Ubuntu Linux How Tos

How to reinstall Grub 2 after reinstalling Windows XP/Vista/Win7

2010-01-05T07:09:00.000-08:00

Now grub is updated to grub 2,after a long period of "no development" in grub code.

The issue is grub 2 is totally different from its predecessor. menu.lst doesnt even exist. It is replaced by grub.cfg which have little resemblance with menu.lst which makes things a liitle difficult.

Now with the release of Windows 7,most people must be upgrading their old windows.This results in loosing grub. The method to restore grub 2 is entirely different from reinstalling old grub,so dont attempt old methods (even Auto Super Grub Disk software wont work)

Insert ubuntu 9.10 karmic live cd

Select "Try ubuntu without any change to current system" option

Open Accessories >terminal

Type:
sudo fdisk -l

This command will list all partions in hard disk
find the partion ,in my case it is sda3

sudo mount /dev/sda3 /mnt
sudo mount --bind /dev /mnt/dev
sudo chroot /mnt
update-grub
grub-install /dev/sda3
grub-install --recheck /dev/sda3
sudo umount /mnt/dev
sudo umount /mnt

Now reboot, you will find that grub only contain ubuntu
Dont panic!!! we are not yet done

Boot to ubuntu
Open Accessories >terminal
Type:

sudo update-grub

Now reboot
You will now have the update grub2!!!!!!!

Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala Released Just Now !!!!!!!!!!!

2009-10-29T09:21:00.000-07:00

Today is a great day of joy for linux fans as Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala is released just now.Its a must upgrade for all linux user beacause it have great improvements and goodies to beat its contender windows 7.I suggest you download and try it and give me your comment on it now its.

Ubuntu 9.10 includes new features like a new Software Center which graphically simplifies the Add/Remove Applications tool with a nice new GUI ,a new revambed audio framework, GRUB 2, Ext4 by default ,Ubuntu One Cloud Computing feature better video and wifi driver support. It is available in desktop, server, and netbook editions. By the way Canonical LTD announced Ubuntu 10.04 is called Lucid Lynx !!!!!!!
Click here to check this great review on Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala. It contains all you want to know about this new release!!!!

Top Things to do after installing Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala

2009-10-23T04:24:00.001-07:00

When i was new to Ubuntu 4 years ago,i found the linux community welcoming me with open hands through emails,forums etc.I was surprised how helpful these penguins were!Now i think i should give back something to this wounderful community.To pass the torch to new linux generation.So i publish this post.This blog is about the things to do after installing Ubuntu,The Ubuntu comes in a cd so it cannot include all the required codec to watch movies,mount images and other required softwares.The softwares which are available with Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala as default are not the best one available,So i give u the list of the best softwares available in linux.These are must downloads.

Below i list the MUST DO THINGS TO DO AFTER INSTALLING Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala

Before downloading packages from repositories you must ensure that all Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala repositories are enabled.Take System->Administaration->Software Sources.

You wont need source code unless you are a software developer.Most of the softwares are available in ubuntu repository else i will give u the link.To download them go to

System->Administartion->Synaptic packages manager.Remember to click reload button to get list of latest softwares.Now type the name of software i have given in bold in the search box.when u see the software listed right click and click install.

1)To Watch Movies.

Install Vlc and Smplayer which are far more better than totem movie player which is available as default in Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala.I recommend uninstalling totem and installing the two players,they can virtual play all video formats with there build in codecs(No need to download additional codec as in case of totem player).

2)To play music
SongBird and Amarok is the best player for this purpose.it also have ipod support.
this also performs better than rhythom box available with ubuntu.
After installing while using it it will automatically download mp3 codec from internet.

3)Install ATI or NVIDIA Graphics card driver
Click the download and install driver option in System->Hardware Drivers, which will automatically driver or Install EnvyNG.
Click this Link:To view a detailed "How To" on driver installation:

4)Cool Desktop Effects
Compiz Fusion provides you those eye candies in Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala.You will see that Vista 's or windows 7 's graphics are nothing compared to Compiz fusion.Go to Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala repository the install compizconfig settings manager,emerald, compiz plugins,compiz fusion icon.
To configure the effects go to system->Preference->CompizConfig Settings Manager.Right click desktop,then visual effects,Now click extra effects.

Note: If you have a graphics card its driver must be installed as told in step 3 before enabling effects.

Before installing compiz fusion view my post on compiz fusion to have a detailed How Tos.Click Link: installing Compiz fusion desktop effects in Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala

5)Missing Windows software?? Run Windows softwares in Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala!!!
Wine is a compatibility layer for running Windows programs in Linux.
Install wine from repository.Then just double click .exe file.
Note: Not all windows software can run.A list is available in the website.
Wine Website:http://www.winehq.org/

6)Play Windows Games in Linux
Install PlayonLinux.Games like world of warcraft ,counterstrike and many other can be played in Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala. Playonlinux is based on wine.
Click here for list of games available:
Click here to download latest version of PlayOnLInux:

7)Mount Images
The best one for linux ACETONEISO,which is similar to ALCOHOL in windows
its supports almost all formats.I dont think its available in Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala repository.
Click here to download latest version of AcetoneISO:

8)Burn CD & DVD
Nero is available for Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala, but its not free.A trial is available for 1 month usage and later it asks or activation code.But K3B is as good as Nero.Have a good feature set as Nero.
Install k3b u can certainly remove Brasero Burner.K3b is a better performer.

9)Enable Webcam.

Install CHEESE.You can take it from Application->Graphics.

10)Ubuntu Control Panel

Install UBUNTU TWEAK.This will allow u to customize system and desktop settings.It will also work for other liux distros.

11)Install Vista like gadgets.

Install google-gadgets in linux.How is my cool desktop?You liked?!!

12)View Linux partion in Windows.

If you are dual booting Linux install Ext2Ifs.exe in windows.This will enable windows to access your linux partion.If u have some important data in Linux partion u can access it in winodows.

