Apps greying out

[Kirk Bridger]

If you're using Compiz (Desktop Effects) then it actually means that the
appliciation has not responded to your actions in a timely manner.  This
might indicate it has crashed.  It might just indicate that the UI is
unresponsive while something is going on behind the scenes.  You can
either let it keep trying by just leaving it alone, or end it as Leigh
suggested.

I see this often when working with network-based data. For example
Rhythmbox often goes gray while it accesses my library on a remote
server because the remote server spun down the drive to reduce power
consumption.  So RB has to wait for the drive to spin up, which takes 5
seconds or so.  Leaving it alone always results in RB displaying the
right info - you just have to be patient.

Basically it's a feedback mechanism - it tells you the app is busy
working, even though nothing in the UI itself is changing.


Kirk



On Tue, 2010-06-15 at 01:40 -0400, Leigh Honeywell wrote:
> On 10-06-14 11:26 PM, Chris wrote:
> > What does it mean when an application grey's out?
> > This has been happening to me more often.
> > Chris.
> 
> It means it's hung / crashed.  Do you have enough memory (RAM)?  If it's 
> frequently Firefox, have a look at the extensions you're using, and 
> consider starting a fresh profile.
> 
> -Leigh
>