One of my favorite features of Windows 7 is Aero Snap. It allows users to resize and organize windows by dragging them to different edges of the screen. Fortunately, the same feature exists in Ubuntu as a customizable keyboard shortcut.

The first step is to install the CompizConfig Settings Manager. To do this, enter the following command in the terminal:

sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager

Next, open the application by going to System → Preference → CompizConfig Settings Manager.

Scroll down to Window Management section and click on the Grid icon. On the Bindings tab, choose the keyboard shortcuts for each action. Be sure to check the Enable Grid box!

This feature should make it easier to manage multiple windows, especially when all of the windows need to share screen real estate.

Today Kristen and I ran in the first annual “Run Like a Maniac” Dam Fun Run in Orofino.

The course was an out-and-back 5k that featured a killer hill at the halfway point. The organizers got special permission from the Army Corps of Engineers to let us run over the top of the Dworshak Dam, which was quite a feat in this era of terrorism and Homeland Security. The weather was cool and drizzly, perfect conditions for a race. Around 100 people participated, which seems like a pretty good turnout for an inaugural race.

We had lots of fun! You can see pictures on KylanAndKristen.com.

We made a new friend while we were visiting La Conner.

Things have been quiet on this blog recently, mostly because I’ve been hard at work on my Master’s thesis. Today’s news is that my defense is now scheduled for April 15th at 4PM on the WSU campus. If you’d like to see a presentation about the work I’ve been doing, feel free to come watch. I’ll post more details later.

The choice of a defense date firms up my schedule for the next few weeks. Here are the important milestones:

• March 25th – distribute the first draft to the committee
• April 1st – submit the second draft to the graduate school
• April 8th – deliver the final draft to the department
• April 15th, 4PM – present and defend
• April 22nd – submit the final version