Click Here To Download Ext2Ifs.exe

Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala Review

How To Install Compiz Fusion Desktop Effects In Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala

2009-10-23T04:21:00.000-07:00

Want to impress your friends with cool desktop effects and eye candy in Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala ???

First check out these super cool videos!!!!!!

Compiz Fusion is the great project which have brought fame to Linux with its awesome eye-candies .So lets first install the latest version of compiz fusion.

NOTE:If u have graphics card,first u must Install driver for the card before installing compiz.To how to install driver in a easy way click here:

In Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala terminal type:

gksu gedit /etc/apt/sources.list

Add this line to the end of file

deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/compiz/ubuntu karmic main

Now save and close the file.

In Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala type:

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get upgrade

To install compiz fusion type in Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala terminal:

sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager compiz-fusion-plugins-extra compiz-fusion-plugins-main compiz-plugins emerald

Right Click on the "workspace switcher" on the bottom right corner of desktop near trash.Make column =4.

Take Compiz Setting Manager System->Preferences->CompizConfig Settings Manager.Tick Desktop Cube,Cube Rotation,wobbly windows,ring switcher fire effect etc as u prefer.

Now close all applications and logout and login.Right click desktop,then visual effects,Now click extra effects.Again take Compiz Setting Manager System->Preferences->CompizConfig Settings.Scroll down to Cube Reflection and Deformation. Activate it. Click on it to go to its configuration page.Press Ctrl + Alt + mouse left button to rotate desktop.

If u want Cylinder or Sphere

Under the Deformation tab, select Cylinder or Sphere in the Deformation dropdown box. Now you will get desktop rotation to cylinder or sphere mode.Then close.

To use ring switcher.Press windows key+Tab.

USEFUL KEYBOARD COMBINATIONS:

SUPER+SHIFT+DRAG LEFT MOUSE = draw fire
SUPER+SHIFT+C = clear fire
CTRL+ALT+DRAG LEFT MOUSE = rotate cube
CTRL+ALT+LEFT ARROW = rotate cube
CTRL+ALT+DOWN ARROW = flat desktop
SHIFT+ALT+UP = initiate window picker
CTRL+ALT+DOWN = unfold cube
ALT+TAB = window switch
SUPER+TAB = flip switcher or ring switcher, depending on which is enabled.
ALT+F7 = initiate 'move windows'
SHIFT+F9 = water effect
SHIFT+F10 = slow animations
CTRL+ALT+D = show desktop

For Grouping and Tabbing:
SUPER+S = select single window
SUPER+T = tab group
SUPER+Left = change left tab
SUPER+Right = change right tab
SUPER+G = group windows
SUPER+U = ungroup windows
SUPER+R = remove group window
SUPER+C = close group
SUPER+X = ignore group
Hold the SUPER button then select the windows you want to group and then hit SUPER+G.

The SUPER key is the Windows key on most keyboards.

Download Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala

2009-10-23T04:02:00.000-07:00

From my many years of experience with linux i suggest that this is the best time to switch to linux from windows and give linux a try.Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala comes with many new innovative features which will certainly challenge windows 7.

The exciting new feature includes Ext4 File System,super fast boot time,improved kernel,integration of web & desktop,better wifi support etc.

To know more click this link Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala Review

In the present scenario ubuntu is the best distro available.So dont hesistate check this out!!!!!!

DOWNLOAD

Download Release Candidate of Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala

Download Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala (This Link will only active from OCTOBER 29 2009 Till Then Use Above Link)

You can also order LiveCD's for free if you have patience at shipit.ubuntu.com.

Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala Review

2009-10-21T10:09:00.000-07:00

Wow finally the ultimate Windows ( 7) killer reincarnated as Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala !!!. Ubuntu 9.10 is the best thing that has yet happened to Linux and is definitely the best Linux ever. So i think its worth have first look and review on Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala.Ubuntu 9.10 is a major update from Canonical Ltd. and all existing ubuntu user are recommended to upgrade. I guaranty that you wont regret that effort. The Windows 7 is also around the corner and will be a tough contender for ubuntu but the good news is Ubuntu karmic incorporates may new goodies , improvements that it is equipped to win the competition from Windows 7 or Mac OS X.

Now lets check out The Features of Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala !!!

1) The Ubuntu Software Store

Ubuntu is now following the success of Apple Store , Ubuntu Software Store makes installing and organising software pretty easy.It replaces the ADD/REMOVE option .But Synaptic is still there.

2) UBUNTU BOOT TIME

Mark Shuttleworth CEO Canonical Ltd stated that Ubuntu 9.10 will boot "blindly quick", which shouldn't be surprising considering Ubuntu's presence on increasing number of devices like notebooks,Ubuntu Mobile on MIDs and Remix netbooks.
The best thing is Ubuntu 9.10 boots in 5 seconds with my Solid State Drive in my Desktop and 18 seconds in my new DELL Studio laptop!!! This is simply wonderful and i bet it is better than Windows 7. Ubuntu developers are being into serious work to improve boot performance as is evident from comparison below.

AVERAGE BOOT TIME

9.10 (Karmic Koala ) : 18.45
9.04 (Jaunty Jackalope ) : 22.06
8.04 (Hardy Heron ) : 26.09

This incredible boot performance is due to new Upstart technology and Ext4 File System.

3) Default Ext 4 File System
The fourth extended filesystem is a journaling file system (JFS) developed as the successor to ext3 is the latest stable File System which support volumes with sizes upto 1 Exbibyte and files with sizes up to 16 tebibytes. It provides major improvements to linux and is superior than NTFS!!

4) New Powerful Linux kernel 2.6.31
This new ubuntu kernel incoprorates USB 3.0 support and new Firewire drivers and major improvements to Ext4. The kernel mode-setting support for ATI Radeon graphics processors, enhanced performance tracking and memory leak detection is also notable. The new linux kernel will definitely power up your system than ever!!

