http://nickj.org/api.php?action=feedcontributions&user=Nickj&feedformat=atomNick Jenkins - User contributions [en]2024-03-28T09:05:46ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.22.6http://nickj.org/Ubuntu_desktop_setup_stepsUbuntu desktop setup steps2023-09-04T00:32:12Z<p>Nickj: /* Custom Key Bindings, aimed at "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" */ update for sublime text</p>
<hr />
<div>Ubuntu desktop setup steps for an AMD64 system. Most of these instructions will work on 8.04 LTS onwards through the current release, and it should almost all work on x86 systems too:<br />
<br />
== Pre-installation standard hardware test procedure ==<br />
<br />
Before installing or configuring any software, it is imperative to test the hardware beforehand, to establish that it is not provably broken:<br />
* Download the ISOs for [http://www.sysresccd.org/ System Rescue CD] and [http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/ Ultimate Boot CD] and burn these.<br />
* From either CD, run Memtest86+ on the machine overnight, to test that the CPU and memory are error-free.<br />
* From UBCD, run a CPU stress test for 5 to 10 minutes to check CPU is reliable and adequately cooled.<br />
* From Sys Rescue CD, check for bad blocks on the hard drive, before trusting it with any data: <code>badblocks -v -s -w -c 4096 /dev/sda</code> <br />Note however that badblocks is quite a slow test - e.g. took 34 hours on a 500 GB SATA disk in an external USB enclosure, and 17 hours on a 250 GB IDE disk.<br />It's also a destructive write test, and so will blank the disk, so make sure you have the right device (use <code>fdisk -lu</code> to confirm the device's size and name).<br />Successful output will look something like this:<br />
Checking for bad blocks in read-write mode<br />
From block 0 to 244198583<br />
Testing with pattern 0xaa: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x55: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0xff: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x00: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Pass completed, 0 bad blocks found.<br />
<br />
If problems are found with any of the above, resolve these first before proceeding further.<br />
<br />
== Installation == <br />
<br />
* Firstly, decide whether you want software RAID or not. Personally, I use RAID-1 mirroring of a single bootable partition, using 2 same-sized disks, from 2 different manufacturers, because:<br />
*# it's simple.<br />
*# it's redundant enough.<br />
*# it's cheap: the incremental cost is the cost of a single disk, which is less than $100.<br />
*# you can boot off of it.<br />
*# it's not a question of if a disk will fail, but when.<br />
: For software RAID, install from the Alternate Installation CD. You can always [http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Convert_a_single_drive_system_to_RAID convert to RAID-1 later], but it's significantly more faffing about than setting it up this way from the get-go.<br />
* Once you've done the above, download and burn either the standard or alternate Ubuntu install CD, as appropriate.<br />
* Insert installation CD. Follow simple options, installs, ejects CD, reboots. Then login.<br />
* System -> Networking -> set up static IP address instead of dynamic IP address.<br />
* reboot to get network changes to apply (theoretically this should not be necessary, but in practice it was, at least for me on 8.04).<br />
* reboot, install system updates. Then reboot once updates are installed.<br />
* system -> hardware drivers -> enable the proprietary nvidia drivers.<br />
* reboot to enable the proprietary drivers.<br />
<br />
== Tweaks and Preferences ==<br />
<br />
* Ditch the annoying sounds: System -> Preferences -> sound -> sounds -> set all to "no sound", and untick "play system sounds", and on "system beep" tab untick all boxes.<br />
* Ditch the thrashing hard-disk: System -> Preferences -> Searching and indexing -> General -> tick "enable indexing" and "enable watching" and both of the power management boxes to disable stuff when on battery.<br />
* To get Subpixel Smoothing on LCDs, do this: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Fonts -> Select "subpixel smoothing (LCDs)". Need to restart Firefox for this change to take effect in Firefox.<br />
* To get reasonable desktop visual effects: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Visual Effects -> Select "Normal".<br />
* To make the system remember running apps and window locations on logout, do this: System -> Preferences -> sessions -> session options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out". In Ubuntu 9.04 / gnome 2.26 & up, this setting has moved, and is now under: System -> Preferences -> Startup Application Preferences -> options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out".<br />
<!--* To tweak networking performance, [http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Hardy#Howto:_Tweak_and_maximize_your_bandwidth_in_Ubuntu.2FLinux_via_sysctl.21 follow these instructions]. --><br />
* Power saving: Turn off blinking cursor by going: System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> untick "Cursor blinks in text fields".<br />
* Add terminal icon to gnome panel: Right-click panel -> Add to Panel -> Application Launcher... -> Accessories -> Terminal -> Add -> Close.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Editor" tab -> tick "autosave" files every 2 minutes.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Plugins" tab -> tick "Sort" to enable the sort plugin -> Close. Can now highlight text and go Edit -> Sort to get it alphabetically sorted.<br />
<br />
== [[Firefox configuration steps]] ==<br />
<br />
{{:Firefox configuration steps}}<br />
<br />
== Installation of extra software ==<br />
<br />
Go system -> admin -> synaptic package manager -> then Install the following (my brief descriptions of what some packages do are also shown) :<br />
* inkscape # Vector drawing package<br />
* hugin # Create panoramas from an image set.<br />
* dia # Draw diagrams & flow charts, somewhat like "visio" on Windows.<br />
* googleearth-package<br />
* xchat # IRC client.<br />
* ttf-mscorefonts-installer ttf-linux-libertine ttf-inconsolata # The most useful font sets. See also the "[[#Install the Tahoma fonts|Install the Tahoma fonts]]" section below.<br />
* audacious # Like XMMS or Winamp<br />
* nmap # Check for open ports.<br />
* filezilla # GUI FTP client.<br />
* wireshark # Packet sniffer<br />
* powertop iotop htop # Show power hogs, I/O hogs, and an more visual command-line version of top.<br />
* nautilus-open-terminal # adds ability to right click on a folder and get a command prompt there.<br />
* php5-cli php5-gd php5-curl # Only useful if you want to write scripts in PHP.<br />
* traceroute # How packets get from here to there over the network.<br />
* curl # Command line HTTP client, includes form-submitting capacity<br />
* tofrodos # Convert line endings from dos to UNIX or vice-versa.<br />
* openssh-server<br />
* libxml2-dev libmysqlclient-dev # Optional: Only used for compiling PHP snapshots<br />
* eclipse sun-java6-jdk sun-java6-jre sun-java6-plugin libmysql-java junit junit-doc # Optional: Java development using Eclipse + java plugins for Firefox<br />
* sysinfo # Kind of like device manager on Windows. Shows CPU / memory / hard disk installed, some hardware that has been detected, etc.<br />
* autofs smbfs smbclient<br />
* gisomount<br />
* gtk-recordmydesktop # Record videos of what you're doing on your desktop.<br />
* gworldclock # Want to simultaneously see the time in Tokyo, LA, London, and Rio? Use this.<br />
* ffmpeg2theora # Convert videos into format suitable for uploading to Wikimedia commons.<br />
* rar p7zip-full # needed for extracting .7z and RAR archives<br />
* gnome-do # Run apps or commands from a keyboard launcher.<br />
* pinfo # Much nicer UI than man or info for reading documentation.<br />
* vlc mozilla-plugin-vlc<br />
* avidemux # Useful for replacing audio tracks in video files.<br />
* indent # Useful for auto-indenting code.<br />
* smartmontools smart-notifier # S.M.A.R.T. hard disk monitoring tools.<br />
* tidy<br />
* ddrescue # Useful for recovering data from failing hard disks.<br />
* gimp-resynthesizer # A nifty plugin for gimp for repairing images or filling in content intelligently. Ignore if you don't use gimp.<br />
* qpdf # Useful for removing password from PDF files, as per [http://blog.sandipb.net/2009/01/10/removing-encryption-from-legitimate-pdf-files-on-ubuntu/ this guide].<br />
* hardinfo # Generates a hardware report and benchmark for the system; can also run in command line mode by doing: <code> hardinfo -r -f html > report.html </code><br />
* gtkvncviewer # Nice VNC client.<br />
* renameutils # Useful for bulk renaming of files. Example for renaming all .JPG files in a directory to .jpg (lowercase) is: <code>rename s/JPG$/jpg/ *</code><br />
* meld # Good GUI for comparing two files, e.g. two log files.<br />
* asciio # Good for drawing ASCII graphs; only available in Ubuntu 10.10 and up.<br />
* spamassassin # Email filtering, used by Evolution.<br />
<!--<br />
<br />
Have installed on laptop - test some more and see if worth including:<br />
gedit-plugins<br />
wget http://nchc.dl.sourceforge.net/sourceforge/openproj/openproj_1.4-2.deb && sudo dpkg -i openproj_1.4-2.deb<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
winbind # could be useful on a windows network. Have not discerned any benefit yet though.<br />
<br />
Still working out whether to include or not: * evolution-plugins-experimental <br />
<br />
* bum # Boot Up Manager - GUI for specifying what services should be running on boot-up.<br />
* miro # Combined bittorrent client and video player. Particularly useful for downloading TED talks before a flight. Uses lots of disk space though.<br />
* k3b # CD burning app.<br />
* deluge amule # P2P - donkey plus bittorrent<br />
<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Configure "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" ==<br />
<br />
To get the back / forward keyboard keys working in Firefox, when using the "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard", go System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> Layout -> click the model button -> Choose Microsoft -> set model to "Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro USB" -> click "close".<br />
<br />
== Custom Key Bindings, aimed at "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" == <br />
<br />
Note: the steps keep changing in each Ubuntu release (the menus move around, the keycodes change), unfortunately.<br />
This is what works for me using 14.04.<br />
<br />
Go: System settings -> Keyboard -> Shortcuts -> custom shortcuts.<br />
<br />
Personally I then add the following custom shortcuts:<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
|-<br />
! Label <br />
! Command<br />
! HotKey<br />
|-<br />
| Terminal<br />
| gnome-terminal<br />
| 1<br />
|-<br />
| Files<br />
| /usr/bin/nemo<br />
| 2<br />
|-<br />
| Screenshot<br />
| /usr/bin/gnome-screenshot --area --interactive<br />
| 3<br />
|-<br />
| Text editor <br />
| /opt/sublime_text/sublime_text --command new_file<br />
| 4<br />
|- <br />
| KeePassXC<br />
| /usr/bin/keepassxc<br />
| 5<br />
|- <br />
| Gimp<br />
| /usr/bin/gimp<br />
| Favourites<br />
|}<br />
<br />
Also set HomePage hotkey to open a new browser tab instead of a new browser window, with this command: /usr/bin/firefox.exe -new-tab about:blank<br />
<!-- 1.10 in gnome-fallback mode:<br />
<br />
* ubuntu "System Setting" (top right corner of your desktop) -> Keyboard -> Shortcut.<br />
* Set "1" favourite key to "run a terminal"<br />
* Set "2" favourite key to "open home folder"<br />
<br />
There seems to be a bug that prevents the "custom shortcuts" keys from working for favourite keys 3, 4 and 5. Instead we have to do this:<br />
* In a terminal, run: <code>gconf-editor</code><br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/global_keybindings<br />
* Change "run_command_3" to be 0xc2, "run_command_4" to be 0xc3, and "run_command_5" to be 0xc4 - these corresponds to the 3 / 4 / 5 favourite keys.<br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/keybinding_commands<br />
* Change "command_3" to be the take-screenshot command: <code>gnome-screenshot --window --interactive</code><br />
* Change "command_4" to be the new-text-editor command: <code>/usr/bin/gedit --new-document</code><br />
* Change "command_5" to be as desired.<br />
* Name is "Zend Studio", command is "sh /home/nickj/programs/Zend/ZendStudio-5.5.0/bin/ZDE". Set the 5 favourite key to run this. --><br />
<br />
== Install Skype == <br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>" -> Skype -> More Info -> Install. <br />
<br />
Then to make the right-click menus legible with Ubuntu's dark theme, do as follows:<br />
# Applications -> Internet -> Skype -> single-click on the skype icon in the top right to open skype -> Ctrl-O to open options -> "general" -> Choose Style: "Desktop settings" -> close.<br />
# Single click on skype icon to open skype again -> Ctrl-Q to close.<br />
# Now restart skype by going Applications -> Internet -> Skype, and the right-click menus will be readable.<br />
<!--<br />
install Skype - [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Skype#AMD64 Source of instructions].<br />
sudo aptitude install ia32-libs<br />
wget http://skype.com/go/getskype-linux-ubuntu<br />
sudo aptitude install libqt4-core libqt4-gui qt4-qtconfig <br />
sudo dpkg --install --force-architecture --force-depends skype-debian*.deb<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Install the Tahoma fonts ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.stchman.com/ms_fonts.html Source of instructions].<br />
<br />
Once the msttcorefonts package is installed you will notice that Tahoma and Tahoma Bold is missing. You will need to extract Tahoma<br />
and Tahoma Bold from the zip file. Tahoma is used for Microsoft desktop, title bars and menu fonts so if you are trying to get that<br />
XP look you will need the Tahoma regular and Tahoma Bold fonts. Install Tahoma by doing the following in a terminal.<br />
<br />
cd ~<br />
wget http://www.stchman.com/tools/MS_fonts/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo unzip -d /usr/share/fonts/truetype/msttcorefonts ~/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo fc-cache -f -v<br />
rm -f ~/tahoma.zip<br />
<br />
== Install Flash == <br />
<br />
* Install the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up or installs flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems.<br />
* Restart the browser.<br />
* Go to: Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, go with all the defaults.<br />
* It removes any old flash plugins and downloads and installs the latest Adobe one.<br />
* For AMD64 systems, can use the flash 64 bit beta.<br />
<br />
If flash videos have a blue tint after the installation, then repeat the above steps, which may fix it. If it doesn't, then right click on a flash video with a blue tint -> Settings -> Untick "enable HW acceleration". [http://askubuntu.com/questions/117127/flash-video-appears-blue Source].<br />
<br />
== Install Google Earth ==<br />
<!--<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update && sudo aptitude install medibuntu-keyring && sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install googleearth-4.3<br />
<br />
... or follow the manual instructions on [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/GoogleEarth this page] for a more recent version.<br />
--><br />
Follow [http://www.liberiangeek.net/2011/10/how-to-install-google-earth-in-ubuntu-11-10-oneiric-ocelot/ these instructions for installing google earth].<br />
<br />
== Install Acrobat reader ==<br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>", or go Applications -> Ubuntu Software Center, and then go: -> Canonical Partners -> Adobe Acrobat reader -> Install.<br />
<br />
<!--<br />
In earlier versions of Ubuntu, to install acrobat reader, since [http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-general-1/cant-shrink-to-fit-pdf-doc-654281/ Ubuntu's native PDF readers don't have shrink to fit when printing]. :<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install acroread acroread-plugins<br />
<br />
(this uses medibuntu, from the Google Earth step above).<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
Also need to do this:<br />
sudo editor /usr/share/applications/defaults.list <br />
And change this:<br />
#application/pdf=evince.desktop<br />
application/pdf=AdobeReader.desktop<br />
--><br />
Then to tweak the display preferences of Acrobat Reader: Edit -> Preferences -> Page Display -> set "Zoom" to "Fit Page" -> Click "Ok".<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
== Install Opera ==<br />
<br />
To install and configure opera (since it's useful for testing web pages to be able to check behaviour, and it's useful to have another browser around sometimes), do the following:<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.list<br />
... and add these two lines:<br />
# For latest stable opera:<br />
deb http://deb.opera.com/opera/ stable non-free<br />
<br />
* Then do:<br />
sudo wget -O - http://deb.opera.com/archive.key | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install opera<br />
* Then run opera - Applications -> Internet -> Opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise -> Toolbars tab -> change the "wrapping" setting to "Wrap to multiple lines".<br />
<!-- <br />
* Go to [http://www.opera.com/download/ Opera's download page].<br />
* Download and open and install the .deb file<br />
* Then run opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise and change the wrapping setting to "multiple lines".<br />
--><br />
== Enable Apport for crash bug reporting ==<br />
<br />
Enable apport so that crash bugs will be reported and logged:<br />
sudo editor /etc/default/apport<br />
change enabled from "0" to "1".<br />
<br />
Crashes will then be logged to /var/crash/<br />
<br />
== Configure Open Office to work in MS Office 2000 compatibility mode ==<br />
<br />
[http://news.cnet.com/8301-13880_3-9864262-68.html Source of instructions]. Only do this if you are testing a migration to Ubuntu. Once you have already switched, then use the native ODF for new files, as they generally save formatting better.<br />
* Start OpenOffice Word Process: Applications -> Office -> OpenOffice.org Word Processor -> tools -> options -> expand "Load/Save" -> select "general" -> For document type = "Text document", set Always save as "Microsoft Word 97/2000/XP" (instead of "ODF text document"); For Document type = "Spreadsheet", set Always save as "Microsoft Excel 97/2000/XP"; For Document type = "Presentation", set Always save as "Microsoft PowerPoint 97/2000/XP" -> then click "OK".<br />
* Then tools -> options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> compatibility -> tick "Use printer metrics for document formatting", tick "Do not add leading (extra space) between lines of text", and tick "Consider wrapping style when positioning objects". Then go: Use as Default -> Yes -> OK.<br />
<br />
Note: When you upgrade between Ubuntu releases, you will probably need to repeat the first step, otherwise it will default back to saving in OpenOffice's formats by default.<br />
<br />
== Evolution configuration ==<br />
<br />
* Turn off new email notifications: Evolution -> Edit -> Plugins -> Uncheck "Mail Notification" plugin.<br />
* Edit -> Preferences -> 'Calendar and Tasks' -> 'Display' tab -> Disable the 'Compress weekends in month view' option.<br />
* Customize the default mail folder view. Get one folder looking right (personal preference: Columns: From / Subject / Received, with threads off, sorted by date received with most recent first). Then go View -> Current view -> Save Custom View... -> Replace existing view -> Messages -> Save. "Messages" is a special view, which is used by default on all folders, although you can override it on a folder-by-folder basis, but customizing that folder's view.<br />
<br />
== Set up SSH keys and KeepAlive Interval ==<br />
<br />
For each machine you want to have password-less SSH login to, do:<br />
ssh-copy-id -i ~/.ssh/id_dsa.pub machine1<br />
<br />
Also on some connections the SSH shell can close after a short timeout period. To keep connections option for longer, on the client side do, <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and then add this line to send a keep-alive heartbeat every 60 seconds:<br />
ServerAliveInterval 60<br />
<br />
... there is also a corresponding "ClientAliveInterval 60" setting that can be added to /etc/ssh/sshd_config - although sometimes you only control the client side of the link, and so this is not possible.<br />
<br />
Also set up connection sharing, makes secondary connections to SSH hosts much faster. <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and add this:<br />
# from: "OpenSSH tip: connection sharing"<br />
# http://tanguy.ortolo.eu/blog/article42/ssh-connection-sharing<br />
ControlPath ~/.ssh/control-%r@%h:%p<br />
ControlMaster auto<br />
ControlPersist 1<br />
<br />
== Automounting remote file systems using SSHFS ==<br />
<br />
For a remote Linux system, can automount with autofs + sshfs. Follow the guides [http://www.tjansson.dk/?p=84 here] and [http://www.mccambridge.org/blog/2007/05/totally-seamless-sshfs-under-linux-using-fuse-and-autofs/ here].<br />
<br />
Debug any problems with:<br />
tail --lines=0 -f /var/log/*<br />
<!-- <br />
Windows shares<br />
* Currently TESTING, this step not complete yet.<br />
* [http://oapeon.blogspot.com/2008/09/automounting-cifs-share-in-ubuntu.html Follow these instructions], but also [http://www.howtoforge.com/accessing_windows_or_samba_shares_using_autofs create a /etc/auto.smb.FILESERVERNAME file with login credentials].<br />
<br />
Actually, may have spoken too soon, seems kinda flakey. Getting "Input/output error" on the command line when accessing shares after a few minutes:<br />
<br />
$ ls /smb/server/sharename/<br />
ls: cannot access /smb/server/sharename/: Input/output error<br />
$<br />
<br />
Also seeing these errors when doing "tail -f /var/log/messages", despite supplying login credentials:<br />
Oct 23 17:42:02 redux kernel: [66597.665680] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
Oct 23 17:42:01 redux kernel: [66597.524118] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
<br />
To remove, uninstall these packages:<br />
sudo aptitude uninstall --purge autofs libevent1 libgssglue1 libnfsidmap2 librpcsecgss3 nfs-common portmap smbfs<br />
<br />
<br />
rebooting seemed to make this better.... although it's still buggy and flakey. Get directories being infinitely recursive, edited files appearing as directories, etc etc.<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
testing / playing with smbnetfs as an alternative<br />
sudo aptitude install smbnetfs<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/smbnetfs.conf <br />
<br />
- show_$_shares "false"<br />
+ show_$_shares "true"<br />
<br />
mkdir ~/.smb<br />
editor ~/.smb/smbnetfs.auth<br />
<br />
auth nickj password<br />
<br />
Need to do something with .smb/smbnetfs.conf ?<br />
<br />
<br />
* smbnetfs is probably not even running - need to find some decent docs on how to configure this.<br />
* autofs is mounted on /smb , and can be seriously flakey.<br />
* trying sshfs now, seems better but needs some magic options in the mount flags to work suitably.<br />
--><br />
== right before and right after each upgrade ==<br />
<br />
Remove unneeded cruft, by doing:<br />
sudo apt-get autoremove<br />
sudo apt-get clean<br />
deborphan<br />
Check first that no important packages are about to be removed, then do:<br />
sudo apt-get remove --purge $(deborphan)<br />
Purge old configuration files, first command shows what will be purged:<br />
sudo aptitude search ~c <br />
sudo aptitude purge ~c<br />
<br />
Fix broken packages:<br />
* <code>sudo aptitude</code><br />
* fix any broken packages (ctrl-t -> resolver -> examine -> g -> g).<br />
* also clean up cache and obsolete files (ctrl-t -> actions -> "clean package cache" and "clean obsolete files").<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
These tweaks are only required for 9.04:<br />
<br />
([http://reformedmusings.wordpress.com/2009/04/26/recovering-daily-update-notifications-in-ubuntu-904-jaunty/ Source]) To enable daily notification of non-security updates, which is especially useful if you [[#enable Apport for crash bug reporting|enable Apport for crash bug reporting]], then do this:<br />
gconftool -s --type bool /apps/update-notifier/auto_launch false<br />
<br />
([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-when-logoutshutdown-and-restart-ubuntu904 Source]) To remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout, do this:<br />
* Right-click on the panel power button icon on top-right of the screen -> Preferences -> Untick "Show confirm dialog for logout, shutdown and restart".<br />
<br />
Only in Ubuntu 9.04:<br />
sudo aptitude install firefox-3.5 firefox-3.5-gnome-support<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Tweaks to Ubuntu 9.10 that I had to apply to get stuff working again, or configured how I like it:<br />
<br />
1: Remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout. ([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-in-ubuntu910karmic Source]). <br />
<br />
2: For seeing details of SMART reporting for hard disks:<br />
sudo aptitude install gsmartcontrol<br />
<br />
3: system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Dust".<br />
<br />
4: Alt-F2, run gconf-editor , then toogle the GConf key /apps/eog/ui/disable_trash_confirmation to be ticked, to disable prompting for image deleting though Eye of Gnome ([https://bugzilla.gnome.org/show_bug.cgi?id=541967#c5 source]).<br />
<br />
5: Some third party entries in your sources.list were disabled. You can re-enable them after the upgrade with the 'software-properties' tool or your package manager.<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.lst<br />
<br />
.. then re-enable dropbox, chrome daily builds, etc, and apply those updates:<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude upgrade<br />
<br />
6: Setting MySQL back to utf8 mode:<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/mysql/my.cnf <br />
add under the "[mysqld]" section:<br />
default-character-set=utf8<br />
<br />
7: Blue tint to video files in VLC, Mplayer, and Totem. [http://www.mediacollege.com/video-gallery/testclips/20051210-w50s.flv Example video file]. [https://bugs.launchpad.net/totem/+bug/395476 Bug is in] the Nvidia closed source driver. Workaround is:<br />
* open totem via Applications -> Sound & Video -> Movie Player<br />
* open the preferences window via Edit -> Preferences<br />
* select the Display tab<br />
* click the Reset to Defaults button<br />
<br />
8: Problem: Mplayer crashing regularly when changing video output mode, and also giving a "couldn't resolve name for AF_INET6:" error on URL playback. Workaround: ditch mplayer, as totem and VLC are suitable replacements:<br />
sudo aptitude remove --purge mplayer<br />
<br />
9: Flash applets don't work in firefox or chrome on AMD64 (example: playing [http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-february-1-2010/q---o this Daily Show] video) .... solution: redo the [[#Install_Flash_on_AMD64|Flash installation steps]].<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Ambiance". <!-- move window decoration buttons to the left too - find link & steps for this --><br />
# If images don't display in office documents: Start OpenOffice writer, and then go: Tools -> Options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> View -> tick "Graphics and objects" -> click "Ok".<br />
<!-- to get SIP calls working through empathy through the dodgy Telstra modem that blocks VoIP: sudo aptitude install telepathy-sofiasip ... no, didn't work - test again later. --><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# <code>sudo aptitude remove tracker</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install unity-2d</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
The 11.10 release had more problems than most releases.<br />
<br />
Nautilus default view: go to Places -> Home folder -> Edit -> Preferences -> "View new folders using": select "List View".<br />
<br />
=== Restore classic Gnome desktop ===<br />
To get gnome classic desktop back, as per [http://www.webupd8.org/2011/08/installing-using-classic-gnome-desktop.html this blog post].<br />
sudo apt-get install gnome-session-fallback<br />
Then:<br />
* Install weather applet<br />
* System monitor applet<br />
* Add application icons for Firefox, chrome, terminal, and gedit.<br />
sudo aptitude install alarm-clock-applet<br />
* Add an application icon for the alarm clock applet.<br />
* Put a trash applet back on the bottom right of the screen.<br />
* Put a show desktop applet back on the bottom left of the screen.<br />
<br />
=== SSH menu is gone, use SSH plus instead ===<br />
Follow [http://www.gulecha.org/2011/07/29/sshplus-a-sshmenu-compatible-appindicator/ these installation instructions]. Then do <code>sudo aptitude install putty</code><br/> <br />
To add to startup apps: Applications -> System Tools -> Preferences -> startup applications -> add SSHplus by full path.<br />
<br />
=== blurry image viewer ===<br />
Images look blurry because the default Gnome Image viewer (eog/eye of gnome) is set to "Best Fit" instead of "Normal view", which resizes images slightly, making them appear blurry. Unfortunately, there seems to be no preference or setting that allows changing this permanently. Instead just install another image viewing app, and make it the default:<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install gthumb</code><br/><br />
It can be customized to view images 1:1 by going Edit -> Preferences -> Viewer -> Set to actual size. Then go View -> unselect "Thumbnail pane" (with this on, it seems to interfere with 1:1 viewing). Test it, then if so make it the default app by going ubuntu "System Settings" (top right corner of your desktop) -> System info -> Default applications -> Photos -> gThumb.<br />
<br />
=== usb automounting was broken ===<br />
Inserted USB drives would no longer automatically mount and open a file manager window. Solved by installing, and then removing, the usbmount package.<br />
<br />
=== Flash broken ===<br />
After upgrading from 11.04 to 11.10, flash applets either did not work, or worked partial (such as the sound being distorted, like the person was underwater). Fixed by installing the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up broken flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems. Installed the extension, restarted the browser, then went Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, just went with all the defaults, it removed the old flash plugins (I had 2) and downloaded and installed the latest adobe one, and then it was as good as new and working flawlessly.<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 12.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
=== Multiple monitors broken, screen orientation broken ===<br />
<br />
run Synaptic, remove all the nvidia drivers, and install the nouveau firmware, then reboot, then systems settings -> displays, and can change the monitor setup so that multi-montior works again and so the orientations are in portrait instead of landscape.<br />
<br />
From the command line to remove nvidia drivers, can do:<br />
sudo apt-get purge nvidia-settings nvidia-current<br />
<br />
=== Customised keyboard shortcuts lost ===<br />
<br />
All my customized keyboard shortcuts for the extra buttons on my keyboard are lost. Had to redo the keyboard config to get these back.<br />
<br />
=== alt-tab no longer works ===<br />
<br />
To fix (from [http://askubuntu.com/questions/135685/alt-tab-does-not-switch this source]) :<br />
sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* Go at the very bottom where it says "Window Management"<br />
* Put a checkmark in "application switcher"<br />
* That should fix it.<br />
<br />
=== Workplace switching is broken (gives a blank desktop with no menus or items) ===<br />
<br />
Install compiz settings manager as above, and that will fix it. To get switching to be 4 horizontal desktops:<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* "general" -> General options -> Desktop size -> horizontal virtual size = 4, vertical virtual size = 1<br />
<br />
Also turn off "effects" -> "animations" in compiz too, whilst we are there.<br />
<br />
=== Gnome menus look ugly ===<br />
<br />
The bug is [https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/light-themes/+bug/981289 here]. To fix ambiance themes, [http://www.webupd8.org/2012/05/install-ambiance-fixed-for-classic.html follow these steps].<br />
<br />
=== Printing was broken ===<br />
<br />
Jobs sent to the network printer just sat in the queue and were never printed, even though the printer hardware was fine and the same queue worked perfectly in 11.10. Easiest solution was to cancel all print jobs, delete the printer, add a new printer with the same settings, and reboot (because the printer setup locked up whilst doing these things).<br />
<br />
=== Printing was excessively slow from Firefox ===<br />
<br />
Even after doing the above, printing was very slow from Firefox to the HP LaserJet 2100 TN. For example, it was taking up to 4 minutes to print a page, whereas it would take 15 seconds before. To fix:<br />
* Run "system-config-printer" from the command line.<br />
* Change the printer driver. Instead of the recommended driver, use "HP LaserJet 2100 - CUPS+Gutenprint v5.2.8-pre1".<br />
* Print a test page, once works okay, click "OK", and close the printer config applet.<br />
<br />
=== Volume applet indicator disappeared ===<br />
<br />
[http://askubuntu.com/questions/126411/volume-and-other-indicators-disappeared-in-the-classic-desktop Source].<br />
Run gnome-sound-applet from the command line to check that it is installed and working.<br />
<br />
To start the sound applet automatically, go to System Tools -> Preferences -> Startup Applications, and add Command gnome-sound-applet<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 13.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
To be able to play videos again:<br />
sudo aptitude install ubuntu-restricted-extras<br />
<br />
To stop using Nautilus, following the unfortuate decision to remove all of its most useful features, and switch to Nemo instead. [http://www.fandigital.com/2012/09/install-nemo-file-manager-in-ubuntu.html Source] [http://www.fandigital.com/2013/01/set-nemo-default-file-manager-ubuntu.html Source].<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:gwendal-lebihan-dev/cinnamon-stable<br />
sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install nemo nemo-fileroller<br />
xdg-mime default nemo.desktop inode/directory application/x-gnome-saved-search<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 13.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Changed video driver from nouveau open source driver to nvidia's binary driver, to fix intermittent crashing of gnome-shell once or more per day: Applications -> System tools -> Software & updates -> Additional drivers -> nvidia-319-updates.<br />
<br />
* Problem: guest session broken, wallpaper all black, desktop icons broken, and screensaver unlock sometimes not working<br />
* Cause: All due to a conflict between Ubuntu 13.10 and cinnamon.<br />
* Solution: remove cinnamon and nemo. [http://askubuntu.com/questions/360772/unity-isnt-starting-on-13-10 Source].<br />
<br />
sudo apt-get install ppa-purge<br />
sudo apt-get purge --auto-remove cinnamon<br />
sudo apt-get autoremove<br />
sudo apt-get update -f<br />
sudo apt-get dist-upgrade<br />
sudo apt-get install ubuntu-desktop<br />
sudo apt-get remove .*cinnamon.*<br />
sudo apt-get remove .*nemo.*<br />
<br />
Then install nemo from the Ubuntu repos - part of the repos now.<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 14.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Only needed on a Gnome desktop, will cause icons to not appear on a Unity desktop and so should be skipped under Unity: To fix missing notifier icons (network, dropbox, sshplus, ksplice) under Gnome :<br />
<br />
* How to fix the missing network icon - follow [http://www.bauer-power.net/2014/05/permanent-fix-for-missing-network.html these steps].<br />
* For the others: System tools -> preferences -> startup applications -> then open the item whose notifier icon is not appearing.<br />
* add "dbus-launch " to start of the command lines for Ksplice and SSHPlus and Dropbox, and any others that are not working.<br />
<!--<br />
To fix greeter/login-screen monitor orientation - [http://askubuntu.com/questions/408302/rotated-monitor-login-screen-needs-rotation source].<br />
<br />
sudo cp ~/.config/monitors.xml /var/lib/lightdm/.config/<br />
sudo chown lightdm.lightdm /var/lib/lightdm/.config/monitors.xml<br />
--><br />
<br />
== VirtualBox ==<br />
<br />
=== first time VirtualBox install only ===<br />
<br />
From the [http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Linux_Downloads VirtualBox Installation instructions]:<br />
sudo vim /etc/apt/sources.list <br />
add this line: <code>deb http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian oneiric contrib</code> . Do not add a deb-src line.<br />
wget -q http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian/oracle_vbox.asc -O- | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude install dkms<br />
<br />
The first time that you install, make sure that you are a member of vboxusers group (needed for USB disks to work correctly) :<br />
sudo usermod -a -G vboxusers `whoami`<br />
sudo usermod -a -G disk `whoami`<br />
Then reboot the computer.<br />
<br />
=== All VirtualBox upgrades and installs ===<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install virtualbox-6.1<br />
To update/get the extension pack, start Virualbox Manager, go Help -> About to check have latest, then go File -> "Check for Updates...", and this will check you have the latest virtualbox and also install/update the extensions. Take all the defaults. Enter password if prompted.<br />
<br />
After upgrading from a previous version, to update each guest's VirtualBox drivers, do this after the Guest has started:<br />
* VirtualBox -> start Guest -> "Devices" menu -> Install Guest Additions CD image...<br />
<br />
And in a Debian or Ubuntu '''guest''' machine after doing an upgrade, to install the vbox additions, do this:<br />
* Devices -> Install Guest Additions CD image...<br />
aptitude install build-essential linux-headers-$(uname -r)<br />
mount /dev/cdrom <br />
sh /cdrom/VBoxLinuxAdditions.run<br />
<br />
=== To check if things aren't working as expected ===<br />
<br />
Before starting the Guest machine, make sure USB functionality is enabled by going:<br />
* Settings -> USB -> Make sure both the USB checkboxes are ticked -> Click the "Add Empty Filter" button (the top button on the right) -> click OK to close dialog box.<br />
<br />
Rebuild the virtualbox modules after upgrading from a previous version:<br />
sudo service vboxdrv setup<br />
<br />
Then plug in a USB device after the guest machine has started. Then make it visible to the Guest by going:<br />
* Devices -> USB devices -> and select the USB device to make visible.<br />
<br />
When doing a major version upgrade, use apt-get and not aptitude. For example:<br />
sudo apt-get install virtualbox-6.0<br />
... and then start VirtualBox, and then install the latest extension pack, using the steps above. The link will be on the [https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads VirtualBox downloads] page.<br />
<br />
If you get an "Error! Could not locate dkms.conf file" message, then you probably have old directories left over from an old version of virtualbox under /var/lib/dkms/ . E.g. I had some directories left over from 3.2.6, and the fix was:<br />
sudo rm -r /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetadp /var/lib/dkms/vboxdrv /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetflt<br />
<br />
== Newsgroup bin client ==<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude install sabnzbdplus<br />
Then configure as per [http://wiki.sabnzbd.org/quick-setup the steps on their wiki].<br />
<!-- Lottanzb keeps crashing for me:<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:lottanzb/daily-build<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:jcfp/ppa<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install lottanzb sabnzbdplus<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Steps for making the Benq Acer S2W 3300U work == <br />
<br />
* Plug in power and USB cable to the scanner, and connect it to your computer.<br />
* Check SANE is installed, then run <code> sane-find-scanner </code>, and it should list your scanner.<br />
* From [http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/downloads.cfm/dtype/D/page/downloads/product/91 Benq's page] get the Mirascan ZIP file. Note that Benq's webservers are crap, and they cut out mid-download, so save yourself frustration by using wget to take care of the downloading/resuming/retrying, by doing:<br />
wget ftp://211.78.86.204/scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
and/or<br />
wget http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/download.cfm?file=scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
* Check the ZIP file downloaded okay by doing:<br />
unzip -t mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
... and making sure it says there were "no errors detected" at the end.<br />
* Extract just the u176v046.bin file (which is firmware blob that this scanner needs to operate) into the current directory:<br />
unzip -j mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip "MiraScan v4.03u10_BQA/BIN/u176v046.bin"<br />
* Set up Sane to use this firmware blob:<br />
sudo mkdir /usr/share/sane/snapscan<br />
sudo cp u176v046.bin /usr/share/sane/snapscan/<br />
sudo editor /etc/sane.d/snapscan.conf<br />
... and change the first line from:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/your-firmwarefile.bin<br />
to:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/u176v046.bin<br />
... then save and close the file.<br />
* Then under the Applications -> Graphics menu, run Xsane, or (my preference) Simple Scan.<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
<!-- todo: add the repo steps here --><br />
Unfortunately dropbox does not seem to automatically install updates for old versions. Given this, need to manually install updates on old versions, and easiest way to install dropbox updates on Linux is, open a terminal and do:<br />
dropbox stop<br />
dropbox status # Should report "not running"<br />
rm -r ~/.dropbox-dist/<br />
dropbox start -i<br />
<br />
== Handbrake ==<br />
<br />
Handbrake is a media converter, and is especially useful for converting files for portable devices, like Android tablets or iPhones. To install the snapshot releases (which seems to be the easiest way, if you want the GUI) :<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:stebbins/handbrake-snapshots<br />
sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install handbrake-gtk handbrake-cli<br />
== Install Chromium dev builds ==<br />
<br />
Firefox is currently slightly better as a daily browser, but Chromium is improving rapidly. If you want to play with the native alpha port of Google's Chrome browser just to see how it's going, you can install the dev builds of Chromium quite easily by doing:<br />
<!-- could get rid of the PPA - Ubuntu now includes the chromium browser in universe, that lags a little, but avoids the constant daily updates: http://packages.ubuntu.com/search?keywords=chromium-browser --><br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:chromium-daily/dev<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install chromium-browser chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-nonfree chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-extra<br />
<!-- following [http://www.stefanoforenza.com/chromium-on-ubuntu-how-to/ these directions]. You probably also want to add the key for this PPA to your system, following [https://help.launchpad.net/Packaging/PPA#Adding%20the%20keys%20using%20Gnome these directions] about adding [http://keyserver.ubuntu.com:11371/pks/lookup?op=get&search=0x5A9BF3BB4E5E17B5 their key] to your system, so that you don't get lots of prompts every day when there is an update about "do you want to install unauthenticated packages?". --><br />
<br />
Chrome Extensions to install:<br />
* [http://www.chromeextensions.org/appearance-functioning/flashblock/ FlashBlock].<br />
* [http://blog.xmarks.com/?p=1244 Xmarks].<br />
* [https://chrome.google.com/extensions/detail/gighmmpiobklfepjocnamgkkbiglidom Adblock]. Need to restart browser for extension to take effect.<br />
<br />
Still waiting for these Chrome extensions as at July 2010:<br />
* The equivalent of Tab Mix Plus. (still looking for this).<br />
<br />
Things that aren't working quite right yet in Chromium on Linux:<br />
* The backspace key should go back, or should be configurable for this. There is an extension that allows this, but it should probably be a preference in the base browser.<br />
* Auto-updating of extensions. There is a way to do this from the extensions UI, but in Chromium it doesn't seem to do anything.<br />
* Audio playback not working correctly - e.g. on [http://slides.html5rocks.com/#slide22 this slide], get no audio after selecting a national anthem other than US (US works, other's don't). Possibly [http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Chrome/thread?tid=2fdf2aa857abe1ef&hl=en this issue] or [http://code.google.com/p/chromium/issues/detail?id=37848 this issue].<br />
* WebGL does not work on an old laptop, but does on a modern desktop. Could be that the laptop's hardware is just too old (or just not supported in 3D).<br />
<br />
To enable most of the new features of Chromium, change the command line for starting chromium to be like this:<br />
chromium-browser --enable-plugins --enable-greasemonkey --enable-user-scripts --enable-internal-flash --enable-extensions --enable-webgl %U<br />
<br />
Configuration settings:<br />
* To make streetview work: Try to open streetview -> nothing happens -> press Ctrl-Shift-F (which permanently unblock flashblock on that site) -> then streetview will pop up and work thereafter.<br />
<br />
Updating the flash plugin if you get a warning that "the flash plugin was blocked because it is out of date", or just installing the flash plugin.<br />
* First check where the plugin is installed, by opening chrome://plugins/ in chromium, and expanding the "details" link.<br />
* For me, it said "Location: /usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so".<br />
* Note this directory, and update the flashplugin variable below if you have a different path:<br />
cd ~/tmp<br />
flashplugin=/usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so<br />
sudo mv $flashplugin ./libflashplayer.so.old<br />
wget http://download.macromedia.com/pub/labs/flashplayer10/flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz<br />
tar zfvx flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz <br />
sudo cp ./libflashplayer.so $flashplugin<br />
cd /usr/lib/chromium-browser/plugins<br />
sudo ln -s $flashplugin<br />
Now restart chromium and the warning should be fixed & flash should work.<br />
<br />
== Android ADB commands ==<br />
<br />
Only useful if you have an android phone and sometimes want to flash custom ROMs or recovery images:<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:phablet-team/tools && sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install android-tools-adb android-tools-fastboot<br />
<br />
== Read SD cards ==<br />
<br />
To be able to read SD cards, [http://askubuntu.com/questions/364270/mount-unknown-filesystem-exfat source]:<br />
sudo apt-get install exfat-fuse exfat-utils<br />
<!--<br />
== Pinta ==<br />
<br />
Basic image editing program, like ms-paint:<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:moonlight-team/pinta<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install pinta<br />
<br />
tends to crash though.... don't include in public instructions just yet!<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
'''Warning: semi-commercial software'''<br />
<br />
Personally, I find dropbox useful for synchronising up to 2 GB of data free between multiple systems (desktop and laptop; work and home). You need to sign up here and install the software from here.<br />
##### FINISH WRITING THIS STEP AT SOME POINT #####<br />
##### Keeps crashing on network transfers, so don't write up until that is completed ###### -- this was fixed by upgrading to version 0.6.564 <br />
##### The crashing is back.... **sigh**<br />
<br />
== testing: Ksplice for rebootless kernel updates ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.ksplice.com/uptrack/download Install]<br />
[http://lwn.net/Articles/340477/ background on Ksplice].<br />
<br />
== Ekiga linux setup ==<br />
.... cannot test this until ADSL connection no longer blocks VoIP...<br />
Date: Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:21:10 +1100<br />
VoIP client.<br />
<br />
Applications ->Internet -> Ekiga softphone<br />
Enter name<br />
Tick "I do not want to sign up for the ekiga.net free service"<br />
connection type xDSL.cable<br />
enable STUN support: Yes<br />
rest of the options: take the defaults,.<br />
<br />
Then in Ekiga, go:<br />
edit -> accounts -> add my pennytel account details.<br />
#### No sound through ekiga in 10.10 -- leave commented out until this works ####<br />
--></div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/Ubuntu_desktop_setup_stepsUbuntu desktop setup steps2023-09-04T00:31:42Z<p>Nickj: /* Custom Key Bindings, aimed at "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" */</p>
<hr />
<div>Ubuntu desktop setup steps for an AMD64 system. Most of these instructions will work on 8.04 LTS onwards through the current release, and it should almost all work on x86 systems too:<br />
<br />
== Pre-installation standard hardware test procedure ==<br />
<br />
Before installing or configuring any software, it is imperative to test the hardware beforehand, to establish that it is not provably broken:<br />
* Download the ISOs for [http://www.sysresccd.org/ System Rescue CD] and [http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/ Ultimate Boot CD] and burn these.<br />
* From either CD, run Memtest86+ on the machine overnight, to test that the CPU and memory are error-free.<br />
* From UBCD, run a CPU stress test for 5 to 10 minutes to check CPU is reliable and adequately cooled.<br />
* From Sys Rescue CD, check for bad blocks on the hard drive, before trusting it with any data: <code>badblocks -v -s -w -c 4096 /dev/sda</code> <br />Note however that badblocks is quite a slow test - e.g. took 34 hours on a 500 GB SATA disk in an external USB enclosure, and 17 hours on a 250 GB IDE disk.<br />It's also a destructive write test, and so will blank the disk, so make sure you have the right device (use <code>fdisk -lu</code> to confirm the device's size and name).<br />Successful output will look something like this:<br />
Checking for bad blocks in read-write mode<br />
From block 0 to 244198583<br />
Testing with pattern 0xaa: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x55: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0xff: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x00: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Pass completed, 0 bad blocks found.<br />
<br />
If problems are found with any of the above, resolve these first before proceeding further.<br />
<br />
== Installation == <br />
<br />
* Firstly, decide whether you want software RAID or not. Personally, I use RAID-1 mirroring of a single bootable partition, using 2 same-sized disks, from 2 different manufacturers, because:<br />
*# it's simple.<br />
*# it's redundant enough.<br />
*# it's cheap: the incremental cost is the cost of a single disk, which is less than $100.<br />
*# you can boot off of it.<br />
*# it's not a question of if a disk will fail, but when.<br />
: For software RAID, install from the Alternate Installation CD. You can always [http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Convert_a_single_drive_system_to_RAID convert to RAID-1 later], but it's significantly more faffing about than setting it up this way from the get-go.<br />
* Once you've done the above, download and burn either the standard or alternate Ubuntu install CD, as appropriate.<br />
* Insert installation CD. Follow simple options, installs, ejects CD, reboots. Then login.<br />
* System -> Networking -> set up static IP address instead of dynamic IP address.<br />
* reboot to get network changes to apply (theoretically this should not be necessary, but in practice it was, at least for me on 8.04).<br />
* reboot, install system updates. Then reboot once updates are installed.<br />
* system -> hardware drivers -> enable the proprietary nvidia drivers.<br />
* reboot to enable the proprietary drivers.<br />
<br />
== Tweaks and Preferences ==<br />
<br />
* Ditch the annoying sounds: System -> Preferences -> sound -> sounds -> set all to "no sound", and untick "play system sounds", and on "system beep" tab untick all boxes.<br />
* Ditch the thrashing hard-disk: System -> Preferences -> Searching and indexing -> General -> tick "enable indexing" and "enable watching" and both of the power management boxes to disable stuff when on battery.<br />
* To get Subpixel Smoothing on LCDs, do this: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Fonts -> Select "subpixel smoothing (LCDs)". Need to restart Firefox for this change to take effect in Firefox.<br />
* To get reasonable desktop visual effects: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Visual Effects -> Select "Normal".<br />
* To make the system remember running apps and window locations on logout, do this: System -> Preferences -> sessions -> session options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out". In Ubuntu 9.04 / gnome 2.26 & up, this setting has moved, and is now under: System -> Preferences -> Startup Application Preferences -> options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out".<br />
<!--* To tweak networking performance, [http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Hardy#Howto:_Tweak_and_maximize_your_bandwidth_in_Ubuntu.2FLinux_via_sysctl.21 follow these instructions]. --><br />
* Power saving: Turn off blinking cursor by going: System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> untick "Cursor blinks in text fields".<br />
* Add terminal icon to gnome panel: Right-click panel -> Add to Panel -> Application Launcher... -> Accessories -> Terminal -> Add -> Close.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Editor" tab -> tick "autosave" files every 2 minutes.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Plugins" tab -> tick "Sort" to enable the sort plugin -> Close. Can now highlight text and go Edit -> Sort to get it alphabetically sorted.<br />
<br />
== [[Firefox configuration steps]] ==<br />
<br />
{{:Firefox configuration steps}}<br />
<br />
== Installation of extra software ==<br />
<br />
Go system -> admin -> synaptic package manager -> then Install the following (my brief descriptions of what some packages do are also shown) :<br />
* inkscape # Vector drawing package<br />
* hugin # Create panoramas from an image set.<br />
* dia # Draw diagrams & flow charts, somewhat like "visio" on Windows.<br />
* googleearth-package<br />
* xchat # IRC client.<br />
* ttf-mscorefonts-installer ttf-linux-libertine ttf-inconsolata # The most useful font sets. See also the "[[#Install the Tahoma fonts|Install the Tahoma fonts]]" section below.<br />
* audacious # Like XMMS or Winamp<br />
* nmap # Check for open ports.<br />
* filezilla # GUI FTP client.<br />
* wireshark # Packet sniffer<br />
* powertop iotop htop # Show power hogs, I/O hogs, and an more visual command-line version of top.<br />
* nautilus-open-terminal # adds ability to right click on a folder and get a command prompt there.<br />
* php5-cli php5-gd php5-curl # Only useful if you want to write scripts in PHP.<br />
* traceroute # How packets get from here to there over the network.<br />
* curl # Command line HTTP client, includes form-submitting capacity<br />
* tofrodos # Convert line endings from dos to UNIX or vice-versa.<br />
* openssh-server<br />
* libxml2-dev libmysqlclient-dev # Optional: Only used for compiling PHP snapshots<br />
* eclipse sun-java6-jdk sun-java6-jre sun-java6-plugin libmysql-java junit junit-doc # Optional: Java development using Eclipse + java plugins for Firefox<br />
* sysinfo # Kind of like device manager on Windows. Shows CPU / memory / hard disk installed, some hardware that has been detected, etc.<br />
* autofs smbfs smbclient<br />
* gisomount<br />
* gtk-recordmydesktop # Record videos of what you're doing on your desktop.<br />
* gworldclock # Want to simultaneously see the time in Tokyo, LA, London, and Rio? Use this.<br />
* ffmpeg2theora # Convert videos into format suitable for uploading to Wikimedia commons.<br />
* rar p7zip-full # needed for extracting .7z and RAR archives<br />
* gnome-do # Run apps or commands from a keyboard launcher.<br />
* pinfo # Much nicer UI than man or info for reading documentation.<br />
* vlc mozilla-plugin-vlc<br />
* avidemux # Useful for replacing audio tracks in video files.<br />
* indent # Useful for auto-indenting code.<br />
* smartmontools smart-notifier # S.M.A.R.T. hard disk monitoring tools.<br />
* tidy<br />
* ddrescue # Useful for recovering data from failing hard disks.<br />
* gimp-resynthesizer # A nifty plugin for gimp for repairing images or filling in content intelligently. Ignore if you don't use gimp.<br />
* qpdf # Useful for removing password from PDF files, as per [http://blog.sandipb.net/2009/01/10/removing-encryption-from-legitimate-pdf-files-on-ubuntu/ this guide].<br />
* hardinfo # Generates a hardware report and benchmark for the system; can also run in command line mode by doing: <code> hardinfo -r -f html > report.html </code><br />
* gtkvncviewer # Nice VNC client.<br />
* renameutils # Useful for bulk renaming of files. Example for renaming all .JPG files in a directory to .jpg (lowercase) is: <code>rename s/JPG$/jpg/ *</code><br />
* meld # Good GUI for comparing two files, e.g. two log files.<br />
* asciio # Good for drawing ASCII graphs; only available in Ubuntu 10.10 and up.<br />
* spamassassin # Email filtering, used by Evolution.<br />
<!--<br />
<br />
Have installed on laptop - test some more and see if worth including:<br />
gedit-plugins<br />
wget http://nchc.dl.sourceforge.net/sourceforge/openproj/openproj_1.4-2.deb && sudo dpkg -i openproj_1.4-2.deb<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
winbind # could be useful on a windows network. Have not discerned any benefit yet though.<br />
<br />
Still working out whether to include or not: * evolution-plugins-experimental <br />
<br />
* bum # Boot Up Manager - GUI for specifying what services should be running on boot-up.<br />
* miro # Combined bittorrent client and video player. Particularly useful for downloading TED talks before a flight. Uses lots of disk space though.<br />
* k3b # CD burning app.<br />
* deluge amule # P2P - donkey plus bittorrent<br />
<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Configure "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" ==<br />
<br />
To get the back / forward keyboard keys working in Firefox, when using the "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard", go System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> Layout -> click the model button -> Choose Microsoft -> set model to "Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro USB" -> click "close".<br />
<br />
== Custom Key Bindings, aimed at "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" == <br />
<br />
Note: the steps keep changing in each Ubuntu release (the menus move around, the keycodes change), unfortunately.<br />
This is what works for me using 14.04.<br />
<br />
Go: System settings -> Keyboard -> Shortcuts -> custom shortcuts.<br />
<br />
Personally I then add the following custom shortcuts:<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
|-<br />
! Label <br />
! Command<br />
! HotKey<br />
|-<br />
| Terminal<br />
| gnome-terminal<br />
| 1<br />
|-<br />
| Files<br />
| /usr/bin/nemo2<br />
| 2<br />
|-<br />
| Screenshot<br />
| /usr/bin/gnome-screenshot --area --interactive<br />
| 3<br />
|-<br />
| Text editor <br />
| /usr/bin/xed --new-document<br />
| 4<br />
|- <br />
| KeePassXC<br />
| /usr/bin/keepassxc<br />
| 5<br />
|- <br />
| Gimp<br />
| /usr/bin/gimp<br />
| Favourites<br />
|}<br />
<br />
Also set HomePage hotkey to open a new browser tab instead of a new browser window, with this command: /usr/bin/firefox.exe -new-tab about:blank<br />
<!-- 1.10 in gnome-fallback mode:<br />
<br />
* ubuntu "System Setting" (top right corner of your desktop) -> Keyboard -> Shortcut.<br />
* Set "1" favourite key to "run a terminal"<br />
* Set "2" favourite key to "open home folder"<br />
<br />
There seems to be a bug that prevents the "custom shortcuts" keys from working for favourite keys 3, 4 and 5. Instead we have to do this:<br />
* In a terminal, run: <code>gconf-editor</code><br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/global_keybindings<br />
* Change "run_command_3" to be 0xc2, "run_command_4" to be 0xc3, and "run_command_5" to be 0xc4 - these corresponds to the 3 / 4 / 5 favourite keys.<br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/keybinding_commands<br />
* Change "command_3" to be the take-screenshot command: <code>gnome-screenshot --window --interactive</code><br />
* Change "command_4" to be the new-text-editor command: <code>/usr/bin/gedit --new-document</code><br />
* Change "command_5" to be as desired.<br />
* Name is "Zend Studio", command is "sh /home/nickj/programs/Zend/ZendStudio-5.5.0/bin/ZDE". Set the 5 favourite key to run this. --><br />
<br />
== Install Skype == <br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>" -> Skype -> More Info -> Install. <br />
<br />
Then to make the right-click menus legible with Ubuntu's dark theme, do as follows:<br />
# Applications -> Internet -> Skype -> single-click on the skype icon in the top right to open skype -> Ctrl-O to open options -> "general" -> Choose Style: "Desktop settings" -> close.<br />
# Single click on skype icon to open skype again -> Ctrl-Q to close.<br />
# Now restart skype by going Applications -> Internet -> Skype, and the right-click menus will be readable.<br />
<!--<br />
install Skype - [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Skype#AMD64 Source of instructions].<br />
sudo aptitude install ia32-libs<br />
wget http://skype.com/go/getskype-linux-ubuntu<br />
sudo aptitude install libqt4-core libqt4-gui qt4-qtconfig <br />
sudo dpkg --install --force-architecture --force-depends skype-debian*.deb<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Install the Tahoma fonts ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.stchman.com/ms_fonts.html Source of instructions].<br />
<br />
Once the msttcorefonts package is installed you will notice that Tahoma and Tahoma Bold is missing. You will need to extract Tahoma<br />
and Tahoma Bold from the zip file. Tahoma is used for Microsoft desktop, title bars and menu fonts so if you are trying to get that<br />
XP look you will need the Tahoma regular and Tahoma Bold fonts. Install Tahoma by doing the following in a terminal.<br />
<br />
cd ~<br />
wget http://www.stchman.com/tools/MS_fonts/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo unzip -d /usr/share/fonts/truetype/msttcorefonts ~/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo fc-cache -f -v<br />
rm -f ~/tahoma.zip<br />
<br />
== Install Flash == <br />
<br />
* Install the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up or installs flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems.<br />
* Restart the browser.<br />
* Go to: Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, go with all the defaults.<br />
* It removes any old flash plugins and downloads and installs the latest Adobe one.<br />
* For AMD64 systems, can use the flash 64 bit beta.<br />
<br />
If flash videos have a blue tint after the installation, then repeat the above steps, which may fix it. If it doesn't, then right click on a flash video with a blue tint -> Settings -> Untick "enable HW acceleration". [http://askubuntu.com/questions/117127/flash-video-appears-blue Source].<br />
<br />
== Install Google Earth ==<br />
<!--<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update && sudo aptitude install medibuntu-keyring && sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install googleearth-4.3<br />
<br />
... or follow the manual instructions on [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/GoogleEarth this page] for a more recent version.<br />
--><br />
Follow [http://www.liberiangeek.net/2011/10/how-to-install-google-earth-in-ubuntu-11-10-oneiric-ocelot/ these instructions for installing google earth].<br />
<br />
== Install Acrobat reader ==<br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>", or go Applications -> Ubuntu Software Center, and then go: -> Canonical Partners -> Adobe Acrobat reader -> Install.<br />
<br />
<!--<br />
In earlier versions of Ubuntu, to install acrobat reader, since [http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-general-1/cant-shrink-to-fit-pdf-doc-654281/ Ubuntu's native PDF readers don't have shrink to fit when printing]. :<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install acroread acroread-plugins<br />
<br />
(this uses medibuntu, from the Google Earth step above).<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
Also need to do this:<br />
sudo editor /usr/share/applications/defaults.list <br />
And change this:<br />
#application/pdf=evince.desktop<br />
application/pdf=AdobeReader.desktop<br />
--><br />
Then to tweak the display preferences of Acrobat Reader: Edit -> Preferences -> Page Display -> set "Zoom" to "Fit Page" -> Click "Ok".<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
== Install Opera ==<br />
<br />
To install and configure opera (since it's useful for testing web pages to be able to check behaviour, and it's useful to have another browser around sometimes), do the following:<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.list<br />
... and add these two lines:<br />
# For latest stable opera:<br />
deb http://deb.opera.com/opera/ stable non-free<br />
<br />
* Then do:<br />
sudo wget -O - http://deb.opera.com/archive.key | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install opera<br />
* Then run opera - Applications -> Internet -> Opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise -> Toolbars tab -> change the "wrapping" setting to "Wrap to multiple lines".<br />
<!-- <br />
* Go to [http://www.opera.com/download/ Opera's download page].<br />
* Download and open and install the .deb file<br />
* Then run opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise and change the wrapping setting to "multiple lines".<br />
--><br />
== Enable Apport for crash bug reporting ==<br />
<br />
Enable apport so that crash bugs will be reported and logged:<br />
sudo editor /etc/default/apport<br />
change enabled from "0" to "1".<br />
<br />
Crashes will then be logged to /var/crash/<br />
<br />
== Configure Open Office to work in MS Office 2000 compatibility mode ==<br />
<br />
[http://news.cnet.com/8301-13880_3-9864262-68.html Source of instructions]. Only do this if you are testing a migration to Ubuntu. Once you have already switched, then use the native ODF for new files, as they generally save formatting better.<br />
* Start OpenOffice Word Process: Applications -> Office -> OpenOffice.org Word Processor -> tools -> options -> expand "Load/Save" -> select "general" -> For document type = "Text document", set Always save as "Microsoft Word 97/2000/XP" (instead of "ODF text document"); For Document type = "Spreadsheet", set Always save as "Microsoft Excel 97/2000/XP"; For Document type = "Presentation", set Always save as "Microsoft PowerPoint 97/2000/XP" -> then click "OK".<br />
* Then tools -> options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> compatibility -> tick "Use printer metrics for document formatting", tick "Do not add leading (extra space) between lines of text", and tick "Consider wrapping style when positioning objects". Then go: Use as Default -> Yes -> OK.<br />
<br />
Note: When you upgrade between Ubuntu releases, you will probably need to repeat the first step, otherwise it will default back to saving in OpenOffice's formats by default.<br />
<br />
== Evolution configuration ==<br />
<br />
* Turn off new email notifications: Evolution -> Edit -> Plugins -> Uncheck "Mail Notification" plugin.<br />
* Edit -> Preferences -> 'Calendar and Tasks' -> 'Display' tab -> Disable the 'Compress weekends in month view' option.<br />
* Customize the default mail folder view. Get one folder looking right (personal preference: Columns: From / Subject / Received, with threads off, sorted by date received with most recent first). Then go View -> Current view -> Save Custom View... -> Replace existing view -> Messages -> Save. "Messages" is a special view, which is used by default on all folders, although you can override it on a folder-by-folder basis, but customizing that folder's view.<br />
<br />
== Set up SSH keys and KeepAlive Interval ==<br />
<br />
For each machine you want to have password-less SSH login to, do:<br />
ssh-copy-id -i ~/.ssh/id_dsa.pub machine1<br />
<br />
Also on some connections the SSH shell can close after a short timeout period. To keep connections option for longer, on the client side do, <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and then add this line to send a keep-alive heartbeat every 60 seconds:<br />
ServerAliveInterval 60<br />
<br />
... there is also a corresponding "ClientAliveInterval 60" setting that can be added to /etc/ssh/sshd_config - although sometimes you only control the client side of the link, and so this is not possible.<br />
<br />
Also set up connection sharing, makes secondary connections to SSH hosts much faster. <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and add this:<br />
# from: "OpenSSH tip: connection sharing"<br />
# http://tanguy.ortolo.eu/blog/article42/ssh-connection-sharing<br />
ControlPath ~/.ssh/control-%r@%h:%p<br />
ControlMaster auto<br />
ControlPersist 1<br />
<br />
== Automounting remote file systems using SSHFS ==<br />
<br />
For a remote Linux system, can automount with autofs + sshfs. Follow the guides [http://www.tjansson.dk/?p=84 here] and [http://www.mccambridge.org/blog/2007/05/totally-seamless-sshfs-under-linux-using-fuse-and-autofs/ here].<br />
<br />
Debug any problems with:<br />
tail --lines=0 -f /var/log/*<br />
<!-- <br />
Windows shares<br />
* Currently TESTING, this step not complete yet.<br />
* [http://oapeon.blogspot.com/2008/09/automounting-cifs-share-in-ubuntu.html Follow these instructions], but also [http://www.howtoforge.com/accessing_windows_or_samba_shares_using_autofs create a /etc/auto.smb.FILESERVERNAME file with login credentials].<br />
<br />
Actually, may have spoken too soon, seems kinda flakey. Getting "Input/output error" on the command line when accessing shares after a few minutes:<br />
<br />
$ ls /smb/server/sharename/<br />
ls: cannot access /smb/server/sharename/: Input/output error<br />
$<br />
<br />
Also seeing these errors when doing "tail -f /var/log/messages", despite supplying login credentials:<br />
Oct 23 17:42:02 redux kernel: [66597.665680] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
Oct 23 17:42:01 redux kernel: [66597.524118] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
<br />
To remove, uninstall these packages:<br />
sudo aptitude uninstall --purge autofs libevent1 libgssglue1 libnfsidmap2 librpcsecgss3 nfs-common portmap smbfs<br />
<br />
<br />
rebooting seemed to make this better.... although it's still buggy and flakey. Get directories being infinitely recursive, edited files appearing as directories, etc etc.<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
testing / playing with smbnetfs as an alternative<br />
sudo aptitude install smbnetfs<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/smbnetfs.conf <br />
<br />
- show_$_shares "false"<br />
+ show_$_shares "true"<br />
<br />
mkdir ~/.smb<br />
editor ~/.smb/smbnetfs.auth<br />
<br />
auth nickj password<br />
<br />
Need to do something with .smb/smbnetfs.conf ?<br />
<br />
<br />
* smbnetfs is probably not even running - need to find some decent docs on how to configure this.<br />
* autofs is mounted on /smb , and can be seriously flakey.<br />
* trying sshfs now, seems better but needs some magic options in the mount flags to work suitably.<br />
--><br />
== right before and right after each upgrade ==<br />
<br />
Remove unneeded cruft, by doing:<br />
sudo apt-get autoremove<br />
sudo apt-get clean<br />
deborphan<br />
Check first that no important packages are about to be removed, then do:<br />
sudo apt-get remove --purge $(deborphan)<br />
Purge old configuration files, first command shows what will be purged:<br />
sudo aptitude search ~c <br />
sudo aptitude purge ~c<br />
<br />
Fix broken packages:<br />
* <code>sudo aptitude</code><br />
* fix any broken packages (ctrl-t -> resolver -> examine -> g -> g).<br />
* also clean up cache and obsolete files (ctrl-t -> actions -> "clean package cache" and "clean obsolete files").<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
These tweaks are only required for 9.04:<br />
<br />
([http://reformedmusings.wordpress.com/2009/04/26/recovering-daily-update-notifications-in-ubuntu-904-jaunty/ Source]) To enable daily notification of non-security updates, which is especially useful if you [[#enable Apport for crash bug reporting|enable Apport for crash bug reporting]], then do this:<br />
gconftool -s --type bool /apps/update-notifier/auto_launch false<br />
<br />
([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-when-logoutshutdown-and-restart-ubuntu904 Source]) To remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout, do this:<br />
* Right-click on the panel power button icon on top-right of the screen -> Preferences -> Untick "Show confirm dialog for logout, shutdown and restart".<br />
<br />
Only in Ubuntu 9.04:<br />
sudo aptitude install firefox-3.5 firefox-3.5-gnome-support<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Tweaks to Ubuntu 9.10 that I had to apply to get stuff working again, or configured how I like it:<br />
<br />
1: Remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout. ([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-in-ubuntu910karmic Source]). <br />
<br />
2: For seeing details of SMART reporting for hard disks:<br />
sudo aptitude install gsmartcontrol<br />
<br />
3: system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Dust".<br />
<br />
4: Alt-F2, run gconf-editor , then toogle the GConf key /apps/eog/ui/disable_trash_confirmation to be ticked, to disable prompting for image deleting though Eye of Gnome ([https://bugzilla.gnome.org/show_bug.cgi?id=541967#c5 source]).<br />
<br />
5: Some third party entries in your sources.list were disabled. You can re-enable them after the upgrade with the 'software-properties' tool or your package manager.<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.lst<br />
<br />
.. then re-enable dropbox, chrome daily builds, etc, and apply those updates:<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude upgrade<br />
<br />
6: Setting MySQL back to utf8 mode:<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/mysql/my.cnf <br />
add under the "[mysqld]" section:<br />
default-character-set=utf8<br />
<br />
7: Blue tint to video files in VLC, Mplayer, and Totem. [http://www.mediacollege.com/video-gallery/testclips/20051210-w50s.flv Example video file]. [https://bugs.launchpad.net/totem/+bug/395476 Bug is in] the Nvidia closed source driver. Workaround is:<br />
* open totem via Applications -> Sound & Video -> Movie Player<br />
* open the preferences window via Edit -> Preferences<br />
* select the Display tab<br />
* click the Reset to Defaults button<br />
<br />
8: Problem: Mplayer crashing regularly when changing video output mode, and also giving a "couldn't resolve name for AF_INET6:" error on URL playback. Workaround: ditch mplayer, as totem and VLC are suitable replacements:<br />
sudo aptitude remove --purge mplayer<br />
<br />
9: Flash applets don't work in firefox or chrome on AMD64 (example: playing [http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-february-1-2010/q---o this Daily Show] video) .... solution: redo the [[#Install_Flash_on_AMD64|Flash installation steps]].<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Ambiance". <!-- move window decoration buttons to the left too - find link & steps for this --><br />
# If images don't display in office documents: Start OpenOffice writer, and then go: Tools -> Options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> View -> tick "Graphics and objects" -> click "Ok".<br />
<!-- to get SIP calls working through empathy through the dodgy Telstra modem that blocks VoIP: sudo aptitude install telepathy-sofiasip ... no, didn't work - test again later. --><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# <code>sudo aptitude remove tracker</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install unity-2d</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
The 11.10 release had more problems than most releases.<br />
<br />
Nautilus default view: go to Places -> Home folder -> Edit -> Preferences -> "View new folders using": select "List View".<br />
<br />
=== Restore classic Gnome desktop ===<br />
To get gnome classic desktop back, as per [http://www.webupd8.org/2011/08/installing-using-classic-gnome-desktop.html this blog post].<br />
sudo apt-get install gnome-session-fallback<br />
Then:<br />
* Install weather applet<br />
* System monitor applet<br />
* Add application icons for Firefox, chrome, terminal, and gedit.<br />
sudo aptitude install alarm-clock-applet<br />
* Add an application icon for the alarm clock applet.<br />
* Put a trash applet back on the bottom right of the screen.<br />
* Put a show desktop applet back on the bottom left of the screen.<br />
<br />
=== SSH menu is gone, use SSH plus instead ===<br />
Follow [http://www.gulecha.org/2011/07/29/sshplus-a-sshmenu-compatible-appindicator/ these installation instructions]. Then do <code>sudo aptitude install putty</code><br/> <br />
To add to startup apps: Applications -> System Tools -> Preferences -> startup applications -> add SSHplus by full path.<br />
<br />
=== blurry image viewer ===<br />
Images look blurry because the default Gnome Image viewer (eog/eye of gnome) is set to "Best Fit" instead of "Normal view", which resizes images slightly, making them appear blurry. Unfortunately, there seems to be no preference or setting that allows changing this permanently. Instead just install another image viewing app, and make it the default:<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install gthumb</code><br/><br />
It can be customized to view images 1:1 by going Edit -> Preferences -> Viewer -> Set to actual size. Then go View -> unselect "Thumbnail pane" (with this on, it seems to interfere with 1:1 viewing). Test it, then if so make it the default app by going ubuntu "System Settings" (top right corner of your desktop) -> System info -> Default applications -> Photos -> gThumb.<br />
<br />
=== usb automounting was broken ===<br />
Inserted USB drives would no longer automatically mount and open a file manager window. Solved by installing, and then removing, the usbmount package.<br />
<br />
=== Flash broken ===<br />
After upgrading from 11.04 to 11.10, flash applets either did not work, or worked partial (such as the sound being distorted, like the person was underwater). Fixed by installing the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up broken flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems. Installed the extension, restarted the browser, then went Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, just went with all the defaults, it removed the old flash plugins (I had 2) and downloaded and installed the latest adobe one, and then it was as good as new and working flawlessly.<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 12.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
=== Multiple monitors broken, screen orientation broken ===<br />
<br />
run Synaptic, remove all the nvidia drivers, and install the nouveau firmware, then reboot, then systems settings -> displays, and can change the monitor setup so that multi-montior works again and so the orientations are in portrait instead of landscape.<br />
<br />
From the command line to remove nvidia drivers, can do:<br />
sudo apt-get purge nvidia-settings nvidia-current<br />
<br />
=== Customised keyboard shortcuts lost ===<br />
<br />
All my customized keyboard shortcuts for the extra buttons on my keyboard are lost. Had to redo the keyboard config to get these back.<br />
<br />
=== alt-tab no longer works ===<br />
<br />
To fix (from [http://askubuntu.com/questions/135685/alt-tab-does-not-switch this source]) :<br />
sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* Go at the very bottom where it says "Window Management"<br />
* Put a checkmark in "application switcher"<br />
* That should fix it.<br />
<br />
=== Workplace switching is broken (gives a blank desktop with no menus or items) ===<br />
<br />
Install compiz settings manager as above, and that will fix it. To get switching to be 4 horizontal desktops:<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* "general" -> General options -> Desktop size -> horizontal virtual size = 4, vertical virtual size = 1<br />
<br />
Also turn off "effects" -> "animations" in compiz too, whilst we are there.<br />
<br />
=== Gnome menus look ugly ===<br />
<br />
The bug is [https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/light-themes/+bug/981289 here]. To fix ambiance themes, [http://www.webupd8.org/2012/05/install-ambiance-fixed-for-classic.html follow these steps].<br />
<br />
=== Printing was broken ===<br />
<br />
Jobs sent to the network printer just sat in the queue and were never printed, even though the printer hardware was fine and the same queue worked perfectly in 11.10. Easiest solution was to cancel all print jobs, delete the printer, add a new printer with the same settings, and reboot (because the printer setup locked up whilst doing these things).<br />
<br />
=== Printing was excessively slow from Firefox ===<br />
<br />
Even after doing the above, printing was very slow from Firefox to the HP LaserJet 2100 TN. For example, it was taking up to 4 minutes to print a page, whereas it would take 15 seconds before. To fix:<br />
* Run "system-config-printer" from the command line.<br />
* Change the printer driver. Instead of the recommended driver, use "HP LaserJet 2100 - CUPS+Gutenprint v5.2.8-pre1".<br />
* Print a test page, once works okay, click "OK", and close the printer config applet.<br />
<br />
=== Volume applet indicator disappeared ===<br />
<br />
[http://askubuntu.com/questions/126411/volume-and-other-indicators-disappeared-in-the-classic-desktop Source].<br />
Run gnome-sound-applet from the command line to check that it is installed and working.<br />
<br />
To start the sound applet automatically, go to System Tools -> Preferences -> Startup Applications, and add Command gnome-sound-applet<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 13.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
To be able to play videos again:<br />
sudo aptitude install ubuntu-restricted-extras<br />
<br />
To stop using Nautilus, following the unfortuate decision to remove all of its most useful features, and switch to Nemo instead. [http://www.fandigital.com/2012/09/install-nemo-file-manager-in-ubuntu.html Source] [http://www.fandigital.com/2013/01/set-nemo-default-file-manager-ubuntu.html Source].<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:gwendal-lebihan-dev/cinnamon-stable<br />
sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install nemo nemo-fileroller<br />
xdg-mime default nemo.desktop inode/directory application/x-gnome-saved-search<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 13.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Changed video driver from nouveau open source driver to nvidia's binary driver, to fix intermittent crashing of gnome-shell once or more per day: Applications -> System tools -> Software & updates -> Additional drivers -> nvidia-319-updates.<br />
<br />
* Problem: guest session broken, wallpaper all black, desktop icons broken, and screensaver unlock sometimes not working<br />
* Cause: All due to a conflict between Ubuntu 13.10 and cinnamon.<br />
* Solution: remove cinnamon and nemo. [http://askubuntu.com/questions/360772/unity-isnt-starting-on-13-10 Source].<br />
<br />
sudo apt-get install ppa-purge<br />
sudo apt-get purge --auto-remove cinnamon<br />
sudo apt-get autoremove<br />
sudo apt-get update -f<br />
sudo apt-get dist-upgrade<br />
sudo apt-get install ubuntu-desktop<br />
sudo apt-get remove .*cinnamon.*<br />
sudo apt-get remove .*nemo.*<br />
<br />
Then install nemo from the Ubuntu repos - part of the repos now.<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 14.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Only needed on a Gnome desktop, will cause icons to not appear on a Unity desktop and so should be skipped under Unity: To fix missing notifier icons (network, dropbox, sshplus, ksplice) under Gnome :<br />
<br />
* How to fix the missing network icon - follow [http://www.bauer-power.net/2014/05/permanent-fix-for-missing-network.html these steps].<br />
* For the others: System tools -> preferences -> startup applications -> then open the item whose notifier icon is not appearing.<br />
* add "dbus-launch " to start of the command lines for Ksplice and SSHPlus and Dropbox, and any others that are not working.<br />
<!--<br />
To fix greeter/login-screen monitor orientation - [http://askubuntu.com/questions/408302/rotated-monitor-login-screen-needs-rotation source].<br />
<br />
sudo cp ~/.config/monitors.xml /var/lib/lightdm/.config/<br />
sudo chown lightdm.lightdm /var/lib/lightdm/.config/monitors.xml<br />
--><br />
<br />
== VirtualBox ==<br />
<br />
=== first time VirtualBox install only ===<br />
<br />
From the [http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Linux_Downloads VirtualBox Installation instructions]:<br />
sudo vim /etc/apt/sources.list <br />
add this line: <code>deb http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian oneiric contrib</code> . Do not add a deb-src line.<br />
wget -q http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian/oracle_vbox.asc -O- | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude install dkms<br />
<br />
The first time that you install, make sure that you are a member of vboxusers group (needed for USB disks to work correctly) :<br />
sudo usermod -a -G vboxusers `whoami`<br />
sudo usermod -a -G disk `whoami`<br />
Then reboot the computer.<br />
<br />
=== All VirtualBox upgrades and installs ===<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install virtualbox-6.1<br />
To update/get the extension pack, start Virualbox Manager, go Help -> About to check have latest, then go File -> "Check for Updates...", and this will check you have the latest virtualbox and also install/update the extensions. Take all the defaults. Enter password if prompted.<br />
<br />
After upgrading from a previous version, to update each guest's VirtualBox drivers, do this after the Guest has started:<br />
* VirtualBox -> start Guest -> "Devices" menu -> Install Guest Additions CD image...<br />
<br />
And in a Debian or Ubuntu '''guest''' machine after doing an upgrade, to install the vbox additions, do this:<br />
* Devices -> Install Guest Additions CD image...<br />
aptitude install build-essential linux-headers-$(uname -r)<br />
mount /dev/cdrom <br />
sh /cdrom/VBoxLinuxAdditions.run<br />
<br />
=== To check if things aren't working as expected ===<br />
<br />
Before starting the Guest machine, make sure USB functionality is enabled by going:<br />
* Settings -> USB -> Make sure both the USB checkboxes are ticked -> Click the "Add Empty Filter" button (the top button on the right) -> click OK to close dialog box.<br />
<br />
Rebuild the virtualbox modules after upgrading from a previous version:<br />
sudo service vboxdrv setup<br />
<br />
Then plug in a USB device after the guest machine has started. Then make it visible to the Guest by going:<br />
* Devices -> USB devices -> and select the USB device to make visible.<br />
<br />
When doing a major version upgrade, use apt-get and not aptitude. For example:<br />
sudo apt-get install virtualbox-6.0<br />
... and then start VirtualBox, and then install the latest extension pack, using the steps above. The link will be on the [https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads VirtualBox downloads] page.<br />
<br />
If you get an "Error! Could not locate dkms.conf file" message, then you probably have old directories left over from an old version of virtualbox under /var/lib/dkms/ . E.g. I had some directories left over from 3.2.6, and the fix was:<br />
sudo rm -r /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetadp /var/lib/dkms/vboxdrv /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetflt<br />
<br />
== Newsgroup bin client ==<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude install sabnzbdplus<br />
Then configure as per [http://wiki.sabnzbd.org/quick-setup the steps on their wiki].<br />
<!-- Lottanzb keeps crashing for me:<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:lottanzb/daily-build<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:jcfp/ppa<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install lottanzb sabnzbdplus<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Steps for making the Benq Acer S2W 3300U work == <br />
<br />
* Plug in power and USB cable to the scanner, and connect it to your computer.<br />
* Check SANE is installed, then run <code> sane-find-scanner </code>, and it should list your scanner.<br />
* From [http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/downloads.cfm/dtype/D/page/downloads/product/91 Benq's page] get the Mirascan ZIP file. Note that Benq's webservers are crap, and they cut out mid-download, so save yourself frustration by using wget to take care of the downloading/resuming/retrying, by doing:<br />
wget ftp://211.78.86.204/scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
and/or<br />
wget http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/download.cfm?file=scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
* Check the ZIP file downloaded okay by doing:<br />
unzip -t mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
... and making sure it says there were "no errors detected" at the end.<br />
* Extract just the u176v046.bin file (which is firmware blob that this scanner needs to operate) into the current directory:<br />
unzip -j mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip "MiraScan v4.03u10_BQA/BIN/u176v046.bin"<br />
* Set up Sane to use this firmware blob:<br />
sudo mkdir /usr/share/sane/snapscan<br />
sudo cp u176v046.bin /usr/share/sane/snapscan/<br />
sudo editor /etc/sane.d/snapscan.conf<br />
... and change the first line from:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/your-firmwarefile.bin<br />
to:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/u176v046.bin<br />
... then save and close the file.<br />
* Then under the Applications -> Graphics menu, run Xsane, or (my preference) Simple Scan.<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
<!-- todo: add the repo steps here --><br />
Unfortunately dropbox does not seem to automatically install updates for old versions. Given this, need to manually install updates on old versions, and easiest way to install dropbox updates on Linux is, open a terminal and do:<br />
dropbox stop<br />
dropbox status # Should report "not running"<br />
rm -r ~/.dropbox-dist/<br />
dropbox start -i<br />
<br />
== Handbrake ==<br />
<br />
Handbrake is a media converter, and is especially useful for converting files for portable devices, like Android tablets or iPhones. To install the snapshot releases (which seems to be the easiest way, if you want the GUI) :<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:stebbins/handbrake-snapshots<br />
sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install handbrake-gtk handbrake-cli<br />
== Install Chromium dev builds ==<br />
<br />
Firefox is currently slightly better as a daily browser, but Chromium is improving rapidly. If you want to play with the native alpha port of Google's Chrome browser just to see how it's going, you can install the dev builds of Chromium quite easily by doing:<br />
<!-- could get rid of the PPA - Ubuntu now includes the chromium browser in universe, that lags a little, but avoids the constant daily updates: http://packages.ubuntu.com/search?keywords=chromium-browser --><br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:chromium-daily/dev<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install chromium-browser chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-nonfree chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-extra<br />
<!-- following [http://www.stefanoforenza.com/chromium-on-ubuntu-how-to/ these directions]. You probably also want to add the key for this PPA to your system, following [https://help.launchpad.net/Packaging/PPA#Adding%20the%20keys%20using%20Gnome these directions] about adding [http://keyserver.ubuntu.com:11371/pks/lookup?op=get&search=0x5A9BF3BB4E5E17B5 their key] to your system, so that you don't get lots of prompts every day when there is an update about "do you want to install unauthenticated packages?". --><br />
