your subject. Choosing a subject, and lighting the subject with a LED light, or a camera flash speedlight will yield improved results. Don’t be afraid to experiment with settings, only by continual practice will the best images in this incredible genre, that is macro photography be realised, above all have fun. We meet at Red Hill Nature Reserve, Goulceby next week, Wednesday 4th June, to hopefully capture some amazing macro photography.
Good Morning all What a good night we had last Wednesday in the LPA Battle against Lincoln. We managed three twenties and overall won by twenty points, the second best score in the first round overall only bettered by Scunthorpe who we meet next. This week, Wednesday 28th May we are showing a DVD, "The Essential Guide to Close-up and Macro Photography". I was asked if I could get a speaker on the subject but there didn't seem to be any so a DVD should be a good substitute. We have a print competition coming up, with the categories of "Britain's Coastline" and "Open", it covers a very large area including all the islands. Due to outings and the LPA Battles it will not be easy getting our prints to Dave, so you can bring them this Wednesday or send an email with your entries to Dave as usual and bring them on the night if you don't see Dave beforehand. If you do this, you must send the titles to Dave to get on the scoresheet. I have confirmed our booking at the Splash on 4th July as I had twenty members and partners replying indicating they would be attending. I have paid the deposit so if you could give me £5 per person deposit when you next see me. They have also asked us to have menu choices decided two weeks before we go. Regards Graham
On Wednesday 28th May, the Society will be showing a DVD that hopefully will give advice on techniques, and skills for “Macro Photography”. The following Wednesday we will meet up at Red Hill to practice those skills, and techniques. So, what is “Macro Photography”? Wikipedia gives the following definition: "Macro photography is extreme close-up photography, usually of very small subjects and living organisms like insects, in which the size of the subject in the photograph is greater than life-size." To photograph small insects, or flowers larger than life-size a photographer will need to have a lens suitable for the purpose, a dedicated macro lens, a close focusing telephoto zoom lens, or the least expensive option is a set of extension tubes. With my Fuji camera system I used a 70-300mm zoom lens to capture these images, now that I am using the Olympus / OM System cameras I can buy a dedicated macro lens for about £400, however rather than spending a lot of money, I have opted to purchase a set of extension tubes, for £33, the tubes fit between the camera body and the lens enabling closer focusing to the subject. One of my techniques for close focusing is to obtain focus, either with auto focus, or manual focus, and gently rock back, and forward to fine tune the focus. A camera flash, or a portable LED light can also be used to highlight the subject.
Good Morning All Last week at the club we held our monthly PDI competition, with the categories of "Seasons" and "Open" judged by a new judge to the LPA, Dane Butler. There is a report on the evening on our blog and all the results are on our website under competitions. Well done to Steve Chapman who came first in both subjects. This week, Wednesday 21st May, we host Lincoln in the first round of the print LPA Battles judged by Brian Grommett. Don't forget, subs are now due, also keep going on your project, prime time if you are taking part. Regards Graham