5)Grub 2

The next-gen of Linux GRUB bootloader Grub 2 has been rewritten from scratch to provide greater flexibility and important features like localization support.

6)Enhanced Live-CD installer

The installer of Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala is basically the same but with refined friendly pictures of applications available with ubuntu 9.10 as the installation progress. It will be helpful for newbies who migrated from windows and dont know the name of required softwares.

7)New Icons & Themes

I remember the saying "First Impression is the best Impression" ,ubuntu 9.04 lacked killing looks and made a bad first impression ,but things have improved now in Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala Human Theme is improved and looks refined and they changed the icons design to Humanity which has got more polished and modern look!!

8)New Instant Messaging Client - Empathy
I having long recommending Empathy instead of Pidgin simply because it have better video and audio chatting features that Pidgin and it makes audio chatting with windows user with Gtalk possible.

9) Gnome 2.28
The gdm 2.28 login manager is completely rewritten, allowing more integrated login experience.
and ofcourse Pidgin is replaced by Empathy .Other minor changes are also include for details check out Gnome 2.28

10) Ubuntu One file sharing

Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala ships the Ubuntu One file sharing web service which gives strongly-integrated data synchronization( a cloud-computing service) of your pc with other systems and the Ubuntu One network storage service.

The Ubuntu One

1) File syncronisation and network storage service were features which ubuntu lacked and which microsoft and apple have been providing for some time.

2) Ubuntu One will become a major source of revenue for Canonical Ltd

11)New Intel video driver architecture

Thanks to Intel, they had done there bit to open source community. Many users experienced a WHITE SCREEN during shutdown which was really annoying in ubuntu 9.04 and ubuntu 8.10. Now its fixed in ubuntu 9.10 ,i recommend those users to review the use of there old ubuntu and go for ubuntu 9.10.

SHORTCOMINGS

People must guess why such a die-hard fan of linux like me must talk about shortcoming of Linux. Actually somethings in ubuntu can be a bit frustrating to new users i would like to discuss that here

Lack Of High-End Graphics Game
Gaming has always been a upper hand for windows. Why dont EA release NFS SHIFT for ubuntu ? The reason may be because Linux doesnt have a high-end graphics software framework like Directx. I am not saying that linux doesnt have descent games ,but the games in linux may not satisfy hard-core gamers. But games like Urban Terror,Yo Frankie are really fantastic and you will just love them, also propietary games like QUAKE4 are also available.

URBAN-TERROR
Working Out Of The Box
Some hardwares rarely dont work right out of the box, but we know there are solution to 99% of the problems in ubuntu forums.The problem with hardware is due to the lazy hardware vendor who dont provide drivers as they do for windows, its not fault of ubuntu or linux. New ordinary user may just dumb the os due lack of working out of the box, they may not bother to find out the soultions from the ubuntu community and fix it. So I think ubuntu which produce new releases every 6 months must take more time like 1 year and spent time to consider the user problems in the ubuntu community and fix it by themselves.
If such issues are ever solved it can be done by ubuntu alone because ubuntu alone have the financial backup and support of large linux community to solve such issues. Think putting a Ubuntu and Windows 7 netbook together inside Best Buy, then asking customers to bring over any hardware device – an iPod, a webcam, a USB device and watch which laptop flawlessly works. Imagine the additional power and respect we linux users would have over those Microsoft fanboys. Check This Link to know what i mean.
It just makes me smile thinking about it. Drop a comment or two. I’d love to hear what you people have to say.
By the way Canonical Ltd already announced Ubuntu 10.04 its called The Lucid Lynx !!!

Ubuntu 9.04 Jaunty Jackalope Review

2009-01-28T06:12:00.000-08:00

Ubuntu 9.04 Jaunty Jackalope bears lots expectation from linux fans,its success is more important because it will have to fight windows 7.Early betas of Windows 7 already caught enough limelight,and shows promising signs of being a better OS than Windows Beta. So if ubuntu the most popular linux distro on earth cant come up with some sophisicated features then it will be a big blow.But the good news is that ubuntu 9.04 have lots of exciting features!!!!!!!! Lets check out........

Mark Shuttleworth had announced Ubuntu 9.04 in September and stated that ubuntu 9.04 will boot "blindly quick", which shouldn't be surprising considering Ubuntu's presence on increasing number of devices like notebooks,Ubuntu Mobile on MIDs and Remix netbooks.The ubuntu 9.04 alpha 3 on over lab test showed boot time of 21.3 seconds,which is fast than intrepid!!!!!

Ubuntu 9.04's target will be to expedite the booting through kernel modifications and optimizing system services. The ubuntu 9.04 will be released on april 23 2009.

Ubuntu 9.04 release will also influence the performance,

because Canonical is strongly considering to make EXA acceleration by default in the xf86-video-ati driver.Mark Shuttleworth also told the company is considering integrating web services with ubuntu desktop.Ubuntu 9.04 will also include markable power management improvements like powering down wireless adapters when an Ethernet connection is active,requesting the user to turn off WiFi/Bluetooth when inactive,

an ultra low-power mode where USB and other systems would be shutdown and optimizations will be implemented.

UBUNTU 9.04 JAUNTY JACKALOPE VIDEO

The most exciting feature in Ubuntu 9.04 is the Ext4 File System. Finally Ext4 File System is stablized with Linux 2.6.28 kernel,and linux world is about to adopt this,promising file sytem upgrade.Ext4 will not be the default File system in jaunty and we expect Ext4 to replace Ext3 in ubuntu 9.10.Ubuntu 9.04 now has install-time support for EXT4.We have also published a bench mark test of common linux filesystems like ext3 ,jfs,xfs and rfs.

Ubuntu 9.04 will employ a complete new style for notifications and preferences which Mark Shuttleworth promisies to increase user-friendliness of ubuntu.

