Get your Tron fix on Ubuntu

Interested in Tron? Ubuntu has loads of Tron based games on offer. Simply search for them in the Ubuntu Software Center and install. Most of these games are really low sized ones, so downloading them wont take much of your time.

The best of the lot is of course, Armagetron Advanced, which is also listed in the featured section of Ubuntu Software Center. Here's a screenshot of the actual game:

The game is around 2.7MB, so you dont have to worry about downloading large files.

The gameplay is decent and is definitely worth a try. Its in the Ubuntu Software Center. Have a go!

A few tricks to maximize screen space

Here are a few short tricks for you to try out. These will help you maximize your screen space on Ubuntu.

Erm...what exactly do i mean? Well, how about you got rid of the bottom panel (if you're using some kind of dock you probably would have deleted it already but in case you havent then give it a try.

What else? You could try playing with the panel properties. Right click on the panel (top or bottom) and go to Properties. Select between Expand, Autohide and Show hide buttons (you can actually get the entire panel disappear, not deleted mind you, with that Show hide buttons option). Check out the following images to see the results:

Play around with these. The effects are breathtakingly cool!

Super Mario anyone?

Tired of playing the same old games in Ubuntu? Its quite a myth that Ubuntu doesnt have interesting games. Take a look at these really interesting, albeit highly addictive games already there in the Ubuntu Software Center.

1. Super Tux - Remember Mario? Yea the one which required you to insert a cartridge on a really (then) classy looking video game "console". Super Tux is Super Mario with Tux replacing Mario as the protagonist. The nooks and crannies and the hidden secrets remain largely the same. Anyone familiar with the old game will feel completely at ease instantly.

2. Super Tux 2 - This is another instalment of Super Tux. Brilliantly created and immensely addictive this game quite. Best of all this game has the add ons feature which basically allows you to add various levels to the game which the developer releases.

3. Extreme Tux Racer -  Extreme Tux racer is a racing game with Tux (you're on Linux, who else did you expect in the driver's seat?) in it.

The amazing gameplay of these games make them quite brilliant. It would be a huge miss if you didnt play these on Ubuntu. Every single game listed here is available in the Ubuntu Software Center. Simply search by using the name of the game and download!

Happy gaming!

Illumination Software Creator

No sooner did Ubuntu allow paid apps to appear on the Ubuntu Software Center than apps started pouring in! The new really cool software which I'm going to mention here is called Illumination Software Creator.

Its a one of a kind application in that it allows users to "create" applications not just for Ubuntu (Python/GTK Desktop apps) but also for Maemo (Nokia N900), Android as well as Adobe Flash ones. And the clincher? Well, here's the thing, you dont need to write a single line of code to create the softwares!

Here's what the description of Illumination Software Creator reads on the Ubuntu Software Center:

The idea is simple: Arrange colorful building blocks of functionality however you like to create your own, unique, piece of software. No reading large computer programming books. No steep learning curve.

Installation:

As I mentioned earlier, its a paid app. Its $39.85 for he full version. If you want to try out the demo version, for free of course, you can get it from the official website here.

Paid Softwares start to appear on Ubuntu Software Center

Its more of a taste of things to come. Paid softwares have started to appear on Ubuntu Software Center. The only one currently in the Ubuntu Software Center is World of Goo. This is one incredibly popular game and has quite taken the Linux world, which is mostly devoid of path breaking games, by storm.

Description:

The Wikipedia page of World of Goo reads:

World of Goo is a physics-based puzzle game by 2D Boy, an independent game developer consisting of Kyle Gabler and Ron Carmel, both former Electronic Arts employees, released for Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, and WiiWare. It was nominated for the Seumas McNally grand prize, Design Innovation Award, and Technical Excellence at the Independent Games Festival.

Installation:

The game costs $19.95 on the Ubuntu Software Center. Although this is not a free game, there is a demo of World of Goo which can be found here. The demo is, of course, free. So if want to make sure that you're spending money for the right game, do download the demo and try.

Upon clicking the "Buy" button (which has replaced the "Install" button for this game) on the Ubuntu Software Center, you'll led to your Ubuntu account page where after signing in, the payment gateway will be seen. Thereafter its pretty simple.

FocusWriter

Remember the much loved text editor WriteMonkey? Well if you've grown tired of running it using Wine, here's a Linux version which is more or less similar to WriteMonkey.

Its called FocusWriter and its got the same distraction free screen as WriteMonkey. The same typewriter sounds and the same flawless architecture.

Here's a screenshot:

How to install:

First you need to add the official repository. To do that add the following line to the Software Sources (if you need help adding repositories please check out this page: http://explore-ubuntu.blogspot.com/2010/04/adding-repositories.html)

ppa:gottcode/gcppa

Finally go to the Terminal and type the following:

sudo apt-get install focuswriter

Thats all. It should be available from the Office menu of the Ubuntu menu bar.

