Activity: Tools!

Look at the "Tools" menu. Here are the major groups, you have. (You'll have to be running in the GUI version of XEmacs, to see this.)

Any suggestions, where to start, first?

* Packages
* Internet

* Grep
* Compile
* Debug
* Shell
* Tags

* Calendar
* Games

* VC
* Compare
* Merge
* Apply Patch
* Ediff

* Directory Search
* PCL CVS

Platform: Linux
GlR

Tip: Kill the Split Window

When you start XEmacs from the command line with more than two files. It shows both by creating a split window.

Question: How do I get rid of this splitting?

Answer 1: The keyboard sequence is Ctrl-X, 1.
Answer 2: Menu, View, Un-split option.

Platform: Linux
Level: Basic
GlR

Activity: Running Tutorials

Running tutorials? Why should anyone want to do one?

Well, unless, you really are one of those persons whom memorizes everything, from one reading, and can simply follow what you've read. Learning by trial and error, works for me.

So, if you haven't already. Run throught the tutorial. You already know enough, to load a file, leave the editor (when you want to), and use the mouse to work the menu system. (This is presuming, you are running with a GUI version of XEmacs.

So, go to the Help menu, select the Tutorail item, and pick one for your language. Next, we'll review how the tutorial went. Of course, I can't speak for you (few). However, if I find an ackward part or two. I'll write about it in two days.

Platform: Linux
Level: Basic

GlR

Tip: Delete Leftover Files

Description: After you have left XEmacs. You'll notice some temporary files. (Running ls -ltr, shows them.)

XEmacs style is as such, after editing sample.txt, there might be a #sample.txt# file.

Question: How do I delete this file?

Answer 1: rm -iv \#samp*, the press "y" (for yes) to confirm.
Why the backslash-#? Because pound symbols are metacharacters in the bash shell.

Answer 2: Using a GUI file manager, such a konqueror or nautilus. Left click on the file, get the popup menu to appear, select the delete (or move to trash) menu option, and select it. Probably, a confirm to really do this, will occur.

Platform: Linux
Level: Basic
GlR

About: Start-up Time

There are two basic points, I would like to cover.

(1) Why would (or should) a new user, use or learn XEmacs?

* Known problem issues in learning XEmacs.
(1) Learning the ackward keyword control sequences.
(2) Understanding the "meta key" business, besides control and shift.
(3) Why does it start-up, so slow?

Also, XEmacs isn't just for Linux people. It blows Notepad away. Except for the usage of control keys. It is a very direct editing text editor.

My motive in sharing XEmacs skills with you. Isn't just about text editing. XEmacs is such a powerful editor. It has many non-text related features. (Shows a calendar, can check your email, and so on.) Besides, you can customize it and change it, too!

In response to question 3. There is a lot of power under the hood. Yes, start-up time can be lengthy. However, if you simply run it all the time. Then, the performance hit should be less, for new file edits.

Yes, learning the keyboard sequences is the hardest thing. Although, there is an excellant menu system and "sometimes." It is seems only possible to find the magic command (or option), in the menus. Once, you know the keyboard workings. It isn't so bad. (Plus, you can even change this. If you want? However, I won't be covering that for a few months.)

Lastly, about the keyboard sequences. It is a rather long topic. Once, I have prepared a straighter list, for you. I'll place parts of it, here. Then, we can all go with it.

GlR

PS. XEmacs has an excellent tutorial in the editor. Enter the "help" menu, select the "tutorial" option.

Tip: Quit XEmacs

Question: How do you exit XEmacs?

Answer 1: Using the menu (by mouse). Select File, then Exit.
Answer 2: Keyboard: Ctrl-x, Ctrl-c.

• Here is one of the ackward parts of XEmacs. If you have changed the file, in any way? It will ask you three questions.

  1. "Do you want to save the file". You say "n". (for no)
  2. Then, "Modified buffers exist. Do you want to leave anyway?" You say "yes".
  3. Then, application ends.
  
  
  1. Or "Do you want to save the file". You say "y". (for yes)
  2. Then, application ends, unless there are more buffers (loaded files) to prompt caution about.