The complete and latest list of changes to packages is listed in the jaunty changes mailling list check it out.Now concerning Xorg ,atleast X Server 1.6 will be used.Chances that Xorg 7.5 will be used are slim,lets hope Xorg 7.5 will be implemented which have promising features like X Server 1.7.Even without Xorg 7.5 users can expect updated Intel,evdev, ATI driver updates and other newer X packages .

Download Ubuntu 9.04 Jaunty Jackalope.

The latest version of ubutnu 9.04 jaunty jackalope is available for download CLICK HERE To DOWNLOAD.

You can also order LiveCD's if you have patience at shipit.ubuntu.com.

Linux on Mobile & Embedded Devices

2008-11-04T04:27:00.000-08:00

I think its time to think of Linux on mobile Devices. Linux was earlier considered as a non-user friendly platform so it didnt find its place in mobile devices which have mass usage.But now the scenario changed linux have developed beyond its limitations.Now it is not only found place on mobile devices.

The latest news is Nokia N 810 internet tablet will run UBUNTU
Linux based devices have many advantages over proprietary operating systems like windows mobile,symbian etc.

First of all is the cost factor.It will cut down the cost when manufactured in a large scale.Its even possible to built an linux platform and sell it for $5 which is much less compared to cost of windows mobile.

Second reason is the customer can customise and modify the interface as he likes and software will be freely available.

Google Android is the first complete, open, and free mobile platform which is built by the Open Handset Alliance collabrative effort of many companies which are Google, HTC, Intel, Motorola, Qualcomm, T-Mobile, Sprint Nextel and NVIDIA with the goal to develop open standards for mobile devices.
T-Mobile & Google unveiled the first Android Phone T1.

Samsung and Trolltech showcased the world's first 3G smartphone based on Linux platform at the 3GSM World Congress. Nokia broughtthe Norwegian software company Trolltech this year for $153 million .Now nokia 's Trolltech's technologies released Qt Extended 4.4 which is a complete mobile and embedded development platform developed from the open source Qt toolkit.
Nokia's Linux-based internet tablets will soon gain faster processors and built-in 3G cellular modems. Nokia executive director Ari Jaaksi announced at the Open Source in Mobile show that Nokia will include 3G/HSPA capabilities to an OMAP3-optimized Maemo 5 release for the web tablets.

New Linux-based subnotebooks & internet tablets ,like the Asus Eee PC, have gained popularity. Motorola is one of mobile companies which have ardently embraced linux for most of its latest releases which include Motorola RAZR2 V8,Motorola Rokr E8,Motorola U9 and many more.

In the immediate future we can expect to have much cheaper phones with linux platform....

How Linux sucks !!!!!!![Comic]

2008-11-01T12:06:00.000-07:00

Yaaaaaa Linux can suck hard!!!!!!!!!!
Ha Ha!!!

Download New Ubuntu 8.10 Intrepid Ibex

2008-10-30T11:15:00.000-07:00

At last the much awaited Ubuntu 8.10 Intrepid Ibex is released by canonical.
This release promise of many improvements and hundreds of bug fixes.
From my many years of experience with linux i suggest that this is the best time to switch to linux from windows and give linux a try. In the present scenario ubuntu is the best distro available.

Download New Ubuntu 8.10 Intrepid Ibex

Clicking here to download ubuntu

Read my blog on Review & First Look :Ubuntu 8.10 Intrepid Ibex

Also read tutorial on How to install Ubuntu 8.10 Intrepid Ibex

How To Install Open Office 3.0 in Ubuntu 8.10 Intrepid Ibex

2008-10-30T10:54:00.000-07:00

I am going to tell you a bad news open office 3.0 is not included by default in ubuntu 8.10 intrepid ibex.Everyone expected it with the new ubuntu release.So new ubuntu 8.10 comes with open office 2.4.1.The developers at cannonical didnt had enough time to test open office 3.0 before new ubuntu release.It will be included later this year.

You can download latest ubuntu 8.10 Interpid Iblex (32 or 64 bit) from here

The good news is we can easily upgrade open office 2.4.1 to open office 3.
OpenOffice 3.0 includes updated ODF format support, Microsoft Office XML format support (reading only),a new start center, usability improvements,improved annotations in Writer, and improved PDF compatibility.I tried new open office in my sony viao laptop. Open Office 3.0 is a must upgrade. Before we start you must uninstall any open office currently installed in your linux.For that copy and paste in terminal :

sudo apt-get remove $(dpkg -l |grep ^ii|grep openoffice|cut -f3 -d' ')

1)Add sun repositories in your source.list

System -> Administration -> Software Sources

2)Click on the "Third-Party Software" then "Add" button ,and paste the line.

Note to enter the below line as it is.Otherwise it will cause issues.

deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/openoffice-pkgs/ubuntu intrepid main

3)Click on reload button

4)Upgrade to the latest version.
After the software sources window closes the update manager will be visible in the system tray.Click on it to update. Thats all folks !!!!!!!!!!

Video on open office installation in Ubuntu 8.10

Screen Shots:

Review & First Look : Ubuntu 8.10 Intrepid Ibex

2008-10-27T03:05:00.000-07:00

Eager to know what is new in Ubuntu 8.10 Intrepid Ibex ??!!
Here is a First look to ubuntu 8.10 intrepid ibex.
Open source world is looking forward for the much awaited Ubuntu release INTREPID IBEX.
I think its the ripe time to switch to ubuntu.Its said "This is the greatest free software the open source community has to offer".The ubuntu 8.10 was released on October 30th.

LIVE CD IMPRESSIONS:
I popped the live cd to my Dell XPS M1530.In less than a minute i booted into new ubuntu desktop which is familiar but with a different theme.The new human theme have a dark background with tint of orange colour.I didnt like the theme much i prefer the "Shiki theme" which is much better and have less bugs. Download The SHIKI theme . which is the top rated theme in gnome-looks site,there are many more good themes available.
To apply the new theme right click on desktop & select CHANGE DESKTOP BACKGROUND.
take THEME tab.Now drag put the downloaded theme file into this window.Instantly new theme will be installed.

