Altering LCD brightness and contrast

Discussion in 'all things UNIX' started by Reality, Sep 2, 2016.

  1. Reality

    Reality Registered Member

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2013
    Posts:
    1,198
    OK, so I've been trying out Tails (on USB stick installed from Windows) and I seriously need to alter the screen brightness as it hurts my eyes in low light situations. Is there a way to do this. Im pretty new to linux so assume I need noob instructions.
    Any help greatly appreciated Thx
     
  2. Amanda

    Amanda Registered Member

    Joined:
    Aug 8, 2013
    Posts:
    2,115
    Location:
    Brasil
    Hi,

    Which hardware specifically do you have? GPU, mobo, processor, etc.

    Does the monitor itself has a brightness control?
     
  3. Reality

    Reality Registered Member

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2013
    Posts:
    1,198
    amarildojr, thanks for your response. Of course the monitor has a brightness control (duh). I missed the obvious cuz in windows I've been using the graphics driver to alter it. Still, I'd like to have the same option if possible from Tails. Haven't got that computer on at present so at a rough guess the specs are onboard intel graphics ASUS mobo Core2 duo.
     
  4. XhenEd

    XhenEd Registered Member

    Joined:
    Mar 31, 2014
    Posts:
    536
    Location:
    Philippines
    I suggest f.lux if you're concerned with hurting your eyes when using your computer.
     
  5. Reality

    Reality Registered Member

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2013
    Posts:
    1,198
    XhenEd, thanks. When I got prescription glasses an option was to have a coating stopping the blue light, which I accepted. At the time I also checked out software possibilities and remember f.lux. Great software BUT not fussed on their agreement.

    "The Software may automatically download and install updates from time to time on the device(s) that you have downloaded and installed the Software on. You agree to receive any such updates and any Support and/or updates for the Software that may be made available by Company shall become part of the Software and subject to this Agreement."
     
  6. XhenEd

    XhenEd Registered Member

    Joined:
    Mar 31, 2014
    Posts:
    536
    Location:
    Philippines
    I don't see any problem with that statement. Can you be more specific with your concern?
    I think they just want the user to agree about the possible updates of the software.
     
  7. Reality

    Reality Registered Member

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2013
    Posts:
    1,198
    Sure. I don't like forced automatic updates.
     
  8. Amanda

    Amanda Registered Member

    Joined:
    Aug 8, 2013
    Posts:
    2,115
    Location:
    Brasil
    Does tails come with a program called "xbacklight"?

    xbacklight -set 50
     
    Last edited: Sep 4, 2016
  9. hawki

    hawki Registered Member

    Joined:
    Dec 17, 2008
    Posts:
    6,065
    Location:
    DC Metro Area
    As a last resort a pair of Gunnar Glasses might help (if you don't mind a slight amber tint,which after a while seems neutral). They are akin to the special coating that Reality mentioned in post #5.

    While they are primarily designed to protect your eyes from blue light, they also lower the brightness (white glare) of the monitor as your eyes see it.

    http://www.gunnars.com/how-they-work/?_ga=1.16880826.241131640.1473022966

    They have various styles, but you can get a non-fancy pair for < $55.
     
    Last edited: Sep 4, 2016
  10. Reality

    Reality Registered Member

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2013
    Posts:
    1,198
    Well looks like my CRT finally died, while I was fiddling around swapping the LED and CRT between the 2 computers I'm using. The final Tails wont boot off of the HP (which I installed from with no probs) but will boot off the 2nd computer. Really need to get one of those switches now, but its a bit complex as to what I want. Tails is built on debian. I know ZERO, but I'll go take a look shortly and come back.

    @hawki - are those the ones you can wear for night driving? Thanks for the headsup. Will check these out, but they would have to be something that fits over the top of the glasses I wear. I'm pretty sure you can get clip on thingees.
     
  11. hawki

    hawki Registered Member

    Joined:
    Dec 17, 2008
    Posts:
    6,065
    Location:
    DC Metro Area
    Nope. They are only designed (marketed) for computer monitor viewing. But now that you mention it, they actually may be similar to night driving lenses because of the amber tint (night driving glass lenese range from bright yellow to amber and may be polarized or have an anti-reflective coating.). But the Gunnars are not as heavily tinted as most night driving glasses I have seen.

    I don't think Gunnar makes clip-ons, but they do sell prescription lenses.

    http://www.gunnars.com/rxinfo
     
    Last edited: Sep 4, 2016
  12. Reality

    Reality Registered Member

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2013
    Posts:
    1,198
    hawki, yes the amber tint was where I drew the similarity. My prescriptions have a slight yellowish tint as well though you can also see a bluish reflective coating as well, both depending on the angle you look at them.

    amarildojr, I couldn't find that file. I looked around and all I could come up with was monitor calibration - then I got sidetracked looking at GIMP. 8-0 At this point all I can say is WOW.
     
  13. NormanF

    NormanF Registered Member

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2009
    Posts:
    2,874
    In my experience, I prefer 6500k on my monitor day and night - I like a clear, bright display to view as I have aging eyes.

    In my living space though, 4000k is a compromise - nice cool white light with a just a hint of yellow.
     
  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.