Posting to Identi.ca From Ubuntu 8.04 Using Gwibber Client

Instructions are available on the Internet on how to download and install Gwibber microblogging client(twitter/identica/etc.) on a Debian-based operating system. The Gwibber page on Ubuntu Wiki, for example, has a really long/detailed procedure to install it; below I have documented the quick and dirty procedure that has worked for me to install Gwibber on Ubuntu Hardy Heron distribution(it should work on other Debian-based GNU/Linux distributions with little modifications).

Quickets and dirtiest way:

Go to Accounts -> Create to add your microblogging/social networking account details.

Gwibber Webkit Branch:

Guys on Identi.ca have been recommending installing the webkit branch of Gwibber, so below is a bit longer procedure to get this version of Gwibber installed.

1. Install the Gwibber pre-requisites. Run the following command in a shell:
   # sudo apt-get install bzr python-cairo-dev python-simplejson
2. Checkout the webkit branch of Gwibber source code on your machine:
   # cd $HOME
   # sudo bzr branch lp:~segphault/gwibber/webkitui
3. Change the directory and run the Gwibber client:
   # cd webkitgui
   # ./run
4. If all goes well, install it:
   # sudo python setup.py install

Go to Accounts -> Create to add your microblogging/social networking account details.

Some Gwibber Tips:

• You can run Gwibber any time by pressing ALT-2 key and entering “gwibber” as command.
• If you want to create a desktop shorcut, right-click on the desktop, click on “Create Launcher…” and enter “gwibber” in the command field.
• If you want to see Gwibber in the desktop panel/tray, select the “Tray Icon” option from View menu.

Screenshots:

Here are a couple of screenshots of Gwibber connected to the Identi.ca microblog.