Install Sun Java for Ubuntu

Ubuntu 10.04, by default, installs the open source version of Java OpenJDK. However many users would want to switch to the standard version of Java from Sun. So, these are the following steps to install Sun Java for Ubuntu:

Go to System>Administration>Software Sources and add the following repository:

deb http://archive.canonical.com/ lucid partner

(If you're unsure about how to add repositories, take a look here for a detailed explanation with screenshots: http://explore-ubuntu.blogspot.com/2010/04/adding-repositories.html)

Finally go to Accessories>Terminal and type the following:

sudo apt-get update

And the following to finish the installation:

sudo apt-get install sun-java6-jre sun-java6-plugin sun-java6-fonts

Histwi

Okay I agree the name does seem odd. But the application isnt.

Histwi is a twitter management application allowing you to:

• Download and save all your Tweets to Database.
• View and export all saved tweets to html or txt file.
• Compare your Following to Followers.
• Follow/Unfollow any your friends.
• Tracking new followers and unfollowers.
• Advanced Twitter Search.
• Managing multiple Twitter account

How to install:

Ubuntu 9.10 (Karmic) and later:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:nikolay-blohin/histwi

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install histwi

For older version Ubuntu your can make it manually by copying the lines below and adding them to your system's software sources:

deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/nikolay-blohin/histwi/ubuntu karmic main

Thats it!

Source: http://originalcoding.com/histwi/ (Launchpad Link: https://launchpad.net/histwi/)

Ubuntu alternatives to Windows Softwares

Lucid Lynx 10.04 has attracted a lot of attention. And frankly, a large number of new users are now part of the Ubuntu fraternity. A hearty welcome to all of the new converts.

This particular post is especially for the new users who might struggle to find the Ubuntu counterparts of Windows softwares. The list is only indicative and not in any way all inclusive, since in the open source field, its virtually impossible to keep a tab on development of every single project out of the billions being currently worked on.

1. Media Player - Totem (installed by default) is pretty awesome and plays nearly all formats especially once the Ubuntu Restricted Extras package has been installed (do go through this post: www.explore-ubuntu.blogspot.com/2009/11/install-restricted-extras-for-ubuntu.html to find out more about how to install this essential package). Of course, if you need to play around a bit more, VLC Media Player, available in the Ubuntu Software Center is a safe bet.

2. Music Application - A dedicated music application is always better than an all inclusive media player. Rhythmbox (installed by default) is definitely my favourite. However if you're on the adventurous side, you might want to try out Amarok, Banshee and Kaffeine.

3. Burning Software - Although Brasero installed by default does a pretty good job and is very easy to use, its a fact that it lacks a lot of features (verification of discs being one of them). My personal recommendation would be K3b (available in the Ubuntu Software Center) which works like magic. It might not be that user-friendly but once you get the hang of it, you will find it very difficult to switch to another burning tool. Another application which is quite good is GNOME-Baker (available in the Ubuntu Software Center).

4. Video Converter - For this there are many options, I prefer to use DeVeDe (available in the Ubuntu Software Center). Other options include Avidemux, Handbrake, WinFF (all available in the Ubuntu Software Center). However when it comes to video conversion I would recommend a trial and error approach.

Do give these softwares a try and let me know what you like best.

Ubuntu 10.04 ... afterthoughts

For a change this isnt a tutorial of some sort. This is what I think about Ubuntu 10.04.

So, after a long wait, 10.04 released yesterday. Great news for all Ubuntu users this, because frankly this is the best Ubuntu release as yet. Not only did it trend on twitter, it trended more than Steve Jobs! :P

Anyway, the thing is, this is a giant leap for Linux. Ubuntu has now entered a territory where its become a really user friendly OS, not to mention the fact that, its dispelling a myth about Linux distros, the myth that all Linux distros are about geeks and nerds. Some might find this not a pleasing trend, but frankly, this can only mean bigger and better things. To be honest, I dont see Linux becoming a common man's OS unless it manages to draw the required attention. Making Ubuntu (since its already the most popular Linux distro) reach the forefront is just the first step in achieving that titanic feat.

So what has changed in 10.04? Well for starters its a lot more user-friendly. Its more social networking friendly, with custom applets etc. It supports a greater number of hardware and provides updates and support for a greater number of apps. Its definitely faster, although how-fast would depend on the user. But in short, its definitely faster than 9.10 (the previous release). The interface has changed completely and in my opinion, its gotten really slick! After the 9.10 release, there was a general outcry among users to stablise the next release. That has been done and more!