<br />
Chrome Extensions to install:<br />
* [http://www.chromeextensions.org/appearance-functioning/flashblock/ FlashBlock].<br />
* [http://blog.xmarks.com/?p=1244 Xmarks].<br />
* [https://chrome.google.com/extensions/detail/gighmmpiobklfepjocnamgkkbiglidom Adblock]. Need to restart browser for extension to take effect.<br />
<br />
Still waiting for these Chrome extensions as at July 2010:<br />
* The equivalent of Tab Mix Plus. (still looking for this).<br />
<br />
Things that aren't working quite right yet in Chromium on Linux:<br />
* The backspace key should go back, or should be configurable for this. There is an extension that allows this, but it should probably be a preference in the base browser.<br />
* Auto-updating of extensions. There is a way to do this from the extensions UI, but in Chromium it doesn't seem to do anything.<br />
* Audio playback not working correctly - e.g. on [http://slides.html5rocks.com/#slide22 this slide], get no audio after selecting a national anthem other than US (US works, other's don't). Possibly [http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Chrome/thread?tid=2fdf2aa857abe1ef&hl=en this issue] or [http://code.google.com/p/chromium/issues/detail?id=37848 this issue].<br />
* WebGL does not work on an old laptop, but does on a modern desktop. Could be that the laptop's hardware is just too old (or just not supported in 3D).<br />
<br />
To enable most of the new features of Chromium, change the command line for starting chromium to be like this:<br />
chromium-browser --enable-plugins --enable-greasemonkey --enable-user-scripts --enable-internal-flash --enable-extensions --enable-webgl %U<br />
<br />
Configuration settings:<br />
* To make streetview work: Try to open streetview -> nothing happens -> press Ctrl-Shift-F (which permanently unblock flashblock on that site) -> then streetview will pop up and work thereafter.<br />
<br />
Updating the flash plugin if you get a warning that "the flash plugin was blocked because it is out of date", or just installing the flash plugin.<br />
* First check where the plugin is installed, by opening chrome://plugins/ in chromium, and expanding the "details" link.<br />
* For me, it said "Location: /usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so".<br />
* Note this directory, and update the flashplugin variable below if you have a different path:<br />
cd ~/tmp<br />
flashplugin=/usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so<br />
sudo mv $flashplugin ./libflashplayer.so.old<br />
wget http://download.macromedia.com/pub/labs/flashplayer10/flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz<br />
tar zfvx flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz <br />
sudo cp ./libflashplayer.so $flashplugin<br />
cd /usr/lib/chromium-browser/plugins<br />
sudo ln -s $flashplugin<br />
Now restart chromium and the warning should be fixed & flash should work.<br />
<br />
== Android ADB commands ==<br />
<br />
Only useful if you have an android phone and sometimes want to flash custom ROMs or recovery images:<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:phablet-team/tools && sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install android-tools-adb android-tools-fastboot<br />
<br />
== Read SD cards ==<br />
<br />
To be able to read SD cards, [http://askubuntu.com/questions/364270/mount-unknown-filesystem-exfat source]:<br />
sudo apt-get install exfat-fuse exfat-utils<br />
<!--<br />
== Pinta ==<br />
<br />
Basic image editing program, like ms-paint:<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:moonlight-team/pinta<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install pinta<br />
<br />
tends to crash though.... don't include in public instructions just yet!<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
'''Warning: semi-commercial software'''<br />
<br />
Personally, I find dropbox useful for synchronising up to 2 GB of data free between multiple systems (desktop and laptop; work and home). You need to sign up here and install the software from here.<br />
##### FINISH WRITING THIS STEP AT SOME POINT #####<br />
##### Keeps crashing on network transfers, so don't write up until that is completed ###### -- this was fixed by upgrading to version 0.6.564 <br />
##### The crashing is back.... **sigh**<br />
<br />
== testing: Ksplice for rebootless kernel updates ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.ksplice.com/uptrack/download Install]<br />
[http://lwn.net/Articles/340477/ background on Ksplice].<br />
<br />
== Ekiga linux setup ==<br />
.... cannot test this until ADSL connection no longer blocks VoIP...<br />
Date: Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:21:10 +1100<br />
VoIP client.<br />
<br />
Applications ->Internet -> Ekiga softphone<br />
Enter name<br />
Tick "I do not want to sign up for the ekiga.net free service"<br />
connection type xDSL.cable<br />
enable STUN support: Yes<br />
rest of the options: take the defaults,.<br />
<br />
Then in Ekiga, go:<br />
edit -> accounts -> add my pennytel account details.<br />
#### No sound through ekiga in 10.10 -- leave commented out until this works ####<br />
--></div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/Ubuntu_desktop_setup_stepsUbuntu desktop setup steps2021-04-26T02:40:16Z<p>Nickj: /* Custom Key Bindings, aimed at "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" */</p>
<hr />
<div>Ubuntu desktop setup steps for an AMD64 system. Most of these instructions will work on 8.04 LTS onwards through the current release, and it should almost all work on x86 systems too:<br />
<br />
== Pre-installation standard hardware test procedure ==<br />
<br />
Before installing or configuring any software, it is imperative to test the hardware beforehand, to establish that it is not provably broken:<br />
* Download the ISOs for [http://www.sysresccd.org/ System Rescue CD] and [http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/ Ultimate Boot CD] and burn these.<br />
* From either CD, run Memtest86+ on the machine overnight, to test that the CPU and memory are error-free.<br />
* From UBCD, run a CPU stress test for 5 to 10 minutes to check CPU is reliable and adequately cooled.<br />
* From Sys Rescue CD, check for bad blocks on the hard drive, before trusting it with any data: <code>badblocks -v -s -w -c 4096 /dev/sda</code> <br />Note however that badblocks is quite a slow test - e.g. took 34 hours on a 500 GB SATA disk in an external USB enclosure, and 17 hours on a 250 GB IDE disk.<br />It's also a destructive write test, and so will blank the disk, so make sure you have the right device (use <code>fdisk -lu</code> to confirm the device's size and name).<br />Successful output will look something like this:<br />
Checking for bad blocks in read-write mode<br />
From block 0 to 244198583<br />
Testing with pattern 0xaa: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x55: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0xff: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x00: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Pass completed, 0 bad blocks found.<br />
<br />
If problems are found with any of the above, resolve these first before proceeding further.<br />
<br />
== Installation == <br />
<br />
* Firstly, decide whether you want software RAID or not. Personally, I use RAID-1 mirroring of a single bootable partition, using 2 same-sized disks, from 2 different manufacturers, because:<br />
*# it's simple.<br />
*# it's redundant enough.<br />
*# it's cheap: the incremental cost is the cost of a single disk, which is less than $100.<br />
*# you can boot off of it.<br />
*# it's not a question of if a disk will fail, but when.<br />
: For software RAID, install from the Alternate Installation CD. You can always [http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Convert_a_single_drive_system_to_RAID convert to RAID-1 later], but it's significantly more faffing about than setting it up this way from the get-go.<br />
* Once you've done the above, download and burn either the standard or alternate Ubuntu install CD, as appropriate.<br />
* Insert installation CD. Follow simple options, installs, ejects CD, reboots. Then login.<br />
* System -> Networking -> set up static IP address instead of dynamic IP address.<br />
* reboot to get network changes to apply (theoretically this should not be necessary, but in practice it was, at least for me on 8.04).<br />
* reboot, install system updates. Then reboot once updates are installed.<br />
* system -> hardware drivers -> enable the proprietary nvidia drivers.<br />
* reboot to enable the proprietary drivers.<br />
<br />
== Tweaks and Preferences ==<br />
<br />
* Ditch the annoying sounds: System -> Preferences -> sound -> sounds -> set all to "no sound", and untick "play system sounds", and on "system beep" tab untick all boxes.<br />
* Ditch the thrashing hard-disk: System -> Preferences -> Searching and indexing -> General -> tick "enable indexing" and "enable watching" and both of the power management boxes to disable stuff when on battery.<br />
* To get Subpixel Smoothing on LCDs, do this: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Fonts -> Select "subpixel smoothing (LCDs)". Need to restart Firefox for this change to take effect in Firefox.<br />
* To get reasonable desktop visual effects: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Visual Effects -> Select "Normal".<br />
* To make the system remember running apps and window locations on logout, do this: System -> Preferences -> sessions -> session options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out". In Ubuntu 9.04 / gnome 2.26 & up, this setting has moved, and is now under: System -> Preferences -> Startup Application Preferences -> options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out".<br />
<!--* To tweak networking performance, [http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Hardy#Howto:_Tweak_and_maximize_your_bandwidth_in_Ubuntu.2FLinux_via_sysctl.21 follow these instructions]. --><br />
* Power saving: Turn off blinking cursor by going: System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> untick "Cursor blinks in text fields".<br />
* Add terminal icon to gnome panel: Right-click panel -> Add to Panel -> Application Launcher... -> Accessories -> Terminal -> Add -> Close.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Editor" tab -> tick "autosave" files every 2 minutes.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Plugins" tab -> tick "Sort" to enable the sort plugin -> Close. Can now highlight text and go Edit -> Sort to get it alphabetically sorted.<br />
<br />
== [[Firefox configuration steps]] ==<br />
<br />
{{:Firefox configuration steps}}<br />
<br />
== Installation of extra software ==<br />
<br />
Go system -> admin -> synaptic package manager -> then Install the following (my brief descriptions of what some packages do are also shown) :<br />
* inkscape # Vector drawing package<br />
* hugin # Create panoramas from an image set.<br />
* dia # Draw diagrams & flow charts, somewhat like "visio" on Windows.<br />
* googleearth-package<br />
* xchat # IRC client.<br />
* ttf-mscorefonts-installer ttf-linux-libertine ttf-inconsolata # The most useful font sets. See also the "[[#Install the Tahoma fonts|Install the Tahoma fonts]]" section below.<br />
* audacious # Like XMMS or Winamp<br />
* nmap # Check for open ports.<br />
* filezilla # GUI FTP client.<br />
* wireshark # Packet sniffer<br />
* powertop iotop htop # Show power hogs, I/O hogs, and an more visual command-line version of top.<br />
* nautilus-open-terminal # adds ability to right click on a folder and get a command prompt there.<br />
* php5-cli php5-gd php5-curl # Only useful if you want to write scripts in PHP.<br />
* traceroute # How packets get from here to there over the network.<br />
* curl # Command line HTTP client, includes form-submitting capacity<br />
* tofrodos # Convert line endings from dos to UNIX or vice-versa.<br />
* openssh-server<br />
* libxml2-dev libmysqlclient-dev # Optional: Only used for compiling PHP snapshots<br />
* eclipse sun-java6-jdk sun-java6-jre sun-java6-plugin libmysql-java junit junit-doc # Optional: Java development using Eclipse + java plugins for Firefox<br />
* sysinfo # Kind of like device manager on Windows. Shows CPU / memory / hard disk installed, some hardware that has been detected, etc.<br />
* autofs smbfs smbclient<br />
* gisomount<br />
* gtk-recordmydesktop # Record videos of what you're doing on your desktop.<br />
* gworldclock # Want to simultaneously see the time in Tokyo, LA, London, and Rio? Use this.<br />
* ffmpeg2theora # Convert videos into format suitable for uploading to Wikimedia commons.<br />
* rar p7zip-full # needed for extracting .7z and RAR archives<br />
* gnome-do # Run apps or commands from a keyboard launcher.<br />
* pinfo # Much nicer UI than man or info for reading documentation.<br />
* vlc mozilla-plugin-vlc<br />
* avidemux # Useful for replacing audio tracks in video files.<br />
* indent # Useful for auto-indenting code.<br />
* smartmontools smart-notifier # S.M.A.R.T. hard disk monitoring tools.<br />
* tidy<br />
* ddrescue # Useful for recovering data from failing hard disks.<br />
* gimp-resynthesizer # A nifty plugin for gimp for repairing images or filling in content intelligently. Ignore if you don't use gimp.<br />
* qpdf # Useful for removing password from PDF files, as per [http://blog.sandipb.net/2009/01/10/removing-encryption-from-legitimate-pdf-files-on-ubuntu/ this guide].<br />
* hardinfo # Generates a hardware report and benchmark for the system; can also run in command line mode by doing: <code> hardinfo -r -f html > report.html </code><br />
* gtkvncviewer # Nice VNC client.<br />
* renameutils # Useful for bulk renaming of files. Example for renaming all .JPG files in a directory to .jpg (lowercase) is: <code>rename s/JPG$/jpg/ *</code><br />
* meld # Good GUI for comparing two files, e.g. two log files.<br />
* asciio # Good for drawing ASCII graphs; only available in Ubuntu 10.10 and up.<br />
* spamassassin # Email filtering, used by Evolution.<br />
<!--<br />
<br />
Have installed on laptop - test some more and see if worth including:<br />
gedit-plugins<br />
wget http://nchc.dl.sourceforge.net/sourceforge/openproj/openproj_1.4-2.deb && sudo dpkg -i openproj_1.4-2.deb<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
winbind # could be useful on a windows network. Have not discerned any benefit yet though.<br />
<br />
Still working out whether to include or not: * evolution-plugins-experimental <br />
<br />
* bum # Boot Up Manager - GUI for specifying what services should be running on boot-up.<br />
* miro # Combined bittorrent client and video player. Particularly useful for downloading TED talks before a flight. Uses lots of disk space though.<br />
* k3b # CD burning app.<br />
* deluge amule # P2P - donkey plus bittorrent<br />
<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Configure "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" ==<br />
<br />
To get the back / forward keyboard keys working in Firefox, when using the "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard", go System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> Layout -> click the model button -> Choose Microsoft -> set model to "Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro USB" -> click "close".<br />
<br />
== Custom Key Bindings, aimed at "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" == <br />
<br />
Note: the steps keep changing in each Ubuntu release (the menus move around, the keycodes change), unfortunately.<br />
This is what works for me using 14.04.<br />
<br />
Go: System settings -> Keyboard -> Shortcuts -> custom shortcuts.<br />
<br />
Personally I then add the following custom shortcuts:<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
|-<br />
! Label <br />
! Command<br />
! HotKey<br />
|-<br />
| Terminal<br />
| gnome-terminal<br />
| 1<br />
|-<br />
| Files<br />
| /usr/bin/nemo<br />
| 2<br />
|-<br />
| Screenshot<br />
| /usr/bin/gnome-screenshot --area --interactive<br />
| 3<br />
|-<br />
| Text editor <br />
| /usr/bin/xed --new-document<br />
| 4<br />
|- <br />
| KeePassXC<br />
| /usr/bin/keepassxc<br />
| 5<br />
|- <br />
| Gimp<br />
| /usr/bin/gimp<br />
| Favourites<br />
|}<br />
<br />
Also set HomePage hotkey to open a new browser tab instead of a new browser window, with this command: /usr/bin/firefox.exe -new-tab about:blank<br />
<!-- 1.10 in gnome-fallback mode:<br />
<br />
* ubuntu "System Setting" (top right corner of your desktop) -> Keyboard -> Shortcut.<br />
* Set "1" favourite key to "run a terminal"<br />
* Set "2" favourite key to "open home folder"<br />
<br />
There seems to be a bug that prevents the "custom shortcuts" keys from working for favourite keys 3, 4 and 5. Instead we have to do this:<br />
* In a terminal, run: <code>gconf-editor</code><br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/global_keybindings<br />
* Change "run_command_3" to be 0xc2, "run_command_4" to be 0xc3, and "run_command_5" to be 0xc4 - these corresponds to the 3 / 4 / 5 favourite keys.<br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/keybinding_commands<br />
* Change "command_3" to be the take-screenshot command: <code>gnome-screenshot --window --interactive</code><br />
* Change "command_4" to be the new-text-editor command: <code>/usr/bin/gedit --new-document</code><br />
* Change "command_5" to be as desired.<br />
* Name is "Zend Studio", command is "sh /home/nickj/programs/Zend/ZendStudio-5.5.0/bin/ZDE". Set the 5 favourite key to run this. --><br />
<br />
== Install Skype == <br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>" -> Skype -> More Info -> Install. <br />
<br />
Then to make the right-click menus legible with Ubuntu's dark theme, do as follows:<br />
# Applications -> Internet -> Skype -> single-click on the skype icon in the top right to open skype -> Ctrl-O to open options -> "general" -> Choose Style: "Desktop settings" -> close.<br />
# Single click on skype icon to open skype again -> Ctrl-Q to close.<br />
# Now restart skype by going Applications -> Internet -> Skype, and the right-click menus will be readable.<br />
<!--<br />
install Skype - [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Skype#AMD64 Source of instructions].<br />
sudo aptitude install ia32-libs<br />
wget http://skype.com/go/getskype-linux-ubuntu<br />
sudo aptitude install libqt4-core libqt4-gui qt4-qtconfig <br />
sudo dpkg --install --force-architecture --force-depends skype-debian*.deb<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Install the Tahoma fonts ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.stchman.com/ms_fonts.html Source of instructions].<br />
<br />
Once the msttcorefonts package is installed you will notice that Tahoma and Tahoma Bold is missing. You will need to extract Tahoma<br />
and Tahoma Bold from the zip file. Tahoma is used for Microsoft desktop, title bars and menu fonts so if you are trying to get that<br />
XP look you will need the Tahoma regular and Tahoma Bold fonts. Install Tahoma by doing the following in a terminal.<br />
<br />
cd ~<br />
wget http://www.stchman.com/tools/MS_fonts/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo unzip -d /usr/share/fonts/truetype/msttcorefonts ~/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo fc-cache -f -v<br />
rm -f ~/tahoma.zip<br />
<br />
== Install Flash == <br />
<br />
* Install the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up or installs flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems.<br />
* Restart the browser.<br />
* Go to: Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, go with all the defaults.<br />
* It removes any old flash plugins and downloads and installs the latest Adobe one.<br />
* For AMD64 systems, can use the flash 64 bit beta.<br />
<br />
If flash videos have a blue tint after the installation, then repeat the above steps, which may fix it. If it doesn't, then right click on a flash video with a blue tint -> Settings -> Untick "enable HW acceleration". [http://askubuntu.com/questions/117127/flash-video-appears-blue Source].<br />
<br />
== Install Google Earth ==<br />
<!--<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update && sudo aptitude install medibuntu-keyring && sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install googleearth-4.3<br />
<br />
... or follow the manual instructions on [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/GoogleEarth this page] for a more recent version.<br />
--><br />
Follow [http://www.liberiangeek.net/2011/10/how-to-install-google-earth-in-ubuntu-11-10-oneiric-ocelot/ these instructions for installing google earth].<br />
<br />
== Install Acrobat reader ==<br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>", or go Applications -> Ubuntu Software Center, and then go: -> Canonical Partners -> Adobe Acrobat reader -> Install.<br />
<br />
<!--<br />
In earlier versions of Ubuntu, to install acrobat reader, since [http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-general-1/cant-shrink-to-fit-pdf-doc-654281/ Ubuntu's native PDF readers don't have shrink to fit when printing]. :<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install acroread acroread-plugins<br />
<br />
(this uses medibuntu, from the Google Earth step above).<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
Also need to do this:<br />
sudo editor /usr/share/applications/defaults.list <br />
And change this:<br />
#application/pdf=evince.desktop<br />
application/pdf=AdobeReader.desktop<br />
--><br />
Then to tweak the display preferences of Acrobat Reader: Edit -> Preferences -> Page Display -> set "Zoom" to "Fit Page" -> Click "Ok".<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
== Install Opera ==<br />
<br />
To install and configure opera (since it's useful for testing web pages to be able to check behaviour, and it's useful to have another browser around sometimes), do the following:<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.list<br />
... and add these two lines:<br />
# For latest stable opera:<br />
deb http://deb.opera.com/opera/ stable non-free<br />
<br />
* Then do:<br />
sudo wget -O - http://deb.opera.com/archive.key | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install opera<br />
* Then run opera - Applications -> Internet -> Opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise -> Toolbars tab -> change the "wrapping" setting to "Wrap to multiple lines".<br />
<!-- <br />
* Go to [http://www.opera.com/download/ Opera's download page].<br />
* Download and open and install the .deb file<br />
* Then run opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise and change the wrapping setting to "multiple lines".<br />
--><br />
== Enable Apport for crash bug reporting ==<br />
<br />
Enable apport so that crash bugs will be reported and logged:<br />
sudo editor /etc/default/apport<br />
change enabled from "0" to "1".<br />
<br />
Crashes will then be logged to /var/crash/<br />
<br />
== Configure Open Office to work in MS Office 2000 compatibility mode ==<br />
<br />
[http://news.cnet.com/8301-13880_3-9864262-68.html Source of instructions]. Only do this if you are testing a migration to Ubuntu. Once you have already switched, then use the native ODF for new files, as they generally save formatting better.<br />
* Start OpenOffice Word Process: Applications -> Office -> OpenOffice.org Word Processor -> tools -> options -> expand "Load/Save" -> select "general" -> For document type = "Text document", set Always save as "Microsoft Word 97/2000/XP" (instead of "ODF text document"); For Document type = "Spreadsheet", set Always save as "Microsoft Excel 97/2000/XP"; For Document type = "Presentation", set Always save as "Microsoft PowerPoint 97/2000/XP" -> then click "OK".<br />
* Then tools -> options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> compatibility -> tick "Use printer metrics for document formatting", tick "Do not add leading (extra space) between lines of text", and tick "Consider wrapping style when positioning objects". Then go: Use as Default -> Yes -> OK.<br />
<br />
Note: When you upgrade between Ubuntu releases, you will probably need to repeat the first step, otherwise it will default back to saving in OpenOffice's formats by default.<br />
<br />
== Evolution configuration ==<br />
<br />
* Turn off new email notifications: Evolution -> Edit -> Plugins -> Uncheck "Mail Notification" plugin.<br />
* Edit -> Preferences -> 'Calendar and Tasks' -> 'Display' tab -> Disable the 'Compress weekends in month view' option.<br />
* Customize the default mail folder view. Get one folder looking right (personal preference: Columns: From / Subject / Received, with threads off, sorted by date received with most recent first). Then go View -> Current view -> Save Custom View... -> Replace existing view -> Messages -> Save. "Messages" is a special view, which is used by default on all folders, although you can override it on a folder-by-folder basis, but customizing that folder's view.<br />
<br />
== Set up SSH keys and KeepAlive Interval ==<br />
<br />
For each machine you want to have password-less SSH login to, do:<br />
ssh-copy-id -i ~/.ssh/id_dsa.pub machine1<br />
<br />
Also on some connections the SSH shell can close after a short timeout period. To keep connections option for longer, on the client side do, <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and then add this line to send a keep-alive heartbeat every 60 seconds:<br />
ServerAliveInterval 60<br />
<br />
... there is also a corresponding "ClientAliveInterval 60" setting that can be added to /etc/ssh/sshd_config - although sometimes you only control the client side of the link, and so this is not possible.<br />
<br />
Also set up connection sharing, makes secondary connections to SSH hosts much faster. <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and add this:<br />
# from: "OpenSSH tip: connection sharing"<br />
# http://tanguy.ortolo.eu/blog/article42/ssh-connection-sharing<br />
ControlPath ~/.ssh/control-%r@%h:%p<br />
ControlMaster auto<br />
ControlPersist 1<br />
<br />
== Automounting remote file systems using SSHFS ==<br />
<br />
For a remote Linux system, can automount with autofs + sshfs. Follow the guides [http://www.tjansson.dk/?p=84 here] and [http://www.mccambridge.org/blog/2007/05/totally-seamless-sshfs-under-linux-using-fuse-and-autofs/ here].<br />
<br />
Debug any problems with:<br />
tail --lines=0 -f /var/log/*<br />
<!-- <br />
Windows shares<br />
* Currently TESTING, this step not complete yet.<br />
* [http://oapeon.blogspot.com/2008/09/automounting-cifs-share-in-ubuntu.html Follow these instructions], but also [http://www.howtoforge.com/accessing_windows_or_samba_shares_using_autofs create a /etc/auto.smb.FILESERVERNAME file with login credentials].<br />
<br />
Actually, may have spoken too soon, seems kinda flakey. Getting "Input/output error" on the command line when accessing shares after a few minutes:<br />
<br />
$ ls /smb/server/sharename/<br />
ls: cannot access /smb/server/sharename/: Input/output error<br />
$<br />
<br />
Also seeing these errors when doing "tail -f /var/log/messages", despite supplying login credentials:<br />
Oct 23 17:42:02 redux kernel: [66597.665680] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
Oct 23 17:42:01 redux kernel: [66597.524118] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
<br />
To remove, uninstall these packages:<br />
sudo aptitude uninstall --purge autofs libevent1 libgssglue1 libnfsidmap2 librpcsecgss3 nfs-common portmap smbfs<br />
<br />
<br />
rebooting seemed to make this better.... although it's still buggy and flakey. Get directories being infinitely recursive, edited files appearing as directories, etc etc.<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
testing / playing with smbnetfs as an alternative<br />
sudo aptitude install smbnetfs<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/smbnetfs.conf <br />
<br />
- show_$_shares "false"<br />
+ show_$_shares "true"<br />
<br />
mkdir ~/.smb<br />
editor ~/.smb/smbnetfs.auth<br />
<br />
auth nickj password<br />
<br />
Need to do something with .smb/smbnetfs.conf ?<br />
<br />
<br />
* smbnetfs is probably not even running - need to find some decent docs on how to configure this.<br />
* autofs is mounted on /smb , and can be seriously flakey.<br />
* trying sshfs now, seems better but needs some magic options in the mount flags to work suitably.<br />
--><br />
== right before and right after each upgrade ==<br />
<br />
Remove unneeded cruft, by doing:<br />
sudo apt-get autoremove<br />
sudo apt-get clean<br />
deborphan<br />
Check first that no important packages are about to be removed, then do:<br />
sudo apt-get remove --purge $(deborphan)<br />
Purge old configuration files, first command shows what will be purged:<br />
sudo aptitude search ~c <br />
sudo aptitude purge ~c<br />
<br />
Fix broken packages:<br />
* <code>sudo aptitude</code><br />
* fix any broken packages (ctrl-t -> resolver -> examine -> g -> g).<br />
* also clean up cache and obsolete files (ctrl-t -> actions -> "clean package cache" and "clean obsolete files").<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
These tweaks are only required for 9.04:<br />
<br />
([http://reformedmusings.wordpress.com/2009/04/26/recovering-daily-update-notifications-in-ubuntu-904-jaunty/ Source]) To enable daily notification of non-security updates, which is especially useful if you [[#enable Apport for crash bug reporting|enable Apport for crash bug reporting]], then do this:<br />
gconftool -s --type bool /apps/update-notifier/auto_launch false<br />
<br />
([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-when-logoutshutdown-and-restart-ubuntu904 Source]) To remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout, do this:<br />
* Right-click on the panel power button icon on top-right of the screen -> Preferences -> Untick "Show confirm dialog for logout, shutdown and restart".<br />
<br />
Only in Ubuntu 9.04:<br />
sudo aptitude install firefox-3.5 firefox-3.5-gnome-support<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Tweaks to Ubuntu 9.10 that I had to apply to get stuff working again, or configured how I like it:<br />
<br />
1: Remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout. ([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-in-ubuntu910karmic Source]). <br />
<br />
2: For seeing details of SMART reporting for hard disks:<br />
sudo aptitude install gsmartcontrol<br />
<br />
3: system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Dust".<br />
<br />
4: Alt-F2, run gconf-editor , then toogle the GConf key /apps/eog/ui/disable_trash_confirmation to be ticked, to disable prompting for image deleting though Eye of Gnome ([https://bugzilla.gnome.org/show_bug.cgi?id=541967#c5 source]).<br />
<br />
5: Some third party entries in your sources.list were disabled. You can re-enable them after the upgrade with the 'software-properties' tool or your package manager.<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.lst<br />
<br />
.. then re-enable dropbox, chrome daily builds, etc, and apply those updates:<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude upgrade<br />
<br />
6: Setting MySQL back to utf8 mode:<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/mysql/my.cnf <br />
add under the "[mysqld]" section:<br />
default-character-set=utf8<br />
<br />
7: Blue tint to video files in VLC, Mplayer, and Totem. [http://www.mediacollege.com/video-gallery/testclips/20051210-w50s.flv Example video file]. [https://bugs.launchpad.net/totem/+bug/395476 Bug is in] the Nvidia closed source driver. Workaround is:<br />
* open totem via Applications -> Sound & Video -> Movie Player<br />
* open the preferences window via Edit -> Preferences<br />
* select the Display tab<br />
* click the Reset to Defaults button<br />
<br />
8: Problem: Mplayer crashing regularly when changing video output mode, and also giving a "couldn't resolve name for AF_INET6:" error on URL playback. Workaround: ditch mplayer, as totem and VLC are suitable replacements:<br />
sudo aptitude remove --purge mplayer<br />
<br />
9: Flash applets don't work in firefox or chrome on AMD64 (example: playing [http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-february-1-2010/q---o this Daily Show] video) .... solution: redo the [[#Install_Flash_on_AMD64|Flash installation steps]].<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Ambiance". <!-- move window decoration buttons to the left too - find link & steps for this --><br />
# If images don't display in office documents: Start OpenOffice writer, and then go: Tools -> Options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> View -> tick "Graphics and objects" -> click "Ok".<br />
<!-- to get SIP calls working through empathy through the dodgy Telstra modem that blocks VoIP: sudo aptitude install telepathy-sofiasip ... no, didn't work - test again later. --><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# <code>sudo aptitude remove tracker</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install unity-2d</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
The 11.10 release had more problems than most releases.<br />
<br />
Nautilus default view: go to Places -> Home folder -> Edit -> Preferences -> "View new folders using": select "List View".<br />
<br />
=== Restore classic Gnome desktop ===<br />
To get gnome classic desktop back, as per [http://www.webupd8.org/2011/08/installing-using-classic-gnome-desktop.html this blog post].<br />
sudo apt-get install gnome-session-fallback<br />
Then:<br />
* Install weather applet<br />
* System monitor applet<br />
* Add application icons for Firefox, chrome, terminal, and gedit.<br />
sudo aptitude install alarm-clock-applet<br />
* Add an application icon for the alarm clock applet.<br />
* Put a trash applet back on the bottom right of the screen.<br />
* Put a show desktop applet back on the bottom left of the screen.<br />
<br />
=== SSH menu is gone, use SSH plus instead ===<br />
Follow [http://www.gulecha.org/2011/07/29/sshplus-a-sshmenu-compatible-appindicator/ these installation instructions]. Then do <code>sudo aptitude install putty</code><br/> <br />
To add to startup apps: Applications -> System Tools -> Preferences -> startup applications -> add SSHplus by full path.<br />
<br />
=== blurry image viewer ===<br />
Images look blurry because the default Gnome Image viewer (eog/eye of gnome) is set to "Best Fit" instead of "Normal view", which resizes images slightly, making them appear blurry. Unfortunately, there seems to be no preference or setting that allows changing this permanently. Instead just install another image viewing app, and make it the default:<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install gthumb</code><br/><br />
It can be customized to view images 1:1 by going Edit -> Preferences -> Viewer -> Set to actual size. Then go View -> unselect "Thumbnail pane" (with this on, it seems to interfere with 1:1 viewing). Test it, then if so make it the default app by going ubuntu "System Settings" (top right corner of your desktop) -> System info -> Default applications -> Photos -> gThumb.<br />
<br />
=== usb automounting was broken ===<br />
Inserted USB drives would no longer automatically mount and open a file manager window. Solved by installing, and then removing, the usbmount package.<br />
<br />
=== Flash broken ===<br />
After upgrading from 11.04 to 11.10, flash applets either did not work, or worked partial (such as the sound being distorted, like the person was underwater). Fixed by installing the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up broken flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems. Installed the extension, restarted the browser, then went Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, just went with all the defaults, it removed the old flash plugins (I had 2) and downloaded and installed the latest adobe one, and then it was as good as new and working flawlessly.<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 12.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
=== Multiple monitors broken, screen orientation broken ===<br />
<br />
run Synaptic, remove all the nvidia drivers, and install the nouveau firmware, then reboot, then systems settings -> displays, and can change the monitor setup so that multi-montior works again and so the orientations are in portrait instead of landscape.<br />
<br />
From the command line to remove nvidia drivers, can do:<br />
sudo apt-get purge nvidia-settings nvidia-current<br />
<br />
=== Customised keyboard shortcuts lost ===<br />
<br />
All my customized keyboard shortcuts for the extra buttons on my keyboard are lost. Had to redo the keyboard config to get these back.<br />
<br />
=== alt-tab no longer works ===<br />
<br />
To fix (from [http://askubuntu.com/questions/135685/alt-tab-does-not-switch this source]) :<br />
sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* Go at the very bottom where it says "Window Management"<br />
* Put a checkmark in "application switcher"<br />
* That should fix it.<br />
<br />
=== Workplace switching is broken (gives a blank desktop with no menus or items) ===<br />
<br />
Install compiz settings manager as above, and that will fix it. To get switching to be 4 horizontal desktops:<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* "general" -> General options -> Desktop size -> horizontal virtual size = 4, vertical virtual size = 1<br />
<br />
Also turn off "effects" -> "animations" in compiz too, whilst we are there.<br />
<br />
=== Gnome menus look ugly ===<br />
<br />
The bug is [https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/light-themes/+bug/981289 here]. To fix ambiance themes, [http://www.webupd8.org/2012/05/install-ambiance-fixed-for-classic.html follow these steps].<br />
<br />
=== Printing was broken ===<br />
<br />
Jobs sent to the network printer just sat in the queue and were never printed, even though the printer hardware was fine and the same queue worked perfectly in 11.10. Easiest solution was to cancel all print jobs, delete the printer, add a new printer with the same settings, and reboot (because the printer setup locked up whilst doing these things).<br />
<br />
=== Printing was excessively slow from Firefox ===<br />
<br />
Even after doing the above, printing was very slow from Firefox to the HP LaserJet 2100 TN. For example, it was taking up to 4 minutes to print a page, whereas it would take 15 seconds before. To fix:<br />
* Run "system-config-printer" from the command line.<br />
* Change the printer driver. Instead of the recommended driver, use "HP LaserJet 2100 - CUPS+Gutenprint v5.2.8-pre1".<br />
* Print a test page, once works okay, click "OK", and close the printer config applet.<br />
<br />
=== Volume applet indicator disappeared ===<br />
<br />
[http://askubuntu.com/questions/126411/volume-and-other-indicators-disappeared-in-the-classic-desktop Source].<br />
Run gnome-sound-applet from the command line to check that it is installed and working.<br />
<br />
To start the sound applet automatically, go to System Tools -> Preferences -> Startup Applications, and add Command gnome-sound-applet<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 13.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
To be able to play videos again:<br />
sudo aptitude install ubuntu-restricted-extras<br />
<br />
To stop using Nautilus, following the unfortuate decision to remove all of its most useful features, and switch to Nemo instead. [http://www.fandigital.com/2012/09/install-nemo-file-manager-in-ubuntu.html Source] [http://www.fandigital.com/2013/01/set-nemo-default-file-manager-ubuntu.html Source].<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:gwendal-lebihan-dev/cinnamon-stable<br />
sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install nemo nemo-fileroller<br />
xdg-mime default nemo.desktop inode/directory application/x-gnome-saved-search<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 13.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Changed video driver from nouveau open source driver to nvidia's binary driver, to fix intermittent crashing of gnome-shell once or more per day: Applications -> System tools -> Software & updates -> Additional drivers -> nvidia-319-updates.<br />
<br />
* Problem: guest session broken, wallpaper all black, desktop icons broken, and screensaver unlock sometimes not working<br />
* Cause: All due to a conflict between Ubuntu 13.10 and cinnamon.<br />
* Solution: remove cinnamon and nemo. [http://askubuntu.com/questions/360772/unity-isnt-starting-on-13-10 Source].<br />
<br />
sudo apt-get install ppa-purge<br />
sudo apt-get purge --auto-remove cinnamon<br />
sudo apt-get autoremove<br />
sudo apt-get update -f<br />
sudo apt-get dist-upgrade<br />
sudo apt-get install ubuntu-desktop<br />
sudo apt-get remove .*cinnamon.*<br />
sudo apt-get remove .*nemo.*<br />
<br />
Then install nemo from the Ubuntu repos - part of the repos now.<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 14.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Only needed on a Gnome desktop, will cause icons to not appear on a Unity desktop and so should be skipped under Unity: To fix missing notifier icons (network, dropbox, sshplus, ksplice) under Gnome :<br />
<br />
* How to fix the missing network icon - follow [http://www.bauer-power.net/2014/05/permanent-fix-for-missing-network.html these steps].<br />
* For the others: System tools -> preferences -> startup applications -> then open the item whose notifier icon is not appearing.<br />
* add "dbus-launch " to start of the command lines for Ksplice and SSHPlus and Dropbox, and any others that are not working.<br />
<!--<br />
To fix greeter/login-screen monitor orientation - [http://askubuntu.com/questions/408302/rotated-monitor-login-screen-needs-rotation source].<br />
<br />
sudo cp ~/.config/monitors.xml /var/lib/lightdm/.config/<br />
sudo chown lightdm.lightdm /var/lib/lightdm/.config/monitors.xml<br />
--><br />
<br />
== VirtualBox ==<br />
<br />
=== first time VirtualBox install only ===<br />
<br />
From the [http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Linux_Downloads VirtualBox Installation instructions]:<br />
sudo vim /etc/apt/sources.list <br />
add this line: <code>deb http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian oneiric contrib</code> . Do not add a deb-src line.<br />
wget -q http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian/oracle_vbox.asc -O- | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude install dkms<br />
<br />
The first time that you install, make sure that you are a member of vboxusers group (needed for USB disks to work correctly) :<br />
sudo usermod -a -G vboxusers `whoami`<br />
sudo usermod -a -G disk `whoami`<br />
Then reboot the computer.<br />
<br />
=== All VirtualBox upgrades and installs ===<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install virtualbox-6.1<br />
To update/get the extension pack, start Virualbox Manager, go Help -> About to check have latest, then go File -> "Check for Updates...", and this will check you have the latest virtualbox and also install/update the extensions. Take all the defaults. Enter password if prompted.<br />
<br />
After upgrading from a previous version, to update each guest's VirtualBox drivers, do this after the Guest has started:<br />
* VirtualBox -> start Guest -> "Devices" menu -> Install Guest Additions CD image...<br />
<br />
And in a Debian or Ubuntu '''guest''' machine after doing an upgrade, to install the vbox additions, do this:<br />
* Devices -> Install Guest Additions CD image...<br />
aptitude install build-essential linux-headers-$(uname -r)<br />
mount /dev/cdrom <br />
sh /cdrom/VBoxLinuxAdditions.run<br />
<br />
=== To check if things aren't working as expected ===<br />
<br />
Before starting the Guest machine, make sure USB functionality is enabled by going:<br />
* Settings -> USB -> Make sure both the USB checkboxes are ticked -> Click the "Add Empty Filter" button (the top button on the right) -> click OK to close dialog box.<br />
<br />
Rebuild the virtualbox modules after upgrading from a previous version:<br />
sudo service vboxdrv setup<br />
<br />
Then plug in a USB device after the guest machine has started. Then make it visible to the Guest by going:<br />
* Devices -> USB devices -> and select the USB device to make visible.<br />
<br />
When doing a major version upgrade, use apt-get and not aptitude. For example:<br />
sudo apt-get install virtualbox-6.0<br />
... and then start VirtualBox, and then install the latest extension pack, using the steps above. The link will be on the [https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads VirtualBox downloads] page.<br />
<br />
If you get an "Error! Could not locate dkms.conf file" message, then you probably have old directories left over from an old version of virtualbox under /var/lib/dkms/ . E.g. I had some directories left over from 3.2.6, and the fix was:<br />
sudo rm -r /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetadp /var/lib/dkms/vboxdrv /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetflt<br />
<br />
== Newsgroup bin client ==<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude install sabnzbdplus<br />
Then configure as per [http://wiki.sabnzbd.org/quick-setup the steps on their wiki].<br />
<!-- Lottanzb keeps crashing for me:<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:lottanzb/daily-build<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:jcfp/ppa<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install lottanzb sabnzbdplus<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Steps for making the Benq Acer S2W 3300U work == <br />
<br />
* Plug in power and USB cable to the scanner, and connect it to your computer.<br />
* Check SANE is installed, then run <code> sane-find-scanner </code>, and it should list your scanner.<br />
* From [http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/downloads.cfm/dtype/D/page/downloads/product/91 Benq's page] get the Mirascan ZIP file. Note that Benq's webservers are crap, and they cut out mid-download, so save yourself frustration by using wget to take care of the downloading/resuming/retrying, by doing:<br />
wget ftp://211.78.86.204/scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
and/or<br />
wget http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/download.cfm?file=scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
* Check the ZIP file downloaded okay by doing:<br />
unzip -t mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
... and making sure it says there were "no errors detected" at the end.<br />
* Extract just the u176v046.bin file (which is firmware blob that this scanner needs to operate) into the current directory:<br />
unzip -j mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip "MiraScan v4.03u10_BQA/BIN/u176v046.bin"<br />
* Set up Sane to use this firmware blob:<br />
sudo mkdir /usr/share/sane/snapscan<br />
sudo cp u176v046.bin /usr/share/sane/snapscan/<br />
sudo editor /etc/sane.d/snapscan.conf<br />
... and change the first line from:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/your-firmwarefile.bin<br />
to:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/u176v046.bin<br />
... then save and close the file.<br />
* Then under the Applications -> Graphics menu, run Xsane, or (my preference) Simple Scan.<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
<!-- todo: add the repo steps here --><br />
Unfortunately dropbox does not seem to automatically install updates for old versions. Given this, need to manually install updates on old versions, and easiest way to install dropbox updates on Linux is, open a terminal and do:<br />
dropbox stop<br />
dropbox status # Should report "not running"<br />
rm -r ~/.dropbox-dist/<br />
dropbox start -i<br />
<br />
== Handbrake ==<br />
<br />
Handbrake is a media converter, and is especially useful for converting files for portable devices, like Android tablets or iPhones. To install the snapshot releases (which seems to be the easiest way, if you want the GUI) :<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:stebbins/handbrake-snapshots<br />
sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install handbrake-gtk handbrake-cli<br />
== Install Chromium dev builds ==<br />
<br />
Firefox is currently slightly better as a daily browser, but Chromium is improving rapidly. If you want to play with the native alpha port of Google's Chrome browser just to see how it's going, you can install the dev builds of Chromium quite easily by doing:<br />
<!-- could get rid of the PPA - Ubuntu now includes the chromium browser in universe, that lags a little, but avoids the constant daily updates: http://packages.ubuntu.com/search?keywords=chromium-browser --><br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:chromium-daily/dev<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install chromium-browser chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-nonfree chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-extra<br />
<!-- following [http://www.stefanoforenza.com/chromium-on-ubuntu-how-to/ these directions]. You probably also want to add the key for this PPA to your system, following [https://help.launchpad.net/Packaging/PPA#Adding%20the%20keys%20using%20Gnome these directions] about adding [http://keyserver.ubuntu.com:11371/pks/lookup?op=get&search=0x5A9BF3BB4E5E17B5 their key] to your system, so that you don't get lots of prompts every day when there is an update about "do you want to install unauthenticated packages?". --><br />
<br />
Chrome Extensions to install:<br />
* [http://www.chromeextensions.org/appearance-functioning/flashblock/ FlashBlock].<br />
* [http://blog.xmarks.com/?p=1244 Xmarks].<br />
* [https://chrome.google.com/extensions/detail/gighmmpiobklfepjocnamgkkbiglidom Adblock]. Need to restart browser for extension to take effect.<br />
<br />
Still waiting for these Chrome extensions as at July 2010:<br />
* The equivalent of Tab Mix Plus. (still looking for this).<br />
<br />
Things that aren't working quite right yet in Chromium on Linux:<br />
* The backspace key should go back, or should be configurable for this. There is an extension that allows this, but it should probably be a preference in the base browser.<br />
* Auto-updating of extensions. There is a way to do this from the extensions UI, but in Chromium it doesn't seem to do anything.<br />
* Audio playback not working correctly - e.g. on [http://slides.html5rocks.com/#slide22 this slide], get no audio after selecting a national anthem other than US (US works, other's don't). Possibly [http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Chrome/thread?tid=2fdf2aa857abe1ef&hl=en this issue] or [http://code.google.com/p/chromium/issues/detail?id=37848 this issue].<br />
* WebGL does not work on an old laptop, but does on a modern desktop. Could be that the laptop's hardware is just too old (or just not supported in 3D).<br />
<br />
To enable most of the new features of Chromium, change the command line for starting chromium to be like this:<br />
chromium-browser --enable-plugins --enable-greasemonkey --enable-user-scripts --enable-internal-flash --enable-extensions --enable-webgl %U<br />
<br />
Configuration settings:<br />
* To make streetview work: Try to open streetview -> nothing happens -> press Ctrl-Shift-F (which permanently unblock flashblock on that site) -> then streetview will pop up and work thereafter.<br />
<br />
Updating the flash plugin if you get a warning that "the flash plugin was blocked because it is out of date", or just installing the flash plugin.<br />
* First check where the plugin is installed, by opening chrome://plugins/ in chromium, and expanding the "details" link.<br />
* For me, it said "Location: /usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so".<br />
* Note this directory, and update the flashplugin variable below if you have a different path:<br />
cd ~/tmp<br />
flashplugin=/usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so<br />
sudo mv $flashplugin ./libflashplayer.so.old<br />
wget http://download.macromedia.com/pub/labs/flashplayer10/flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz<br />
tar zfvx flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz <br />
sudo cp ./libflashplayer.so $flashplugin<br />
cd /usr/lib/chromium-browser/plugins<br />
sudo ln -s $flashplugin<br />
Now restart chromium and the warning should be fixed & flash should work.<br />
<br />
== Android ADB commands ==<br />
<br />
Only useful if you have an android phone and sometimes want to flash custom ROMs or recovery images:<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:phablet-team/tools && sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install android-tools-adb android-tools-fastboot<br />
<br />
== Read SD cards ==<br />
<br />
To be able to read SD cards, [http://askubuntu.com/questions/364270/mount-unknown-filesystem-exfat source]:<br />
sudo apt-get install exfat-fuse exfat-utils<br />
<!--<br />
== Pinta ==<br />
<br />
Basic image editing program, like ms-paint:<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:moonlight-team/pinta<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install pinta<br />
<br />
tends to crash though.... don't include in public instructions just yet!<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
'''Warning: semi-commercial software'''<br />
<br />
Personally, I find dropbox useful for synchronising up to 2 GB of data free between multiple systems (desktop and laptop; work and home). You need to sign up here and install the software from here.<br />
##### FINISH WRITING THIS STEP AT SOME POINT #####<br />
##### Keeps crashing on network transfers, so don't write up until that is completed ###### -- this was fixed by upgrading to version 0.6.564 <br />
##### The crashing is back.... **sigh**<br />
<br />
== testing: Ksplice for rebootless kernel updates ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.ksplice.com/uptrack/download Install]<br />
[http://lwn.net/Articles/340477/ background on Ksplice].<br />
<br />
== Ekiga linux setup ==<br />
.... cannot test this until ADSL connection no longer blocks VoIP...<br />
Date: Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:21:10 +1100<br />
VoIP client.<br />
<br />
Applications ->Internet -> Ekiga softphone<br />
Enter name<br />
Tick "I do not want to sign up for the ekiga.net free service"<br />
connection type xDSL.cable<br />
enable STUN support: Yes<br />
rest of the options: take the defaults,.<br />
<br />
Then in Ekiga, go:<br />
edit -> accounts -> add my pennytel account details.<br />
#### No sound through ekiga in 10.10 -- leave commented out until this works ####<br />
--></div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/Ubuntu_desktop_setup_stepsUbuntu desktop setup steps2020-05-18T11:07:39Z<p>Nickj: /* All VirtualBox upgrades and installs */ update for 6.1</p>
<hr />
<div>Ubuntu desktop setup steps for an AMD64 system. Most of these instructions will work on 8.04 LTS onwards through the current release, and it should almost all work on x86 systems too:<br />
<br />
== Pre-installation standard hardware test procedure ==<br />
<br />
Before installing or configuring any software, it is imperative to test the hardware beforehand, to establish that it is not provably broken:<br />
* Download the ISOs for [http://www.sysresccd.org/ System Rescue CD] and [http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/ Ultimate Boot CD] and burn these.<br />
* From either CD, run Memtest86+ on the machine overnight, to test that the CPU and memory are error-free.<br />
* From UBCD, run a CPU stress test for 5 to 10 minutes to check CPU is reliable and adequately cooled.<br />
* From Sys Rescue CD, check for bad blocks on the hard drive, before trusting it with any data: <code>badblocks -v -s -w -c 4096 /dev/sda</code> <br />Note however that badblocks is quite a slow test - e.g. took 34 hours on a 500 GB SATA disk in an external USB enclosure, and 17 hours on a 250 GB IDE disk.<br />It's also a destructive write test, and so will blank the disk, so make sure you have the right device (use <code>fdisk -lu</code> to confirm the device's size and name).<br />Successful output will look something like this:<br />
Checking for bad blocks in read-write mode<br />
From block 0 to 244198583<br />
Testing with pattern 0xaa: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x55: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0xff: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x00: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Pass completed, 0 bad blocks found.<br />
<br />
If problems are found with any of the above, resolve these first before proceeding further.<br />
<br />
== Installation == <br />
<br />
* Firstly, decide whether you want software RAID or not. Personally, I use RAID-1 mirroring of a single bootable partition, using 2 same-sized disks, from 2 different manufacturers, because:<br />
*# it's simple.<br />
*# it's redundant enough.<br />
*# it's cheap: the incremental cost is the cost of a single disk, which is less than $100.<br />
*# you can boot off of it.<br />
*# it's not a question of if a disk will fail, but when.<br />
: For software RAID, install from the Alternate Installation CD. You can always [http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Convert_a_single_drive_system_to_RAID convert to RAID-1 later], but it's significantly more faffing about than setting it up this way from the get-go.<br />
* Once you've done the above, download and burn either the standard or alternate Ubuntu install CD, as appropriate.<br />
* Insert installation CD. Follow simple options, installs, ejects CD, reboots. Then login.<br />
* System -> Networking -> set up static IP address instead of dynamic IP address.<br />
* reboot to get network changes to apply (theoretically this should not be necessary, but in practice it was, at least for me on 8.04).<br />
* reboot, install system updates. Then reboot once updates are installed.<br />
* system -> hardware drivers -> enable the proprietary nvidia drivers.<br />
* reboot to enable the proprietary drivers.<br />
<br />
== Tweaks and Preferences ==<br />
<br />
* Ditch the annoying sounds: System -> Preferences -> sound -> sounds -> set all to "no sound", and untick "play system sounds", and on "system beep" tab untick all boxes.<br />
* Ditch the thrashing hard-disk: System -> Preferences -> Searching and indexing -> General -> tick "enable indexing" and "enable watching" and both of the power management boxes to disable stuff when on battery.<br />
* To get Subpixel Smoothing on LCDs, do this: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Fonts -> Select "subpixel smoothing (LCDs)". Need to restart Firefox for this change to take effect in Firefox.<br />
* To get reasonable desktop visual effects: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Visual Effects -> Select "Normal".<br />
* To make the system remember running apps and window locations on logout, do this: System -> Preferences -> sessions -> session options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out". In Ubuntu 9.04 / gnome 2.26 & up, this setting has moved, and is now under: System -> Preferences -> Startup Application Preferences -> options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out".<br />
<!--* To tweak networking performance, [http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Hardy#Howto:_Tweak_and_maximize_your_bandwidth_in_Ubuntu.2FLinux_via_sysctl.21 follow these instructions]. --><br />
* Power saving: Turn off blinking cursor by going: System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> untick "Cursor blinks in text fields".<br />
* Add terminal icon to gnome panel: Right-click panel -> Add to Panel -> Application Launcher... -> Accessories -> Terminal -> Add -> Close.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Editor" tab -> tick "autosave" files every 2 minutes.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Plugins" tab -> tick "Sort" to enable the sort plugin -> Close. Can now highlight text and go Edit -> Sort to get it alphabetically sorted.<br />
<br />
== [[Firefox configuration steps]] ==<br />
<br />
{{:Firefox configuration steps}}<br />
<br />
== Installation of extra software ==<br />
<br />
Go system -> admin -> synaptic package manager -> then Install the following (my brief descriptions of what some packages do are also shown) :<br />
* inkscape # Vector drawing package<br />
* hugin # Create panoramas from an image set.<br />
* dia # Draw diagrams & flow charts, somewhat like "visio" on Windows.<br />
* googleearth-package<br />
* xchat # IRC client.<br />
* ttf-mscorefonts-installer ttf-linux-libertine ttf-inconsolata # The most useful font sets. See also the "[[#Install the Tahoma fonts|Install the Tahoma fonts]]" section below.<br />
* audacious # Like XMMS or Winamp<br />
* nmap # Check for open ports.<br />
* filezilla # GUI FTP client.<br />
* wireshark # Packet sniffer<br />
* powertop iotop htop # Show power hogs, I/O hogs, and an more visual command-line version of top.<br />
* nautilus-open-terminal # adds ability to right click on a folder and get a command prompt there.<br />
* php5-cli php5-gd php5-curl # Only useful if you want to write scripts in PHP.<br />
* traceroute # How packets get from here to there over the network.<br />
* curl # Command line HTTP client, includes form-submitting capacity<br />
* tofrodos # Convert line endings from dos to UNIX or vice-versa.<br />
* openssh-server<br />
* libxml2-dev libmysqlclient-dev # Optional: Only used for compiling PHP snapshots<br />
* eclipse sun-java6-jdk sun-java6-jre sun-java6-plugin libmysql-java junit junit-doc # Optional: Java development using Eclipse + java plugins for Firefox<br />
* sysinfo # Kind of like device manager on Windows. Shows CPU / memory / hard disk installed, some hardware that has been detected, etc.<br />
* autofs smbfs smbclient<br />
* gisomount<br />
* gtk-recordmydesktop # Record videos of what you're doing on your desktop.<br />
* gworldclock # Want to simultaneously see the time in Tokyo, LA, London, and Rio? Use this.<br />
* ffmpeg2theora # Convert videos into format suitable for uploading to Wikimedia commons.<br />
* rar p7zip-full # needed for extracting .7z and RAR archives<br />
* gnome-do # Run apps or commands from a keyboard launcher.<br />
* pinfo # Much nicer UI than man or info for reading documentation.<br />
* vlc mozilla-plugin-vlc<br />
* avidemux # Useful for replacing audio tracks in video files.<br />
* indent # Useful for auto-indenting code.<br />
* smartmontools smart-notifier # S.M.A.R.T. hard disk monitoring tools.<br />
* tidy<br />
* ddrescue # Useful for recovering data from failing hard disks.<br />
* gimp-resynthesizer # A nifty plugin for gimp for repairing images or filling in content intelligently. Ignore if you don't use gimp.<br />
* qpdf # Useful for removing password from PDF files, as per [http://blog.sandipb.net/2009/01/10/removing-encryption-from-legitimate-pdf-files-on-ubuntu/ this guide].<br />
* hardinfo # Generates a hardware report and benchmark for the system; can also run in command line mode by doing: <code> hardinfo -r -f html > report.html </code><br />
* gtkvncviewer # Nice VNC client.<br />
* renameutils # Useful for bulk renaming of files. Example for renaming all .JPG files in a directory to .jpg (lowercase) is: <code>rename s/JPG$/jpg/ *</code><br />
* meld # Good GUI for comparing two files, e.g. two log files.<br />
* asciio # Good for drawing ASCII graphs; only available in Ubuntu 10.10 and up.<br />
* spamassassin # Email filtering, used by Evolution.<br />
<!--<br />
<br />
Have installed on laptop - test some more and see if worth including:<br />
gedit-plugins<br />
wget http://nchc.dl.sourceforge.net/sourceforge/openproj/openproj_1.4-2.deb && sudo dpkg -i openproj_1.4-2.deb<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
winbind # could be useful on a windows network. Have not discerned any benefit yet though.<br />
<br />
Still working out whether to include or not: * evolution-plugins-experimental <br />
<br />
* bum # Boot Up Manager - GUI for specifying what services should be running on boot-up.<br />
* miro # Combined bittorrent client and video player. Particularly useful for downloading TED talks before a flight. Uses lots of disk space though.<br />
* k3b # CD burning app.<br />
* deluge amule # P2P - donkey plus bittorrent<br />
<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Configure "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" ==<br />
<br />
To get the back / forward keyboard keys working in Firefox, when using the "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard", go System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> Layout -> click the model button -> Choose Microsoft -> set model to "Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro USB" -> click "close".<br />
<br />
== Custom Key Bindings, aimed at "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" == <br />
<br />
Note: the steps keep changing in each Ubuntu release (the menus move around, the keycodes change), unfortunately.<br />
This is what works for me using 14.04.<br />
<br />
Go: System settings -> Keyboard -> Shortcuts -> custom shortcuts.<br />
<br />
Personally I then add the following custom shortcuts:<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
|-<br />
! Label <br />
! Command<br />
! HotKey<br />
|-<br />
| Terminal<br />
| gnome-terminal<br />
| 1<br />
|-<br />
| Files<br />
| /usr/bin/nemo<br />
| 2<br />
|-<br />
| Screenshot<br />
| gnome-screenshot --window --interactive<br />
| 3<br />
|-<br />
| Text editor <br />
| gedit --new-document <br />
| 4<br />
|- <br />
| KeePass <br />
| /usr/bin/keepass2 <br />
| 5<br />
|}<br />
<!-- 1.10 in gnome-fallback mode:<br />
<br />
* ubuntu "System Setting" (top right corner of your desktop) -> Keyboard -> Shortcut.<br />
* Set "1" favourite key to "run a terminal"<br />
* Set "2" favourite key to "open home folder"<br />
<br />
There seems to be a bug that prevents the "custom shortcuts" keys from working for favourite keys 3, 4 and 5. Instead we have to do this:<br />
* In a terminal, run: <code>gconf-editor</code><br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/global_keybindings<br />
* Change "run_command_3" to be 0xc2, "run_command_4" to be 0xc3, and "run_command_5" to be 0xc4 - these corresponds to the 3 / 4 / 5 favourite keys.<br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/keybinding_commands<br />
* Change "command_3" to be the take-screenshot command: <code>gnome-screenshot --window --interactive</code><br />
* Change "command_4" to be the new-text-editor command: <code>/usr/bin/gedit --new-document</code><br />
* Change "command_5" to be as desired.<br />
* Name is "Zend Studio", command is "sh /home/nickj/programs/Zend/ZendStudio-5.5.0/bin/ZDE". Set the 5 favourite key to run this. --><br />
<br />
== Install Skype == <br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>" -> Skype -> More Info -> Install. <br />
<br />
Then to make the right-click menus legible with Ubuntu's dark theme, do as follows:<br />
# Applications -> Internet -> Skype -> single-click on the skype icon in the top right to open skype -> Ctrl-O to open options -> "general" -> Choose Style: "Desktop settings" -> close.<br />
# Single click on skype icon to open skype again -> Ctrl-Q to close.<br />
# Now restart skype by going Applications -> Internet -> Skype, and the right-click menus will be readable.<br />
<!--<br />
install Skype - [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Skype#AMD64 Source of instructions].<br />
sudo aptitude install ia32-libs<br />
wget http://skype.com/go/getskype-linux-ubuntu<br />
sudo aptitude install libqt4-core libqt4-gui qt4-qtconfig <br />
sudo dpkg --install --force-architecture --force-depends skype-debian*.deb<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Install the Tahoma fonts ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.stchman.com/ms_fonts.html Source of instructions].<br />
<br />
Once the msttcorefonts package is installed you will notice that Tahoma and Tahoma Bold is missing. You will need to extract Tahoma<br />
and Tahoma Bold from the zip file. Tahoma is used for Microsoft desktop, title bars and menu fonts so if you are trying to get that<br />
XP look you will need the Tahoma regular and Tahoma Bold fonts. Install Tahoma by doing the following in a terminal.<br />
<br />
cd ~<br />
wget http://www.stchman.com/tools/MS_fonts/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo unzip -d /usr/share/fonts/truetype/msttcorefonts ~/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo fc-cache -f -v<br />
rm -f ~/tahoma.zip<br />
<br />
== Install Flash == <br />
<br />
* Install the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up or installs flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems.<br />
* Restart the browser.<br />
* Go to: Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, go with all the defaults.<br />
* It removes any old flash plugins and downloads and installs the latest Adobe one.<br />
* For AMD64 systems, can use the flash 64 bit beta.<br />
<br />
If flash videos have a blue tint after the installation, then repeat the above steps, which may fix it. If it doesn't, then right click on a flash video with a blue tint -> Settings -> Untick "enable HW acceleration". [http://askubuntu.com/questions/117127/flash-video-appears-blue Source].<br />
<br />
== Install Google Earth ==<br />
<!--<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update && sudo aptitude install medibuntu-keyring && sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install googleearth-4.3<br />
<br />
... or follow the manual instructions on [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/GoogleEarth this page] for a more recent version.<br />
--><br />
Follow [http://www.liberiangeek.net/2011/10/how-to-install-google-earth-in-ubuntu-11-10-oneiric-ocelot/ these instructions for installing google earth].<br />
<br />
== Install Acrobat reader ==<br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>", or go Applications -> Ubuntu Software Center, and then go: -> Canonical Partners -> Adobe Acrobat reader -> Install.<br />
<br />
<!--<br />
In earlier versions of Ubuntu, to install acrobat reader, since [http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-general-1/cant-shrink-to-fit-pdf-doc-654281/ Ubuntu's native PDF readers don't have shrink to fit when printing]. :<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install acroread acroread-plugins<br />
<br />
(this uses medibuntu, from the Google Earth step above).<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
Also need to do this:<br />
sudo editor /usr/share/applications/defaults.list <br />
And change this:<br />
#application/pdf=evince.desktop<br />
application/pdf=AdobeReader.desktop<br />
--><br />
Then to tweak the display preferences of Acrobat Reader: Edit -> Preferences -> Page Display -> set "Zoom" to "Fit Page" -> Click "Ok".<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
== Install Opera ==<br />
<br />
To install and configure opera (since it's useful for testing web pages to be able to check behaviour, and it's useful to have another browser around sometimes), do the following:<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.list<br />
... and add these two lines:<br />
# For latest stable opera:<br />
deb http://deb.opera.com/opera/ stable non-free<br />
<br />
* Then do:<br />
sudo wget -O - http://deb.opera.com/archive.key | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install opera<br />
* Then run opera - Applications -> Internet -> Opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise -> Toolbars tab -> change the "wrapping" setting to "Wrap to multiple lines".<br />
<!-- <br />
* Go to [http://www.opera.com/download/ Opera's download page].<br />
* Download and open and install the .deb file<br />
* Then run opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise and change the wrapping setting to "multiple lines".<br />
--><br />
== Enable Apport for crash bug reporting ==<br />
<br />
Enable apport so that crash bugs will be reported and logged:<br />
sudo editor /etc/default/apport<br />
change enabled from "0" to "1".<br />
<br />
Crashes will then be logged to /var/crash/<br />
<br />
== Configure Open Office to work in MS Office 2000 compatibility mode ==<br />
<br />
[http://news.cnet.com/8301-13880_3-9864262-68.html Source of instructions]. Only do this if you are testing a migration to Ubuntu. Once you have already switched, then use the native ODF for new files, as they generally save formatting better.<br />
* Start OpenOffice Word Process: Applications -> Office -> OpenOffice.org Word Processor -> tools -> options -> expand "Load/Save" -> select "general" -> For document type = "Text document", set Always save as "Microsoft Word 97/2000/XP" (instead of "ODF text document"); For Document type = "Spreadsheet", set Always save as "Microsoft Excel 97/2000/XP"; For Document type = "Presentation", set Always save as "Microsoft PowerPoint 97/2000/XP" -> then click "OK".<br />
* Then tools -> options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> compatibility -> tick "Use printer metrics for document formatting", tick "Do not add leading (extra space) between lines of text", and tick "Consider wrapping style when positioning objects". Then go: Use as Default -> Yes -> OK.<br />
<br />
Note: When you upgrade between Ubuntu releases, you will probably need to repeat the first step, otherwise it will default back to saving in OpenOffice's formats by default.<br />
<br />
== Evolution configuration ==<br />
<br />
* Turn off new email notifications: Evolution -> Edit -> Plugins -> Uncheck "Mail Notification" plugin.<br />
* Edit -> Preferences -> 'Calendar and Tasks' -> 'Display' tab -> Disable the 'Compress weekends in month view' option.<br />
* Customize the default mail folder view. Get one folder looking right (personal preference: Columns: From / Subject / Received, with threads off, sorted by date received with most recent first). Then go View -> Current view -> Save Custom View... -> Replace existing view -> Messages -> Save. "Messages" is a special view, which is used by default on all folders, although you can override it on a folder-by-folder basis, but customizing that folder's view.<br />
<br />
== Set up SSH keys and KeepAlive Interval ==<br />
<br />
For each machine you want to have password-less SSH login to, do:<br />
ssh-copy-id -i ~/.ssh/id_dsa.pub machine1<br />
<br />
Also on some connections the SSH shell can close after a short timeout period. To keep connections option for longer, on the client side do, <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and then add this line to send a keep-alive heartbeat every 60 seconds:<br />
ServerAliveInterval 60<br />
<br />
... there is also a corresponding "ClientAliveInterval 60" setting that can be added to /etc/ssh/sshd_config - although sometimes you only control the client side of the link, and so this is not possible.<br />
<br />
Also set up connection sharing, makes secondary connections to SSH hosts much faster. <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and add this:<br />
# from: "OpenSSH tip: connection sharing"<br />
# http://tanguy.ortolo.eu/blog/article42/ssh-connection-sharing<br />
ControlPath ~/.ssh/control-%r@%h:%p<br />
ControlMaster auto<br />
ControlPersist 1<br />
<br />
== Automounting remote file systems using SSHFS ==<br />
<br />
For a remote Linux system, can automount with autofs + sshfs. Follow the guides [http://www.tjansson.dk/?p=84 here] and [http://www.mccambridge.org/blog/2007/05/totally-seamless-sshfs-under-linux-using-fuse-and-autofs/ here].<br />
<br />
Debug any problems with:<br />
tail --lines=0 -f /var/log/*<br />
<!-- <br />
Windows shares<br />
* Currently TESTING, this step not complete yet.<br />
* [http://oapeon.blogspot.com/2008/09/automounting-cifs-share-in-ubuntu.html Follow these instructions], but also [http://www.howtoforge.com/accessing_windows_or_samba_shares_using_autofs create a /etc/auto.smb.FILESERVERNAME file with login credentials].<br />
<br />
Actually, may have spoken too soon, seems kinda flakey. Getting "Input/output error" on the command line when accessing shares after a few minutes:<br />
<br />
$ ls /smb/server/sharename/<br />
ls: cannot access /smb/server/sharename/: Input/output error<br />
$<br />
<br />
Also seeing these errors when doing "tail -f /var/log/messages", despite supplying login credentials:<br />
Oct 23 17:42:02 redux kernel: [66597.665680] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
Oct 23 17:42:01 redux kernel: [66597.524118] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
<br />
To remove, uninstall these packages:<br />
sudo aptitude uninstall --purge autofs libevent1 libgssglue1 libnfsidmap2 librpcsecgss3 nfs-common portmap smbfs<br />
<br />
<br />
rebooting seemed to make this better.... although it's still buggy and flakey. Get directories being infinitely recursive, edited files appearing as directories, etc etc.<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
testing / playing with smbnetfs as an alternative<br />
sudo aptitude install smbnetfs<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/smbnetfs.conf <br />
<br />
- show_$_shares "false"<br />
+ show_$_shares "true"<br />
<br />
mkdir ~/.smb<br />
editor ~/.smb/smbnetfs.auth<br />
<br />
auth nickj password<br />
<br />
Need to do something with .smb/smbnetfs.conf ?<br />
<br />
<br />
* smbnetfs is probably not even running - need to find some decent docs on how to configure this.<br />
* autofs is mounted on /smb , and can be seriously flakey.<br />
* trying sshfs now, seems better but needs some magic options in the mount flags to work suitably.<br />
--><br />
== right before and right after each upgrade ==<br />
<br />
Remove unneeded cruft, by doing:<br />
sudo apt-get autoremove<br />
sudo apt-get clean<br />
deborphan<br />
Check first that no important packages are about to be removed, then do:<br />
sudo apt-get remove --purge $(deborphan)<br />
Purge old configuration files, first command shows what will be purged:<br />
sudo aptitude search ~c <br />
sudo aptitude purge ~c<br />
<br />
Fix broken packages:<br />
* <code>sudo aptitude</code><br />
* fix any broken packages (ctrl-t -> resolver -> examine -> g -> g).<br />
* also clean up cache and obsolete files (ctrl-t -> actions -> "clean package cache" and "clean obsolete files").<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
These tweaks are only required for 9.04:<br />
<br />
([http://reformedmusings.wordpress.com/2009/04/26/recovering-daily-update-notifications-in-ubuntu-904-jaunty/ Source]) To enable daily notification of non-security updates, which is especially useful if you [[#enable Apport for crash bug reporting|enable Apport for crash bug reporting]], then do this:<br />
gconftool -s --type bool /apps/update-notifier/auto_launch false<br />
<br />
([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-when-logoutshutdown-and-restart-ubuntu904 Source]) To remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout, do this:<br />
* Right-click on the panel power button icon on top-right of the screen -> Preferences -> Untick "Show confirm dialog for logout, shutdown and restart".<br />
<br />
Only in Ubuntu 9.04:<br />
sudo aptitude install firefox-3.5 firefox-3.5-gnome-support<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Tweaks to Ubuntu 9.10 that I had to apply to get stuff working again, or configured how I like it:<br />
<br />
1: Remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout. ([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-in-ubuntu910karmic Source]). <br />
<br />
2: For seeing details of SMART reporting for hard disks:<br />
sudo aptitude install gsmartcontrol<br />
<br />
3: system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Dust".<br />
<br />
4: Alt-F2, run gconf-editor , then toogle the GConf key /apps/eog/ui/disable_trash_confirmation to be ticked, to disable prompting for image deleting though Eye of Gnome ([https://bugzilla.gnome.org/show_bug.cgi?id=541967#c5 source]).<br />
<br />
5: Some third party entries in your sources.list were disabled. You can re-enable them after the upgrade with the 'software-properties' tool or your package manager.<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.lst<br />
<br />
.. then re-enable dropbox, chrome daily builds, etc, and apply those updates:<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude upgrade<br />
<br />
6: Setting MySQL back to utf8 mode:<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/mysql/my.cnf <br />
add under the "[mysqld]" section:<br />
default-character-set=utf8<br />
<br />
7: Blue tint to video files in VLC, Mplayer, and Totem. [http://www.mediacollege.com/video-gallery/testclips/20051210-w50s.flv Example video file]. [https://bugs.launchpad.net/totem/+bug/395476 Bug is in] the Nvidia closed source driver. Workaround is:<br />
* open totem via Applications -> Sound & Video -> Movie Player<br />
* open the preferences window via Edit -> Preferences<br />
* select the Display tab<br />
* click the Reset to Defaults button<br />
<br />
8: Problem: Mplayer crashing regularly when changing video output mode, and also giving a "couldn't resolve name for AF_INET6:" error on URL playback. Workaround: ditch mplayer, as totem and VLC are suitable replacements:<br />
sudo aptitude remove --purge mplayer<br />
<br />
9: Flash applets don't work in firefox or chrome on AMD64 (example: playing [http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-february-1-2010/q---o this Daily Show] video) .... solution: redo the [[#Install_Flash_on_AMD64|Flash installation steps]].<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Ambiance". <!-- move window decoration buttons to the left too - find link & steps for this --><br />
# If images don't display in office documents: Start OpenOffice writer, and then go: Tools -> Options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> View -> tick "Graphics and objects" -> click "Ok".<br />
<!-- to get SIP calls working through empathy through the dodgy Telstra modem that blocks VoIP: sudo aptitude install telepathy-sofiasip ... no, didn't work - test again later. --><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# <code>sudo aptitude remove tracker</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install unity-2d</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
The 11.10 release had more problems than most releases.<br />
<br />
Nautilus default view: go to Places -> Home folder -> Edit -> Preferences -> "View new folders using": select "List View".<br />
<br />
=== Restore classic Gnome desktop ===<br />
To get gnome classic desktop back, as per [http://www.webupd8.org/2011/08/installing-using-classic-gnome-desktop.html this blog post].<br />
sudo apt-get install gnome-session-fallback<br />
Then:<br />
* Install weather applet<br />
* System monitor applet<br />
* Add application icons for Firefox, chrome, terminal, and gedit.<br />
sudo aptitude install alarm-clock-applet<br />
* Add an application icon for the alarm clock applet.<br />
* Put a trash applet back on the bottom right of the screen.<br />
* Put a show desktop applet back on the bottom left of the screen.<br />
<br />
=== SSH menu is gone, use SSH plus instead ===<br />
Follow [http://www.gulecha.org/2011/07/29/sshplus-a-sshmenu-compatible-appindicator/ these installation instructions]. Then do <code>sudo aptitude install putty</code><br/> <br />
To add to startup apps: Applications -> System Tools -> Preferences -> startup applications -> add SSHplus by full path.<br />
<br />
=== blurry image viewer ===<br />
Images look blurry because the default Gnome Image viewer (eog/eye of gnome) is set to "Best Fit" instead of "Normal view", which resizes images slightly, making them appear blurry. Unfortunately, there seems to be no preference or setting that allows changing this permanently. Instead just install another image viewing app, and make it the default:<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install gthumb</code><br/><br />
It can be customized to view images 1:1 by going Edit -> Preferences -> Viewer -> Set to actual size. Then go View -> unselect "Thumbnail pane" (with this on, it seems to interfere with 1:1 viewing). Test it, then if so make it the default app by going ubuntu "System Settings" (top right corner of your desktop) -> System info -> Default applications -> Photos -> gThumb.<br />
<br />
=== usb automounting was broken ===<br />
Inserted USB drives would no longer automatically mount and open a file manager window. Solved by installing, and then removing, the usbmount package.<br />
<br />
=== Flash broken ===<br />
After upgrading from 11.04 to 11.10, flash applets either did not work, or worked partial (such as the sound being distorted, like the person was underwater). Fixed by installing the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up broken flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems. Installed the extension, restarted the browser, then went Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, just went with all the defaults, it removed the old flash plugins (I had 2) and downloaded and installed the latest adobe one, and then it was as good as new and working flawlessly.<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 12.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
=== Multiple monitors broken, screen orientation broken ===<br />
<br />
run Synaptic, remove all the nvidia drivers, and install the nouveau firmware, then reboot, then systems settings -> displays, and can change the monitor setup so that multi-montior works again and so the orientations are in portrait instead of landscape.<br />
<br />
From the command line to remove nvidia drivers, can do:<br />
sudo apt-get purge nvidia-settings nvidia-current<br />
<br />
=== Customised keyboard shortcuts lost ===<br />
<br />
All my customized keyboard shortcuts for the extra buttons on my keyboard are lost. Had to redo the keyboard config to get these back.<br />
<br />
=== alt-tab no longer works ===<br />
<br />
To fix (from [http://askubuntu.com/questions/135685/alt-tab-does-not-switch this source]) :<br />
sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* Go at the very bottom where it says "Window Management"<br />
* Put a checkmark in "application switcher"<br />
* That should fix it.<br />
<br />
=== Workplace switching is broken (gives a blank desktop with no menus or items) ===<br />
<br />
Install compiz settings manager as above, and that will fix it. To get switching to be 4 horizontal desktops:<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* "general" -> General options -> Desktop size -> horizontal virtual size = 4, vertical virtual size = 1<br />
<br />
Also turn off "effects" -> "animations" in compiz too, whilst we are there.<br />
<br />
=== Gnome menus look ugly ===<br />
<br />
The bug is [https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/light-themes/+bug/981289 here]. To fix ambiance themes, [http://www.webupd8.org/2012/05/install-ambiance-fixed-for-classic.html follow these steps].<br />
<br />
=== Printing was broken ===<br />
<br />
Jobs sent to the network printer just sat in the queue and were never printed, even though the printer hardware was fine and the same queue worked perfectly in 11.10. Easiest solution was to cancel all print jobs, delete the printer, add a new printer with the same settings, and reboot (because the printer setup locked up whilst doing these things).<br />
<br />
=== Printing was excessively slow from Firefox ===<br />
<br />
Even after doing the above, printing was very slow from Firefox to the HP LaserJet 2100 TN. For example, it was taking up to 4 minutes to print a page, whereas it would take 15 seconds before. To fix:<br />
* Run "system-config-printer" from the command line.<br />
* Change the printer driver. Instead of the recommended driver, use "HP LaserJet 2100 - CUPS+Gutenprint v5.2.8-pre1".<br />
* Print a test page, once works okay, click "OK", and close the printer config applet.<br />
<br />
=== Volume applet indicator disappeared ===<br />
<br />
[http://askubuntu.com/questions/126411/volume-and-other-indicators-disappeared-in-the-classic-desktop Source].<br />
Run gnome-sound-applet from the command line to check that it is installed and working.<br />
<br />
To start the sound applet automatically, go to System Tools -> Preferences -> Startup Applications, and add Command gnome-sound-applet<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 13.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
To be able to play videos again:<br />
sudo aptitude install ubuntu-restricted-extras<br />
<br />
To stop using Nautilus, following the unfortuate decision to remove all of its most useful features, and switch to Nemo instead. [http://www.fandigital.com/2012/09/install-nemo-file-manager-in-ubuntu.html Source] [http://www.fandigital.com/2013/01/set-nemo-default-file-manager-ubuntu.html Source].<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:gwendal-lebihan-dev/cinnamon-stable<br />
sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install nemo nemo-fileroller<br />
xdg-mime default nemo.desktop inode/directory application/x-gnome-saved-search<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 13.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Changed video driver from nouveau open source driver to nvidia's binary driver, to fix intermittent crashing of gnome-shell once or more per day: Applications -> System tools -> Software & updates -> Additional drivers -> nvidia-319-updates.<br />
<br />
* Problem: guest session broken, wallpaper all black, desktop icons broken, and screensaver unlock sometimes not working<br />
* Cause: All due to a conflict between Ubuntu 13.10 and cinnamon.<br />
* Solution: remove cinnamon and nemo. [http://askubuntu.com/questions/360772/unity-isnt-starting-on-13-10 Source].<br />
<br />
sudo apt-get install ppa-purge<br />
sudo apt-get purge --auto-remove cinnamon<br />
sudo apt-get autoremove<br />
sudo apt-get update -f<br />
sudo apt-get dist-upgrade<br />
sudo apt-get install ubuntu-desktop<br />
sudo apt-get remove .*cinnamon.*<br />
sudo apt-get remove .*nemo.*<br />
<br />
Then install nemo from the Ubuntu repos - part of the repos now.<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 14.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Only needed on a Gnome desktop, will cause icons to not appear on a Unity desktop and so should be skipped under Unity: To fix missing notifier icons (network, dropbox, sshplus, ksplice) under Gnome :<br />
<br />
* How to fix the missing network icon - follow [http://www.bauer-power.net/2014/05/permanent-fix-for-missing-network.html these steps].<br />
* For the others: System tools -> preferences -> startup applications -> then open the item whose notifier icon is not appearing.<br />
* add "dbus-launch " to start of the command lines for Ksplice and SSHPlus and Dropbox, and any others that are not working.<br />
<!--<br />
To fix greeter/login-screen monitor orientation - [http://askubuntu.com/questions/408302/rotated-monitor-login-screen-needs-rotation source].<br />
<br />
sudo cp ~/.config/monitors.xml /var/lib/lightdm/.config/<br />
sudo chown lightdm.lightdm /var/lib/lightdm/.config/monitors.xml<br />
--><br />
<br />
== VirtualBox ==<br />
<br />
=== first time VirtualBox install only ===<br />
<br />
From the [http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Linux_Downloads VirtualBox Installation instructions]:<br />
sudo vim /etc/apt/sources.list <br />
add this line: <code>deb http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian oneiric contrib</code> . Do not add a deb-src line.<br />
wget -q http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian/oracle_vbox.asc -O- | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude install dkms<br />
<br />
The first time that you install, make sure that you are a member of vboxusers group (needed for USB disks to work correctly) :<br />
sudo usermod -a -G vboxusers `whoami`<br />
sudo usermod -a -G disk `whoami`<br />
Then reboot the computer.<br />
<br />
=== All VirtualBox upgrades and installs ===<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install virtualbox-6.1<br />
To update/get the extension pack, start Virualbox Manager, go Help -> About to check have latest, then go File -> "Check for Updates...", and this will check you have the latest virtualbox and also install/update the extensions. Take all the defaults. Enter password if prompted.<br />
<br />
After upgrading from a previous version, to update each guest's VirtualBox drivers, do this after the Guest has started:<br />
* VirtualBox -> start Guest -> "Devices" menu -> Install Guest Additions CD image...<br />
<br />
And in a Debian or Ubuntu '''guest''' machine after doing an upgrade, to install the vbox additions, do this:<br />
* Devices -> Install Guest Additions CD image...<br />
aptitude install build-essential linux-headers-$(uname -r)<br />
mount /dev/cdrom <br />
sh /cdrom/VBoxLinuxAdditions.run<br />
<br />
=== To check if things aren't working as expected ===<br />
<br />
Before starting the Guest machine, make sure USB functionality is enabled by going:<br />
* Settings -> USB -> Make sure both the USB checkboxes are ticked -> Click the "Add Empty Filter" button (the top button on the right) -> click OK to close dialog box.<br />
<br />
Rebuild the virtualbox modules after upgrading from a previous version:<br />
sudo service vboxdrv setup<br />
<br />
Then plug in a USB device after the guest machine has started. Then make it visible to the Guest by going:<br />
* Devices -> USB devices -> and select the USB device to make visible.<br />
<br />
When doing a major version upgrade, use apt-get and not aptitude. For example:<br />
sudo apt-get install virtualbox-6.0<br />
