Unix geeks everywhere rejoice; GeekTool is now available in the Mac App Store. In case you didn’t know, GeekTool is a very powerful system preferences module that lets you do all sorts of cool things to your Mac’s desktop.
Want a live clock displayed on your Mac’s desktop? How about a weather widget? CPU usage? GeekTool is for you.
GeekTool isn’t for everyone, and if you’re familiar with what Macgasm calls “command-line-fu,” you’ll be able to do all sorts of things to your desktop that you never thought possible.
Features include:
- File plugin to monitor MacOS X activity with /var/log/system.log, or any file that you want to follow.
- Shell mode to launch custom scripts or commands like “df” to check space left on filesystems or “uptime” to monitor load on your machine.
- Finally, image mode helps you monitor bandwidth usage, CPU load, memory availability on your server with tools like MRTG or RRD.
If you’re feeling up to the challenge, GeekTool will take your Mac from a boring Prius to a tricked out Hummer. Download it for free in the Mac App Store.
Alex Heath is a journalist who works for Tech Insider. He’s the former co-host of The CultCast. He has been quoted by the likes of the BBC, KRON 4 News, and books like “ICONIC: A Photographic Tribute to Apple Innovation.” He lives in Lexington, Kentucky. If you want to pitch a story, share a tip, or just get in touch, additional contact information is available on his personal site. Follow him on Twitter.
44 responses to “GeekTool Now Available in the Mac App Store”
That seems awesome. I need to download that tomorrow.
Where did you get that wallpaper (the sand one up top)
im soo lost, can someone link me to a helpful video explaining all this
Useless… who actually has no windows open to contemplate a desktop background clock?
The tool has some fun tweaks, but nothing ground breaking for enhanced productivity imo.
http://fiftyfootshadows.net/20…
i’ve tried using it before it was in the app store, and it pretty much turned my brain to mush. I really like the idea of it, and all the potential, but they don’t seem too concerned about making it understood by the “common man” I was totally lost. I’m going to try again now from the app store and see if they’ve changed it in the past year, but it’s really not very straightforward in my opinion.
How did you use geektool to change your desktop in to the one on top (the sand one)?
maybe you don’t know this but in lion you can actually quickly clear all windows off the desktop with a swipe. There is also the old keyboard shortcut but the wipe essentially gives you a one gesture information about your computer so I’d say that’s quite useful.Â
That’s actually a three part item. First, there’s the back ground. Then there’s the geeklet that portrays the time, ever changing as time often does. Then, on top of that is an image that is JUST the sand dune in the foreground. The time and image are arranged such that the sand is on top.
For beginners: Here is a compendium of “geeklets” that are easily installed. I can’t believe Alex featured this without mentioning geeklets. They make Geektool much more accessible to code virgins. http://www.macosxtips.co.uk/ge…
For beginners: Here is a compendium of “geeklets” that are easily installed. I can’t believe Alex featured this without mentioning geeklets. They make Geektool much more accessible to code virgins. www dot macosxtips dot co dot uk/geeklets/ (filter won’t let me post without killing the url, sorry, replace the “dot” with “.”).
I use a hot corner to access the desktop and a click to get back. Easy and fast.
plzzzz give us a link to the sand wallpaper :)
Plz !!!
http://fiftyfootshadows.net/20… theres a whole PACK of them!!!
For all those looking for the sand wallpaper…http://http://www.tineye.com/search/1984a5bd... Tineye is good for finding similar images.
LOL. I think what Ravendra was asking was, “Would you please provide detailed instruction so that he could recreate that desktop on my machine”.
I do know that, but if you keep folders or files on your desktop, how long will it take to access them and double click them?
Enough time to contemplate the scenery in background?
Thought not…Â
Background wallpapers is just like paint on your bedroom wall, doesn’t do anything for you but an aesthetically enhancement to the environment. And I can do without enhancing my desktop background, thank you sir.
Fair enough, however I was simply trying to explain why some people like to use GeekTool not to change your mind. :)
http://fiftyfootshadows.net/20…
Its alright, I used to be like that too when using linux, but then all the fancy widgets and cpu/memory gadgets didn’t appeal after a while…
I think the whole point of using OSX is a clean, streamlined and work-focused OS that is praised by its simplicity, yet powerful enough for the hardcore users.
:) I guess I am a minimalist lol :P
:) yeah I think you hit the nail right on the head with the linux reference.
The only real use, for a tool like this would be a home server. IMO, everything else can be classed as exactly what the name says and the novelty of it will wear off quite fast.Â
But to be fair, it is possible to get from 0 knowledge and experience with the software to a very usable and pretty state within 30 minutes. The only downside that I can find is the 300+ mb of RAM that this thing uses and yes that is in Lion with the AppStore version …
Beach sand wallpaper and how to guide here, just google “Awesome Clock and Sand Desktop Geektool” and click on the first link. Â enjoy! :)
For those wanting the sand desktop:Â http://desktopspotting.com/25/…
Exactly what i meant! Basically finding good pictures is the trouble.
Tutorial for the white sand desktop setup: Â http://desktopspotting.com/25/…
https://imgur.com/Dhr8J
My attempt at customization