The Default Human theme.

NEW FEATURES IN UBUNTU 8.10

NEW LINUX 2.6.27 KERNEL:
The new linux kernel 2.6.27 have made better hardware support possible.The 2.6.27 kernel is faster and better scalable than its predecessors

HARDWARE SUPPORT:
1)Better Wifi Support:
The new version include the ath9k wireless driver from Atheros .Latest & improved kernel is compatable with a significantly higher number of 802.11n Wi-Fi chips than before.The better wifi support,power saving features,faster performance and many more changes to kernel drivers and infrastructure gives you a Linux kernel with much better hardware support and a much wider range of features..Ubuntu 8.10 Desktop Edition is designed for the pervasively connected digital lifestyle.

2)3G support:
The new network manager in Ubuntu Intrepid makes it easy to detect and connect to 3G networks and control connectivity. This connectivity is made possible through an inbuilt 3G modem, with 'dongle' support, via mobile phone or bluetooth.This is a complex task which Ubuntu 8.10 simplifies through a unique interface automatically detects most of the most popular devices.

3)Intregrated webcam Support:
The new gspca driver, which will significantly extend the number of webcam devices supported on ubuntu.

4)Improved nvidia graphics card support:
Proprietary graphics card drives is available easily ,it can be downloaded and installed onto the system from: System -> Administration -> Hard Ware Drivers

The bluetooth ,wifi & sound card worked smoothly out of the box in my Dell XPS M1530.
In hardy heron i had a problem configuring sound , graphics card & wifi and i coldnt get the headset jack work properly.Alsa-1.0.17 included in the new ubuntu have certainly improved audio experience.

NEW GNOME 2.24

1)TABBED NAUTILUS:
As you know nautilus is the default file manager in GNOME.Its very stable & user friendly.
Now with new Gnome 2.24 in ubuntu 8.10 u have tab for diffent folders like in web browsers.
It avoids the need for openning different windows for each instances.
2)File Roller:
Archive manager now supports TAR.7Z,ALZ,CAB,RZip file types

ENCRYPTED PRIVATE-FOLDER:
This is a much awaited feature in ubuntu.It allows user to lock the personal files aganist theft and privacy which in a must in multi-user computers.The private folder is in the home directory.
But this feature is not available by default in ubuntu 8.10. We have install a software named: ecryptfs-utils.
To install private folder
Type in termial:

sudo apt-get install ecryptfs-utils

ecryptfs-setup-private

Another option is to use TrueCrypt,which serves the same purpose in a better way.I hope private folder will be improved and will become better in future.

GUEST ACCOUNT:
Guest account for login which was absent in hardy in a good feature in 8.10.Now we can lend our computer to friends or colleagues for checking mail etc as in windows.Guest account allow users to lock a session so a guest can use the full system without interference with data or system files.

USB DRIVE Ubuntu Installation:
Burning iso file to CD or DVD takes time.Now, a application in Ubuntu ,allows users to write Ubuntu to a USB drive, even a modified version of Ubuntu with their data on it can be used, so it can be taken wherever you go to plug in and use on any computer.

SUSPEND & HIBERNATE:
Suspend & hibernate was definitely a issue in the previous releases, it was buggy.Much work is said to be done in this direction.I tried the Hibernate option its worked instantly but upon resuming from hibernate the dhlclient crashed.This stopped me from re-enabling the network connection.

I sent the crash report to the developers & hopes it will be fixed before final stable release.
I guess its a live cd issue.

X.ORG 7.4
The latest stable version of X.ORG is now available.It have much greater support and compatability for devices like keyboard,mouse,touchpad.The new failsafe X is introduced which helps recovering from failures in a better way.

Network manager 0.7

1)Using multiple devices at once
2)System wide settings management of 3G connections, GSM&CDMA
3)Configuring of PPP and PPPOE connections
4)Configuring of devices with static IP.

DKMS

DKMS allows kernel drivers to rebuilt automatically when kernels updates are installed.Allows kernel package updates to be made available as soon as possible without waiting for rebuilds of driver packages.This is donated by DELL.

SAMBA 3.2

Support for clustered file server
Support for encrypted network transport
Support for ipv6 support
Suppoert latest version of Microsoft Windows™ clients and servers.

What is Good About New UBUNTU:
I feel a lesser boot time in ubuntu 8.10.I dont know whether its a isolated experience hopes its
is really an improvement in boot time.The improvement in installation procedure with better graphics is welcomed.Installation is easy as ever.

Users will really benefit from better hardware support than ever before.Wifi, webcam &graphics card have better support than ever before.Now users need not spend a lot time hacking resources and editing files to add drivers support and configuring devices.
BAD SIDE:
Hibernate & Suspend seems to be still a problem with Linux.Hope open source community will soon come up with a better solution.the private folder feature certainly needs improvements.Ommision of Open Office 3 is not expected,but anyone can easily have an update
Otherwise no issues are found and is a great linux distribution.

CONCLUSIONS:Ubuntu have changed a lot from version 4.04.Issues like wifi,graphics card issues,ntfs support seems to vanish to thin air.I give a 9.5/10 rating for intrepid.It very well deserves it.Altogether its a great distro which i expect to be better than upcoming Fedora 10.The time have arrived in which ubuntu have reached a level of some perfection.Less time is to be spent with console to getting things done this most people will heartly welcome.I think now it can rub shoulders with WINDOWS & MAC in all terms. I strongly recommend you to click the upgrade button when it shows a "Distro Upgrade"!!!Over-all its a great distro.

Also read my blog on How to Install Ubuntu 8.10 Intrepid Ibex

How to install latest vlc 1.0.0 player in ubuntu 9.04 jaunty jackalope

2008-10-20T05:13:00.000-07:00

The new major version of vlc player has been relased.It a new qt4 interface fullscreen controls, better playlists options,new video format support,many video and audio improvements andalbum art support.So upgrade is highly recommended.