Platform: Linux
Level: Basic

GlR

Freemind: Mind Maps

• What is Freemind? A valuable mapping diagram tool and free software. It has many uses. Which ever maps, problems, documents, or ideas (to map); you could care to apply it to.

• Why am I using it on Nullx?

• It'll add value by allowing you quicker access to these tips. Based on your proficiency, XEmacs user preference, or anything else. I can dream up. (Feel free to suggest other organization patterns. If you have a good suggestion.)

• Also, it will provide one of the two forms of my TOC (table of contents), of Nullx. Grant it, Freemind requires Java to run. however, it runs very well, on Linux, Windows, Mac OS X, and even FreeBSD. What else can you ask for? Besides, just being free!

• Where can I get it? Simply, go to Freemind's web site, in the links on the left. All instructions are there.

• Otherwise, my Mega-Nullx map is here.
• Starting User mind map, here.
  
• Layman mind map, here.
  

• If you don't have Java capability. The MediaBin Wiki has the page for a pure HTML TOC page, also.
  

GlR

Tip: Save File + Disclaimer

What follows is a necessary evil, of how things are today.

Anyhow. Bear in mind, I only provide you with tips here. It is up to you, to ensure you understand. What you are doing. Plus, I will not send you emails. Nor do I want to know, anyone's email address.

This is a disclaimer entry. So, no guarantee, promise, or implied warranty of liability to your computer or files.

i.e. If you don't have enough common sense, to use your computer correctly. Then, perhaps, you should go back to pen and paper.

Harsh words. But, we all need to learn new things & do it, quickly. Enough said, here is the next tip.

• How to Save a file.

Answer 1: Using the menu (by mouse). Select File, then Save.

Answer 2: Keyboard: Ctrl-x, Ctrl-s.

Platform: Linux
Level: Basic
GlR

Availability

Where do you get XEmacs? What if you run on Windows? Or lucky enough to work with Linux.

Easy answer, if you have Linux or running on a Linux server. It should already be installed. Otherwise, your local Sys Admin shouldn't have a problem installing it, for you.

The home page for XEmacs is? XEmacs Home Page
Download Page

XEmacs Version: 21.4 (part 13?) (Ignore the patch number, for now. This is very current.)

For the impatient. If you really want to see. What is there for XEmacs. Click Here

GlR

Blog Licensing

Yes, there is a license to the contents on this blog.

I chose the Creative Commons license, at the bottom. This really is meant, to be a publicly available and shared resource. However, so we all know. What to expect, in the future. Best to have a license.

Essentially, this might become interesting material for a writing project, of mine. So, I need to place some terms, on it. Namely, no one can use my text (/ efforts) for commercial gain. Also, when others decide to contibute material. I have no qualms against this either. I will grant, the terms. If you place material on here. I cannot use it for commercial reasons, either. (Unless, you agree to allow it.) As appropriate, everyone will certainly be credited.

However, please understand. Everything is just a matter of perspective. If someone goes and mirrors my blog, with another editor. I guess, there is not too much, I could do? Anyhow. (Don't presume, I won't come after you though!)

Otherwise, enjoy the blog. I hope, in time, this will grow to be a valuable (free) Internet resource.

Glen Ritchie

Tip: Open File

Question: How do you open a file with Xemacs?

Answer 1: Using the menu (by mouse). Select File, then Open.

• Details: Then, using the mouse, find your file in the explorer window. Click it and highlight the name. Then, click the Ok button.

Answer 2: Or simply by files named on command line, when opening.
Answer 3: Keyboard: Ctrl-x, Ctrl-f.

• Details: You'll have to type the name of the file. Then, hit Enter key.

Level: Basic
GlR

Delayed Launch

Due to factors, out of my control,

The launch has been delayed to May 6th. (Latest at May 8th). 2005

One Linux system & my only Windows computer - both had to be re-installed. One a motherboard issue. The other, crashed partitions & massive data loss. (Perhaps, the hard drive.)

Plus, (perhaps?) before the launch, I'll need to post some rules, define the format, update the Grin Tool site section (supporting Nullx), and "see if?," I can work-up a varying template of Nullx. Interesting stuff. (Plus, a few words about licensing & public expectation - Creative Commons license seems the best, for everyone.)

GlR