... and then start VirtualBox, and then install the latest extension pack, using the steps above. The link will be on the [https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads VirtualBox downloads] page.<br />
<br />
If you get an "Error! Could not locate dkms.conf file" message, then you probably have old directories left over from an old version of virtualbox under /var/lib/dkms/ . E.g. I had some directories left over from 3.2.6, and the fix was:<br />
sudo rm -r /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetadp /var/lib/dkms/vboxdrv /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetflt<br />
<br />
== Newsgroup bin client ==<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude install sabnzbdplus<br />
Then configure as per [http://wiki.sabnzbd.org/quick-setup the steps on their wiki].<br />
<!-- Lottanzb keeps crashing for me:<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:lottanzb/daily-build<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:jcfp/ppa<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install lottanzb sabnzbdplus<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Steps for making the Benq Acer S2W 3300U work == <br />
<br />
* Plug in power and USB cable to the scanner, and connect it to your computer.<br />
* Check SANE is installed, then run <code> sane-find-scanner </code>, and it should list your scanner.<br />
* From [http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/downloads.cfm/dtype/D/page/downloads/product/91 Benq's page] get the Mirascan ZIP file. Note that Benq's webservers are crap, and they cut out mid-download, so save yourself frustration by using wget to take care of the downloading/resuming/retrying, by doing:<br />
wget ftp://211.78.86.204/scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
and/or<br />
wget http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/download.cfm?file=scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
* Check the ZIP file downloaded okay by doing:<br />
unzip -t mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
... and making sure it says there were "no errors detected" at the end.<br />
* Extract just the u176v046.bin file (which is firmware blob that this scanner needs to operate) into the current directory:<br />
unzip -j mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip "MiraScan v4.03u10_BQA/BIN/u176v046.bin"<br />
* Set up Sane to use this firmware blob:<br />
sudo mkdir /usr/share/sane/snapscan<br />
sudo cp u176v046.bin /usr/share/sane/snapscan/<br />
sudo editor /etc/sane.d/snapscan.conf<br />
... and change the first line from:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/your-firmwarefile.bin<br />
to:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/u176v046.bin<br />
... then save and close the file.<br />
* Then under the Applications -> Graphics menu, run Xsane, or (my preference) Simple Scan.<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
<!-- todo: add the repo steps here --><br />
Unfortunately dropbox does not seem to automatically install updates for old versions. Given this, need to manually install updates on old versions, and easiest way to install dropbox updates on Linux is, open a terminal and do:<br />
dropbox stop<br />
dropbox status # Should report "not running"<br />
rm -r ~/.dropbox-dist/<br />
dropbox start -i<br />
<br />
== Handbrake ==<br />
<br />
Handbrake is a media converter, and is especially useful for converting files for portable devices, like Android tablets or iPhones. To install the snapshot releases (which seems to be the easiest way, if you want the GUI) :<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:stebbins/handbrake-snapshots<br />
sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install handbrake-gtk handbrake-cli<br />
== Install Chromium dev builds ==<br />
<br />
Firefox is currently slightly better as a daily browser, but Chromium is improving rapidly. If you want to play with the native alpha port of Google's Chrome browser just to see how it's going, you can install the dev builds of Chromium quite easily by doing:<br />
<!-- could get rid of the PPA - Ubuntu now includes the chromium browser in universe, that lags a little, but avoids the constant daily updates: http://packages.ubuntu.com/search?keywords=chromium-browser --><br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:chromium-daily/dev<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install chromium-browser chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-nonfree chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-extra<br />
<!-- following [http://www.stefanoforenza.com/chromium-on-ubuntu-how-to/ these directions]. You probably also want to add the key for this PPA to your system, following [https://help.launchpad.net/Packaging/PPA#Adding%20the%20keys%20using%20Gnome these directions] about adding [http://keyserver.ubuntu.com:11371/pks/lookup?op=get&search=0x5A9BF3BB4E5E17B5 their key] to your system, so that you don't get lots of prompts every day when there is an update about "do you want to install unauthenticated packages?". --><br />
<br />
Chrome Extensions to install:<br />
* [http://www.chromeextensions.org/appearance-functioning/flashblock/ FlashBlock].<br />
* [http://blog.xmarks.com/?p=1244 Xmarks].<br />
* [https://chrome.google.com/extensions/detail/gighmmpiobklfepjocnamgkkbiglidom Adblock]. Need to restart browser for extension to take effect.<br />
<br />
Still waiting for these Chrome extensions as at July 2010:<br />
* The equivalent of Tab Mix Plus. (still looking for this).<br />
<br />
Things that aren't working quite right yet in Chromium on Linux:<br />
* The backspace key should go back, or should be configurable for this. There is an extension that allows this, but it should probably be a preference in the base browser.<br />
* Auto-updating of extensions. There is a way to do this from the extensions UI, but in Chromium it doesn't seem to do anything.<br />
* Audio playback not working correctly - e.g. on [http://slides.html5rocks.com/#slide22 this slide], get no audio after selecting a national anthem other than US (US works, other's don't). Possibly [http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Chrome/thread?tid=2fdf2aa857abe1ef&hl=en this issue] or [http://code.google.com/p/chromium/issues/detail?id=37848 this issue].<br />
* WebGL does not work on an old laptop, but does on a modern desktop. Could be that the laptop's hardware is just too old (or just not supported in 3D).<br />
<br />
To enable most of the new features of Chromium, change the command line for starting chromium to be like this:<br />
chromium-browser --enable-plugins --enable-greasemonkey --enable-user-scripts --enable-internal-flash --enable-extensions --enable-webgl %U<br />
<br />
Configuration settings:<br />
* To make streetview work: Try to open streetview -> nothing happens -> press Ctrl-Shift-F (which permanently unblock flashblock on that site) -> then streetview will pop up and work thereafter.<br />
<br />
Updating the flash plugin if you get a warning that "the flash plugin was blocked because it is out of date", or just installing the flash plugin.<br />
* First check where the plugin is installed, by opening chrome://plugins/ in chromium, and expanding the "details" link.<br />
* For me, it said "Location: /usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so".<br />
* Note this directory, and update the flashplugin variable below if you have a different path:<br />
cd ~/tmp<br />
flashplugin=/usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so<br />
sudo mv $flashplugin ./libflashplayer.so.old<br />
wget http://download.macromedia.com/pub/labs/flashplayer10/flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz<br />
tar zfvx flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz <br />
sudo cp ./libflashplayer.so $flashplugin<br />
cd /usr/lib/chromium-browser/plugins<br />
sudo ln -s $flashplugin<br />
Now restart chromium and the warning should be fixed & flash should work.<br />
<br />
== Android ADB commands ==<br />
<br />
Only useful if you have an android phone and sometimes want to flash custom ROMs or recovery images:<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:phablet-team/tools && sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install android-tools-adb android-tools-fastboot<br />
<br />
== Read SD cards ==<br />
<br />
To be able to read SD cards, [http://askubuntu.com/questions/364270/mount-unknown-filesystem-exfat source]:<br />
sudo apt-get install exfat-fuse exfat-utils<br />
<!--<br />
== Pinta ==<br />
<br />
Basic image editing program, like ms-paint:<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:moonlight-team/pinta<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install pinta<br />
<br />
tends to crash though.... don't include in public instructions just yet!<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
'''Warning: semi-commercial software'''<br />
<br />
Personally, I find dropbox useful for synchronising up to 2 GB of data free between multiple systems (desktop and laptop; work and home). You need to sign up here and install the software from here.<br />
##### FINISH WRITING THIS STEP AT SOME POINT #####<br />
##### Keeps crashing on network transfers, so don't write up until that is completed ###### -- this was fixed by upgrading to version 0.6.564 <br />
##### The crashing is back.... **sigh**<br />
<br />
== testing: Ksplice for rebootless kernel updates ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.ksplice.com/uptrack/download Install]<br />
[http://lwn.net/Articles/340477/ background on Ksplice].<br />
<br />
== Ekiga linux setup ==<br />
.... cannot test this until ADSL connection no longer blocks VoIP...<br />
Date: Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:21:10 +1100<br />
VoIP client.<br />
<br />
Applications ->Internet -> Ekiga softphone<br />
Enter name<br />
Tick "I do not want to sign up for the ekiga.net free service"<br />
connection type xDSL.cable<br />
enable STUN support: Yes<br />
rest of the options: take the defaults,.<br />
<br />
Then in Ekiga, go:<br />
edit -> accounts -> add my pennytel account details.<br />
#### No sound through ekiga in 10.10 -- leave commented out until this works ####<br />
--></div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/Ubuntu_desktop_setup_stepsUbuntu desktop setup steps2020-02-21T03:08:27Z<p>Nickj: /* To check if things aren't working as expected */ 6.0 not 5.0</p>
<hr />
<div>Ubuntu desktop setup steps for an AMD64 system. Most of these instructions will work on 8.04 LTS onwards through the current release, and it should almost all work on x86 systems too:<br />
<br />
== Pre-installation standard hardware test procedure ==<br />
<br />
Before installing or configuring any software, it is imperative to test the hardware beforehand, to establish that it is not provably broken:<br />
* Download the ISOs for [http://www.sysresccd.org/ System Rescue CD] and [http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/ Ultimate Boot CD] and burn these.<br />
* From either CD, run Memtest86+ on the machine overnight, to test that the CPU and memory are error-free.<br />
* From UBCD, run a CPU stress test for 5 to 10 minutes to check CPU is reliable and adequately cooled.<br />
* From Sys Rescue CD, check for bad blocks on the hard drive, before trusting it with any data: <code>badblocks -v -s -w -c 4096 /dev/sda</code> <br />Note however that badblocks is quite a slow test - e.g. took 34 hours on a 500 GB SATA disk in an external USB enclosure, and 17 hours on a 250 GB IDE disk.<br />It's also a destructive write test, and so will blank the disk, so make sure you have the right device (use <code>fdisk -lu</code> to confirm the device's size and name).<br />Successful output will look something like this:<br />
Checking for bad blocks in read-write mode<br />
From block 0 to 244198583<br />
Testing with pattern 0xaa: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x55: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0xff: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x00: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Pass completed, 0 bad blocks found.<br />
<br />
If problems are found with any of the above, resolve these first before proceeding further.<br />
<br />
== Installation == <br />
<br />
* Firstly, decide whether you want software RAID or not. Personally, I use RAID-1 mirroring of a single bootable partition, using 2 same-sized disks, from 2 different manufacturers, because:<br />
*# it's simple.<br />
*# it's redundant enough.<br />
*# it's cheap: the incremental cost is the cost of a single disk, which is less than $100.<br />
*# you can boot off of it.<br />
*# it's not a question of if a disk will fail, but when.<br />
: For software RAID, install from the Alternate Installation CD. You can always [http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Convert_a_single_drive_system_to_RAID convert to RAID-1 later], but it's significantly more faffing about than setting it up this way from the get-go.<br />
* Once you've done the above, download and burn either the standard or alternate Ubuntu install CD, as appropriate.<br />
* Insert installation CD. Follow simple options, installs, ejects CD, reboots. Then login.<br />
* System -> Networking -> set up static IP address instead of dynamic IP address.<br />
* reboot to get network changes to apply (theoretically this should not be necessary, but in practice it was, at least for me on 8.04).<br />
* reboot, install system updates. Then reboot once updates are installed.<br />
* system -> hardware drivers -> enable the proprietary nvidia drivers.<br />
* reboot to enable the proprietary drivers.<br />
<br />
== Tweaks and Preferences ==<br />
<br />
* Ditch the annoying sounds: System -> Preferences -> sound -> sounds -> set all to "no sound", and untick "play system sounds", and on "system beep" tab untick all boxes.<br />
* Ditch the thrashing hard-disk: System -> Preferences -> Searching and indexing -> General -> tick "enable indexing" and "enable watching" and both of the power management boxes to disable stuff when on battery.<br />
* To get Subpixel Smoothing on LCDs, do this: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Fonts -> Select "subpixel smoothing (LCDs)". Need to restart Firefox for this change to take effect in Firefox.<br />
* To get reasonable desktop visual effects: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Visual Effects -> Select "Normal".<br />
* To make the system remember running apps and window locations on logout, do this: System -> Preferences -> sessions -> session options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out". In Ubuntu 9.04 / gnome 2.26 & up, this setting has moved, and is now under: System -> Preferences -> Startup Application Preferences -> options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out".<br />
<!--* To tweak networking performance, [http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Hardy#Howto:_Tweak_and_maximize_your_bandwidth_in_Ubuntu.2FLinux_via_sysctl.21 follow these instructions]. --><br />
* Power saving: Turn off blinking cursor by going: System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> untick "Cursor blinks in text fields".<br />
* Add terminal icon to gnome panel: Right-click panel -> Add to Panel -> Application Launcher... -> Accessories -> Terminal -> Add -> Close.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Editor" tab -> tick "autosave" files every 2 minutes.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Plugins" tab -> tick "Sort" to enable the sort plugin -> Close. Can now highlight text and go Edit -> Sort to get it alphabetically sorted.<br />
<br />
== [[Firefox configuration steps]] ==<br />
<br />
{{:Firefox configuration steps}}<br />
<br />
== Installation of extra software ==<br />
<br />
Go system -> admin -> synaptic package manager -> then Install the following (my brief descriptions of what some packages do are also shown) :<br />
* inkscape # Vector drawing package<br />
* hugin # Create panoramas from an image set.<br />
* dia # Draw diagrams & flow charts, somewhat like "visio" on Windows.<br />
* googleearth-package<br />
* xchat # IRC client.<br />
* ttf-mscorefonts-installer ttf-linux-libertine ttf-inconsolata # The most useful font sets. See also the "[[#Install the Tahoma fonts|Install the Tahoma fonts]]" section below.<br />
* audacious # Like XMMS or Winamp<br />
* nmap # Check for open ports.<br />
* filezilla # GUI FTP client.<br />
* wireshark # Packet sniffer<br />
* powertop iotop htop # Show power hogs, I/O hogs, and an more visual command-line version of top.<br />
* nautilus-open-terminal # adds ability to right click on a folder and get a command prompt there.<br />
* php5-cli php5-gd php5-curl # Only useful if you want to write scripts in PHP.<br />
* traceroute # How packets get from here to there over the network.<br />
* curl # Command line HTTP client, includes form-submitting capacity<br />
* tofrodos # Convert line endings from dos to UNIX or vice-versa.<br />
* openssh-server<br />
* libxml2-dev libmysqlclient-dev # Optional: Only used for compiling PHP snapshots<br />
* eclipse sun-java6-jdk sun-java6-jre sun-java6-plugin libmysql-java junit junit-doc # Optional: Java development using Eclipse + java plugins for Firefox<br />
* sysinfo # Kind of like device manager on Windows. Shows CPU / memory / hard disk installed, some hardware that has been detected, etc.<br />
* autofs smbfs smbclient<br />
* gisomount<br />
* gtk-recordmydesktop # Record videos of what you're doing on your desktop.<br />
* gworldclock # Want to simultaneously see the time in Tokyo, LA, London, and Rio? Use this.<br />
* ffmpeg2theora # Convert videos into format suitable for uploading to Wikimedia commons.<br />
* rar p7zip-full # needed for extracting .7z and RAR archives<br />
* gnome-do # Run apps or commands from a keyboard launcher.<br />
* pinfo # Much nicer UI than man or info for reading documentation.<br />
* vlc mozilla-plugin-vlc<br />
* avidemux # Useful for replacing audio tracks in video files.<br />
* indent # Useful for auto-indenting code.<br />
* smartmontools smart-notifier # S.M.A.R.T. hard disk monitoring tools.<br />
* tidy<br />
* ddrescue # Useful for recovering data from failing hard disks.<br />
* gimp-resynthesizer # A nifty plugin for gimp for repairing images or filling in content intelligently. Ignore if you don't use gimp.<br />
* qpdf # Useful for removing password from PDF files, as per [http://blog.sandipb.net/2009/01/10/removing-encryption-from-legitimate-pdf-files-on-ubuntu/ this guide].<br />
* hardinfo # Generates a hardware report and benchmark for the system; can also run in command line mode by doing: <code> hardinfo -r -f html > report.html </code><br />
* gtkvncviewer # Nice VNC client.<br />
* renameutils # Useful for bulk renaming of files. Example for renaming all .JPG files in a directory to .jpg (lowercase) is: <code>rename s/JPG$/jpg/ *</code><br />
* meld # Good GUI for comparing two files, e.g. two log files.<br />
* asciio # Good for drawing ASCII graphs; only available in Ubuntu 10.10 and up.<br />
* spamassassin # Email filtering, used by Evolution.<br />
<!--<br />
<br />
Have installed on laptop - test some more and see if worth including:<br />
gedit-plugins<br />
wget http://nchc.dl.sourceforge.net/sourceforge/openproj/openproj_1.4-2.deb && sudo dpkg -i openproj_1.4-2.deb<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
winbind # could be useful on a windows network. Have not discerned any benefit yet though.<br />
<br />
Still working out whether to include or not: * evolution-plugins-experimental <br />
<br />
* bum # Boot Up Manager - GUI for specifying what services should be running on boot-up.<br />
* miro # Combined bittorrent client and video player. Particularly useful for downloading TED talks before a flight. Uses lots of disk space though.<br />
* k3b # CD burning app.<br />
* deluge amule # P2P - donkey plus bittorrent<br />
<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Configure "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" ==<br />
<br />
To get the back / forward keyboard keys working in Firefox, when using the "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard", go System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> Layout -> click the model button -> Choose Microsoft -> set model to "Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro USB" -> click "close".<br />
<br />
== Custom Key Bindings, aimed at "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" == <br />
<br />
Note: the steps keep changing in each Ubuntu release (the menus move around, the keycodes change), unfortunately.<br />
This is what works for me using 14.04.<br />
<br />
Go: System settings -> Keyboard -> Shortcuts -> custom shortcuts.<br />
<br />
Personally I then add the following custom shortcuts:<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
|-<br />
! Label <br />
! Command<br />
! HotKey<br />
|-<br />
| Terminal<br />
| gnome-terminal<br />
| 1<br />
|-<br />
| Files<br />
| /usr/bin/nemo<br />
| 2<br />
|-<br />
| Screenshot<br />
| gnome-screenshot --window --interactive<br />
| 3<br />
|-<br />
| Text editor <br />
| gedit --new-document <br />
| 4<br />
|- <br />
| KeePass <br />
| /usr/bin/keepass2 <br />
| 5<br />
|}<br />
<!-- 1.10 in gnome-fallback mode:<br />
<br />
* ubuntu "System Setting" (top right corner of your desktop) -> Keyboard -> Shortcut.<br />
* Set "1" favourite key to "run a terminal"<br />
* Set "2" favourite key to "open home folder"<br />
<br />
There seems to be a bug that prevents the "custom shortcuts" keys from working for favourite keys 3, 4 and 5. Instead we have to do this:<br />
* In a terminal, run: <code>gconf-editor</code><br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/global_keybindings<br />
* Change "run_command_3" to be 0xc2, "run_command_4" to be 0xc3, and "run_command_5" to be 0xc4 - these corresponds to the 3 / 4 / 5 favourite keys.<br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/keybinding_commands<br />
* Change "command_3" to be the take-screenshot command: <code>gnome-screenshot --window --interactive</code><br />
* Change "command_4" to be the new-text-editor command: <code>/usr/bin/gedit --new-document</code><br />
* Change "command_5" to be as desired.<br />
* Name is "Zend Studio", command is "sh /home/nickj/programs/Zend/ZendStudio-5.5.0/bin/ZDE". Set the 5 favourite key to run this. --><br />
<br />
== Install Skype == <br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>" -> Skype -> More Info -> Install. <br />
<br />
Then to make the right-click menus legible with Ubuntu's dark theme, do as follows:<br />
# Applications -> Internet -> Skype -> single-click on the skype icon in the top right to open skype -> Ctrl-O to open options -> "general" -> Choose Style: "Desktop settings" -> close.<br />
# Single click on skype icon to open skype again -> Ctrl-Q to close.<br />
# Now restart skype by going Applications -> Internet -> Skype, and the right-click menus will be readable.<br />
<!--<br />
install Skype - [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Skype#AMD64 Source of instructions].<br />
sudo aptitude install ia32-libs<br />
wget http://skype.com/go/getskype-linux-ubuntu<br />
sudo aptitude install libqt4-core libqt4-gui qt4-qtconfig <br />
sudo dpkg --install --force-architecture --force-depends skype-debian*.deb<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Install the Tahoma fonts ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.stchman.com/ms_fonts.html Source of instructions].<br />
<br />
Once the msttcorefonts package is installed you will notice that Tahoma and Tahoma Bold is missing. You will need to extract Tahoma<br />
and Tahoma Bold from the zip file. Tahoma is used for Microsoft desktop, title bars and menu fonts so if you are trying to get that<br />
XP look you will need the Tahoma regular and Tahoma Bold fonts. Install Tahoma by doing the following in a terminal.<br />
<br />
cd ~<br />
wget http://www.stchman.com/tools/MS_fonts/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo unzip -d /usr/share/fonts/truetype/msttcorefonts ~/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo fc-cache -f -v<br />
rm -f ~/tahoma.zip<br />
<br />
== Install Flash == <br />
<br />
* Install the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up or installs flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems.<br />
* Restart the browser.<br />
* Go to: Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, go with all the defaults.<br />
* It removes any old flash plugins and downloads and installs the latest Adobe one.<br />
* For AMD64 systems, can use the flash 64 bit beta.<br />
<br />
If flash videos have a blue tint after the installation, then repeat the above steps, which may fix it. If it doesn't, then right click on a flash video with a blue tint -> Settings -> Untick "enable HW acceleration". [http://askubuntu.com/questions/117127/flash-video-appears-blue Source].<br />
<br />
== Install Google Earth ==<br />
<!--<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update && sudo aptitude install medibuntu-keyring && sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install googleearth-4.3<br />
<br />
... or follow the manual instructions on [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/GoogleEarth this page] for a more recent version.<br />
--><br />
Follow [http://www.liberiangeek.net/2011/10/how-to-install-google-earth-in-ubuntu-11-10-oneiric-ocelot/ these instructions for installing google earth].<br />
<br />
== Install Acrobat reader ==<br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>", or go Applications -> Ubuntu Software Center, and then go: -> Canonical Partners -> Adobe Acrobat reader -> Install.<br />
<br />
<!--<br />
In earlier versions of Ubuntu, to install acrobat reader, since [http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-general-1/cant-shrink-to-fit-pdf-doc-654281/ Ubuntu's native PDF readers don't have shrink to fit when printing]. :<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install acroread acroread-plugins<br />
<br />
(this uses medibuntu, from the Google Earth step above).<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
Also need to do this:<br />
sudo editor /usr/share/applications/defaults.list <br />
And change this:<br />
#application/pdf=evince.desktop<br />
application/pdf=AdobeReader.desktop<br />
--><br />
Then to tweak the display preferences of Acrobat Reader: Edit -> Preferences -> Page Display -> set "Zoom" to "Fit Page" -> Click "Ok".<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
== Install Opera ==<br />
<br />
To install and configure opera (since it's useful for testing web pages to be able to check behaviour, and it's useful to have another browser around sometimes), do the following:<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.list<br />
... and add these two lines:<br />
# For latest stable opera:<br />
deb http://deb.opera.com/opera/ stable non-free<br />
<br />
* Then do:<br />
sudo wget -O - http://deb.opera.com/archive.key | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install opera<br />
* Then run opera - Applications -> Internet -> Opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise -> Toolbars tab -> change the "wrapping" setting to "Wrap to multiple lines".<br />
<!-- <br />
* Go to [http://www.opera.com/download/ Opera's download page].<br />
* Download and open and install the .deb file<br />
* Then run opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise and change the wrapping setting to "multiple lines".<br />
--><br />
== Enable Apport for crash bug reporting ==<br />
<br />
Enable apport so that crash bugs will be reported and logged:<br />
sudo editor /etc/default/apport<br />
change enabled from "0" to "1".<br />
<br />
Crashes will then be logged to /var/crash/<br />
<br />
== Configure Open Office to work in MS Office 2000 compatibility mode ==<br />
<br />
[http://news.cnet.com/8301-13880_3-9864262-68.html Source of instructions]. Only do this if you are testing a migration to Ubuntu. Once you have already switched, then use the native ODF for new files, as they generally save formatting better.<br />
* Start OpenOffice Word Process: Applications -> Office -> OpenOffice.org Word Processor -> tools -> options -> expand "Load/Save" -> select "general" -> For document type = "Text document", set Always save as "Microsoft Word 97/2000/XP" (instead of "ODF text document"); For Document type = "Spreadsheet", set Always save as "Microsoft Excel 97/2000/XP"; For Document type = "Presentation", set Always save as "Microsoft PowerPoint 97/2000/XP" -> then click "OK".<br />
* Then tools -> options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> compatibility -> tick "Use printer metrics for document formatting", tick "Do not add leading (extra space) between lines of text", and tick "Consider wrapping style when positioning objects". Then go: Use as Default -> Yes -> OK.<br />
<br />
Note: When you upgrade between Ubuntu releases, you will probably need to repeat the first step, otherwise it will default back to saving in OpenOffice's formats by default.<br />
<br />
== Evolution configuration ==<br />
<br />
* Turn off new email notifications: Evolution -> Edit -> Plugins -> Uncheck "Mail Notification" plugin.<br />
* Edit -> Preferences -> 'Calendar and Tasks' -> 'Display' tab -> Disable the 'Compress weekends in month view' option.<br />
* Customize the default mail folder view. Get one folder looking right (personal preference: Columns: From / Subject / Received, with threads off, sorted by date received with most recent first). Then go View -> Current view -> Save Custom View... -> Replace existing view -> Messages -> Save. "Messages" is a special view, which is used by default on all folders, although you can override it on a folder-by-folder basis, but customizing that folder's view.<br />
<br />
== Set up SSH keys and KeepAlive Interval ==<br />
<br />
For each machine you want to have password-less SSH login to, do:<br />
ssh-copy-id -i ~/.ssh/id_dsa.pub machine1<br />
<br />
Also on some connections the SSH shell can close after a short timeout period. To keep connections option for longer, on the client side do, <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and then add this line to send a keep-alive heartbeat every 60 seconds:<br />
ServerAliveInterval 60<br />
<br />
... there is also a corresponding "ClientAliveInterval 60" setting that can be added to /etc/ssh/sshd_config - although sometimes you only control the client side of the link, and so this is not possible.<br />
<br />
Also set up connection sharing, makes secondary connections to SSH hosts much faster. <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and add this:<br />
# from: "OpenSSH tip: connection sharing"<br />
# http://tanguy.ortolo.eu/blog/article42/ssh-connection-sharing<br />
ControlPath ~/.ssh/control-%r@%h:%p<br />
ControlMaster auto<br />
ControlPersist 1<br />
<br />
== Automounting remote file systems using SSHFS ==<br />
<br />
For a remote Linux system, can automount with autofs + sshfs. Follow the guides [http://www.tjansson.dk/?p=84 here] and [http://www.mccambridge.org/blog/2007/05/totally-seamless-sshfs-under-linux-using-fuse-and-autofs/ here].<br />
<br />
Debug any problems with:<br />
tail --lines=0 -f /var/log/*<br />
<!-- <br />
Windows shares<br />
* Currently TESTING, this step not complete yet.<br />
* [http://oapeon.blogspot.com/2008/09/automounting-cifs-share-in-ubuntu.html Follow these instructions], but also [http://www.howtoforge.com/accessing_windows_or_samba_shares_using_autofs create a /etc/auto.smb.FILESERVERNAME file with login credentials].<br />
<br />
Actually, may have spoken too soon, seems kinda flakey. Getting "Input/output error" on the command line when accessing shares after a few minutes:<br />
<br />
$ ls /smb/server/sharename/<br />
ls: cannot access /smb/server/sharename/: Input/output error<br />
$<br />
<br />
Also seeing these errors when doing "tail -f /var/log/messages", despite supplying login credentials:<br />
Oct 23 17:42:02 redux kernel: [66597.665680] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
Oct 23 17:42:01 redux kernel: [66597.524118] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
<br />
To remove, uninstall these packages:<br />
sudo aptitude uninstall --purge autofs libevent1 libgssglue1 libnfsidmap2 librpcsecgss3 nfs-common portmap smbfs<br />
<br />
<br />
rebooting seemed to make this better.... although it's still buggy and flakey. Get directories being infinitely recursive, edited files appearing as directories, etc etc.<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
testing / playing with smbnetfs as an alternative<br />
sudo aptitude install smbnetfs<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/smbnetfs.conf <br />
<br />
- show_$_shares "false"<br />
+ show_$_shares "true"<br />
<br />
mkdir ~/.smb<br />
editor ~/.smb/smbnetfs.auth<br />
<br />
auth nickj password<br />
<br />
Need to do something with .smb/smbnetfs.conf ?<br />
<br />
<br />
* smbnetfs is probably not even running - need to find some decent docs on how to configure this.<br />
* autofs is mounted on /smb , and can be seriously flakey.<br />
* trying sshfs now, seems better but needs some magic options in the mount flags to work suitably.<br />
--><br />
== right before and right after each upgrade ==<br />
<br />
Remove unneeded cruft, by doing:<br />
sudo apt-get autoremove<br />
sudo apt-get clean<br />
deborphan<br />
Check first that no important packages are about to be removed, then do:<br />
sudo apt-get remove --purge $(deborphan)<br />
Purge old configuration files, first command shows what will be purged:<br />
sudo aptitude search ~c <br />
sudo aptitude purge ~c<br />
<br />
Fix broken packages:<br />
* <code>sudo aptitude</code><br />
* fix any broken packages (ctrl-t -> resolver -> examine -> g -> g).<br />
* also clean up cache and obsolete files (ctrl-t -> actions -> "clean package cache" and "clean obsolete files").<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
These tweaks are only required for 9.04:<br />
<br />
([http://reformedmusings.wordpress.com/2009/04/26/recovering-daily-update-notifications-in-ubuntu-904-jaunty/ Source]) To enable daily notification of non-security updates, which is especially useful if you [[#enable Apport for crash bug reporting|enable Apport for crash bug reporting]], then do this:<br />
gconftool -s --type bool /apps/update-notifier/auto_launch false<br />
<br />
([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-when-logoutshutdown-and-restart-ubuntu904 Source]) To remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout, do this:<br />
* Right-click on the panel power button icon on top-right of the screen -> Preferences -> Untick "Show confirm dialog for logout, shutdown and restart".<br />
<br />
Only in Ubuntu 9.04:<br />
sudo aptitude install firefox-3.5 firefox-3.5-gnome-support<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Tweaks to Ubuntu 9.10 that I had to apply to get stuff working again, or configured how I like it:<br />
<br />
1: Remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout. ([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-in-ubuntu910karmic Source]). <br />
<br />
2: For seeing details of SMART reporting for hard disks:<br />
sudo aptitude install gsmartcontrol<br />
<br />
3: system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Dust".<br />
<br />
4: Alt-F2, run gconf-editor , then toogle the GConf key /apps/eog/ui/disable_trash_confirmation to be ticked, to disable prompting for image deleting though Eye of Gnome ([https://bugzilla.gnome.org/show_bug.cgi?id=541967#c5 source]).<br />
<br />
5: Some third party entries in your sources.list were disabled. You can re-enable them after the upgrade with the 'software-properties' tool or your package manager.<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.lst<br />
<br />
.. then re-enable dropbox, chrome daily builds, etc, and apply those updates:<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude upgrade<br />
<br />
6: Setting MySQL back to utf8 mode:<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/mysql/my.cnf <br />
add under the "[mysqld]" section:<br />
default-character-set=utf8<br />
<br />
7: Blue tint to video files in VLC, Mplayer, and Totem. [http://www.mediacollege.com/video-gallery/testclips/20051210-w50s.flv Example video file]. [https://bugs.launchpad.net/totem/+bug/395476 Bug is in] the Nvidia closed source driver. Workaround is:<br />
* open totem via Applications -> Sound & Video -> Movie Player<br />
* open the preferences window via Edit -> Preferences<br />
* select the Display tab<br />
* click the Reset to Defaults button<br />
<br />
8: Problem: Mplayer crashing regularly when changing video output mode, and also giving a "couldn't resolve name for AF_INET6:" error on URL playback. Workaround: ditch mplayer, as totem and VLC are suitable replacements:<br />
sudo aptitude remove --purge mplayer<br />
<br />
9: Flash applets don't work in firefox or chrome on AMD64 (example: playing [http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-february-1-2010/q---o this Daily Show] video) .... solution: redo the [[#Install_Flash_on_AMD64|Flash installation steps]].<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Ambiance". <!-- move window decoration buttons to the left too - find link & steps for this --><br />
# If images don't display in office documents: Start OpenOffice writer, and then go: Tools -> Options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> View -> tick "Graphics and objects" -> click "Ok".<br />
<!-- to get SIP calls working through empathy through the dodgy Telstra modem that blocks VoIP: sudo aptitude install telepathy-sofiasip ... no, didn't work - test again later. --><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# <code>sudo aptitude remove tracker</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install unity-2d</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
The 11.10 release had more problems than most releases.<br />
<br />
Nautilus default view: go to Places -> Home folder -> Edit -> Preferences -> "View new folders using": select "List View".<br />
<br />
=== Restore classic Gnome desktop ===<br />
To get gnome classic desktop back, as per [http://www.webupd8.org/2011/08/installing-using-classic-gnome-desktop.html this blog post].<br />
sudo apt-get install gnome-session-fallback<br />
Then:<br />
* Install weather applet<br />
* System monitor applet<br />
* Add application icons for Firefox, chrome, terminal, and gedit.<br />
sudo aptitude install alarm-clock-applet<br />
* Add an application icon for the alarm clock applet.<br />
* Put a trash applet back on the bottom right of the screen.<br />
* Put a show desktop applet back on the bottom left of the screen.<br />
<br />
=== SSH menu is gone, use SSH plus instead ===<br />
Follow [http://www.gulecha.org/2011/07/29/sshplus-a-sshmenu-compatible-appindicator/ these installation instructions]. Then do <code>sudo aptitude install putty</code><br/> <br />
To add to startup apps: Applications -> System Tools -> Preferences -> startup applications -> add SSHplus by full path.<br />
<br />
=== blurry image viewer ===<br />
Images look blurry because the default Gnome Image viewer (eog/eye of gnome) is set to "Best Fit" instead of "Normal view", which resizes images slightly, making them appear blurry. Unfortunately, there seems to be no preference or setting that allows changing this permanently. Instead just install another image viewing app, and make it the default:<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install gthumb</code><br/><br />
It can be customized to view images 1:1 by going Edit -> Preferences -> Viewer -> Set to actual size. Then go View -> unselect "Thumbnail pane" (with this on, it seems to interfere with 1:1 viewing). Test it, then if so make it the default app by going ubuntu "System Settings" (top right corner of your desktop) -> System info -> Default applications -> Photos -> gThumb.<br />
<br />
=== usb automounting was broken ===<br />
Inserted USB drives would no longer automatically mount and open a file manager window. Solved by installing, and then removing, the usbmount package.<br />
<br />
=== Flash broken ===<br />
After upgrading from 11.04 to 11.10, flash applets either did not work, or worked partial (such as the sound being distorted, like the person was underwater). Fixed by installing the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up broken flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems. Installed the extension, restarted the browser, then went Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, just went with all the defaults, it removed the old flash plugins (I had 2) and downloaded and installed the latest adobe one, and then it was as good as new and working flawlessly.<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 12.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
=== Multiple monitors broken, screen orientation broken ===<br />
<br />
run Synaptic, remove all the nvidia drivers, and install the nouveau firmware, then reboot, then systems settings -> displays, and can change the monitor setup so that multi-montior works again and so the orientations are in portrait instead of landscape.<br />
<br />
From the command line to remove nvidia drivers, can do:<br />
sudo apt-get purge nvidia-settings nvidia-current<br />
<br />
=== Customised keyboard shortcuts lost ===<br />
<br />
All my customized keyboard shortcuts for the extra buttons on my keyboard are lost. Had to redo the keyboard config to get these back.<br />
<br />
=== alt-tab no longer works ===<br />
<br />
To fix (from [http://askubuntu.com/questions/135685/alt-tab-does-not-switch this source]) :<br />
sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* Go at the very bottom where it says "Window Management"<br />
* Put a checkmark in "application switcher"<br />
* That should fix it.<br />
<br />
=== Workplace switching is broken (gives a blank desktop with no menus or items) ===<br />
<br />
Install compiz settings manager as above, and that will fix it. To get switching to be 4 horizontal desktops:<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* "general" -> General options -> Desktop size -> horizontal virtual size = 4, vertical virtual size = 1<br />
<br />
Also turn off "effects" -> "animations" in compiz too, whilst we are there.<br />
<br />
=== Gnome menus look ugly ===<br />
<br />
The bug is [https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/light-themes/+bug/981289 here]. To fix ambiance themes, [http://www.webupd8.org/2012/05/install-ambiance-fixed-for-classic.html follow these steps].<br />
<br />
=== Printing was broken ===<br />
<br />
Jobs sent to the network printer just sat in the queue and were never printed, even though the printer hardware was fine and the same queue worked perfectly in 11.10. Easiest solution was to cancel all print jobs, delete the printer, add a new printer with the same settings, and reboot (because the printer setup locked up whilst doing these things).<br />
<br />
=== Printing was excessively slow from Firefox ===<br />
<br />
Even after doing the above, printing was very slow from Firefox to the HP LaserJet 2100 TN. For example, it was taking up to 4 minutes to print a page, whereas it would take 15 seconds before. To fix:<br />
* Run "system-config-printer" from the command line.<br />
* Change the printer driver. Instead of the recommended driver, use "HP LaserJet 2100 - CUPS+Gutenprint v5.2.8-pre1".<br />
* Print a test page, once works okay, click "OK", and close the printer config applet.<br />
<br />
=== Volume applet indicator disappeared ===<br />
<br />
[http://askubuntu.com/questions/126411/volume-and-other-indicators-disappeared-in-the-classic-desktop Source].<br />
Run gnome-sound-applet from the command line to check that it is installed and working.<br />
<br />
To start the sound applet automatically, go to System Tools -> Preferences -> Startup Applications, and add Command gnome-sound-applet<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 13.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
To be able to play videos again:<br />
sudo aptitude install ubuntu-restricted-extras<br />
<br />
To stop using Nautilus, following the unfortuate decision to remove all of its most useful features, and switch to Nemo instead. [http://www.fandigital.com/2012/09/install-nemo-file-manager-in-ubuntu.html Source] [http://www.fandigital.com/2013/01/set-nemo-default-file-manager-ubuntu.html Source].<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:gwendal-lebihan-dev/cinnamon-stable<br />
sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install nemo nemo-fileroller<br />
xdg-mime default nemo.desktop inode/directory application/x-gnome-saved-search<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 13.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Changed video driver from nouveau open source driver to nvidia's binary driver, to fix intermittent crashing of gnome-shell once or more per day: Applications -> System tools -> Software & updates -> Additional drivers -> nvidia-319-updates.<br />
<br />
* Problem: guest session broken, wallpaper all black, desktop icons broken, and screensaver unlock sometimes not working<br />
* Cause: All due to a conflict between Ubuntu 13.10 and cinnamon.<br />
* Solution: remove cinnamon and nemo. [http://askubuntu.com/questions/360772/unity-isnt-starting-on-13-10 Source].<br />
<br />
sudo apt-get install ppa-purge<br />
sudo apt-get purge --auto-remove cinnamon<br />
sudo apt-get autoremove<br />
sudo apt-get update -f<br />
sudo apt-get dist-upgrade<br />
sudo apt-get install ubuntu-desktop<br />
sudo apt-get remove .*cinnamon.*<br />
sudo apt-get remove .*nemo.*<br />
<br />
Then install nemo from the Ubuntu repos - part of the repos now.<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 14.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Only needed on a Gnome desktop, will cause icons to not appear on a Unity desktop and so should be skipped under Unity: To fix missing notifier icons (network, dropbox, sshplus, ksplice) under Gnome :<br />
<br />
* How to fix the missing network icon - follow [http://www.bauer-power.net/2014/05/permanent-fix-for-missing-network.html these steps].<br />
* For the others: System tools -> preferences -> startup applications -> then open the item whose notifier icon is not appearing.<br />
* add "dbus-launch " to start of the command lines for Ksplice and SSHPlus and Dropbox, and any others that are not working.<br />
<!--<br />
To fix greeter/login-screen monitor orientation - [http://askubuntu.com/questions/408302/rotated-monitor-login-screen-needs-rotation source].<br />
<br />
sudo cp ~/.config/monitors.xml /var/lib/lightdm/.config/<br />
sudo chown lightdm.lightdm /var/lib/lightdm/.config/monitors.xml<br />
--><br />
<br />
== VirtualBox ==<br />
<br />
=== first time VirtualBox install only ===<br />
<br />
From the [http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Linux_Downloads VirtualBox Installation instructions]:<br />
sudo vim /etc/apt/sources.list <br />
add this line: <code>deb http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian oneiric contrib</code> . Do not add a deb-src line.<br />
wget -q http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian/oracle_vbox.asc -O- | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude install dkms<br />
<br />
The first time that you install, make sure that you are a member of vboxusers group (needed for USB disks to work correctly) :<br />
sudo usermod -a -G vboxusers `whoami`<br />
sudo usermod -a -G disk `whoami`<br />
Then reboot the computer.<br />
<br />
=== All VirtualBox upgrades and installs ===<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install virtualbox-6.0<br />
To update/get the extension pack, go File -> "Check for Updates...", and this will check you have the latest virtualbox and also install/update the extensions. Take all the defaults. Enter password if prompted.<br />
<br />
After upgrading from a previous version, to update each guest's VirtualBox drivers, do this after the Guest has started:<br />
* VirtualBox -> start Guest -> "Devices" menu -> Install Guest Additions CD image...<br />
<br />
And in a Debian or Ubuntu '''guest''' machine after doing an upgrade, to install the vbox additions, do this:<br />
* Devices -> Install Guest Additions CD image...<br />
aptitude install build-essential linux-headers-$(uname -r)<br />
mount /dev/cdrom <br />
sh /cdrom/VBoxLinuxAdditions.run<br />
<br />
=== To check if things aren't working as expected ===<br />
<br />
Before starting the Guest machine, make sure USB functionality is enabled by going:<br />
* Settings -> USB -> Make sure both the USB checkboxes are ticked -> Click the "Add Empty Filter" button (the top button on the right) -> click OK to close dialog box.<br />
<br />
Rebuild the virtualbox modules after upgrading from a previous version:<br />
sudo service vboxdrv setup<br />
<br />
Then plug in a USB device after the guest machine has started. Then make it visible to the Guest by going:<br />
* Devices -> USB devices -> and select the USB device to make visible.<br />
<br />
When doing a major version upgrade, use apt-get and not aptitude. For example:<br />
sudo apt-get install virtualbox-6.0<br />
... and then start VirtualBox, and then install the latest extension pack, using the steps above. The link will be on the [https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads VirtualBox downloads] page.<br />
<br />
If you get an "Error! Could not locate dkms.conf file" message, then you probably have old directories left over from an old version of virtualbox under /var/lib/dkms/ . E.g. I had some directories left over from 3.2.6, and the fix was:<br />
sudo rm -r /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetadp /var/lib/dkms/vboxdrv /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetflt<br />
<br />
== Newsgroup bin client ==<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude install sabnzbdplus<br />
Then configure as per [http://wiki.sabnzbd.org/quick-setup the steps on their wiki].<br />
<!-- Lottanzb keeps crashing for me:<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:lottanzb/daily-build<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:jcfp/ppa<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install lottanzb sabnzbdplus<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Steps for making the Benq Acer S2W 3300U work == <br />
<br />
* Plug in power and USB cable to the scanner, and connect it to your computer.<br />
* Check SANE is installed, then run <code> sane-find-scanner </code>, and it should list your scanner.<br />
* From [http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/downloads.cfm/dtype/D/page/downloads/product/91 Benq's page] get the Mirascan ZIP file. Note that Benq's webservers are crap, and they cut out mid-download, so save yourself frustration by using wget to take care of the downloading/resuming/retrying, by doing:<br />
wget ftp://211.78.86.204/scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
and/or<br />
wget http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/download.cfm?file=scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
* Check the ZIP file downloaded okay by doing:<br />
unzip -t mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
... and making sure it says there were "no errors detected" at the end.<br />
* Extract just the u176v046.bin file (which is firmware blob that this scanner needs to operate) into the current directory:<br />
unzip -j mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip "MiraScan v4.03u10_BQA/BIN/u176v046.bin"<br />
* Set up Sane to use this firmware blob:<br />
sudo mkdir /usr/share/sane/snapscan<br />
sudo cp u176v046.bin /usr/share/sane/snapscan/<br />
sudo editor /etc/sane.d/snapscan.conf<br />
... and change the first line from:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/your-firmwarefile.bin<br />
to:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/u176v046.bin<br />
... then save and close the file.<br />
* Then under the Applications -> Graphics menu, run Xsane, or (my preference) Simple Scan.<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
<!-- todo: add the repo steps here --><br />
Unfortunately dropbox does not seem to automatically install updates for old versions. Given this, need to manually install updates on old versions, and easiest way to install dropbox updates on Linux is, open a terminal and do:<br />
dropbox stop<br />
dropbox status # Should report "not running"<br />
rm -r ~/.dropbox-dist/<br />
dropbox start -i<br />
<br />
== Handbrake ==<br />
<br />
Handbrake is a media converter, and is especially useful for converting files for portable devices, like Android tablets or iPhones. To install the snapshot releases (which seems to be the easiest way, if you want the GUI) :<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:stebbins/handbrake-snapshots<br />
sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install handbrake-gtk handbrake-cli<br />
== Install Chromium dev builds ==<br />
<br />
Firefox is currently slightly better as a daily browser, but Chromium is improving rapidly. If you want to play with the native alpha port of Google's Chrome browser just to see how it's going, you can install the dev builds of Chromium quite easily by doing:<br />
<!-- could get rid of the PPA - Ubuntu now includes the chromium browser in universe, that lags a little, but avoids the constant daily updates: http://packages.ubuntu.com/search?keywords=chromium-browser --><br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:chromium-daily/dev<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install chromium-browser chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-nonfree chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-extra<br />
<!-- following [http://www.stefanoforenza.com/chromium-on-ubuntu-how-to/ these directions]. You probably also want to add the key for this PPA to your system, following [https://help.launchpad.net/Packaging/PPA#Adding%20the%20keys%20using%20Gnome these directions] about adding [http://keyserver.ubuntu.com:11371/pks/lookup?op=get&search=0x5A9BF3BB4E5E17B5 their key] to your system, so that you don't get lots of prompts every day when there is an update about "do you want to install unauthenticated packages?". --><br />
<br />
Chrome Extensions to install:<br />
* [http://www.chromeextensions.org/appearance-functioning/flashblock/ FlashBlock].<br />
* [http://blog.xmarks.com/?p=1244 Xmarks].<br />
* [https://chrome.google.com/extensions/detail/gighmmpiobklfepjocnamgkkbiglidom Adblock]. Need to restart browser for extension to take effect.<br />
<br />
Still waiting for these Chrome extensions as at July 2010:<br />
* The equivalent of Tab Mix Plus. (still looking for this).<br />
<br />
Things that aren't working quite right yet in Chromium on Linux:<br />
* The backspace key should go back, or should be configurable for this. There is an extension that allows this, but it should probably be a preference in the base browser.<br />
* Auto-updating of extensions. There is a way to do this from the extensions UI, but in Chromium it doesn't seem to do anything.<br />
* Audio playback not working correctly - e.g. on [http://slides.html5rocks.com/#slide22 this slide], get no audio after selecting a national anthem other than US (US works, other's don't). Possibly [http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Chrome/thread?tid=2fdf2aa857abe1ef&hl=en this issue] or [http://code.google.com/p/chromium/issues/detail?id=37848 this issue].<br />
* WebGL does not work on an old laptop, but does on a modern desktop. Could be that the laptop's hardware is just too old (or just not supported in 3D).<br />
<br />
To enable most of the new features of Chromium, change the command line for starting chromium to be like this:<br />
chromium-browser --enable-plugins --enable-greasemonkey --enable-user-scripts --enable-internal-flash --enable-extensions --enable-webgl %U<br />
<br />
Configuration settings:<br />
* To make streetview work: Try to open streetview -> nothing happens -> press Ctrl-Shift-F (which permanently unblock flashblock on that site) -> then streetview will pop up and work thereafter.<br />
<br />
Updating the flash plugin if you get a warning that "the flash plugin was blocked because it is out of date", or just installing the flash plugin.<br />
* First check where the plugin is installed, by opening chrome://plugins/ in chromium, and expanding the "details" link.<br />
* For me, it said "Location: /usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so".<br />
* Note this directory, and update the flashplugin variable below if you have a different path:<br />
cd ~/tmp<br />
flashplugin=/usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so<br />
sudo mv $flashplugin ./libflashplayer.so.old<br />
wget http://download.macromedia.com/pub/labs/flashplayer10/flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz<br />
tar zfvx flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz <br />
sudo cp ./libflashplayer.so $flashplugin<br />
cd /usr/lib/chromium-browser/plugins<br />
sudo ln -s $flashplugin<br />
Now restart chromium and the warning should be fixed & flash should work.<br />
<br />
== Android ADB commands ==<br />
<br />
Only useful if you have an android phone and sometimes want to flash custom ROMs or recovery images:<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:phablet-team/tools && sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install android-tools-adb android-tools-fastboot<br />
<br />
== Read SD cards ==<br />
<br />
To be able to read SD cards, [http://askubuntu.com/questions/364270/mount-unknown-filesystem-exfat source]:<br />
sudo apt-get install exfat-fuse exfat-utils<br />
<!--<br />
== Pinta ==<br />
<br />
Basic image editing program, like ms-paint:<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:moonlight-team/pinta<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install pinta<br />
<br />
tends to crash though.... don't include in public instructions just yet!<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
'''Warning: semi-commercial software'''<br />
<br />
Personally, I find dropbox useful for synchronising up to 2 GB of data free between multiple systems (desktop and laptop; work and home). You need to sign up here and install the software from here.<br />
##### FINISH WRITING THIS STEP AT SOME POINT #####<br />
##### Keeps crashing on network transfers, so don't write up until that is completed ###### -- this was fixed by upgrading to version 0.6.564 <br />
##### The crashing is back.... **sigh**<br />
<br />
== testing: Ksplice for rebootless kernel updates ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.ksplice.com/uptrack/download Install]<br />
[http://lwn.net/Articles/340477/ background on Ksplice].<br />
<br />
== Ekiga linux setup ==<br />
.... cannot test this until ADSL connection no longer blocks VoIP...<br />
Date: Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:21:10 +1100<br />
VoIP client.<br />
<br />
Applications ->Internet -> Ekiga softphone<br />
Enter name<br />
Tick "I do not want to sign up for the ekiga.net free service"<br />
connection type xDSL.cable<br />
enable STUN support: Yes<br />
rest of the options: take the defaults,.<br />
<br />
Then in Ekiga, go:<br />
edit -> accounts -> add my pennytel account details.<br />
#### No sound through ekiga in 10.10 -- leave commented out until this works ####<br />
--></div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/Ubuntu_desktop_setup_stepsUbuntu desktop setup steps2020-02-21T03:08:07Z<p>Nickj: /* All VirtualBox upgrades and installs */ 6.0 not 5.2 now.</p>
<hr />
<div>Ubuntu desktop setup steps for an AMD64 system. Most of these instructions will work on 8.04 LTS onwards through the current release, and it should almost all work on x86 systems too:<br />
<br />
== Pre-installation standard hardware test procedure ==<br />
<br />
Before installing or configuring any software, it is imperative to test the hardware beforehand, to establish that it is not provably broken:<br />
* Download the ISOs for [http://www.sysresccd.org/ System Rescue CD] and [http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/ Ultimate Boot CD] and burn these.<br />
* From either CD, run Memtest86+ on the machine overnight, to test that the CPU and memory are error-free.<br />
* From UBCD, run a CPU stress test for 5 to 10 minutes to check CPU is reliable and adequately cooled.<br />
* From Sys Rescue CD, check for bad blocks on the hard drive, before trusting it with any data: <code>badblocks -v -s -w -c 4096 /dev/sda</code> <br />Note however that badblocks is quite a slow test - e.g. took 34 hours on a 500 GB SATA disk in an external USB enclosure, and 17 hours on a 250 GB IDE disk.<br />It's also a destructive write test, and so will blank the disk, so make sure you have the right device (use <code>fdisk -lu</code> to confirm the device's size and name).<br />Successful output will look something like this:<br />
Checking for bad blocks in read-write mode<br />
From block 0 to 244198583<br />
Testing with pattern 0xaa: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x55: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0xff: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x00: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Pass completed, 0 bad blocks found.<br />
<br />
If problems are found with any of the above, resolve these first before proceeding further.<br />
<br />
== Installation == <br />
<br />
* Firstly, decide whether you want software RAID or not. Personally, I use RAID-1 mirroring of a single bootable partition, using 2 same-sized disks, from 2 different manufacturers, because:<br />
*# it's simple.<br />
*# it's redundant enough.<br />
*# it's cheap: the incremental cost is the cost of a single disk, which is less than $100.<br />
*# you can boot off of it.<br />
*# it's not a question of if a disk will fail, but when.<br />
: For software RAID, install from the Alternate Installation CD. You can always [http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Convert_a_single_drive_system_to_RAID convert to RAID-1 later], but it's significantly more faffing about than setting it up this way from the get-go.<br />
* Once you've done the above, download and burn either the standard or alternate Ubuntu install CD, as appropriate.<br />
* Insert installation CD. Follow simple options, installs, ejects CD, reboots. Then login.<br />
* System -> Networking -> set up static IP address instead of dynamic IP address.<br />
* reboot to get network changes to apply (theoretically this should not be necessary, but in practice it was, at least for me on 8.04).<br />
* reboot, install system updates. Then reboot once updates are installed.<br />
* system -> hardware drivers -> enable the proprietary nvidia drivers.<br />
* reboot to enable the proprietary drivers.<br />
<br />
== Tweaks and Preferences ==<br />
<br />
* Ditch the annoying sounds: System -> Preferences -> sound -> sounds -> set all to "no sound", and untick "play system sounds", and on "system beep" tab untick all boxes.<br />
* Ditch the thrashing hard-disk: System -> Preferences -> Searching and indexing -> General -> tick "enable indexing" and "enable watching" and both of the power management boxes to disable stuff when on battery.<br />
* To get Subpixel Smoothing on LCDs, do this: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Fonts -> Select "subpixel smoothing (LCDs)". Need to restart Firefox for this change to take effect in Firefox.<br />
* To get reasonable desktop visual effects: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Visual Effects -> Select "Normal".<br />
* To make the system remember running apps and window locations on logout, do this: System -> Preferences -> sessions -> session options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out". In Ubuntu 9.04 / gnome 2.26 & up, this setting has moved, and is now under: System -> Preferences -> Startup Application Preferences -> options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out".<br />
<!--* To tweak networking performance, [http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Hardy#Howto:_Tweak_and_maximize_your_bandwidth_in_Ubuntu.2FLinux_via_sysctl.21 follow these instructions]. --><br />
* Power saving: Turn off blinking cursor by going: System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> untick "Cursor blinks in text fields".<br />
* Add terminal icon to gnome panel: Right-click panel -> Add to Panel -> Application Launcher... -> Accessories -> Terminal -> Add -> Close.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Editor" tab -> tick "autosave" files every 2 minutes.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Plugins" tab -> tick "Sort" to enable the sort plugin -> Close. Can now highlight text and go Edit -> Sort to get it alphabetically sorted.<br />
<br />
== [[Firefox configuration steps]] ==<br />
<br />
{{:Firefox configuration steps}}<br />
<br />
== Installation of extra software ==<br />
<br />
Go system -> admin -> synaptic package manager -> then Install the following (my brief descriptions of what some packages do are also shown) :<br />
* inkscape # Vector drawing package<br />
* hugin # Create panoramas from an image set.<br />
* dia # Draw diagrams & flow charts, somewhat like "visio" on Windows.<br />
* googleearth-package<br />
* xchat # IRC client.<br />
* ttf-mscorefonts-installer ttf-linux-libertine ttf-inconsolata # The most useful font sets. See also the "[[#Install the Tahoma fonts|Install the Tahoma fonts]]" section below.<br />
* audacious # Like XMMS or Winamp<br />
* nmap # Check for open ports.<br />
* filezilla # GUI FTP client.<br />
* wireshark # Packet sniffer<br />
* powertop iotop htop # Show power hogs, I/O hogs, and an more visual command-line version of top.<br />
* nautilus-open-terminal # adds ability to right click on a folder and get a command prompt there.<br />
* php5-cli php5-gd php5-curl # Only useful if you want to write scripts in PHP.<br />
* traceroute # How packets get from here to there over the network.<br />
* curl # Command line HTTP client, includes form-submitting capacity<br />
* tofrodos # Convert line endings from dos to UNIX or vice-versa.<br />
* openssh-server<br />
* libxml2-dev libmysqlclient-dev # Optional: Only used for compiling PHP snapshots<br />
* eclipse sun-java6-jdk sun-java6-jre sun-java6-plugin libmysql-java junit junit-doc # Optional: Java development using Eclipse + java plugins for Firefox<br />
* sysinfo # Kind of like device manager on Windows. Shows CPU / memory / hard disk installed, some hardware that has been detected, etc.<br />
* autofs smbfs smbclient<br />
* gisomount<br />
* gtk-recordmydesktop # Record videos of what you're doing on your desktop.<br />
* gworldclock # Want to simultaneously see the time in Tokyo, LA, London, and Rio? Use this.<br />
* ffmpeg2theora # Convert videos into format suitable for uploading to Wikimedia commons.<br />
* rar p7zip-full # needed for extracting .7z and RAR archives<br />
* gnome-do # Run apps or commands from a keyboard launcher.<br />
* pinfo # Much nicer UI than man or info for reading documentation.<br />
* vlc mozilla-plugin-vlc<br />
* avidemux # Useful for replacing audio tracks in video files.<br />
* indent # Useful for auto-indenting code.<br />
* smartmontools smart-notifier # S.M.A.R.T. hard disk monitoring tools.<br />
* tidy<br />
* ddrescue # Useful for recovering data from failing hard disks.<br />
* gimp-resynthesizer # A nifty plugin for gimp for repairing images or filling in content intelligently. Ignore if you don't use gimp.<br />
* qpdf # Useful for removing password from PDF files, as per [http://blog.sandipb.net/2009/01/10/removing-encryption-from-legitimate-pdf-files-on-ubuntu/ this guide].<br />
* hardinfo # Generates a hardware report and benchmark for the system; can also run in command line mode by doing: <code> hardinfo -r -f html > report.html </code><br />
* gtkvncviewer # Nice VNC client.<br />
* renameutils # Useful for bulk renaming of files. Example for renaming all .JPG files in a directory to .jpg (lowercase) is: <code>rename s/JPG$/jpg/ *</code><br />
* meld # Good GUI for comparing two files, e.g. two log files.<br />
* asciio # Good for drawing ASCII graphs; only available in Ubuntu 10.10 and up.<br />
* spamassassin # Email filtering, used by Evolution.<br />
<!--<br />
<br />
Have installed on laptop - test some more and see if worth including:<br />
gedit-plugins<br />
wget http://nchc.dl.sourceforge.net/sourceforge/openproj/openproj_1.4-2.deb && sudo dpkg -i openproj_1.4-2.deb<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
winbind # could be useful on a windows network. Have not discerned any benefit yet though.<br />
<br />
Still working out whether to include or not: * evolution-plugins-experimental <br />
<br />
* bum # Boot Up Manager - GUI for specifying what services should be running on boot-up.<br />
* miro # Combined bittorrent client and video player. Particularly useful for downloading TED talks before a flight. Uses lots of disk space though.<br />
* k3b # CD burning app.<br />
* deluge amule # P2P - donkey plus bittorrent<br />
<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Configure "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" ==<br />
<br />
To get the back / forward keyboard keys working in Firefox, when using the "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard", go System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> Layout -> click the model button -> Choose Microsoft -> set model to "Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro USB" -> click "close".<br />
<br />
== Custom Key Bindings, aimed at "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" == <br />
<br />
Note: the steps keep changing in each Ubuntu release (the menus move around, the keycodes change), unfortunately.<br />
This is what works for me using 14.04.<br />
<br />
Go: System settings -> Keyboard -> Shortcuts -> custom shortcuts.<br />
<br />
Personally I then add the following custom shortcuts:<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
|-<br />
! Label <br />
! Command<br />
! HotKey<br />
|-<br />
| Terminal<br />
| gnome-terminal<br />
| 1<br />
|-<br />
| Files<br />
| /usr/bin/nemo<br />
| 2<br />
|-<br />
| Screenshot<br />
| gnome-screenshot --window --interactive<br />
| 3<br />
|-<br />
| Text editor <br />
| gedit --new-document <br />
| 4<br />
|- <br />
| KeePass <br />
| /usr/bin/keepass2 <br />
| 5<br />
|}<br />
<!-- 1.10 in gnome-fallback mode:<br />
<br />
* ubuntu "System Setting" (top right corner of your desktop) -> Keyboard -> Shortcut.<br />
* Set "1" favourite key to "run a terminal"<br />
* Set "2" favourite key to "open home folder"<br />
<br />
There seems to be a bug that prevents the "custom shortcuts" keys from working for favourite keys 3, 4 and 5. Instead we have to do this:<br />
* In a terminal, run: <code>gconf-editor</code><br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/global_keybindings<br />
* Change "run_command_3" to be 0xc2, "run_command_4" to be 0xc3, and "run_command_5" to be 0xc4 - these corresponds to the 3 / 4 / 5 favourite keys.<br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/keybinding_commands<br />
* Change "command_3" to be the take-screenshot command: <code>gnome-screenshot --window --interactive</code><br />
* Change "command_4" to be the new-text-editor command: <code>/usr/bin/gedit --new-document</code><br />
* Change "command_5" to be as desired.<br />
* Name is "Zend Studio", command is "sh /home/nickj/programs/Zend/ZendStudio-5.5.0/bin/ZDE". Set the 5 favourite key to run this. --><br />
<br />
== Install Skype == <br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>" -> Skype -> More Info -> Install. <br />
<br />
Then to make the right-click menus legible with Ubuntu's dark theme, do as follows:<br />
# Applications -> Internet -> Skype -> single-click on the skype icon in the top right to open skype -> Ctrl-O to open options -> "general" -> Choose Style: "Desktop settings" -> close.<br />
# Single click on skype icon to open skype again -> Ctrl-Q to close.<br />
# Now restart skype by going Applications -> Internet -> Skype, and the right-click menus will be readable.<br />
<!--<br />
install Skype - [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Skype#AMD64 Source of instructions].<br />
sudo aptitude install ia32-libs<br />
wget http://skype.com/go/getskype-linux-ubuntu<br />
sudo aptitude install libqt4-core libqt4-gui qt4-qtconfig <br />
sudo dpkg --install --force-architecture --force-depends skype-debian*.deb<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Install the Tahoma fonts ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.stchman.com/ms_fonts.html Source of instructions].<br />
<br />
Once the msttcorefonts package is installed you will notice that Tahoma and Tahoma Bold is missing. You will need to extract Tahoma<br />
and Tahoma Bold from the zip file. Tahoma is used for Microsoft desktop, title bars and menu fonts so if you are trying to get that<br />
XP look you will need the Tahoma regular and Tahoma Bold fonts. Install Tahoma by doing the following in a terminal.<br />
<br />
cd ~<br />
wget http://www.stchman.com/tools/MS_fonts/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo unzip -d /usr/share/fonts/truetype/msttcorefonts ~/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo fc-cache -f -v<br />
rm -f ~/tahoma.zip<br />
<br />
== Install Flash == <br />
<br />
* Install the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up or installs flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems.<br />
* Restart the browser.<br />
* Go to: Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, go with all the defaults.<br />
* It removes any old flash plugins and downloads and installs the latest Adobe one.<br />
* For AMD64 systems, can use the flash 64 bit beta.<br />
<br />
If flash videos have a blue tint after the installation, then repeat the above steps, which may fix it. If it doesn't, then right click on a flash video with a blue tint -> Settings -> Untick "enable HW acceleration". [http://askubuntu.com/questions/117127/flash-video-appears-blue Source].<br />
<br />
== Install Google Earth ==<br />
<!--<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update && sudo aptitude install medibuntu-keyring && sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install googleearth-4.3<br />
<br />
... or follow the manual instructions on [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/GoogleEarth this page] for a more recent version.<br />
--><br />
Follow [http://www.liberiangeek.net/2011/10/how-to-install-google-earth-in-ubuntu-11-10-oneiric-ocelot/ these instructions for installing google earth].<br />
<br />
== Install Acrobat reader ==<br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>", or go Applications -> Ubuntu Software Center, and then go: -> Canonical Partners -> Adobe Acrobat reader -> Install.<br />
<br />
<!--<br />
In earlier versions of Ubuntu, to install acrobat reader, since [http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-general-1/cant-shrink-to-fit-pdf-doc-654281/ Ubuntu's native PDF readers don't have shrink to fit when printing]. :<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install acroread acroread-plugins<br />
<br />
(this uses medibuntu, from the Google Earth step above).<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
Also need to do this:<br />
sudo editor /usr/share/applications/defaults.list <br />
And change this:<br />
#application/pdf=evince.desktop<br />
application/pdf=AdobeReader.desktop<br />
--><br />
Then to tweak the display preferences of Acrobat Reader: Edit -> Preferences -> Page Display -> set "Zoom" to "Fit Page" -> Click "Ok".<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
== Install Opera ==<br />
<br />
To install and configure opera (since it's useful for testing web pages to be able to check behaviour, and it's useful to have another browser around sometimes), do the following:<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.list<br />
... and add these two lines:<br />
# For latest stable opera:<br />
deb http://deb.opera.com/opera/ stable non-free<br />
<br />
* Then do:<br />
sudo wget -O - http://deb.opera.com/archive.key | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install opera<br />
* Then run opera - Applications -> Internet -> Opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise -> Toolbars tab -> change the "wrapping" setting to "Wrap to multiple lines".<br />
<!-- <br />
* Go to [http://www.opera.com/download/ Opera's download page].<br />
* Download and open and install the .deb file<br />
* Then run opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise and change the wrapping setting to "multiple lines".<br />
--><br />
== Enable Apport for crash bug reporting ==<br />
<br />
Enable apport so that crash bugs will be reported and logged:<br />
sudo editor /etc/default/apport<br />
change enabled from "0" to "1".<br />
<br />
Crashes will then be logged to /var/crash/<br />
<br />
== Configure Open Office to work in MS Office 2000 compatibility mode ==<br />
<br />
[http://news.cnet.com/8301-13880_3-9864262-68.html Source of instructions]. Only do this if you are testing a migration to Ubuntu. Once you have already switched, then use the native ODF for new files, as they generally save formatting better.<br />
* Start OpenOffice Word Process: Applications -> Office -> OpenOffice.org Word Processor -> tools -> options -> expand "Load/Save" -> select "general" -> For document type = "Text document", set Always save as "Microsoft Word 97/2000/XP" (instead of "ODF text document"); For Document type = "Spreadsheet", set Always save as "Microsoft Excel 97/2000/XP"; For Document type = "Presentation", set Always save as "Microsoft PowerPoint 97/2000/XP" -> then click "OK".<br />
* Then tools -> options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> compatibility -> tick "Use printer metrics for document formatting", tick "Do not add leading (extra space) between lines of text", and tick "Consider wrapping style when positioning objects". Then go: Use as Default -> Yes -> OK.<br />
<br />
Note: When you upgrade between Ubuntu releases, you will probably need to repeat the first step, otherwise it will default back to saving in OpenOffice's formats by default.<br />
<br />
== Evolution configuration ==<br />
<br />
* Turn off new email notifications: Evolution -> Edit -> Plugins -> Uncheck "Mail Notification" plugin.<br />
* Edit -> Preferences -> 'Calendar and Tasks' -> 'Display' tab -> Disable the 'Compress weekends in month view' option.<br />
* Customize the default mail folder view. Get one folder looking right (personal preference: Columns: From / Subject / Received, with threads off, sorted by date received with most recent first). Then go View -> Current view -> Save Custom View... -> Replace existing view -> Messages -> Save. "Messages" is a special view, which is used by default on all folders, although you can override it on a folder-by-folder basis, but customizing that folder's view.<br />
<br />
== Set up SSH keys and KeepAlive Interval ==<br />
<br />
For each machine you want to have password-less SSH login to, do:<br />
ssh-copy-id -i ~/.ssh/id_dsa.pub machine1<br />
<br />
Also on some connections the SSH shell can close after a short timeout period. To keep connections option for longer, on the client side do, <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and then add this line to send a keep-alive heartbeat every 60 seconds:<br />
ServerAliveInterval 60<br />
<br />
... there is also a corresponding "ClientAliveInterval 60" setting that can be added to /etc/ssh/sshd_config - although sometimes you only control the client side of the link, and so this is not possible.<br />
<br />
Also set up connection sharing, makes secondary connections to SSH hosts much faster. <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and add this:<br />
# from: "OpenSSH tip: connection sharing"<br />
# http://tanguy.ortolo.eu/blog/article42/ssh-connection-sharing<br />
ControlPath ~/.ssh/control-%r@%h:%p<br />
ControlMaster auto<br />
ControlPersist 1<br />
<br />
== Automounting remote file systems using SSHFS ==<br />
<br />
For a remote Linux system, can automount with autofs + sshfs. Follow the guides [http://www.tjansson.dk/?p=84 here] and [http://www.mccambridge.org/blog/2007/05/totally-seamless-sshfs-under-linux-using-fuse-and-autofs/ here].<br />
<br />
Debug any problems with:<br />
tail --lines=0 -f /var/log/*<br />
<!-- <br />
Windows shares<br />
* Currently TESTING, this step not complete yet.<br />
* [http://oapeon.blogspot.com/2008/09/automounting-cifs-share-in-ubuntu.html Follow these instructions], but also [http://www.howtoforge.com/accessing_windows_or_samba_shares_using_autofs create a /etc/auto.smb.FILESERVERNAME file with login credentials].<br />
<br />
Actually, may have spoken too soon, seems kinda flakey. Getting "Input/output error" on the command line when accessing shares after a few minutes:<br />
<br />
$ ls /smb/server/sharename/<br />
ls: cannot access /smb/server/sharename/: Input/output error<br />
$<br />
<br />
Also seeing these errors when doing "tail -f /var/log/messages", despite supplying login credentials:<br />
Oct 23 17:42:02 redux kernel: [66597.665680] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
Oct 23 17:42:01 redux kernel: [66597.524118] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
<br />
To remove, uninstall these packages:<br />
sudo aptitude uninstall --purge autofs libevent1 libgssglue1 libnfsidmap2 librpcsecgss3 nfs-common portmap smbfs<br />
<br />
<br />
rebooting seemed to make this better.... although it's still buggy and flakey. Get directories being infinitely recursive, edited files appearing as directories, etc etc.<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
testing / playing with smbnetfs as an alternative<br />
sudo aptitude install smbnetfs<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/smbnetfs.conf <br />
<br />
- show_$_shares "false"<br />
+ show_$_shares "true"<br />
<br />
mkdir ~/.smb<br />
editor ~/.smb/smbnetfs.auth<br />
<br />
auth nickj password<br />
<br />
Need to do something with .smb/smbnetfs.conf ?<br />
<br />
<br />
* smbnetfs is probably not even running - need to find some decent docs on how to configure this.<br />
* autofs is mounted on /smb , and can be seriously flakey.<br />
* trying sshfs now, seems better but needs some magic options in the mount flags to work suitably.<br />
--><br />
== right before and right after each upgrade ==<br />
<br />
Remove unneeded cruft, by doing:<br />
sudo apt-get autoremove<br />
sudo apt-get clean<br />
deborphan<br />
Check first that no important packages are about to be removed, then do:<br />
sudo apt-get remove --purge $(deborphan)<br />
Purge old configuration files, first command shows what will be purged:<br />
sudo aptitude search ~c <br />
sudo aptitude purge ~c<br />
<br />
Fix broken packages:<br />
* <code>sudo aptitude</code><br />
* fix any broken packages (ctrl-t -> resolver -> examine -> g -> g).<br />
* also clean up cache and obsolete files (ctrl-t -> actions -> "clean package cache" and "clean obsolete files").<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
These tweaks are only required for 9.04:<br />
<br />
([http://reformedmusings.wordpress.com/2009/04/26/recovering-daily-update-notifications-in-ubuntu-904-jaunty/ Source]) To enable daily notification of non-security updates, which is especially useful if you [[#enable Apport for crash bug reporting|enable Apport for crash bug reporting]], then do this:<br />
gconftool -s --type bool /apps/update-notifier/auto_launch false<br />
<br />
([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-when-logoutshutdown-and-restart-ubuntu904 Source]) To remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout, do this:<br />
* Right-click on the panel power button icon on top-right of the screen -> Preferences -> Untick "Show confirm dialog for logout, shutdown and restart".<br />
<br />
Only in Ubuntu 9.04:<br />
sudo aptitude install firefox-3.5 firefox-3.5-gnome-support<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Tweaks to Ubuntu 9.10 that I had to apply to get stuff working again, or configured how I like it:<br />
<br />
1: Remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout. ([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-in-ubuntu910karmic Source]). <br />
<br />
2: For seeing details of SMART reporting for hard disks:<br />
sudo aptitude install gsmartcontrol<br />
<br />
3: system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Dust".<br />
<br />
4: Alt-F2, run gconf-editor , then toogle the GConf key /apps/eog/ui/disable_trash_confirmation to be ticked, to disable prompting for image deleting though Eye of Gnome ([https://bugzilla.gnome.org/show_bug.cgi?id=541967#c5 source]).<br />
<br />
5: Some third party entries in your sources.list were disabled. You can re-enable them after the upgrade with the 'software-properties' tool or your package manager.<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.lst<br />
<br />
.. then re-enable dropbox, chrome daily builds, etc, and apply those updates:<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude upgrade<br />
<br />
6: Setting MySQL back to utf8 mode:<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/mysql/my.cnf <br />
add under the "[mysqld]" section:<br />
default-character-set=utf8<br />
<br />
7: Blue tint to video files in VLC, Mplayer, and Totem. [http://www.mediacollege.com/video-gallery/testclips/20051210-w50s.flv Example video file]. [https://bugs.launchpad.net/totem/+bug/395476 Bug is in] the Nvidia closed source driver. Workaround is:<br />
* open totem via Applications -> Sound & Video -> Movie Player<br />
* open the preferences window via Edit -> Preferences<br />
* select the Display tab<br />
* click the Reset to Defaults button<br />
<br />
8: Problem: Mplayer crashing regularly when changing video output mode, and also giving a "couldn't resolve name for AF_INET6:" error on URL playback. Workaround: ditch mplayer, as totem and VLC are suitable replacements:<br />
sudo aptitude remove --purge mplayer<br />
<br />
9: Flash applets don't work in firefox or chrome on AMD64 (example: playing [http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-february-1-2010/q---o this Daily Show] video) .... solution: redo the [[#Install_Flash_on_AMD64|Flash installation steps]].<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Ambiance". <!-- move window decoration buttons to the left too - find link & steps for this --><br />
# If images don't display in office documents: Start OpenOffice writer, and then go: Tools -> Options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> View -> tick "Graphics and objects" -> click "Ok".<br />
<!-- to get SIP calls working through empathy through the dodgy Telstra modem that blocks VoIP: sudo aptitude install telepathy-sofiasip ... no, didn't work - test again later. --><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# <code>sudo aptitude remove tracker</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install unity-2d</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
The 11.10 release had more problems than most releases.<br />
<br />
Nautilus default view: go to Places -> Home folder -> Edit -> Preferences -> "View new folders using": select "List View".<br />
<br />
=== Restore classic Gnome desktop ===<br />
To get gnome classic desktop back, as per [http://www.webupd8.org/2011/08/installing-using-classic-gnome-desktop.html this blog post].<br />
sudo apt-get install gnome-session-fallback<br />
Then:<br />
* Install weather applet<br />
* System monitor applet<br />
* Add application icons for Firefox, chrome, terminal, and gedit.<br />
sudo aptitude install alarm-clock-applet<br />
* Add an application icon for the alarm clock applet.<br />
* Put a trash applet back on the bottom right of the screen.<br />
* Put a show desktop applet back on the bottom left of the screen.<br />
<br />
=== SSH menu is gone, use SSH plus instead ===<br />
Follow [http://www.gulecha.org/2011/07/29/sshplus-a-sshmenu-compatible-appindicator/ these installation instructions]. Then do <code>sudo aptitude install putty</code><br/> <br />
To add to startup apps: Applications -> System Tools -> Preferences -> startup applications -> add SSHplus by full path.<br />
<br />
=== blurry image viewer ===<br />
Images look blurry because the default Gnome Image viewer (eog/eye of gnome) is set to "Best Fit" instead of "Normal view", which resizes images slightly, making them appear blurry. Unfortunately, there seems to be no preference or setting that allows changing this permanently. Instead just install another image viewing app, and make it the default:<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install gthumb</code><br/><br />
It can be customized to view images 1:1 by going Edit -> Preferences -> Viewer -> Set to actual size. Then go View -> unselect "Thumbnail pane" (with this on, it seems to interfere with 1:1 viewing). Test it, then if so make it the default app by going ubuntu "System Settings" (top right corner of your desktop) -> System info -> Default applications -> Photos -> gThumb.<br />
<br />
=== usb automounting was broken ===<br />
Inserted USB drives would no longer automatically mount and open a file manager window. Solved by installing, and then removing, the usbmount package.<br />
<br />
=== Flash broken ===<br />
After upgrading from 11.04 to 11.10, flash applets either did not work, or worked partial (such as the sound being distorted, like the person was underwater). Fixed by installing the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up broken flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems. Installed the extension, restarted the browser, then went Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, just went with all the defaults, it removed the old flash plugins (I had 2) and downloaded and installed the latest adobe one, and then it was as good as new and working flawlessly.<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 12.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
=== Multiple monitors broken, screen orientation broken ===<br />
<br />
run Synaptic, remove all the nvidia drivers, and install the nouveau firmware, then reboot, then systems settings -> displays, and can change the monitor setup so that multi-montior works again and so the orientations are in portrait instead of landscape.<br />
<br />
From the command line to remove nvidia drivers, can do:<br />
sudo apt-get purge nvidia-settings nvidia-current<br />
<br />
=== Customised keyboard shortcuts lost ===<br />
<br />
All my customized keyboard shortcuts for the extra buttons on my keyboard are lost. Had to redo the keyboard config to get these back.<br />
<br />
=== alt-tab no longer works ===<br />
<br />
To fix (from [http://askubuntu.com/questions/135685/alt-tab-does-not-switch this source]) :<br />
sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* Go at the very bottom where it says "Window Management"<br />
* Put a checkmark in "application switcher"<br />
* That should fix it.<br />
<br />
=== Workplace switching is broken (gives a blank desktop with no menus or items) ===<br />
<br />
Install compiz settings manager as above, and that will fix it. To get switching to be 4 horizontal desktops:<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* "general" -> General options -> Desktop size -> horizontal virtual size = 4, vertical virtual size = 1<br />
<br />
Also turn off "effects" -> "animations" in compiz too, whilst we are there.<br />
<br />
=== Gnome menus look ugly ===<br />
<br />
The bug is [https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/light-themes/+bug/981289 here]. To fix ambiance themes, [http://www.webupd8.org/2012/05/install-ambiance-fixed-for-classic.html follow these steps].<br />
<br />
=== Printing was broken ===<br />
<br />
Jobs sent to the network printer just sat in the queue and were never printed, even though the printer hardware was fine and the same queue worked perfectly in 11.10. Easiest solution was to cancel all print jobs, delete the printer, add a new printer with the same settings, and reboot (because the printer setup locked up whilst doing these things).<br />
<br />
=== Printing was excessively slow from Firefox ===<br />
<br />
Even after doing the above, printing was very slow from Firefox to the HP LaserJet 2100 TN. For example, it was taking up to 4 minutes to print a page, whereas it would take 15 seconds before. To fix:<br />
* Run "system-config-printer" from the command line.<br />
* Change the printer driver. Instead of the recommended driver, use "HP LaserJet 2100 - CUPS+Gutenprint v5.2.8-pre1".<br />
* Print a test page, once works okay, click "OK", and close the printer config applet.<br />
<br />
=== Volume applet indicator disappeared ===<br />
<br />
[http://askubuntu.com/questions/126411/volume-and-other-indicators-disappeared-in-the-classic-desktop Source].<br />
Run gnome-sound-applet from the command line to check that it is installed and working.<br />
<br />
To start the sound applet automatically, go to System Tools -> Preferences -> Startup Applications, and add Command gnome-sound-applet<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 13.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
To be able to play videos again:<br />
sudo aptitude install ubuntu-restricted-extras<br />
<br />
To stop using Nautilus, following the unfortuate decision to remove all of its most useful features, and switch to Nemo instead. [http://www.fandigital.com/2012/09/install-nemo-file-manager-in-ubuntu.html Source] [http://www.fandigital.com/2013/01/set-nemo-default-file-manager-ubuntu.html Source].<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:gwendal-lebihan-dev/cinnamon-stable<br />
sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install nemo nemo-fileroller<br />