Its a must have open-source software.

The latest vlc 1.0.0 nor gimp in not available in ubuntu repository so u will have to add a software source in the repository.You cannot visit the vlc media player site and download vlc 1.0.0 from that site as in windows u have to do the below steps..

1)Remove old VlC

Remove the previous version of VLC to avoid a conflict when u upgrade. Remove vlc or gimp in Synaptic or in the terminal:

In terminal:

sudo apt-get remove vlc

2)Include new repository.

Click System ->Administration ->Software Sources ->Third Party Software.

Press Add & paste in this repository:

deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/c-korn/ubuntu jaunty main

Close Software Sources & Click reload the repositories.

3)Install vlc 1.0.0

To install Vlc:

sudo apt-get install vlc

Now you have the new rocking vlc 1.0.0!!!!!

Click to visit my blog on "Must do" things to do after installing Ubuntu 9.04 Jaunty Jackalope

FIRST LOOK With How To Install Ubuntu 8.10 Intrepid Ibex

2008-10-18T12:06:00.000-07:00

Now Hardy Heron is history,the Linux world is looking forward for the much awaited Ubuntu release INTREPID IBEX.I think its the right time for people who waited to have a go with linux to try ubuntu which is considered the most successfull and best linux distribution.The canonical developers promise that "This is the greatest free software the open source community has to offer".The ubuntu 8.10 was released on October 30th.

I tried the new ubuntu 8.10 release on my Dell XPS M1530.Every thing worked right out of the box including Wifi and bluetooth.It had new Dark human theme certanly better than previous one.Compiz desktop effects worked out fine.Eventhough its a Beta version it never hanged and showed problems...
I will give a tutorial for Easy installing ubuntu 8.10..

Live CD Impression:
I slide the Live cd to my lap and in no time installation page popped up.Partion editor have new colorful graphics which helps understand guided and manual options better than in hardy.

Here is the video tutorial for ubuntu 8.10 intrepid ibex installation.
Just watch it and follow the 10 steps below.

Its helps do things better.

EASY 10 STEP INSTALLATION
1)

Its self explanatory asks u to choose the language i selected english and click forward..
2)

Select time zone location extra from drop down menu or click in map.
3)
Choose key board layout an u can try that out also..
4)

Note:The guided way here will take the whole hard disk and u may loose other data so its recommended to back up data.If u have other OS like windows extra it will also lost.If u dont want this to happen skip this step and follow step 5) to do manual ,its more safe..

5)
Manual install you will have to take this option if u have windows installed and need other data on hard disk.I recommend it.
6)
IMPORTANT STEP:
1)Mount a partion as root either "/" which is available in drop down menu.In this directory u will will install and will act like C: Drive in Windows.
2)Mount Swap is important and will act like page file in windows.
3)Mount Home
/ and /home must be Ext3 filesystem.
I had low disk space so i allocated mb i highly recommend :
1)8 Gb for /
2)Minimum 1 GB swap its must.
3)/home minimum 5 gb u will store ur data like movies here.

7)
Type Username, Password etc.
8)
Its summary.
9)
Installing system just wait.
10)
All stage set just restart and enjoy LINUX!!!!!!!!!!!!
Conclusion:
Overall its the best software opensource community offers,Eveything worked out of the book.
Almost perfetc 9.5/10 score for UBUNTU 8.10

Also click here to read my blog on TOP THINGS TO DO JUST AFTER INSTALLING UBUNTU 8.10 INTREPID IBEX.

How To Setup a Ubuntu to Ubuntu Or Windows Lan Via Lan Cable Or Wifi in Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala

2008-08-26T10:42:00.000-07:00

Setting Up Lan in Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala is simple.
To create lan to linux or windows computer you must install SAMBA.
1)To get samba,samba gui tool and related packages type in ubuntu 9.10 terminal.

sudo apt-get install samba samba-common smbclient smbfs samba-dbg system-config-samba gsambad

2)Share folders
Take System->Admiistration->Samba.Click Add Share.Then browse to folder you want to share.

3)Set STATIC IP
Take System->Admiistration->Network.

Take Wireless connection or Wired Connection as u prefer.

Select Static IP.
Type Ip address 192.168.0.1
Dns 255.255.255.0
In other computer type

Ip address 192.168.0.1
Dns 255.255.255.0

Now close network
Now people think the other computer must appear in Places->Network,As in windows.But actually it wont happen in linux.
To view shared folder of other computer take.
Type in terminal:

nautilus

Now you will get a window,in its address bar type smb://192.168.0.1
Note: The given ip is Ip adress of the computer we want to view.

Now boom you will get the shared folders!!!!!!!

How To Compile Source Code In Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala

2008-08-25T19:23:00.000-07:00

Compiling Software in Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala is easy!
If you have a source code,to make it an application program, you must first compile it.The advantage of distributing software is that you can use it any linux distro,as u already know deb file is only for debian based linux like ubuntu.Rpm is for red hat based fedora suse etc.

The source code is usally available in two forms of tar balls.
1)Tar.gz
2)Tar.bz2

To complie source code we need system software called compilers.By default they are not given in ubuntu so to get all the compliers in one go type in Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala console:

sudo apt-get install build-essential

Now you are ready to complile source code.I recommend first u read README file.

To complie source code in tar.gz format

1)tar -xzf file_folder.tar.gz
2)cd file_folder
3)./configure --prefix=/usr NOTE:If you already have the source configured you will see make file in some directory,you can skip this step.Go there using command:
cd file_folder
4)make
5)make install

To compile source code in tar.bz2 format
1) tar -xjf file_name.tar.bz2
2)cd file_name
3)./configure --prefix=/usr
4)make
5)make install

Use ./configure --help to see the options for that program, and then you can enable/disable anything you want.

Is Anti-VIrus Required In Linux??

