If you run a Linux desktop you need to be using conky. It compiles all those shiny gadget you see on other desktops eating system RAM, down to what you need; information on what your system is doing. So try it out, install conky, and then drop this into your home directory as .conkyrc – then run conky. The file is pretty self explanatory, enjoy!
look lout honey, cause I'm using technology
Home