Inkscape

There is a really neat alternative to Corel Draw on Ubuntu. Its called Inkscape. I have been using it for quite some time now and have found it to be very useful. If you are into image editing/model creations/vector graphics you must have this application.

Screenshot:

Installation:

Its simple. Go to Ubuntu Software Center, search for Inkscape and install. Thats it!

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

Torrent Search

Searching Torrents just got a whole lot easier. Torrent Search is a new software available for both Windows and Linux which searches for torrents from all popular sites and then lists the results along with all important seeds and leach info.

This basically reduces many irritating minutes worth of searching and analysing the health of torrents. I have been using it these past few days and frankly, I've fallen in love with it! It has loads of customisation options and I would urge you to try out the settings and then decide what suits you best.

Given below is a screenshot of a search result in the software:

Download Links:

You can access the official Sourceforge page of the application here: http://torrent-search.sourceforge.net

To download the application, go here: http://torrent-search.sourceforge.net/download

How to use OpenDNS for Ubuntu

OpenDNS is a free ad-supported DNS (Domain Name System) resolution service. An opt-in service, OpenDNS offers faster resolution and advanced features, such as misspelling correction, phishing protection, and optional content filtering. - Wikipedia

In short OpenDNS is an important tool for your internet security and to gain more control over your internet experience. Installing OpenDNS for Ubuntu is easy but the guides are scattered all over the place and the OpenDNS site doesnt have all the necessary info. So here's a concise and accurate procedure of activating it on your Ubuntu desktop.

Step 1: Sign up. Go to OpenDNS site and sign up for a free/paid account.

Step 2: Apply the settings. You will have to apply the OpenDNS settings to your network manager. A detailed and simplified guide for that is given here: www.store.opendns.com/setup/device/ubuntu

Step 3: Setting up DDClient. This is where users get stuck the most since there are no proper guides regarding this. However Ubuntuforums has a detailed solution for this. Although its a bit lengthy, I would strongly suggest that you go through it and configure your settings for ddclient. The link is here: http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1264710

Finally, enable the stats from your OpenDNS settings page and you're done. If you want to edit what you want/dont want to block, you can change it from the dashboard. Trust me, all this hard work is totally worth it.

Ubuntu 10.10 Maverick Meerkat alpha 2 - A closer look

The alpha 2 version of Maverick Meerkat 10.10 was released a few weeks back, so here's what seems to have changed and what doesnt:


1. Installation:

Pretty much remains the same (as in Ubuntu 10.04), except a few notable additions, including informations about the Ubuntu One Music Store. (Sequential screenshots from a virtual machine given below)

2. Booting Process - The booting process is now insanely fast. It took me about 7-8 secs to start Ubuntu 10.10 alpha 2 on a virtual machine. Although practical booting time may increase, I doubt if it will be any more than 15 seconds.

3. Changes :

Ubuntu Software Center

It now has a History tab and better management of repositories, and now an all new "Whats New" section.

Pulse Audio

The volume options are now looking better than ever.

Other than that its pretty much Ubuntu 10.04. This is of course expected as its just an alpha 2 release. So, fingers crossed for a great release a few months from now.