2008-08-25T03:22:00.000-07:00

People new to linux after installing first ask about anti-virus,when they are told that its not required they show disbelief thinking that its a big lie.The are convinced that Anti virus is must as in windows.

Viruses in are spread by Instant messengers,cookies,email softwares or portable drives which takes the malware from infected machines and place it in our system.They are very likely to be executed as there is no authorization required for executing applications in Non-Linux Os.

Microsoft created windows to enable others to run applications on your computer.Bill says that this architecture enriches the user experience if a website can do "cool" stuff on your system. The only people who have any advantage with this design are anti-virus makers and other security providing companies.

In linux its not the case,as users are allowed to login with some limited privilege only.If one need to install software we must grant root privilege by typing root password.The root password is encrypted with a very good algorithm that no virus till now is able to access it automatically.So if the user install packages only from trusted source ie linux repositories etc.There is virtually no risk,as virus cant install by itself in linux.Without root privilege at most a virus can do is delete files in home folder.

I donot mean that there are no viruses for Linux.Virus exists for linux.Here is a list of linux viruses from Wikipedia.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Linux_computer_viruses.
But donot be frightened seeing this list because without root privilege at most a virus can do is delete files in home folder nothing else.The List of windows viruses are about 5o times more than this list!!!Its so big and keeps on expanding that actually no one care to make list of windows viruses...

But if your computer is connected to a network having windows systems.Then windows systems can get effected from the virus transfered from your computer.So Anti-virus is recommended in Linux servers for the safety of windows computer connected.

Clam Anti-Virus(ClamAv) is a free open source anti-virus which have virus detection rate similar to proprietary Anti-virus.Avg is also a good free option for Linux Servers.

CONCLUSION:
Desktop linux users just need to install firewall like firestarter as a precaution.
But anti-virus is highly recommended in Linux servers.

Best Way To Restore Lost Grub or Boot Menu In Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala

2008-08-24T00:37:00.000-07:00

I had a really bad experience about 2 years ago when i was new to linux.I reinstalled windows XP.When i reboooted i lost grub.I had no way to boot my sweet ubuntu.I was really disappointed,ubuntu just vanished into thin air.I inserted ubuntu Live cd then procceded till i almost have installed linux i dont know why but i made Boot Flag "True" for Linux partion and tried to installed grub again.When I rebooted to my horror it showed "No Operating System Found".I lost XP also!!!!!!!I was really in a Worser situation.My friends couldnt help me.I didnt had a internet connection then to search for a solution so I had to reinstall Windows and ubuntu linux.What a bad day i had.

But Later When my friend had the same problem,i found an very easy way,to solve the issue in a quick way without even using live cd.
All thanks to Auto Super Grub disk.
I suggest not to use live cd and type atleast 10 commands and end up nowhere.If u do so and change Boot Flag or Some thing U are welcomed to the same horror i had 2 years ago as i said above!!!!!!!1

1) Boot Windows

2)Download Auto Super Grub Disk.exe
I had a really bad experience about 2 years ago when i was new to linux.I reinstalled windows XP.When i reboooted i lost grub.I had no way to boot my sweet linux.I was really dissappointed,Linux just vanished into thin air.I inserted some Live cd then procceded till i almost have installed ubuntu linux i dont know why but i made Boot Flag "True" for ubuntu 9.10 Linux partion and tried to installed grub again.When I rebooted to my horror it showed "No Operating System Found".I lost XP also!!!!!!!I was really in a Worser situation.My friends couldnt help me.I didnt had a internet connection then to search for a solution so I had to reinstall Windows and linux.What a bad day i had.But Later When my friend had the same problem,i found an very easy way,to solve the issue in a quick way without even using live cd.All thanks to Auto Super Grub disk.
I suggest not to use ubuntu live cd and type altleast 10 commands and end up nowhere.If u do so and change Boot Flag or Some thing U are welcomed to the same horror i had 2 years ago as i said above!!!!!!!

1) Boot Windows

2)Download Auto Super Grub Disk.exe
http://forjamari.linex.org/frs/?group_id=61&release_id=629#629

3)Stop Anti-virus program if any.
Because Auto Super Grub Disk will edit windows registry so Anti-virus will find identify it as a virus.
If dont know how to stop Anti-virus then allow Auto Super Grub Disk to edit registry when Anti-virus show you a pop-up.

4)Double click Auto Super Grub Disk1.exe
click ok u need not do any thing ,just click ok.

5)Reboot
Now you Will see the Windows boot menu with another option: unetbootin-supergrubdisk.
Select it using arrow key and enter when it is selected.Just do nothing.
6)Select your Linux and boot
You will have grub menu again.
Select Linux and boot.When you are in Linux reboot.Now u have restored Grub menu.

7)Boot To Windows Now Auto grub disk wizard will ask to remove Super Grub Disk from the windows boot loader,Click yes.
Dont worry you will still have the auto_super_grub_disk_1.0.exe file safe in windows.

8)Njoy Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala again.

Fix Frozen Desktop or Application In Ubuntu Linux

2008-08-24T00:36:00.000-07:00

Linux is Very Stable operating system unlike windows.It have very less crashes,stuckes and freezes which is very common with windows.But at rare cases this may occur in Linux.

We have 3 Quick ways to fix this problem without switching off your computer or rebooting it.

1)If only some applications are not responding not the whole desktop is frozen
Take system->Administartion->System Monitor.
Then select the frozen application.Now click Kill process.

2)Try the key combination of Ctrl + Alt + Backspace to logout.Then login.

3)Use Virtual console
This way is little complicated than the first one but better method.Press
Ctrl + Alt + F2 to take the virtual console.Then log in and type:

ps -ax | grep startx

This command will return the PID of the Xserver.
Kill Xserver

kill -9 PID_Number

Return to your first console.

Press Alt + F1.