xdg-mime default nemo.desktop inode/directory application/x-gnome-saved-search<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 13.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Changed video driver from nouveau open source driver to nvidia's binary driver, to fix intermittent crashing of gnome-shell once or more per day: Applications -> System tools -> Software & updates -> Additional drivers -> nvidia-319-updates.<br />
<br />
* Problem: guest session broken, wallpaper all black, desktop icons broken, and screensaver unlock sometimes not working<br />
* Cause: All due to a conflict between Ubuntu 13.10 and cinnamon.<br />
* Solution: remove cinnamon and nemo. [http://askubuntu.com/questions/360772/unity-isnt-starting-on-13-10 Source].<br />
<br />
sudo apt-get install ppa-purge<br />
sudo apt-get purge --auto-remove cinnamon<br />
sudo apt-get autoremove<br />
sudo apt-get update -f<br />
sudo apt-get dist-upgrade<br />
sudo apt-get install ubuntu-desktop<br />
sudo apt-get remove .*cinnamon.*<br />
sudo apt-get remove .*nemo.*<br />
<br />
Then install nemo from the Ubuntu repos - part of the repos now.<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 14.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Only needed on a Gnome desktop, will cause icons to not appear on a Unity desktop and so should be skipped under Unity: To fix missing notifier icons (network, dropbox, sshplus, ksplice) under Gnome :<br />
<br />
* How to fix the missing network icon - follow [http://www.bauer-power.net/2014/05/permanent-fix-for-missing-network.html these steps].<br />
* For the others: System tools -> preferences -> startup applications -> then open the item whose notifier icon is not appearing.<br />
* add "dbus-launch " to start of the command lines for Ksplice and SSHPlus and Dropbox, and any others that are not working.<br />
<!--<br />
To fix greeter/login-screen monitor orientation - [http://askubuntu.com/questions/408302/rotated-monitor-login-screen-needs-rotation source].<br />
<br />
sudo cp ~/.config/monitors.xml /var/lib/lightdm/.config/<br />
sudo chown lightdm.lightdm /var/lib/lightdm/.config/monitors.xml<br />
--><br />
<br />
== VirtualBox ==<br />
<br />
=== first time VirtualBox install only ===<br />
<br />
From the [http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Linux_Downloads VirtualBox Installation instructions]:<br />
sudo vim /etc/apt/sources.list <br />
add this line: <code>deb http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian oneiric contrib</code> . Do not add a deb-src line.<br />
wget -q http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian/oracle_vbox.asc -O- | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude install dkms<br />
<br />
The first time that you install, make sure that you are a member of vboxusers group (needed for USB disks to work correctly) :<br />
sudo usermod -a -G vboxusers `whoami`<br />
sudo usermod -a -G disk `whoami`<br />
Then reboot the computer.<br />
<br />
=== All VirtualBox upgrades and installs ===<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install virtualbox-6.0<br />
To update/get the extension pack, go File -> "Check for Updates...", and this will check you have the latest virtualbox and also install/update the extensions. Take all the defaults. Enter password if prompted.<br />
<br />
After upgrading from a previous version, to update each guest's VirtualBox drivers, do this after the Guest has started:<br />
* VirtualBox -> start Guest -> "Devices" menu -> Install Guest Additions CD image...<br />
<br />
And in a Debian or Ubuntu '''guest''' machine after doing an upgrade, to install the vbox additions, do this:<br />
* Devices -> Install Guest Additions CD image...<br />
aptitude install build-essential linux-headers-$(uname -r)<br />
mount /dev/cdrom <br />
sh /cdrom/VBoxLinuxAdditions.run<br />
<br />
=== To check if things aren't working as expected ===<br />
<br />
Before starting the Guest machine, make sure USB functionality is enabled by going:<br />
* Settings -> USB -> Make sure both the USB checkboxes are ticked -> Click the "Add Empty Filter" button (the top button on the right) -> click OK to close dialog box.<br />
<br />
Rebuild the virtualbox modules after upgrading from a previous version:<br />
sudo service vboxdrv setup<br />
<br />
Then plug in a USB device after the guest machine has started. Then make it visible to the Guest by going:<br />
* Devices -> USB devices -> and select the USB device to make visible.<br />
<br />
When doing a major version upgrade, use apt-get and not aptitude. For example:<br />
sudo apt-get install virtualbox-5.0<br />
... and then start VirtualBox, and then install the latest extension pack, using the steps above. The link will be on the [https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads VirtualBox downloads] page.<br />
<br />
If you get an "Error! Could not locate dkms.conf file" message, then you probably have old directories left over from an old version of virtualbox under /var/lib/dkms/ . E.g. I had some directories left over from 3.2.6, and the fix was:<br />
sudo rm -r /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetadp /var/lib/dkms/vboxdrv /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetflt<br />
<br />
== Newsgroup bin client ==<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude install sabnzbdplus<br />
Then configure as per [http://wiki.sabnzbd.org/quick-setup the steps on their wiki].<br />
<!-- Lottanzb keeps crashing for me:<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:lottanzb/daily-build<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:jcfp/ppa<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install lottanzb sabnzbdplus<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Steps for making the Benq Acer S2W 3300U work == <br />
<br />
* Plug in power and USB cable to the scanner, and connect it to your computer.<br />
* Check SANE is installed, then run <code> sane-find-scanner </code>, and it should list your scanner.<br />
* From [http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/downloads.cfm/dtype/D/page/downloads/product/91 Benq's page] get the Mirascan ZIP file. Note that Benq's webservers are crap, and they cut out mid-download, so save yourself frustration by using wget to take care of the downloading/resuming/retrying, by doing:<br />
wget ftp://211.78.86.204/scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
and/or<br />
wget http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/download.cfm?file=scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
* Check the ZIP file downloaded okay by doing:<br />
unzip -t mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
... and making sure it says there were "no errors detected" at the end.<br />
* Extract just the u176v046.bin file (which is firmware blob that this scanner needs to operate) into the current directory:<br />
unzip -j mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip "MiraScan v4.03u10_BQA/BIN/u176v046.bin"<br />
* Set up Sane to use this firmware blob:<br />
sudo mkdir /usr/share/sane/snapscan<br />
sudo cp u176v046.bin /usr/share/sane/snapscan/<br />
sudo editor /etc/sane.d/snapscan.conf<br />
... and change the first line from:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/your-firmwarefile.bin<br />
to:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/u176v046.bin<br />
... then save and close the file.<br />
* Then under the Applications -> Graphics menu, run Xsane, or (my preference) Simple Scan.<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
<!-- todo: add the repo steps here --><br />
Unfortunately dropbox does not seem to automatically install updates for old versions. Given this, need to manually install updates on old versions, and easiest way to install dropbox updates on Linux is, open a terminal and do:<br />
dropbox stop<br />
dropbox status # Should report "not running"<br />
rm -r ~/.dropbox-dist/<br />
dropbox start -i<br />
<br />
== Handbrake ==<br />
<br />
Handbrake is a media converter, and is especially useful for converting files for portable devices, like Android tablets or iPhones. To install the snapshot releases (which seems to be the easiest way, if you want the GUI) :<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:stebbins/handbrake-snapshots<br />
sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install handbrake-gtk handbrake-cli<br />
== Install Chromium dev builds ==<br />
<br />
Firefox is currently slightly better as a daily browser, but Chromium is improving rapidly. If you want to play with the native alpha port of Google's Chrome browser just to see how it's going, you can install the dev builds of Chromium quite easily by doing:<br />
<!-- could get rid of the PPA - Ubuntu now includes the chromium browser in universe, that lags a little, but avoids the constant daily updates: http://packages.ubuntu.com/search?keywords=chromium-browser --><br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:chromium-daily/dev<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install chromium-browser chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-nonfree chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-extra<br />
<!-- following [http://www.stefanoforenza.com/chromium-on-ubuntu-how-to/ these directions]. You probably also want to add the key for this PPA to your system, following [https://help.launchpad.net/Packaging/PPA#Adding%20the%20keys%20using%20Gnome these directions] about adding [http://keyserver.ubuntu.com:11371/pks/lookup?op=get&search=0x5A9BF3BB4E5E17B5 their key] to your system, so that you don't get lots of prompts every day when there is an update about "do you want to install unauthenticated packages?". --><br />
<br />
Chrome Extensions to install:<br />
* [http://www.chromeextensions.org/appearance-functioning/flashblock/ FlashBlock].<br />
* [http://blog.xmarks.com/?p=1244 Xmarks].<br />
* [https://chrome.google.com/extensions/detail/gighmmpiobklfepjocnamgkkbiglidom Adblock]. Need to restart browser for extension to take effect.<br />
<br />
Still waiting for these Chrome extensions as at July 2010:<br />
* The equivalent of Tab Mix Plus. (still looking for this).<br />
<br />
Things that aren't working quite right yet in Chromium on Linux:<br />
* The backspace key should go back, or should be configurable for this. There is an extension that allows this, but it should probably be a preference in the base browser.<br />
* Auto-updating of extensions. There is a way to do this from the extensions UI, but in Chromium it doesn't seem to do anything.<br />
* Audio playback not working correctly - e.g. on [http://slides.html5rocks.com/#slide22 this slide], get no audio after selecting a national anthem other than US (US works, other's don't). Possibly [http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Chrome/thread?tid=2fdf2aa857abe1ef&hl=en this issue] or [http://code.google.com/p/chromium/issues/detail?id=37848 this issue].<br />
* WebGL does not work on an old laptop, but does on a modern desktop. Could be that the laptop's hardware is just too old (or just not supported in 3D).<br />
<br />
To enable most of the new features of Chromium, change the command line for starting chromium to be like this:<br />
chromium-browser --enable-plugins --enable-greasemonkey --enable-user-scripts --enable-internal-flash --enable-extensions --enable-webgl %U<br />
<br />
Configuration settings:<br />
* To make streetview work: Try to open streetview -> nothing happens -> press Ctrl-Shift-F (which permanently unblock flashblock on that site) -> then streetview will pop up and work thereafter.<br />
<br />
Updating the flash plugin if you get a warning that "the flash plugin was blocked because it is out of date", or just installing the flash plugin.<br />
* First check where the plugin is installed, by opening chrome://plugins/ in chromium, and expanding the "details" link.<br />
* For me, it said "Location: /usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so".<br />
* Note this directory, and update the flashplugin variable below if you have a different path:<br />
cd ~/tmp<br />
flashplugin=/usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so<br />
sudo mv $flashplugin ./libflashplayer.so.old<br />
wget http://download.macromedia.com/pub/labs/flashplayer10/flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz<br />
tar zfvx flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz <br />
sudo cp ./libflashplayer.so $flashplugin<br />
cd /usr/lib/chromium-browser/plugins<br />
sudo ln -s $flashplugin<br />
Now restart chromium and the warning should be fixed & flash should work.<br />
<br />
== Android ADB commands ==<br />
<br />
Only useful if you have an android phone and sometimes want to flash custom ROMs or recovery images:<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:phablet-team/tools && sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install android-tools-adb android-tools-fastboot<br />
<br />
== Read SD cards ==<br />
<br />
To be able to read SD cards, [http://askubuntu.com/questions/364270/mount-unknown-filesystem-exfat source]:<br />
sudo apt-get install exfat-fuse exfat-utils<br />
<!--<br />
== Pinta ==<br />
<br />
Basic image editing program, like ms-paint:<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:moonlight-team/pinta<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install pinta<br />
<br />
tends to crash though.... don't include in public instructions just yet!<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
'''Warning: semi-commercial software'''<br />
<br />
Personally, I find dropbox useful for synchronising up to 2 GB of data free between multiple systems (desktop and laptop; work and home). You need to sign up here and install the software from here.<br />
##### FINISH WRITING THIS STEP AT SOME POINT #####<br />
##### Keeps crashing on network transfers, so don't write up until that is completed ###### -- this was fixed by upgrading to version 0.6.564 <br />
##### The crashing is back.... **sigh**<br />
<br />
== testing: Ksplice for rebootless kernel updates ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.ksplice.com/uptrack/download Install]<br />
[http://lwn.net/Articles/340477/ background on Ksplice].<br />
<br />
== Ekiga linux setup ==<br />
.... cannot test this until ADSL connection no longer blocks VoIP...<br />
Date: Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:21:10 +1100<br />
VoIP client.<br />
<br />
Applications ->Internet -> Ekiga softphone<br />
Enter name<br />
Tick "I do not want to sign up for the ekiga.net free service"<br />
connection type xDSL.cable<br />
enable STUN support: Yes<br />
rest of the options: take the defaults,.<br />
<br />
Then in Ekiga, go:<br />
edit -> accounts -> add my pennytel account details.<br />
#### No sound through ekiga in 10.10 -- leave commented out until this works ####<br />
--></div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/Nick%27s_HomepageNick's Homepage2019-04-04T03:09:07Z<p>Nickj: Remove WikiHR.net and Open Wiki Blog Planet, both dead now.</p>
<hr />
<div>* Japanese Skiing travel write ups:<br />
** [[Niseko Ski Diary]].<br />
** [[Shiga Kogen Ski Diary]].<br />
** [[Hakuba Ski Diary]].<br />
* About me:<br />
** [[Resume|Resum&eacute;]].<br />
** [[Quotes]] - Various quotes I saw and liked.<br />
** [[Likes and Dislikes]].<br />
** [[Favourite Games]].<br />
** [[Thumb up or down]]: Things I'd like to see more of, and things I'd like to see less of.<br />
** [[Random Thoughts]].<br />
** [[I'd like to see that]].<br />
* Random - stuff that doesn't fit anywhere else:<br />
** [[Identity of Kemeny's Hidden Label wines]].<br />
** [[LG WD-1435RD notes|Notes on the LG WD-1435RD washer dryer]].<br />
** [[Diplomacy strategy tips]].<br />
** [[Links]].<br />
* Computers:<br />
** Data Centre Server setup steps - [[Debian stable Web Server step-by-step|Step-by-step: From-scratch installation steps for a Linux PHP web server running Debian]]:<br />
*** Run memtest overnight.<br />
*** Installation.<br />
*** Update /etc/apt/sources.list.<br />
*** Get the latest and greatest packages.<br />
*** Remove unneeded or unwanted packages.<br />
*** Install LAMP.<br />
*** [[Debian stable Web Server step-by-step#Install_extra_useful_software|Install extra useful software]].<br />
*** Disable IPv6.<br />
*** [[Debian stable Web Server step-by-step#Stop console screen from blanking|Stop console screen from blanking]].<br />
*** [[Debian stable Web Server step-by-step#Exim 4 configuration|Exim 4 configuration]].<br />
*** customizing Apache configuration.<br />
*** Set up Apache virtual hosting.<br />
*** [[Debian stable Web Server step-by-step#Apache content compression|Apache content compression]].<br />
*** [[Debian stable Web Server step-by-step#Configure php.ini|Configure php.ini]].<br />
*** [[Debian stable Web Server step-by-step#Enable SSL in Apache 2|Enable SSL in Apache 2]].<br />
*** Change the date.<br />
*** [[Debian stable Web Server step-by-step#Tweak MySQL configuration|Tweak MySQL configuration]].<br />
*** Installing and configuring portsentry.<br />
*** [[Debian stable Web Server step-by-step#Locking down the IP functionality|Locking down the IP functionality]].<br />
*** [[Debian stable Web Server step-by-step#Set limits.conf|limits.conf]].<br />
*** [[Debian stable Web Server step-by-step#Install bastille|Install bastille]].<br />
*** Install the SUN JDK.<br />
*** Install the NTP daemon to keep the time current.<br />
*** [[Debian stable Web Server step-by-step#Install APC as the PHP opcode cache|Install APC as the PHP opcode cache]].<br />
** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps|Ubuntu Linux Workstation setup steps]]:<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Pre-installation standard hardware test procedure|Pre-installation standard hardware test procedure]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Installation|Ubuntu Installation]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Tweaks and Preferences|Tweaks and Preferences]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Firefox 3 configuration steps|Firefox configuration steps]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Firefox Add-ons|Firefox Add-ons]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Firefox Tweaks|Firefox Tweaks]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Installation of extra software|Installation of extra software]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Configure "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard"|Configure "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard"]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Custom Key Bindings, aimed at "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard"|Custom Key Bindings, aimed at "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard"]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Install Skype|Install Skype]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Install the Tahoma fonts|Install the Tahoma fonts]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Install Flash on AMD64|Install Flash on AMD64]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Install Google Earth|Install Google Earth]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Install Acrobat reader|Install Acrobat reader]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Install Opera|Install Opera]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Enable Apport for crash bug reporting|Enable Apport for crash bug reporting]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Configure Open Office to work in MS Office 2000 compatibility mode|Configure Open Office to work in MS Office 2000 compatibility mode]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Automounting remote file systems using SSHFS|Automounting remote file systems using SSHFS]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Install Chromium beta daily builds|Install Chromium beta daily builds]].<br />
** [[Ubuntu home server setup steps|Home server setup steps]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu home server setup steps#Setting up UPS monitoring|UPS monitoring]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu home server setup steps#Enable collection monitoring, including web interface|Collectd]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu home server setup steps#Set up Rtorrent to use your off-peak data allowance|Rtorrent]].<br />
** Computers - Misc:<br />
*** [[PHP test]] - brief test I was asked to write for PHP programmers.<br />
*** [[Nokia N95]] - links to useful apps for setting up the phone.<br />
** Computers - Debian or Ubuntu command-line upgrades:<br />
*** [[Upgrade Debian Woody to Debian Sarge]].<br />
*** [[Upgrade Debian Sarge to Debian Etch]].<br />
*** [[Upgrade Ubuntu 6.06 LTS to Ubuntu 8.04 LTS]].<br />
** Computers - Desktop software configuration or migration:<br />
*** [[Firefox 3 configuration steps|Firefox configuration steps]].<br />
*** [[How to migrate from Outlook 2000 to Evolution]].<br />
** Computers - Server software installation or configuration:<br />
*** [[SSL cert configuration for Apache on Debian]].<br />
<!-- Not working: *** [[Setting up OpenVPN for free Internet access in airports, hotels, and cafes]]. --><br />
** Computers - MediaWiki or Wikipedia:<br />
*** [http://blog.nickj.org/ Blog] - mostly wiki-related ramblings.<br />
*** [http://can-we-link-it.nickj.org Suggesting links for the English Wikipedia].<br />
*** [[MediaWiki|MediaWiki parser and fuzz tests]] - technical, HTML compliance tests and fuzz tests. Not very interesting.<br />
*** [[MediaWiki code coverage howto]] - info how to gather code coverage data for parser tests.<br />
*** [[Experiment with Suggestion Searching on Wikipedia]] - similar functionality to this mockup was [http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Manual:$wgEnableMWSuggest added in 1.13].<br />
** Computers - POV - Things many web sites get wrong:<br />
*** [[JavaScript links are evil]].<br />
*** [[Online stores should publish their shipping rates up front]].<br />
** Computers - POV - Programming Languages:<br />
*** [[Java's clone syntax seems to suck]].<br />
*** [[Ways that PHP4 sucks for work on non-trivial Object-Orientated problems]].<br />
*** [[Personal notes from when I was learning Java]].<br />
** Computers - Linux POV:<br />
*** [[My Linux Timeline]].<br />
** Computers - Hardware:<br />
*** [[My Desktop Hardware Upgrade Philosophy]]. With graphs!<br />
** Computers - Software Development:<br />
*** [[Random software development tips]].<br />
*** [[Maintaining software with the Swiss Cheese approach]].<br />
** Computers - POV:<br />
*** [["The best way to stop the distribution of a bit of software is to charge money for it"]].<br />
** Computers - Comments or reviews on web sites or software - some of these are bound to be out-of-date now:<br />
*** [[Review of TA Spring]].<br />
*** [[Comments on Gallery 2.0]]<br />
*** [[Hoyts Website Sucks]].<br />
*** [http://nickpj.googlepages.com/msnmapsgivesimpossibledirections MSN maps gives impossible directions].<br />
** Old or out of date computing stuff:<br />
*** [[No Microsoft End-game strategy for Linux]].<br />
<!-- to delete. These things would have gone on a blog, if there had been such a thing as blogs when these were written:<br />
*** [[Linux distro supported timeframes]]. --: this is solved now by running Debian Stable on servers.<br />
*** [[Why are some things so hard to configure in Linux?]] --: this is largely solved now with Cups + the latest X.org<br />
*** [[Wish-list for Linux Distros]]. --: this is solved with out of the box OpenGL, the Sysinfo program, the restricted drivers installer, an improved Evolution, and better multi-monitor support.<br />
*** [[Software features that I would like to see become standard]] --: this is solved with KSplice.<br />
*** [[Limitations of 32-bit machines]]. --: this solved by using 64 bit hardware & OS, although 32 bit systems still have a place, especially when memory is restricted.<br />
*** [[Steps to getting spam under control]]. --: this is solved by using decent spam filtering software.<br />
*** [[Technical problems with the Web]]. --: JavaScript has become necessary, and tools like GWT help with compatibility.<br />
<br />
** [[Social behaviour, or lack thereof]].<br />
** [[Are you a Nick Jenkins or Nicholas Jenkins?]] Yes, there are other people that share this name. Here are just some of them.<br />
--><br />
<br />
<br />
If I've made a typo or grammatical or technical mistake please just correct it (you can edit all pages).<br />
<br />
If you have some thoughts on what I've written & want to share them, or anything else, then you're welcome to [[User talk:Nickj|leave me a message]].</div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/QuotesQuotes2018-07-13T04:29:15Z<p>Nickj: +1 quote</p>
<hr />
<div>Various quotes I saw and liked: <br />
* "I'm not sure which upsets me more: that people are so unwilling to accept responsibility for their own actions, or that they are so eager to regulate everyone else's." - source unknown<br />
* "If you never fail, you are not taking enough risks." - (Dede, 1993).<br />
* "In theory there is no difference between theory and practice, but in practice there is." - either Jan L.A. van de Snepscheut or Fnord Bjørnberger<br />
* "Talk is cheap because supply always exceeds demand." - source unknown<br />
* "Neither individuals nor corporations have any right to come into court and ask that the clock of history be stopped, or turned back, for their private benefit." - Robert Heinlein <br />
* "Lots of folks are forced to skimp to support a government that won't." - source unknown<br />
* "When all is said and done ... there is usually more said than done." - source unknown<br />
* "Real innovation happens with the small guys." - source unknown<br />
* "Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake." - Napoleon Bonaparte<br />
* On the Matrix Revolutions: "The Wachowski brothers have delivered a dud so disappointing, they may as well have bussed in Ewoks to save Zion."<br />
* "Time is the only truly finite resource from a human perspective. As technology has progressed, distances have been conquered, vast energies harnessed, but old Father Time is still inescapable. As a result, we place great value on just how much time is taken to accomplish anything." - WiPEOUT<br />
* "Anyone who says that money isn't important is spending someone else's." - Hampton's Law <br />
* "The road less travelled is often less travelled for a very good reason" - Jerry Seinfeld<br />
* "You cannot apply a technological solution to a sociological problem." - Edwards' Law<br />
* "Everything takes longer, costs more, and is less useful." - Erwin Tomash<br />
* "Ideas have no value. Execution is what matters most." - Paraphrasing of Loïc Le Meur and Krzysztof Kowalczyk.<br />
* Fermi's Solution: "Any sufficiently advanced civilization either destroys itself or transcends to superintelligence."<br />
* "Democracy is the recurrent suspicion that more than half of the people are right more than half of the time." - E. B. White<br />
* "If you are 20 and you aren't a communist you have no heart, but if you are 30 and you still are a communist, you lack rationality." - source unknown.<br />
* Macintosh dictum: the user should never have to tell the machine anything that it knows or can deduce for itself.<br />
* "Ideas are cheap, but turning them into reality is brutally hard work." - posted to a discussion board.<br />
* "Never underestimate the power of broke, bored, determined Uni students." - posted to a discussion board.<br />
* "Be bold, and mighty forces will come to your aid." - Basil King.<br />
* "It is hard to get the world to throw away stuff they've already bought and that still works. Being twice as good isn't enough; if you really want people to trash their current equipment you need to be 10 times as good." - Bob Cringely, 2004.<br />
* "Life is uncertain, so always eat dessert first." - source unknown.<br />
* C.f. Edison's famous adage: "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."<br />
* "What resists, persists." - Lao Tsu 6th Century B.C.<br />
* "If it's not tested, it's broken." - Bruce Eckel.<br />
* "People optimize locally - that is, they do what's best for themselves." - Eric Allman.<br />
* "One of the most valuable things my father taught me is an old Yorkshire saying: where there's muck, there's brass. Meaning that unpleasant work pays. And more to the point here, vice versa. Work people like doesn't pay well, for reasons of supply and demand." - from [http://www.paulgraham.com/bronze.html Paul Graham]<br />
* "Remembering you are going to die is the best way to avoid the fear that you have something to lose." - Steve Jobs<br />
* "Most of us, when all is said and done, like what we like and make up reasons for it afterwards." -- Soren F. Petersen<br />
* "All you have to decide is what you're going to do with the time you are given." - Gandalf <br />
* "Have you ever seen one of these [NIH] grant applications? We're lucky Einstein didn't have to fill one out or God knows what 'E' would equal." - seen on the Internet.<br />
* "Patent. n. Genius is 5% inspiration and 95% perspiration. A patent is a tool for doing 5% of the work and then sitting around waiting for someone else to do the other 95% so you can sue them." - email sig seen on Internet.<br />
* "There are two types of people in this world... Those who finish what they start, and" - slogon on T-shirt.<br />
* "Writing for a penny a word is ridiculous. If a man really wants to make a million dollars he should start his own religion." - L Ron Hubbard, spoken in 1950 at a writer's convention, 4 years before he founded the Church of Scientology.<br />
* "The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt." - Bertrand Russell.<br />
* "It's not the principle of the thing, it's the money!" -- Movie producer in "King Kong".<br />
* "First class, is what's wrong honey. It used to be a better meal, now it's a better life." -- Dorothy in "Jerry Maguire" (1996).<br />
* "First rule in government spending: why build one when you can have two at twice the price?" -- Mr Hadden in "Contact" (1997).<br />
* "It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends upon his not understanding it." -- Upton Sinclair.<br />
* "Hell is Other People's Code" -- unknown.<br />
* "Be the change you want to see in the world." -- Gandhi.<br />
* "Hydrogen is an odorless colorless gas which, given enough time, turns into people." -- Edward R Harrison.<br />
* "Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination are omnipotent. The slogan 'press on' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race." -- President Calvin Coolidge.<br />
* "Be kind. For everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." -- Plato.<br />
* "Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first." -- Mark Twain.<br />
* "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -- Mark Twain.<br />
* "Markets can remain irrational a lot longer than you and I can remain solvent." -- A. Gary Shilling.<br />
* "There are only two kinds of programming languages: those people always bitch about, and those nobody uses." -- Bjarne Stroustrup.<br />
* "in an extended fight, one tends to become more like one's enemy" -- LWN.net<br />
* "The future is here. It's just not widely distributed yet." -- William Gibson<br />
* "Rooster one day, feather duster the next." -- Figure of speech, possibly Australian.<br />
* "Not all smart people work at Sun Microsystems." -- Bill Joy.<br />
* "All of man’s difficulties are caused by his inability to sit quietly in a room by himself." -- Blaise Pascal.<br />
* "If past history was all there was to the game, the richest people would be librarians." -- Warren Buffett<br />
* "That the only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilised community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others." -- John Stuart Mills<br />
* "Everyone should act like any kindness they do does not require anything in return." -- Brett Cannon<br />
<br />
[[Category:Opinion-Editorial]]</div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/Firefox_configuration_stepsFirefox configuration steps2018-06-26T01:11:26Z<p>Nickj: /* Firefox Add-ons */ update keepass instructions</p>
<hr />
<div>Firefox configuration steps<br />
<br />
== Firefox Add-ons == <br />
Go Tools -> Add-ons -> Get Add-ons -> then search for and install these add-ons:<br />
* [https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1122 Tax mix plus].<br />
* ublock origin<br />
* KeeFox. Use these [https://www.kee.pm/ Keefox configuration steps for Linux], e.g:<br />
cd /usr/lib/keepass2/<br />
sudo mv KeePassRPC.plgx KeePassRPC.plgx.old-`date`<br />
Open https://github.com/kee-org/keepassrpc/releases/latest , replace the link below with whatever is latest KeePassRPC.plgx version:<br />
sudo wget https://github.com/kee-org/keepassrpc/releases/download/v1.8.0/KeePassRPC.plgx<br />
Close Firefox, close KeePass (note: MUST restart keepass as it compiles the add-on modules on restart), restart Firefox.<br />
<br />
Note: if you then get an error on starting keepass that says "the plugin cannot be loaded a new Keepass version is required to open this file", then you need to update Keepass. The ones included with the distro can be out of date (e.g. 2.32 when 2.35 is available). For example, to update Ubuntu or Mint, use this PPA with the current version:<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:jtaylor/keepass<br />
sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get upgrade<br />
<br />
== Firefox Tweaks == <br />
* Don't want Firefox to close when pressing ctrl-w on the last tab: Tools -> tab mix plus options -> events -> tab closing -> tick "do not close window when closing last tab by hotkey".<br />
* Tab mix plus -> Events -> New Tabs -> Tick "Open new tabs next to current one".<br />
* Tab mix plus -> Events -> Tab Features -> Untick "Ctrl-Tab navigates tabs in most recently used order".<br />
* Tab mix plus -> Display -> Tab Bar -> When tabs don't fit width: Multi-row; Set number of rows to 2 or 3. <!--<br />
* Firefox: enable printing in print preview mode in Linux: about:config -> toggle "printWhileInPrintPreview" to "true". [Have to re-apply this setting when upgrading linux distro] --><br />
* Stop animated GIFs in Firefox: about:config -> image.animation_mode -> change to "none"<br />
* Firefox: Fix the stupid behavior of overwriting current tabs when opening new tabs: about:config -> browser.tabs.loadFolderAndReplace -> toggle to "true". [Have to re-apply this setting when upgrading Linux distro]<br />
* To get autocomplete for the web address, go: about:config -> browser.urlbar.autoFill -> toggle to "true" -> restart FF.<br />
* Stop the full screen mode-switch animation: about:config -> browser.fullscreen.animateUp -> change to "0".<br />
* Perform a sync using Foxmarks wizard, and for the initial setup keep the bookmarks on the server, and overwrite those on this computer.<br />
* File -> Page setup ... -> Paper size = "A4", and orientation = "Portrait".<br />
* Edit -> Preferences -> Main tab -> tick to close the download window when all downloads are finished.<br />
* Laptops only: Add a delay to the bookmark menu collapsing (only really useful on laptops when navigating with a trackpad or button, which tends to be fairly inaccurate) - about:config -> right-click -> New -> Integer -> name is: ui.submenuDelay -> value is: 800<br />
* Prevent JavaScript from messing with browser window: Edit -> Preferences -> Content tab -> Advanced ... -> untick everything.<br />
* Make the "Backspace" key be like pressing the "Back" button: about:config -> browser.backspace_action -> change to "0".<br />
* Stop blocky graphics: View -> Zoom -> Tick "Zoom Text Only".<br />
* About:config -> dom.max_script_run_time -> chnage from 10 to 20 to increase timeout on slow scripts.<br />
* Set search bar to use Australian Google rather than US Google: Open [http://mycroft.mozdev.org/google-search-plugins.html this list of search plugins] -> click "Google Australia - the web" -> tick the "Start using it straight away" box -> click "Ok".<br />
* To make streetview work: Tools -> Addons -> Flash-block -> preferences -> whitelist -> add "maps.google.com.au" and "maps.google.com".<br />
* Firefox 4, to limit excessive memory usage: about:config -> browser.sessionhistory.max_total_viewers -> set to "0".<br />
* To stop old tabs using memory when the browser is restarted: Edit -> Preferences -> Tabs -> tick "Don't load tabs until selected". * If install noscript, then add a whitelisting for xmarks.com<br />
* To increase mouse scroll speeed: About:config -> mousewheel.withnokey.sysnumlines -> toggle to false. Then make sure that mousewheel.withnokey.numlines is set to 6.</div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/Ubuntu_desktop_setup_stepsUbuntu desktop setup steps2018-02-28T22:47:40Z<p>Nickj: /* All VirtualBox upgrades and installs */</p>
<hr />
<div>Ubuntu desktop setup steps for an AMD64 system. Most of these instructions will work on 8.04 LTS onwards through the current release, and it should almost all work on x86 systems too:<br />
<br />
== Pre-installation standard hardware test procedure ==<br />
<br />
Before installing or configuring any software, it is imperative to test the hardware beforehand, to establish that it is not provably broken:<br />
* Download the ISOs for [http://www.sysresccd.org/ System Rescue CD] and [http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/ Ultimate Boot CD] and burn these.<br />
* From either CD, run Memtest86+ on the machine overnight, to test that the CPU and memory are error-free.<br />
* From UBCD, run a CPU stress test for 5 to 10 minutes to check CPU is reliable and adequately cooled.<br />
* From Sys Rescue CD, check for bad blocks on the hard drive, before trusting it with any data: <code>badblocks -v -s -w -c 4096 /dev/sda</code> <br />Note however that badblocks is quite a slow test - e.g. took 34 hours on a 500 GB SATA disk in an external USB enclosure, and 17 hours on a 250 GB IDE disk.<br />It's also a destructive write test, and so will blank the disk, so make sure you have the right device (use <code>fdisk -lu</code> to confirm the device's size and name).<br />Successful output will look something like this:<br />
Checking for bad blocks in read-write mode<br />
From block 0 to 244198583<br />
Testing with pattern 0xaa: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x55: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0xff: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x00: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Pass completed, 0 bad blocks found.<br />
<br />
If problems are found with any of the above, resolve these first before proceeding further.<br />
<br />
== Installation == <br />
<br />
* Firstly, decide whether you want software RAID or not. Personally, I use RAID-1 mirroring of a single bootable partition, using 2 same-sized disks, from 2 different manufacturers, because:<br />
*# it's simple.<br />
*# it's redundant enough.<br />
*# it's cheap: the incremental cost is the cost of a single disk, which is less than $100.<br />
*# you can boot off of it.<br />
*# it's not a question of if a disk will fail, but when.<br />
: For software RAID, install from the Alternate Installation CD. You can always [http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Convert_a_single_drive_system_to_RAID convert to RAID-1 later], but it's significantly more faffing about than setting it up this way from the get-go.<br />
* Once you've done the above, download and burn either the standard or alternate Ubuntu install CD, as appropriate.<br />
* Insert installation CD. Follow simple options, installs, ejects CD, reboots. Then login.<br />
* System -> Networking -> set up static IP address instead of dynamic IP address.<br />
* reboot to get network changes to apply (theoretically this should not be necessary, but in practice it was, at least for me on 8.04).<br />
* reboot, install system updates. Then reboot once updates are installed.<br />
* system -> hardware drivers -> enable the proprietary nvidia drivers.<br />
* reboot to enable the proprietary drivers.<br />
<br />
== Tweaks and Preferences ==<br />
<br />
* Ditch the annoying sounds: System -> Preferences -> sound -> sounds -> set all to "no sound", and untick "play system sounds", and on "system beep" tab untick all boxes.<br />
* Ditch the thrashing hard-disk: System -> Preferences -> Searching and indexing -> General -> tick "enable indexing" and "enable watching" and both of the power management boxes to disable stuff when on battery.<br />
* To get Subpixel Smoothing on LCDs, do this: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Fonts -> Select "subpixel smoothing (LCDs)". Need to restart Firefox for this change to take effect in Firefox.<br />
* To get reasonable desktop visual effects: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Visual Effects -> Select "Normal".<br />
* To make the system remember running apps and window locations on logout, do this: System -> Preferences -> sessions -> session options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out". In Ubuntu 9.04 / gnome 2.26 & up, this setting has moved, and is now under: System -> Preferences -> Startup Application Preferences -> options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out".<br />
<!--* To tweak networking performance, [http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Hardy#Howto:_Tweak_and_maximize_your_bandwidth_in_Ubuntu.2FLinux_via_sysctl.21 follow these instructions]. --><br />
* Power saving: Turn off blinking cursor by going: System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> untick "Cursor blinks in text fields".<br />
* Add terminal icon to gnome panel: Right-click panel -> Add to Panel -> Application Launcher... -> Accessories -> Terminal -> Add -> Close.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Editor" tab -> tick "autosave" files every 2 minutes.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Plugins" tab -> tick "Sort" to enable the sort plugin -> Close. Can now highlight text and go Edit -> Sort to get it alphabetically sorted.<br />
<br />
== [[Firefox configuration steps]] ==<br />
<br />
{{:Firefox configuration steps}}<br />
<br />
== Installation of extra software ==<br />
<br />
Go system -> admin -> synaptic package manager -> then Install the following (my brief descriptions of what some packages do are also shown) :<br />
* inkscape # Vector drawing package<br />
* hugin # Create panoramas from an image set.<br />
* dia # Draw diagrams & flow charts, somewhat like "visio" on Windows.<br />
* googleearth-package<br />
* xchat # IRC client.<br />
* ttf-mscorefonts-installer ttf-linux-libertine ttf-inconsolata # The most useful font sets. See also the "[[#Install the Tahoma fonts|Install the Tahoma fonts]]" section below.<br />
* audacious # Like XMMS or Winamp<br />
* nmap # Check for open ports.<br />
* filezilla # GUI FTP client.<br />
* wireshark # Packet sniffer<br />
* powertop iotop htop # Show power hogs, I/O hogs, and an more visual command-line version of top.<br />
* nautilus-open-terminal # adds ability to right click on a folder and get a command prompt there.<br />
* php5-cli php5-gd php5-curl # Only useful if you want to write scripts in PHP.<br />
* traceroute # How packets get from here to there over the network.<br />
* curl # Command line HTTP client, includes form-submitting capacity<br />
* tofrodos # Convert line endings from dos to UNIX or vice-versa.<br />
* openssh-server<br />
* libxml2-dev libmysqlclient-dev # Optional: Only used for compiling PHP snapshots<br />
* eclipse sun-java6-jdk sun-java6-jre sun-java6-plugin libmysql-java junit junit-doc # Optional: Java development using Eclipse + java plugins for Firefox<br />
* sysinfo # Kind of like device manager on Windows. Shows CPU / memory / hard disk installed, some hardware that has been detected, etc.<br />
* autofs smbfs smbclient<br />
* gisomount<br />
* gtk-recordmydesktop # Record videos of what you're doing on your desktop.<br />
* gworldclock # Want to simultaneously see the time in Tokyo, LA, London, and Rio? Use this.<br />
* ffmpeg2theora # Convert videos into format suitable for uploading to Wikimedia commons.<br />
* rar p7zip-full # needed for extracting .7z and RAR archives<br />
* gnome-do # Run apps or commands from a keyboard launcher.<br />
* pinfo # Much nicer UI than man or info for reading documentation.<br />
* vlc mozilla-plugin-vlc<br />
* avidemux # Useful for replacing audio tracks in video files.<br />
* indent # Useful for auto-indenting code.<br />
* smartmontools smart-notifier # S.M.A.R.T. hard disk monitoring tools.<br />
* tidy<br />
* ddrescue # Useful for recovering data from failing hard disks.<br />
* gimp-resynthesizer # A nifty plugin for gimp for repairing images or filling in content intelligently. Ignore if you don't use gimp.<br />
* qpdf # Useful for removing password from PDF files, as per [http://blog.sandipb.net/2009/01/10/removing-encryption-from-legitimate-pdf-files-on-ubuntu/ this guide].<br />
* hardinfo # Generates a hardware report and benchmark for the system; can also run in command line mode by doing: <code> hardinfo -r -f html > report.html </code><br />
* gtkvncviewer # Nice VNC client.<br />
* renameutils # Useful for bulk renaming of files. Example for renaming all .JPG files in a directory to .jpg (lowercase) is: <code>rename s/JPG$/jpg/ *</code><br />
* meld # Good GUI for comparing two files, e.g. two log files.<br />
* asciio # Good for drawing ASCII graphs; only available in Ubuntu 10.10 and up.<br />
* spamassassin # Email filtering, used by Evolution.<br />
<!--<br />
<br />
Have installed on laptop - test some more and see if worth including:<br />
gedit-plugins<br />
wget http://nchc.dl.sourceforge.net/sourceforge/openproj/openproj_1.4-2.deb && sudo dpkg -i openproj_1.4-2.deb<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
winbind # could be useful on a windows network. Have not discerned any benefit yet though.<br />
<br />
Still working out whether to include or not: * evolution-plugins-experimental <br />
<br />
* bum # Boot Up Manager - GUI for specifying what services should be running on boot-up.<br />
* miro # Combined bittorrent client and video player. Particularly useful for downloading TED talks before a flight. Uses lots of disk space though.<br />
* k3b # CD burning app.<br />
* deluge amule # P2P - donkey plus bittorrent<br />
<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Configure "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" ==<br />
<br />
To get the back / forward keyboard keys working in Firefox, when using the "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard", go System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> Layout -> click the model button -> Choose Microsoft -> set model to "Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro USB" -> click "close".<br />
<br />
== Custom Key Bindings, aimed at "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" == <br />
<br />
Note: the steps keep changing in each Ubuntu release (the menus move around, the keycodes change), unfortunately.<br />
This is what works for me using 14.04.<br />
<br />
Go: System settings -> Keyboard -> Shortcuts -> custom shortcuts.<br />
<br />
Personally I then add the following custom shortcuts:<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
|-<br />
! Label <br />
! Command<br />
! HotKey<br />
|-<br />
| Terminal<br />
| gnome-terminal<br />
| 1<br />
|-<br />
| Files<br />
| /usr/bin/nemo<br />
| 2<br />
|-<br />
| Screenshot<br />
| gnome-screenshot --window --interactive<br />
| 3<br />
|-<br />
| Text editor <br />
| gedit --new-document <br />
| 4<br />
|- <br />
| KeePass <br />
| /usr/bin/keepass2 <br />
| 5<br />
|}<br />
<!-- 1.10 in gnome-fallback mode:<br />
<br />
* ubuntu "System Setting" (top right corner of your desktop) -> Keyboard -> Shortcut.<br />
* Set "1" favourite key to "run a terminal"<br />
* Set "2" favourite key to "open home folder"<br />
<br />
There seems to be a bug that prevents the "custom shortcuts" keys from working for favourite keys 3, 4 and 5. Instead we have to do this:<br />
* In a terminal, run: <code>gconf-editor</code><br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/global_keybindings<br />
* Change "run_command_3" to be 0xc2, "run_command_4" to be 0xc3, and "run_command_5" to be 0xc4 - these corresponds to the 3 / 4 / 5 favourite keys.<br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/keybinding_commands<br />
* Change "command_3" to be the take-screenshot command: <code>gnome-screenshot --window --interactive</code><br />
* Change "command_4" to be the new-text-editor command: <code>/usr/bin/gedit --new-document</code><br />
* Change "command_5" to be as desired.<br />
* Name is "Zend Studio", command is "sh /home/nickj/programs/Zend/ZendStudio-5.5.0/bin/ZDE". Set the 5 favourite key to run this. --><br />
<br />
== Install Skype == <br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>" -> Skype -> More Info -> Install. <br />
<br />
Then to make the right-click menus legible with Ubuntu's dark theme, do as follows:<br />
# Applications -> Internet -> Skype -> single-click on the skype icon in the top right to open skype -> Ctrl-O to open options -> "general" -> Choose Style: "Desktop settings" -> close.<br />
# Single click on skype icon to open skype again -> Ctrl-Q to close.<br />
# Now restart skype by going Applications -> Internet -> Skype, and the right-click menus will be readable.<br />
<!--<br />
install Skype - [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Skype#AMD64 Source of instructions].<br />
sudo aptitude install ia32-libs<br />
wget http://skype.com/go/getskype-linux-ubuntu<br />
sudo aptitude install libqt4-core libqt4-gui qt4-qtconfig <br />
sudo dpkg --install --force-architecture --force-depends skype-debian*.deb<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Install the Tahoma fonts ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.stchman.com/ms_fonts.html Source of instructions].<br />
<br />
Once the msttcorefonts package is installed you will notice that Tahoma and Tahoma Bold is missing. You will need to extract Tahoma<br />
and Tahoma Bold from the zip file. Tahoma is used for Microsoft desktop, title bars and menu fonts so if you are trying to get that<br />
XP look you will need the Tahoma regular and Tahoma Bold fonts. Install Tahoma by doing the following in a terminal.<br />
<br />
cd ~<br />
wget http://www.stchman.com/tools/MS_fonts/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo unzip -d /usr/share/fonts/truetype/msttcorefonts ~/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo fc-cache -f -v<br />
rm -f ~/tahoma.zip<br />
<br />
== Install Flash == <br />
<br />
* Install the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up or installs flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems.<br />
* Restart the browser.<br />
* Go to: Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, go with all the defaults.<br />
* It removes any old flash plugins and downloads and installs the latest Adobe one.<br />
* For AMD64 systems, can use the flash 64 bit beta.<br />
<br />
If flash videos have a blue tint after the installation, then repeat the above steps, which may fix it. If it doesn't, then right click on a flash video with a blue tint -> Settings -> Untick "enable HW acceleration". [http://askubuntu.com/questions/117127/flash-video-appears-blue Source].<br />
<br />
== Install Google Earth ==<br />
<!--<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update && sudo aptitude install medibuntu-keyring && sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install googleearth-4.3<br />
<br />
... or follow the manual instructions on [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/GoogleEarth this page] for a more recent version.<br />
--><br />
Follow [http://www.liberiangeek.net/2011/10/how-to-install-google-earth-in-ubuntu-11-10-oneiric-ocelot/ these instructions for installing google earth].<br />
<br />
== Install Acrobat reader ==<br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>", or go Applications -> Ubuntu Software Center, and then go: -> Canonical Partners -> Adobe Acrobat reader -> Install.<br />
<br />
<!--<br />
In earlier versions of Ubuntu, to install acrobat reader, since [http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-general-1/cant-shrink-to-fit-pdf-doc-654281/ Ubuntu's native PDF readers don't have shrink to fit when printing]. :<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install acroread acroread-plugins<br />
<br />
(this uses medibuntu, from the Google Earth step above).<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
Also need to do this:<br />
sudo editor /usr/share/applications/defaults.list <br />
And change this:<br />
#application/pdf=evince.desktop<br />
application/pdf=AdobeReader.desktop<br />
--><br />
Then to tweak the display preferences of Acrobat Reader: Edit -> Preferences -> Page Display -> set "Zoom" to "Fit Page" -> Click "Ok".<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
== Install Opera ==<br />
<br />
To install and configure opera (since it's useful for testing web pages to be able to check behaviour, and it's useful to have another browser around sometimes), do the following:<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.list<br />
... and add these two lines:<br />
# For latest stable opera:<br />
deb http://deb.opera.com/opera/ stable non-free<br />
<br />
* Then do:<br />
sudo wget -O - http://deb.opera.com/archive.key | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install opera<br />
* Then run opera - Applications -> Internet -> Opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise -> Toolbars tab -> change the "wrapping" setting to "Wrap to multiple lines".<br />
<!-- <br />
* Go to [http://www.opera.com/download/ Opera's download page].<br />
* Download and open and install the .deb file<br />
* Then run opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise and change the wrapping setting to "multiple lines".<br />
--><br />
== Enable Apport for crash bug reporting ==<br />
<br />
Enable apport so that crash bugs will be reported and logged:<br />
sudo editor /etc/default/apport<br />
change enabled from "0" to "1".<br />
<br />
Crashes will then be logged to /var/crash/<br />
<br />
== Configure Open Office to work in MS Office 2000 compatibility mode ==<br />
<br />
[http://news.cnet.com/8301-13880_3-9864262-68.html Source of instructions]. Only do this if you are testing a migration to Ubuntu. Once you have already switched, then use the native ODF for new files, as they generally save formatting better.<br />
* Start OpenOffice Word Process: Applications -> Office -> OpenOffice.org Word Processor -> tools -> options -> expand "Load/Save" -> select "general" -> For document type = "Text document", set Always save as "Microsoft Word 97/2000/XP" (instead of "ODF text document"); For Document type = "Spreadsheet", set Always save as "Microsoft Excel 97/2000/XP"; For Document type = "Presentation", set Always save as "Microsoft PowerPoint 97/2000/XP" -> then click "OK".<br />
* Then tools -> options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> compatibility -> tick "Use printer metrics for document formatting", tick "Do not add leading (extra space) between lines of text", and tick "Consider wrapping style when positioning objects". Then go: Use as Default -> Yes -> OK.<br />
<br />
Note: When you upgrade between Ubuntu releases, you will probably need to repeat the first step, otherwise it will default back to saving in OpenOffice's formats by default.<br />
<br />
== Evolution configuration ==<br />
<br />
* Turn off new email notifications: Evolution -> Edit -> Plugins -> Uncheck "Mail Notification" plugin.<br />
* Edit -> Preferences -> 'Calendar and Tasks' -> 'Display' tab -> Disable the 'Compress weekends in month view' option.<br />
* Customize the default mail folder view. Get one folder looking right (personal preference: Columns: From / Subject / Received, with threads off, sorted by date received with most recent first). Then go View -> Current view -> Save Custom View... -> Replace existing view -> Messages -> Save. "Messages" is a special view, which is used by default on all folders, although you can override it on a folder-by-folder basis, but customizing that folder's view.<br />
<br />
== Set up SSH keys and KeepAlive Interval ==<br />
<br />
For each machine you want to have password-less SSH login to, do:<br />
ssh-copy-id -i ~/.ssh/id_dsa.pub machine1<br />
<br />
Also on some connections the SSH shell can close after a short timeout period. To keep connections option for longer, on the client side do, <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and then add this line to send a keep-alive heartbeat every 60 seconds:<br />
ServerAliveInterval 60<br />
<br />
... there is also a corresponding "ClientAliveInterval 60" setting that can be added to /etc/ssh/sshd_config - although sometimes you only control the client side of the link, and so this is not possible.<br />
<br />
Also set up connection sharing, makes secondary connections to SSH hosts much faster. <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and add this:<br />
# from: "OpenSSH tip: connection sharing"<br />
# http://tanguy.ortolo.eu/blog/article42/ssh-connection-sharing<br />
ControlPath ~/.ssh/control-%r@%h:%p<br />
ControlMaster auto<br />
ControlPersist 1<br />
<br />
== Automounting remote file systems using SSHFS ==<br />
<br />
For a remote Linux system, can automount with autofs + sshfs. Follow the guides [http://www.tjansson.dk/?p=84 here] and [http://www.mccambridge.org/blog/2007/05/totally-seamless-sshfs-under-linux-using-fuse-and-autofs/ here].<br />
<br />
Debug any problems with:<br />
tail --lines=0 -f /var/log/*<br />
<!-- <br />
Windows shares<br />
* Currently TESTING, this step not complete yet.<br />
* [http://oapeon.blogspot.com/2008/09/automounting-cifs-share-in-ubuntu.html Follow these instructions], but also [http://www.howtoforge.com/accessing_windows_or_samba_shares_using_autofs create a /etc/auto.smb.FILESERVERNAME file with login credentials].<br />
<br />
Actually, may have spoken too soon, seems kinda flakey. Getting "Input/output error" on the command line when accessing shares after a few minutes:<br />
<br />
$ ls /smb/server/sharename/<br />
ls: cannot access /smb/server/sharename/: Input/output error<br />
$<br />
<br />
Also seeing these errors when doing "tail -f /var/log/messages", despite supplying login credentials:<br />
Oct 23 17:42:02 redux kernel: [66597.665680] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
Oct 23 17:42:01 redux kernel: [66597.524118] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
<br />
To remove, uninstall these packages:<br />
sudo aptitude uninstall --purge autofs libevent1 libgssglue1 libnfsidmap2 librpcsecgss3 nfs-common portmap smbfs<br />
<br />
<br />
rebooting seemed to make this better.... although it's still buggy and flakey. Get directories being infinitely recursive, edited files appearing as directories, etc etc.<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
testing / playing with smbnetfs as an alternative<br />
sudo aptitude install smbnetfs<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/smbnetfs.conf <br />
<br />
- show_$_shares "false"<br />
+ show_$_shares "true"<br />
<br />
mkdir ~/.smb<br />
editor ~/.smb/smbnetfs.auth<br />
<br />
auth nickj password<br />
<br />
Need to do something with .smb/smbnetfs.conf ?<br />
<br />
<br />
* smbnetfs is probably not even running - need to find some decent docs on how to configure this.<br />
* autofs is mounted on /smb , and can be seriously flakey.<br />
* trying sshfs now, seems better but needs some magic options in the mount flags to work suitably.<br />
--><br />
== right before and right after each upgrade ==<br />
<br />
Remove unneeded cruft, by doing:<br />
sudo apt-get autoremove<br />
sudo apt-get clean<br />
deborphan<br />
Check first that no important packages are about to be removed, then do:<br />
sudo apt-get remove --purge $(deborphan)<br />
Purge old configuration files, first command shows what will be purged:<br />
sudo aptitude search ~c <br />
sudo aptitude purge ~c<br />
<br />
Fix broken packages:<br />
* <code>sudo aptitude</code><br />
* fix any broken packages (ctrl-t -> resolver -> examine -> g -> g).<br />
* also clean up cache and obsolete files (ctrl-t -> actions -> "clean package cache" and "clean obsolete files").<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
These tweaks are only required for 9.04:<br />
<br />
([http://reformedmusings.wordpress.com/2009/04/26/recovering-daily-update-notifications-in-ubuntu-904-jaunty/ Source]) To enable daily notification of non-security updates, which is especially useful if you [[#enable Apport for crash bug reporting|enable Apport for crash bug reporting]], then do this:<br />
gconftool -s --type bool /apps/update-notifier/auto_launch false<br />
<br />
([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-when-logoutshutdown-and-restart-ubuntu904 Source]) To remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout, do this:<br />
* Right-click on the panel power button icon on top-right of the screen -> Preferences -> Untick "Show confirm dialog for logout, shutdown and restart".<br />
<br />
Only in Ubuntu 9.04:<br />
sudo aptitude install firefox-3.5 firefox-3.5-gnome-support<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Tweaks to Ubuntu 9.10 that I had to apply to get stuff working again, or configured how I like it:<br />
<br />
1: Remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout. ([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-in-ubuntu910karmic Source]). <br />
<br />
2: For seeing details of SMART reporting for hard disks:<br />
sudo aptitude install gsmartcontrol<br />
<br />
3: system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Dust".<br />
<br />
4: Alt-F2, run gconf-editor , then toogle the GConf key /apps/eog/ui/disable_trash_confirmation to be ticked, to disable prompting for image deleting though Eye of Gnome ([https://bugzilla.gnome.org/show_bug.cgi?id=541967#c5 source]).<br />
<br />
5: Some third party entries in your sources.list were disabled. You can re-enable them after the upgrade with the 'software-properties' tool or your package manager.<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.lst<br />
<br />
.. then re-enable dropbox, chrome daily builds, etc, and apply those updates:<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude upgrade<br />
<br />
6: Setting MySQL back to utf8 mode:<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/mysql/my.cnf <br />
add under the "[mysqld]" section:<br />
default-character-set=utf8<br />
<br />
7: Blue tint to video files in VLC, Mplayer, and Totem. [http://www.mediacollege.com/video-gallery/testclips/20051210-w50s.flv Example video file]. [https://bugs.launchpad.net/totem/+bug/395476 Bug is in] the Nvidia closed source driver. Workaround is:<br />
* open totem via Applications -> Sound & Video -> Movie Player<br />
* open the preferences window via Edit -> Preferences<br />
* select the Display tab<br />
* click the Reset to Defaults button<br />
<br />
8: Problem: Mplayer crashing regularly when changing video output mode, and also giving a "couldn't resolve name for AF_INET6:" error on URL playback. Workaround: ditch mplayer, as totem and VLC are suitable replacements:<br />
sudo aptitude remove --purge mplayer<br />
<br />
9: Flash applets don't work in firefox or chrome on AMD64 (example: playing [http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-february-1-2010/q---o this Daily Show] video) .... solution: redo the [[#Install_Flash_on_AMD64|Flash installation steps]].<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Ambiance". <!-- move window decoration buttons to the left too - find link & steps for this --><br />
# If images don't display in office documents: Start OpenOffice writer, and then go: Tools -> Options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> View -> tick "Graphics and objects" -> click "Ok".<br />
<!-- to get SIP calls working through empathy through the dodgy Telstra modem that blocks VoIP: sudo aptitude install telepathy-sofiasip ... no, didn't work - test again later. --><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# <code>sudo aptitude remove tracker</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install unity-2d</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
The 11.10 release had more problems than most releases.<br />
<br />
Nautilus default view: go to Places -> Home folder -> Edit -> Preferences -> "View new folders using": select "List View".<br />
<br />
=== Restore classic Gnome desktop ===<br />
To get gnome classic desktop back, as per [http://www.webupd8.org/2011/08/installing-using-classic-gnome-desktop.html this blog post].<br />
sudo apt-get install gnome-session-fallback<br />
Then:<br />
* Install weather applet<br />
* System monitor applet<br />
* Add application icons for Firefox, chrome, terminal, and gedit.<br />
sudo aptitude install alarm-clock-applet<br />
* Add an application icon for the alarm clock applet.<br />
* Put a trash applet back on the bottom right of the screen.<br />
* Put a show desktop applet back on the bottom left of the screen.<br />
<br />
=== SSH menu is gone, use SSH plus instead ===<br />
Follow [http://www.gulecha.org/2011/07/29/sshplus-a-sshmenu-compatible-appindicator/ these installation instructions]. Then do <code>sudo aptitude install putty</code><br/> <br />
To add to startup apps: Applications -> System Tools -> Preferences -> startup applications -> add SSHplus by full path.<br />
<br />
=== blurry image viewer ===<br />
Images look blurry because the default Gnome Image viewer (eog/eye of gnome) is set to "Best Fit" instead of "Normal view", which resizes images slightly, making them appear blurry. Unfortunately, there seems to be no preference or setting that allows changing this permanently. Instead just install another image viewing app, and make it the default:<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install gthumb</code><br/><br />
It can be customized to view images 1:1 by going Edit -> Preferences -> Viewer -> Set to actual size. Then go View -> unselect "Thumbnail pane" (with this on, it seems to interfere with 1:1 viewing). Test it, then if so make it the default app by going ubuntu "System Settings" (top right corner of your desktop) -> System info -> Default applications -> Photos -> gThumb.<br />
<br />
=== usb automounting was broken ===<br />
Inserted USB drives would no longer automatically mount and open a file manager window. Solved by installing, and then removing, the usbmount package.<br />
<br />
=== Flash broken ===<br />
After upgrading from 11.04 to 11.10, flash applets either did not work, or worked partial (such as the sound being distorted, like the person was underwater). Fixed by installing the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up broken flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems. Installed the extension, restarted the browser, then went Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, just went with all the defaults, it removed the old flash plugins (I had 2) and downloaded and installed the latest adobe one, and then it was as good as new and working flawlessly.<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 12.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
=== Multiple monitors broken, screen orientation broken ===<br />
<br />
run Synaptic, remove all the nvidia drivers, and install the nouveau firmware, then reboot, then systems settings -> displays, and can change the monitor setup so that multi-montior works again and so the orientations are in portrait instead of landscape.<br />
<br />
From the command line to remove nvidia drivers, can do:<br />
sudo apt-get purge nvidia-settings nvidia-current<br />
<br />
=== Customised keyboard shortcuts lost ===<br />
<br />
All my customized keyboard shortcuts for the extra buttons on my keyboard are lost. Had to redo the keyboard config to get these back.<br />
<br />
=== alt-tab no longer works ===<br />
<br />
To fix (from [http://askubuntu.com/questions/135685/alt-tab-does-not-switch this source]) :<br />
sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* Go at the very bottom where it says "Window Management"<br />
* Put a checkmark in "application switcher"<br />
* That should fix it.<br />
<br />
=== Workplace switching is broken (gives a blank desktop with no menus or items) ===<br />
<br />
Install compiz settings manager as above, and that will fix it. To get switching to be 4 horizontal desktops:<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* "general" -> General options -> Desktop size -> horizontal virtual size = 4, vertical virtual size = 1<br />
<br />
Also turn off "effects" -> "animations" in compiz too, whilst we are there.<br />
<br />
=== Gnome menus look ugly ===<br />
<br />
The bug is [https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/light-themes/+bug/981289 here]. To fix ambiance themes, [http://www.webupd8.org/2012/05/install-ambiance-fixed-for-classic.html follow these steps].<br />
<br />
=== Printing was broken ===<br />
<br />
Jobs sent to the network printer just sat in the queue and were never printed, even though the printer hardware was fine and the same queue worked perfectly in 11.10. Easiest solution was to cancel all print jobs, delete the printer, add a new printer with the same settings, and reboot (because the printer setup locked up whilst doing these things).<br />
<br />
=== Printing was excessively slow from Firefox ===<br />
<br />
Even after doing the above, printing was very slow from Firefox to the HP LaserJet 2100 TN. For example, it was taking up to 4 minutes to print a page, whereas it would take 15 seconds before. To fix:<br />
* Run "system-config-printer" from the command line.<br />
* Change the printer driver. Instead of the recommended driver, use "HP LaserJet 2100 - CUPS+Gutenprint v5.2.8-pre1".<br />
* Print a test page, once works okay, click "OK", and close the printer config applet.<br />
<br />
=== Volume applet indicator disappeared ===<br />
<br />
[http://askubuntu.com/questions/126411/volume-and-other-indicators-disappeared-in-the-classic-desktop Source].<br />
Run gnome-sound-applet from the command line to check that it is installed and working.<br />
<br />
To start the sound applet automatically, go to System Tools -> Preferences -> Startup Applications, and add Command gnome-sound-applet<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 13.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
To be able to play videos again:<br />
sudo aptitude install ubuntu-restricted-extras<br />
<br />
To stop using Nautilus, following the unfortuate decision to remove all of its most useful features, and switch to Nemo instead. [http://www.fandigital.com/2012/09/install-nemo-file-manager-in-ubuntu.html Source] [http://www.fandigital.com/2013/01/set-nemo-default-file-manager-ubuntu.html Source].<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:gwendal-lebihan-dev/cinnamon-stable<br />
sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install nemo nemo-fileroller<br />
xdg-mime default nemo.desktop inode/directory application/x-gnome-saved-search<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 13.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Changed video driver from nouveau open source driver to nvidia's binary driver, to fix intermittent crashing of gnome-shell once or more per day: Applications -> System tools -> Software & updates -> Additional drivers -> nvidia-319-updates.<br />
<br />
* Problem: guest session broken, wallpaper all black, desktop icons broken, and screensaver unlock sometimes not working<br />
* Cause: All due to a conflict between Ubuntu 13.10 and cinnamon.<br />
* Solution: remove cinnamon and nemo. [http://askubuntu.com/questions/360772/unity-isnt-starting-on-13-10 Source].<br />
<br />
sudo apt-get install ppa-purge<br />
sudo apt-get purge --auto-remove cinnamon<br />
sudo apt-get autoremove<br />
sudo apt-get update -f<br />
sudo apt-get dist-upgrade<br />
sudo apt-get install ubuntu-desktop<br />
sudo apt-get remove .*cinnamon.*<br />
sudo apt-get remove .*nemo.*<br />
<br />
Then install nemo from the Ubuntu repos - part of the repos now.<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 14.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Only needed on a Gnome desktop, will cause icons to not appear on a Unity desktop and so should be skipped under Unity: To fix missing notifier icons (network, dropbox, sshplus, ksplice) under Gnome :<br />
<br />
* How to fix the missing network icon - follow [http://www.bauer-power.net/2014/05/permanent-fix-for-missing-network.html these steps].<br />
* For the others: System tools -> preferences -> startup applications -> then open the item whose notifier icon is not appearing.<br />
* add "dbus-launch " to start of the command lines for Ksplice and SSHPlus and Dropbox, and any others that are not working.<br />
<!--<br />
To fix greeter/login-screen monitor orientation - [http://askubuntu.com/questions/408302/rotated-monitor-login-screen-needs-rotation source].<br />
<br />
sudo cp ~/.config/monitors.xml /var/lib/lightdm/.config/<br />
sudo chown lightdm.lightdm /var/lib/lightdm/.config/monitors.xml<br />
--><br />
<br />
== VirtualBox ==<br />
<br />
=== first time VirtualBox install only ===<br />
<br />
From the [http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Linux_Downloads VirtualBox Installation instructions]:<br />
sudo vim /etc/apt/sources.list <br />
add this line: <code>deb http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian oneiric contrib</code> . Do not add a deb-src line.<br />
wget -q http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian/oracle_vbox.asc -O- | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude install dkms<br />
<br />
The first time that you install, make sure that you are a member of vboxusers group (needed for USB disks to work correctly) :<br />
sudo usermod -a -G vboxusers `whoami`<br />
sudo usermod -a -G disk `whoami`<br />
Then reboot the computer.<br />
<br />
=== All VirtualBox upgrades and installs ===<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install virtualbox-5.2<br />
<br />
To update/get the extension pack, go File -> "Check for Updates...", and this will check you have the latest virtualbox and also install/update the extensions. Take all the defaults. Enter password if prompted.<br />
<br />
After upgrading from a previous version, to update each guest's VirtualBox drivers, do this after the Guest has started:<br />
* VirtualBox -> start Guest -> "Devices" menu -> Install Guest Additions CD image...<br />
<br />
And in a Debian or Ubuntu '''guest''' machine after doing an upgrade, to install the vbox additions, do this:<br />
* Devices -> Install Guest Additions CD image...<br />
aptitude install build-essential linux-headers-$(uname -r)<br />
mount /dev/cdrom <br />
sh /cdrom/VBoxLinuxAdditions.run<br />
<br />
=== To check if things aren't working as expected ===<br />
<br />
Before starting the Guest machine, make sure USB functionality is enabled by going:<br />
* Settings -> USB -> Make sure both the USB checkboxes are ticked -> Click the "Add Empty Filter" button (the top button on the right) -> click OK to close dialog box.<br />
<br />
Rebuild the virtualbox modules after upgrading from a previous version:<br />
sudo service vboxdrv setup<br />
<br />
Then plug in a USB device after the guest machine has started. Then make it visible to the Guest by going:<br />
* Devices -> USB devices -> and select the USB device to make visible.<br />
<br />
When doing a major version upgrade, use apt-get and not aptitude. For example:<br />
sudo apt-get install virtualbox-5.0<br />
... and then start VirtualBox, and then install the latest extension pack, using the steps above. The link will be on the [https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads VirtualBox downloads] page.<br />
<br />
If you get an "Error! Could not locate dkms.conf file" message, then you probably have old directories left over from an old version of virtualbox under /var/lib/dkms/ . E.g. I had some directories left over from 3.2.6, and the fix was:<br />
sudo rm -r /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetadp /var/lib/dkms/vboxdrv /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetflt<br />
<br />
== Newsgroup bin client ==<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude install sabnzbdplus<br />
Then configure as per [http://wiki.sabnzbd.org/quick-setup the steps on their wiki].<br />
<!-- Lottanzb keeps crashing for me:<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:lottanzb/daily-build<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:jcfp/ppa<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install lottanzb sabnzbdplus<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Steps for making the Benq Acer S2W 3300U work == <br />
<br />
* Plug in power and USB cable to the scanner, and connect it to your computer.<br />
* Check SANE is installed, then run <code> sane-find-scanner </code>, and it should list your scanner.<br />
* From [http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/downloads.cfm/dtype/D/page/downloads/product/91 Benq's page] get the Mirascan ZIP file. Note that Benq's webservers are crap, and they cut out mid-download, so save yourself frustration by using wget to take care of the downloading/resuming/retrying, by doing:<br />
wget ftp://211.78.86.204/scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
and/or<br />
wget http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/download.cfm?file=scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
* Check the ZIP file downloaded okay by doing:<br />
unzip -t mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
... and making sure it says there were "no errors detected" at the end.<br />
* Extract just the u176v046.bin file (which is firmware blob that this scanner needs to operate) into the current directory:<br />
unzip -j mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip "MiraScan v4.03u10_BQA/BIN/u176v046.bin"<br />
* Set up Sane to use this firmware blob:<br />
sudo mkdir /usr/share/sane/snapscan<br />
sudo cp u176v046.bin /usr/share/sane/snapscan/<br />
sudo editor /etc/sane.d/snapscan.conf<br />
... and change the first line from:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/your-firmwarefile.bin<br />
to:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/u176v046.bin<br />
... then save and close the file.<br />
* Then under the Applications -> Graphics menu, run Xsane, or (my preference) Simple Scan.<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
<!-- todo: add the repo steps here --><br />
Unfortunately dropbox does not seem to automatically install updates for old versions. Given this, need to manually install updates on old versions, and easiest way to install dropbox updates on Linux is, open a terminal and do:<br />
dropbox stop<br />
dropbox status # Should report "not running"<br />
rm -r ~/.dropbox-dist/<br />
dropbox start -i<br />
<br />
== Handbrake ==<br />
<br />
Handbrake is a media converter, and is especially useful for converting files for portable devices, like Android tablets or iPhones. To install the snapshot releases (which seems to be the easiest way, if you want the GUI) :<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:stebbins/handbrake-snapshots<br />
sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install handbrake-gtk handbrake-cli<br />
== Install Chromium dev builds ==<br />
<br />
Firefox is currently slightly better as a daily browser, but Chromium is improving rapidly. If you want to play with the native alpha port of Google's Chrome browser just to see how it's going, you can install the dev builds of Chromium quite easily by doing:<br />
<!-- could get rid of the PPA - Ubuntu now includes the chromium browser in universe, that lags a little, but avoids the constant daily updates: http://packages.ubuntu.com/search?keywords=chromium-browser --><br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:chromium-daily/dev<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install chromium-browser chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-nonfree chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-extra<br />
<!-- following [http://www.stefanoforenza.com/chromium-on-ubuntu-how-to/ these directions]. You probably also want to add the key for this PPA to your system, following [https://help.launchpad.net/Packaging/PPA#Adding%20the%20keys%20using%20Gnome these directions] about adding [http://keyserver.ubuntu.com:11371/pks/lookup?op=get&search=0x5A9BF3BB4E5E17B5 their key] to your system, so that you don't get lots of prompts every day when there is an update about "do you want to install unauthenticated packages?". --><br />
<br />
Chrome Extensions to install:<br />
* [http://www.chromeextensions.org/appearance-functioning/flashblock/ FlashBlock].<br />
* [http://blog.xmarks.com/?p=1244 Xmarks].<br />
* [https://chrome.google.com/extensions/detail/gighmmpiobklfepjocnamgkkbiglidom Adblock]. Need to restart browser for extension to take effect.<br />
<br />
Still waiting for these Chrome extensions as at July 2010:<br />
* The equivalent of Tab Mix Plus. (still looking for this).<br />
<br />
Things that aren't working quite right yet in Chromium on Linux:<br />
* The backspace key should go back, or should be configurable for this. There is an extension that allows this, but it should probably be a preference in the base browser.<br />
* Auto-updating of extensions. There is a way to do this from the extensions UI, but in Chromium it doesn't seem to do anything.<br />
* Audio playback not working correctly - e.g. on [http://slides.html5rocks.com/#slide22 this slide], get no audio after selecting a national anthem other than US (US works, other's don't). Possibly [http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Chrome/thread?tid=2fdf2aa857abe1ef&hl=en this issue] or [http://code.google.com/p/chromium/issues/detail?id=37848 this issue].<br />
* WebGL does not work on an old laptop, but does on a modern desktop. Could be that the laptop's hardware is just too old (or just not supported in 3D).<br />
<br />
To enable most of the new features of Chromium, change the command line for starting chromium to be like this:<br />
chromium-browser --enable-plugins --enable-greasemonkey --enable-user-scripts --enable-internal-flash --enable-extensions --enable-webgl %U<br />
<br />
Configuration settings:<br />
* To make streetview work: Try to open streetview -> nothing happens -> press Ctrl-Shift-F (which permanently unblock flashblock on that site) -> then streetview will pop up and work thereafter.<br />
<br />
Updating the flash plugin if you get a warning that "the flash plugin was blocked because it is out of date", or just installing the flash plugin.<br />
* First check where the plugin is installed, by opening chrome://plugins/ in chromium, and expanding the "details" link.<br />
* For me, it said "Location: /usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so".<br />
* Note this directory, and update the flashplugin variable below if you have a different path:<br />
cd ~/tmp<br />
flashplugin=/usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so<br />
sudo mv $flashplugin ./libflashplayer.so.old<br />
wget http://download.macromedia.com/pub/labs/flashplayer10/flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz<br />
tar zfvx flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz <br />
sudo cp ./libflashplayer.so $flashplugin<br />
cd /usr/lib/chromium-browser/plugins<br />
sudo ln -s $flashplugin<br />
Now restart chromium and the warning should be fixed & flash should work.<br />
<br />
== Android ADB commands ==<br />
<br />
Only useful if you have an android phone and sometimes want to flash custom ROMs or recovery images:<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:phablet-team/tools && sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install android-tools-adb android-tools-fastboot<br />
<br />
== Read SD cards ==<br />
<br />
To be able to read SD cards, [http://askubuntu.com/questions/364270/mount-unknown-filesystem-exfat source]:<br />
sudo apt-get install exfat-fuse exfat-utils<br />
<!--<br />
== Pinta ==<br />
<br />
Basic image editing program, like ms-paint:<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:moonlight-team/pinta<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install pinta<br />
<br />
tends to crash though.... don't include in public instructions just yet!<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
'''Warning: semi-commercial software'''<br />
<br />
Personally, I find dropbox useful for synchronising up to 2 GB of data free between multiple systems (desktop and laptop; work and home). You need to sign up here and install the software from here.<br />
##### FINISH WRITING THIS STEP AT SOME POINT #####<br />
##### Keeps crashing on network transfers, so don't write up until that is completed ###### -- this was fixed by upgrading to version 0.6.564 <br />
##### The crashing is back.... **sigh**<br />
<br />
== testing: Ksplice for rebootless kernel updates ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.ksplice.com/uptrack/download Install]<br />
[http://lwn.net/Articles/340477/ background on Ksplice].<br />
<br />
== Ekiga linux setup ==<br />
.... cannot test this until ADSL connection no longer blocks VoIP...<br />
Date: Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:21:10 +1100<br />
VoIP client.<br />
<br />
Applications ->Internet -> Ekiga softphone<br />
Enter name<br />
Tick "I do not want to sign up for the ekiga.net free service"<br />
connection type xDSL.cable<br />
enable STUN support: Yes<br />
rest of the options: take the defaults,.<br />
<br />
Then in Ekiga, go:<br />
edit -> accounts -> add my pennytel account details.<br />
#### No sound through ekiga in 10.10 -- leave commented out until this works ####<br />
--></div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/Ubuntu_desktop_setup_stepsUbuntu desktop setup steps2018-02-28T22:41:42Z<p>Nickj: /* All VirtualBox upgrades and installs */ update for 5.2</p>
<hr />
<div>Ubuntu desktop setup steps for an AMD64 system. Most of these instructions will work on 8.04 LTS onwards through the current release, and it should almost all work on x86 systems too:<br />
<br />
== Pre-installation standard hardware test procedure ==<br />
<br />
Before installing or configuring any software, it is imperative to test the hardware beforehand, to establish that it is not provably broken:<br />
* Download the ISOs for [http://www.sysresccd.org/ System Rescue CD] and [http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/ Ultimate Boot CD] and burn these.<br />
* From either CD, run Memtest86+ on the machine overnight, to test that the CPU and memory are error-free.<br />
* From UBCD, run a CPU stress test for 5 to 10 minutes to check CPU is reliable and adequately cooled.<br />
* From Sys Rescue CD, check for bad blocks on the hard drive, before trusting it with any data: <code>badblocks -v -s -w -c 4096 /dev/sda</code> <br />Note however that badblocks is quite a slow test - e.g. took 34 hours on a 500 GB SATA disk in an external USB enclosure, and 17 hours on a 250 GB IDE disk.<br />It's also a destructive write test, and so will blank the disk, so make sure you have the right device (use <code>fdisk -lu</code> to confirm the device's size and name).<br />Successful output will look something like this:<br />
Checking for bad blocks in read-write mode<br />
From block 0 to 244198583<br />
Testing with pattern 0xaa: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x55: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0xff: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x00: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Pass completed, 0 bad blocks found.<br />
<br />
If problems are found with any of the above, resolve these first before proceeding further.<br />
<br />
== Installation == <br />
<br />
* Firstly, decide whether you want software RAID or not. Personally, I use RAID-1 mirroring of a single bootable partition, using 2 same-sized disks, from 2 different manufacturers, because:<br />
*# it's simple.<br />
*# it's redundant enough.<br />
*# it's cheap: the incremental cost is the cost of a single disk, which is less than $100.<br />
*# you can boot off of it.<br />
*# it's not a question of if a disk will fail, but when.<br />
: For software RAID, install from the Alternate Installation CD. You can always [http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Convert_a_single_drive_system_to_RAID convert to RAID-1 later], but it's significantly more faffing about than setting it up this way from the get-go.<br />
* Once you've done the above, download and burn either the standard or alternate Ubuntu install CD, as appropriate.<br />
* Insert installation CD. Follow simple options, installs, ejects CD, reboots. Then login.<br />
* System -> Networking -> set up static IP address instead of dynamic IP address.<br />
* reboot to get network changes to apply (theoretically this should not be necessary, but in practice it was, at least for me on 8.04).<br />
* reboot, install system updates. Then reboot once updates are installed.<br />
* system -> hardware drivers -> enable the proprietary nvidia drivers.<br />
* reboot to enable the proprietary drivers.<br />
<br />
== Tweaks and Preferences ==<br />
<br />
* Ditch the annoying sounds: System -> Preferences -> sound -> sounds -> set all to "no sound", and untick "play system sounds", and on "system beep" tab untick all boxes.<br />
* Ditch the thrashing hard-disk: System -> Preferences -> Searching and indexing -> General -> tick "enable indexing" and "enable watching" and both of the power management boxes to disable stuff when on battery.<br />
* To get Subpixel Smoothing on LCDs, do this: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Fonts -> Select "subpixel smoothing (LCDs)". Need to restart Firefox for this change to take effect in Firefox.<br />
* To get reasonable desktop visual effects: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Visual Effects -> Select "Normal".<br />
* To make the system remember running apps and window locations on logout, do this: System -> Preferences -> sessions -> session options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out". In Ubuntu 9.04 / gnome 2.26 & up, this setting has moved, and is now under: System -> Preferences -> Startup Application Preferences -> options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out".<br />
<!--* To tweak networking performance, [http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Hardy#Howto:_Tweak_and_maximize_your_bandwidth_in_Ubuntu.2FLinux_via_sysctl.21 follow these instructions]. --><br />
* Power saving: Turn off blinking cursor by going: System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> untick "Cursor blinks in text fields".<br />
* Add terminal icon to gnome panel: Right-click panel -> Add to Panel -> Application Launcher... -> Accessories -> Terminal -> Add -> Close.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Editor" tab -> tick "autosave" files every 2 minutes.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Plugins" tab -> tick "Sort" to enable the sort plugin -> Close. Can now highlight text and go Edit -> Sort to get it alphabetically sorted.<br />
<br />
== [[Firefox configuration steps]] ==<br />
<br />
{{:Firefox configuration steps}}<br />
<br />
== Installation of extra software ==<br />
<br />
Go system -> admin -> synaptic package manager -> then Install the following (my brief descriptions of what some packages do are also shown) :<br />
* inkscape # Vector drawing package<br />
* hugin # Create panoramas from an image set.<br />
* dia # Draw diagrams & flow charts, somewhat like "visio" on Windows.<br />
* googleearth-package<br />
* xchat # IRC client.<br />
* ttf-mscorefonts-installer ttf-linux-libertine ttf-inconsolata # The most useful font sets. See also the "[[#Install the Tahoma fonts|Install the Tahoma fonts]]" section below.<br />
* audacious # Like XMMS or Winamp<br />
* nmap # Check for open ports.<br />
* filezilla # GUI FTP client.<br />
* wireshark # Packet sniffer<br />
* powertop iotop htop # Show power hogs, I/O hogs, and an more visual command-line version of top.<br />
* nautilus-open-terminal # adds ability to right click on a folder and get a command prompt there.<br />
* php5-cli php5-gd php5-curl # Only useful if you want to write scripts in PHP.<br />
* traceroute # How packets get from here to there over the network.<br />
* curl # Command line HTTP client, includes form-submitting capacity<br />
* tofrodos # Convert line endings from dos to UNIX or vice-versa.<br />
* openssh-server<br />
* libxml2-dev libmysqlclient-dev # Optional: Only used for compiling PHP snapshots<br />
* eclipse sun-java6-jdk sun-java6-jre sun-java6-plugin libmysql-java junit junit-doc # Optional: Java development using Eclipse + java plugins for Firefox<br />
* sysinfo # Kind of like device manager on Windows. Shows CPU / memory / hard disk installed, some hardware that has been detected, etc.<br />
* autofs smbfs smbclient<br />
* gisomount<br />
* gtk-recordmydesktop # Record videos of what you're doing on your desktop.<br />
* gworldclock # Want to simultaneously see the time in Tokyo, LA, London, and Rio? Use this.<br />
* ffmpeg2theora # Convert videos into format suitable for uploading to Wikimedia commons.<br />
* rar p7zip-full # needed for extracting .7z and RAR archives<br />
* gnome-do # Run apps or commands from a keyboard launcher.<br />
* pinfo # Much nicer UI than man or info for reading documentation.<br />
* vlc mozilla-plugin-vlc<br />
* avidemux # Useful for replacing audio tracks in video files.<br />
* indent # Useful for auto-indenting code.<br />
* smartmontools smart-notifier # S.M.A.R.T. hard disk monitoring tools.<br />
* tidy<br />
* ddrescue # Useful for recovering data from failing hard disks.<br />
* gimp-resynthesizer # A nifty plugin for gimp for repairing images or filling in content intelligently. Ignore if you don't use gimp.<br />
* qpdf # Useful for removing password from PDF files, as per [http://blog.sandipb.net/2009/01/10/removing-encryption-from-legitimate-pdf-files-on-ubuntu/ this guide].<br />
