F-Spot 0.8.2

Overview

F-spot is a robust and feature-rich file management utility for the Linux GNOME desktop that is designed to simplify and enhance your digital photography experience by providing a centralized interface through which you can edit, organize, view, and share images.

Installation

Installation and setup is a breeze for anyone that has successfully installed a GNOME package before. The download, installation, and set up process usually takes no more than 3 to 5 minutes, depending on your Internet connection and the speed of the computer you're using.

Interface

The user interface is refreshingly simple, with six menus located at the top of the main window – File, Edit, View, Find, Tags, and Help. The left navigational pane provides access to several default categories, including Favorites, Hidden, People, Places, Events, Other, and Fun Stuff. You also have the option of creating your own new categories. Each picture has a checkbox next to it that makes it easy to perform batch processing, editing, and organization. Below the left navigational pane you'll find the basic properties of the image you're viewing, including the date/time it was created, size, and exposure rate.

Pros

• Lets you easily tag, date, and rate photos to make it easier to find them in the future through the integrated search engine

• Easily import photos and organize them into groups

• Includes an integrated photo editor that lets you add effects

• Search by various criteria, including date, import roll, tag, and rating

• Allows for basic editing such as cropping, rotating, and straightening

• Lets you apply photo effects such as redeye removal and automatic color enhancement

• Several color editing presets choose from, including desaturate, sepia tone, and auto color

• Multiple sharing options to choose from, including CD export, folder export, and upload to the web (includes integration with social networks like Facebook, Flickr, Picasa, SmugMug, Zoomr, and 23HQ)

• Edit photo metadata with ease

• Extension Manager module gives you the ability to take advantage of F-spots open-source functionality, by letting you quickly install and manage plug-ins that enhance the functionality and add new features to software

• Versioning lets you keep track of several editions of the same photograph, so you can refer back to previous versions after you've made a few revisions

• You can easily create slideshows, view images in full-screen, and rotate pictures with a click of the mouse

Cons

• Lacks the advanced features found in more popular photo management suites. However, the basic design is preferred by many that choose simplicity over complex functionality.

Alternatives

While F-spot is perhaps the best match for the GNOME desktop, considering it's seamless integration with the operating system environment, there are several alternative photo management suites that are compatible with multiple operating systems, including Picasa, IrfanView, XnView, and Adobe Photoshop Lightroom (Windows, Mac).

Conclusion

If you're looking for an easy way to import, manage, edit, and share your photographs within the Linux Gnome desktop, F-spot is definitely worth consideration.