How To Auto Mount Windows Or Mac Partion in Ubuntu linux 9.10 at StartUp

2008-08-24T00:34:00.000-07:00

Ubuntu 9.10 or none of linux distros wont automatically mount Windows Or Mac Partion at startup and you will need to authenticate mounting each time.It will certainly cause difficulties to the user.If you need ubuntu 9.10 to mount these drives at startup with no need to open My Computer(or going to "media") and clicking on the icons to mount these drives,and this way to avoid those applications to getting errors when they're opened before making these drives from being mounted.The method is same for every linux distro.
You can make Linux automatically mount them by editing the fstab file.
This method will preventing the other os drives from appearing as icon on desktop when mounted and cause disoder in ur desktop...
step 1)Make folders to mount the drives
Type:

sudo mkdir /media/nameofdisc

"nameofdisc" you can choice as u like.Note to give differnt names.

Do this once for each of the your partitions you need to mount.
2)Edit fstab, if you don't want to use nano use whichever graphical editor u like example:type gedit instead of

sudo nano /etc/fstab

add these 2 lines
/dev/sda1 /media/nameofdisc1 ntfs defaults,locale=en_US.UTF-8 0 1
/dev/sda2 /media/nameofdisc2 ntfs defaults,locale=en_US.UTF-8 0 1

Note to rename nameofdisc1 and nameofdisc2 with the name u gave.
Save and close nano: Ctrl+O then enter to save file, Ctrl+X to exit

3)Mount the drives
Type:

sudo mount -a

4)Reboot
You will find the drives have automatically mounted.Now you can watch a video etc from those drives by taking an application and open file from the application.you wont get an error message that drive is not mounted.

How To install Wireless( WIFI ) Driver In Linux

2008-08-23T04:43:00.000-07:00

Installing Wifi driver in Linux is considered a difficult task.After 2 days of googling i finally studied the method to install wireless driver in Linux and got WiFi right in my DELL XPS M1530.So i decided to blog to make it easy to install WIfi driver.

Download:

Get the latest version of the ndiswrapper sources from

http://sourceforge.net/projects/ndiswrapper and extract it to home folder.

Open terminal:
We need system software to compile a source code.
Type:
sudo apt-get install build-essential

Go to the ndiswrapper folder using cd command.

cd ndiswrapper-1.53

make distclean

make

Now become root.Type

sudo su

u will be asked for login(root) password.

Type:

make install

Now u have installed ndiswrapper.

Now identify ur wireless card.

Type:

lspci

Name of ur card will be dispalyed.

Now go to this link and find your card from the list and download the windows driver.

http://ndiswrapper.sourceforge.net/joomla/index.php?/component/option,com_openwiki/Itemid,33/id,list/

now unpack the driver with command:

unzip filename.exe

Now u have 2 ways to get things done.

The easy way is :

Terminal type:

sudo apt-get install ndisgtk

Now open windows wireless drivers.

In ubuntu open System->Administration->windows wireless drivers

Click install driver.

Now locate .inf file in the folder.Look for hint in the LIST to find the .inf file.

If driver is installed,then reboot.Again take: open System->Administration->windows wireless drivers. click configure network.If u find wireless under connection tab in network.Every thing worked fine and u are lucky u need not use the console(type many command).

If u are a Unlucky Guy.Type in terminal:

ndiswrapper -i filename.inf

Now to check installation type:

ndiswrapper -l

I got this:

netw4x32 : driver installed

device (8086:4222) present (alternate driver: iwl3945)

Where ‘present’ means that you have a card that can be used with the driver installed.If you see ‘cannot locate lspci. Unable to see if hardware is present’, you need to install the pciutils package.

Type:

sudo apt-get install pciutils

depmod -a

modprobe ndiswrapper

To verify that module is loaded type:

dmesg

Make sure it starts at boottime ndiswrapper to

sudo nano /etc/modules

Add

ndiswrapper

Now

cltr +O to write to file

Now reboot.

If u find wireless under connection tab in network.

Every thing worked fine.To make wifi to work better.Enable Backports.

Go System→Administration→Software Sources.

Go to the Updates and enable the Hardy Backports repository.Close then click Reload button.Now open a termianl and type:

sudo apt-get install linux-backports-modules-hardy-generic

Now reboot.If u use dell laptop with the wifi catcher opition.Disable it bios by pressing F2 will booting.Wifi catcher will cause a conflict with the driver.

This worked for me.Hope u to get it right!!!

How To Do C and C++ Programming in Ubuntu 8.10 Linux

2008-08-23T03:24:00.001-07:00

Open console and type:

sudo apt-get install g++ g++-4.2

If you want an IDE like Turbo C in windows:

Type:

sudo apt-get install geany

GEANY is a good C programming Integrated Development Environment (IDE) in linux like turbo c in windows.Take geany from Programming tab.

If you dont want an IDE you must use console to complie ur program.Enter the program in a text editor.Save it with extension .c 0r c++.

To compile a C or C++ Program.

open terminal

The go to the directory using cd command.Type:

g++ fileaname.c or g++ filename.c++

Then

./a.out

I Prefer using Geany,You can avoid the commands.

Easy Way To Install ATI or NVIDIA GEFORCE Graphics Card In Ubuntu Linux 8.10 Intrepid Ibex

2008-08-22T04:59:00.000-07:00

Manually downloading driver from Nvidia or Ati site and installing by typing many commands is a difficult way for any one.so choose this easy way.

Intrepid Iblex Or Hardy Heron User:
Take System->Administration->Synaptic package manager.
Install EnvyNG package.

Other User:
Get envy from
http://albertomilone.com/nvidia_scripts1.html

Then from system tools take EnvyNG.

Select Nvidia or ATI.Then this software will automatically identify your card and download automatically the required drivers from internet.After that just restart the system.

You can now enable Compiz Fusion,Which gives u awesome desktop effects.

Click here to view my blog on Installing Compiz Fusion Desktop Effects.

Njoy Linux Gaming!!!