* hardinfo # Generates a hardware report and benchmark for the system; can also run in command line mode by doing: <code> hardinfo -r -f html > report.html </code><br />
* gtkvncviewer # Nice VNC client.<br />
* renameutils # Useful for bulk renaming of files. Example for renaming all .JPG files in a directory to .jpg (lowercase) is: <code>rename s/JPG$/jpg/ *</code><br />
* meld # Good GUI for comparing two files, e.g. two log files.<br />
* asciio # Good for drawing ASCII graphs; only available in Ubuntu 10.10 and up.<br />
* spamassassin # Email filtering, used by Evolution.<br />
<!--<br />
<br />
Have installed on laptop - test some more and see if worth including:<br />
gedit-plugins<br />
wget http://nchc.dl.sourceforge.net/sourceforge/openproj/openproj_1.4-2.deb && sudo dpkg -i openproj_1.4-2.deb<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
winbind # could be useful on a windows network. Have not discerned any benefit yet though.<br />
<br />
Still working out whether to include or not: * evolution-plugins-experimental <br />
<br />
* bum # Boot Up Manager - GUI for specifying what services should be running on boot-up.<br />
* miro # Combined bittorrent client and video player. Particularly useful for downloading TED talks before a flight. Uses lots of disk space though.<br />
* k3b # CD burning app.<br />
* deluge amule # P2P - donkey plus bittorrent<br />
<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Configure "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" ==<br />
<br />
To get the back / forward keyboard keys working in Firefox, when using the "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard", go System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> Layout -> click the model button -> Choose Microsoft -> set model to "Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro USB" -> click "close".<br />
<br />
== Custom Key Bindings, aimed at "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" == <br />
<br />
Note: the steps keep changing in each Ubuntu release (the menus move around, the keycodes change), unfortunately.<br />
This is what works for me using 14.04.<br />
<br />
Go: System settings -> Keyboard -> Shortcuts -> custom shortcuts.<br />
<br />
Personally I then add the following custom shortcuts:<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
|-<br />
! Label <br />
! Command<br />
! HotKey<br />
|-<br />
| Terminal<br />
| gnome-terminal<br />
| 1<br />
|-<br />
| Files<br />
| /usr/bin/nemo<br />
| 2<br />
|-<br />
| Screenshot<br />
| gnome-screenshot --window --interactive<br />
| 3<br />
|-<br />
| Text editor <br />
| gedit --new-document <br />
| 4<br />
|- <br />
| KeePass <br />
| /usr/bin/keepass2 <br />
| 5<br />
|}<br />
<!-- 1.10 in gnome-fallback mode:<br />
<br />
* ubuntu "System Setting" (top right corner of your desktop) -> Keyboard -> Shortcut.<br />
* Set "1" favourite key to "run a terminal"<br />
* Set "2" favourite key to "open home folder"<br />
<br />
There seems to be a bug that prevents the "custom shortcuts" keys from working for favourite keys 3, 4 and 5. Instead we have to do this:<br />
* In a terminal, run: <code>gconf-editor</code><br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/global_keybindings<br />
* Change "run_command_3" to be 0xc2, "run_command_4" to be 0xc3, and "run_command_5" to be 0xc4 - these corresponds to the 3 / 4 / 5 favourite keys.<br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/keybinding_commands<br />
* Change "command_3" to be the take-screenshot command: <code>gnome-screenshot --window --interactive</code><br />
* Change "command_4" to be the new-text-editor command: <code>/usr/bin/gedit --new-document</code><br />
* Change "command_5" to be as desired.<br />
* Name is "Zend Studio", command is "sh /home/nickj/programs/Zend/ZendStudio-5.5.0/bin/ZDE". Set the 5 favourite key to run this. --><br />
<br />
== Install Skype == <br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>" -> Skype -> More Info -> Install. <br />
<br />
Then to make the right-click menus legible with Ubuntu's dark theme, do as follows:<br />
# Applications -> Internet -> Skype -> single-click on the skype icon in the top right to open skype -> Ctrl-O to open options -> "general" -> Choose Style: "Desktop settings" -> close.<br />
# Single click on skype icon to open skype again -> Ctrl-Q to close.<br />
# Now restart skype by going Applications -> Internet -> Skype, and the right-click menus will be readable.<br />
<!--<br />
install Skype - [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Skype#AMD64 Source of instructions].<br />
sudo aptitude install ia32-libs<br />
wget http://skype.com/go/getskype-linux-ubuntu<br />
sudo aptitude install libqt4-core libqt4-gui qt4-qtconfig <br />
sudo dpkg --install --force-architecture --force-depends skype-debian*.deb<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Install the Tahoma fonts ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.stchman.com/ms_fonts.html Source of instructions].<br />
<br />
Once the msttcorefonts package is installed you will notice that Tahoma and Tahoma Bold is missing. You will need to extract Tahoma<br />
and Tahoma Bold from the zip file. Tahoma is used for Microsoft desktop, title bars and menu fonts so if you are trying to get that<br />
XP look you will need the Tahoma regular and Tahoma Bold fonts. Install Tahoma by doing the following in a terminal.<br />
<br />
cd ~<br />
wget http://www.stchman.com/tools/MS_fonts/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo unzip -d /usr/share/fonts/truetype/msttcorefonts ~/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo fc-cache -f -v<br />
rm -f ~/tahoma.zip<br />
<br />
== Install Flash == <br />
<br />
* Install the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up or installs flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems.<br />
* Restart the browser.<br />
* Go to: Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, go with all the defaults.<br />
* It removes any old flash plugins and downloads and installs the latest Adobe one.<br />
* For AMD64 systems, can use the flash 64 bit beta.<br />
<br />
If flash videos have a blue tint after the installation, then repeat the above steps, which may fix it. If it doesn't, then right click on a flash video with a blue tint -> Settings -> Untick "enable HW acceleration". [http://askubuntu.com/questions/117127/flash-video-appears-blue Source].<br />
<br />
== Install Google Earth ==<br />
<!--<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update && sudo aptitude install medibuntu-keyring && sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install googleearth-4.3<br />
<br />
... or follow the manual instructions on [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/GoogleEarth this page] for a more recent version.<br />
--><br />
Follow [http://www.liberiangeek.net/2011/10/how-to-install-google-earth-in-ubuntu-11-10-oneiric-ocelot/ these instructions for installing google earth].<br />
<br />
== Install Acrobat reader ==<br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>", or go Applications -> Ubuntu Software Center, and then go: -> Canonical Partners -> Adobe Acrobat reader -> Install.<br />
<br />
<!--<br />
In earlier versions of Ubuntu, to install acrobat reader, since [http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-general-1/cant-shrink-to-fit-pdf-doc-654281/ Ubuntu's native PDF readers don't have shrink to fit when printing]. :<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install acroread acroread-plugins<br />
<br />
(this uses medibuntu, from the Google Earth step above).<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
Also need to do this:<br />
sudo editor /usr/share/applications/defaults.list <br />
And change this:<br />
#application/pdf=evince.desktop<br />
application/pdf=AdobeReader.desktop<br />
--><br />
Then to tweak the display preferences of Acrobat Reader: Edit -> Preferences -> Page Display -> set "Zoom" to "Fit Page" -> Click "Ok".<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
== Install Opera ==<br />
<br />
To install and configure opera (since it's useful for testing web pages to be able to check behaviour, and it's useful to have another browser around sometimes), do the following:<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.list<br />
... and add these two lines:<br />
# For latest stable opera:<br />
deb http://deb.opera.com/opera/ stable non-free<br />
<br />
* Then do:<br />
sudo wget -O - http://deb.opera.com/archive.key | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install opera<br />
* Then run opera - Applications -> Internet -> Opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise -> Toolbars tab -> change the "wrapping" setting to "Wrap to multiple lines".<br />
<!-- <br />
* Go to [http://www.opera.com/download/ Opera's download page].<br />
* Download and open and install the .deb file<br />
* Then run opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise and change the wrapping setting to "multiple lines".<br />
--><br />
== Enable Apport for crash bug reporting ==<br />
<br />
Enable apport so that crash bugs will be reported and logged:<br />
sudo editor /etc/default/apport<br />
change enabled from "0" to "1".<br />
<br />
Crashes will then be logged to /var/crash/<br />
<br />
== Configure Open Office to work in MS Office 2000 compatibility mode ==<br />
<br />
[http://news.cnet.com/8301-13880_3-9864262-68.html Source of instructions]. Only do this if you are testing a migration to Ubuntu. Once you have already switched, then use the native ODF for new files, as they generally save formatting better.<br />
* Start OpenOffice Word Process: Applications -> Office -> OpenOffice.org Word Processor -> tools -> options -> expand "Load/Save" -> select "general" -> For document type = "Text document", set Always save as "Microsoft Word 97/2000/XP" (instead of "ODF text document"); For Document type = "Spreadsheet", set Always save as "Microsoft Excel 97/2000/XP"; For Document type = "Presentation", set Always save as "Microsoft PowerPoint 97/2000/XP" -> then click "OK".<br />
* Then tools -> options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> compatibility -> tick "Use printer metrics for document formatting", tick "Do not add leading (extra space) between lines of text", and tick "Consider wrapping style when positioning objects". Then go: Use as Default -> Yes -> OK.<br />
<br />
Note: When you upgrade between Ubuntu releases, you will probably need to repeat the first step, otherwise it will default back to saving in OpenOffice's formats by default.<br />
<br />
== Evolution configuration ==<br />
<br />
* Turn off new email notifications: Evolution -> Edit -> Plugins -> Uncheck "Mail Notification" plugin.<br />
* Edit -> Preferences -> 'Calendar and Tasks' -> 'Display' tab -> Disable the 'Compress weekends in month view' option.<br />
* Customize the default mail folder view. Get one folder looking right (personal preference: Columns: From / Subject / Received, with threads off, sorted by date received with most recent first). Then go View -> Current view -> Save Custom View... -> Replace existing view -> Messages -> Save. "Messages" is a special view, which is used by default on all folders, although you can override it on a folder-by-folder basis, but customizing that folder's view.<br />
<br />
== Set up SSH keys and KeepAlive Interval ==<br />
<br />
For each machine you want to have password-less SSH login to, do:<br />
ssh-copy-id -i ~/.ssh/id_dsa.pub machine1<br />
<br />
Also on some connections the SSH shell can close after a short timeout period. To keep connections option for longer, on the client side do, <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and then add this line to send a keep-alive heartbeat every 60 seconds:<br />
ServerAliveInterval 60<br />
<br />
... there is also a corresponding "ClientAliveInterval 60" setting that can be added to /etc/ssh/sshd_config - although sometimes you only control the client side of the link, and so this is not possible.<br />
<br />
Also set up connection sharing, makes secondary connections to SSH hosts much faster. <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and add this:<br />
# from: "OpenSSH tip: connection sharing"<br />
# http://tanguy.ortolo.eu/blog/article42/ssh-connection-sharing<br />
ControlPath ~/.ssh/control-%r@%h:%p<br />
ControlMaster auto<br />
ControlPersist 1<br />
<br />
== Automounting remote file systems using SSHFS ==<br />
<br />
For a remote Linux system, can automount with autofs + sshfs. Follow the guides [http://www.tjansson.dk/?p=84 here] and [http://www.mccambridge.org/blog/2007/05/totally-seamless-sshfs-under-linux-using-fuse-and-autofs/ here].<br />
<br />
Debug any problems with:<br />
tail --lines=0 -f /var/log/*<br />
<!-- <br />
Windows shares<br />
* Currently TESTING, this step not complete yet.<br />
* [http://oapeon.blogspot.com/2008/09/automounting-cifs-share-in-ubuntu.html Follow these instructions], but also [http://www.howtoforge.com/accessing_windows_or_samba_shares_using_autofs create a /etc/auto.smb.FILESERVERNAME file with login credentials].<br />
<br />
Actually, may have spoken too soon, seems kinda flakey. Getting "Input/output error" on the command line when accessing shares after a few minutes:<br />
<br />
$ ls /smb/server/sharename/<br />
ls: cannot access /smb/server/sharename/: Input/output error<br />
$<br />
<br />
Also seeing these errors when doing "tail -f /var/log/messages", despite supplying login credentials:<br />
Oct 23 17:42:02 redux kernel: [66597.665680] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
Oct 23 17:42:01 redux kernel: [66597.524118] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
<br />
To remove, uninstall these packages:<br />
sudo aptitude uninstall --purge autofs libevent1 libgssglue1 libnfsidmap2 librpcsecgss3 nfs-common portmap smbfs<br />
<br />
<br />
rebooting seemed to make this better.... although it's still buggy and flakey. Get directories being infinitely recursive, edited files appearing as directories, etc etc.<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
testing / playing with smbnetfs as an alternative<br />
sudo aptitude install smbnetfs<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/smbnetfs.conf <br />
<br />
- show_$_shares "false"<br />
+ show_$_shares "true"<br />
<br />
mkdir ~/.smb<br />
editor ~/.smb/smbnetfs.auth<br />
<br />
auth nickj password<br />
<br />
Need to do something with .smb/smbnetfs.conf ?<br />
<br />
<br />
* smbnetfs is probably not even running - need to find some decent docs on how to configure this.<br />
* autofs is mounted on /smb , and can be seriously flakey.<br />
* trying sshfs now, seems better but needs some magic options in the mount flags to work suitably.<br />
--><br />
== right before and right after each upgrade ==<br />
<br />
Remove unneeded cruft, by doing:<br />
sudo apt-get autoremove<br />
sudo apt-get clean<br />
deborphan<br />
Check first that no important packages are about to be removed, then do:<br />
sudo apt-get remove --purge $(deborphan)<br />
Purge old configuration files, first command shows what will be purged:<br />
sudo aptitude search ~c <br />
sudo aptitude purge ~c<br />
<br />
Fix broken packages:<br />
* <code>sudo aptitude</code><br />
* fix any broken packages (ctrl-t -> resolver -> examine -> g -> g).<br />
* also clean up cache and obsolete files (ctrl-t -> actions -> "clean package cache" and "clean obsolete files").<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
These tweaks are only required for 9.04:<br />
<br />
([http://reformedmusings.wordpress.com/2009/04/26/recovering-daily-update-notifications-in-ubuntu-904-jaunty/ Source]) To enable daily notification of non-security updates, which is especially useful if you [[#enable Apport for crash bug reporting|enable Apport for crash bug reporting]], then do this:<br />
gconftool -s --type bool /apps/update-notifier/auto_launch false<br />
<br />
([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-when-logoutshutdown-and-restart-ubuntu904 Source]) To remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout, do this:<br />
* Right-click on the panel power button icon on top-right of the screen -> Preferences -> Untick "Show confirm dialog for logout, shutdown and restart".<br />
<br />
Only in Ubuntu 9.04:<br />
sudo aptitude install firefox-3.5 firefox-3.5-gnome-support<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Tweaks to Ubuntu 9.10 that I had to apply to get stuff working again, or configured how I like it:<br />
<br />
1: Remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout. ([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-in-ubuntu910karmic Source]). <br />
<br />
2: For seeing details of SMART reporting for hard disks:<br />
sudo aptitude install gsmartcontrol<br />
<br />
3: system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Dust".<br />
<br />
4: Alt-F2, run gconf-editor , then toogle the GConf key /apps/eog/ui/disable_trash_confirmation to be ticked, to disable prompting for image deleting though Eye of Gnome ([https://bugzilla.gnome.org/show_bug.cgi?id=541967#c5 source]).<br />
<br />
5: Some third party entries in your sources.list were disabled. You can re-enable them after the upgrade with the 'software-properties' tool or your package manager.<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.lst<br />
<br />
.. then re-enable dropbox, chrome daily builds, etc, and apply those updates:<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude upgrade<br />
<br />
6: Setting MySQL back to utf8 mode:<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/mysql/my.cnf <br />
add under the "[mysqld]" section:<br />
default-character-set=utf8<br />
<br />
7: Blue tint to video files in VLC, Mplayer, and Totem. [http://www.mediacollege.com/video-gallery/testclips/20051210-w50s.flv Example video file]. [https://bugs.launchpad.net/totem/+bug/395476 Bug is in] the Nvidia closed source driver. Workaround is:<br />
* open totem via Applications -> Sound & Video -> Movie Player<br />
* open the preferences window via Edit -> Preferences<br />
* select the Display tab<br />
* click the Reset to Defaults button<br />
<br />
8: Problem: Mplayer crashing regularly when changing video output mode, and also giving a "couldn't resolve name for AF_INET6:" error on URL playback. Workaround: ditch mplayer, as totem and VLC are suitable replacements:<br />
sudo aptitude remove --purge mplayer<br />
<br />
9: Flash applets don't work in firefox or chrome on AMD64 (example: playing [http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-february-1-2010/q---o this Daily Show] video) .... solution: redo the [[#Install_Flash_on_AMD64|Flash installation steps]].<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Ambiance". <!-- move window decoration buttons to the left too - find link & steps for this --><br />
# If images don't display in office documents: Start OpenOffice writer, and then go: Tools -> Options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> View -> tick "Graphics and objects" -> click "Ok".<br />
<!-- to get SIP calls working through empathy through the dodgy Telstra modem that blocks VoIP: sudo aptitude install telepathy-sofiasip ... no, didn't work - test again later. --><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# <code>sudo aptitude remove tracker</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install unity-2d</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
The 11.10 release had more problems than most releases.<br />
<br />
Nautilus default view: go to Places -> Home folder -> Edit -> Preferences -> "View new folders using": select "List View".<br />
<br />
=== Restore classic Gnome desktop ===<br />
To get gnome classic desktop back, as per [http://www.webupd8.org/2011/08/installing-using-classic-gnome-desktop.html this blog post].<br />
sudo apt-get install gnome-session-fallback<br />
Then:<br />
* Install weather applet<br />
* System monitor applet<br />
* Add application icons for Firefox, chrome, terminal, and gedit.<br />
sudo aptitude install alarm-clock-applet<br />
* Add an application icon for the alarm clock applet.<br />
* Put a trash applet back on the bottom right of the screen.<br />
* Put a show desktop applet back on the bottom left of the screen.<br />
<br />
=== SSH menu is gone, use SSH plus instead ===<br />
Follow [http://www.gulecha.org/2011/07/29/sshplus-a-sshmenu-compatible-appindicator/ these installation instructions]. Then do <code>sudo aptitude install putty</code><br/> <br />
To add to startup apps: Applications -> System Tools -> Preferences -> startup applications -> add SSHplus by full path.<br />
<br />
=== blurry image viewer ===<br />
Images look blurry because the default Gnome Image viewer (eog/eye of gnome) is set to "Best Fit" instead of "Normal view", which resizes images slightly, making them appear blurry. Unfortunately, there seems to be no preference or setting that allows changing this permanently. Instead just install another image viewing app, and make it the default:<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install gthumb</code><br/><br />
It can be customized to view images 1:1 by going Edit -> Preferences -> Viewer -> Set to actual size. Then go View -> unselect "Thumbnail pane" (with this on, it seems to interfere with 1:1 viewing). Test it, then if so make it the default app by going ubuntu "System Settings" (top right corner of your desktop) -> System info -> Default applications -> Photos -> gThumb.<br />
<br />
=== usb automounting was broken ===<br />
Inserted USB drives would no longer automatically mount and open a file manager window. Solved by installing, and then removing, the usbmount package.<br />
<br />
=== Flash broken ===<br />
After upgrading from 11.04 to 11.10, flash applets either did not work, or worked partial (such as the sound being distorted, like the person was underwater). Fixed by installing the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up broken flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems. Installed the extension, restarted the browser, then went Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, just went with all the defaults, it removed the old flash plugins (I had 2) and downloaded and installed the latest adobe one, and then it was as good as new and working flawlessly.<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 12.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
=== Multiple monitors broken, screen orientation broken ===<br />
<br />
run Synaptic, remove all the nvidia drivers, and install the nouveau firmware, then reboot, then systems settings -> displays, and can change the monitor setup so that multi-montior works again and so the orientations are in portrait instead of landscape.<br />
<br />
From the command line to remove nvidia drivers, can do:<br />
sudo apt-get purge nvidia-settings nvidia-current<br />
<br />
=== Customised keyboard shortcuts lost ===<br />
<br />
All my customized keyboard shortcuts for the extra buttons on my keyboard are lost. Had to redo the keyboard config to get these back.<br />
<br />
=== alt-tab no longer works ===<br />
<br />
To fix (from [http://askubuntu.com/questions/135685/alt-tab-does-not-switch this source]) :<br />
sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* Go at the very bottom where it says "Window Management"<br />
* Put a checkmark in "application switcher"<br />
* That should fix it.<br />
<br />
=== Workplace switching is broken (gives a blank desktop with no menus or items) ===<br />
<br />
Install compiz settings manager as above, and that will fix it. To get switching to be 4 horizontal desktops:<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* "general" -> General options -> Desktop size -> horizontal virtual size = 4, vertical virtual size = 1<br />
<br />
Also turn off "effects" -> "animations" in compiz too, whilst we are there.<br />
<br />
=== Gnome menus look ugly ===<br />
<br />
The bug is [https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/light-themes/+bug/981289 here]. To fix ambiance themes, [http://www.webupd8.org/2012/05/install-ambiance-fixed-for-classic.html follow these steps].<br />
<br />
=== Printing was broken ===<br />
<br />
Jobs sent to the network printer just sat in the queue and were never printed, even though the printer hardware was fine and the same queue worked perfectly in 11.10. Easiest solution was to cancel all print jobs, delete the printer, add a new printer with the same settings, and reboot (because the printer setup locked up whilst doing these things).<br />
<br />
=== Printing was excessively slow from Firefox ===<br />
<br />
Even after doing the above, printing was very slow from Firefox to the HP LaserJet 2100 TN. For example, it was taking up to 4 minutes to print a page, whereas it would take 15 seconds before. To fix:<br />
* Run "system-config-printer" from the command line.<br />
* Change the printer driver. Instead of the recommended driver, use "HP LaserJet 2100 - CUPS+Gutenprint v5.2.8-pre1".<br />
* Print a test page, once works okay, click "OK", and close the printer config applet.<br />
<br />
=== Volume applet indicator disappeared ===<br />
<br />
[http://askubuntu.com/questions/126411/volume-and-other-indicators-disappeared-in-the-classic-desktop Source].<br />
Run gnome-sound-applet from the command line to check that it is installed and working.<br />
<br />
To start the sound applet automatically, go to System Tools -> Preferences -> Startup Applications, and add Command gnome-sound-applet<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 13.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
To be able to play videos again:<br />
sudo aptitude install ubuntu-restricted-extras<br />
<br />
To stop using Nautilus, following the unfortuate decision to remove all of its most useful features, and switch to Nemo instead. [http://www.fandigital.com/2012/09/install-nemo-file-manager-in-ubuntu.html Source] [http://www.fandigital.com/2013/01/set-nemo-default-file-manager-ubuntu.html Source].<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:gwendal-lebihan-dev/cinnamon-stable<br />
sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install nemo nemo-fileroller<br />
xdg-mime default nemo.desktop inode/directory application/x-gnome-saved-search<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 13.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Changed video driver from nouveau open source driver to nvidia's binary driver, to fix intermittent crashing of gnome-shell once or more per day: Applications -> System tools -> Software & updates -> Additional drivers -> nvidia-319-updates.<br />
<br />
* Problem: guest session broken, wallpaper all black, desktop icons broken, and screensaver unlock sometimes not working<br />
* Cause: All due to a conflict between Ubuntu 13.10 and cinnamon.<br />
* Solution: remove cinnamon and nemo. [http://askubuntu.com/questions/360772/unity-isnt-starting-on-13-10 Source].<br />
<br />
sudo apt-get install ppa-purge<br />
sudo apt-get purge --auto-remove cinnamon<br />
sudo apt-get autoremove<br />
sudo apt-get update -f<br />
sudo apt-get dist-upgrade<br />
sudo apt-get install ubuntu-desktop<br />
sudo apt-get remove .*cinnamon.*<br />
sudo apt-get remove .*nemo.*<br />
<br />
Then install nemo from the Ubuntu repos - part of the repos now.<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 14.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Only needed on a Gnome desktop, will cause icons to not appear on a Unity desktop and so should be skipped under Unity: To fix missing notifier icons (network, dropbox, sshplus, ksplice) under Gnome :<br />
<br />
* How to fix the missing network icon - follow [http://www.bauer-power.net/2014/05/permanent-fix-for-missing-network.html these steps].<br />
* For the others: System tools -> preferences -> startup applications -> then open the item whose notifier icon is not appearing.<br />
* add "dbus-launch " to start of the command lines for Ksplice and SSHPlus and Dropbox, and any others that are not working.<br />
<!--<br />
To fix greeter/login-screen monitor orientation - [http://askubuntu.com/questions/408302/rotated-monitor-login-screen-needs-rotation source].<br />
<br />
sudo cp ~/.config/monitors.xml /var/lib/lightdm/.config/<br />
sudo chown lightdm.lightdm /var/lib/lightdm/.config/monitors.xml<br />
--><br />
<br />
== VirtualBox ==<br />
<br />
=== first time VirtualBox install only ===<br />
<br />
From the [http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Linux_Downloads VirtualBox Installation instructions]:<br />
sudo vim /etc/apt/sources.list <br />
add this line: <code>deb http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian oneiric contrib</code> . Do not add a deb-src line.<br />
wget -q http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian/oracle_vbox.asc -O- | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude install dkms<br />
<br />
The first time that you install, make sure that you are a member of vboxusers group (needed for USB disks to work correctly) :<br />
sudo usermod -a -G vboxusers `whoami`<br />
sudo usermod -a -G disk `whoami`<br />
Then reboot the computer.<br />
<br />
=== All VirtualBox upgrades and installs ===<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install virtualbox-5.2<br />
<br />
To update/get the extension pack, go File -> "Check for Updates...", and this will check you have the latest virtualbox and also install/update the extensions. Take all the defaults. Enter password if prompted.<br />
<br />
After upgrading from a previous version, to update each guest's VirtualBox drivers, do this after the Guest has started:<br />
* VirtualBox -> start Guest -> "Devices" menu -> Install Guest Additions.<br />
<br />
And in a Debian or Ubuntu '''guest''' machine after doing an upgrade, to install the vbox additions, do this:<br />
* Devices -> install guest additions...<br />
mount /dev/cdrom <br />
aptitude install build-essential linux-headers-$(uname -r)<br />
sh /cdrom/VBoxLinuxAdditions.run<br />
<br />
=== To check if things aren't working as expected ===<br />
<br />
Before starting the Guest machine, make sure USB functionality is enabled by going:<br />
* Settings -> USB -> Make sure both the USB checkboxes are ticked -> Click the "Add Empty Filter" button (the top button on the right) -> click OK to close dialog box.<br />
<br />
Rebuild the virtualbox modules after upgrading from a previous version:<br />
sudo service vboxdrv setup<br />
<br />
Then plug in a USB device after the guest machine has started. Then make it visible to the Guest by going:<br />
* Devices -> USB devices -> and select the USB device to make visible.<br />
<br />
When doing a major version upgrade, use apt-get and not aptitude. For example:<br />
sudo apt-get install virtualbox-5.0<br />
... and then start VirtualBox, and then install the latest extension pack, using the steps above. The link will be on the [https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads VirtualBox downloads] page.<br />
<br />
If you get an "Error! Could not locate dkms.conf file" message, then you probably have old directories left over from an old version of virtualbox under /var/lib/dkms/ . E.g. I had some directories left over from 3.2.6, and the fix was:<br />
sudo rm -r /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetadp /var/lib/dkms/vboxdrv /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetflt<br />
<br />
== Newsgroup bin client ==<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude install sabnzbdplus<br />
Then configure as per [http://wiki.sabnzbd.org/quick-setup the steps on their wiki].<br />
<!-- Lottanzb keeps crashing for me:<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:lottanzb/daily-build<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:jcfp/ppa<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install lottanzb sabnzbdplus<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Steps for making the Benq Acer S2W 3300U work == <br />
<br />
* Plug in power and USB cable to the scanner, and connect it to your computer.<br />
* Check SANE is installed, then run <code> sane-find-scanner </code>, and it should list your scanner.<br />
* From [http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/downloads.cfm/dtype/D/page/downloads/product/91 Benq's page] get the Mirascan ZIP file. Note that Benq's webservers are crap, and they cut out mid-download, so save yourself frustration by using wget to take care of the downloading/resuming/retrying, by doing:<br />
wget ftp://211.78.86.204/scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
and/or<br />
wget http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/download.cfm?file=scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
* Check the ZIP file downloaded okay by doing:<br />
unzip -t mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
... and making sure it says there were "no errors detected" at the end.<br />
* Extract just the u176v046.bin file (which is firmware blob that this scanner needs to operate) into the current directory:<br />
unzip -j mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip "MiraScan v4.03u10_BQA/BIN/u176v046.bin"<br />
* Set up Sane to use this firmware blob:<br />
sudo mkdir /usr/share/sane/snapscan<br />
sudo cp u176v046.bin /usr/share/sane/snapscan/<br />
sudo editor /etc/sane.d/snapscan.conf<br />
... and change the first line from:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/your-firmwarefile.bin<br />
to:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/u176v046.bin<br />
... then save and close the file.<br />
* Then under the Applications -> Graphics menu, run Xsane, or (my preference) Simple Scan.<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
<!-- todo: add the repo steps here --><br />
Unfortunately dropbox does not seem to automatically install updates for old versions. Given this, need to manually install updates on old versions, and easiest way to install dropbox updates on Linux is, open a terminal and do:<br />
dropbox stop<br />
dropbox status # Should report "not running"<br />
rm -r ~/.dropbox-dist/<br />
dropbox start -i<br />
<br />
== Handbrake ==<br />
<br />
Handbrake is a media converter, and is especially useful for converting files for portable devices, like Android tablets or iPhones. To install the snapshot releases (which seems to be the easiest way, if you want the GUI) :<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:stebbins/handbrake-snapshots<br />
sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install handbrake-gtk handbrake-cli<br />
== Install Chromium dev builds ==<br />
<br />
Firefox is currently slightly better as a daily browser, but Chromium is improving rapidly. If you want to play with the native alpha port of Google's Chrome browser just to see how it's going, you can install the dev builds of Chromium quite easily by doing:<br />
<!-- could get rid of the PPA - Ubuntu now includes the chromium browser in universe, that lags a little, but avoids the constant daily updates: http://packages.ubuntu.com/search?keywords=chromium-browser --><br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:chromium-daily/dev<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install chromium-browser chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-nonfree chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-extra<br />
<!-- following [http://www.stefanoforenza.com/chromium-on-ubuntu-how-to/ these directions]. You probably also want to add the key for this PPA to your system, following [https://help.launchpad.net/Packaging/PPA#Adding%20the%20keys%20using%20Gnome these directions] about adding [http://keyserver.ubuntu.com:11371/pks/lookup?op=get&search=0x5A9BF3BB4E5E17B5 their key] to your system, so that you don't get lots of prompts every day when there is an update about "do you want to install unauthenticated packages?". --><br />
<br />
Chrome Extensions to install:<br />
* [http://www.chromeextensions.org/appearance-functioning/flashblock/ FlashBlock].<br />
* [http://blog.xmarks.com/?p=1244 Xmarks].<br />
* [https://chrome.google.com/extensions/detail/gighmmpiobklfepjocnamgkkbiglidom Adblock]. Need to restart browser for extension to take effect.<br />
<br />
Still waiting for these Chrome extensions as at July 2010:<br />
* The equivalent of Tab Mix Plus. (still looking for this).<br />
<br />
Things that aren't working quite right yet in Chromium on Linux:<br />
* The backspace key should go back, or should be configurable for this. There is an extension that allows this, but it should probably be a preference in the base browser.<br />
* Auto-updating of extensions. There is a way to do this from the extensions UI, but in Chromium it doesn't seem to do anything.<br />
* Audio playback not working correctly - e.g. on [http://slides.html5rocks.com/#slide22 this slide], get no audio after selecting a national anthem other than US (US works, other's don't). Possibly [http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Chrome/thread?tid=2fdf2aa857abe1ef&hl=en this issue] or [http://code.google.com/p/chromium/issues/detail?id=37848 this issue].<br />
* WebGL does not work on an old laptop, but does on a modern desktop. Could be that the laptop's hardware is just too old (or just not supported in 3D).<br />
<br />
To enable most of the new features of Chromium, change the command line for starting chromium to be like this:<br />
chromium-browser --enable-plugins --enable-greasemonkey --enable-user-scripts --enable-internal-flash --enable-extensions --enable-webgl %U<br />
<br />
Configuration settings:<br />
* To make streetview work: Try to open streetview -> nothing happens -> press Ctrl-Shift-F (which permanently unblock flashblock on that site) -> then streetview will pop up and work thereafter.<br />
<br />
Updating the flash plugin if you get a warning that "the flash plugin was blocked because it is out of date", or just installing the flash plugin.<br />
* First check where the plugin is installed, by opening chrome://plugins/ in chromium, and expanding the "details" link.<br />
* For me, it said "Location: /usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so".<br />
* Note this directory, and update the flashplugin variable below if you have a different path:<br />
cd ~/tmp<br />
flashplugin=/usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so<br />
sudo mv $flashplugin ./libflashplayer.so.old<br />
wget http://download.macromedia.com/pub/labs/flashplayer10/flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz<br />
tar zfvx flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz <br />
sudo cp ./libflashplayer.so $flashplugin<br />
cd /usr/lib/chromium-browser/plugins<br />
sudo ln -s $flashplugin<br />
Now restart chromium and the warning should be fixed & flash should work.<br />
<br />
== Android ADB commands ==<br />
<br />
Only useful if you have an android phone and sometimes want to flash custom ROMs or recovery images:<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:phablet-team/tools && sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install android-tools-adb android-tools-fastboot<br />
<br />
== Read SD cards ==<br />
<br />
To be able to read SD cards, [http://askubuntu.com/questions/364270/mount-unknown-filesystem-exfat source]:<br />
sudo apt-get install exfat-fuse exfat-utils<br />
<!--<br />
== Pinta ==<br />
<br />
Basic image editing program, like ms-paint:<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:moonlight-team/pinta<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install pinta<br />
<br />
tends to crash though.... don't include in public instructions just yet!<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
'''Warning: semi-commercial software'''<br />
<br />
Personally, I find dropbox useful for synchronising up to 2 GB of data free between multiple systems (desktop and laptop; work and home). You need to sign up here and install the software from here.<br />
##### FINISH WRITING THIS STEP AT SOME POINT #####<br />
##### Keeps crashing on network transfers, so don't write up until that is completed ###### -- this was fixed by upgrading to version 0.6.564 <br />
##### The crashing is back.... **sigh**<br />
<br />
== testing: Ksplice for rebootless kernel updates ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.ksplice.com/uptrack/download Install]<br />
[http://lwn.net/Articles/340477/ background on Ksplice].<br />
<br />
== Ekiga linux setup ==<br />
.... cannot test this until ADSL connection no longer blocks VoIP...<br />
Date: Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:21:10 +1100<br />
VoIP client.<br />
<br />
Applications ->Internet -> Ekiga softphone<br />
Enter name<br />
Tick "I do not want to sign up for the ekiga.net free service"<br />
connection type xDSL.cable<br />
enable STUN support: Yes<br />
rest of the options: take the defaults,.<br />
<br />
Then in Ekiga, go:<br />
edit -> accounts -> add my pennytel account details.<br />
#### No sound through ekiga in 10.10 -- leave commented out until this works ####<br />
--></div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/Firefox_configuration_stepsFirefox configuration steps2017-06-15T01:17:35Z<p>Nickj: /* Firefox Add-ons */</p>
<hr />
<div>Firefox configuration steps<br />
<br />
== Firefox Add-ons == <br />
Go Tools -> Add-ons -> Get Add-ons -> then search for and install these add-ons:<br />
* [https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1122 Tax mix plus].<br />
* ublock origin<br />
* KeeFox. Use these [http://www.sysads.co.uk/2014/05/integrate-keepass-2-firefox-keefox-ubuntu-14-04-13-10/ Keefox configuration steps for linux], e.g:<br />
cd ~/.mozilla/firefox/5rtqb3dy.default-1347599554683/extensions/keefox@chris.tomlinson/deps<br />
sudo cp KeePassRPC.plgx /usr/lib/keepass2/<br />
Close Firefox, close KeePass (note: MUST restart keepass as it compiles the add-on modules on restart), restart Firefox.<br />
<br />
Note: if you then get an error on starting keepass that says "the plugin cannot be loaded a new Keepass version is required to open this file", then you need to update Keepass. The ones included with the distro can be out of date (e.g. 2.32 when 2.35 is available). For example, to update Ubuntu or Mint, use this PPA with the current version:<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:jtaylor/keepass<br />
sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get upgrade<br />
<br />
== Firefox Tweaks == <br />
* Don't want Firefox to close when pressing ctrl-w on the last tab: Tools -> tab mix plus options -> events -> tab closing -> tick "do not close window when closing last tab by hotkey".<br />
* Tab mix plus -> Events -> New Tabs -> Tick "Open new tabs next to current one".<br />
* Tab mix plus -> Events -> Tab Features -> Untick "Ctrl-Tab navigates tabs in most recently used order".<br />
* Tab mix plus -> Display -> Tab Bar -> When tabs don't fit width: Multi-row; Set number of rows to 2 or 3. <!--<br />
* Firefox: enable printing in print preview mode in Linux: about:config -> toggle "printWhileInPrintPreview" to "true". [Have to re-apply this setting when upgrading linux distro] --><br />
* Stop animated GIFs in Firefox: about:config -> image.animation_mode -> change to "none"<br />
* Firefox: Fix the stupid behavior of overwriting current tabs when opening new tabs: about:config -> browser.tabs.loadFolderAndReplace -> toggle to "true". [Have to re-apply this setting when upgrading Linux distro]<br />
* To get autocomplete for the web address, go: about:config -> browser.urlbar.autoFill -> toggle to "true" -> restart FF.<br />
* Stop the full screen mode-switch animation: about:config -> browser.fullscreen.animateUp -> change to "0".<br />
* Perform a sync using Foxmarks wizard, and for the initial setup keep the bookmarks on the server, and overwrite those on this computer.<br />
* File -> Page setup ... -> Paper size = "A4", and orientation = "Portrait".<br />
* Edit -> Preferences -> Main tab -> tick to close the download window when all downloads are finished.<br />
* Laptops only: Add a delay to the bookmark menu collapsing (only really useful on laptops when navigating with a trackpad or button, which tends to be fairly inaccurate) - about:config -> right-click -> New -> Integer -> name is: ui.submenuDelay -> value is: 800<br />
* Prevent JavaScript from messing with browser window: Edit -> Preferences -> Content tab -> Advanced ... -> untick everything.<br />
* Make the "Backspace" key be like pressing the "Back" button: about:config -> browser.backspace_action -> change to "0".<br />
* Stop blocky graphics: View -> Zoom -> Tick "Zoom Text Only".<br />
* About:config -> dom.max_script_run_time -> chnage from 10 to 20 to increase timeout on slow scripts.<br />
* Set search bar to use Australian Google rather than US Google: Open [http://mycroft.mozdev.org/google-search-plugins.html this list of search plugins] -> click "Google Australia - the web" -> tick the "Start using it straight away" box -> click "Ok".<br />
* To make streetview work: Tools -> Addons -> Flash-block -> preferences -> whitelist -> add "maps.google.com.au" and "maps.google.com".<br />
* Firefox 4, to limit excessive memory usage: about:config -> browser.sessionhistory.max_total_viewers -> set to "0".<br />
* To stop old tabs using memory when the browser is restarted: Edit -> Preferences -> Tabs -> tick "Don't load tabs until selected". * If install noscript, then add a whitelisting for xmarks.com<br />
* To increase mouse scroll speeed: About:config -> mousewheel.withnokey.sysnumlines -> toggle to false. Then make sure that mousewheel.withnokey.numlines is set to 6.</div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/Firefox_configuration_stepsFirefox configuration steps2017-06-15T00:33:34Z<p>Nickj: /* Firefox Add-ons */ ABP -> replaced with ublock origin</p>
<hr />
<div>Firefox configuration steps<br />
<br />
== Firefox Add-ons == <br />
Go Tools -> Add-ons -> Get Add-ons -> then search for and install these add-ons:<br />
* [https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1122 Tax mix plus].<br />
* ublock origin<br />
* KeeFox. Use these [http://www.sysads.co.uk/2014/05/integrate-keepass-2-firefox-keefox-ubuntu-14-04-13-10/ Keefox configuration steps for linux], e.g:<br />
cd ~/.mozilla/firefox/5rtqb3dy.default-1347599554683/extensions/keefox@chris.tomlinson/deps<br />
sudo cp KeePassRPC.plgx /usr/lib/keepass2/<br />
Close Firefox, close KeePass (note: MUST restart keepass as it compiles the add-on modules on restart), restart Firefox.<br />
<br />
== Firefox Tweaks == <br />
* Don't want Firefox to close when pressing ctrl-w on the last tab: Tools -> tab mix plus options -> events -> tab closing -> tick "do not close window when closing last tab by hotkey".<br />
* Tab mix plus -> Events -> New Tabs -> Tick "Open new tabs next to current one".<br />
* Tab mix plus -> Events -> Tab Features -> Untick "Ctrl-Tab navigates tabs in most recently used order".<br />
* Tab mix plus -> Display -> Tab Bar -> When tabs don't fit width: Multi-row; Set number of rows to 2 or 3. <!--<br />
* Firefox: enable printing in print preview mode in Linux: about:config -> toggle "printWhileInPrintPreview" to "true". [Have to re-apply this setting when upgrading linux distro] --><br />
* Stop animated GIFs in Firefox: about:config -> image.animation_mode -> change to "none"<br />
* Firefox: Fix the stupid behavior of overwriting current tabs when opening new tabs: about:config -> browser.tabs.loadFolderAndReplace -> toggle to "true". [Have to re-apply this setting when upgrading Linux distro]<br />
* To get autocomplete for the web address, go: about:config -> browser.urlbar.autoFill -> toggle to "true" -> restart FF.<br />
* Stop the full screen mode-switch animation: about:config -> browser.fullscreen.animateUp -> change to "0".<br />
* Perform a sync using Foxmarks wizard, and for the initial setup keep the bookmarks on the server, and overwrite those on this computer.<br />
* File -> Page setup ... -> Paper size = "A4", and orientation = "Portrait".<br />
* Edit -> Preferences -> Main tab -> tick to close the download window when all downloads are finished.<br />
* Laptops only: Add a delay to the bookmark menu collapsing (only really useful on laptops when navigating with a trackpad or button, which tends to be fairly inaccurate) - about:config -> right-click -> New -> Integer -> name is: ui.submenuDelay -> value is: 800<br />
* Prevent JavaScript from messing with browser window: Edit -> Preferences -> Content tab -> Advanced ... -> untick everything.<br />
* Make the "Backspace" key be like pressing the "Back" button: about:config -> browser.backspace_action -> change to "0".<br />
* Stop blocky graphics: View -> Zoom -> Tick "Zoom Text Only".<br />
* About:config -> dom.max_script_run_time -> chnage from 10 to 20 to increase timeout on slow scripts.<br />
* Set search bar to use Australian Google rather than US Google: Open [http://mycroft.mozdev.org/google-search-plugins.html this list of search plugins] -> click "Google Australia - the web" -> tick the "Start using it straight away" box -> click "Ok".<br />
* To make streetview work: Tools -> Addons -> Flash-block -> preferences -> whitelist -> add "maps.google.com.au" and "maps.google.com".<br />
* Firefox 4, to limit excessive memory usage: about:config -> browser.sessionhistory.max_total_viewers -> set to "0".<br />
* To stop old tabs using memory when the browser is restarted: Edit -> Preferences -> Tabs -> tick "Don't load tabs until selected". * If install noscript, then add a whitelisting for xmarks.com<br />
* To increase mouse scroll speeed: About:config -> mousewheel.withnokey.sysnumlines -> toggle to false. Then make sure that mousewheel.withnokey.numlines is set to 6.</div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/Ubuntu_desktop_setup_stepsUbuntu desktop setup steps2017-04-03T06:06:55Z<p>Nickj: + Read SD cards</p>
<hr />
<div>Ubuntu desktop setup steps for an AMD64 system. Most of these instructions will work on 8.04 LTS onwards through the current release, and it should almost all work on x86 systems too:<br />
<br />
== Pre-installation standard hardware test procedure ==<br />
<br />
Before installing or configuring any software, it is imperative to test the hardware beforehand, to establish that it is not provably broken:<br />
* Download the ISOs for [http://www.sysresccd.org/ System Rescue CD] and [http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/ Ultimate Boot CD] and burn these.<br />
* From either CD, run Memtest86+ on the machine overnight, to test that the CPU and memory are error-free.<br />
* From UBCD, run a CPU stress test for 5 to 10 minutes to check CPU is reliable and adequately cooled.<br />
* From Sys Rescue CD, check for bad blocks on the hard drive, before trusting it with any data: <code>badblocks -v -s -w -c 4096 /dev/sda</code> <br />Note however that badblocks is quite a slow test - e.g. took 34 hours on a 500 GB SATA disk in an external USB enclosure, and 17 hours on a 250 GB IDE disk.<br />It's also a destructive write test, and so will blank the disk, so make sure you have the right device (use <code>fdisk -lu</code> to confirm the device's size and name).<br />Successful output will look something like this:<br />
Checking for bad blocks in read-write mode<br />
From block 0 to 244198583<br />
Testing with pattern 0xaa: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x55: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0xff: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x00: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Pass completed, 0 bad blocks found.<br />
<br />
If problems are found with any of the above, resolve these first before proceeding further.<br />
<br />
== Installation == <br />
<br />
* Firstly, decide whether you want software RAID or not. Personally, I use RAID-1 mirroring of a single bootable partition, using 2 same-sized disks, from 2 different manufacturers, because:<br />
*# it's simple.<br />
*# it's redundant enough.<br />
*# it's cheap: the incremental cost is the cost of a single disk, which is less than $100.<br />
*# you can boot off of it.<br />
*# it's not a question of if a disk will fail, but when.<br />
: For software RAID, install from the Alternate Installation CD. You can always [http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Convert_a_single_drive_system_to_RAID convert to RAID-1 later], but it's significantly more faffing about than setting it up this way from the get-go.<br />
* Once you've done the above, download and burn either the standard or alternate Ubuntu install CD, as appropriate.<br />
* Insert installation CD. Follow simple options, installs, ejects CD, reboots. Then login.<br />
* System -> Networking -> set up static IP address instead of dynamic IP address.<br />
* reboot to get network changes to apply (theoretically this should not be necessary, but in practice it was, at least for me on 8.04).<br />
* reboot, install system updates. Then reboot once updates are installed.<br />
* system -> hardware drivers -> enable the proprietary nvidia drivers.<br />
* reboot to enable the proprietary drivers.<br />
<br />
== Tweaks and Preferences ==<br />
<br />
* Ditch the annoying sounds: System -> Preferences -> sound -> sounds -> set all to "no sound", and untick "play system sounds", and on "system beep" tab untick all boxes.<br />
* Ditch the thrashing hard-disk: System -> Preferences -> Searching and indexing -> General -> tick "enable indexing" and "enable watching" and both of the power management boxes to disable stuff when on battery.<br />
* To get Subpixel Smoothing on LCDs, do this: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Fonts -> Select "subpixel smoothing (LCDs)". Need to restart Firefox for this change to take effect in Firefox.<br />
* To get reasonable desktop visual effects: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Visual Effects -> Select "Normal".<br />
* To make the system remember running apps and window locations on logout, do this: System -> Preferences -> sessions -> session options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out". In Ubuntu 9.04 / gnome 2.26 & up, this setting has moved, and is now under: System -> Preferences -> Startup Application Preferences -> options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out".<br />
<!--* To tweak networking performance, [http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Hardy#Howto:_Tweak_and_maximize_your_bandwidth_in_Ubuntu.2FLinux_via_sysctl.21 follow these instructions]. --><br />
* Power saving: Turn off blinking cursor by going: System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> untick "Cursor blinks in text fields".<br />
* Add terminal icon to gnome panel: Right-click panel -> Add to Panel -> Application Launcher... -> Accessories -> Terminal -> Add -> Close.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Editor" tab -> tick "autosave" files every 2 minutes.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Plugins" tab -> tick "Sort" to enable the sort plugin -> Close. Can now highlight text and go Edit -> Sort to get it alphabetically sorted.<br />
<br />
== [[Firefox configuration steps]] ==<br />
<br />
{{:Firefox configuration steps}}<br />
<br />
== Installation of extra software ==<br />
<br />
Go system -> admin -> synaptic package manager -> then Install the following (my brief descriptions of what some packages do are also shown) :<br />
* inkscape # Vector drawing package<br />
* hugin # Create panoramas from an image set.<br />
* dia # Draw diagrams & flow charts, somewhat like "visio" on Windows.<br />
* googleearth-package<br />
* xchat # IRC client.<br />
* ttf-mscorefonts-installer ttf-linux-libertine ttf-inconsolata # The most useful font sets. See also the "[[#Install the Tahoma fonts|Install the Tahoma fonts]]" section below.<br />
* audacious # Like XMMS or Winamp<br />
* nmap # Check for open ports.<br />
* filezilla # GUI FTP client.<br />
* wireshark # Packet sniffer<br />
* powertop iotop htop # Show power hogs, I/O hogs, and an more visual command-line version of top.<br />
* nautilus-open-terminal # adds ability to right click on a folder and get a command prompt there.<br />
* php5-cli php5-gd php5-curl # Only useful if you want to write scripts in PHP.<br />
* traceroute # How packets get from here to there over the network.<br />
* curl # Command line HTTP client, includes form-submitting capacity<br />
* tofrodos # Convert line endings from dos to UNIX or vice-versa.<br />
* openssh-server<br />
* libxml2-dev libmysqlclient-dev # Optional: Only used for compiling PHP snapshots<br />
* eclipse sun-java6-jdk sun-java6-jre sun-java6-plugin libmysql-java junit junit-doc # Optional: Java development using Eclipse + java plugins for Firefox<br />
* sysinfo # Kind of like device manager on Windows. Shows CPU / memory / hard disk installed, some hardware that has been detected, etc.<br />
* autofs smbfs smbclient<br />
* gisomount<br />
* gtk-recordmydesktop # Record videos of what you're doing on your desktop.<br />
* gworldclock # Want to simultaneously see the time in Tokyo, LA, London, and Rio? Use this.<br />
* ffmpeg2theora # Convert videos into format suitable for uploading to Wikimedia commons.<br />
* rar p7zip-full # needed for extracting .7z and RAR archives<br />
* gnome-do # Run apps or commands from a keyboard launcher.<br />
* pinfo # Much nicer UI than man or info for reading documentation.<br />
* vlc mozilla-plugin-vlc<br />
* avidemux # Useful for replacing audio tracks in video files.<br />
* indent # Useful for auto-indenting code.<br />
* smartmontools smart-notifier # S.M.A.R.T. hard disk monitoring tools.<br />
* tidy<br />
* ddrescue # Useful for recovering data from failing hard disks.<br />
* gimp-resynthesizer # A nifty plugin for gimp for repairing images or filling in content intelligently. Ignore if you don't use gimp.<br />
* qpdf # Useful for removing password from PDF files, as per [http://blog.sandipb.net/2009/01/10/removing-encryption-from-legitimate-pdf-files-on-ubuntu/ this guide].<br />
* hardinfo # Generates a hardware report and benchmark for the system; can also run in command line mode by doing: <code> hardinfo -r -f html > report.html </code><br />
* gtkvncviewer # Nice VNC client.<br />
* renameutils # Useful for bulk renaming of files. Example for renaming all .JPG files in a directory to .jpg (lowercase) is: <code>rename s/JPG$/jpg/ *</code><br />
* meld # Good GUI for comparing two files, e.g. two log files.<br />
* asciio # Good for drawing ASCII graphs; only available in Ubuntu 10.10 and up.<br />
* spamassassin # Email filtering, used by Evolution.<br />
<!--<br />
<br />
Have installed on laptop - test some more and see if worth including:<br />
gedit-plugins<br />
wget http://nchc.dl.sourceforge.net/sourceforge/openproj/openproj_1.4-2.deb && sudo dpkg -i openproj_1.4-2.deb<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
winbind # could be useful on a windows network. Have not discerned any benefit yet though.<br />
<br />
Still working out whether to include or not: * evolution-plugins-experimental <br />
<br />
* bum # Boot Up Manager - GUI for specifying what services should be running on boot-up.<br />
* miro # Combined bittorrent client and video player. Particularly useful for downloading TED talks before a flight. Uses lots of disk space though.<br />
* k3b # CD burning app.<br />
* deluge amule # P2P - donkey plus bittorrent<br />
<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Configure "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" ==<br />
<br />
To get the back / forward keyboard keys working in Firefox, when using the "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard", go System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> Layout -> click the model button -> Choose Microsoft -> set model to "Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro USB" -> click "close".<br />
<br />
== Custom Key Bindings, aimed at "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" == <br />
<br />
Note: the steps keep changing in each Ubuntu release (the menus move around, the keycodes change), unfortunately.<br />
This is what works for me using 14.04.<br />
<br />
Go: System settings -> Keyboard -> Shortcuts -> custom shortcuts.<br />
<br />
Personally I then add the following custom shortcuts:<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
|-<br />
! Label <br />
! Command<br />
! HotKey<br />
|-<br />
| Terminal<br />
| gnome-terminal<br />
| 1<br />
|-<br />
| Files<br />
| /usr/bin/nemo<br />
| 2<br />
|-<br />
| Screenshot<br />
| gnome-screenshot --window --interactive<br />
| 3<br />
|-<br />
| Text editor <br />
| gedit --new-document <br />
| 4<br />
|- <br />
| KeePass <br />
| /usr/bin/keepass2 <br />
| 5<br />
|}<br />
<!-- 1.10 in gnome-fallback mode:<br />
<br />
* ubuntu "System Setting" (top right corner of your desktop) -> Keyboard -> Shortcut.<br />
* Set "1" favourite key to "run a terminal"<br />
* Set "2" favourite key to "open home folder"<br />
<br />
There seems to be a bug that prevents the "custom shortcuts" keys from working for favourite keys 3, 4 and 5. Instead we have to do this:<br />
* In a terminal, run: <code>gconf-editor</code><br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/global_keybindings<br />
* Change "run_command_3" to be 0xc2, "run_command_4" to be 0xc3, and "run_command_5" to be 0xc4 - these corresponds to the 3 / 4 / 5 favourite keys.<br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/keybinding_commands<br />
* Change "command_3" to be the take-screenshot command: <code>gnome-screenshot --window --interactive</code><br />
* Change "command_4" to be the new-text-editor command: <code>/usr/bin/gedit --new-document</code><br />
* Change "command_5" to be as desired.<br />
* Name is "Zend Studio", command is "sh /home/nickj/programs/Zend/ZendStudio-5.5.0/bin/ZDE". Set the 5 favourite key to run this. --><br />
<br />
== Install Skype == <br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>" -> Skype -> More Info -> Install. <br />
<br />
Then to make the right-click menus legible with Ubuntu's dark theme, do as follows:<br />
# Applications -> Internet -> Skype -> single-click on the skype icon in the top right to open skype -> Ctrl-O to open options -> "general" -> Choose Style: "Desktop settings" -> close.<br />
# Single click on skype icon to open skype again -> Ctrl-Q to close.<br />
# Now restart skype by going Applications -> Internet -> Skype, and the right-click menus will be readable.<br />
<!--<br />
install Skype - [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Skype#AMD64 Source of instructions].<br />
sudo aptitude install ia32-libs<br />
wget http://skype.com/go/getskype-linux-ubuntu<br />
sudo aptitude install libqt4-core libqt4-gui qt4-qtconfig <br />
sudo dpkg --install --force-architecture --force-depends skype-debian*.deb<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Install the Tahoma fonts ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.stchman.com/ms_fonts.html Source of instructions].<br />
<br />
Once the msttcorefonts package is installed you will notice that Tahoma and Tahoma Bold is missing. You will need to extract Tahoma<br />
and Tahoma Bold from the zip file. Tahoma is used for Microsoft desktop, title bars and menu fonts so if you are trying to get that<br />
XP look you will need the Tahoma regular and Tahoma Bold fonts. Install Tahoma by doing the following in a terminal.<br />
<br />
cd ~<br />
wget http://www.stchman.com/tools/MS_fonts/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo unzip -d /usr/share/fonts/truetype/msttcorefonts ~/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo fc-cache -f -v<br />
rm -f ~/tahoma.zip<br />
<br />
== Install Flash == <br />
<br />
* Install the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up or installs flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems.<br />
* Restart the browser.<br />
* Go to: Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, go with all the defaults.<br />
* It removes any old flash plugins and downloads and installs the latest Adobe one.<br />
* For AMD64 systems, can use the flash 64 bit beta.<br />
<br />
If flash videos have a blue tint after the installation, then repeat the above steps, which may fix it. If it doesn't, then right click on a flash video with a blue tint -> Settings -> Untick "enable HW acceleration". [http://askubuntu.com/questions/117127/flash-video-appears-blue Source].<br />
<br />
== Install Google Earth ==<br />
<!--<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update && sudo aptitude install medibuntu-keyring && sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install googleearth-4.3<br />
<br />
... or follow the manual instructions on [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/GoogleEarth this page] for a more recent version.<br />
--><br />
Follow [http://www.liberiangeek.net/2011/10/how-to-install-google-earth-in-ubuntu-11-10-oneiric-ocelot/ these instructions for installing google earth].<br />
<br />
== Install Acrobat reader ==<br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>", or go Applications -> Ubuntu Software Center, and then go: -> Canonical Partners -> Adobe Acrobat reader -> Install.<br />
<br />
<!--<br />
In earlier versions of Ubuntu, to install acrobat reader, since [http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-general-1/cant-shrink-to-fit-pdf-doc-654281/ Ubuntu's native PDF readers don't have shrink to fit when printing]. :<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install acroread acroread-plugins<br />
<br />
(this uses medibuntu, from the Google Earth step above).<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
Also need to do this:<br />
sudo editor /usr/share/applications/defaults.list <br />
And change this:<br />
#application/pdf=evince.desktop<br />
application/pdf=AdobeReader.desktop<br />
--><br />
Then to tweak the display preferences of Acrobat Reader: Edit -> Preferences -> Page Display -> set "Zoom" to "Fit Page" -> Click "Ok".<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
== Install Opera ==<br />
<br />
To install and configure opera (since it's useful for testing web pages to be able to check behaviour, and it's useful to have another browser around sometimes), do the following:<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.list<br />
... and add these two lines:<br />
# For latest stable opera:<br />
deb http://deb.opera.com/opera/ stable non-free<br />
<br />
* Then do:<br />
sudo wget -O - http://deb.opera.com/archive.key | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install opera<br />
* Then run opera - Applications -> Internet -> Opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise -> Toolbars tab -> change the "wrapping" setting to "Wrap to multiple lines".<br />
<!-- <br />
* Go to [http://www.opera.com/download/ Opera's download page].<br />
* Download and open and install the .deb file<br />
* Then run opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise and change the wrapping setting to "multiple lines".<br />
--><br />
== Enable Apport for crash bug reporting ==<br />
<br />
Enable apport so that crash bugs will be reported and logged:<br />
sudo editor /etc/default/apport<br />
change enabled from "0" to "1".<br />
<br />
Crashes will then be logged to /var/crash/<br />
<br />
== Configure Open Office to work in MS Office 2000 compatibility mode ==<br />
<br />
[http://news.cnet.com/8301-13880_3-9864262-68.html Source of instructions]. Only do this if you are testing a migration to Ubuntu. Once you have already switched, then use the native ODF for new files, as they generally save formatting better.<br />
* Start OpenOffice Word Process: Applications -> Office -> OpenOffice.org Word Processor -> tools -> options -> expand "Load/Save" -> select "general" -> For document type = "Text document", set Always save as "Microsoft Word 97/2000/XP" (instead of "ODF text document"); For Document type = "Spreadsheet", set Always save as "Microsoft Excel 97/2000/XP"; For Document type = "Presentation", set Always save as "Microsoft PowerPoint 97/2000/XP" -> then click "OK".<br />
* Then tools -> options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> compatibility -> tick "Use printer metrics for document formatting", tick "Do not add leading (extra space) between lines of text", and tick "Consider wrapping style when positioning objects". Then go: Use as Default -> Yes -> OK.<br />
<br />
Note: When you upgrade between Ubuntu releases, you will probably need to repeat the first step, otherwise it will default back to saving in OpenOffice's formats by default.<br />
<br />
== Evolution configuration ==<br />
<br />
* Turn off new email notifications: Evolution -> Edit -> Plugins -> Uncheck "Mail Notification" plugin.<br />
* Edit -> Preferences -> 'Calendar and Tasks' -> 'Display' tab -> Disable the 'Compress weekends in month view' option.<br />
* Customize the default mail folder view. Get one folder looking right (personal preference: Columns: From / Subject / Received, with threads off, sorted by date received with most recent first). Then go View -> Current view -> Save Custom View... -> Replace existing view -> Messages -> Save. "Messages" is a special view, which is used by default on all folders, although you can override it on a folder-by-folder basis, but customizing that folder's view.<br />
<br />
== Set up SSH keys and KeepAlive Interval ==<br />
<br />
For each machine you want to have password-less SSH login to, do:<br />
ssh-copy-id -i ~/.ssh/id_dsa.pub machine1<br />
<br />
Also on some connections the SSH shell can close after a short timeout period. To keep connections option for longer, on the client side do, <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and then add this line to send a keep-alive heartbeat every 60 seconds:<br />
ServerAliveInterval 60<br />
<br />
... there is also a corresponding "ClientAliveInterval 60" setting that can be added to /etc/ssh/sshd_config - although sometimes you only control the client side of the link, and so this is not possible.<br />
<br />
Also set up connection sharing, makes secondary connections to SSH hosts much faster. <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and add this:<br />
# from: "OpenSSH tip: connection sharing"<br />
# http://tanguy.ortolo.eu/blog/article42/ssh-connection-sharing<br />
ControlPath ~/.ssh/control-%r@%h:%p<br />
ControlMaster auto<br />
ControlPersist 1<br />
<br />
== Automounting remote file systems using SSHFS ==<br />
<br />
For a remote Linux system, can automount with autofs + sshfs. Follow the guides [http://www.tjansson.dk/?p=84 here] and [http://www.mccambridge.org/blog/2007/05/totally-seamless-sshfs-under-linux-using-fuse-and-autofs/ here].<br />
<br />
Debug any problems with:<br />
tail --lines=0 -f /var/log/*<br />
<!-- <br />
Windows shares<br />
* Currently TESTING, this step not complete yet.<br />
* [http://oapeon.blogspot.com/2008/09/automounting-cifs-share-in-ubuntu.html Follow these instructions], but also [http://www.howtoforge.com/accessing_windows_or_samba_shares_using_autofs create a /etc/auto.smb.FILESERVERNAME file with login credentials].<br />
<br />
Actually, may have spoken too soon, seems kinda flakey. Getting "Input/output error" on the command line when accessing shares after a few minutes:<br />
<br />
$ ls /smb/server/sharename/<br />
ls: cannot access /smb/server/sharename/: Input/output error<br />
$<br />
<br />
Also seeing these errors when doing "tail -f /var/log/messages", despite supplying login credentials:<br />
Oct 23 17:42:02 redux kernel: [66597.665680] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
Oct 23 17:42:01 redux kernel: [66597.524118] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
<br />
To remove, uninstall these packages:<br />
sudo aptitude uninstall --purge autofs libevent1 libgssglue1 libnfsidmap2 librpcsecgss3 nfs-common portmap smbfs<br />
<br />
<br />
rebooting seemed to make this better.... although it's still buggy and flakey. Get directories being infinitely recursive, edited files appearing as directories, etc etc.<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
testing / playing with smbnetfs as an alternative<br />
sudo aptitude install smbnetfs<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/smbnetfs.conf <br />
<br />
- show_$_shares "false"<br />
+ show_$_shares "true"<br />
<br />
mkdir ~/.smb<br />
editor ~/.smb/smbnetfs.auth<br />
<br />
auth nickj password<br />
<br />
Need to do something with .smb/smbnetfs.conf ?<br />
<br />
<br />
* smbnetfs is probably not even running - need to find some decent docs on how to configure this.<br />
* autofs is mounted on /smb , and can be seriously flakey.<br />
* trying sshfs now, seems better but needs some magic options in the mount flags to work suitably.<br />
--><br />
== right before and right after each upgrade ==<br />
<br />
Remove unneeded cruft, by doing:<br />
sudo apt-get autoremove<br />
sudo apt-get clean<br />
deborphan<br />
Check first that no important packages are about to be removed, then do:<br />
sudo apt-get remove --purge $(deborphan)<br />
Purge old configuration files, first command shows what will be purged:<br />
sudo aptitude search ~c <br />
sudo aptitude purge ~c<br />
<br />
Fix broken packages:<br />
* <code>sudo aptitude</code><br />
* fix any broken packages (ctrl-t -> resolver -> examine -> g -> g).<br />
* also clean up cache and obsolete files (ctrl-t -> actions -> "clean package cache" and "clean obsolete files").<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
These tweaks are only required for 9.04:<br />
<br />
([http://reformedmusings.wordpress.com/2009/04/26/recovering-daily-update-notifications-in-ubuntu-904-jaunty/ Source]) To enable daily notification of non-security updates, which is especially useful if you [[#enable Apport for crash bug reporting|enable Apport for crash bug reporting]], then do this:<br />
gconftool -s --type bool /apps/update-notifier/auto_launch false<br />
<br />
([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-when-logoutshutdown-and-restart-ubuntu904 Source]) To remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout, do this:<br />
* Right-click on the panel power button icon on top-right of the screen -> Preferences -> Untick "Show confirm dialog for logout, shutdown and restart".<br />
<br />
Only in Ubuntu 9.04:<br />
sudo aptitude install firefox-3.5 firefox-3.5-gnome-support<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Tweaks to Ubuntu 9.10 that I had to apply to get stuff working again, or configured how I like it:<br />
<br />
1: Remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout. ([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-in-ubuntu910karmic Source]). <br />
<br />
2: For seeing details of SMART reporting for hard disks:<br />
sudo aptitude install gsmartcontrol<br />
<br />
3: system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Dust".<br />
<br />
4: Alt-F2, run gconf-editor , then toogle the GConf key /apps/eog/ui/disable_trash_confirmation to be ticked, to disable prompting for image deleting though Eye of Gnome ([https://bugzilla.gnome.org/show_bug.cgi?id=541967#c5 source]).<br />
<br />
5: Some third party entries in your sources.list were disabled. You can re-enable them after the upgrade with the 'software-properties' tool or your package manager.<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.lst<br />
<br />
.. then re-enable dropbox, chrome daily builds, etc, and apply those updates:<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude upgrade<br />
<br />
6: Setting MySQL back to utf8 mode:<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/mysql/my.cnf <br />
add under the "[mysqld]" section:<br />
default-character-set=utf8<br />
<br />
7: Blue tint to video files in VLC, Mplayer, and Totem. [http://www.mediacollege.com/video-gallery/testclips/20051210-w50s.flv Example video file]. [https://bugs.launchpad.net/totem/+bug/395476 Bug is in] the Nvidia closed source driver. Workaround is:<br />
* open totem via Applications -> Sound & Video -> Movie Player<br />
* open the preferences window via Edit -> Preferences<br />
* select the Display tab<br />
* click the Reset to Defaults button<br />
<br />
8: Problem: Mplayer crashing regularly when changing video output mode, and also giving a "couldn't resolve name for AF_INET6:" error on URL playback. Workaround: ditch mplayer, as totem and VLC are suitable replacements:<br />
sudo aptitude remove --purge mplayer<br />
<br />
9: Flash applets don't work in firefox or chrome on AMD64 (example: playing [http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-february-1-2010/q---o this Daily Show] video) .... solution: redo the [[#Install_Flash_on_AMD64|Flash installation steps]].<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Ambiance". <!-- move window decoration buttons to the left too - find link & steps for this --><br />
# If images don't display in office documents: Start OpenOffice writer, and then go: Tools -> Options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> View -> tick "Graphics and objects" -> click "Ok".<br />
<!-- to get SIP calls working through empathy through the dodgy Telstra modem that blocks VoIP: sudo aptitude install telepathy-sofiasip ... no, didn't work - test again later. --><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# <code>sudo aptitude remove tracker</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install unity-2d</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
The 11.10 release had more problems than most releases.<br />
<br />
Nautilus default view: go to Places -> Home folder -> Edit -> Preferences -> "View new folders using": select "List View".<br />
<br />
=== Restore classic Gnome desktop ===<br />
To get gnome classic desktop back, as per [http://www.webupd8.org/2011/08/installing-using-classic-gnome-desktop.html this blog post].<br />
sudo apt-get install gnome-session-fallback<br />
Then:<br />
* Install weather applet<br />
* System monitor applet<br />
* Add application icons for Firefox, chrome, terminal, and gedit.<br />
sudo aptitude install alarm-clock-applet<br />
* Add an application icon for the alarm clock applet.<br />
* Put a trash applet back on the bottom right of the screen.<br />
* Put a show desktop applet back on the bottom left of the screen.<br />
<br />
=== SSH menu is gone, use SSH plus instead ===<br />
Follow [http://www.gulecha.org/2011/07/29/sshplus-a-sshmenu-compatible-appindicator/ these installation instructions]. Then do <code>sudo aptitude install putty</code><br/> <br />
To add to startup apps: Applications -> System Tools -> Preferences -> startup applications -> add SSHplus by full path.<br />
<br />
=== blurry image viewer ===<br />
Images look blurry because the default Gnome Image viewer (eog/eye of gnome) is set to "Best Fit" instead of "Normal view", which resizes images slightly, making them appear blurry. Unfortunately, there seems to be no preference or setting that allows changing this permanently. Instead just install another image viewing app, and make it the default:<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install gthumb</code><br/><br />
It can be customized to view images 1:1 by going Edit -> Preferences -> Viewer -> Set to actual size. Then go View -> unselect "Thumbnail pane" (with this on, it seems to interfere with 1:1 viewing). Test it, then if so make it the default app by going ubuntu "System Settings" (top right corner of your desktop) -> System info -> Default applications -> Photos -> gThumb.<br />
<br />
=== usb automounting was broken ===<br />
Inserted USB drives would no longer automatically mount and open a file manager window. Solved by installing, and then removing, the usbmount package.<br />
<br />
=== Flash broken ===<br />
After upgrading from 11.04 to 11.10, flash applets either did not work, or worked partial (such as the sound being distorted, like the person was underwater). Fixed by installing the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up broken flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems. Installed the extension, restarted the browser, then went Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, just went with all the defaults, it removed the old flash plugins (I had 2) and downloaded and installed the latest adobe one, and then it was as good as new and working flawlessly.<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 12.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
=== Multiple monitors broken, screen orientation broken ===<br />
<br />
run Synaptic, remove all the nvidia drivers, and install the nouveau firmware, then reboot, then systems settings -> displays, and can change the monitor setup so that multi-montior works again and so the orientations are in portrait instead of landscape.<br />
<br />
From the command line to remove nvidia drivers, can do:<br />
sudo apt-get purge nvidia-settings nvidia-current<br />
<br />
=== Customised keyboard shortcuts lost ===<br />
<br />
All my customized keyboard shortcuts for the extra buttons on my keyboard are lost. Had to redo the keyboard config to get these back.<br />
<br />
=== alt-tab no longer works ===<br />
<br />
To fix (from [http://askubuntu.com/questions/135685/alt-tab-does-not-switch this source]) :<br />
sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* Go at the very bottom where it says "Window Management"<br />
* Put a checkmark in "application switcher"<br />
* That should fix it.<br />
<br />
=== Workplace switching is broken (gives a blank desktop with no menus or items) ===<br />
<br />
Install compiz settings manager as above, and that will fix it. To get switching to be 4 horizontal desktops:<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* "general" -> General options -> Desktop size -> horizontal virtual size = 4, vertical virtual size = 1<br />
<br />
Also turn off "effects" -> "animations" in compiz too, whilst we are there.<br />
<br />
=== Gnome menus look ugly ===<br />
<br />
The bug is [https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/light-themes/+bug/981289 here]. To fix ambiance themes, [http://www.webupd8.org/2012/05/install-ambiance-fixed-for-classic.html follow these steps].<br />
<br />
=== Printing was broken ===<br />
<br />
Jobs sent to the network printer just sat in the queue and were never printed, even though the printer hardware was fine and the same queue worked perfectly in 11.10. Easiest solution was to cancel all print jobs, delete the printer, add a new printer with the same settings, and reboot (because the printer setup locked up whilst doing these things).<br />
<br />
=== Printing was excessively slow from Firefox ===<br />
<br />
Even after doing the above, printing was very slow from Firefox to the HP LaserJet 2100 TN. For example, it was taking up to 4 minutes to print a page, whereas it would take 15 seconds before. To fix:<br />
* Run "system-config-printer" from the command line.<br />
* Change the printer driver. Instead of the recommended driver, use "HP LaserJet 2100 - CUPS+Gutenprint v5.2.8-pre1".<br />
* Print a test page, once works okay, click "OK", and close the printer config applet.<br />
<br />
=== Volume applet indicator disappeared ===<br />
<br />
[http://askubuntu.com/questions/126411/volume-and-other-indicators-disappeared-in-the-classic-desktop Source].<br />
Run gnome-sound-applet from the command line to check that it is installed and working.<br />
<br />
To start the sound applet automatically, go to System Tools -> Preferences -> Startup Applications, and add Command gnome-sound-applet<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 13.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
To be able to play videos again:<br />
sudo aptitude install ubuntu-restricted-extras<br />
<br />
To stop using Nautilus, following the unfortuate decision to remove all of its most useful features, and switch to Nemo instead. [http://www.fandigital.com/2012/09/install-nemo-file-manager-in-ubuntu.html Source] [http://www.fandigital.com/2013/01/set-nemo-default-file-manager-ubuntu.html Source].<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:gwendal-lebihan-dev/cinnamon-stable<br />
sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install nemo nemo-fileroller<br />
xdg-mime default nemo.desktop inode/directory application/x-gnome-saved-search<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 13.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Changed video driver from nouveau open source driver to nvidia's binary driver, to fix intermittent crashing of gnome-shell once or more per day: Applications -> System tools -> Software & updates -> Additional drivers -> nvidia-319-updates.<br />
<br />
* Problem: guest session broken, wallpaper all black, desktop icons broken, and screensaver unlock sometimes not working<br />
* Cause: All due to a conflict between Ubuntu 13.10 and cinnamon.<br />
* Solution: remove cinnamon and nemo. [http://askubuntu.com/questions/360772/unity-isnt-starting-on-13-10 Source].<br />
<br />
sudo apt-get install ppa-purge<br />
sudo apt-get purge --auto-remove cinnamon<br />
sudo apt-get autoremove<br />
sudo apt-get update -f<br />
sudo apt-get dist-upgrade<br />
sudo apt-get install ubuntu-desktop<br />
sudo apt-get remove .*cinnamon.*<br />
sudo apt-get remove .*nemo.*<br />
<br />
Then install nemo from the Ubuntu repos - part of the repos now.<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 14.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Only needed on a Gnome desktop, will cause icons to not appear on a Unity desktop and so should be skipped under Unity: To fix missing notifier icons (network, dropbox, sshplus, ksplice) under Gnome :<br />
<br />
* How to fix the missing network icon - follow [http://www.bauer-power.net/2014/05/permanent-fix-for-missing-network.html these steps].<br />
* For the others: System tools -> preferences -> startup applications -> then open the item whose notifier icon is not appearing.<br />
* add "dbus-launch " to start of the command lines for Ksplice and SSHPlus and Dropbox, and any others that are not working.<br />
<!--<br />
To fix greeter/login-screen monitor orientation - [http://askubuntu.com/questions/408302/rotated-monitor-login-screen-needs-rotation source].<br />
<br />
sudo cp ~/.config/monitors.xml /var/lib/lightdm/.config/<br />
sudo chown lightdm.lightdm /var/lib/lightdm/.config/monitors.xml<br />
--><br />
<br />
== VirtualBox ==<br />
<br />
=== first time VirtualBox install only ===<br />
<br />
From the [http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Linux_Downloads VirtualBox Installation instructions]:<br />
sudo vim /etc/apt/sources.list <br />
add this line: <code>deb http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian oneiric contrib</code> . Do not add a deb-src line.<br />
wget -q http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian/oracle_vbox.asc -O- | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude install dkms<br />
<br />
The first time that you install, make sure that you are a member of vboxusers group (needed for USB disks to work correctly) :<br />
sudo usermod -a -G vboxusers `whoami`<br />
sudo usermod -a -G disk `whoami`<br />
Then reboot the computer.<br />
<br />
=== All VirtualBox upgrades and installs ===<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install virtualbox-5.0<br />
<br />
To update/get the extension pack, go File -> "Check for Updates...", and this will check you have the latest virtualbox and also install/update the extensions. Enter password if prompted.<br />
<br />
After upgrading from a previous version, to update each guest's VirtualBox drivers, do this after the Guest has started:<br />
* VirtualBox -> start Guest -> "Devices" menu -> Install Guest Additions.<br />
<br />
And in a Debian or Ubuntu '''guest''' machine after doing an upgrade, to install the vbox additions, do this:<br />
* Devices -> install guest additions...<br />
mount /dev/cdrom <br />
aptitude install build-essential linux-headers-$(uname -r)<br />
sh /cdrom/VBoxLinuxAdditions.run<br />
<br />
=== To check if things aren't working as expected ===<br />
<br />
Before starting the Guest machine, make sure USB functionality is enabled by going:<br />
* Settings -> USB -> Make sure both the USB checkboxes are ticked -> Click the "Add Empty Filter" button (the top button on the right) -> click OK to close dialog box.<br />
<br />
Rebuild the virtualbox modules after upgrading from a previous version:<br />
sudo service vboxdrv setup<br />
<br />
Then plug in a USB device after the guest machine has started. Then make it visible to the Guest by going:<br />
* Devices -> USB devices -> and select the USB device to make visible.<br />
<br />
When doing a major version upgrade, use apt-get and not aptitude. For example:<br />
sudo apt-get install virtualbox-5.0<br />
... and then start VirtualBox, and then install the latest extension pack, using the steps above. The link will be on the [https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads VirtualBox downloads] page.<br />
<br />
If you get an "Error! Could not locate dkms.conf file" message, then you probably have old directories left over from an old version of virtualbox under /var/lib/dkms/ . E.g. I had some directories left over from 3.2.6, and the fix was:<br />
sudo rm -r /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetadp /var/lib/dkms/vboxdrv /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetflt<br />
<br />
== Newsgroup bin client ==<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude install sabnzbdplus<br />
Then configure as per [http://wiki.sabnzbd.org/quick-setup the steps on their wiki].<br />
<!-- Lottanzb keeps crashing for me:<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:lottanzb/daily-build<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:jcfp/ppa<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install lottanzb sabnzbdplus<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Steps for making the Benq Acer S2W 3300U work == <br />
<br />
* Plug in power and USB cable to the scanner, and connect it to your computer.<br />
* Check SANE is installed, then run <code> sane-find-scanner </code>, and it should list your scanner.<br />
* From [http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/downloads.cfm/dtype/D/page/downloads/product/91 Benq's page] get the Mirascan ZIP file. Note that Benq's webservers are crap, and they cut out mid-download, so save yourself frustration by using wget to take care of the downloading/resuming/retrying, by doing:<br />
wget ftp://211.78.86.204/scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
and/or<br />
wget http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/download.cfm?file=scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
* Check the ZIP file downloaded okay by doing:<br />
unzip -t mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
... and making sure it says there were "no errors detected" at the end.<br />
* Extract just the u176v046.bin file (which is firmware blob that this scanner needs to operate) into the current directory:<br />
unzip -j mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip "MiraScan v4.03u10_BQA/BIN/u176v046.bin"<br />
* Set up Sane to use this firmware blob:<br />
sudo mkdir /usr/share/sane/snapscan<br />
sudo cp u176v046.bin /usr/share/sane/snapscan/<br />
sudo editor /etc/sane.d/snapscan.conf<br />
... and change the first line from:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/your-firmwarefile.bin<br />
to:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/u176v046.bin<br />
... then save and close the file.<br />
* Then under the Applications -> Graphics menu, run Xsane, or (my preference) Simple Scan.<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
<!-- todo: add the repo steps here --><br />
Unfortunately dropbox does not seem to automatically install updates for old versions. Given this, need to manually install updates on old versions, and easiest way to install dropbox updates on Linux is, open a terminal and do:<br />
dropbox stop<br />
dropbox status # Should report "not running"<br />
rm -r ~/.dropbox-dist/<br />
dropbox start -i<br />
<br />
== Handbrake ==<br />
<br />
Handbrake is a media converter, and is especially useful for converting files for portable devices, like Android tablets or iPhones. To install the snapshot releases (which seems to be the easiest way, if you want the GUI) :<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:stebbins/handbrake-snapshots<br />
sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install handbrake-gtk handbrake-cli<br />
== Install Chromium dev builds ==<br />
<br />
Firefox is currently slightly better as a daily browser, but Chromium is improving rapidly. If you want to play with the native alpha port of Google's Chrome browser just to see how it's going, you can install the dev builds of Chromium quite easily by doing:<br />
<!-- could get rid of the PPA - Ubuntu now includes the chromium browser in universe, that lags a little, but avoids the constant daily updates: http://packages.ubuntu.com/search?keywords=chromium-browser --><br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:chromium-daily/dev<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install chromium-browser chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-nonfree chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-extra<br />
<!-- following [http://www.stefanoforenza.com/chromium-on-ubuntu-how-to/ these directions]. You probably also want to add the key for this PPA to your system, following [https://help.launchpad.net/Packaging/PPA#Adding%20the%20keys%20using%20Gnome these directions] about adding [http://keyserver.ubuntu.com:11371/pks/lookup?op=get&search=0x5A9BF3BB4E5E17B5 their key] to your system, so that you don't get lots of prompts every day when there is an update about "do you want to install unauthenticated packages?". --><br />
<br />
Chrome Extensions to install:<br />
* [http://www.chromeextensions.org/appearance-functioning/flashblock/ FlashBlock].<br />
* [http://blog.xmarks.com/?p=1244 Xmarks].<br />
* [https://chrome.google.com/extensions/detail/gighmmpiobklfepjocnamgkkbiglidom Adblock]. Need to restart browser for extension to take effect.<br />
<br />
Still waiting for these Chrome extensions as at July 2010:<br />
* The equivalent of Tab Mix Plus. (still looking for this).<br />
<br />