Before I conclude I would like to mention a few things. There were a few changes made earlier (changing of default search engine from Google to Yahoo! which has been 'undone' now, and the moving buttons to the left fiasco) which made me question Ubuntu's originality. Especially since Ubuntu is increasingly resembling the OSX. I hope my doubts are found to be untrue in the future. Ubuntu should progress and become popular but it should have its own identity as well.

Ubuntu 10.04 Released

After a long long wait, Ubuntu 10.04 unveiled itself infront of us. This is the download link: http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download

Personally though I would suggest and request that you download via a torrent. That way you would be downloading faster (as currently the seeds are exceptional), you wouldnt clog the servers and you would be helping other download Ubuntu.

Its the big day

Its indeed the big day. Ubuntu 10.04 Lucid Lynx LTS will be released today amidst much fanfare and hype. I am a self confessed Ubuntu fan and like everyone else, I'm very excited about this release. 10.04 marks a paradigm change for Ubuntu as a brand as well as for the user interface of this most popular Linux OS. Although some of the changes havent been welcome, the positives have far overridden them.

Okay, now for some real insight. Frankly speaking 9.10 was very buggy when it came out. And some of the bugs even persist to this day. I hope Ubuntu 10.04 doesnt tread that path and consolidates Ubuntu's name as a stable user friendly OS. A lot has already been said about the release hence it would be boring for you, the reader, to go through all that if I were to repeat those.

Finally, these are instructions about the download:

How to Download:

Go to www.ubuntu.com and download the appropriate file. It will be a .iso file. Then burn it to a CD.

How to Install:

A detailed step by step pictorial (with screenshots) illustration of the entire installation procedure has been provided in the following link:

http://explore-ubuntu.blogspot.com/2010/03/ubuntu-1004-beta1-closer-look.html

ImageShack Uploader

ImageShack Uploader is a software which helps you upload images to www.imageshack.us. Only that now you can do so, from the comfort of your desktop without having to even open your browser.

Its really a cool app. Unfortunately there's no 64 bit version of the app for Linux. Fortunately though, there is getlibs (see - http://explore-ubuntu.blogspot.com/2010/04/getlibs.html) and that will help you install imageshack uploader on your 64 bit version of Ubuntu. (For 32 bit users, its a simple click and install process)

How to install ImageShack Uploader:

Download the .deb file from the imageshack site: http://toolbar.imageshack.us/windows-uploader/imageshack-uploader-2.2.0.deb

Install it.

If you're using a 32 version of Ubuntu you need not proceed any further. You can run ImageShack Uploader from Internet menu.

If however you're using a 64 bit version, install getlibs (http://explore-ubuntu.blogspot.com/2010/04/getlibs.html).

After than go to the Terminal (Accessories > Terminal) and type the following:

sudo getlibs /usr/bin/imageshack-uploader

Press "y" if you're asked to install packages. Thats it. You can now run ImageShack Uploader from the Internet menu.

getlibs

getlibs is a program which will help you install 32 bit and 64 bit applications on 64 bit OS as well as 32 bit applications on 32 bit OS.

Its practically a lifesaver of a project. Somehow I never managed to install imageshack uploader (Linux version) on my Ubuntu 9.10 64 bit (which works fine on a 32 bit OS). But now, thanks to getlibs, I have managed to install it.

How to install:

To install getlibs download the following file: http://frozenfox.freehostia.com/cappy/getlibs-all.deb

Then simply install it.

How to use:

• Use getlibs to install a 32-bit library using the library name:

Code:

getlibs -l libogg.so.0 libSDL-1.2.so.0

• Use getlibs to install a 32-bit library using the package name:

Code:

getlibs -p libqt4-core libqt4-gui

• Install a 32-bit library file (.deb):

Code:

getlibs -i ~/i386_library_1.deb

• Download and install a 32-bit library file (.deb):

Code:

getlibs -w http://mirrors.kernel.org/ubuntu/pool/main/s/sdl-image1.2/libsdl-image1.2_1.2.5-3_i386.deb

For more information take a look at this thread on Ubuntuforums: http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=474790

Gourmet Recipe Manager

Yup its exactly what it sounds like. Its a shopping list generator and recipe organizer. It can import mealmaster files and export recipes in a variety of formats. Pretty cool app if you're into cooking.

Screenshot:

How to install

Its available in the Ubuntu Software Center and can be installed from there itself. Simply search for it and install.

Talika

This is a really cool app which will help you manage your open windows with the help of icons.

Here's a screenshot of the panel. Notice the small icons indicating open windows.

How to install

To install download the .deb file: www.sourceforge.net/projects/talika

Now simply open the file and install it.

To activate Talika, you need to add it to the panel. Right click on your panel (top or bottom one, whichever may be your preference), and simply search for and add Talika.

Thats it. Its a pretty nifty thing, and frankly, very smart way to manage a large number of open windows. However its currently available only for 32 bit versions.