Things that aren't working quite right yet in Chromium on Linux:<br />
* The backspace key should go back, or should be configurable for this. There is an extension that allows this, but it should probably be a preference in the base browser.<br />
* Auto-updating of extensions. There is a way to do this from the extensions UI, but in Chromium it doesn't seem to do anything.<br />
* Audio playback not working correctly - e.g. on [http://slides.html5rocks.com/#slide22 this slide], get no audio after selecting a national anthem other than US (US works, other's don't). Possibly [http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Chrome/thread?tid=2fdf2aa857abe1ef&hl=en this issue] or [http://code.google.com/p/chromium/issues/detail?id=37848 this issue].<br />
* WebGL does not work on an old laptop, but does on a modern desktop. Could be that the laptop's hardware is just too old (or just not supported in 3D).<br />
<br />
To enable most of the new features of Chromium, change the command line for starting chromium to be like this:<br />
chromium-browser --enable-plugins --enable-greasemonkey --enable-user-scripts --enable-internal-flash --enable-extensions --enable-webgl %U<br />
<br />
Configuration settings:<br />
* To make streetview work: Try to open streetview -> nothing happens -> press Ctrl-Shift-F (which permanently unblock flashblock on that site) -> then streetview will pop up and work thereafter.<br />
<br />
Updating the flash plugin if you get a warning that "the flash plugin was blocked because it is out of date", or just installing the flash plugin.<br />
* First check where the plugin is installed, by opening chrome://plugins/ in chromium, and expanding the "details" link.<br />
* For me, it said "Location: /usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so".<br />
* Note this directory, and update the flashplugin variable below if you have a different path:<br />
cd ~/tmp<br />
flashplugin=/usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so<br />
sudo mv $flashplugin ./libflashplayer.so.old<br />
wget http://download.macromedia.com/pub/labs/flashplayer10/flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz<br />
tar zfvx flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz <br />
sudo cp ./libflashplayer.so $flashplugin<br />
cd /usr/lib/chromium-browser/plugins<br />
sudo ln -s $flashplugin<br />
Now restart chromium and the warning should be fixed & flash should work.<br />
<br />
== Android ADB commands ==<br />
<br />
Only useful if you have an android phone and sometimes want to flash custom ROMs or recovery images:<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:phablet-team/tools && sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install android-tools-adb android-tools-fastboot<br />
<br />
== Read SD cards ==<br />
<br />
To be able to read SD cards, [http://askubuntu.com/questions/364270/mount-unknown-filesystem-exfat source]:<br />
sudo apt-get install exfat-fuse exfat-utils<br />
<!--<br />
== Pinta ==<br />
<br />
Basic image editing program, like ms-paint:<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:moonlight-team/pinta<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install pinta<br />
<br />
tends to crash though.... don't include in public instructions just yet!<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
'''Warning: semi-commercial software'''<br />
<br />
Personally, I find dropbox useful for synchronising up to 2 GB of data free between multiple systems (desktop and laptop; work and home). You need to sign up here and install the software from here.<br />
##### FINISH WRITING THIS STEP AT SOME POINT #####<br />
##### Keeps crashing on network transfers, so don't write up until that is completed ###### -- this was fixed by upgrading to version 0.6.564 <br />
##### The crashing is back.... **sigh**<br />
<br />
== testing: Ksplice for rebootless kernel updates ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.ksplice.com/uptrack/download Install]<br />
[http://lwn.net/Articles/340477/ background on Ksplice].<br />
<br />
== Ekiga linux setup ==<br />
.... cannot test this until ADSL connection no longer blocks VoIP...<br />
Date: Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:21:10 +1100<br />
VoIP client.<br />
<br />
Applications ->Internet -> Ekiga softphone<br />
Enter name<br />
Tick "I do not want to sign up for the ekiga.net free service"<br />
connection type xDSL.cable<br />
enable STUN support: Yes<br />
rest of the options: take the defaults,.<br />
<br />
Then in Ekiga, go:<br />
edit -> accounts -> add my pennytel account details.<br />
#### No sound through ekiga in 10.10 -- leave commented out until this works ####<br />
--></div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/Ubuntu_desktop_setup_stepsUbuntu desktop setup steps2016-08-15T00:25:50Z<p>Nickj: /* Custom Key Bindings, aimed at "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" */</p>
<hr />
<div>Ubuntu desktop setup steps for an AMD64 system. Most of these instructions will work on 8.04 LTS onwards through the current release, and it should almost all work on x86 systems too:<br />
<br />
== Pre-installation standard hardware test procedure ==<br />
<br />
Before installing or configuring any software, it is imperative to test the hardware beforehand, to establish that it is not provably broken:<br />
* Download the ISOs for [http://www.sysresccd.org/ System Rescue CD] and [http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/ Ultimate Boot CD] and burn these.<br />
* From either CD, run Memtest86+ on the machine overnight, to test that the CPU and memory are error-free.<br />
* From UBCD, run a CPU stress test for 5 to 10 minutes to check CPU is reliable and adequately cooled.<br />
* From Sys Rescue CD, check for bad blocks on the hard drive, before trusting it with any data: <code>badblocks -v -s -w -c 4096 /dev/sda</code> <br />Note however that badblocks is quite a slow test - e.g. took 34 hours on a 500 GB SATA disk in an external USB enclosure, and 17 hours on a 250 GB IDE disk.<br />It's also a destructive write test, and so will blank the disk, so make sure you have the right device (use <code>fdisk -lu</code> to confirm the device's size and name).<br />Successful output will look something like this:<br />
Checking for bad blocks in read-write mode<br />
From block 0 to 244198583<br />
Testing with pattern 0xaa: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x55: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0xff: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x00: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Pass completed, 0 bad blocks found.<br />
<br />
If problems are found with any of the above, resolve these first before proceeding further.<br />
<br />
== Installation == <br />
<br />
* Firstly, decide whether you want software RAID or not. Personally, I use RAID-1 mirroring of a single bootable partition, using 2 same-sized disks, from 2 different manufacturers, because:<br />
*# it's simple.<br />
*# it's redundant enough.<br />
*# it's cheap: the incremental cost is the cost of a single disk, which is less than $100.<br />
*# you can boot off of it.<br />
*# it's not a question of if a disk will fail, but when.<br />
: For software RAID, install from the Alternate Installation CD. You can always [http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Convert_a_single_drive_system_to_RAID convert to RAID-1 later], but it's significantly more faffing about than setting it up this way from the get-go.<br />
* Once you've done the above, download and burn either the standard or alternate Ubuntu install CD, as appropriate.<br />
* Insert installation CD. Follow simple options, installs, ejects CD, reboots. Then login.<br />
* System -> Networking -> set up static IP address instead of dynamic IP address.<br />
* reboot to get network changes to apply (theoretically this should not be necessary, but in practice it was, at least for me on 8.04).<br />
* reboot, install system updates. Then reboot once updates are installed.<br />
* system -> hardware drivers -> enable the proprietary nvidia drivers.<br />
* reboot to enable the proprietary drivers.<br />
<br />
== Tweaks and Preferences ==<br />
<br />
* Ditch the annoying sounds: System -> Preferences -> sound -> sounds -> set all to "no sound", and untick "play system sounds", and on "system beep" tab untick all boxes.<br />
* Ditch the thrashing hard-disk: System -> Preferences -> Searching and indexing -> General -> tick "enable indexing" and "enable watching" and both of the power management boxes to disable stuff when on battery.<br />
* To get Subpixel Smoothing on LCDs, do this: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Fonts -> Select "subpixel smoothing (LCDs)". Need to restart Firefox for this change to take effect in Firefox.<br />
* To get reasonable desktop visual effects: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Visual Effects -> Select "Normal".<br />
* To make the system remember running apps and window locations on logout, do this: System -> Preferences -> sessions -> session options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out". In Ubuntu 9.04 / gnome 2.26 & up, this setting has moved, and is now under: System -> Preferences -> Startup Application Preferences -> options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out".<br />
<!--* To tweak networking performance, [http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Hardy#Howto:_Tweak_and_maximize_your_bandwidth_in_Ubuntu.2FLinux_via_sysctl.21 follow these instructions]. --><br />
* Power saving: Turn off blinking cursor by going: System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> untick "Cursor blinks in text fields".<br />
* Add terminal icon to gnome panel: Right-click panel -> Add to Panel -> Application Launcher... -> Accessories -> Terminal -> Add -> Close.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Editor" tab -> tick "autosave" files every 2 minutes.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Plugins" tab -> tick "Sort" to enable the sort plugin -> Close. Can now highlight text and go Edit -> Sort to get it alphabetically sorted.<br />
<br />
== [[Firefox configuration steps]] ==<br />
<br />
{{:Firefox configuration steps}}<br />
<br />
== Installation of extra software ==<br />
<br />
Go system -> admin -> synaptic package manager -> then Install the following (my brief descriptions of what some packages do are also shown) :<br />
* inkscape # Vector drawing package<br />
* hugin # Create panoramas from an image set.<br />
* dia # Draw diagrams & flow charts, somewhat like "visio" on Windows.<br />
* googleearth-package<br />
* xchat # IRC client.<br />
* ttf-mscorefonts-installer ttf-linux-libertine ttf-inconsolata # The most useful font sets. See also the "[[#Install the Tahoma fonts|Install the Tahoma fonts]]" section below.<br />
* audacious # Like XMMS or Winamp<br />
* nmap # Check for open ports.<br />
* filezilla # GUI FTP client.<br />
* wireshark # Packet sniffer<br />
* powertop iotop htop # Show power hogs, I/O hogs, and an more visual command-line version of top.<br />
* nautilus-open-terminal # adds ability to right click on a folder and get a command prompt there.<br />
* php5-cli php5-gd php5-curl # Only useful if you want to write scripts in PHP.<br />
* traceroute # How packets get from here to there over the network.<br />
* curl # Command line HTTP client, includes form-submitting capacity<br />
* tofrodos # Convert line endings from dos to UNIX or vice-versa.<br />
* openssh-server<br />
* libxml2-dev libmysqlclient-dev # Optional: Only used for compiling PHP snapshots<br />
* eclipse sun-java6-jdk sun-java6-jre sun-java6-plugin libmysql-java junit junit-doc # Optional: Java development using Eclipse + java plugins for Firefox<br />
* sysinfo # Kind of like device manager on Windows. Shows CPU / memory / hard disk installed, some hardware that has been detected, etc.<br />
* autofs smbfs smbclient<br />
* gisomount<br />
* gtk-recordmydesktop # Record videos of what you're doing on your desktop.<br />
* gworldclock # Want to simultaneously see the time in Tokyo, LA, London, and Rio? Use this.<br />
* ffmpeg2theora # Convert videos into format suitable for uploading to Wikimedia commons.<br />
* rar p7zip-full # needed for extracting .7z and RAR archives<br />
* gnome-do # Run apps or commands from a keyboard launcher.<br />
* pinfo # Much nicer UI than man or info for reading documentation.<br />
* vlc mozilla-plugin-vlc<br />
* avidemux # Useful for replacing audio tracks in video files.<br />
* indent # Useful for auto-indenting code.<br />
* smartmontools smart-notifier # S.M.A.R.T. hard disk monitoring tools.<br />
* tidy<br />
* ddrescue # Useful for recovering data from failing hard disks.<br />
* gimp-resynthesizer # A nifty plugin for gimp for repairing images or filling in content intelligently. Ignore if you don't use gimp.<br />
* qpdf # Useful for removing password from PDF files, as per [http://blog.sandipb.net/2009/01/10/removing-encryption-from-legitimate-pdf-files-on-ubuntu/ this guide].<br />
* hardinfo # Generates a hardware report and benchmark for the system; can also run in command line mode by doing: <code> hardinfo -r -f html > report.html </code><br />
* gtkvncviewer # Nice VNC client.<br />
* renameutils # Useful for bulk renaming of files. Example for renaming all .JPG files in a directory to .jpg (lowercase) is: <code>rename s/JPG$/jpg/ *</code><br />
* meld # Good GUI for comparing two files, e.g. two log files.<br />
* asciio # Good for drawing ASCII graphs; only available in Ubuntu 10.10 and up.<br />
* spamassassin # Email filtering, used by Evolution.<br />
<!--<br />
<br />
Have installed on laptop - test some more and see if worth including:<br />
gedit-plugins<br />
wget http://nchc.dl.sourceforge.net/sourceforge/openproj/openproj_1.4-2.deb && sudo dpkg -i openproj_1.4-2.deb<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
winbind # could be useful on a windows network. Have not discerned any benefit yet though.<br />
<br />
Still working out whether to include or not: * evolution-plugins-experimental <br />
<br />
* bum # Boot Up Manager - GUI for specifying what services should be running on boot-up.<br />
* miro # Combined bittorrent client and video player. Particularly useful for downloading TED talks before a flight. Uses lots of disk space though.<br />
* k3b # CD burning app.<br />
* deluge amule # P2P - donkey plus bittorrent<br />
<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Configure "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" ==<br />
<br />
To get the back / forward keyboard keys working in Firefox, when using the "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard", go System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> Layout -> click the model button -> Choose Microsoft -> set model to "Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro USB" -> click "close".<br />
<br />
== Custom Key Bindings, aimed at "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" == <br />
<br />
Note: the steps keep changing in each Ubuntu release (the menus move around, the keycodes change), unfortunately.<br />
This is what works for me using 14.04.<br />
<br />
Go: System settings -> Keyboard -> Shortcuts -> custom shortcuts.<br />
<br />
Personally I then add the following custom shortcuts:<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
|-<br />
! Label <br />
! Command<br />
! HotKey<br />
|-<br />
| Terminal<br />
| gnome-terminal<br />
| 1<br />
|-<br />
| Files<br />
| /usr/bin/nemo<br />
| 2<br />
|-<br />
| Screenshot<br />
| gnome-screenshot --window --interactive<br />
| 3<br />
|-<br />
| Text editor <br />
| gedit --new-document <br />
| 4<br />
|- <br />
| KeePass <br />
| /usr/bin/keepass2 <br />
| 5<br />
|}<br />
<!-- 1.10 in gnome-fallback mode:<br />
<br />
* ubuntu "System Setting" (top right corner of your desktop) -> Keyboard -> Shortcut.<br />
* Set "1" favourite key to "run a terminal"<br />
* Set "2" favourite key to "open home folder"<br />
<br />
There seems to be a bug that prevents the "custom shortcuts" keys from working for favourite keys 3, 4 and 5. Instead we have to do this:<br />
* In a terminal, run: <code>gconf-editor</code><br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/global_keybindings<br />
* Change "run_command_3" to be 0xc2, "run_command_4" to be 0xc3, and "run_command_5" to be 0xc4 - these corresponds to the 3 / 4 / 5 favourite keys.<br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/keybinding_commands<br />
* Change "command_3" to be the take-screenshot command: <code>gnome-screenshot --window --interactive</code><br />
* Change "command_4" to be the new-text-editor command: <code>/usr/bin/gedit --new-document</code><br />
* Change "command_5" to be as desired.<br />
* Name is "Zend Studio", command is "sh /home/nickj/programs/Zend/ZendStudio-5.5.0/bin/ZDE". Set the 5 favourite key to run this. --><br />
<br />
== Install Skype == <br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>" -> Skype -> More Info -> Install. <br />
<br />
Then to make the right-click menus legible with Ubuntu's dark theme, do as follows:<br />
# Applications -> Internet -> Skype -> single-click on the skype icon in the top right to open skype -> Ctrl-O to open options -> "general" -> Choose Style: "Desktop settings" -> close.<br />
# Single click on skype icon to open skype again -> Ctrl-Q to close.<br />
# Now restart skype by going Applications -> Internet -> Skype, and the right-click menus will be readable.<br />
<!--<br />
install Skype - [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Skype#AMD64 Source of instructions].<br />
sudo aptitude install ia32-libs<br />
wget http://skype.com/go/getskype-linux-ubuntu<br />
sudo aptitude install libqt4-core libqt4-gui qt4-qtconfig <br />
sudo dpkg --install --force-architecture --force-depends skype-debian*.deb<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Install the Tahoma fonts ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.stchman.com/ms_fonts.html Source of instructions].<br />
<br />
Once the msttcorefonts package is installed you will notice that Tahoma and Tahoma Bold is missing. You will need to extract Tahoma<br />
and Tahoma Bold from the zip file. Tahoma is used for Microsoft desktop, title bars and menu fonts so if you are trying to get that<br />
XP look you will need the Tahoma regular and Tahoma Bold fonts. Install Tahoma by doing the following in a terminal.<br />
<br />
cd ~<br />
wget http://www.stchman.com/tools/MS_fonts/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo unzip -d /usr/share/fonts/truetype/msttcorefonts ~/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo fc-cache -f -v<br />
rm -f ~/tahoma.zip<br />
<br />
== Install Flash == <br />
<br />
* Install the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up or installs flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems.<br />
* Restart the browser.<br />
* Go to: Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, go with all the defaults.<br />
* It removes any old flash plugins and downloads and installs the latest Adobe one.<br />
* For AMD64 systems, can use the flash 64 bit beta.<br />
<br />
If flash videos have a blue tint after the installation, then repeat the above steps, which may fix it. If it doesn't, then right click on a flash video with a blue tint -> Settings -> Untick "enable HW acceleration". [http://askubuntu.com/questions/117127/flash-video-appears-blue Source].<br />
<br />
== Install Google Earth ==<br />
<!--<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update && sudo aptitude install medibuntu-keyring && sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install googleearth-4.3<br />
<br />
... or follow the manual instructions on [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/GoogleEarth this page] for a more recent version.<br />
--><br />
Follow [http://www.liberiangeek.net/2011/10/how-to-install-google-earth-in-ubuntu-11-10-oneiric-ocelot/ these instructions for installing google earth].<br />
<br />
== Install Acrobat reader ==<br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>", or go Applications -> Ubuntu Software Center, and then go: -> Canonical Partners -> Adobe Acrobat reader -> Install.<br />
<br />
<!--<br />
In earlier versions of Ubuntu, to install acrobat reader, since [http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-general-1/cant-shrink-to-fit-pdf-doc-654281/ Ubuntu's native PDF readers don't have shrink to fit when printing]. :<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install acroread acroread-plugins<br />
<br />
(this uses medibuntu, from the Google Earth step above).<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
Also need to do this:<br />
sudo editor /usr/share/applications/defaults.list <br />
And change this:<br />
#application/pdf=evince.desktop<br />
application/pdf=AdobeReader.desktop<br />
--><br />
Then to tweak the display preferences of Acrobat Reader: Edit -> Preferences -> Page Display -> set "Zoom" to "Fit Page" -> Click "Ok".<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
== Install Opera ==<br />
<br />
To install and configure opera (since it's useful for testing web pages to be able to check behaviour, and it's useful to have another browser around sometimes), do the following:<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.list<br />
... and add these two lines:<br />
# For latest stable opera:<br />
deb http://deb.opera.com/opera/ stable non-free<br />
<br />
* Then do:<br />
sudo wget -O - http://deb.opera.com/archive.key | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install opera<br />
* Then run opera - Applications -> Internet -> Opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise -> Toolbars tab -> change the "wrapping" setting to "Wrap to multiple lines".<br />
<!-- <br />
* Go to [http://www.opera.com/download/ Opera's download page].<br />
* Download and open and install the .deb file<br />
* Then run opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise and change the wrapping setting to "multiple lines".<br />
--><br />
== Enable Apport for crash bug reporting ==<br />
<br />
Enable apport so that crash bugs will be reported and logged:<br />
sudo editor /etc/default/apport<br />
change enabled from "0" to "1".<br />
<br />
Crashes will then be logged to /var/crash/<br />
<br />
== Configure Open Office to work in MS Office 2000 compatibility mode ==<br />
<br />
[http://news.cnet.com/8301-13880_3-9864262-68.html Source of instructions]. Only do this if you are testing a migration to Ubuntu. Once you have already switched, then use the native ODF for new files, as they generally save formatting better.<br />
* Start OpenOffice Word Process: Applications -> Office -> OpenOffice.org Word Processor -> tools -> options -> expand "Load/Save" -> select "general" -> For document type = "Text document", set Always save as "Microsoft Word 97/2000/XP" (instead of "ODF text document"); For Document type = "Spreadsheet", set Always save as "Microsoft Excel 97/2000/XP"; For Document type = "Presentation", set Always save as "Microsoft PowerPoint 97/2000/XP" -> then click "OK".<br />
* Then tools -> options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> compatibility -> tick "Use printer metrics for document formatting", tick "Do not add leading (extra space) between lines of text", and tick "Consider wrapping style when positioning objects". Then go: Use as Default -> Yes -> OK.<br />
<br />
Note: When you upgrade between Ubuntu releases, you will probably need to repeat the first step, otherwise it will default back to saving in OpenOffice's formats by default.<br />
<br />
== Evolution configuration ==<br />
<br />
* Turn off new email notifications: Evolution -> Edit -> Plugins -> Uncheck "Mail Notification" plugin.<br />
* Edit -> Preferences -> 'Calendar and Tasks' -> 'Display' tab -> Disable the 'Compress weekends in month view' option.<br />
* Customize the default mail folder view. Get one folder looking right (personal preference: Columns: From / Subject / Received, with threads off, sorted by date received with most recent first). Then go View -> Current view -> Save Custom View... -> Replace existing view -> Messages -> Save. "Messages" is a special view, which is used by default on all folders, although you can override it on a folder-by-folder basis, but customizing that folder's view.<br />
<br />
== Set up SSH keys and KeepAlive Interval ==<br />
<br />
For each machine you want to have password-less SSH login to, do:<br />
ssh-copy-id -i ~/.ssh/id_dsa.pub machine1<br />
<br />
Also on some connections the SSH shell can close after a short timeout period. To keep connections option for longer, on the client side do, <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and then add this line to send a keep-alive heartbeat every 60 seconds:<br />
ServerAliveInterval 60<br />
<br />
... there is also a corresponding "ClientAliveInterval 60" setting that can be added to /etc/ssh/sshd_config - although sometimes you only control the client side of the link, and so this is not possible.<br />
<br />
Also set up connection sharing, makes secondary connections to SSH hosts much faster. <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and add this:<br />
# from: "OpenSSH tip: connection sharing"<br />
# http://tanguy.ortolo.eu/blog/article42/ssh-connection-sharing<br />
ControlPath ~/.ssh/control-%r@%h:%p<br />
ControlMaster auto<br />
ControlPersist 1<br />
<br />
== Automounting remote file systems using SSHFS ==<br />
<br />
For a remote Linux system, can automount with autofs + sshfs. Follow the guides [http://www.tjansson.dk/?p=84 here] and [http://www.mccambridge.org/blog/2007/05/totally-seamless-sshfs-under-linux-using-fuse-and-autofs/ here].<br />
<br />
Debug any problems with:<br />
tail --lines=0 -f /var/log/*<br />
<!-- <br />
Windows shares<br />
* Currently TESTING, this step not complete yet.<br />
* [http://oapeon.blogspot.com/2008/09/automounting-cifs-share-in-ubuntu.html Follow these instructions], but also [http://www.howtoforge.com/accessing_windows_or_samba_shares_using_autofs create a /etc/auto.smb.FILESERVERNAME file with login credentials].<br />
<br />
Actually, may have spoken too soon, seems kinda flakey. Getting "Input/output error" on the command line when accessing shares after a few minutes:<br />
<br />
$ ls /smb/server/sharename/<br />
ls: cannot access /smb/server/sharename/: Input/output error<br />
$<br />
<br />
Also seeing these errors when doing "tail -f /var/log/messages", despite supplying login credentials:<br />
Oct 23 17:42:02 redux kernel: [66597.665680] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
Oct 23 17:42:01 redux kernel: [66597.524118] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
<br />
To remove, uninstall these packages:<br />
sudo aptitude uninstall --purge autofs libevent1 libgssglue1 libnfsidmap2 librpcsecgss3 nfs-common portmap smbfs<br />
<br />
<br />
rebooting seemed to make this better.... although it's still buggy and flakey. Get directories being infinitely recursive, edited files appearing as directories, etc etc.<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
testing / playing with smbnetfs as an alternative<br />
sudo aptitude install smbnetfs<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/smbnetfs.conf <br />
<br />
- show_$_shares "false"<br />
+ show_$_shares "true"<br />
<br />
mkdir ~/.smb<br />
editor ~/.smb/smbnetfs.auth<br />
<br />
auth nickj password<br />
<br />
Need to do something with .smb/smbnetfs.conf ?<br />
<br />
<br />
* smbnetfs is probably not even running - need to find some decent docs on how to configure this.<br />
* autofs is mounted on /smb , and can be seriously flakey.<br />
* trying sshfs now, seems better but needs some magic options in the mount flags to work suitably.<br />
--><br />
== right before and right after each upgrade ==<br />
<br />
Remove unneeded cruft, by doing:<br />
sudo apt-get autoremove<br />
sudo apt-get clean<br />
deborphan<br />
Check first that no important packages are about to be removed, then do:<br />
sudo apt-get remove --purge $(deborphan)<br />
Purge old configuration files, first command shows what will be purged:<br />
sudo aptitude search ~c <br />
sudo aptitude purge ~c<br />
<br />
Fix broken packages:<br />
* <code>sudo aptitude</code><br />
* fix any broken packages (ctrl-t -> resolver -> examine -> g -> g).<br />
* also clean up cache and obsolete files (ctrl-t -> actions -> "clean package cache" and "clean obsolete files").<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
These tweaks are only required for 9.04:<br />
<br />
([http://reformedmusings.wordpress.com/2009/04/26/recovering-daily-update-notifications-in-ubuntu-904-jaunty/ Source]) To enable daily notification of non-security updates, which is especially useful if you [[#enable Apport for crash bug reporting|enable Apport for crash bug reporting]], then do this:<br />
gconftool -s --type bool /apps/update-notifier/auto_launch false<br />
<br />
([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-when-logoutshutdown-and-restart-ubuntu904 Source]) To remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout, do this:<br />
* Right-click on the panel power button icon on top-right of the screen -> Preferences -> Untick "Show confirm dialog for logout, shutdown and restart".<br />
<br />
Only in Ubuntu 9.04:<br />
sudo aptitude install firefox-3.5 firefox-3.5-gnome-support<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Tweaks to Ubuntu 9.10 that I had to apply to get stuff working again, or configured how I like it:<br />
<br />
1: Remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout. ([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-in-ubuntu910karmic Source]). <br />
<br />
2: For seeing details of SMART reporting for hard disks:<br />
sudo aptitude install gsmartcontrol<br />
<br />
3: system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Dust".<br />
<br />
4: Alt-F2, run gconf-editor , then toogle the GConf key /apps/eog/ui/disable_trash_confirmation to be ticked, to disable prompting for image deleting though Eye of Gnome ([https://bugzilla.gnome.org/show_bug.cgi?id=541967#c5 source]).<br />
<br />
5: Some third party entries in your sources.list were disabled. You can re-enable them after the upgrade with the 'software-properties' tool or your package manager.<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.lst<br />
<br />
.. then re-enable dropbox, chrome daily builds, etc, and apply those updates:<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude upgrade<br />
<br />
6: Setting MySQL back to utf8 mode:<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/mysql/my.cnf <br />
add under the "[mysqld]" section:<br />
default-character-set=utf8<br />
<br />
7: Blue tint to video files in VLC, Mplayer, and Totem. [http://www.mediacollege.com/video-gallery/testclips/20051210-w50s.flv Example video file]. [https://bugs.launchpad.net/totem/+bug/395476 Bug is in] the Nvidia closed source driver. Workaround is:<br />
* open totem via Applications -> Sound & Video -> Movie Player<br />
* open the preferences window via Edit -> Preferences<br />
* select the Display tab<br />
* click the Reset to Defaults button<br />
<br />
8: Problem: Mplayer crashing regularly when changing video output mode, and also giving a "couldn't resolve name for AF_INET6:" error on URL playback. Workaround: ditch mplayer, as totem and VLC are suitable replacements:<br />
sudo aptitude remove --purge mplayer<br />
<br />
9: Flash applets don't work in firefox or chrome on AMD64 (example: playing [http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-february-1-2010/q---o this Daily Show] video) .... solution: redo the [[#Install_Flash_on_AMD64|Flash installation steps]].<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Ambiance". <!-- move window decoration buttons to the left too - find link & steps for this --><br />
# If images don't display in office documents: Start OpenOffice writer, and then go: Tools -> Options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> View -> tick "Graphics and objects" -> click "Ok".<br />
<!-- to get SIP calls working through empathy through the dodgy Telstra modem that blocks VoIP: sudo aptitude install telepathy-sofiasip ... no, didn't work - test again later. --><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# <code>sudo aptitude remove tracker</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install unity-2d</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
The 11.10 release had more problems than most releases.<br />
<br />
Nautilus default view: go to Places -> Home folder -> Edit -> Preferences -> "View new folders using": select "List View".<br />
<br />
=== Restore classic Gnome desktop ===<br />
To get gnome classic desktop back, as per [http://www.webupd8.org/2011/08/installing-using-classic-gnome-desktop.html this blog post].<br />
sudo apt-get install gnome-session-fallback<br />
Then:<br />
* Install weather applet<br />
* System monitor applet<br />
* Add application icons for Firefox, chrome, terminal, and gedit.<br />
sudo aptitude install alarm-clock-applet<br />
* Add an application icon for the alarm clock applet.<br />
* Put a trash applet back on the bottom right of the screen.<br />
* Put a show desktop applet back on the bottom left of the screen.<br />
<br />
=== SSH menu is gone, use SSH plus instead ===<br />
Follow [http://www.gulecha.org/2011/07/29/sshplus-a-sshmenu-compatible-appindicator/ these installation instructions]. Then do <code>sudo aptitude install putty</code><br/> <br />
To add to startup apps: Applications -> System Tools -> Preferences -> startup applications -> add SSHplus by full path.<br />
<br />
=== blurry image viewer ===<br />
Images look blurry because the default Gnome Image viewer (eog/eye of gnome) is set to "Best Fit" instead of "Normal view", which resizes images slightly, making them appear blurry. Unfortunately, there seems to be no preference or setting that allows changing this permanently. Instead just install another image viewing app, and make it the default:<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install gthumb</code><br/><br />
It can be customized to view images 1:1 by going Edit -> Preferences -> Viewer -> Set to actual size. Then go View -> unselect "Thumbnail pane" (with this on, it seems to interfere with 1:1 viewing). Test it, then if so make it the default app by going ubuntu "System Settings" (top right corner of your desktop) -> System info -> Default applications -> Photos -> gThumb.<br />
<br />
=== usb automounting was broken ===<br />
Inserted USB drives would no longer automatically mount and open a file manager window. Solved by installing, and then removing, the usbmount package.<br />
<br />
=== Flash broken ===<br />
After upgrading from 11.04 to 11.10, flash applets either did not work, or worked partial (such as the sound being distorted, like the person was underwater). Fixed by installing the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up broken flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems. Installed the extension, restarted the browser, then went Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, just went with all the defaults, it removed the old flash plugins (I had 2) and downloaded and installed the latest adobe one, and then it was as good as new and working flawlessly.<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 12.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
=== Multiple monitors broken, screen orientation broken ===<br />
<br />
run Synaptic, remove all the nvidia drivers, and install the nouveau firmware, then reboot, then systems settings -> displays, and can change the monitor setup so that multi-montior works again and so the orientations are in portrait instead of landscape.<br />
<br />
From the command line to remove nvidia drivers, can do:<br />
sudo apt-get purge nvidia-settings nvidia-current<br />
<br />
=== Customised keyboard shortcuts lost ===<br />
<br />
All my customized keyboard shortcuts for the extra buttons on my keyboard are lost. Had to redo the keyboard config to get these back.<br />
<br />
=== alt-tab no longer works ===<br />
<br />
To fix (from [http://askubuntu.com/questions/135685/alt-tab-does-not-switch this source]) :<br />
sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* Go at the very bottom where it says "Window Management"<br />
* Put a checkmark in "application switcher"<br />
* That should fix it.<br />
<br />
=== Workplace switching is broken (gives a blank desktop with no menus or items) ===<br />
<br />
Install compiz settings manager as above, and that will fix it. To get switching to be 4 horizontal desktops:<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* "general" -> General options -> Desktop size -> horizontal virtual size = 4, vertical virtual size = 1<br />
<br />
Also turn off "effects" -> "animations" in compiz too, whilst we are there.<br />
<br />
=== Gnome menus look ugly ===<br />
<br />
The bug is [https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/light-themes/+bug/981289 here]. To fix ambiance themes, [http://www.webupd8.org/2012/05/install-ambiance-fixed-for-classic.html follow these steps].<br />
<br />
=== Printing was broken ===<br />
<br />
Jobs sent to the network printer just sat in the queue and were never printed, even though the printer hardware was fine and the same queue worked perfectly in 11.10. Easiest solution was to cancel all print jobs, delete the printer, add a new printer with the same settings, and reboot (because the printer setup locked up whilst doing these things).<br />
<br />
=== Printing was excessively slow from Firefox ===<br />
<br />
Even after doing the above, printing was very slow from Firefox to the HP LaserJet 2100 TN. For example, it was taking up to 4 minutes to print a page, whereas it would take 15 seconds before. To fix:<br />
* Run "system-config-printer" from the command line.<br />
* Change the printer driver. Instead of the recommended driver, use "HP LaserJet 2100 - CUPS+Gutenprint v5.2.8-pre1".<br />
* Print a test page, once works okay, click "OK", and close the printer config applet.<br />
<br />
=== Volume applet indicator disappeared ===<br />
<br />
[http://askubuntu.com/questions/126411/volume-and-other-indicators-disappeared-in-the-classic-desktop Source].<br />
Run gnome-sound-applet from the command line to check that it is installed and working.<br />
<br />
To start the sound applet automatically, go to System Tools -> Preferences -> Startup Applications, and add Command gnome-sound-applet<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 13.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
To be able to play videos again:<br />
sudo aptitude install ubuntu-restricted-extras<br />
<br />
To stop using Nautilus, following the unfortuate decision to remove all of its most useful features, and switch to Nemo instead. [http://www.fandigital.com/2012/09/install-nemo-file-manager-in-ubuntu.html Source] [http://www.fandigital.com/2013/01/set-nemo-default-file-manager-ubuntu.html Source].<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:gwendal-lebihan-dev/cinnamon-stable<br />
sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install nemo nemo-fileroller<br />
xdg-mime default nemo.desktop inode/directory application/x-gnome-saved-search<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 13.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Changed video driver from nouveau open source driver to nvidia's binary driver, to fix intermittent crashing of gnome-shell once or more per day: Applications -> System tools -> Software & updates -> Additional drivers -> nvidia-319-updates.<br />
<br />
* Problem: guest session broken, wallpaper all black, desktop icons broken, and screensaver unlock sometimes not working<br />
* Cause: All due to a conflict between Ubuntu 13.10 and cinnamon.<br />
* Solution: remove cinnamon and nemo. [http://askubuntu.com/questions/360772/unity-isnt-starting-on-13-10 Source].<br />
<br />
sudo apt-get install ppa-purge<br />
sudo apt-get purge --auto-remove cinnamon<br />
sudo apt-get autoremove<br />
sudo apt-get update -f<br />
sudo apt-get dist-upgrade<br />
sudo apt-get install ubuntu-desktop<br />
sudo apt-get remove .*cinnamon.*<br />
sudo apt-get remove .*nemo.*<br />
<br />
Then install nemo from the Ubuntu repos - part of the repos now.<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 14.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Only needed on a Gnome desktop, will cause icons to not appear on a Unity desktop and so should be skipped under Unity: To fix missing notifier icons (network, dropbox, sshplus, ksplice) under Gnome :<br />
<br />
* How to fix the missing network icon - follow [http://www.bauer-power.net/2014/05/permanent-fix-for-missing-network.html these steps].<br />
* For the others: System tools -> preferences -> startup applications -> then open the item whose notifier icon is not appearing.<br />
* add "dbus-launch " to start of the command lines for Ksplice and SSHPlus and Dropbox, and any others that are not working.<br />
<!--<br />
To fix greeter/login-screen monitor orientation - [http://askubuntu.com/questions/408302/rotated-monitor-login-screen-needs-rotation source].<br />
<br />
sudo cp ~/.config/monitors.xml /var/lib/lightdm/.config/<br />
sudo chown lightdm.lightdm /var/lib/lightdm/.config/monitors.xml<br />
--><br />
<br />
== VirtualBox ==<br />
<br />
=== first time VirtualBox install only ===<br />
<br />
From the [http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Linux_Downloads VirtualBox Installation instructions]:<br />
sudo vim /etc/apt/sources.list <br />
add this line: <code>deb http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian oneiric contrib</code> . Do not add a deb-src line.<br />
wget -q http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian/oracle_vbox.asc -O- | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude install dkms<br />
<br />
The first time that you install, make sure that you are a member of vboxusers group (needed for USB disks to work correctly) :<br />
sudo usermod -a -G vboxusers `whoami`<br />
sudo usermod -a -G disk `whoami`<br />
Then reboot the computer.<br />
<br />
=== All VirtualBox upgrades and installs ===<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install virtualbox-5.0<br />
<br />
To update/get the extension pack, go File -> "Check for Updates...", and this will check you have the latest virtualbox and also install/update the extensions. Enter password if prompted.<br />
<br />
After upgrading from a previous version, to update each guest's VirtualBox drivers, do this after the Guest has started:<br />
* VirtualBox -> start Guest -> "Devices" menu -> Install Guest Additions.<br />
<br />
And in a Debian or Ubuntu '''guest''' machine after doing an upgrade, to install the vbox additions, do this:<br />
* Devices -> install guest additions...<br />
mount /dev/cdrom <br />
aptitude install build-essential linux-headers-$(uname -r)<br />
sh /cdrom/VBoxLinuxAdditions.run<br />
<br />
=== To check if things aren't working as expected ===<br />
<br />
Before starting the Guest machine, make sure USB functionality is enabled by going:<br />
* Settings -> USB -> Make sure both the USB checkboxes are ticked -> Click the "Add Empty Filter" button (the top button on the right) -> click OK to close dialog box.<br />
<br />
Rebuild the virtualbox modules after upgrading from a previous version:<br />
sudo service vboxdrv setup<br />
<br />
Then plug in a USB device after the guest machine has started. Then make it visible to the Guest by going:<br />
* Devices -> USB devices -> and select the USB device to make visible.<br />
<br />
When doing a major version upgrade, use apt-get and not aptitude. For example:<br />
sudo apt-get install virtualbox-5.0<br />
... and then start VirtualBox, and then install the latest extension pack, using the steps above. The link will be on the [https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads VirtualBox downloads] page.<br />
<br />
If you get an "Error! Could not locate dkms.conf file" message, then you probably have old directories left over from an old version of virtualbox under /var/lib/dkms/ . E.g. I had some directories left over from 3.2.6, and the fix was:<br />
sudo rm -r /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetadp /var/lib/dkms/vboxdrv /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetflt<br />
<br />
== Newsgroup bin client ==<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude install sabnzbdplus<br />
Then configure as per [http://wiki.sabnzbd.org/quick-setup the steps on their wiki].<br />
<!-- Lottanzb keeps crashing for me:<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:lottanzb/daily-build<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:jcfp/ppa<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install lottanzb sabnzbdplus<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Steps for making the Benq Acer S2W 3300U work == <br />
<br />
* Plug in power and USB cable to the scanner, and connect it to your computer.<br />
* Check SANE is installed, then run <code> sane-find-scanner </code>, and it should list your scanner.<br />
* From [http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/downloads.cfm/dtype/D/page/downloads/product/91 Benq's page] get the Mirascan ZIP file. Note that Benq's webservers are crap, and they cut out mid-download, so save yourself frustration by using wget to take care of the downloading/resuming/retrying, by doing:<br />
wget ftp://211.78.86.204/scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
and/or<br />
wget http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/download.cfm?file=scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
* Check the ZIP file downloaded okay by doing:<br />
unzip -t mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
... and making sure it says there were "no errors detected" at the end.<br />
* Extract just the u176v046.bin file (which is firmware blob that this scanner needs to operate) into the current directory:<br />
unzip -j mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip "MiraScan v4.03u10_BQA/BIN/u176v046.bin"<br />
* Set up Sane to use this firmware blob:<br />
sudo mkdir /usr/share/sane/snapscan<br />
sudo cp u176v046.bin /usr/share/sane/snapscan/<br />
sudo editor /etc/sane.d/snapscan.conf<br />
... and change the first line from:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/your-firmwarefile.bin<br />
to:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/u176v046.bin<br />
... then save and close the file.<br />
* Then under the Applications -> Graphics menu, run Xsane, or (my preference) Simple Scan.<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
<!-- todo: add the repo steps here --><br />
Unfortunately dropbox does not seem to automatically install updates for old versions. Given this, need to manually install updates on old versions, and easiest way to install dropbox updates on Linux is, open a terminal and do:<br />
dropbox stop<br />
dropbox status # Should report "not running"<br />
rm -r ~/.dropbox-dist/<br />
dropbox start -i<br />
<br />
== Handbrake ==<br />
<br />
Handbrake is a media converter, and is especially useful for converting files for portable devices, like Android tablets or iPhones. To install the snapshot releases (which seems to be the easiest way, if you want the GUI) :<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:stebbins/handbrake-snapshots<br />
sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install handbrake-gtk handbrake-cli<br />
== Install Chromium dev builds ==<br />
<br />
Firefox is currently slightly better as a daily browser, but Chromium is improving rapidly. If you want to play with the native alpha port of Google's Chrome browser just to see how it's going, you can install the dev builds of Chromium quite easily by doing:<br />
<!-- could get rid of the PPA - Ubuntu now includes the chromium browser in universe, that lags a little, but avoids the constant daily updates: http://packages.ubuntu.com/search?keywords=chromium-browser --><br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:chromium-daily/dev<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install chromium-browser chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-nonfree chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-extra<br />
<!-- following [http://www.stefanoforenza.com/chromium-on-ubuntu-how-to/ these directions]. You probably also want to add the key for this PPA to your system, following [https://help.launchpad.net/Packaging/PPA#Adding%20the%20keys%20using%20Gnome these directions] about adding [http://keyserver.ubuntu.com:11371/pks/lookup?op=get&search=0x5A9BF3BB4E5E17B5 their key] to your system, so that you don't get lots of prompts every day when there is an update about "do you want to install unauthenticated packages?". --><br />
<br />
Chrome Extensions to install:<br />
* [http://www.chromeextensions.org/appearance-functioning/flashblock/ FlashBlock].<br />
* [http://blog.xmarks.com/?p=1244 Xmarks].<br />
* [https://chrome.google.com/extensions/detail/gighmmpiobklfepjocnamgkkbiglidom Adblock]. Need to restart browser for extension to take effect.<br />
<br />
Still waiting for these Chrome extensions as at July 2010:<br />
* The equivalent of Tab Mix Plus. (still looking for this).<br />
<br />
Things that aren't working quite right yet in Chromium on Linux:<br />
* The backspace key should go back, or should be configurable for this. There is an extension that allows this, but it should probably be a preference in the base browser.<br />
* Auto-updating of extensions. There is a way to do this from the extensions UI, but in Chromium it doesn't seem to do anything.<br />
* Audio playback not working correctly - e.g. on [http://slides.html5rocks.com/#slide22 this slide], get no audio after selecting a national anthem other than US (US works, other's don't). Possibly [http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Chrome/thread?tid=2fdf2aa857abe1ef&hl=en this issue] or [http://code.google.com/p/chromium/issues/detail?id=37848 this issue].<br />
* WebGL does not work on an old laptop, but does on a modern desktop. Could be that the laptop's hardware is just too old (or just not supported in 3D).<br />
<br />
To enable most of the new features of Chromium, change the command line for starting chromium to be like this:<br />
chromium-browser --enable-plugins --enable-greasemonkey --enable-user-scripts --enable-internal-flash --enable-extensions --enable-webgl %U<br />
<br />
Configuration settings:<br />
* To make streetview work: Try to open streetview -> nothing happens -> press Ctrl-Shift-F (which permanently unblock flashblock on that site) -> then streetview will pop up and work thereafter.<br />
<br />
Updating the flash plugin if you get a warning that "the flash plugin was blocked because it is out of date", or just installing the flash plugin.<br />
* First check where the plugin is installed, by opening chrome://plugins/ in chromium, and expanding the "details" link.<br />
* For me, it said "Location: /usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so".<br />
* Note this directory, and update the flashplugin variable below if you have a different path:<br />
cd ~/tmp<br />
flashplugin=/usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so<br />
sudo mv $flashplugin ./libflashplayer.so.old<br />
wget http://download.macromedia.com/pub/labs/flashplayer10/flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz<br />
tar zfvx flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz <br />
sudo cp ./libflashplayer.so $flashplugin<br />
cd /usr/lib/chromium-browser/plugins<br />
sudo ln -s $flashplugin<br />
Now restart chromium and the warning should be fixed & flash should work.<br />
<br />
== Android ADB commands ==<br />
<br />
Only useful if you have an android phone and sometimes want to flash custom ROMs or recovery images:<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:phablet-team/tools && sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install android-tools-adb android-tools-fastboot<br />
<!--<br />
== Pinta ==<br />
<br />
Basic image editing program, like ms-paint:<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:moonlight-team/pinta<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install pinta<br />
<br />
tends to crash though.... don't include in public instructions just yet!<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
'''Warning: semi-commercial software'''<br />
<br />
Personally, I find dropbox useful for synchronising up to 2 GB of data free between multiple systems (desktop and laptop; work and home). You need to sign up here and install the software from here.<br />
##### FINISH WRITING THIS STEP AT SOME POINT #####<br />
##### Keeps crashing on network transfers, so don't write up until that is completed ###### -- this was fixed by upgrading to version 0.6.564 <br />
##### The crashing is back.... **sigh**<br />
<br />
== testing: Ksplice for rebootless kernel updates ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.ksplice.com/uptrack/download Install]<br />
[http://lwn.net/Articles/340477/ background on Ksplice].<br />
<br />
== Ekiga linux setup ==<br />
.... cannot test this until ADSL connection no longer blocks VoIP...<br />
Date: Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:21:10 +1100<br />
VoIP client.<br />
<br />
Applications ->Internet -> Ekiga softphone<br />
Enter name<br />
Tick "I do not want to sign up for the ekiga.net free service"<br />
connection type xDSL.cable<br />
enable STUN support: Yes<br />
rest of the options: take the defaults,.<br />
<br />
Then in Ekiga, go:<br />
edit -> accounts -> add my pennytel account details.<br />
#### No sound through ekiga in 10.10 -- leave commented out until this works ####<br />
--></div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/Ubuntu_desktop_setup_stepsUbuntu desktop setup steps2016-03-17T03:28:20Z<p>Nickj: /* All VirtualBox upgrades and installs */</p>
<hr />
<div>Ubuntu desktop setup steps for an AMD64 system. Most of these instructions will work on 8.04 LTS onwards through the current release, and it should almost all work on x86 systems too:<br />
<br />
== Pre-installation standard hardware test procedure ==<br />
<br />
Before installing or configuring any software, it is imperative to test the hardware beforehand, to establish that it is not provably broken:<br />
* Download the ISOs for [http://www.sysresccd.org/ System Rescue CD] and [http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/ Ultimate Boot CD] and burn these.<br />
* From either CD, run Memtest86+ on the machine overnight, to test that the CPU and memory are error-free.<br />
* From UBCD, run a CPU stress test for 5 to 10 minutes to check CPU is reliable and adequately cooled.<br />
* From Sys Rescue CD, check for bad blocks on the hard drive, before trusting it with any data: <code>badblocks -v -s -w -c 4096 /dev/sda</code> <br />Note however that badblocks is quite a slow test - e.g. took 34 hours on a 500 GB SATA disk in an external USB enclosure, and 17 hours on a 250 GB IDE disk.<br />It's also a destructive write test, and so will blank the disk, so make sure you have the right device (use <code>fdisk -lu</code> to confirm the device's size and name).<br />Successful output will look something like this:<br />
Checking for bad blocks in read-write mode<br />
From block 0 to 244198583<br />
Testing with pattern 0xaa: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x55: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0xff: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x00: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Pass completed, 0 bad blocks found.<br />
<br />
If problems are found with any of the above, resolve these first before proceeding further.<br />
<br />
== Installation == <br />
<br />
* Firstly, decide whether you want software RAID or not. Personally, I use RAID-1 mirroring of a single bootable partition, using 2 same-sized disks, from 2 different manufacturers, because:<br />
*# it's simple.<br />
*# it's redundant enough.<br />
*# it's cheap: the incremental cost is the cost of a single disk, which is less than $100.<br />
*# you can boot off of it.<br />
*# it's not a question of if a disk will fail, but when.<br />
: For software RAID, install from the Alternate Installation CD. You can always [http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Convert_a_single_drive_system_to_RAID convert to RAID-1 later], but it's significantly more faffing about than setting it up this way from the get-go.<br />
* Once you've done the above, download and burn either the standard or alternate Ubuntu install CD, as appropriate.<br />
* Insert installation CD. Follow simple options, installs, ejects CD, reboots. Then login.<br />
* System -> Networking -> set up static IP address instead of dynamic IP address.<br />
* reboot to get network changes to apply (theoretically this should not be necessary, but in practice it was, at least for me on 8.04).<br />
* reboot, install system updates. Then reboot once updates are installed.<br />
* system -> hardware drivers -> enable the proprietary nvidia drivers.<br />
* reboot to enable the proprietary drivers.<br />
<br />
== Tweaks and Preferences ==<br />
<br />
* Ditch the annoying sounds: System -> Preferences -> sound -> sounds -> set all to "no sound", and untick "play system sounds", and on "system beep" tab untick all boxes.<br />
* Ditch the thrashing hard-disk: System -> Preferences -> Searching and indexing -> General -> tick "enable indexing" and "enable watching" and both of the power management boxes to disable stuff when on battery.<br />
* To get Subpixel Smoothing on LCDs, do this: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Fonts -> Select "subpixel smoothing (LCDs)". Need to restart Firefox for this change to take effect in Firefox.<br />
* To get reasonable desktop visual effects: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Visual Effects -> Select "Normal".<br />
* To make the system remember running apps and window locations on logout, do this: System -> Preferences -> sessions -> session options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out". In Ubuntu 9.04 / gnome 2.26 & up, this setting has moved, and is now under: System -> Preferences -> Startup Application Preferences -> options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out".<br />
<!--* To tweak networking performance, [http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Hardy#Howto:_Tweak_and_maximize_your_bandwidth_in_Ubuntu.2FLinux_via_sysctl.21 follow these instructions]. --><br />
* Power saving: Turn off blinking cursor by going: System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> untick "Cursor blinks in text fields".<br />
* Add terminal icon to gnome panel: Right-click panel -> Add to Panel -> Application Launcher... -> Accessories -> Terminal -> Add -> Close.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Editor" tab -> tick "autosave" files every 2 minutes.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Plugins" tab -> tick "Sort" to enable the sort plugin -> Close. Can now highlight text and go Edit -> Sort to get it alphabetically sorted.<br />
<br />
== [[Firefox configuration steps]] ==<br />
<br />
{{:Firefox configuration steps}}<br />
<br />
== Installation of extra software ==<br />
<br />
Go system -> admin -> synaptic package manager -> then Install the following (my brief descriptions of what some packages do are also shown) :<br />
* inkscape # Vector drawing package<br />
* hugin # Create panoramas from an image set.<br />
* dia # Draw diagrams & flow charts, somewhat like "visio" on Windows.<br />
* googleearth-package<br />
* xchat # IRC client.<br />
* ttf-mscorefonts-installer ttf-linux-libertine ttf-inconsolata # The most useful font sets. See also the "[[#Install the Tahoma fonts|Install the Tahoma fonts]]" section below.<br />
* audacious # Like XMMS or Winamp<br />
* nmap # Check for open ports.<br />
* filezilla # GUI FTP client.<br />
* wireshark # Packet sniffer<br />
* powertop iotop htop # Show power hogs, I/O hogs, and an more visual command-line version of top.<br />
* nautilus-open-terminal # adds ability to right click on a folder and get a command prompt there.<br />
* php5-cli php5-gd php5-curl # Only useful if you want to write scripts in PHP.<br />
* traceroute # How packets get from here to there over the network.<br />
* curl # Command line HTTP client, includes form-submitting capacity<br />
* tofrodos # Convert line endings from dos to UNIX or vice-versa.<br />
* openssh-server<br />
* libxml2-dev libmysqlclient-dev # Optional: Only used for compiling PHP snapshots<br />
* eclipse sun-java6-jdk sun-java6-jre sun-java6-plugin libmysql-java junit junit-doc # Optional: Java development using Eclipse + java plugins for Firefox<br />
* sysinfo # Kind of like device manager on Windows. Shows CPU / memory / hard disk installed, some hardware that has been detected, etc.<br />
* autofs smbfs smbclient<br />
* gisomount<br />
* gtk-recordmydesktop # Record videos of what you're doing on your desktop.<br />
* gworldclock # Want to simultaneously see the time in Tokyo, LA, London, and Rio? Use this.<br />
* ffmpeg2theora # Convert videos into format suitable for uploading to Wikimedia commons.<br />
* rar p7zip-full # needed for extracting .7z and RAR archives<br />
* gnome-do # Run apps or commands from a keyboard launcher.<br />
* pinfo # Much nicer UI than man or info for reading documentation.<br />
* vlc mozilla-plugin-vlc<br />
* avidemux # Useful for replacing audio tracks in video files.<br />
* indent # Useful for auto-indenting code.<br />
* smartmontools smart-notifier # S.M.A.R.T. hard disk monitoring tools.<br />
* tidy<br />
* ddrescue # Useful for recovering data from failing hard disks.<br />
* gimp-resynthesizer # A nifty plugin for gimp for repairing images or filling in content intelligently. Ignore if you don't use gimp.<br />
* qpdf # Useful for removing password from PDF files, as per [http://blog.sandipb.net/2009/01/10/removing-encryption-from-legitimate-pdf-files-on-ubuntu/ this guide].<br />
* hardinfo # Generates a hardware report and benchmark for the system; can also run in command line mode by doing: <code> hardinfo -r -f html > report.html </code><br />
* gtkvncviewer # Nice VNC client.<br />
* renameutils # Useful for bulk renaming of files. Example for renaming all .JPG files in a directory to .jpg (lowercase) is: <code>rename s/JPG$/jpg/ *</code><br />
* meld # Good GUI for comparing two files, e.g. two log files.<br />
* asciio # Good for drawing ASCII graphs; only available in Ubuntu 10.10 and up.<br />
* spamassassin # Email filtering, used by Evolution.<br />
<!--<br />
<br />
Have installed on laptop - test some more and see if worth including:<br />
gedit-plugins<br />
wget http://nchc.dl.sourceforge.net/sourceforge/openproj/openproj_1.4-2.deb && sudo dpkg -i openproj_1.4-2.deb<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
winbind # could be useful on a windows network. Have not discerned any benefit yet though.<br />
<br />
Still working out whether to include or not: * evolution-plugins-experimental <br />
<br />
* bum # Boot Up Manager - GUI for specifying what services should be running on boot-up.<br />
* miro # Combined bittorrent client and video player. Particularly useful for downloading TED talks before a flight. Uses lots of disk space though.<br />
* k3b # CD burning app.<br />
* deluge amule # P2P - donkey plus bittorrent<br />
<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Configure "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" ==<br />
<br />
To get the back / forward keyboard keys working in Firefox, when using the "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard", go System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> Layout -> click the model button -> Choose Microsoft -> set model to "Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro USB" -> click "close".<br />
<br />
== Custom Key Bindings, aimed at "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" == <br />
<br />
Note: the steps keep changing in each Ubuntu release (the menus move around, the keycodes change), unfortunately. This is what works for me using 11.10 in gnome-fallback mode:<br />
<br />
* ubuntu "System Setting" (top right corner of your desktop) -> Keyboard -> Shortcut.<br />
* Set "1" favourite key to "run a terminal"<br />
* Set "2" favourite key to "open home folder"<br />
<br />
There seems to be a bug that prevents the "custom shortcuts" keys from working for favourite keys 3, 4 and 5. Instead we have to do this:<br />
* In a terminal, run: <code>gconf-editor</code><br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/global_keybindings<br />
* Change "run_command_3" to be 0xc2, "run_command_4" to be 0xc3, and "run_command_5" to be 0xc4 - these corresponds to the 3 / 4 / 5 favourite keys.<br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/keybinding_commands<br />
* Change "command_3" to be the take-screenshot command: <code>gnome-screenshot --window --interactive</code><br />
* Change "command_4" to be the new-text-editor command: <code>/usr/bin/gedit --new-document</code><br />
* Change "command_5" to be as desired.<br />
<!-- * Name is "Zend Studio", command is "sh /home/nickj/programs/Zend/ZendStudio-5.5.0/bin/ZDE". Set the 5 favourite key to run this. --><br />
<br />
== Install Skype == <br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>" -> Skype -> More Info -> Install. <br />
<br />
Then to make the right-click menus legible with Ubuntu's dark theme, do as follows:<br />
# Applications -> Internet -> Skype -> single-click on the skype icon in the top right to open skype -> Ctrl-O to open options -> "general" -> Choose Style: "Desktop settings" -> close.<br />
# Single click on skype icon to open skype again -> Ctrl-Q to close.<br />
# Now restart skype by going Applications -> Internet -> Skype, and the right-click menus will be readable.<br />
<!--<br />
install Skype - [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Skype#AMD64 Source of instructions].<br />
sudo aptitude install ia32-libs<br />
wget http://skype.com/go/getskype-linux-ubuntu<br />
sudo aptitude install libqt4-core libqt4-gui qt4-qtconfig <br />
sudo dpkg --install --force-architecture --force-depends skype-debian*.deb<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Install the Tahoma fonts ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.stchman.com/ms_fonts.html Source of instructions].<br />
<br />
Once the msttcorefonts package is installed you will notice that Tahoma and Tahoma Bold is missing. You will need to extract Tahoma<br />
and Tahoma Bold from the zip file. Tahoma is used for Microsoft desktop, title bars and menu fonts so if you are trying to get that<br />
XP look you will need the Tahoma regular and Tahoma Bold fonts. Install Tahoma by doing the following in a terminal.<br />
<br />
cd ~<br />
wget http://www.stchman.com/tools/MS_fonts/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo unzip -d /usr/share/fonts/truetype/msttcorefonts ~/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo fc-cache -f -v<br />
rm -f ~/tahoma.zip<br />
<br />
== Install Flash == <br />
<br />
* Install the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up or installs flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems.<br />
* Restart the browser.<br />
* Go to: Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, go with all the defaults.<br />
* It removes any old flash plugins and downloads and installs the latest Adobe one.<br />
* For AMD64 systems, can use the flash 64 bit beta.<br />
<br />
If flash videos have a blue tint after the installation, then repeat the above steps, which may fix it. If it doesn't, then right click on a flash video with a blue tint -> Settings -> Untick "enable HW acceleration". [http://askubuntu.com/questions/117127/flash-video-appears-blue Source].<br />
<br />
== Install Google Earth ==<br />
<!--<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update && sudo aptitude install medibuntu-keyring && sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install googleearth-4.3<br />
<br />
... or follow the manual instructions on [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/GoogleEarth this page] for a more recent version.<br />
--><br />
Follow [http://www.liberiangeek.net/2011/10/how-to-install-google-earth-in-ubuntu-11-10-oneiric-ocelot/ these instructions for installing google earth].<br />
<br />
== Install Acrobat reader ==<br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>", or go Applications -> Ubuntu Software Center, and then go: -> Canonical Partners -> Adobe Acrobat reader -> Install.<br />
<br />
<!--<br />
In earlier versions of Ubuntu, to install acrobat reader, since [http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-general-1/cant-shrink-to-fit-pdf-doc-654281/ Ubuntu's native PDF readers don't have shrink to fit when printing]. :<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install acroread acroread-plugins<br />
<br />
(this uses medibuntu, from the Google Earth step above).<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
Also need to do this:<br />
sudo editor /usr/share/applications/defaults.list <br />
And change this:<br />
#application/pdf=evince.desktop<br />
application/pdf=AdobeReader.desktop<br />
--><br />
Then to tweak the display preferences of Acrobat Reader: Edit -> Preferences -> Page Display -> set "Zoom" to "Fit Page" -> Click "Ok".<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
== Install Opera ==<br />
<br />
To install and configure opera (since it's useful for testing web pages to be able to check behaviour, and it's useful to have another browser around sometimes), do the following:<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.list<br />
... and add these two lines:<br />
# For latest stable opera:<br />
deb http://deb.opera.com/opera/ stable non-free<br />
<br />
* Then do:<br />
sudo wget -O - http://deb.opera.com/archive.key | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install opera<br />
* Then run opera - Applications -> Internet -> Opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise -> Toolbars tab -> change the "wrapping" setting to "Wrap to multiple lines".<br />
<!-- <br />
* Go to [http://www.opera.com/download/ Opera's download page].<br />
* Download and open and install the .deb file<br />
* Then run opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise and change the wrapping setting to "multiple lines".<br />
--><br />
== Enable Apport for crash bug reporting ==<br />
<br />
Enable apport so that crash bugs will be reported and logged:<br />
sudo editor /etc/default/apport<br />
change enabled from "0" to "1".<br />
<br />
Crashes will then be logged to /var/crash/<br />
<br />
== Configure Open Office to work in MS Office 2000 compatibility mode ==<br />
<br />
[http://news.cnet.com/8301-13880_3-9864262-68.html Source of instructions]. Only do this if you are testing a migration to Ubuntu. Once you have already switched, then use the native ODF for new files, as they generally save formatting better.<br />
* Start OpenOffice Word Process: Applications -> Office -> OpenOffice.org Word Processor -> tools -> options -> expand "Load/Save" -> select "general" -> For document type = "Text document", set Always save as "Microsoft Word 97/2000/XP" (instead of "ODF text document"); For Document type = "Spreadsheet", set Always save as "Microsoft Excel 97/2000/XP"; For Document type = "Presentation", set Always save as "Microsoft PowerPoint 97/2000/XP" -> then click "OK".<br />
* Then tools -> options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> compatibility -> tick "Use printer metrics for document formatting", tick "Do not add leading (extra space) between lines of text", and tick "Consider wrapping style when positioning objects". Then go: Use as Default -> Yes -> OK.<br />
<br />
Note: When you upgrade between Ubuntu releases, you will probably need to repeat the first step, otherwise it will default back to saving in OpenOffice's formats by default.<br />
<br />
== Evolution configuration ==<br />
<br />
* Turn off new email notifications: Evolution -> Edit -> Plugins -> Uncheck "Mail Notification" plugin.<br />
* Edit -> Preferences -> 'Calendar and Tasks' -> 'Display' tab -> Disable the 'Compress weekends in month view' option.<br />
* Customize the default mail folder view. Get one folder looking right (personal preference: Columns: From / Subject / Received, with threads off, sorted by date received with most recent first). Then go View -> Current view -> Save Custom View... -> Replace existing view -> Messages -> Save. "Messages" is a special view, which is used by default on all folders, although you can override it on a folder-by-folder basis, but customizing that folder's view.<br />
<br />
== Set up SSH keys and KeepAlive Interval ==<br />
<br />
For each machine you want to have password-less SSH login to, do:<br />
ssh-copy-id -i ~/.ssh/id_dsa.pub machine1<br />
<br />
Also on some connections the SSH shell can close after a short timeout period. To keep connections option for longer, on the client side do, <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and then add this line to send a keep-alive heartbeat every 60 seconds:<br />
ServerAliveInterval 60<br />
<br />
... there is also a corresponding "ClientAliveInterval 60" setting that can be added to /etc/ssh/sshd_config - although sometimes you only control the client side of the link, and so this is not possible.<br />
<br />
Also set up connection sharing, makes secondary connections to SSH hosts much faster. <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and add this:<br />
# from: "OpenSSH tip: connection sharing"<br />
# http://tanguy.ortolo.eu/blog/article42/ssh-connection-sharing<br />
ControlPath ~/.ssh/control-%r@%h:%p<br />
ControlMaster auto<br />
ControlPersist 1<br />
<br />
== Automounting remote file systems using SSHFS ==<br />
<br />
For a remote Linux system, can automount with autofs + sshfs. Follow the guides [http://www.tjansson.dk/?p=84 here] and [http://www.mccambridge.org/blog/2007/05/totally-seamless-sshfs-under-linux-using-fuse-and-autofs/ here].<br />
<br />
Debug any problems with:<br />
tail --lines=0 -f /var/log/*<br />
<!-- <br />
Windows shares<br />
* Currently TESTING, this step not complete yet.<br />
* [http://oapeon.blogspot.com/2008/09/automounting-cifs-share-in-ubuntu.html Follow these instructions], but also [http://www.howtoforge.com/accessing_windows_or_samba_shares_using_autofs create a /etc/auto.smb.FILESERVERNAME file with login credentials].<br />
<br />
Actually, may have spoken too soon, seems kinda flakey. Getting "Input/output error" on the command line when accessing shares after a few minutes:<br />
<br />
$ ls /smb/server/sharename/<br />
ls: cannot access /smb/server/sharename/: Input/output error<br />
$<br />
<br />
Also seeing these errors when doing "tail -f /var/log/messages", despite supplying login credentials:<br />
Oct 23 17:42:02 redux kernel: [66597.665680] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
Oct 23 17:42:01 redux kernel: [66597.524118] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
<br />
To remove, uninstall these packages:<br />
sudo aptitude uninstall --purge autofs libevent1 libgssglue1 libnfsidmap2 librpcsecgss3 nfs-common portmap smbfs<br />
<br />
<br />
rebooting seemed to make this better.... although it's still buggy and flakey. Get directories being infinitely recursive, edited files appearing as directories, etc etc.<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
testing / playing with smbnetfs as an alternative<br />
sudo aptitude install smbnetfs<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/smbnetfs.conf <br />
<br />
- show_$_shares "false"<br />
+ show_$_shares "true"<br />
<br />
mkdir ~/.smb<br />
editor ~/.smb/smbnetfs.auth<br />
<br />
auth nickj password<br />
<br />
Need to do something with .smb/smbnetfs.conf ?<br />
<br />
<br />
* smbnetfs is probably not even running - need to find some decent docs on how to configure this.<br />
* autofs is mounted on /smb , and can be seriously flakey.<br />
* trying sshfs now, seems better but needs some magic options in the mount flags to work suitably.<br />
--><br />
== right before and right after each upgrade ==<br />
<br />
Remove unneeded cruft, by doing:<br />
sudo apt-get autoremove<br />
sudo apt-get clean<br />
deborphan<br />
Check first that no important packages are about to be removed, then do:<br />
sudo apt-get remove --purge $(deborphan)<br />
Purge old configuration files, first command shows what will be purged:<br />
sudo aptitude search ~c <br />
sudo aptitude purge ~c<br />
<br />
Fix broken packages:<br />
* <code>sudo aptitude</code><br />
* fix any broken packages (ctrl-t -> resolver -> examine -> g -> g).<br />
* also clean up cache and obsolete files (ctrl-t -> actions -> "clean package cache" and "clean obsolete files").<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
These tweaks are only required for 9.04:<br />
<br />
([http://reformedmusings.wordpress.com/2009/04/26/recovering-daily-update-notifications-in-ubuntu-904-jaunty/ Source]) To enable daily notification of non-security updates, which is especially useful if you [[#enable Apport for crash bug reporting|enable Apport for crash bug reporting]], then do this:<br />
gconftool -s --type bool /apps/update-notifier/auto_launch false<br />
<br />
([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-when-logoutshutdown-and-restart-ubuntu904 Source]) To remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout, do this:<br />
* Right-click on the panel power button icon on top-right of the screen -> Preferences -> Untick "Show confirm dialog for logout, shutdown and restart".<br />
<br />
Only in Ubuntu 9.04:<br />
sudo aptitude install firefox-3.5 firefox-3.5-gnome-support<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Tweaks to Ubuntu 9.10 that I had to apply to get stuff working again, or configured how I like it:<br />
<br />
1: Remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout. ([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-in-ubuntu910karmic Source]). <br />
<br />
2: For seeing details of SMART reporting for hard disks:<br />
sudo aptitude install gsmartcontrol<br />
<br />
3: system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Dust".<br />
<br />
4: Alt-F2, run gconf-editor , then toogle the GConf key /apps/eog/ui/disable_trash_confirmation to be ticked, to disable prompting for image deleting though Eye of Gnome ([https://bugzilla.gnome.org/show_bug.cgi?id=541967#c5 source]).<br />
<br />
5: Some third party entries in your sources.list were disabled. You can re-enable them after the upgrade with the 'software-properties' tool or your package manager.<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.lst<br />
<br />
.. then re-enable dropbox, chrome daily builds, etc, and apply those updates:<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude upgrade<br />
<br />
6: Setting MySQL back to utf8 mode:<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/mysql/my.cnf <br />
add under the "[mysqld]" section:<br />
default-character-set=utf8<br />
<br />
7: Blue tint to video files in VLC, Mplayer, and Totem. [http://www.mediacollege.com/video-gallery/testclips/20051210-w50s.flv Example video file]. [https://bugs.launchpad.net/totem/+bug/395476 Bug is in] the Nvidia closed source driver. Workaround is:<br />
* open totem via Applications -> Sound & Video -> Movie Player<br />
* open the preferences window via Edit -> Preferences<br />
* select the Display tab<br />
* click the Reset to Defaults button<br />
<br />
8: Problem: Mplayer crashing regularly when changing video output mode, and also giving a "couldn't resolve name for AF_INET6:" error on URL playback. Workaround: ditch mplayer, as totem and VLC are suitable replacements:<br />
sudo aptitude remove --purge mplayer<br />
<br />
9: Flash applets don't work in firefox or chrome on AMD64 (example: playing [http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-february-1-2010/q---o this Daily Show] video) .... solution: redo the [[#Install_Flash_on_AMD64|Flash installation steps]].<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Ambiance". <!-- move window decoration buttons to the left too - find link & steps for this --><br />
# If images don't display in office documents: Start OpenOffice writer, and then go: Tools -> Options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> View -> tick "Graphics and objects" -> click "Ok".<br />
<!-- to get SIP calls working through empathy through the dodgy Telstra modem that blocks VoIP: sudo aptitude install telepathy-sofiasip ... no, didn't work - test again later. --><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# <code>sudo aptitude remove tracker</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install unity-2d</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
The 11.10 release had more problems than most releases.<br />
<br />
Nautilus default view: go to Places -> Home folder -> Edit -> Preferences -> "View new folders using": select "List View".<br />
<br />
=== Restore classic Gnome desktop ===<br />
To get gnome classic desktop back, as per [http://www.webupd8.org/2011/08/installing-using-classic-gnome-desktop.html this blog post].<br />
sudo apt-get install gnome-session-fallback<br />
Then:<br />
* Install weather applet<br />
* System monitor applet<br />
* Add application icons for Firefox, chrome, terminal, and gedit.<br />
sudo aptitude install alarm-clock-applet<br />
* Add an application icon for the alarm clock applet.<br />
* Put a trash applet back on the bottom right of the screen.<br />
* Put a show desktop applet back on the bottom left of the screen.<br />
<br />
=== SSH menu is gone, use SSH plus instead ===<br />
Follow [http://www.gulecha.org/2011/07/29/sshplus-a-sshmenu-compatible-appindicator/ these installation instructions]. Then do <code>sudo aptitude install putty</code><br/> <br />
To add to startup apps: Applications -> System Tools -> Preferences -> startup applications -> add SSHplus by full path.<br />
<br />
=== blurry image viewer ===<br />
Images look blurry because the default Gnome Image viewer (eog/eye of gnome) is set to "Best Fit" instead of "Normal view", which resizes images slightly, making them appear blurry. Unfortunately, there seems to be no preference or setting that allows changing this permanently. Instead just install another image viewing app, and make it the default:<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install gthumb</code><br/><br />
It can be customized to view images 1:1 by going Edit -> Preferences -> Viewer -> Set to actual size. Then go View -> unselect "Thumbnail pane" (with this on, it seems to interfere with 1:1 viewing). Test it, then if so make it the default app by going ubuntu "System Settings" (top right corner of your desktop) -> System info -> Default applications -> Photos -> gThumb.<br />
<br />
=== usb automounting was broken ===<br />
Inserted USB drives would no longer automatically mount and open a file manager window. Solved by installing, and then removing, the usbmount package.<br />
<br />
=== Flash broken ===<br />
After upgrading from 11.04 to 11.10, flash applets either did not work, or worked partial (such as the sound being distorted, like the person was underwater). Fixed by installing the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up broken flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems. Installed the extension, restarted the browser, then went Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, just went with all the defaults, it removed the old flash plugins (I had 2) and downloaded and installed the latest adobe one, and then it was as good as new and working flawlessly.<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 12.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
=== Multiple monitors broken, screen orientation broken ===<br />
<br />
run Synaptic, remove all the nvidia drivers, and install the nouveau firmware, then reboot, then systems settings -> displays, and can change the monitor setup so that multi-montior works again and so the orientations are in portrait instead of landscape.<br />
<br />
From the command line to remove nvidia drivers, can do:<br />
sudo apt-get purge nvidia-settings nvidia-current<br />
<br />
=== Customised keyboard shortcuts lost ===<br />
<br />
All my customized keyboard shortcuts for the extra buttons on my keyboard are lost. Had to redo the keyboard config to get these back.<br />
<br />
=== alt-tab no longer works ===<br />
<br />
To fix (from [http://askubuntu.com/questions/135685/alt-tab-does-not-switch this source]) :<br />
sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* Go at the very bottom where it says "Window Management"<br />
* Put a checkmark in "application switcher"<br />
* That should fix it.<br />
<br />
=== Workplace switching is broken (gives a blank desktop with no menus or items) ===<br />
<br />
Install compiz settings manager as above, and that will fix it. To get switching to be 4 horizontal desktops:<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* "general" -> General options -> Desktop size -> horizontal virtual size = 4, vertical virtual size = 1<br />
<br />
Also turn off "effects" -> "animations" in compiz too, whilst we are there.<br />
<br />
=== Gnome menus look ugly ===<br />
<br />
The bug is [https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/light-themes/+bug/981289 here]. To fix ambiance themes, [http://www.webupd8.org/2012/05/install-ambiance-fixed-for-classic.html follow these steps].<br />
<br />
=== Printing was broken ===<br />
<br />
Jobs sent to the network printer just sat in the queue and were never printed, even though the printer hardware was fine and the same queue worked perfectly in 11.10. Easiest solution was to cancel all print jobs, delete the printer, add a new printer with the same settings, and reboot (because the printer setup locked up whilst doing these things).<br />
<br />
=== Printing was excessively slow from Firefox ===<br />
<br />
Even after doing the above, printing was very slow from Firefox to the HP LaserJet 2100 TN. For example, it was taking up to 4 minutes to print a page, whereas it would take 15 seconds before. To fix:<br />
* Run "system-config-printer" from the command line.<br />
* Change the printer driver. Instead of the recommended driver, use "HP LaserJet 2100 - CUPS+Gutenprint v5.2.8-pre1".<br />
* Print a test page, once works okay, click "OK", and close the printer config applet.<br />
<br />
=== Volume applet indicator disappeared ===<br />
<br />
[http://askubuntu.com/questions/126411/volume-and-other-indicators-disappeared-in-the-classic-desktop Source].<br />
Run gnome-sound-applet from the command line to check that it is installed and working.<br />
<br />
To start the sound applet automatically, go to System Tools -> Preferences -> Startup Applications, and add Command gnome-sound-applet<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 13.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
To be able to play videos again:<br />
sudo aptitude install ubuntu-restricted-extras<br />
<br />
To stop using Nautilus, following the unfortuate decision to remove all of its most useful features, and switch to Nemo instead. [http://www.fandigital.com/2012/09/install-nemo-file-manager-in-ubuntu.html Source] [http://www.fandigital.com/2013/01/set-nemo-default-file-manager-ubuntu.html Source].<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:gwendal-lebihan-dev/cinnamon-stable<br />
sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install nemo nemo-fileroller<br />
xdg-mime default nemo.desktop inode/directory application/x-gnome-saved-search<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 13.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Changed video driver from nouveau open source driver to nvidia's binary driver, to fix intermittent crashing of gnome-shell once or more per day: Applications -> System tools -> Software & updates -> Additional drivers -> nvidia-319-updates.<br />
<br />
* Problem: guest session broken, wallpaper all black, desktop icons broken, and screensaver unlock sometimes not working<br />
* Cause: All due to a conflict between Ubuntu 13.10 and cinnamon.<br />
* Solution: remove cinnamon and nemo. [http://askubuntu.com/questions/360772/unity-isnt-starting-on-13-10 Source].<br />
<br />
sudo apt-get install ppa-purge<br />
sudo apt-get purge --auto-remove cinnamon<br />
sudo apt-get autoremove<br />
sudo apt-get update -f<br />
sudo apt-get dist-upgrade<br />
sudo apt-get install ubuntu-desktop<br />
sudo apt-get remove .*cinnamon.*<br />
sudo apt-get remove .*nemo.*<br />
<br />
Then install nemo from the Ubuntu repos - part of the repos now.<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 14.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Only needed on a Gnome desktop, will cause icons to not appear on a Unity desktop and so should be skipped under Unity: To fix missing notifier icons (network, dropbox, sshplus, ksplice) under Gnome :<br />
<br />
* How to fix the missing network icon - follow [http://www.bauer-power.net/2014/05/permanent-fix-for-missing-network.html these steps].<br />
* For the others: System tools -> preferences -> startup applications -> then open the item whose notifier icon is not appearing.<br />
* add "dbus-launch " to start of the command lines for Ksplice and SSHPlus and Dropbox, and any others that are not working.<br />
<!--<br />
To fix greeter/login-screen monitor orientation - [http://askubuntu.com/questions/408302/rotated-monitor-login-screen-needs-rotation source].<br />
<br />
sudo cp ~/.config/monitors.xml /var/lib/lightdm/.config/<br />
sudo chown lightdm.lightdm /var/lib/lightdm/.config/monitors.xml<br />
--><br />
<br />
== VirtualBox ==<br />
<br />
=== first time VirtualBox install only ===<br />
<br />
From the [http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Linux_Downloads VirtualBox Installation instructions]:<br />
sudo vim /etc/apt/sources.list <br />
add this line: <code>deb http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian oneiric contrib</code> . Do not add a deb-src line.<br />
wget -q http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian/oracle_vbox.asc -O- | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude install dkms<br />
<br />
The first time that you install, make sure that you are a member of vboxusers group (needed for USB disks to work correctly) :<br />
sudo usermod -a -G vboxusers `whoami`<br />
sudo usermod -a -G disk `whoami`<br />
Then reboot the computer.<br />
<br />
=== All VirtualBox upgrades and installs ===<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install virtualbox-5.0<br />
<br />
To update/get the extension pack, go File -> "Check for Updates...", and this will check you have the latest virtualbox and also install/update the extensions. Enter password if prompted.<br />
<br />
After upgrading from a previous version, to update each guest's VirtualBox drivers, do this after the Guest has started:<br />
* VirtualBox -> start Guest -> "Devices" menu -> Install Guest Additions.<br />
<br />
And in a Debian or Ubuntu '''guest''' machine after doing an upgrade, to install the vbox additions, do this:<br />
* Devices -> install guest additions...<br />
mount /dev/cdrom <br />
aptitude install build-essential linux-headers-$(uname -r)<br />
sh /cdrom/VBoxLinuxAdditions.run<br />
<br />
=== To check if things aren't working as expected ===<br />
<br />
Before starting the Guest machine, make sure USB functionality is enabled by going:<br />
* Settings -> USB -> Make sure both the USB checkboxes are ticked -> Click the "Add Empty Filter" button (the top button on the right) -> click OK to close dialog box.<br />
<br />
Rebuild the virtualbox modules after upgrading from a previous version:<br />
sudo service vboxdrv setup<br />
<br />
Then plug in a USB device after the guest machine has started. Then make it visible to the Guest by going:<br />
* Devices -> USB devices -> and select the USB device to make visible.<br />
<br />
When doing a major version upgrade, use apt-get and not aptitude. For example:<br />
sudo apt-get install virtualbox-5.0<br />
... and then start VirtualBox, and then install the latest extension pack, using the steps above. The link will be on the [https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads VirtualBox downloads] page.<br />
<br />
If you get an "Error! Could not locate dkms.conf file" message, then you probably have old directories left over from an old version of virtualbox under /var/lib/dkms/ . E.g. I had some directories left over from 3.2.6, and the fix was:<br />
sudo rm -r /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetadp /var/lib/dkms/vboxdrv /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetflt<br />
<br />
== Newsgroup bin client ==<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude install sabnzbdplus<br />
Then configure as per [http://wiki.sabnzbd.org/quick-setup the steps on their wiki].<br />
<!-- Lottanzb keeps crashing for me:<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:lottanzb/daily-build<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:jcfp/ppa<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install lottanzb sabnzbdplus<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Steps for making the Benq Acer S2W 3300U work == <br />
<br />
* Plug in power and USB cable to the scanner, and connect it to your computer.<br />
* Check SANE is installed, then run <code> sane-find-scanner </code>, and it should list your scanner.<br />
* From [http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/downloads.cfm/dtype/D/page/downloads/product/91 Benq's page] get the Mirascan ZIP file. Note that Benq's webservers are crap, and they cut out mid-download, so save yourself frustration by using wget to take care of the downloading/resuming/retrying, by doing:<br />
wget ftp://211.78.86.204/scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
and/or<br />
wget http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/download.cfm?file=scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
* Check the ZIP file downloaded okay by doing:<br />