Terminator

There are times when one needs to open multiple Terminal windows to avoid complications and thats when one wishes there were a software to help one out. Terminator is a application which allows you to arrange and add multiple terminals in a single terminal window. Its unbelievably useful and honestly, in my opinion, this is one software you should try out.

Take a look at this screenshot. This is a Terminator window which has been split horizontally and vertically in order to enable multiple tasks separately in a single terminal window under different tabs:

The process of splitting windows is as simple as right clicking and then selecting horizontal or vertical split:

How to install:

Terminator is available in the Ubuntu Software Center and you can install it from there.

Alternate method:

If you want to stay updated to the very latest version of Terminator, you need to add its repository. Go to Accessories > Terminal and type the following:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:gnome-terminator

Next type the following in the Terminal:

sudo apt-get update

And finally, type the following in the Terminal:

sudo apt-get install terminator

Ubuntu 10.04 Release Candidate

The final pre release version of Ubuntu 10.04 Lucid Lynx, the Release Candidate is now available for download.

How to download:

Upgrading (if you already have Ubuntu installed):

If you want to upgrade from your current installation to Ubuntu 9.10 beta1, press Alt+F2 and type the following:

update-manager -d

Update Manager will show you the following: New distribution release ‘10.04′ is available. Click Upgrade and follow the on-screen instructions.

Downloading (if you want a fresh install or want to use the beta release as a Live CD) :

http://releases.ubuntu.com/releases/10.04/ (Ubuntu Desktop, Netbook and Server)
http://uec-images.ubuntu.com/releases/10.04/rc/(Ubuntu Server for UEC and EC2)
http://releases.ubuntu.com/kubuntu/10.04/ (Kubuntu Desktop and Netbook Remix)
http://cdimage.ubuntu.com/xubuntu/releases/lucid/rc/(Xubuntu)
http://cdimage.ubuntu.com/edubuntu/releases/lucid/rc/ (Edubuntu)
http://cdimage.ubuntu.com/mythbuntu/releases/lucid/rc/ (Mythbuntu)
http://cdimage.ubuntu.com/ubuntustudio/releases/lucid/rc/ (Ubuntu Studio)

Local mirrors are also available:

Africa

• http://bw.releases.ubuntu.com/ (Botswana)
• http://ls.releases.ubuntu.com/ (Lesotho)
• http://mz.releases.ubuntu.com/ (Mozambique)
• http://na.releases.ubuntu.com/ (Namibia)
• http://sz.releases.ubuntu.com/ (Swaziland)
• http://ubuntu.mirror.ac.za/ubuntu-release/ (South Africa)

Asia

• http://ftp.mtu.ru/pub/ubuntu/releases/ (Russian Federation)
• http://mirror.yandex.ru/ubuntu-releases/ (Russian Federation)
• http://ubuntu.mirrors.isu.net.sa/releases/ (Saudi Arabia)
• http://ubuntutym2.u-toyama.ac.jp/ubuntu/ (Japan)
• http://ftp.linux.org.tr/ubuntu-releases/ (Turkey)
• http://ftp.yz.yamagata-u.ac.jp/pub/linux/ubuntu/releases/ (Japan)

Europe

• http://ftp.heanet.ie/pub/ubuntu-releases/ (Ireland)
• http://mirror.switch.ch/ftp/mirror/ubuntu-cdimage/ (Switzerland)
• http://ubuntu.mirror.tudos.de/ubuntu-releases/ (Germany)
• http://se.releases.ubuntu.com/ (Sweden)
• http://ubuntu.ipacct.com/releases/ (Bulgaria)
• http://nl.releases.ubuntu.com/releases/ (Netherlands)

North America

• http://mirror.anl.gov/pub/ubuntu-iso/CDs/ (United States)
• http://archaea.its.sfu.ca/mirror/ubuntu-releases/ (Canada)
• http://mirror.csclub.uwaterloo.ca/ubuntu-releases/ (Canada)
• http://ubuntu.cs.utah.edu/releases/ (United States)
• http://ubuntu-releases.cs.umn.edu/ (United States)
• http://www.gtlib.gatech.edu/pub/ubuntu-releases/ (United States)

Oceania/Australia

• http://ftp.citylink.co.nz/ubuntu-releases/ (New Zealand)
• http://mirror.ihug.co.nz/ubuntu-releases/ (New Zealand)
• http://ubuntu-releases.optus.net/ (Australia)

South America

• http://ubuntu.c3sl.ufpr.br/releases/ (Brazil)
• http://espelhos.edugraf.ufsc.br/ubuntu-releases/ (Brazil)
• http://www.las.ic.unicamp.br/pub/ubuntu-releases/ (Brazil)

The official stable release of Ubuntu 10.04 will be available from 29th April, 2010.