unzip -t mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
... and making sure it says there were "no errors detected" at the end.<br />
* Extract just the u176v046.bin file (which is firmware blob that this scanner needs to operate) into the current directory:<br />
unzip -j mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip "MiraScan v4.03u10_BQA/BIN/u176v046.bin"<br />
* Set up Sane to use this firmware blob:<br />
sudo mkdir /usr/share/sane/snapscan<br />
sudo cp u176v046.bin /usr/share/sane/snapscan/<br />
sudo editor /etc/sane.d/snapscan.conf<br />
... and change the first line from:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/your-firmwarefile.bin<br />
to:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/u176v046.bin<br />
... then save and close the file.<br />
* Then under the Applications -> Graphics menu, run Xsane, or (my preference) Simple Scan.<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
<!-- todo: add the repo steps here --><br />
Unfortunately dropbox does not seem to automatically install updates for old versions. Given this, need to manually install updates on old versions, and easiest way to install dropbox updates on Linux is, open a terminal and do:<br />
dropbox stop<br />
dropbox status # Should report "not running"<br />
rm -r ~/.dropbox-dist/<br />
dropbox start -i<br />
<br />
== Handbrake ==<br />
<br />
Handbrake is a media converter, and is especially useful for converting files for portable devices, like Android tablets or iPhones. To install the snapshot releases (which seems to be the easiest way, if you want the GUI) :<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:stebbins/handbrake-snapshots<br />
sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install handbrake-gtk handbrake-cli<br />
== Install Chromium dev builds ==<br />
<br />
Firefox is currently slightly better as a daily browser, but Chromium is improving rapidly. If you want to play with the native alpha port of Google's Chrome browser just to see how it's going, you can install the dev builds of Chromium quite easily by doing:<br />
<!-- could get rid of the PPA - Ubuntu now includes the chromium browser in universe, that lags a little, but avoids the constant daily updates: http://packages.ubuntu.com/search?keywords=chromium-browser --><br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:chromium-daily/dev<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install chromium-browser chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-nonfree chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-extra<br />
<!-- following [http://www.stefanoforenza.com/chromium-on-ubuntu-how-to/ these directions]. You probably also want to add the key for this PPA to your system, following [https://help.launchpad.net/Packaging/PPA#Adding%20the%20keys%20using%20Gnome these directions] about adding [http://keyserver.ubuntu.com:11371/pks/lookup?op=get&search=0x5A9BF3BB4E5E17B5 their key] to your system, so that you don't get lots of prompts every day when there is an update about "do you want to install unauthenticated packages?". --><br />
<br />
Chrome Extensions to install:<br />
* [http://www.chromeextensions.org/appearance-functioning/flashblock/ FlashBlock].<br />
* [http://blog.xmarks.com/?p=1244 Xmarks].<br />
* [https://chrome.google.com/extensions/detail/gighmmpiobklfepjocnamgkkbiglidom Adblock]. Need to restart browser for extension to take effect.<br />
<br />
Still waiting for these Chrome extensions as at July 2010:<br />
* The equivalent of Tab Mix Plus. (still looking for this).<br />
<br />
Things that aren't working quite right yet in Chromium on Linux:<br />
* The backspace key should go back, or should be configurable for this. There is an extension that allows this, but it should probably be a preference in the base browser.<br />
* Auto-updating of extensions. There is a way to do this from the extensions UI, but in Chromium it doesn't seem to do anything.<br />
* Audio playback not working correctly - e.g. on [http://slides.html5rocks.com/#slide22 this slide], get no audio after selecting a national anthem other than US (US works, other's don't). Possibly [http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Chrome/thread?tid=2fdf2aa857abe1ef&hl=en this issue] or [http://code.google.com/p/chromium/issues/detail?id=37848 this issue].<br />
* WebGL does not work on an old laptop, but does on a modern desktop. Could be that the laptop's hardware is just too old (or just not supported in 3D).<br />
<br />
To enable most of the new features of Chromium, change the command line for starting chromium to be like this:<br />
chromium-browser --enable-plugins --enable-greasemonkey --enable-user-scripts --enable-internal-flash --enable-extensions --enable-webgl %U<br />
<br />
Configuration settings:<br />
* To make streetview work: Try to open streetview -> nothing happens -> press Ctrl-Shift-F (which permanently unblock flashblock on that site) -> then streetview will pop up and work thereafter.<br />
<br />
Updating the flash plugin if you get a warning that "the flash plugin was blocked because it is out of date", or just installing the flash plugin.<br />
* First check where the plugin is installed, by opening chrome://plugins/ in chromium, and expanding the "details" link.<br />
* For me, it said "Location: /usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so".<br />
* Note this directory, and update the flashplugin variable below if you have a different path:<br />
cd ~/tmp<br />
flashplugin=/usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so<br />
sudo mv $flashplugin ./libflashplayer.so.old<br />
wget http://download.macromedia.com/pub/labs/flashplayer10/flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz<br />
tar zfvx flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz <br />
sudo cp ./libflashplayer.so $flashplugin<br />
cd /usr/lib/chromium-browser/plugins<br />
sudo ln -s $flashplugin<br />
Now restart chromium and the warning should be fixed & flash should work.<br />
<br />
== Android ADB commands ==<br />
<br />
Only useful if you have an android phone and sometimes want to flash custom ROMs or recovery images:<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:phablet-team/tools && sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install android-tools-adb android-tools-fastboot<br />
<!--<br />
== Pinta ==<br />
<br />
Basic image editing program, like ms-paint:<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:moonlight-team/pinta<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install pinta<br />
<br />
tends to crash though.... don't include in public instructions just yet!<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
'''Warning: semi-commercial software'''<br />
<br />
Personally, I find dropbox useful for synchronising up to 2 GB of data free between multiple systems (desktop and laptop; work and home). You need to sign up here and install the software from here.<br />
##### FINISH WRITING THIS STEP AT SOME POINT #####<br />
##### Keeps crashing on network transfers, so don't write up until that is completed ###### -- this was fixed by upgrading to version 0.6.564 <br />
##### The crashing is back.... **sigh**<br />
<br />
== testing: Ksplice for rebootless kernel updates ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.ksplice.com/uptrack/download Install]<br />
[http://lwn.net/Articles/340477/ background on Ksplice].<br />
<br />
== Ekiga linux setup ==<br />
.... cannot test this until ADSL connection no longer blocks VoIP...<br />
Date: Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:21:10 +1100<br />
VoIP client.<br />
<br />
Applications ->Internet -> Ekiga softphone<br />
Enter name<br />
Tick "I do not want to sign up for the ekiga.net free service"<br />
connection type xDSL.cable<br />
enable STUN support: Yes<br />
rest of the options: take the defaults,.<br />
<br />
Then in Ekiga, go:<br />
edit -> accounts -> add my pennytel account details.<br />
#### No sound through ekiga in 10.10 -- leave commented out until this works ####<br />
--></div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/Ubuntu_desktop_setup_stepsUbuntu desktop setup steps2015-11-11T11:41:10Z<p>Nickj: /* Android ADB commands */ add section</p>
<hr />
<div>Ubuntu desktop setup steps for an AMD64 system. Most of these instructions will work on 8.04 LTS onwards through the current release, and it should almost all work on x86 systems too:<br />
<br />
== Pre-installation standard hardware test procedure ==<br />
<br />
Before installing or configuring any software, it is imperative to test the hardware beforehand, to establish that it is not provably broken:<br />
* Download the ISOs for [http://www.sysresccd.org/ System Rescue CD] and [http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/ Ultimate Boot CD] and burn these.<br />
* From either CD, run Memtest86+ on the machine overnight, to test that the CPU and memory are error-free.<br />
* From UBCD, run a CPU stress test for 5 to 10 minutes to check CPU is reliable and adequately cooled.<br />
* From Sys Rescue CD, check for bad blocks on the hard drive, before trusting it with any data: <code>badblocks -v -s -w -c 4096 /dev/sda</code> <br />Note however that badblocks is quite a slow test - e.g. took 34 hours on a 500 GB SATA disk in an external USB enclosure, and 17 hours on a 250 GB IDE disk.<br />It's also a destructive write test, and so will blank the disk, so make sure you have the right device (use <code>fdisk -lu</code> to confirm the device's size and name).<br />Successful output will look something like this:<br />
Checking for bad blocks in read-write mode<br />
From block 0 to 244198583<br />
Testing with pattern 0xaa: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x55: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0xff: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x00: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Pass completed, 0 bad blocks found.<br />
<br />
If problems are found with any of the above, resolve these first before proceeding further.<br />
<br />
== Installation == <br />
<br />
* Firstly, decide whether you want software RAID or not. Personally, I use RAID-1 mirroring of a single bootable partition, using 2 same-sized disks, from 2 different manufacturers, because:<br />
*# it's simple.<br />
*# it's redundant enough.<br />
*# it's cheap: the incremental cost is the cost of a single disk, which is less than $100.<br />
*# you can boot off of it.<br />
*# it's not a question of if a disk will fail, but when.<br />
: For software RAID, install from the Alternate Installation CD. You can always [http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Convert_a_single_drive_system_to_RAID convert to RAID-1 later], but it's significantly more faffing about than setting it up this way from the get-go.<br />
* Once you've done the above, download and burn either the standard or alternate Ubuntu install CD, as appropriate.<br />
* Insert installation CD. Follow simple options, installs, ejects CD, reboots. Then login.<br />
* System -> Networking -> set up static IP address instead of dynamic IP address.<br />
* reboot to get network changes to apply (theoretically this should not be necessary, but in practice it was, at least for me on 8.04).<br />
* reboot, install system updates. Then reboot once updates are installed.<br />
* system -> hardware drivers -> enable the proprietary nvidia drivers.<br />
* reboot to enable the proprietary drivers.<br />
<br />
== Tweaks and Preferences ==<br />
<br />
* Ditch the annoying sounds: System -> Preferences -> sound -> sounds -> set all to "no sound", and untick "play system sounds", and on "system beep" tab untick all boxes.<br />
* Ditch the thrashing hard-disk: System -> Preferences -> Searching and indexing -> General -> tick "enable indexing" and "enable watching" and both of the power management boxes to disable stuff when on battery.<br />
* To get Subpixel Smoothing on LCDs, do this: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Fonts -> Select "subpixel smoothing (LCDs)". Need to restart Firefox for this change to take effect in Firefox.<br />
* To get reasonable desktop visual effects: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Visual Effects -> Select "Normal".<br />
* To make the system remember running apps and window locations on logout, do this: System -> Preferences -> sessions -> session options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out". In Ubuntu 9.04 / gnome 2.26 & up, this setting has moved, and is now under: System -> Preferences -> Startup Application Preferences -> options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out".<br />
<!--* To tweak networking performance, [http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Hardy#Howto:_Tweak_and_maximize_your_bandwidth_in_Ubuntu.2FLinux_via_sysctl.21 follow these instructions]. --><br />
* Power saving: Turn off blinking cursor by going: System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> untick "Cursor blinks in text fields".<br />
* Add terminal icon to gnome panel: Right-click panel -> Add to Panel -> Application Launcher... -> Accessories -> Terminal -> Add -> Close.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Editor" tab -> tick "autosave" files every 2 minutes.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Plugins" tab -> tick "Sort" to enable the sort plugin -> Close. Can now highlight text and go Edit -> Sort to get it alphabetically sorted.<br />
<br />
== [[Firefox configuration steps]] ==<br />
<br />
{{:Firefox configuration steps}}<br />
<br />
== Installation of extra software ==<br />
<br />
Go system -> admin -> synaptic package manager -> then Install the following (my brief descriptions of what some packages do are also shown) :<br />
* inkscape # Vector drawing package<br />
* hugin # Create panoramas from an image set.<br />
* dia # Draw diagrams & flow charts, somewhat like "visio" on Windows.<br />
* googleearth-package<br />
* xchat # IRC client.<br />
* ttf-mscorefonts-installer ttf-linux-libertine ttf-inconsolata # The most useful font sets. See also the "[[#Install the Tahoma fonts|Install the Tahoma fonts]]" section below.<br />
* audacious # Like XMMS or Winamp<br />
* nmap # Check for open ports.<br />
* filezilla # GUI FTP client.<br />
* wireshark # Packet sniffer<br />
* powertop iotop htop # Show power hogs, I/O hogs, and an more visual command-line version of top.<br />
* nautilus-open-terminal # adds ability to right click on a folder and get a command prompt there.<br />
* php5-cli php5-gd php5-curl # Only useful if you want to write scripts in PHP.<br />
* traceroute # How packets get from here to there over the network.<br />
* curl # Command line HTTP client, includes form-submitting capacity<br />
* tofrodos # Convert line endings from dos to UNIX or vice-versa.<br />
* openssh-server<br />
* libxml2-dev libmysqlclient-dev # Optional: Only used for compiling PHP snapshots<br />
* eclipse sun-java6-jdk sun-java6-jre sun-java6-plugin libmysql-java junit junit-doc # Optional: Java development using Eclipse + java plugins for Firefox<br />
* sysinfo # Kind of like device manager on Windows. Shows CPU / memory / hard disk installed, some hardware that has been detected, etc.<br />
* autofs smbfs smbclient<br />
* gisomount<br />
* gtk-recordmydesktop # Record videos of what you're doing on your desktop.<br />
* gworldclock # Want to simultaneously see the time in Tokyo, LA, London, and Rio? Use this.<br />
* ffmpeg2theora # Convert videos into format suitable for uploading to Wikimedia commons.<br />
* rar p7zip-full # needed for extracting .7z and RAR archives<br />
* gnome-do # Run apps or commands from a keyboard launcher.<br />
* pinfo # Much nicer UI than man or info for reading documentation.<br />
* vlc mozilla-plugin-vlc<br />
* avidemux # Useful for replacing audio tracks in video files.<br />
* indent # Useful for auto-indenting code.<br />
* smartmontools smart-notifier # S.M.A.R.T. hard disk monitoring tools.<br />
* tidy<br />
* ddrescue # Useful for recovering data from failing hard disks.<br />
* gimp-resynthesizer # A nifty plugin for gimp for repairing images or filling in content intelligently. Ignore if you don't use gimp.<br />
* qpdf # Useful for removing password from PDF files, as per [http://blog.sandipb.net/2009/01/10/removing-encryption-from-legitimate-pdf-files-on-ubuntu/ this guide].<br />
* hardinfo # Generates a hardware report and benchmark for the system; can also run in command line mode by doing: <code> hardinfo -r -f html > report.html </code><br />
* gtkvncviewer # Nice VNC client.<br />
* renameutils # Useful for bulk renaming of files. Example for renaming all .JPG files in a directory to .jpg (lowercase) is: <code>rename s/JPG$/jpg/ *</code><br />
* meld # Good GUI for comparing two files, e.g. two log files.<br />
* asciio # Good for drawing ASCII graphs; only available in Ubuntu 10.10 and up.<br />
* spamassassin # Email filtering, used by Evolution.<br />
<!--<br />
<br />
Have installed on laptop - test some more and see if worth including:<br />
gedit-plugins<br />
wget http://nchc.dl.sourceforge.net/sourceforge/openproj/openproj_1.4-2.deb && sudo dpkg -i openproj_1.4-2.deb<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
winbind # could be useful on a windows network. Have not discerned any benefit yet though.<br />
<br />
Still working out whether to include or not: * evolution-plugins-experimental <br />
<br />
* bum # Boot Up Manager - GUI for specifying what services should be running on boot-up.<br />
* miro # Combined bittorrent client and video player. Particularly useful for downloading TED talks before a flight. Uses lots of disk space though.<br />
* k3b # CD burning app.<br />
* deluge amule # P2P - donkey plus bittorrent<br />
<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Configure "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" ==<br />
<br />
To get the back / forward keyboard keys working in Firefox, when using the "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard", go System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> Layout -> click the model button -> Choose Microsoft -> set model to "Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro USB" -> click "close".<br />
<br />
== Custom Key Bindings, aimed at "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" == <br />
<br />
Note: the steps keep changing in each Ubuntu release (the menus move around, the keycodes change), unfortunately. This is what works for me using 11.10 in gnome-fallback mode:<br />
<br />
* ubuntu "System Setting" (top right corner of your desktop) -> Keyboard -> Shortcut.<br />
* Set "1" favourite key to "run a terminal"<br />
* Set "2" favourite key to "open home folder"<br />
<br />
There seems to be a bug that prevents the "custom shortcuts" keys from working for favourite keys 3, 4 and 5. Instead we have to do this:<br />
* In a terminal, run: <code>gconf-editor</code><br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/global_keybindings<br />
* Change "run_command_3" to be 0xc2, "run_command_4" to be 0xc3, and "run_command_5" to be 0xc4 - these corresponds to the 3 / 4 / 5 favourite keys.<br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/keybinding_commands<br />
* Change "command_3" to be the take-screenshot command: <code>gnome-screenshot --window --interactive</code><br />
* Change "command_4" to be the new-text-editor command: <code>/usr/bin/gedit --new-document</code><br />
* Change "command_5" to be as desired.<br />
<!-- * Name is "Zend Studio", command is "sh /home/nickj/programs/Zend/ZendStudio-5.5.0/bin/ZDE". Set the 5 favourite key to run this. --><br />
<br />
== Install Skype == <br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>" -> Skype -> More Info -> Install. <br />
<br />
Then to make the right-click menus legible with Ubuntu's dark theme, do as follows:<br />
# Applications -> Internet -> Skype -> single-click on the skype icon in the top right to open skype -> Ctrl-O to open options -> "general" -> Choose Style: "Desktop settings" -> close.<br />
# Single click on skype icon to open skype again -> Ctrl-Q to close.<br />
# Now restart skype by going Applications -> Internet -> Skype, and the right-click menus will be readable.<br />
<!--<br />
install Skype - [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Skype#AMD64 Source of instructions].<br />
sudo aptitude install ia32-libs<br />
wget http://skype.com/go/getskype-linux-ubuntu<br />
sudo aptitude install libqt4-core libqt4-gui qt4-qtconfig <br />
sudo dpkg --install --force-architecture --force-depends skype-debian*.deb<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Install the Tahoma fonts ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.stchman.com/ms_fonts.html Source of instructions].<br />
<br />
Once the msttcorefonts package is installed you will notice that Tahoma and Tahoma Bold is missing. You will need to extract Tahoma<br />
and Tahoma Bold from the zip file. Tahoma is used for Microsoft desktop, title bars and menu fonts so if you are trying to get that<br />
XP look you will need the Tahoma regular and Tahoma Bold fonts. Install Tahoma by doing the following in a terminal.<br />
<br />
cd ~<br />
wget http://www.stchman.com/tools/MS_fonts/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo unzip -d /usr/share/fonts/truetype/msttcorefonts ~/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo fc-cache -f -v<br />
rm -f ~/tahoma.zip<br />
<br />
== Install Flash == <br />
<br />
* Install the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up or installs flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems.<br />
* Restart the browser.<br />
* Go to: Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, go with all the defaults.<br />
* It removes any old flash plugins and downloads and installs the latest Adobe one.<br />
* For AMD64 systems, can use the flash 64 bit beta.<br />
<br />
If flash videos have a blue tint after the installation, then repeat the above steps, which may fix it. If it doesn't, then right click on a flash video with a blue tint -> Settings -> Untick "enable HW acceleration". [http://askubuntu.com/questions/117127/flash-video-appears-blue Source].<br />
<br />
== Install Google Earth ==<br />
<!--<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update && sudo aptitude install medibuntu-keyring && sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install googleearth-4.3<br />
<br />
... or follow the manual instructions on [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/GoogleEarth this page] for a more recent version.<br />
--><br />
Follow [http://www.liberiangeek.net/2011/10/how-to-install-google-earth-in-ubuntu-11-10-oneiric-ocelot/ these instructions for installing google earth].<br />
<br />
== Install Acrobat reader ==<br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>", or go Applications -> Ubuntu Software Center, and then go: -> Canonical Partners -> Adobe Acrobat reader -> Install.<br />
<br />
<!--<br />
In earlier versions of Ubuntu, to install acrobat reader, since [http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-general-1/cant-shrink-to-fit-pdf-doc-654281/ Ubuntu's native PDF readers don't have shrink to fit when printing]. :<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install acroread acroread-plugins<br />
<br />
(this uses medibuntu, from the Google Earth step above).<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
Also need to do this:<br />
sudo editor /usr/share/applications/defaults.list <br />
And change this:<br />
#application/pdf=evince.desktop<br />
application/pdf=AdobeReader.desktop<br />
--><br />
Then to tweak the display preferences of Acrobat Reader: Edit -> Preferences -> Page Display -> set "Zoom" to "Fit Page" -> Click "Ok".<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
== Install Opera ==<br />
<br />
To install and configure opera (since it's useful for testing web pages to be able to check behaviour, and it's useful to have another browser around sometimes), do the following:<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.list<br />
... and add these two lines:<br />
# For latest stable opera:<br />
deb http://deb.opera.com/opera/ stable non-free<br />
<br />
* Then do:<br />
sudo wget -O - http://deb.opera.com/archive.key | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install opera<br />
* Then run opera - Applications -> Internet -> Opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise -> Toolbars tab -> change the "wrapping" setting to "Wrap to multiple lines".<br />
<!-- <br />
* Go to [http://www.opera.com/download/ Opera's download page].<br />
* Download and open and install the .deb file<br />
* Then run opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise and change the wrapping setting to "multiple lines".<br />
--><br />
== Enable Apport for crash bug reporting ==<br />
<br />
Enable apport so that crash bugs will be reported and logged:<br />
sudo editor /etc/default/apport<br />
change enabled from "0" to "1".<br />
<br />
Crashes will then be logged to /var/crash/<br />
<br />
== Configure Open Office to work in MS Office 2000 compatibility mode ==<br />
<br />
[http://news.cnet.com/8301-13880_3-9864262-68.html Source of instructions]. Only do this if you are testing a migration to Ubuntu. Once you have already switched, then use the native ODF for new files, as they generally save formatting better.<br />
* Start OpenOffice Word Process: Applications -> Office -> OpenOffice.org Word Processor -> tools -> options -> expand "Load/Save" -> select "general" -> For document type = "Text document", set Always save as "Microsoft Word 97/2000/XP" (instead of "ODF text document"); For Document type = "Spreadsheet", set Always save as "Microsoft Excel 97/2000/XP"; For Document type = "Presentation", set Always save as "Microsoft PowerPoint 97/2000/XP" -> then click "OK".<br />
* Then tools -> options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> compatibility -> tick "Use printer metrics for document formatting", tick "Do not add leading (extra space) between lines of text", and tick "Consider wrapping style when positioning objects". Then go: Use as Default -> Yes -> OK.<br />
<br />
Note: When you upgrade between Ubuntu releases, you will probably need to repeat the first step, otherwise it will default back to saving in OpenOffice's formats by default.<br />
<br />
== Evolution configuration ==<br />
<br />
* Turn off new email notifications: Evolution -> Edit -> Plugins -> Uncheck "Mail Notification" plugin.<br />
* Edit -> Preferences -> 'Calendar and Tasks' -> 'Display' tab -> Disable the 'Compress weekends in month view' option.<br />
* Customize the default mail folder view. Get one folder looking right (personal preference: Columns: From / Subject / Received, with threads off, sorted by date received with most recent first). Then go View -> Current view -> Save Custom View... -> Replace existing view -> Messages -> Save. "Messages" is a special view, which is used by default on all folders, although you can override it on a folder-by-folder basis, but customizing that folder's view.<br />
<br />
== Set up SSH keys and KeepAlive Interval ==<br />
<br />
For each machine you want to have password-less SSH login to, do:<br />
ssh-copy-id -i ~/.ssh/id_dsa.pub machine1<br />
<br />
Also on some connections the SSH shell can close after a short timeout period. To keep connections option for longer, on the client side do, <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and then add this line to send a keep-alive heartbeat every 60 seconds:<br />
ServerAliveInterval 60<br />
<br />
... there is also a corresponding "ClientAliveInterval 60" setting that can be added to /etc/ssh/sshd_config - although sometimes you only control the client side of the link, and so this is not possible.<br />
<br />
Also set up connection sharing, makes secondary connections to SSH hosts much faster. <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and add this:<br />
# from: "OpenSSH tip: connection sharing"<br />
# http://tanguy.ortolo.eu/blog/article42/ssh-connection-sharing<br />
ControlPath ~/.ssh/control-%r@%h:%p<br />
ControlMaster auto<br />
ControlPersist 1<br />
<br />
== Automounting remote file systems using SSHFS ==<br />
<br />
For a remote Linux system, can automount with autofs + sshfs. Follow the guides [http://www.tjansson.dk/?p=84 here] and [http://www.mccambridge.org/blog/2007/05/totally-seamless-sshfs-under-linux-using-fuse-and-autofs/ here].<br />
<br />
Debug any problems with:<br />
tail --lines=0 -f /var/log/*<br />
<!-- <br />
Windows shares<br />
* Currently TESTING, this step not complete yet.<br />
* [http://oapeon.blogspot.com/2008/09/automounting-cifs-share-in-ubuntu.html Follow these instructions], but also [http://www.howtoforge.com/accessing_windows_or_samba_shares_using_autofs create a /etc/auto.smb.FILESERVERNAME file with login credentials].<br />
<br />
Actually, may have spoken too soon, seems kinda flakey. Getting "Input/output error" on the command line when accessing shares after a few minutes:<br />
<br />
$ ls /smb/server/sharename/<br />
ls: cannot access /smb/server/sharename/: Input/output error<br />
$<br />
<br />
Also seeing these errors when doing "tail -f /var/log/messages", despite supplying login credentials:<br />
Oct 23 17:42:02 redux kernel: [66597.665680] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
Oct 23 17:42:01 redux kernel: [66597.524118] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
<br />
To remove, uninstall these packages:<br />
sudo aptitude uninstall --purge autofs libevent1 libgssglue1 libnfsidmap2 librpcsecgss3 nfs-common portmap smbfs<br />
<br />
<br />
rebooting seemed to make this better.... although it's still buggy and flakey. Get directories being infinitely recursive, edited files appearing as directories, etc etc.<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
testing / playing with smbnetfs as an alternative<br />
sudo aptitude install smbnetfs<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/smbnetfs.conf <br />
<br />
- show_$_shares "false"<br />
+ show_$_shares "true"<br />
<br />
mkdir ~/.smb<br />
editor ~/.smb/smbnetfs.auth<br />
<br />
auth nickj password<br />
<br />
Need to do something with .smb/smbnetfs.conf ?<br />
<br />
<br />
* smbnetfs is probably not even running - need to find some decent docs on how to configure this.<br />
* autofs is mounted on /smb , and can be seriously flakey.<br />
* trying sshfs now, seems better but needs some magic options in the mount flags to work suitably.<br />
--><br />
== right before and right after each upgrade ==<br />
<br />
Remove unneeded cruft, by doing:<br />
sudo apt-get autoremove<br />
sudo apt-get clean<br />
deborphan<br />
Check first that no important packages are about to be removed, then do:<br />
sudo apt-get remove --purge $(deborphan)<br />
Purge old configuration files, first command shows what will be purged:<br />
sudo aptitude search ~c <br />
sudo aptitude purge ~c<br />
<br />
Fix broken packages:<br />
* <code>sudo aptitude</code><br />
* fix any broken packages (ctrl-t -> resolver -> examine -> g -> g).<br />
* also clean up cache and obsolete files (ctrl-t -> actions -> "clean package cache" and "clean obsolete files").<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
These tweaks are only required for 9.04:<br />
<br />
([http://reformedmusings.wordpress.com/2009/04/26/recovering-daily-update-notifications-in-ubuntu-904-jaunty/ Source]) To enable daily notification of non-security updates, which is especially useful if you [[#enable Apport for crash bug reporting|enable Apport for crash bug reporting]], then do this:<br />
gconftool -s --type bool /apps/update-notifier/auto_launch false<br />
<br />
([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-when-logoutshutdown-and-restart-ubuntu904 Source]) To remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout, do this:<br />
* Right-click on the panel power button icon on top-right of the screen -> Preferences -> Untick "Show confirm dialog for logout, shutdown and restart".<br />
<br />
Only in Ubuntu 9.04:<br />
sudo aptitude install firefox-3.5 firefox-3.5-gnome-support<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Tweaks to Ubuntu 9.10 that I had to apply to get stuff working again, or configured how I like it:<br />
<br />
1: Remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout. ([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-in-ubuntu910karmic Source]). <br />
<br />
2: For seeing details of SMART reporting for hard disks:<br />
sudo aptitude install gsmartcontrol<br />
<br />
3: system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Dust".<br />
<br />
4: Alt-F2, run gconf-editor , then toogle the GConf key /apps/eog/ui/disable_trash_confirmation to be ticked, to disable prompting for image deleting though Eye of Gnome ([https://bugzilla.gnome.org/show_bug.cgi?id=541967#c5 source]).<br />
<br />
5: Some third party entries in your sources.list were disabled. You can re-enable them after the upgrade with the 'software-properties' tool or your package manager.<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.lst<br />
<br />
.. then re-enable dropbox, chrome daily builds, etc, and apply those updates:<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude upgrade<br />
<br />
6: Setting MySQL back to utf8 mode:<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/mysql/my.cnf <br />
add under the "[mysqld]" section:<br />
default-character-set=utf8<br />
<br />
7: Blue tint to video files in VLC, Mplayer, and Totem. [http://www.mediacollege.com/video-gallery/testclips/20051210-w50s.flv Example video file]. [https://bugs.launchpad.net/totem/+bug/395476 Bug is in] the Nvidia closed source driver. Workaround is:<br />
* open totem via Applications -> Sound & Video -> Movie Player<br />
* open the preferences window via Edit -> Preferences<br />
* select the Display tab<br />
* click the Reset to Defaults button<br />
<br />
8: Problem: Mplayer crashing regularly when changing video output mode, and also giving a "couldn't resolve name for AF_INET6:" error on URL playback. Workaround: ditch mplayer, as totem and VLC are suitable replacements:<br />
sudo aptitude remove --purge mplayer<br />
<br />
9: Flash applets don't work in firefox or chrome on AMD64 (example: playing [http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-february-1-2010/q---o this Daily Show] video) .... solution: redo the [[#Install_Flash_on_AMD64|Flash installation steps]].<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Ambiance". <!-- move window decoration buttons to the left too - find link & steps for this --><br />
# If images don't display in office documents: Start OpenOffice writer, and then go: Tools -> Options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> View -> tick "Graphics and objects" -> click "Ok".<br />
<!-- to get SIP calls working through empathy through the dodgy Telstra modem that blocks VoIP: sudo aptitude install telepathy-sofiasip ... no, didn't work - test again later. --><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# <code>sudo aptitude remove tracker</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install unity-2d</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
The 11.10 release had more problems than most releases.<br />
<br />
Nautilus default view: go to Places -> Home folder -> Edit -> Preferences -> "View new folders using": select "List View".<br />
<br />
=== Restore classic Gnome desktop ===<br />
To get gnome classic desktop back, as per [http://www.webupd8.org/2011/08/installing-using-classic-gnome-desktop.html this blog post].<br />
sudo apt-get install gnome-session-fallback<br />
Then:<br />
* Install weather applet<br />
* System monitor applet<br />
* Add application icons for Firefox, chrome, terminal, and gedit.<br />
sudo aptitude install alarm-clock-applet<br />
* Add an application icon for the alarm clock applet.<br />
* Put a trash applet back on the bottom right of the screen.<br />
* Put a show desktop applet back on the bottom left of the screen.<br />
<br />
=== SSH menu is gone, use SSH plus instead ===<br />
Follow [http://www.gulecha.org/2011/07/29/sshplus-a-sshmenu-compatible-appindicator/ these installation instructions]. Then do <code>sudo aptitude install putty</code><br/> <br />
To add to startup apps: Applications -> System Tools -> Preferences -> startup applications -> add SSHplus by full path.<br />
<br />
=== blurry image viewer ===<br />
Images look blurry because the default Gnome Image viewer (eog/eye of gnome) is set to "Best Fit" instead of "Normal view", which resizes images slightly, making them appear blurry. Unfortunately, there seems to be no preference or setting that allows changing this permanently. Instead just install another image viewing app, and make it the default:<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install gthumb</code><br/><br />
It can be customized to view images 1:1 by going Edit -> Preferences -> Viewer -> Set to actual size. Then go View -> unselect "Thumbnail pane" (with this on, it seems to interfere with 1:1 viewing). Test it, then if so make it the default app by going ubuntu "System Settings" (top right corner of your desktop) -> System info -> Default applications -> Photos -> gThumb.<br />
<br />
=== usb automounting was broken ===<br />
Inserted USB drives would no longer automatically mount and open a file manager window. Solved by installing, and then removing, the usbmount package.<br />
<br />
=== Flash broken ===<br />
After upgrading from 11.04 to 11.10, flash applets either did not work, or worked partial (such as the sound being distorted, like the person was underwater). Fixed by installing the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up broken flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems. Installed the extension, restarted the browser, then went Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, just went with all the defaults, it removed the old flash plugins (I had 2) and downloaded and installed the latest adobe one, and then it was as good as new and working flawlessly.<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 12.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
=== Multiple monitors broken, screen orientation broken ===<br />
<br />
run Synaptic, remove all the nvidia drivers, and install the nouveau firmware, then reboot, then systems settings -> displays, and can change the monitor setup so that multi-montior works again and so the orientations are in portrait instead of landscape.<br />
<br />
From the command line to remove nvidia drivers, can do:<br />
sudo apt-get purge nvidia-settings nvidia-current<br />
<br />
=== Customised keyboard shortcuts lost ===<br />
<br />
All my customized keyboard shortcuts for the extra buttons on my keyboard are lost. Had to redo the keyboard config to get these back.<br />
<br />
=== alt-tab no longer works ===<br />
<br />
To fix (from [http://askubuntu.com/questions/135685/alt-tab-does-not-switch this source]) :<br />
sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* Go at the very bottom where it says "Window Management"<br />
* Put a checkmark in "application switcher"<br />
* That should fix it.<br />
<br />
=== Workplace switching is broken (gives a blank desktop with no menus or items) ===<br />
<br />
Install compiz settings manager as above, and that will fix it. To get switching to be 4 horizontal desktops:<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* "general" -> General options -> Desktop size -> horizontal virtual size = 4, vertical virtual size = 1<br />
<br />
Also turn off "effects" -> "animations" in compiz too, whilst we are there.<br />
<br />
=== Gnome menus look ugly ===<br />
<br />
The bug is [https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/light-themes/+bug/981289 here]. To fix ambiance themes, [http://www.webupd8.org/2012/05/install-ambiance-fixed-for-classic.html follow these steps].<br />
<br />
=== Printing was broken ===<br />
<br />
Jobs sent to the network printer just sat in the queue and were never printed, even though the printer hardware was fine and the same queue worked perfectly in 11.10. Easiest solution was to cancel all print jobs, delete the printer, add a new printer with the same settings, and reboot (because the printer setup locked up whilst doing these things).<br />
<br />
=== Printing was excessively slow from Firefox ===<br />
<br />
Even after doing the above, printing was very slow from Firefox to the HP LaserJet 2100 TN. For example, it was taking up to 4 minutes to print a page, whereas it would take 15 seconds before. To fix:<br />
* Run "system-config-printer" from the command line.<br />
* Change the printer driver. Instead of the recommended driver, use "HP LaserJet 2100 - CUPS+Gutenprint v5.2.8-pre1".<br />
* Print a test page, once works okay, click "OK", and close the printer config applet.<br />
<br />
=== Volume applet indicator disappeared ===<br />
<br />
[http://askubuntu.com/questions/126411/volume-and-other-indicators-disappeared-in-the-classic-desktop Source].<br />
Run gnome-sound-applet from the command line to check that it is installed and working.<br />
<br />
To start the sound applet automatically, go to System Tools -> Preferences -> Startup Applications, and add Command gnome-sound-applet<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 13.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
To be able to play videos again:<br />
sudo aptitude install ubuntu-restricted-extras<br />
<br />
To stop using Nautilus, following the unfortuate decision to remove all of its most useful features, and switch to Nemo instead. [http://www.fandigital.com/2012/09/install-nemo-file-manager-in-ubuntu.html Source] [http://www.fandigital.com/2013/01/set-nemo-default-file-manager-ubuntu.html Source].<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:gwendal-lebihan-dev/cinnamon-stable<br />
sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install nemo nemo-fileroller<br />
xdg-mime default nemo.desktop inode/directory application/x-gnome-saved-search<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 13.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Changed video driver from nouveau open source driver to nvidia's binary driver, to fix intermittent crashing of gnome-shell once or more per day: Applications -> System tools -> Software & updates -> Additional drivers -> nvidia-319-updates.<br />
<br />
* Problem: guest session broken, wallpaper all black, desktop icons broken, and screensaver unlock sometimes not working<br />
* Cause: All due to a conflict between Ubuntu 13.10 and cinnamon.<br />
* Solution: remove cinnamon and nemo. [http://askubuntu.com/questions/360772/unity-isnt-starting-on-13-10 Source].<br />
<br />
sudo apt-get install ppa-purge<br />
sudo apt-get purge --auto-remove cinnamon<br />
sudo apt-get autoremove<br />
sudo apt-get update -f<br />
sudo apt-get dist-upgrade<br />
sudo apt-get install ubuntu-desktop<br />
sudo apt-get remove .*cinnamon.*<br />
sudo apt-get remove .*nemo.*<br />
<br />
Then install nemo from the Ubuntu repos - part of the repos now.<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 14.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Only needed on a Gnome desktop, will cause icons to not appear on a Unity desktop and so should be skipped under Unity: To fix missing notifier icons (network, dropbox, sshplus, ksplice) under Gnome :<br />
<br />
* How to fix the missing network icon - follow [http://www.bauer-power.net/2014/05/permanent-fix-for-missing-network.html these steps].<br />
* For the others: System tools -> preferences -> startup applications -> then open the item whose notifier icon is not appearing.<br />
* add "dbus-launch " to start of the command lines for Ksplice and SSHPlus and Dropbox, and any others that are not working.<br />
<!--<br />
To fix greeter/login-screen monitor orientation - [http://askubuntu.com/questions/408302/rotated-monitor-login-screen-needs-rotation source].<br />
<br />
sudo cp ~/.config/monitors.xml /var/lib/lightdm/.config/<br />
sudo chown lightdm.lightdm /var/lib/lightdm/.config/monitors.xml<br />
--><br />
<br />
== VirtualBox ==<br />
<br />
=== first time VirtualBox install only ===<br />
<br />
From the [http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Linux_Downloads VirtualBox Installation instructions]:<br />
sudo vim /etc/apt/sources.list <br />
add this line: <code>deb http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian oneiric contrib</code> . Do not add a deb-src line.<br />
wget -q http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian/oracle_vbox.asc -O- | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude install dkms<br />
<br />
The first time that you install, make sure that you are a member of vboxusers group (needed for USB disks to work correctly) :<br />
sudo usermod -a -G vboxusers `whoami`<br />
sudo usermod -a -G disk `whoami`<br />
Then reboot the computer.<br />
<br />
=== All VirtualBox upgrades and installs ===<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install virtualbox-5.0<br />
<br />
To update/get the extension pack, go Help -> Check for Updates, and this will check you have the latest virtualbox and also install/update the extensions. Enter password if prompted.<br />
<br />
After upgrading from a previous version, to update each guest's VirtualBox drivers, do this after the Guest has started:<br />
* VirtualBox -> start Guest -> "Devices" menu -> Install Guest Additions.<br />
<br />
And in a Debian or Ubuntu '''guest''' machine after doing an upgrade, to install the vbox additions, do this:<br />
* Devices -> install guest additions...<br />
mount /dev/cdrom <br />
aptitude install build-essential linux-headers-$(uname -r)<br />
sh /cdrom/VBoxLinuxAdditions.run<br />
<br />
=== To check if things aren't working as expected ===<br />
<br />
Before starting the Guest machine, make sure USB functionality is enabled by going:<br />
* Settings -> USB -> Make sure both the USB checkboxes are ticked -> Click the "Add Empty Filter" button (the top button on the right) -> click OK to close dialog box.<br />
<br />
Rebuild the virtualbox modules after upgrading from a previous version:<br />
sudo service vboxdrv setup<br />
<br />
Then plug in a USB device after the guest machine has started. Then make it visible to the Guest by going:<br />
* Devices -> USB devices -> and select the USB device to make visible.<br />
<br />
When doing a major version upgrade, use apt-get and not aptitude. For example:<br />
sudo apt-get install virtualbox-5.0<br />
... and then start VirtualBox, and then install the latest extension pack, using the steps above. The link will be on the [https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads VirtualBox downloads] page.<br />
<br />
If you get an "Error! Could not locate dkms.conf file" message, then you probably have old directories left over from an old version of virtualbox under /var/lib/dkms/ . E.g. I had some directories left over from 3.2.6, and the fix was:<br />
sudo rm -r /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetadp /var/lib/dkms/vboxdrv /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetflt<br />
<br />
== Newsgroup bin client ==<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude install sabnzbdplus<br />
Then configure as per [http://wiki.sabnzbd.org/quick-setup the steps on their wiki].<br />
<!-- Lottanzb keeps crashing for me:<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:lottanzb/daily-build<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:jcfp/ppa<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install lottanzb sabnzbdplus<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Steps for making the Benq Acer S2W 3300U work == <br />
<br />
* Plug in power and USB cable to the scanner, and connect it to your computer.<br />
* Check SANE is installed, then run <code> sane-find-scanner </code>, and it should list your scanner.<br />
* From [http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/downloads.cfm/dtype/D/page/downloads/product/91 Benq's page] get the Mirascan ZIP file. Note that Benq's webservers are crap, and they cut out mid-download, so save yourself frustration by using wget to take care of the downloading/resuming/retrying, by doing:<br />
wget ftp://211.78.86.204/scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
and/or<br />
wget http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/download.cfm?file=scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
* Check the ZIP file downloaded okay by doing:<br />
unzip -t mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
... and making sure it says there were "no errors detected" at the end.<br />
* Extract just the u176v046.bin file (which is firmware blob that this scanner needs to operate) into the current directory:<br />
unzip -j mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip "MiraScan v4.03u10_BQA/BIN/u176v046.bin"<br />
* Set up Sane to use this firmware blob:<br />
sudo mkdir /usr/share/sane/snapscan<br />
sudo cp u176v046.bin /usr/share/sane/snapscan/<br />
sudo editor /etc/sane.d/snapscan.conf<br />
... and change the first line from:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/your-firmwarefile.bin<br />
to:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/u176v046.bin<br />
... then save and close the file.<br />
* Then under the Applications -> Graphics menu, run Xsane, or (my preference) Simple Scan.<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
<!-- todo: add the repo steps here --><br />
Unfortunately dropbox does not seem to automatically install updates for old versions. Given this, need to manually install updates on old versions, and easiest way to install dropbox updates on Linux is, open a terminal and do:<br />
dropbox stop<br />
dropbox status # Should report "not running"<br />
rm -r ~/.dropbox-dist/<br />
dropbox start -i<br />
<br />
== Handbrake ==<br />
<br />
Handbrake is a media converter, and is especially useful for converting files for portable devices, like Android tablets or iPhones. To install the snapshot releases (which seems to be the easiest way, if you want the GUI) :<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:stebbins/handbrake-snapshots<br />
sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install handbrake-gtk handbrake-cli<br />
== Install Chromium dev builds ==<br />
<br />
Firefox is currently slightly better as a daily browser, but Chromium is improving rapidly. If you want to play with the native alpha port of Google's Chrome browser just to see how it's going, you can install the dev builds of Chromium quite easily by doing:<br />
<!-- could get rid of the PPA - Ubuntu now includes the chromium browser in universe, that lags a little, but avoids the constant daily updates: http://packages.ubuntu.com/search?keywords=chromium-browser --><br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:chromium-daily/dev<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install chromium-browser chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-nonfree chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-extra<br />
<!-- following [http://www.stefanoforenza.com/chromium-on-ubuntu-how-to/ these directions]. You probably also want to add the key for this PPA to your system, following [https://help.launchpad.net/Packaging/PPA#Adding%20the%20keys%20using%20Gnome these directions] about adding [http://keyserver.ubuntu.com:11371/pks/lookup?op=get&search=0x5A9BF3BB4E5E17B5 their key] to your system, so that you don't get lots of prompts every day when there is an update about "do you want to install unauthenticated packages?". --><br />
<br />
Chrome Extensions to install:<br />
* [http://www.chromeextensions.org/appearance-functioning/flashblock/ FlashBlock].<br />
* [http://blog.xmarks.com/?p=1244 Xmarks].<br />
* [https://chrome.google.com/extensions/detail/gighmmpiobklfepjocnamgkkbiglidom Adblock]. Need to restart browser for extension to take effect.<br />
<br />
Still waiting for these Chrome extensions as at July 2010:<br />
* The equivalent of Tab Mix Plus. (still looking for this).<br />
<br />
Things that aren't working quite right yet in Chromium on Linux:<br />
* The backspace key should go back, or should be configurable for this. There is an extension that allows this, but it should probably be a preference in the base browser.<br />
* Auto-updating of extensions. There is a way to do this from the extensions UI, but in Chromium it doesn't seem to do anything.<br />
* Audio playback not working correctly - e.g. on [http://slides.html5rocks.com/#slide22 this slide], get no audio after selecting a national anthem other than US (US works, other's don't). Possibly [http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Chrome/thread?tid=2fdf2aa857abe1ef&hl=en this issue] or [http://code.google.com/p/chromium/issues/detail?id=37848 this issue].<br />
* WebGL does not work on an old laptop, but does on a modern desktop. Could be that the laptop's hardware is just too old (or just not supported in 3D).<br />
<br />
To enable most of the new features of Chromium, change the command line for starting chromium to be like this:<br />
chromium-browser --enable-plugins --enable-greasemonkey --enable-user-scripts --enable-internal-flash --enable-extensions --enable-webgl %U<br />
<br />
Configuration settings:<br />
* To make streetview work: Try to open streetview -> nothing happens -> press Ctrl-Shift-F (which permanently unblock flashblock on that site) -> then streetview will pop up and work thereafter.<br />
<br />
Updating the flash plugin if you get a warning that "the flash plugin was blocked because it is out of date", or just installing the flash plugin.<br />
* First check where the plugin is installed, by opening chrome://plugins/ in chromium, and expanding the "details" link.<br />
* For me, it said "Location: /usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so".<br />
* Note this directory, and update the flashplugin variable below if you have a different path:<br />
cd ~/tmp<br />
flashplugin=/usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so<br />
sudo mv $flashplugin ./libflashplayer.so.old<br />
wget http://download.macromedia.com/pub/labs/flashplayer10/flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz<br />
tar zfvx flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz <br />
sudo cp ./libflashplayer.so $flashplugin<br />
cd /usr/lib/chromium-browser/plugins<br />
sudo ln -s $flashplugin<br />
Now restart chromium and the warning should be fixed & flash should work.<br />
<br />
== Android ADB commands ==<br />
<br />
Only useful if you have an android phone and sometimes want to flash custom ROMs or recovery images:<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:phablet-team/tools && sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install android-tools-adb android-tools-fastboot<br />
<!--<br />
== Pinta ==<br />
<br />
Basic image editing program, like ms-paint:<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:moonlight-team/pinta<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install pinta<br />
<br />
tends to crash though.... don't include in public instructions just yet!<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
'''Warning: semi-commercial software'''<br />
<br />
Personally, I find dropbox useful for synchronising up to 2 GB of data free between multiple systems (desktop and laptop; work and home). You need to sign up here and install the software from here.<br />
##### FINISH WRITING THIS STEP AT SOME POINT #####<br />
##### Keeps crashing on network transfers, so don't write up until that is completed ###### -- this was fixed by upgrading to version 0.6.564 <br />
##### The crashing is back.... **sigh**<br />
<br />
== testing: Ksplice for rebootless kernel updates ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.ksplice.com/uptrack/download Install]<br />
[http://lwn.net/Articles/340477/ background on Ksplice].<br />
<br />
== Ekiga linux setup ==<br />
.... cannot test this until ADSL connection no longer blocks VoIP...<br />
Date: Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:21:10 +1100<br />
VoIP client.<br />
<br />
Applications ->Internet -> Ekiga softphone<br />
Enter name<br />
Tick "I do not want to sign up for the ekiga.net free service"<br />
connection type xDSL.cable<br />
enable STUN support: Yes<br />
rest of the options: take the defaults,.<br />
<br />
Then in Ekiga, go:<br />
edit -> accounts -> add my pennytel account details.<br />
#### No sound through ekiga in 10.10 -- leave commented out until this works ####<br />
--></div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/Firefox_configuration_stepsFirefox configuration steps2015-09-14T01:19:53Z<p>Nickj: /* Firefox Add-ons */</p>
<hr />
<div>Firefox configuration steps<br />
<br />
== Firefox Add-ons == <br />
Go Tools -> Add-ons -> Get Add-ons -> then search for and install these add-ons:<br />
* [https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1122 Tax mix plus].<br />
* Adblock Plus<br />
* KeeFox. Use these [http://www.sysads.co.uk/2014/05/integrate-keepass-2-firefox-keefox-ubuntu-14-04-13-10/ Keefox configuration steps for linux], e.g:<br />
cd ~/.mozilla/firefox/5rtqb3dy.default-1347599554683/extensions/keefox@chris.tomlinson/deps<br />
sudo cp KeePassRPC.plgx /usr/lib/keepass2/<br />
Close Firefox, close KeePass (note: MUST restart keepass as it compiles the add-on modules on restart), restart Firefox.<br />
<br />
== Firefox Tweaks == <br />
* Don't want Firefox to close when pressing ctrl-w on the last tab: Tools -> tab mix plus options -> events -> tab closing -> tick "do not close window when closing last tab by hotkey".<br />
* Tab mix plus -> Events -> New Tabs -> Tick "Open new tabs next to current one".<br />
* Tab mix plus -> Events -> Tab Features -> Untick "Ctrl-Tab navigates tabs in most recently used order".<br />
* Tab mix plus -> Display -> Tab Bar -> When tabs don't fit width: Multi-row; Set number of rows to 2 or 3. <!--<br />
* Firefox: enable printing in print preview mode in Linux: about:config -> toggle "printWhileInPrintPreview" to "true". [Have to re-apply this setting when upgrading linux distro] --><br />
* Stop animated GIFs in Firefox: about:config -> image.animation_mode -> change to "none"<br />
* Firefox: Fix the stupid behavior of overwriting current tabs when opening new tabs: about:config -> browser.tabs.loadFolderAndReplace -> toggle to "true". [Have to re-apply this setting when upgrading Linux distro]<br />
* To get autocomplete for the web address, go: about:config -> browser.urlbar.autoFill -> toggle to "true" -> restart FF.<br />
* Stop the full screen mode-switch animation: about:config -> browser.fullscreen.animateUp -> change to "0".<br />
* Perform a sync using Foxmarks wizard, and for the initial setup keep the bookmarks on the server, and overwrite those on this computer.<br />
* File -> Page setup ... -> Paper size = "A4", and orientation = "Portrait".<br />
* Edit -> Preferences -> Main tab -> tick to close the download window when all downloads are finished.<br />
* Laptops only: Add a delay to the bookmark menu collapsing (only really useful on laptops when navigating with a trackpad or button, which tends to be fairly inaccurate) - about:config -> right-click -> New -> Integer -> name is: ui.submenuDelay -> value is: 800<br />
* Prevent JavaScript from messing with browser window: Edit -> Preferences -> Content tab -> Advanced ... -> untick everything.<br />
* Make the "Backspace" key be like pressing the "Back" button: about:config -> browser.backspace_action -> change to "0".<br />
* Stop blocky graphics: View -> Zoom -> Tick "Zoom Text Only".<br />
* About:config -> dom.max_script_run_time -> chnage from 10 to 20 to increase timeout on slow scripts.<br />
* Set search bar to use Australian Google rather than US Google: Open [http://mycroft.mozdev.org/google-search-plugins.html this list of search plugins] -> click "Google Australia - the web" -> tick the "Start using it straight away" box -> click "Ok".<br />
* To make streetview work: Tools -> Addons -> Flash-block -> preferences -> whitelist -> add "maps.google.com.au" and "maps.google.com".<br />
* Firefox 4, to limit excessive memory usage: about:config -> browser.sessionhistory.max_total_viewers -> set to "0".<br />
* To stop old tabs using memory when the browser is restarted: Edit -> Preferences -> Tabs -> tick "Don't load tabs until selected". * If install noscript, then add a whitelisting for xmarks.com<br />
* To increase mouse scroll speeed: About:config -> mousewheel.withnokey.sysnumlines -> toggle to false. Then make sure that mousewheel.withnokey.numlines is set to 6.</div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/Ubuntu_desktop_setup_stepsUbuntu desktop setup steps2015-09-09T04:15:24Z<p>Nickj: </p>
<hr />
<div>Ubuntu desktop setup steps for an AMD64 system. Most of these instructions will work on 8.04 LTS onwards through the current release, and it should almost all work on x86 systems too:<br />
<br />
== Pre-installation standard hardware test procedure ==<br />
<br />
Before installing or configuring any software, it is imperative to test the hardware beforehand, to establish that it is not provably broken:<br />
* Download the ISOs for [http://www.sysresccd.org/ System Rescue CD] and [http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/ Ultimate Boot CD] and burn these.<br />
* From either CD, run Memtest86+ on the machine overnight, to test that the CPU and memory are error-free.<br />
* From UBCD, run a CPU stress test for 5 to 10 minutes to check CPU is reliable and adequately cooled.<br />
* From Sys Rescue CD, check for bad blocks on the hard drive, before trusting it with any data: <code>badblocks -v -s -w -c 4096 /dev/sda</code> <br />Note however that badblocks is quite a slow test - e.g. took 34 hours on a 500 GB SATA disk in an external USB enclosure, and 17 hours on a 250 GB IDE disk.<br />It's also a destructive write test, and so will blank the disk, so make sure you have the right device (use <code>fdisk -lu</code> to confirm the device's size and name).<br />Successful output will look something like this:<br />
Checking for bad blocks in read-write mode<br />
From block 0 to 244198583<br />
Testing with pattern 0xaa: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x55: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0xff: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x00: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Pass completed, 0 bad blocks found.<br />
<br />
If problems are found with any of the above, resolve these first before proceeding further.<br />
<br />
== Installation == <br />
<br />
* Firstly, decide whether you want software RAID or not. Personally, I use RAID-1 mirroring of a single bootable partition, using 2 same-sized disks, from 2 different manufacturers, because:<br />
*# it's simple.<br />
*# it's redundant enough.<br />
*# it's cheap: the incremental cost is the cost of a single disk, which is less than $100.<br />
*# you can boot off of it.<br />
*# it's not a question of if a disk will fail, but when.<br />
: For software RAID, install from the Alternate Installation CD. You can always [http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Convert_a_single_drive_system_to_RAID convert to RAID-1 later], but it's significantly more faffing about than setting it up this way from the get-go.<br />
* Once you've done the above, download and burn either the standard or alternate Ubuntu install CD, as appropriate.<br />
* Insert installation CD. Follow simple options, installs, ejects CD, reboots. Then login.<br />
* System -> Networking -> set up static IP address instead of dynamic IP address.<br />
* reboot to get network changes to apply (theoretically this should not be necessary, but in practice it was, at least for me on 8.04).<br />
* reboot, install system updates. Then reboot once updates are installed.<br />
* system -> hardware drivers -> enable the proprietary nvidia drivers.<br />
* reboot to enable the proprietary drivers.<br />
<br />
== Tweaks and Preferences ==<br />
<br />
* Ditch the annoying sounds: System -> Preferences -> sound -> sounds -> set all to "no sound", and untick "play system sounds", and on "system beep" tab untick all boxes.<br />
* Ditch the thrashing hard-disk: System -> Preferences -> Searching and indexing -> General -> tick "enable indexing" and "enable watching" and both of the power management boxes to disable stuff when on battery.<br />
* To get Subpixel Smoothing on LCDs, do this: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Fonts -> Select "subpixel smoothing (LCDs)". Need to restart Firefox for this change to take effect in Firefox.<br />
* To get reasonable desktop visual effects: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Visual Effects -> Select "Normal".<br />
* To make the system remember running apps and window locations on logout, do this: System -> Preferences -> sessions -> session options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out". In Ubuntu 9.04 / gnome 2.26 & up, this setting has moved, and is now under: System -> Preferences -> Startup Application Preferences -> options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out".<br />
<!--* To tweak networking performance, [http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Hardy#Howto:_Tweak_and_maximize_your_bandwidth_in_Ubuntu.2FLinux_via_sysctl.21 follow these instructions]. --><br />
* Power saving: Turn off blinking cursor by going: System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> untick "Cursor blinks in text fields".<br />
* Add terminal icon to gnome panel: Right-click panel -> Add to Panel -> Application Launcher... -> Accessories -> Terminal -> Add -> Close.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Editor" tab -> tick "autosave" files every 2 minutes.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Plugins" tab -> tick "Sort" to enable the sort plugin -> Close. Can now highlight text and go Edit -> Sort to get it alphabetically sorted.<br />
<br />
== [[Firefox configuration steps]] ==<br />
<br />
{{:Firefox configuration steps}}<br />
<br />
== Installation of extra software ==<br />
<br />
Go system -> admin -> synaptic package manager -> then Install the following (my brief descriptions of what some packages do are also shown) :<br />
* inkscape # Vector drawing package<br />
* hugin # Create panoramas from an image set.<br />
* dia # Draw diagrams & flow charts, somewhat like "visio" on Windows.<br />
* googleearth-package<br />
* xchat # IRC client.<br />
* ttf-mscorefonts-installer ttf-linux-libertine ttf-inconsolata # The most useful font sets. See also the "[[#Install the Tahoma fonts|Install the Tahoma fonts]]" section below.<br />
* audacious # Like XMMS or Winamp<br />
* nmap # Check for open ports.<br />
* filezilla # GUI FTP client.<br />
* wireshark # Packet sniffer<br />
* powertop iotop htop # Show power hogs, I/O hogs, and an more visual command-line version of top.<br />
* nautilus-open-terminal # adds ability to right click on a folder and get a command prompt there.<br />
* php5-cli php5-gd php5-curl # Only useful if you want to write scripts in PHP.<br />
* traceroute # How packets get from here to there over the network.<br />
* curl # Command line HTTP client, includes form-submitting capacity<br />
* tofrodos # Convert line endings from dos to UNIX or vice-versa.<br />
* openssh-server<br />
* libxml2-dev libmysqlclient-dev # Optional: Only used for compiling PHP snapshots<br />
* eclipse sun-java6-jdk sun-java6-jre sun-java6-plugin libmysql-java junit junit-doc # Optional: Java development using Eclipse + java plugins for Firefox<br />
* sysinfo # Kind of like device manager on Windows. Shows CPU / memory / hard disk installed, some hardware that has been detected, etc.<br />
* autofs smbfs smbclient<br />
* gisomount<br />
* gtk-recordmydesktop # Record videos of what you're doing on your desktop.<br />
* gworldclock # Want to simultaneously see the time in Tokyo, LA, London, and Rio? Use this.<br />
* ffmpeg2theora # Convert videos into format suitable for uploading to Wikimedia commons.<br />
* rar p7zip-full # needed for extracting .7z and RAR archives<br />
* gnome-do # Run apps or commands from a keyboard launcher.<br />
* pinfo # Much nicer UI than man or info for reading documentation.<br />
* vlc mozilla-plugin-vlc<br />
* avidemux # Useful for replacing audio tracks in video files.<br />
* indent # Useful for auto-indenting code.<br />
* smartmontools smart-notifier # S.M.A.R.T. hard disk monitoring tools.<br />
* tidy<br />
* ddrescue # Useful for recovering data from failing hard disks.<br />
* gimp-resynthesizer # A nifty plugin for gimp for repairing images or filling in content intelligently. Ignore if you don't use gimp.<br />
* qpdf # Useful for removing password from PDF files, as per [http://blog.sandipb.net/2009/01/10/removing-encryption-from-legitimate-pdf-files-on-ubuntu/ this guide].<br />
* hardinfo # Generates a hardware report and benchmark for the system; can also run in command line mode by doing: <code> hardinfo -r -f html > report.html </code><br />
* gtkvncviewer # Nice VNC client.<br />
* renameutils # Useful for bulk renaming of files. Example for renaming all .JPG files in a directory to .jpg (lowercase) is: <code>rename s/JPG$/jpg/ *</code><br />
* meld # Good GUI for comparing two files, e.g. two log files.<br />
* asciio # Good for drawing ASCII graphs; only available in Ubuntu 10.10 and up.<br />
* spamassassin # Email filtering, used by Evolution.<br />
<!--<br />
<br />
Have installed on laptop - test some more and see if worth including:<br />
gedit-plugins<br />
wget http://nchc.dl.sourceforge.net/sourceforge/openproj/openproj_1.4-2.deb && sudo dpkg -i openproj_1.4-2.deb<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
winbind # could be useful on a windows network. Have not discerned any benefit yet though.<br />
<br />
Still working out whether to include or not: * evolution-plugins-experimental <br />
<br />
* bum # Boot Up Manager - GUI for specifying what services should be running on boot-up.<br />
* miro # Combined bittorrent client and video player. Particularly useful for downloading TED talks before a flight. Uses lots of disk space though.<br />
* k3b # CD burning app.<br />
* deluge amule # P2P - donkey plus bittorrent<br />
<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Configure "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" ==<br />
<br />
To get the back / forward keyboard keys working in Firefox, when using the "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard", go System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> Layout -> click the model button -> Choose Microsoft -> set model to "Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro USB" -> click "close".<br />
<br />
== Custom Key Bindings, aimed at "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" == <br />
<br />
Note: the steps keep changing in each Ubuntu release (the menus move around, the keycodes change), unfortunately. This is what works for me using 11.10 in gnome-fallback mode:<br />
<br />
* ubuntu "System Setting" (top right corner of your desktop) -> Keyboard -> Shortcut.<br />
* Set "1" favourite key to "run a terminal"<br />
* Set "2" favourite key to "open home folder"<br />
<br />
There seems to be a bug that prevents the "custom shortcuts" keys from working for favourite keys 3, 4 and 5. Instead we have to do this:<br />
* In a terminal, run: <code>gconf-editor</code><br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/global_keybindings<br />
* Change "run_command_3" to be 0xc2, "run_command_4" to be 0xc3, and "run_command_5" to be 0xc4 - these corresponds to the 3 / 4 / 5 favourite keys.<br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/keybinding_commands<br />
* Change "command_3" to be the take-screenshot command: <code>gnome-screenshot --window --interactive</code><br />
* Change "command_4" to be the new-text-editor command: <code>/usr/bin/gedit --new-document</code><br />
* Change "command_5" to be as desired.<br />
<!-- * Name is "Zend Studio", command is "sh /home/nickj/programs/Zend/ZendStudio-5.5.0/bin/ZDE". Set the 5 favourite key to run this. --><br />
<br />
== Install Skype == <br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>" -> Skype -> More Info -> Install. <br />
<br />
Then to make the right-click menus legible with Ubuntu's dark theme, do as follows:<br />
# Applications -> Internet -> Skype -> single-click on the skype icon in the top right to open skype -> Ctrl-O to open options -> "general" -> Choose Style: "Desktop settings" -> close.<br />
# Single click on skype icon to open skype again -> Ctrl-Q to close.<br />
# Now restart skype by going Applications -> Internet -> Skype, and the right-click menus will be readable.<br />
<!--<br />
install Skype - [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Skype#AMD64 Source of instructions].<br />
sudo aptitude install ia32-libs<br />
wget http://skype.com/go/getskype-linux-ubuntu<br />
sudo aptitude install libqt4-core libqt4-gui qt4-qtconfig <br />
sudo dpkg --install --force-architecture --force-depends skype-debian*.deb<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Install the Tahoma fonts ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.stchman.com/ms_fonts.html Source of instructions].<br />
<br />
Once the msttcorefonts package is installed you will notice that Tahoma and Tahoma Bold is missing. You will need to extract Tahoma<br />
and Tahoma Bold from the zip file. Tahoma is used for Microsoft desktop, title bars and menu fonts so if you are trying to get that<br />
XP look you will need the Tahoma regular and Tahoma Bold fonts. Install Tahoma by doing the following in a terminal.<br />
<br />
cd ~<br />
wget http://www.stchman.com/tools/MS_fonts/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo unzip -d /usr/share/fonts/truetype/msttcorefonts ~/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo fc-cache -f -v<br />
rm -f ~/tahoma.zip<br />
<br />
== Install Flash == <br />
<br />
* Install the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up or installs flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems.<br />
* Restart the browser.<br />
* Go to: Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, go with all the defaults.<br />
* It removes any old flash plugins and downloads and installs the latest Adobe one.<br />
* For AMD64 systems, can use the flash 64 bit beta.<br />
<br />
If flash videos have a blue tint after the installation, then repeat the above steps, which may fix it. If it doesn't, then right click on a flash video with a blue tint -> Settings -> Untick "enable HW acceleration". [http://askubuntu.com/questions/117127/flash-video-appears-blue Source].<br />
<br />
== Install Google Earth ==<br />
<!--<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update && sudo aptitude install medibuntu-keyring && sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install googleearth-4.3<br />
<br />
... or follow the manual instructions on [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/GoogleEarth this page] for a more recent version.<br />
--><br />
Follow [http://www.liberiangeek.net/2011/10/how-to-install-google-earth-in-ubuntu-11-10-oneiric-ocelot/ these instructions for installing google earth].<br />
<br />
== Install Acrobat reader ==<br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>", or go Applications -> Ubuntu Software Center, and then go: -> Canonical Partners -> Adobe Acrobat reader -> Install.<br />
<br />
<!--<br />
In earlier versions of Ubuntu, to install acrobat reader, since [http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-general-1/cant-shrink-to-fit-pdf-doc-654281/ Ubuntu's native PDF readers don't have shrink to fit when printing]. :<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install acroread acroread-plugins<br />
<br />
(this uses medibuntu, from the Google Earth step above).<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
Also need to do this:<br />
sudo editor /usr/share/applications/defaults.list <br />
And change this:<br />
#application/pdf=evince.desktop<br />
application/pdf=AdobeReader.desktop<br />
--><br />
Then to tweak the display preferences of Acrobat Reader: Edit -> Preferences -> Page Display -> set "Zoom" to "Fit Page" -> Click "Ok".<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
== Install Opera ==<br />
<br />
To install and configure opera (since it's useful for testing web pages to be able to check behaviour, and it's useful to have another browser around sometimes), do the following:<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.list<br />
... and add these two lines:<br />
# For latest stable opera:<br />
deb http://deb.opera.com/opera/ stable non-free<br />
<br />
* Then do:<br />
sudo wget -O - http://deb.opera.com/archive.key | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install opera<br />
* Then run opera - Applications -> Internet -> Opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise -> Toolbars tab -> change the "wrapping" setting to "Wrap to multiple lines".<br />
<!-- <br />
* Go to [http://www.opera.com/download/ Opera's download page].<br />
* Download and open and install the .deb file<br />
* Then run opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise and change the wrapping setting to "multiple lines".<br />
--><br />
== Enable Apport for crash bug reporting ==<br />
<br />
Enable apport so that crash bugs will be reported and logged:<br />
sudo editor /etc/default/apport<br />
change enabled from "0" to "1".<br />
<br />
Crashes will then be logged to /var/crash/<br />
<br />
== Configure Open Office to work in MS Office 2000 compatibility mode ==<br />
<br />
[http://news.cnet.com/8301-13880_3-9864262-68.html Source of instructions]. Only do this if you are testing a migration to Ubuntu. Once you have already switched, then use the native ODF for new files, as they generally save formatting better.<br />
* Start OpenOffice Word Process: Applications -> Office -> OpenOffice.org Word Processor -> tools -> options -> expand "Load/Save" -> select "general" -> For document type = "Text document", set Always save as "Microsoft Word 97/2000/XP" (instead of "ODF text document"); For Document type = "Spreadsheet", set Always save as "Microsoft Excel 97/2000/XP"; For Document type = "Presentation", set Always save as "Microsoft PowerPoint 97/2000/XP" -> then click "OK".<br />
* Then tools -> options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> compatibility -> tick "Use printer metrics for document formatting", tick "Do not add leading (extra space) between lines of text", and tick "Consider wrapping style when positioning objects". Then go: Use as Default -> Yes -> OK.<br />
<br />
Note: When you upgrade between Ubuntu releases, you will probably need to repeat the first step, otherwise it will default back to saving in OpenOffice's formats by default.<br />
<br />
== Evolution configuration ==<br />
<br />
* Turn off new email notifications: Evolution -> Edit -> Plugins -> Uncheck "Mail Notification" plugin.<br />
* Edit -> Preferences -> 'Calendar and Tasks' -> 'Display' tab -> Disable the 'Compress weekends in month view' option.<br />
* Customize the default mail folder view. Get one folder looking right (personal preference: Columns: From / Subject / Received, with threads off, sorted by date received with most recent first). Then go View -> Current view -> Save Custom View... -> Replace existing view -> Messages -> Save. "Messages" is a special view, which is used by default on all folders, although you can override it on a folder-by-folder basis, but customizing that folder's view.<br />
<br />
== Set up SSH keys and KeepAlive Interval ==<br />
<br />
For each machine you want to have password-less SSH login to, do:<br />
ssh-copy-id -i ~/.ssh/id_dsa.pub machine1<br />
<br />
Also on some connections the SSH shell can close after a short timeout period. To keep connections option for longer, on the client side do, <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and then add this line to send a keep-alive heartbeat every 60 seconds:<br />
ServerAliveInterval 60<br />
<br />
... there is also a corresponding "ClientAliveInterval 60" setting that can be added to /etc/ssh/sshd_config - although sometimes you only control the client side of the link, and so this is not possible.<br />
<br />
Also set up connection sharing, makes secondary connections to SSH hosts much faster. <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and add this:<br />
# from: "OpenSSH tip: connection sharing"<br />
# http://tanguy.ortolo.eu/blog/article42/ssh-connection-sharing<br />
ControlPath ~/.ssh/control-%r@%h:%p<br />
ControlMaster auto<br />
ControlPersist 1<br />
<br />
== Automounting remote file systems using SSHFS ==<br />
<br />
For a remote Linux system, can automount with autofs + sshfs. Follow the guides [http://www.tjansson.dk/?p=84 here] and [http://www.mccambridge.org/blog/2007/05/totally-seamless-sshfs-under-linux-using-fuse-and-autofs/ here].<br />
<br />
Debug any problems with:<br />
tail --lines=0 -f /var/log/*<br />
<!-- <br />
Windows shares<br />
* Currently TESTING, this step not complete yet.<br />
* [http://oapeon.blogspot.com/2008/09/automounting-cifs-share-in-ubuntu.html Follow these instructions], but also [http://www.howtoforge.com/accessing_windows_or_samba_shares_using_autofs create a /etc/auto.smb.FILESERVERNAME file with login credentials].<br />
<br />
Actually, may have spoken too soon, seems kinda flakey. Getting "Input/output error" on the command line when accessing shares after a few minutes:<br />
<br />
$ ls /smb/server/sharename/<br />
ls: cannot access /smb/server/sharename/: Input/output error<br />
$<br />
<br />
Also seeing these errors when doing "tail -f /var/log/messages", despite supplying login credentials:<br />
Oct 23 17:42:02 redux kernel: [66597.665680] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
Oct 23 17:42:01 redux kernel: [66597.524118] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
<br />
To remove, uninstall these packages:<br />
sudo aptitude uninstall --purge autofs libevent1 libgssglue1 libnfsidmap2 librpcsecgss3 nfs-common portmap smbfs<br />
<br />
<br />
rebooting seemed to make this better.... although it's still buggy and flakey. Get directories being infinitely recursive, edited files appearing as directories, etc etc.<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
testing / playing with smbnetfs as an alternative<br />
sudo aptitude install smbnetfs<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/smbnetfs.conf <br />
<br />
- show_$_shares "false"<br />
+ show_$_shares "true"<br />
<br />
mkdir ~/.smb<br />
editor ~/.smb/smbnetfs.auth<br />
<br />
auth nickj password<br />
<br />
Need to do something with .smb/smbnetfs.conf ?<br />
<br />
<br />
* smbnetfs is probably not even running - need to find some decent docs on how to configure this.<br />
* autofs is mounted on /smb , and can be seriously flakey.<br />
* trying sshfs now, seems better but needs some magic options in the mount flags to work suitably.<br />
--><br />
== right before and right after each upgrade ==<br />
<br />
Remove unneeded cruft, by doing:<br />
sudo apt-get autoremove<br />
sudo apt-get clean<br />
deborphan<br />
Check first that no important packages are about to be removed, then do:<br />
sudo apt-get remove --purge $(deborphan)<br />
Purge old configuration files, first command shows what will be purged:<br />
sudo aptitude search ~c <br />
sudo aptitude purge ~c<br />
<br />
Fix broken packages:<br />
* <code>sudo aptitude</code><br />
* fix any broken packages (ctrl-t -> resolver -> examine -> g -> g).<br />
* also clean up cache and obsolete files (ctrl-t -> actions -> "clean package cache" and "clean obsolete files").<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
These tweaks are only required for 9.04:<br />
<br />
([http://reformedmusings.wordpress.com/2009/04/26/recovering-daily-update-notifications-in-ubuntu-904-jaunty/ Source]) To enable daily notification of non-security updates, which is especially useful if you [[#enable Apport for crash bug reporting|enable Apport for crash bug reporting]], then do this:<br />
gconftool -s --type bool /apps/update-notifier/auto_launch false<br />
<br />
([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-when-logoutshutdown-and-restart-ubuntu904 Source]) To remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout, do this:<br />
* Right-click on the panel power button icon on top-right of the screen -> Preferences -> Untick "Show confirm dialog for logout, shutdown and restart".<br />
<br />
Only in Ubuntu 9.04:<br />
sudo aptitude install firefox-3.5 firefox-3.5-gnome-support<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Tweaks to Ubuntu 9.10 that I had to apply to get stuff working again, or configured how I like it:<br />
<br />
1: Remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout. ([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-in-ubuntu910karmic Source]). <br />
<br />
2: For seeing details of SMART reporting for hard disks:<br />
sudo aptitude install gsmartcontrol<br />
<br />
3: system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Dust".<br />
<br />
4: Alt-F2, run gconf-editor , then toogle the GConf key /apps/eog/ui/disable_trash_confirmation to be ticked, to disable prompting for image deleting though Eye of Gnome ([https://bugzilla.gnome.org/show_bug.cgi?id=541967#c5 source]).<br />
<br />
5: Some third party entries in your sources.list were disabled. You can re-enable them after the upgrade with the 'software-properties' tool or your package manager.<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.lst<br />
<br />
.. then re-enable dropbox, chrome daily builds, etc, and apply those updates:<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude upgrade<br />
<br />
6: Setting MySQL back to utf8 mode:<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/mysql/my.cnf <br />
add under the "[mysqld]" section:<br />
default-character-set=utf8<br />
<br />
7: Blue tint to video files in VLC, Mplayer, and Totem. [http://www.mediacollege.com/video-gallery/testclips/20051210-w50s.flv Example video file]. [https://bugs.launchpad.net/totem/+bug/395476 Bug is in] the Nvidia closed source driver. Workaround is:<br />
* open totem via Applications -> Sound & Video -> Movie Player<br />
* open the preferences window via Edit -> Preferences<br />
* select the Display tab<br />
* click the Reset to Defaults button<br />
<br />
8: Problem: Mplayer crashing regularly when changing video output mode, and also giving a "couldn't resolve name for AF_INET6:" error on URL playback. Workaround: ditch mplayer, as totem and VLC are suitable replacements:<br />
sudo aptitude remove --purge mplayer<br />
<br />
9: Flash applets don't work in firefox or chrome on AMD64 (example: playing [http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-february-1-2010/q---o this Daily Show] video) .... solution: redo the [[#Install_Flash_on_AMD64|Flash installation steps]].<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Ambiance". <!-- move window decoration buttons to the left too - find link & steps for this --><br />
# If images don't display in office documents: Start OpenOffice writer, and then go: Tools -> Options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> View -> tick "Graphics and objects" -> click "Ok".<br />
<!-- to get SIP calls working through empathy through the dodgy Telstra modem that blocks VoIP: sudo aptitude install telepathy-sofiasip ... no, didn't work - test again later. --><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# <code>sudo aptitude remove tracker</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install unity-2d</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
The 11.10 release had more problems than most releases.<br />
<br />
Nautilus default view: go to Places -> Home folder -> Edit -> Preferences -> "View new folders using": select "List View".<br />
<br />
=== Restore classic Gnome desktop ===<br />
To get gnome classic desktop back, as per [http://www.webupd8.org/2011/08/installing-using-classic-gnome-desktop.html this blog post].<br />
sudo apt-get install gnome-session-fallback<br />
Then:<br />
* Install weather applet<br />
* System monitor applet<br />
* Add application icons for Firefox, chrome, terminal, and gedit.<br />
sudo aptitude install alarm-clock-applet<br />
* Add an application icon for the alarm clock applet.<br />
* Put a trash applet back on the bottom right of the screen.<br />
* Put a show desktop applet back on the bottom left of the screen.<br />
<br />
=== SSH menu is gone, use SSH plus instead ===<br />
Follow [http://www.gulecha.org/2011/07/29/sshplus-a-sshmenu-compatible-appindicator/ these installation instructions]. Then do <code>sudo aptitude install putty</code><br/> <br />
To add to startup apps: Applications -> System Tools -> Preferences -> startup applications -> add SSHplus by full path.<br />
<br />
=== blurry image viewer ===<br />
Images look blurry because the default Gnome Image viewer (eog/eye of gnome) is set to "Best Fit" instead of "Normal view", which resizes images slightly, making them appear blurry. Unfortunately, there seems to be no preference or setting that allows changing this permanently. Instead just install another image viewing app, and make it the default:<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install gthumb</code><br/><br />
It can be customized to view images 1:1 by going Edit -> Preferences -> Viewer -> Set to actual size. Then go View -> unselect "Thumbnail pane" (with this on, it seems to interfere with 1:1 viewing). Test it, then if so make it the default app by going ubuntu "System Settings" (top right corner of your desktop) -> System info -> Default applications -> Photos -> gThumb.<br />
<br />
=== usb automounting was broken ===<br />
Inserted USB drives would no longer automatically mount and open a file manager window. Solved by installing, and then removing, the usbmount package.<br />
<br />
=== Flash broken ===<br />
After upgrading from 11.04 to 11.10, flash applets either did not work, or worked partial (such as the sound being distorted, like the person was underwater). Fixed by installing the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up broken flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems. Installed the extension, restarted the browser, then went Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, just went with all the defaults, it removed the old flash plugins (I had 2) and downloaded and installed the latest adobe one, and then it was as good as new and working flawlessly.<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 12.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
=== Multiple monitors broken, screen orientation broken ===<br />
<br />
run Synaptic, remove all the nvidia drivers, and install the nouveau firmware, then reboot, then systems settings -> displays, and can change the monitor setup so that multi-montior works again and so the orientations are in portrait instead of landscape.<br />
<br />
From the command line to remove nvidia drivers, can do:<br />
sudo apt-get purge nvidia-settings nvidia-current<br />
<br />
=== Customised keyboard shortcuts lost ===<br />
<br />
All my customized keyboard shortcuts for the extra buttons on my keyboard are lost. Had to redo the keyboard config to get these back.<br />
<br />
=== alt-tab no longer works ===<br />
<br />
To fix (from [http://askubuntu.com/questions/135685/alt-tab-does-not-switch this source]) :<br />
sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* Go at the very bottom where it says "Window Management"<br />
* Put a checkmark in "application switcher"<br />
* That should fix it.<br />
<br />
=== Workplace switching is broken (gives a blank desktop with no menus or items) ===<br />
<br />
Install compiz settings manager as above, and that will fix it. To get switching to be 4 horizontal desktops:<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* "general" -> General options -> Desktop size -> horizontal virtual size = 4, vertical virtual size = 1<br />
<br />
Also turn off "effects" -> "animations" in compiz too, whilst we are there.<br />
<br />
=== Gnome menus look ugly ===<br />
<br />
The bug is [https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/light-themes/+bug/981289 here]. To fix ambiance themes, [http://www.webupd8.org/2012/05/install-ambiance-fixed-for-classic.html follow these steps].<br />
<br />
=== Printing was broken ===<br />
<br />
Jobs sent to the network printer just sat in the queue and were never printed, even though the printer hardware was fine and the same queue worked perfectly in 11.10. Easiest solution was to cancel all print jobs, delete the printer, add a new printer with the same settings, and reboot (because the printer setup locked up whilst doing these things).<br />
<br />
=== Printing was excessively slow from Firefox ===<br />
<br />
Even after doing the above, printing was very slow from Firefox to the HP LaserJet 2100 TN. For example, it was taking up to 4 minutes to print a page, whereas it would take 15 seconds before. To fix:<br />
* Run "system-config-printer" from the command line.<br />
* Change the printer driver. Instead of the recommended driver, use "HP LaserJet 2100 - CUPS+Gutenprint v5.2.8-pre1".<br />
* Print a test page, once works okay, click "OK", and close the printer config applet.<br />
<br />
=== Volume applet indicator disappeared ===<br />
<br />
[http://askubuntu.com/questions/126411/volume-and-other-indicators-disappeared-in-the-classic-desktop Source].<br />
Run gnome-sound-applet from the command line to check that it is installed and working.<br />
<br />
To start the sound applet automatically, go to System Tools -> Preferences -> Startup Applications, and add Command gnome-sound-applet<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 13.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
To be able to play videos again:<br />
sudo aptitude install ubuntu-restricted-extras<br />
<br />
To stop using Nautilus, following the unfortuate decision to remove all of its most useful features, and switch to Nemo instead. [http://www.fandigital.com/2012/09/install-nemo-file-manager-in-ubuntu.html Source] [http://www.fandigital.com/2013/01/set-nemo-default-file-manager-ubuntu.html Source].<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:gwendal-lebihan-dev/cinnamon-stable<br />
sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install nemo nemo-fileroller<br />
xdg-mime default nemo.desktop inode/directory application/x-gnome-saved-search<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 13.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Changed video driver from nouveau open source driver to nvidia's binary driver, to fix intermittent crashing of gnome-shell once or more per day: Applications -> System tools -> Software & updates -> Additional drivers -> nvidia-319-updates.<br />
<br />
* Problem: guest session broken, wallpaper all black, desktop icons broken, and screensaver unlock sometimes not working<br />
* Cause: All due to a conflict between Ubuntu 13.10 and cinnamon.<br />
* Solution: remove cinnamon and nemo. [http://askubuntu.com/questions/360772/unity-isnt-starting-on-13-10 Source].<br />
<br />
sudo apt-get install ppa-purge<br />
sudo apt-get purge --auto-remove cinnamon<br />
sudo apt-get autoremove<br />
sudo apt-get update -f<br />
sudo apt-get dist-upgrade<br />
sudo apt-get install ubuntu-desktop<br />
sudo apt-get remove .*cinnamon.*<br />
sudo apt-get remove .*nemo.*<br />
<br />
Then install nemo from the Ubuntu repos - part of the repos now.<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 14.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Only needed on a Gnome desktop, will cause icons to not appear on a Unity desktop and so should be skipped under Unity: To fix missing notifier icons (network, dropbox, sshplus, ksplice) under Gnome :<br />
<br />
* How to fix the missing network icon - follow [http://www.bauer-power.net/2014/05/permanent-fix-for-missing-network.html these steps].<br />
* For the others: System tools -> preferences -> startup applications -> then open the item whose notifier icon is not appearing.<br />
* add "dbus-launch " to start of the command lines for Ksplice and SSHPlus and Dropbox, and any others that are not working.<br />
<!--<br />
To fix greeter/login-screen monitor orientation - [http://askubuntu.com/questions/408302/rotated-monitor-login-screen-needs-rotation source].<br />
<br />
sudo cp ~/.config/monitors.xml /var/lib/lightdm/.config/<br />
sudo chown lightdm.lightdm /var/lib/lightdm/.config/monitors.xml<br />
--><br />
<br />
== VirtualBox ==<br />
<br />
=== first time VirtualBox install only ===<br />
<br />
From the [http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Linux_Downloads VirtualBox Installation instructions]:<br />
sudo vim /etc/apt/sources.list <br />
add this line: <code>deb http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian oneiric contrib</code> . Do not add a deb-src line.<br />
wget -q http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian/oracle_vbox.asc -O- | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude install dkms<br />
<br />
The first time that you install, make sure that you are a member of vboxusers group (needed for USB disks to work correctly) :<br />
sudo usermod -a -G vboxusers `whoami`<br />
sudo usermod -a -G disk `whoami`<br />
Then reboot the computer.<br />
<br />
=== All VirtualBox upgrades and installs ===<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install virtualbox-5.0<br />
<br />
To update/get the extension pack, go Help -> Check for Updates, and this will check you have the latest virtualbox and also install/update the extensions. Enter password if prompted.<br />
<br />
After upgrading from a previous version, to update each guest's VirtualBox drivers, do this after the Guest has started:<br />
* VirtualBox -> start Guest -> "Devices" menu -> Install Guest Additions.<br />
<br />
And in a Debian or Ubuntu '''guest''' machine after doing an upgrade, to install the vbox additions, do this:<br />
* Devices -> install guest additions...<br />
mount /dev/cdrom <br />
aptitude install build-essential linux-headers-$(uname -r)<br />
sh /cdrom/VBoxLinuxAdditions.run<br />
<br />
=== To check if things aren't working as expected ===<br />
<br />
Before starting the Guest machine, make sure USB functionality is enabled by going:<br />
* Settings -> USB -> Make sure both the USB checkboxes are ticked -> Click the "Add Empty Filter" button (the top button on the right) -> click OK to close dialog box.<br />
<br />
Rebuild the virtualbox modules after upgrading from a previous version:<br />
sudo service vboxdrv setup<br />
<br />
Then plug in a USB device after the guest machine has started. Then make it visible to the Guest by going:<br />
* Devices -> USB devices -> and select the USB device to make visible.<br />
<br />
When doing a major version upgrade, use apt-get and not aptitude. For example:<br />
sudo apt-get install virtualbox-5.0<br />
... and then start VirtualBox, and then install the latest extension pack, using the steps above. The link will be on the [https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads VirtualBox downloads] page.<br />
<br />
If you get an "Error! Could not locate dkms.conf file" message, then you probably have old directories left over from an old version of virtualbox under /var/lib/dkms/ . E.g. I had some directories left over from 3.2.6, and the fix was:<br />
sudo rm -r /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetadp /var/lib/dkms/vboxdrv /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetflt<br />
<br />
== Newsgroup bin client ==<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude install sabnzbdplus<br />
Then configure as per [http://wiki.sabnzbd.org/quick-setup the steps on their wiki].<br />
<!-- Lottanzb keeps crashing for me:<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:lottanzb/daily-build<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:jcfp/ppa<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install lottanzb sabnzbdplus<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Steps for making the Benq Acer S2W 3300U work == <br />
<br />
* Plug in power and USB cable to the scanner, and connect it to your computer.<br />
* Check SANE is installed, then run <code> sane-find-scanner </code>, and it should list your scanner.<br />
* From [http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/downloads.cfm/dtype/D/page/downloads/product/91 Benq's page] get the Mirascan ZIP file. Note that Benq's webservers are crap, and they cut out mid-download, so save yourself frustration by using wget to take care of the downloading/resuming/retrying, by doing:<br />
wget ftp://211.78.86.204/scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
and/or<br />
wget http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/download.cfm?file=scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
* Check the ZIP file downloaded okay by doing:<br />
unzip -t mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
... and making sure it says there were "no errors detected" at the end.<br />
* Extract just the u176v046.bin file (which is firmware blob that this scanner needs to operate) into the current directory:<br />
unzip -j mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip "MiraScan v4.03u10_BQA/BIN/u176v046.bin"<br />
* Set up Sane to use this firmware blob:<br />
sudo mkdir /usr/share/sane/snapscan<br />
sudo cp u176v046.bin /usr/share/sane/snapscan/<br />
sudo editor /etc/sane.d/snapscan.conf<br />
... and change the first line from:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/your-firmwarefile.bin<br />
to:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/u176v046.bin<br />
... then save and close the file.<br />
* Then under the Applications -> Graphics menu, run Xsane, or (my preference) Simple Scan.<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
<!-- todo: add the repo steps here --><br />
Unfortunately dropbox does not seem to automatically install updates for old versions. Given this, need to manually install updates on old versions, and easiest way to install dropbox updates on Linux is, open a terminal and do:<br />
dropbox stop<br />
dropbox status # Should report "not running"<br />
rm -r ~/.dropbox-dist/<br />
dropbox start -i<br />
<br />
== Handbrake ==<br />
<br />
Handbrake is a media converter, and is especially useful for converting files for portable devices, like Android tablets or iPhones. To install the snapshot releases (which seems to be the easiest way, if you want the GUI) :<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:stebbins/handbrake-snapshots<br />
sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install handbrake-gtk handbrake-cli<br />
== Install Chromium dev builds ==<br />
<br />
Firefox is currently slightly better as a daily browser, but Chromium is improving rapidly. If you want to play with the native alpha port of Google's Chrome browser just to see how it's going, you can install the dev builds of Chromium quite easily by doing:<br />
<!-- could get rid of the PPA - Ubuntu now includes the chromium browser in universe, that lags a little, but avoids the constant daily updates: http://packages.ubuntu.com/search?keywords=chromium-browser --><br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:chromium-daily/dev<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install chromium-browser chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-nonfree chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-extra<br />
<!-- following [http://www.stefanoforenza.com/chromium-on-ubuntu-how-to/ these directions]. You probably also want to add the key for this PPA to your system, following [https://help.launchpad.net/Packaging/PPA#Adding%20the%20keys%20using%20Gnome these directions] about adding [http://keyserver.ubuntu.com:11371/pks/lookup?op=get&search=0x5A9BF3BB4E5E17B5 their key] to your system, so that you don't get lots of prompts every day when there is an update about "do you want to install unauthenticated packages?". --><br />
<br />
Chrome Extensions to install:<br />
* [http://www.chromeextensions.org/appearance-functioning/flashblock/ FlashBlock].<br />
* [http://blog.xmarks.com/?p=1244 Xmarks].<br />
* [https://chrome.google.com/extensions/detail/gighmmpiobklfepjocnamgkkbiglidom Adblock]. Need to restart browser for extension to take effect.<br />
<br />
Still waiting for these Chrome extensions as at July 2010:<br />
* The equivalent of Tab Mix Plus. (still looking for this).<br />
<br />
Things that aren't working quite right yet in Chromium on Linux:<br />
* The backspace key should go back, or should be configurable for this. There is an extension that allows this, but it should probably be a preference in the base browser.<br />
* Auto-updating of extensions. There is a way to do this from the extensions UI, but in Chromium it doesn't seem to do anything.<br />
* Audio playback not working correctly - e.g. on [http://slides.html5rocks.com/#slide22 this slide], get no audio after selecting a national anthem other than US (US works, other's don't). Possibly [http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Chrome/thread?tid=2fdf2aa857abe1ef&hl=en this issue] or [http://code.google.com/p/chromium/issues/detail?id=37848 this issue].<br />
* WebGL does not work on an old laptop, but does on a modern desktop. Could be that the laptop's hardware is just too old (or just not supported in 3D).<br />
<br />
To enable most of the new features of Chromium, change the command line for starting chromium to be like this:<br />
chromium-browser --enable-plugins --enable-greasemonkey --enable-user-scripts --enable-internal-flash --enable-extensions --enable-webgl %U<br />
<br />
Configuration settings:<br />
* To make streetview work: Try to open streetview -> nothing happens -> press Ctrl-Shift-F (which permanently unblock flashblock on that site) -> then streetview will pop up and work thereafter.<br />
<br />
Updating the flash plugin if you get a warning that "the flash plugin was blocked because it is out of date", or just installing the flash plugin.<br />
* First check where the plugin is installed, by opening chrome://plugins/ in chromium, and expanding the "details" link.<br />
* For me, it said "Location: /usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so".<br />
* Note this directory, and update the flashplugin variable below if you have a different path:<br />
cd ~/tmp<br />
flashplugin=/usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so<br />
sudo mv $flashplugin ./libflashplayer.so.old<br />
wget http://download.macromedia.com/pub/labs/flashplayer10/flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz<br />
tar zfvx flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz <br />
sudo cp ./libflashplayer.so $flashplugin<br />
cd /usr/lib/chromium-browser/plugins<br />
sudo ln -s $flashplugin<br />
Now restart chromium and the warning should be fixed & flash should work.<br />
<!--<br />
== Pinta ==<br />
<br />
Basic image editing program, like ms-paint:<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:moonlight-team/pinta<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install pinta<br />
<br />
tends to crash though.... don't include in public instructions just yet!<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
'''Warning: semi-commercial software'''<br />
<br />
Personally, I find dropbox useful for synchronising up to 2 GB of data free between multiple systems (desktop and laptop; work and home). You need to sign up here and install the software from here.<br />
##### FINISH WRITING THIS STEP AT SOME POINT #####<br />
##### Keeps crashing on network transfers, so don't write up until that is completed ###### -- this was fixed by upgrading to version 0.6.564 <br />
##### The crashing is back.... **sigh**<br />
<br />
== testing: Ksplice for rebootless kernel updates ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.ksplice.com/uptrack/download Install]<br />
[http://lwn.net/Articles/340477/ background on Ksplice].<br />
<br />
== Ekiga linux setup ==<br />
.... cannot test this until ADSL connection no longer blocks VoIP...<br />
Date: Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:21:10 +1100<br />
VoIP client.<br />
<br />
Applications ->Internet -> Ekiga softphone<br />
Enter name<br />
Tick "I do not want to sign up for the ekiga.net free service"<br />
connection type xDSL.cable<br />
enable STUN support: Yes<br />
rest of the options: take the defaults,.<br />
<br />
Then in Ekiga, go:<br />
edit -> accounts -> add my pennytel account details.<br />
#### No sound through ekiga in 10.10 -- leave commented out until this works ####<br />
--></div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/Ubuntu_desktop_setup_stepsUbuntu desktop setup steps2015-09-09T04:13:41Z<p>Nickj: /* VirtualBox */ rearrange into subsections + add Vbox 5.0 instructions.</p>
<hr />
<div>Ubuntu desktop setup steps for an AMD64 system. Most of these instructions will also work on 8.04 LTS, 8.10, 9.04, and 9.10, and 10.04 LTS, 10.10, 11.04, and 11.10, as these instructions were previously for those versions, and it should almost all work on an x86 system too:<br />
<br />
== Pre-installation standard hardware test procedure ==<br />
<br />
Before installing or configuring any software, it is imperative to test the hardware beforehand, to establish that it is not provably broken:<br />
* Download the ISOs for [http://www.sysresccd.org/ System Rescue CD] and [http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/ Ultimate Boot CD] and burn these.<br />
* From either CD, run Memtest86+ on the machine overnight, to test that the CPU and memory are error-free.<br />
* From UBCD, run a CPU stress test for 5 to 10 minutes to check CPU is reliable and adequately cooled.<br />
* From Sys Rescue CD, check for bad blocks on the hard drive, before trusting it with any data: <code>badblocks -v -s -w -c 4096 /dev/sda</code> <br />Note however that badblocks is quite a slow test - e.g. took 34 hours on a 500 GB SATA disk in an external USB enclosure, and 17 hours on a 250 GB IDE disk.<br />It's also a destructive write test, and so will blank the disk, so make sure you have the right device (use <code>fdisk -lu</code> to confirm the device's size and name).<br />Successful output will look something like this:<br />
Checking for bad blocks in read-write mode<br />
From block 0 to 244198583<br />
Testing with pattern 0xaa: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x55: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0xff: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x00: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Pass completed, 0 bad blocks found.<br />
<br />
If problems are found with any of the above, resolve these first before proceeding further.<br />
<br />
== Installation == <br />
<br />
* Firstly, decide whether you want software RAID or not. Personally, I use RAID-1 mirroring of a single bootable partition, using 2 same-sized disks, from 2 different manufacturers, because:<br />
*# it's simple.<br />
*# it's redundant enough.<br />
*# it's cheap: the incremental cost is the cost of a single disk, which is less than $100.<br />
*# you can boot off of it.<br />
*# it's not a question of if a disk will fail, but when.<br />
: For software RAID, install from the Alternate Installation CD. You can always [http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Convert_a_single_drive_system_to_RAID convert to RAID-1 later], but it's significantly more faffing about than setting it up this way from the get-go.<br />
* Once you've done the above, download and burn either the standard or alternate Ubuntu install CD, as appropriate.<br />
* Insert installation CD. Follow simple options, installs, ejects CD, reboots. Then login.<br />
* System -> Networking -> set up static IP address instead of dynamic IP address.<br />
* reboot to get network changes to apply (theoretically this should not be necessary, but in practice it was, at least for me on 8.04).<br />
* reboot, install system updates. Then reboot once updates are installed.<br />
* system -> hardware drivers -> enable the proprietary nvidia drivers.<br />
* reboot to enable the proprietary drivers.<br />
<br />
== Tweaks and Preferences ==<br />
<br />
* Ditch the annoying sounds: System -> Preferences -> sound -> sounds -> set all to "no sound", and untick "play system sounds", and on "system beep" tab untick all boxes.<br />
* Ditch the thrashing hard-disk: System -> Preferences -> Searching and indexing -> General -> tick "enable indexing" and "enable watching" and both of the power management boxes to disable stuff when on battery.<br />
* To get Subpixel Smoothing on LCDs, do this: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Fonts -> Select "subpixel smoothing (LCDs)". Need to restart Firefox for this change to take effect in Firefox.<br />
* To get reasonable desktop visual effects: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Visual Effects -> Select "Normal".<br />
* To make the system remember running apps and window locations on logout, do this: System -> Preferences -> sessions -> session options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out". In Ubuntu 9.04 / gnome 2.26 & up, this setting has moved, and is now under: System -> Preferences -> Startup Application Preferences -> options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out".<br />
<!--* To tweak networking performance, [http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Hardy#Howto:_Tweak_and_maximize_your_bandwidth_in_Ubuntu.2FLinux_via_sysctl.21 follow these instructions]. --><br />
* Power saving: Turn off blinking cursor by going: System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> untick "Cursor blinks in text fields".<br />
* Add terminal icon to gnome panel: Right-click panel -> Add to Panel -> Application Launcher... -> Accessories -> Terminal -> Add -> Close.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Editor" tab -> tick "autosave" files every 2 minutes.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Plugins" tab -> tick "Sort" to enable the sort plugin -> Close. Can now highlight text and go Edit -> Sort to get it alphabetically sorted.<br />
<br />
== [[Firefox configuration steps]] ==<br />
<br />
{{:Firefox configuration steps}}<br />
<br />
== Installation of extra software ==<br />
<br />
Go system -> admin -> synaptic package manager -> then Install the following (my brief descriptions of what some packages do are also shown) :<br />
* inkscape # Vector drawing package<br />
* hugin # Create panoramas from an image set.<br />
* dia # Draw diagrams & flow charts, somewhat like "visio" on Windows.<br />
* googleearth-package<br />
* xchat # IRC client.<br />
* ttf-mscorefonts-installer ttf-linux-libertine ttf-inconsolata # The most useful font sets. See also the "[[#Install the Tahoma fonts|Install the Tahoma fonts]]" section below.<br />
* audacious # Like XMMS or Winamp<br />
* nmap # Check for open ports.<br />
* filezilla # GUI FTP client.<br />
* wireshark # Packet sniffer<br />
* powertop iotop htop # Show power hogs, I/O hogs, and an more visual command-line version of top.<br />
* nautilus-open-terminal # adds ability to right click on a folder and get a command prompt there.<br />
* php5-cli php5-gd php5-curl # Only useful if you want to write scripts in PHP.<br />
* traceroute # How packets get from here to there over the network.<br />
* curl # Command line HTTP client, includes form-submitting capacity<br />
* tofrodos # Convert line endings from dos to UNIX or vice-versa.<br />
* openssh-server<br />
* libxml2-dev libmysqlclient-dev # Optional: Only used for compiling PHP snapshots<br />
* eclipse sun-java6-jdk sun-java6-jre sun-java6-plugin libmysql-java junit junit-doc # Optional: Java development using Eclipse + java plugins for Firefox<br />
* sysinfo # Kind of like device manager on Windows. Shows CPU / memory / hard disk installed, some hardware that has been detected, etc.<br />
* autofs smbfs smbclient<br />
* gisomount<br />
* gtk-recordmydesktop # Record videos of what you're doing on your desktop.<br />
* gworldclock # Want to simultaneously see the time in Tokyo, LA, London, and Rio? Use this.<br />
* ffmpeg2theora # Convert videos into format suitable for uploading to Wikimedia commons.<br />
* rar p7zip-full # needed for extracting .7z and RAR archives<br />
* gnome-do # Run apps or commands from a keyboard launcher.<br />
* pinfo # Much nicer UI than man or info for reading documentation.<br />
* vlc mozilla-plugin-vlc<br />
* avidemux # Useful for replacing audio tracks in video files.<br />
* indent # Useful for auto-indenting code.<br />
* smartmontools smart-notifier # S.M.A.R.T. hard disk monitoring tools.<br />
* tidy<br />
* ddrescue # Useful for recovering data from failing hard disks.<br />
* gimp-resynthesizer # A nifty plugin for gimp for repairing images or filling in content intelligently. Ignore if you don't use gimp.<br />
* qpdf # Useful for removing password from PDF files, as per [http://blog.sandipb.net/2009/01/10/removing-encryption-from-legitimate-pdf-files-on-ubuntu/ this guide].<br />
* hardinfo # Generates a hardware report and benchmark for the system; can also run in command line mode by doing: <code> hardinfo -r -f html > report.html </code><br />
* gtkvncviewer # Nice VNC client.<br />
* renameutils # Useful for bulk renaming of files. Example for renaming all .JPG files in a directory to .jpg (lowercase) is: <code>rename s/JPG$/jpg/ *</code><br />
* meld # Good GUI for comparing two files, e.g. two log files.<br />
* asciio # Good for drawing ASCII graphs; only available in Ubuntu 10.10 and up.<br />
* spamassassin # Email filtering, used by Evolution.<br />
<!--<br />
<br />
Have installed on laptop - test some more and see if worth including:<br />
gedit-plugins<br />
wget http://nchc.dl.sourceforge.net/sourceforge/openproj/openproj_1.4-2.deb && sudo dpkg -i openproj_1.4-2.deb<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
winbind # could be useful on a windows network. Have not discerned any benefit yet though.<br />
<br />
Still working out whether to include or not: * evolution-plugins-experimental <br />
<br />
* bum # Boot Up Manager - GUI for specifying what services should be running on boot-up.<br />
* miro # Combined bittorrent client and video player. Particularly useful for downloading TED talks before a flight. Uses lots of disk space though.<br />
* k3b # CD burning app.<br />
* deluge amule # P2P - donkey plus bittorrent<br />
<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Configure "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" ==<br />
<br />
To get the back / forward keyboard keys working in Firefox, when using the "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard", go System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> Layout -> click the model button -> Choose Microsoft -> set model to "Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro USB" -> click "close".<br />
<br />
== Custom Key Bindings, aimed at "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" == <br />
<br />
Note: the steps keep changing in each Ubuntu release (the menus move around, the keycodes change), unfortunately. This is what works for me using 11.10 in gnome-fallback mode:<br />
<br />
* ubuntu "System Setting" (top right corner of your desktop) -> Keyboard -> Shortcut.<br />
* Set "1" favourite key to "run a terminal"<br />
* Set "2" favourite key to "open home folder"<br />
<br />
There seems to be a bug that prevents the "custom shortcuts" keys from working for favourite keys 3, 4 and 5. Instead we have to do this:<br />
* In a terminal, run: <code>gconf-editor</code><br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/global_keybindings<br />
* Change "run_command_3" to be 0xc2, "run_command_4" to be 0xc3, and "run_command_5" to be 0xc4 - these corresponds to the 3 / 4 / 5 favourite keys.<br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/keybinding_commands<br />
* Change "command_3" to be the take-screenshot command: <code>gnome-screenshot --window --interactive</code><br />
* Change "command_4" to be the new-text-editor command: <code>/usr/bin/gedit --new-document</code><br />
* Change "command_5" to be as desired.<br />
<!-- * Name is "Zend Studio", command is "sh /home/nickj/programs/Zend/ZendStudio-5.5.0/bin/ZDE". Set the 5 favourite key to run this. --><br />
<br />
== Install Skype == <br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>" -> Skype -> More Info -> Install. <br />
<br />
Then to make the right-click menus legible with Ubuntu's dark theme, do as follows:<br />
# Applications -> Internet -> Skype -> single-click on the skype icon in the top right to open skype -> Ctrl-O to open options -> "general" -> Choose Style: "Desktop settings" -> close.<br />
# Single click on skype icon to open skype again -> Ctrl-Q to close.<br />
# Now restart skype by going Applications -> Internet -> Skype, and the right-click menus will be readable.<br />
<!--<br />
install Skype - [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Skype#AMD64 Source of instructions].<br />
sudo aptitude install ia32-libs<br />
wget http://skype.com/go/getskype-linux-ubuntu<br />
sudo aptitude install libqt4-core libqt4-gui qt4-qtconfig <br />
sudo dpkg --install --force-architecture --force-depends skype-debian*.deb<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Install the Tahoma fonts ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.stchman.com/ms_fonts.html Source of instructions].<br />
<br />
Once the msttcorefonts package is installed you will notice that Tahoma and Tahoma Bold is missing. You will need to extract Tahoma<br />
and Tahoma Bold from the zip file. Tahoma is used for Microsoft desktop, title bars and menu fonts so if you are trying to get that<br />
XP look you will need the Tahoma regular and Tahoma Bold fonts. Install Tahoma by doing the following in a terminal.<br />
<br />
cd ~<br />
wget http://www.stchman.com/tools/MS_fonts/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo unzip -d /usr/share/fonts/truetype/msttcorefonts ~/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo fc-cache -f -v<br />
rm -f ~/tahoma.zip<br />
<br />
== Install Flash == <br />
<br />
* Install the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up or installs flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems.<br />
* Restart the browser.<br />
* Go to: Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, go with all the defaults.<br />
* It removes any old flash plugins and downloads and installs the latest Adobe one.<br />
* For AMD64 systems, can use the flash 64 bit beta.<br />
<br />
If flash videos have a blue tint after the installation, then repeat the above steps, which may fix it. If it doesn't, then right click on a flash video with a blue tint -> Settings -> Untick "enable HW acceleration". [http://askubuntu.com/questions/117127/flash-video-appears-blue Source].<br />
<br />
== Install Google Earth ==<br />
<!--<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update && sudo aptitude install medibuntu-keyring && sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install googleearth-4.3<br />
<br />
... or follow the manual instructions on [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/GoogleEarth this page] for a more recent version.<br />
--><br />
Follow [http://www.liberiangeek.net/2011/10/how-to-install-google-earth-in-ubuntu-11-10-oneiric-ocelot/ these instructions for installing google earth].<br />
<br />
== Install Acrobat reader ==<br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>", or go Applications -> Ubuntu Software Center, and then go: -> Canonical Partners -> Adobe Acrobat reader -> Install.<br />
<br />
<!--<br />
In earlier versions of Ubuntu, to install acrobat reader, since [http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-general-1/cant-shrink-to-fit-pdf-doc-654281/ Ubuntu's native PDF readers don't have shrink to fit when printing]. :<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install acroread acroread-plugins<br />
<br />
(this uses medibuntu, from the Google Earth step above).<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
Also need to do this:<br />
sudo editor /usr/share/applications/defaults.list <br />
And change this:<br />
#application/pdf=evince.desktop<br />
application/pdf=AdobeReader.desktop<br />
--><br />
Then to tweak the display preferences of Acrobat Reader: Edit -> Preferences -> Page Display -> set "Zoom" to "Fit Page" -> Click "Ok".<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
== Install Opera ==<br />
<br />
To install and configure opera (since it's useful for testing web pages to be able to check behaviour, and it's useful to have another browser around sometimes), do the following:<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.list<br />
... and add these two lines:<br />
# For latest stable opera:<br />
deb http://deb.opera.com/opera/ stable non-free<br />
<br />
* Then do:<br />
sudo wget -O - http://deb.opera.com/archive.key | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install opera<br />
* Then run opera - Applications -> Internet -> Opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise -> Toolbars tab -> change the "wrapping" setting to "Wrap to multiple lines".<br />
<!-- <br />
* Go to [http://www.opera.com/download/ Opera's download page].<br />
* Download and open and install the .deb file<br />
* Then run opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise and change the wrapping setting to "multiple lines".<br />
--><br />
== Enable Apport for crash bug reporting ==<br />
<br />
Enable apport so that crash bugs will be reported and logged:<br />
sudo editor /etc/default/apport<br />
change enabled from "0" to "1".<br />
<br />
Crashes will then be logged to /var/crash/<br />
<br />
== Configure Open Office to work in MS Office 2000 compatibility mode ==<br />
<br />
[http://news.cnet.com/8301-13880_3-9864262-68.html Source of instructions]. Only do this if you are testing a migration to Ubuntu. Once you have already switched, then use the native ODF for new files, as they generally save formatting better.<br />
* Start OpenOffice Word Process: Applications -> Office -> OpenOffice.org Word Processor -> tools -> options -> expand "Load/Save" -> select "general" -> For document type = "Text document", set Always save as "Microsoft Word 97/2000/XP" (instead of "ODF text document"); For Document type = "Spreadsheet", set Always save as "Microsoft Excel 97/2000/XP"; For Document type = "Presentation", set Always save as "Microsoft PowerPoint 97/2000/XP" -> then click "OK".<br />
* Then tools -> options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> compatibility -> tick "Use printer metrics for document formatting", tick "Do not add leading (extra space) between lines of text", and tick "Consider wrapping style when positioning objects". Then go: Use as Default -> Yes -> OK.<br />
<br />
Note: When you upgrade between Ubuntu releases, you will probably need to repeat the first step, otherwise it will default back to saving in OpenOffice's formats by default.<br />
<br />
== Evolution configuration ==<br />
<br />
* Turn off new email notifications: Evolution -> Edit -> Plugins -> Uncheck "Mail Notification" plugin.<br />
* Edit -> Preferences -> 'Calendar and Tasks' -> 'Display' tab -> Disable the 'Compress weekends in month view' option.<br />
* Customize the default mail folder view. Get one folder looking right (personal preference: Columns: From / Subject / Received, with threads off, sorted by date received with most recent first). Then go View -> Current view -> Save Custom View... -> Replace existing view -> Messages -> Save. "Messages" is a special view, which is used by default on all folders, although you can override it on a folder-by-folder basis, but customizing that folder's view.<br />
<br />
== Set up SSH keys and KeepAlive Interval ==<br />
<br />
For each machine you want to have password-less SSH login to, do:<br />
ssh-copy-id -i ~/.ssh/id_dsa.pub machine1<br />
<br />
Also on some connections the SSH shell can close after a short timeout period. To keep connections option for longer, on the client side do, <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and then add this line to send a keep-alive heartbeat every 60 seconds:<br />
ServerAliveInterval 60<br />
<br />
... there is also a corresponding "ClientAliveInterval 60" setting that can be added to /etc/ssh/sshd_config - although sometimes you only control the client side of the link, and so this is not possible.<br />
<br />
Also set up connection sharing, makes secondary connections to SSH hosts much faster. <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and add this:<br />
# from: "OpenSSH tip: connection sharing"<br />
# http://tanguy.ortolo.eu/blog/article42/ssh-connection-sharing<br />
ControlPath ~/.ssh/control-%r@%h:%p<br />
ControlMaster auto<br />
ControlPersist 1<br />
<br />
== Automounting remote file systems using SSHFS ==<br />
<br />
For a remote Linux system, can automount with autofs + sshfs. Follow the guides [http://www.tjansson.dk/?p=84 here] and [http://www.mccambridge.org/blog/2007/05/totally-seamless-sshfs-under-linux-using-fuse-and-autofs/ here].<br />
<br />
Debug any problems with:<br />
tail --lines=0 -f /var/log/*<br />
<!-- <br />
Windows shares<br />
* Currently TESTING, this step not complete yet.<br />
* [http://oapeon.blogspot.com/2008/09/automounting-cifs-share-in-ubuntu.html Follow these instructions], but also [http://www.howtoforge.com/accessing_windows_or_samba_shares_using_autofs create a /etc/auto.smb.FILESERVERNAME file with login credentials].<br />
<br />
Actually, may have spoken too soon, seems kinda flakey. Getting "Input/output error" on the command line when accessing shares after a few minutes:<br />
<br />
$ ls /smb/server/sharename/<br />
ls: cannot access /smb/server/sharename/: Input/output error<br />
$<br />
<br />
Also seeing these errors when doing "tail -f /var/log/messages", despite supplying login credentials:<br />
Oct 23 17:42:02 redux kernel: [66597.665680] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
Oct 23 17:42:01 redux kernel: [66597.524118] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
<br />
To remove, uninstall these packages:<br />
sudo aptitude uninstall --purge autofs libevent1 libgssglue1 libnfsidmap2 librpcsecgss3 nfs-common portmap smbfs<br />
<br />
<br />
rebooting seemed to make this better.... although it's still buggy and flakey. Get directories being infinitely recursive, edited files appearing as directories, etc etc.<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
testing / playing with smbnetfs as an alternative<br />
sudo aptitude install smbnetfs<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/smbnetfs.conf <br />
<br />
- show_$_shares "false"<br />
+ show_$_shares "true"<br />
<br />
mkdir ~/.smb<br />
editor ~/.smb/smbnetfs.auth<br />
<br />
auth nickj password<br />
<br />
Need to do something with .smb/smbnetfs.conf ?<br />
<br />
<br />
* smbnetfs is probably not even running - need to find some decent docs on how to configure this.<br />
* autofs is mounted on /smb , and can be seriously flakey.<br />
* trying sshfs now, seems better but needs some magic options in the mount flags to work suitably.<br />
--><br />
== right before and right after each upgrade ==<br />
<br />
Remove unneeded cruft, by doing:<br />
sudo apt-get autoremove<br />
sudo apt-get clean<br />
deborphan<br />
Check first that no important packages are about to be removed, then do:<br />
sudo apt-get remove --purge $(deborphan)<br />
Purge old configuration files, first command shows what will be purged:<br />
sudo aptitude search ~c <br />
sudo aptitude purge ~c<br />
<br />
Fix broken packages:<br />
* <code>sudo aptitude</code><br />
* fix any broken packages (ctrl-t -> resolver -> examine -> g -> g).<br />
* also clean up cache and obsolete files (ctrl-t -> actions -> "clean package cache" and "clean obsolete files").<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
These tweaks are only required for 9.04:<br />
<br />
([http://reformedmusings.wordpress.com/2009/04/26/recovering-daily-update-notifications-in-ubuntu-904-jaunty/ Source]) To enable daily notification of non-security updates, which is especially useful if you [[#enable Apport for crash bug reporting|enable Apport for crash bug reporting]], then do this:<br />
gconftool -s --type bool /apps/update-notifier/auto_launch false<br />
<br />
([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-when-logoutshutdown-and-restart-ubuntu904 Source]) To remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout, do this:<br />
* Right-click on the panel power button icon on top-right of the screen -> Preferences -> Untick "Show confirm dialog for logout, shutdown and restart".<br />
<br />
Only in Ubuntu 9.04:<br />
sudo aptitude install firefox-3.5 firefox-3.5-gnome-support<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Tweaks to Ubuntu 9.10 that I had to apply to get stuff working again, or configured how I like it:<br />
<br />
1: Remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout. ([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-in-ubuntu910karmic Source]). <br />
<br />
2: For seeing details of SMART reporting for hard disks:<br />
sudo aptitude install gsmartcontrol<br />
<br />
3: system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Dust".<br />
<br />
4: Alt-F2, run gconf-editor , then toogle the GConf key /apps/eog/ui/disable_trash_confirmation to be ticked, to disable prompting for image deleting though Eye of Gnome ([https://bugzilla.gnome.org/show_bug.cgi?id=541967#c5 source]).<br />
<br />
5: Some third party entries in your sources.list were disabled. You can re-enable them after the upgrade with the 'software-properties' tool or your package manager.<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.lst<br />
<br />
.. then re-enable dropbox, chrome daily builds, etc, and apply those updates:<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude upgrade<br />
<br />
6: Setting MySQL back to utf8 mode:<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/mysql/my.cnf <br />
add under the "[mysqld]" section:<br />
default-character-set=utf8<br />
<br />
7: Blue tint to video files in VLC, Mplayer, and Totem. [http://www.mediacollege.com/video-gallery/testclips/20051210-w50s.flv Example video file]. [https://bugs.launchpad.net/totem/+bug/395476 Bug is in] the Nvidia closed source driver. Workaround is:<br />
* open totem via Applications -> Sound & Video -> Movie Player<br />
* open the preferences window via Edit -> Preferences<br />
* select the Display tab<br />
* click the Reset to Defaults button<br />
<br />
8: Problem: Mplayer crashing regularly when changing video output mode, and also giving a "couldn't resolve name for AF_INET6:" error on URL playback. Workaround: ditch mplayer, as totem and VLC are suitable replacements:<br />
sudo aptitude remove --purge mplayer<br />
<br />
9: Flash applets don't work in firefox or chrome on AMD64 (example: playing [http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-february-1-2010/q---o this Daily Show] video) .... solution: redo the [[#Install_Flash_on_AMD64|Flash installation steps]].<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Ambiance". <!-- move window decoration buttons to the left too - find link & steps for this --><br />
# If images don't display in office documents: Start OpenOffice writer, and then go: Tools -> Options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> View -> tick "Graphics and objects" -> click "Ok".<br />
<!-- to get SIP calls working through empathy through the dodgy Telstra modem that blocks VoIP: sudo aptitude install telepathy-sofiasip ... no, didn't work - test again later. --><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# <code>sudo aptitude remove tracker</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install unity-2d</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
The 11.10 release had more problems than most releases.<br />
<br />
Nautilus default view: go to Places -> Home folder -> Edit -> Preferences -> "View new folders using": select "List View".<br />
<br />
=== Restore classic Gnome desktop ===<br />
To get gnome classic desktop back, as per [http://www.webupd8.org/2011/08/installing-using-classic-gnome-desktop.html this blog post].<br />
sudo apt-get install gnome-session-fallback<br />
Then:<br />
* Install weather applet<br />
* System monitor applet<br />
* Add application icons for Firefox, chrome, terminal, and gedit.<br />
sudo aptitude install alarm-clock-applet<br />
* Add an application icon for the alarm clock applet.<br />
* Put a trash applet back on the bottom right of the screen.<br />
* Put a show desktop applet back on the bottom left of the screen.<br />
<br />
=== SSH menu is gone, use SSH plus instead ===<br />
Follow [http://www.gulecha.org/2011/07/29/sshplus-a-sshmenu-compatible-appindicator/ these installation instructions]. Then do <code>sudo aptitude install putty</code><br/> <br />
To add to startup apps: Applications -> System Tools -> Preferences -> startup applications -> add SSHplus by full path.<br />
<br />
=== blurry image viewer ===<br />
Images look blurry because the default Gnome Image viewer (eog/eye of gnome) is set to "Best Fit" instead of "Normal view", which resizes images slightly, making them appear blurry. Unfortunately, there seems to be no preference or setting that allows changing this permanently. Instead just install another image viewing app, and make it the default:<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install gthumb</code><br/><br />
It can be customized to view images 1:1 by going Edit -> Preferences -> Viewer -> Set to actual size. Then go View -> unselect "Thumbnail pane" (with this on, it seems to interfere with 1:1 viewing). Test it, then if so make it the default app by going ubuntu "System Settings" (top right corner of your desktop) -> System info -> Default applications -> Photos -> gThumb.<br />
<br />
=== usb automounting was broken ===<br />
Inserted USB drives would no longer automatically mount and open a file manager window. Solved by installing, and then removing, the usbmount package.<br />
<br />
=== Flash broken ===<br />
After upgrading from 11.04 to 11.10, flash applets either did not work, or worked partial (such as the sound being distorted, like the person was underwater). Fixed by installing the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up broken flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems. Installed the extension, restarted the browser, then went Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, just went with all the defaults, it removed the old flash plugins (I had 2) and downloaded and installed the latest adobe one, and then it was as good as new and working flawlessly.<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 12.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
=== Multiple monitors broken, screen orientation broken ===<br />
<br />
run Synaptic, remove all the nvidia drivers, and install the nouveau firmware, then reboot, then systems settings -> displays, and can change the monitor setup so that multi-montior works again and so the orientations are in portrait instead of landscape.<br />
<br />
From the command line to remove nvidia drivers, can do:<br />
sudo apt-get purge nvidia-settings nvidia-current<br />
<br />
=== Customised keyboard shortcuts lost ===<br />
<br />
All my customized keyboard shortcuts for the extra buttons on my keyboard are lost. Had to redo the keyboard config to get these back.<br />
<br />
=== alt-tab no longer works ===<br />
<br />
To fix (from [http://askubuntu.com/questions/135685/alt-tab-does-not-switch this source]) :<br />
sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* Go at the very bottom where it says "Window Management"<br />
* Put a checkmark in "application switcher"<br />
* That should fix it.<br />
<br />
=== Workplace switching is broken (gives a blank desktop with no menus or items) ===<br />
<br />
Install compiz settings manager as above, and that will fix it. To get switching to be 4 horizontal desktops:<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* "general" -> General options -> Desktop size -> horizontal virtual size = 4, vertical virtual size = 1<br />
<br />
Also turn off "effects" -> "animations" in compiz too, whilst we are there.<br />
<br />
=== Gnome menus look ugly ===<br />
<br />
The bug is [https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/light-themes/+bug/981289 here]. To fix ambiance themes, [http://www.webupd8.org/2012/05/install-ambiance-fixed-for-classic.html follow these steps].<br />
<br />
=== Printing was broken ===<br />
<br />
Jobs sent to the network printer just sat in the queue and were never printed, even though the printer hardware was fine and the same queue worked perfectly in 11.10. Easiest solution was to cancel all print jobs, delete the printer, add a new printer with the same settings, and reboot (because the printer setup locked up whilst doing these things).<br />
<br />
=== Printing was excessively slow from Firefox ===<br />
<br />
Even after doing the above, printing was very slow from Firefox to the HP LaserJet 2100 TN. For example, it was taking up to 4 minutes to print a page, whereas it would take 15 seconds before. To fix:<br />
* Run "system-config-printer" from the command line.<br />
* Change the printer driver. Instead of the recommended driver, use "HP LaserJet 2100 - CUPS+Gutenprint v5.2.8-pre1".<br />
* Print a test page, once works okay, click "OK", and close the printer config applet.<br />
<br />
=== Volume applet indicator disappeared ===<br />
<br />
[http://askubuntu.com/questions/126411/volume-and-other-indicators-disappeared-in-the-classic-desktop Source].<br />
Run gnome-sound-applet from the command line to check that it is installed and working.<br />
<br />
To start the sound applet automatically, go to System Tools -> Preferences -> Startup Applications, and add Command gnome-sound-applet<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 13.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
To be able to play videos again:<br />
sudo aptitude install ubuntu-restricted-extras<br />
<br />
To stop using Nautilus, following the unfortuate decision to remove all of its most useful features, and switch to Nemo instead. [http://www.fandigital.com/2012/09/install-nemo-file-manager-in-ubuntu.html Source] [http://www.fandigital.com/2013/01/set-nemo-default-file-manager-ubuntu.html Source].<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:gwendal-lebihan-dev/cinnamon-stable<br />
sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install nemo nemo-fileroller<br />
xdg-mime default nemo.desktop inode/directory application/x-gnome-saved-search<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 13.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Changed video driver from nouveau open source driver to nvidia's binary driver, to fix intermittent crashing of gnome-shell once or more per day: Applications -> System tools -> Software & updates -> Additional drivers -> nvidia-319-updates.<br />
<br />
* Problem: guest session broken, wallpaper all black, desktop icons broken, and screensaver unlock sometimes not working<br />
* Cause: All due to a conflict between Ubuntu 13.10 and cinnamon.<br />
* Solution: remove cinnamon and nemo. [http://askubuntu.com/questions/360772/unity-isnt-starting-on-13-10 Source].<br />
<br />
sudo apt-get install ppa-purge<br />
sudo apt-get purge --auto-remove cinnamon<br />
sudo apt-get autoremove<br />
sudo apt-get update -f<br />
sudo apt-get dist-upgrade<br />
sudo apt-get install ubuntu-desktop<br />
sudo apt-get remove .*cinnamon.*<br />
sudo apt-get remove .*nemo.*<br />
<br />
Then install nemo from the Ubuntu repos - part of the repos now.<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 14.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Only needed on a Gnome desktop, will cause icons to not appear on a Unity desktop and so should be skipped under Unity: To fix missing notifier icons (network, dropbox, sshplus, ksplice) under Gnome :<br />
<br />
* How to fix the missing network icon - follow [http://www.bauer-power.net/2014/05/permanent-fix-for-missing-network.html these steps].<br />
* For the others: System tools -> preferences -> startup applications -> then open the item whose notifier icon is not appearing.<br />
* add "dbus-launch " to start of the command lines for Ksplice and SSHPlus and Dropbox, and any others that are not working.<br />
<!--<br />
To fix greeter/login-screen monitor orientation - [http://askubuntu.com/questions/408302/rotated-monitor-login-screen-needs-rotation source].<br />
<br />
sudo cp ~/.config/monitors.xml /var/lib/lightdm/.config/<br />
sudo chown lightdm.lightdm /var/lib/lightdm/.config/monitors.xml<br />
--><br />
<br />
== VirtualBox ==<br />
<br />
=== first time VirtualBox install only ===<br />
<br />
From the [http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Linux_Downloads VirtualBox Installation instructions]:<br />
sudo vim /etc/apt/sources.list <br />
add this line: <code>deb http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian oneiric contrib</code> . Do not add a deb-src line.<br />
wget -q http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian/oracle_vbox.asc -O- | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude install dkms<br />
<br />
The first time that you install, make sure that you are a member of vboxusers group (needed for USB disks to work correctly) :<br />
sudo usermod -a -G vboxusers `whoami`<br />
sudo usermod -a -G disk `whoami`<br />
Then reboot the computer.<br />
<br />
=== All VirtualBox upgrades and installs ===<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install virtualbox-5.0<br />
<br />
To update/get the extension pack, go Help -> Check for Updates, and this will check you have the latest virtualbox and also install/update the extensions. Enter password if prompted.<br />
<br />
After upgrading from a previous version, to update each guest's VirtualBox drivers, do this after the Guest has started:<br />
* VirtualBox -> start Guest -> "Devices" menu -> Install Guest Additions.<br />
<br />
And in a Debian or Ubuntu '''guest''' machine after doing an upgrade, to install the vbox additions, do this:<br />
* Devices -> install guest additions...<br />
mount /dev/cdrom <br />
aptitude install build-essential linux-headers-$(uname -r)<br />
sh /cdrom/VBoxLinuxAdditions.run<br />
<br />
=== To check if things aren't working as expected ===<br />
<br />
Before starting the Guest machine, make sure USB functionality is enabled by going:<br />
* Settings -> USB -> Make sure both the USB checkboxes are ticked -> Click the "Add Empty Filter" button (the top button on the right) -> click OK to close dialog box.<br />
<br />
Rebuild the virtualbox modules after upgrading from a previous version:<br />
sudo service vboxdrv setup<br />
<br />
Then plug in a USB device after the guest machine has started. Then make it visible to the Guest by going:<br />
* Devices -> USB devices -> and select the USB device to make visible.<br />
<br />
When doing a major version upgrade, use apt-get and not aptitude. For example:<br />
sudo apt-get install virtualbox-5.0<br />
... and then start VirtualBox, and then install the latest extension pack, using the steps above. The link will be on the [https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads VirtualBox downloads] page.<br />
<br />
If you get an "Error! Could not locate dkms.conf file" message, then you probably have old directories left over from an old version of virtualbox under /var/lib/dkms/ . E.g. I had some directories left over from 3.2.6, and the fix was:<br />
sudo rm -r /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetadp /var/lib/dkms/vboxdrv /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetflt<br />
<br />
== Newsgroup bin client ==<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude install sabnzbdplus<br />
Then configure as per [http://wiki.sabnzbd.org/quick-setup the steps on their wiki].<br />
<!-- Lottanzb keeps crashing for me:<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:lottanzb/daily-build<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:jcfp/ppa<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install lottanzb sabnzbdplus<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Steps for making the Benq Acer S2W 3300U work == <br />
<br />
* Plug in power and USB cable to the scanner, and connect it to your computer.<br />
* Check SANE is installed, then run <code> sane-find-scanner </code>, and it should list your scanner.<br />
* From [http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/downloads.cfm/dtype/D/page/downloads/product/91 Benq's page] get the Mirascan ZIP file. Note that Benq's webservers are crap, and they cut out mid-download, so save yourself frustration by using wget to take care of the downloading/resuming/retrying, by doing:<br />
wget ftp://211.78.86.204/scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
and/or<br />
wget http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/download.cfm?file=scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
* Check the ZIP file downloaded okay by doing:<br />
unzip -t mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
... and making sure it says there were "no errors detected" at the end.<br />
* Extract just the u176v046.bin file (which is firmware blob that this scanner needs to operate) into the current directory:<br />
unzip -j mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip "MiraScan v4.03u10_BQA/BIN/u176v046.bin"<br />
* Set up Sane to use this firmware blob:<br />
sudo mkdir /usr/share/sane/snapscan<br />
sudo cp u176v046.bin /usr/share/sane/snapscan/<br />
sudo editor /etc/sane.d/snapscan.conf<br />
... and change the first line from:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/your-firmwarefile.bin<br />
to:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/u176v046.bin<br />
... then save and close the file.<br />
* Then under the Applications -> Graphics menu, run Xsane, or (my preference) Simple Scan.<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
<!-- todo: add the repo steps here --><br />
Unfortunately dropbox does not seem to automatically install updates for old versions. Given this, need to manually install updates on old versions, and easiest way to install dropbox updates on Linux is, open a terminal and do:<br />
dropbox stop<br />
dropbox status # Should report "not running"<br />
rm -r ~/.dropbox-dist/<br />
dropbox start -i<br />
<br />
== Handbrake ==<br />
<br />
Handbrake is a media converter, and is especially useful for converting files for portable devices, like Android tablets or iPhones. To install the snapshot releases (which seems to be the easiest way, if you want the GUI) :<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:stebbins/handbrake-snapshots<br />
sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install handbrake-gtk handbrake-cli<br />
== Install Chromium dev builds ==<br />
<br />
Firefox is currently slightly better as a daily browser, but Chromium is improving rapidly. If you want to play with the native alpha port of Google's Chrome browser just to see how it's going, you can install the dev builds of Chromium quite easily by doing:<br />
<!-- could get rid of the PPA - Ubuntu now includes the chromium browser in universe, that lags a little, but avoids the constant daily updates: http://packages.ubuntu.com/search?keywords=chromium-browser --><br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:chromium-daily/dev<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install chromium-browser chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-nonfree chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-extra<br />
<!-- following [http://www.stefanoforenza.com/chromium-on-ubuntu-how-to/ these directions]. You probably also want to add the key for this PPA to your system, following [https://help.launchpad.net/Packaging/PPA#Adding%20the%20keys%20using%20Gnome these directions] about adding [http://keyserver.ubuntu.com:11371/pks/lookup?op=get&search=0x5A9BF3BB4E5E17B5 their key] to your system, so that you don't get lots of prompts every day when there is an update about "do you want to install unauthenticated packages?". --><br />
<br />
Chrome Extensions to install:<br />
* [http://www.chromeextensions.org/appearance-functioning/flashblock/ FlashBlock].<br />
* [http://blog.xmarks.com/?p=1244 Xmarks].<br />
* [https://chrome.google.com/extensions/detail/gighmmpiobklfepjocnamgkkbiglidom Adblock]. Need to restart browser for extension to take effect.<br />
<br />
Still waiting for these Chrome extensions as at July 2010:<br />
* The equivalent of Tab Mix Plus. (still looking for this).<br />
<br />
Things that aren't working quite right yet in Chromium on Linux:<br />
* The backspace key should go back, or should be configurable for this. There is an extension that allows this, but it should probably be a preference in the base browser.<br />
* Auto-updating of extensions. There is a way to do this from the extensions UI, but in Chromium it doesn't seem to do anything.<br />
* Audio playback not working correctly - e.g. on [http://slides.html5rocks.com/#slide22 this slide], get no audio after selecting a national anthem other than US (US works, other's don't). Possibly [http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Chrome/thread?tid=2fdf2aa857abe1ef&hl=en this issue] or [http://code.google.com/p/chromium/issues/detail?id=37848 this issue].<br />
* WebGL does not work on an old laptop, but does on a modern desktop. Could be that the laptop's hardware is just too old (or just not supported in 3D).<br />
<br />
To enable most of the new features of Chromium, change the command line for starting chromium to be like this:<br />
chromium-browser --enable-plugins --enable-greasemonkey --enable-user-scripts --enable-internal-flash --enable-extensions --enable-webgl %U<br />
<br />
Configuration settings:<br />
* To make streetview work: Try to open streetview -> nothing happens -> press Ctrl-Shift-F (which permanently unblock flashblock on that site) -> then streetview will pop up and work thereafter.<br />
<br />
Updating the flash plugin if you get a warning that "the flash plugin was blocked because it is out of date", or just installing the flash plugin.<br />
* First check where the plugin is installed, by opening chrome://plugins/ in chromium, and expanding the "details" link.<br />
* For me, it said "Location: /usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so".<br />
* Note this directory, and update the flashplugin variable below if you have a different path:<br />
cd ~/tmp<br />
flashplugin=/usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so<br />
sudo mv $flashplugin ./libflashplayer.so.old<br />
wget http://download.macromedia.com/pub/labs/flashplayer10/flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz<br />
tar zfvx flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz <br />
sudo cp ./libflashplayer.so $flashplugin<br />
cd /usr/lib/chromium-browser/plugins<br />
sudo ln -s $flashplugin<br />
Now restart chromium and the warning should be fixed & flash should work.<br />
<!--<br />
== Pinta ==<br />
<br />
Basic image editing program, like ms-paint:<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:moonlight-team/pinta<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install pinta<br />
<br />
tends to crash though.... don't include in public instructions just yet!<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
'''Warning: semi-commercial software'''<br />
<br />
Personally, I find dropbox useful for synchronising up to 2 GB of data free between multiple systems (desktop and laptop; work and home). You need to sign up here and install the software from here.<br />
##### FINISH WRITING THIS STEP AT SOME POINT #####<br />
##### Keeps crashing on network transfers, so don't write up until that is completed ###### -- this was fixed by upgrading to version 0.6.564 <br />
##### The crashing is back.... **sigh**<br />
<br />
== testing: Ksplice for rebootless kernel updates ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.ksplice.com/uptrack/download Install]<br />
[http://lwn.net/Articles/340477/ background on Ksplice].<br />
<br />
== Ekiga linux setup ==<br />
.... cannot test this until ADSL connection no longer blocks VoIP...<br />
Date: Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:21:10 +1100<br />
VoIP client.<br />
<br />
Applications ->Internet -> Ekiga softphone<br />
Enter name<br />
Tick "I do not want to sign up for the ekiga.net free service"<br />
connection type xDSL.cable<br />
enable STUN support: Yes<br />
rest of the options: take the defaults,.<br />
<br />
Then in Ekiga, go:<br />
edit -> accounts -> add my pennytel account details.<br />
#### No sound through ekiga in 10.10 -- leave commented out until this works ####<br />
--></div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/QuotesQuotes2015-02-09T09:56:54Z<p>Nickj: </p>
<hr />
<div>Various quotes I saw and liked: <br />
* "I'm not sure which upsets me more: that people are so unwilling to accept responsibility for their own actions, or that they are so eager to regulate everyone else's." - source unknown<br />
* "If you never fail, you are not taking enough risks." - (Dede, 1993).<br />
* "In theory there is no difference between theory and practice, but in practice there is." - either Jan L.A. van de Snepscheut or Fnord Bjørnberger<br />
* "Talk is cheap because supply always exceeds demand." - source unknown<br />
* "Neither individuals nor corporations have any right to come into court and ask that the clock of history be stopped, or turned back, for their private benefit." - Robert Heinlein <br />
* "Lots of folks are forced to skimp to support a government that won't." - source unknown<br />
* "When all is said and done ... there is usually more said than done." - source unknown<br />
* "Real innovation happens with the small guys." - source unknown<br />
* "Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake." - Napoleon Bonaparte<br />
* On the Matrix Revolutions: "The Wachowski brothers have delivered a dud so disappointing, they may as well have bussed in Ewoks to save Zion."<br />
* "Time is the only truly finite resource from a human perspective. As technology has progressed, distances have been conquered, vast energies harnessed, but old Father Time is still inescapable. As a result, we place great value on just how much time is taken to accomplish anything." - WiPEOUT<br />
* "Anyone who says that money isn't important is spending someone else's." - Hampton's Law <br />
* "The road less travelled is often less travelled for a very good reason" - Jerry Seinfeld<br />
* "You cannot apply a technological solution to a sociological problem." - Edwards' Law<br />
* "Everything takes longer, costs more, and is less useful." - Erwin Tomash<br />
* "Ideas have no value. Execution is what matters most." - Paraphrasing of Loïc Le Meur and Krzysztof Kowalczyk.<br />
* Fermi's Solution: "Any sufficiently advanced civilization either destroys itself or transcends to superintelligence."<br />
* "Democracy is the recurrent suspicion that more than half of the people are right more than half of the time." - E. B. White<br />
* "If you are 20 and you aren't a communist you have no heart, but if you are 30 and you still are a communist, you lack rationality." - source unknown.<br />
* Macintosh dictum: the user should never have to tell the machine anything that it knows or can deduce for itself.<br />
* "Ideas are cheap, but turning them into reality is brutally hard work." - posted to a discussion board.<br />
* "Never underestimate the power of broke, bored, determined Uni students." - posted to a discussion board.<br />
* "Be bold, and mighty forces will come to your aid." - Basil King.<br />
* "It is hard to get the world to throw away stuff they've already bought and that still works. Being twice as good isn't enough; if you really want people to trash their current equipment you need to be 10 times as good." - Bob Cringely, 2004.<br />
* "Life is uncertain, so always eat dessert first." - source unknown.<br />
* C.f. Edison's famous adage: "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."<br />
* "What resists, persists." - Lao Tsu 6th Century B.C.<br />
* "If it's not tested, it's broken." - Bruce Eckel.<br />
* "People optimize locally - that is, they do what's best for themselves." - Eric Allman.<br />
* "One of the most valuable things my father taught me is an old Yorkshire saying: where there's muck, there's brass. Meaning that unpleasant work pays. And more to the point here, vice versa. Work people like doesn't pay well, for reasons of supply and demand." - from [http://www.paulgraham.com/bronze.html Paul Graham]<br />
* "Remembering you are going to die is the best way to avoid the fear that you have something to lose." - Steve Jobs<br />
* "Most of us, when all is said and done, like what we like and make up reasons for it afterwards." -- Soren F. Petersen<br />
* "All you have to decide is what you're going to do with the time you are given." - Gandalf <br />
* "Have you ever seen one of these [NIH] grant applications? We're lucky Einstein didn't have to fill one out or God knows what 'E' would equal." - seen on the Internet.<br />
* "Patent. n. Genius is 5% inspiration and 95% perspiration. A patent is a tool for doing 5% of the work and then sitting around waiting for someone else to do the other 95% so you can sue them." - email sig seen on Internet.<br />
* "There are two types of people in this world... Those who finish what they start, and" - slogon on T-shirt.<br />
* "Writing for a penny a word is ridiculous. If a man really wants to make a million dollars he should start his own religion." - L Ron Hubbard, spoken in 1950 at a writer's convention, 4 years before he founded the Church of Scientology.<br />
* "The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt." - Bertrand Russell.<br />
* "It's not the principle of the thing, it's the money!" -- Movie producer in "King Kong".<br />
* "First class, is what's wrong honey. It used to be a better meal, now it's a better life." -- Dorothy in "Jerry Maguire" (1996).<br />
* "First rule in government spending: why build one when you can have two at twice the price?" -- Mr Hadden in "Contact" (1997).<br />
* "It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends upon his not understanding it." -- Upton Sinclair.<br />
* "Hell is Other People's Code" -- unknown.<br />
* "Be the change you want to see in the world." -- Gandhi.<br />
* "Hydrogen is an odorless colorless gas which, given enough time, turns into people." -- Edward R Harrison.<br />
* "Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination are omnipotent. The slogan 'press on' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race." -- President Calvin Coolidge.<br />
* "Be kind. For everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." -- Plato.<br />
* "Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first." -- Mark Twain.<br />
* "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -- Mark Twain.<br />
* "Markets can remain irrational a lot longer than you and I can remain solvent." -- A. Gary Shilling.<br />
* "There are only two kinds of programming languages: those people always bitch about, and those nobody uses." -- Bjarne Stroustrup.<br />
* "in an extended fight, one tends to become more like one's enemy" -- LWN.net<br />
* "The future is here. It's just not widely distributed yet." -- William Gibson<br />
* "Rooster one day, feather duster the next." -- Figure of speech, possibly Australian.<br />
* "Not all smart people work at Sun Microsystems." -- Bill Joy.<br />
* "All of man’s difficulties are caused by his inability to sit quietly in a room by himself." -- Blaise Pascal.<br />
* "If past history was all there was to the game, the richest people would be librarians." -- Warren Buffett<br />
* "That the only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilised community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others." -- John Stuart Mills<br />
<br />
[[Category:Opinion-Editorial]]</div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/Firefox_configuration_stepsFirefox configuration steps2014-11-06T05:51:18Z<p>Nickj: /* Firefox Tweaks */</p>
<hr />
<div>Firefox configuration steps<br />
<br />
== Firefox Add-ons == <br />
Go Tools -> Add-ons -> Get Add-ons -> then search for and install these add-ons:<br />
* [https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1122 Tax mix plus].<br />
* Adblock Plus<br />
* KeeFox. Use these [http://www.sysads.co.uk/2014/05/integrate-keepass-2-firefox-keefox-ubuntu-14-04-13-10/ Keefox configuration steps for linux], e.g:<br />
cd ~/.mozilla/firefox/5rtqb3dy.default-1347599554683/extensions/keefox@chris.tomlinson/deps<br />
sudo cp KeePassRPC.plgx /usr/lib/keepass2/<br />
Close Firefox, close KeePass, restart Firefox.<br />
<br />
== Firefox Tweaks == <br />
* Don't want Firefox to close when pressing ctrl-w on the last tab: Tools -> tab mix plus options -> events -> tab closing -> tick "do not close window when closing last tab by hotkey".<br />
* Tab mix plus -> Events -> New Tabs -> Tick "Open new tabs next to current one".<br />
* Tab mix plus -> Events -> Tab Features -> Untick "Ctrl-Tab navigates tabs in most recently used order".<br />
* Tab mix plus -> Display -> Tab Bar -> When tabs don't fit width: Multi-row; Set number of rows to 2 or 3. <!--<br />
* Firefox: enable printing in print preview mode in Linux: about:config -> toggle "printWhileInPrintPreview" to "true". [Have to re-apply this setting when upgrading linux distro] --><br />
* Stop animated GIFs in Firefox: about:config -> image.animation_mode -> change to "none"<br />
* Firefox: Fix the stupid behavior of overwriting current tabs when opening new tabs: about:config -> browser.tabs.loadFolderAndReplace -> toggle to "true". [Have to re-apply this setting when upgrading Linux distro]<br />
* To get autocomplete for the web address, go: about:config -> browser.urlbar.autoFill -> toggle to "true" -> restart FF.<br />
* Stop the full screen mode-switch animation: about:config -> browser.fullscreen.animateUp -> change to "0".<br />
* Perform a sync using Foxmarks wizard, and for the initial setup keep the bookmarks on the server, and overwrite those on this computer.<br />
* File -> Page setup ... -> Paper size = "A4", and orientation = "Portrait".<br />
* Edit -> Preferences -> Main tab -> tick to close the download window when all downloads are finished.<br />
* Laptops only: Add a delay to the bookmark menu collapsing (only really useful on laptops when navigating with a trackpad or button, which tends to be fairly inaccurate) - about:config -> right-click -> New -> Integer -> name is: ui.submenuDelay -> value is: 800<br />
* Prevent JavaScript from messing with browser window: Edit -> Preferences -> Content tab -> Advanced ... -> untick everything.<br />
* Make the "Backspace" key be like pressing the "Back" button: about:config -> browser.backspace_action -> change to "0".<br />
* Stop blocky graphics: View -> Zoom -> Tick "Zoom Text Only".<br />
* About:config -> dom.max_script_run_time -> chnage from 10 to 20 to increase timeout on slow scripts.<br />
* Set search bar to use Australian Google rather than US Google: Open [http://mycroft.mozdev.org/google-search-plugins.html this list of search plugins] -> click "Google Australia - the web" -> tick the "Start using it straight away" box -> click "Ok".<br />
* To make streetview work: Tools -> Addons -> Flash-block -> preferences -> whitelist -> add "maps.google.com.au" and "maps.google.com".<br />
* Firefox 4, to limit excessive memory usage: about:config -> browser.sessionhistory.max_total_viewers -> set to "0".<br />
* To stop old tabs using memory when the browser is restarted: Edit -> Preferences -> Tabs -> tick "Don't load tabs until selected". * If install noscript, then add a whitelisting for xmarks.com<br />
* To increase mouse scroll speeed: About:config -> mousewheel.withnokey.sysnumlines -> toggle to false. Then make sure that mousewheel.withnokey.numlines is set to 6.</div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/Firefox_configuration_stepsFirefox configuration steps2014-11-06T05:50:39Z<p>Nickj: /* Firefox Add-ons */</p>
<hr />
<div>Firefox configuration steps<br />
<br />
== Firefox Add-ons == <br />
Go Tools -> Add-ons -> Get Add-ons -> then search for and install these add-ons:<br />
* [https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1122 Tax mix plus].<br />
* Adblock Plus<br />
* KeeFox. Use these [http://www.sysads.co.uk/2014/05/integrate-keepass-2-firefox-keefox-ubuntu-14-04-13-10/ Keefox configuration steps for linux], e.g:<br />
cd ~/.mozilla/firefox/5rtqb3dy.default-1347599554683/extensions/keefox@chris.tomlinson/deps<br />
sudo cp KeePassRPC.plgx /usr/lib/keepass2/<br />
Close Firefox, close KeePass, restart Firefox.<br />
<br />
== Firefox Tweaks == <br />
* Don't want Firefox to close when pressing ctrl-w on the last tab: Tools -> tab mix plus options -> events -> tab closing -> tick "do not close window when closing last tab by hotkey".<br />
* Tab mix plus -> Events -> New Tabs -> Tick "Open new tabs next to current one".<br />
* Tab mix plus -> Events -> Tab Features -> Untick "Ctrl-Tab navigates tabs in most recently used order".<br />
* Tab mix plus -> Display -> Tab Bar -> When tabs don't fit width: Multi-row; Set number of rows to 2 or 3. <!--<br />
* Firefox: enable printing in print preview mode in Linux: about:config -> toggle "printWhileInPrintPreview" to "true". [Have to re-apply this setting when upgrading linux distro] --><br />
* Stop animated GIFs in Firefox: about:config -> image.animation_mode -> change to "none"<br />
* Firefox: Fix the stupid behavior of overwriting current tabs when opening new tabs: about:config -> browser.tabs.loadFolderAndReplace -> toggle to "true". [Have to re-apply this setting when upgrading Linux distro]<br />
* To get autocomplete for the web address, go: about:config -> browser.urlbar.autoFill -> toggle to "true" -> restart FF.<br />
* Stop the full screen mode-switch animation: about:config -> browser.fullscreen.animateUp -> change to "0".<br />
* Perform a sync using Foxmarks wizard, and for the initial setup keep the bookmarks on the server, and overwrite those on this computer.<br />
* File -> Page setup ... -> Paper size = "A4", and orientation = "Portrait".<br />
* Edit -> Preferences -> Main tab -> tick to close the download window when all downloads are finished.<br />
* Laptops only: Add a delay to the bookmark menu collapsing (only really useful on laptops when navigating with a trackpad or button, which tends to be fairly inaccurate) - about:config -> right-click -> New -> Integer -> name is: ui.submenuDelay -> value is: 800<br />
* Prevent JavaScript from messing with browser window: Edit -> Preferences -> Content tab -> Advanced ... -> untick everything.<br />
* Make the "Backspace" key be like pressing the "Back" button: about:config -> browser.backspace_action -> change to "0".<br />
* Stop blocky graphics: View -> Zoom -> Tick "Zoom Text Only".<br />
* About:config -> dom.max_script_run_time -> chnage from 10 to 20 to increase timeout on slow scripts.<br />
* Set search bar to use Australian Google rather than US Google: Open [http://mycroft.mozdev.org/google-search-plugins.html this list of search plugins] -> click "Google Australia - the web" -> tick the "Start using it straight away" box -> click "Ok".<br />
* To make streetview work: Tools -> Addons -> Flash-block -> preferences -> whitelist -> add "maps.google.com.au" and "maps.google.com".<br />
* Firefox 4, to limit excessive memory usage: about:config -> browser.sessionhistory.max_total_viewers -> set to "0".<br />
* To stop old tabs using memory when the browser is restarted: Edit -> Preferences -> Tabs -> tick "Don't load tabs until selected". This gives behaviour like the BarTab extension, albeit without tab unloading after a period of inactivity.<br />
* If install noscript, then add a whitelisting for xmarks.com<br />
* To increase mouse scroll speeed: About:config -> mousewheel.withnokey.sysnumlines -> toggle to false. Then make sure that mousewheel.withnokey.numlines is set to 6.</div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/Firefox_configuration_stepsFirefox configuration steps2014-11-05T04:26:57Z<p>Nickj: /* Firefox Add-ons */</p>
<hr />
<div>Firefox configuration steps<br />
<br />
== Firefox Add-ons == <br />
Go Tools -> Add-ons -> Get Add-ons -> then search for and install these add-ons:<br />
* [https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1122 Tax mix plus].<br />
* Adblock Plus<br />
* KeeFox. Use these [http://www.sysads.co.uk/2014/05/integrate-keepass-2-firefox-keefox-ubuntu-14-04-13-10/ Keefox configuration steps for linux].<br />
<br />
== Firefox Tweaks == <br />
* Don't want Firefox to close when pressing ctrl-w on the last tab: Tools -> tab mix plus options -> events -> tab closing -> tick "do not close window when closing last tab by hotkey".<br />
* Tab mix plus -> Events -> New Tabs -> Tick "Open new tabs next to current one".<br />
* Tab mix plus -> Events -> Tab Features -> Untick "Ctrl-Tab navigates tabs in most recently used order".<br />
* Tab mix plus -> Display -> Tab Bar -> When tabs don't fit width: Multi-row; Set number of rows to 2 or 3. <!--<br />
* Firefox: enable printing in print preview mode in Linux: about:config -> toggle "printWhileInPrintPreview" to "true". [Have to re-apply this setting when upgrading linux distro] --><br />
* Stop animated GIFs in Firefox: about:config -> image.animation_mode -> change to "none"<br />
* Firefox: Fix the stupid behavior of overwriting current tabs when opening new tabs: about:config -> browser.tabs.loadFolderAndReplace -> toggle to "true". [Have to re-apply this setting when upgrading Linux distro]<br />
* To get autocomplete for the web address, go: about:config -> browser.urlbar.autoFill -> toggle to "true" -> restart FF.<br />
* Stop the full screen mode-switch animation: about:config -> browser.fullscreen.animateUp -> change to "0".<br />
* Perform a sync using Foxmarks wizard, and for the initial setup keep the bookmarks on the server, and overwrite those on this computer.<br />
* File -> Page setup ... -> Paper size = "A4", and orientation = "Portrait".<br />
* Edit -> Preferences -> Main tab -> tick to close the download window when all downloads are finished.<br />
* Laptops only: Add a delay to the bookmark menu collapsing (only really useful on laptops when navigating with a trackpad or button, which tends to be fairly inaccurate) - about:config -> right-click -> New -> Integer -> name is: ui.submenuDelay -> value is: 800<br />
* Prevent JavaScript from messing with browser window: Edit -> Preferences -> Content tab -> Advanced ... -> untick everything.<br />
* Make the "Backspace" key be like pressing the "Back" button: about:config -> browser.backspace_action -> change to "0".<br />
* Stop blocky graphics: View -> Zoom -> Tick "Zoom Text Only".<br />
* About:config -> dom.max_script_run_time -> chnage from 10 to 20 to increase timeout on slow scripts.<br />
* Set search bar to use Australian Google rather than US Google: Open [http://mycroft.mozdev.org/google-search-plugins.html this list of search plugins] -> click "Google Australia - the web" -> tick the "Start using it straight away" box -> click "Ok".<br />
* To make streetview work: Tools -> Addons -> Flash-block -> preferences -> whitelist -> add "maps.google.com.au" and "maps.google.com".<br />
* Firefox 4, to limit excessive memory usage: about:config -> browser.sessionhistory.max_total_viewers -> set to "0".<br />
* To stop old tabs using memory when the browser is restarted: Edit -> Preferences -> Tabs -> tick "Don't load tabs until selected". This gives behaviour like the BarTab extension, albeit without tab unloading after a period of inactivity.<br />
* If install noscript, then add a whitelisting for xmarks.com<br />
* To increase mouse scroll speeed: About:config -> mousewheel.withnokey.sysnumlines -> toggle to false. Then make sure that mousewheel.withnokey.numlines is set to 6.</div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/Ubuntu_desktop_setup_stepsUbuntu desktop setup steps2014-11-03T01:41:45Z<p>Nickj: /* Ubuntu 14.04 tweaks */</p>
<hr />
<div>Ubuntu desktop setup steps for an AMD64 system. Most of these instructions will also work on 8.04 LTS, 8.10, 9.04, and 9.10, and 10.04 LTS, 10.10, 11.04, and 11.10, as these instructions were previously for those versions, and it should almost all work on an x86 system too:<br />
<br />
== Pre-installation standard hardware test procedure ==<br />
<br />
Before installing or configuring any software, it is imperative to test the hardware beforehand, to establish that it is not provably broken:<br />
* Download the ISOs for [http://www.sysresccd.org/ System Rescue CD] and [http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/ Ultimate Boot CD] and burn these.<br />
* From either CD, run Memtest86+ on the machine overnight, to test that the CPU and memory are error-free.<br />
* From UBCD, run a CPU stress test for 5 to 10 minutes to check CPU is reliable and adequately cooled.<br />
* From Sys Rescue CD, check for bad blocks on the hard drive, before trusting it with any data: <code>badblocks -v -s -w -c 4096 /dev/sda</code> <br />Note however that badblocks is quite a slow test - e.g. took 34 hours on a 500 GB SATA disk in an external USB enclosure, and 17 hours on a 250 GB IDE disk.<br />It's also a destructive write test, and so will blank the disk, so make sure you have the right device (use <code>fdisk -lu</code> to confirm the device's size and name).<br />Successful output will look something like this:<br />
Checking for bad blocks in read-write mode<br />
From block 0 to 244198583<br />
Testing with pattern 0xaa: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x55: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0xff: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x00: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Pass completed, 0 bad blocks found.<br />
<br />
If problems are found with any of the above, resolve these first before proceeding further.<br />
<br />
== Installation == <br />
<br />
* Firstly, decide whether you want software RAID or not. Personally, I use RAID-1 mirroring of a single bootable partition, using 2 same-sized disks, from 2 different manufacturers, because:<br />
*# it's simple.<br />
*# it's redundant enough.<br />
*# it's cheap: the incremental cost is the cost of a single disk, which is less than $100.<br />
*# you can boot off of it.<br />
*# it's not a question of if a disk will fail, but when.<br />
: For software RAID, install from the Alternate Installation CD. You can always [http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Convert_a_single_drive_system_to_RAID convert to RAID-1 later], but it's significantly more faffing about than setting it up this way from the get-go.<br />
* Once you've done the above, download and burn either the standard or alternate Ubuntu install CD, as appropriate.<br />
* Insert installation CD. Follow simple options, installs, ejects CD, reboots. Then login.<br />
* System -> Networking -> set up static IP address instead of dynamic IP address.<br />
* reboot to get network changes to apply (theoretically this should not be necessary, but in practice it was, at least for me on 8.04).<br />
* reboot, install system updates. Then reboot once updates are installed.<br />
* system -> hardware drivers -> enable the proprietary nvidia drivers.<br />
* reboot to enable the proprietary drivers.<br />
<br />
== Tweaks and Preferences ==<br />
<br />
* Ditch the annoying sounds: System -> Preferences -> sound -> sounds -> set all to "no sound", and untick "play system sounds", and on "system beep" tab untick all boxes.<br />
* Ditch the thrashing hard-disk: System -> Preferences -> Searching and indexing -> General -> tick "enable indexing" and "enable watching" and both of the power management boxes to disable stuff when on battery.<br />
* To get Subpixel Smoothing on LCDs, do this: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Fonts -> Select "subpixel smoothing (LCDs)". Need to restart Firefox for this change to take effect in Firefox.<br />
* To get reasonable desktop visual effects: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Visual Effects -> Select "Normal".<br />
* To make the system remember running apps and window locations on logout, do this: System -> Preferences -> sessions -> session options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out". In Ubuntu 9.04 / gnome 2.26 & up, this setting has moved, and is now under: System -> Preferences -> Startup Application Preferences -> options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out".<br />
<!--* To tweak networking performance, [http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Hardy#Howto:_Tweak_and_maximize_your_bandwidth_in_Ubuntu.2FLinux_via_sysctl.21 follow these instructions]. --><br />
* Power saving: Turn off blinking cursor by going: System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> untick "Cursor blinks in text fields".<br />
* Add terminal icon to gnome panel: Right-click panel -> Add to Panel -> Application Launcher... -> Accessories -> Terminal -> Add -> Close.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Editor" tab -> tick "autosave" files every 2 minutes.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Plugins" tab -> tick "Sort" to enable the sort plugin -> Close. Can now highlight text and go Edit -> Sort to get it alphabetically sorted.<br />
<br />
== [[Firefox configuration steps]] ==<br />
<br />
{{:Firefox configuration steps}}<br />
<br />
== Installation of extra software ==<br />
<br />
Go system -> admin -> synaptic package manager -> then Install the following (my brief descriptions of what some packages do are also shown) :<br />
* inkscape # Vector drawing package<br />
* hugin # Create panoramas from an image set.<br />
* dia # Draw diagrams & flow charts, somewhat like "visio" on Windows.<br />
* googleearth-package<br />
* xchat # IRC client.<br />
* ttf-mscorefonts-installer ttf-linux-libertine ttf-inconsolata # The most useful font sets. See also the "[[#Install the Tahoma fonts|Install the Tahoma fonts]]" section below.<br />
* audacious # Like XMMS or Winamp<br />
* nmap # Check for open ports.<br />
* filezilla # GUI FTP client.<br />
* wireshark # Packet sniffer<br />
* powertop iotop htop # Show power hogs, I/O hogs, and an more visual command-line version of top.<br />
* nautilus-open-terminal # adds ability to right click on a folder and get a command prompt there.<br />
* php5-cli php5-gd php5-curl # Only useful if you want to write scripts in PHP.<br />
* traceroute # How packets get from here to there over the network.<br />
* curl # Command line HTTP client, includes form-submitting capacity<br />
* tofrodos # Convert line endings from dos to UNIX or vice-versa.<br />
* openssh-server<br />
* libxml2-dev libmysqlclient-dev # Optional: Only used for compiling PHP snapshots<br />
* eclipse sun-java6-jdk sun-java6-jre sun-java6-plugin libmysql-java junit junit-doc # Optional: Java development using Eclipse + java plugins for Firefox<br />
* sysinfo # Kind of like device manager on Windows. Shows CPU / memory / hard disk installed, some hardware that has been detected, etc.<br />
* autofs smbfs smbclient<br />
* gisomount<br />
* gtk-recordmydesktop # Record videos of what you're doing on your desktop.<br />
* gworldclock # Want to simultaneously see the time in Tokyo, LA, London, and Rio? Use this.<br />
* ffmpeg2theora # Convert videos into format suitable for uploading to Wikimedia commons.<br />
* rar p7zip-full # needed for extracting .7z and RAR archives<br />
* gnome-do # Run apps or commands from a keyboard launcher.<br />
* pinfo # Much nicer UI than man or info for reading documentation.<br />
* vlc mozilla-plugin-vlc<br />
* avidemux # Useful for replacing audio tracks in video files.<br />
* indent # Useful for auto-indenting code.<br />
* smartmontools smart-notifier # S.M.A.R.T. hard disk monitoring tools.<br />
* tidy<br />
* ddrescue # Useful for recovering data from failing hard disks.<br />
* gimp-resynthesizer # A nifty plugin for gimp for repairing images or filling in content intelligently. Ignore if you don't use gimp.<br />
* qpdf # Useful for removing password from PDF files, as per [http://blog.sandipb.net/2009/01/10/removing-encryption-from-legitimate-pdf-files-on-ubuntu/ this guide].<br />
* hardinfo # Generates a hardware report and benchmark for the system; can also run in command line mode by doing: <code> hardinfo -r -f html > report.html </code><br />
* gtkvncviewer # Nice VNC client.<br />
* renameutils # Useful for bulk renaming of files. Example for renaming all .JPG files in a directory to .jpg (lowercase) is: <code>rename s/JPG$/jpg/ *</code><br />
* meld # Good GUI for comparing two files, e.g. two log files.<br />
* asciio # Good for drawing ASCII graphs; only available in Ubuntu 10.10 and up.<br />
* spamassassin # Email filtering, used by Evolution.<br />
<!--<br />
<br />
Have installed on laptop - test some more and see if worth including:<br />
gedit-plugins<br />
wget http://nchc.dl.sourceforge.net/sourceforge/openproj/openproj_1.4-2.deb && sudo dpkg -i openproj_1.4-2.deb<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
winbind # could be useful on a windows network. Have not discerned any benefit yet though.<br />
<br />
Still working out whether to include or not: * evolution-plugins-experimental <br />
<br />
* bum # Boot Up Manager - GUI for specifying what services should be running on boot-up.<br />
* miro # Combined bittorrent client and video player. Particularly useful for downloading TED talks before a flight. Uses lots of disk space though.<br />
* k3b # CD burning app.<br />
* deluge amule # P2P - donkey plus bittorrent<br />
<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Configure "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" ==<br />
<br />
To get the back / forward keyboard keys working in Firefox, when using the "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard", go System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> Layout -> click the model button -> Choose Microsoft -> set model to "Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro USB" -> click "close".<br />
<br />
== Custom Key Bindings, aimed at "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" == <br />
<br />
Note: the steps keep changing in each Ubuntu release (the menus move around, the keycodes change), unfortunately. This is what works for me using 11.10 in gnome-fallback mode:<br />
<br />
* ubuntu "System Setting" (top right corner of your desktop) -> Keyboard -> Shortcut.<br />
* Set "1" favourite key to "run a terminal"<br />
* Set "2" favourite key to "open home folder"<br />
<br />
There seems to be a bug that prevents the "custom shortcuts" keys from working for favourite keys 3, 4 and 5. Instead we have to do this:<br />
* In a terminal, run: <code>gconf-editor</code><br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/global_keybindings<br />
* Change "run_command_3" to be 0xc2, "run_command_4" to be 0xc3, and "run_command_5" to be 0xc4 - these corresponds to the 3 / 4 / 5 favourite keys.<br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/keybinding_commands<br />
* Change "command_3" to be the take-screenshot command: <code>gnome-screenshot --window --interactive</code><br />
* Change "command_4" to be the new-text-editor command: <code>/usr/bin/gedit --new-document</code><br />
* Change "command_5" to be as desired.<br />
<!-- * Name is "Zend Studio", command is "sh /home/nickj/programs/Zend/ZendStudio-5.5.0/bin/ZDE". Set the 5 favourite key to run this. --><br />
<br />
== Install Skype == <br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>" -> Skype -> More Info -> Install. <br />
<br />
Then to make the right-click menus legible with Ubuntu's dark theme, do as follows:<br />
# Applications -> Internet -> Skype -> single-click on the skype icon in the top right to open skype -> Ctrl-O to open options -> "general" -> Choose Style: "Desktop settings" -> close.<br />
# Single click on skype icon to open skype again -> Ctrl-Q to close.<br />
# Now restart skype by going Applications -> Internet -> Skype, and the right-click menus will be readable.<br />
<!--<br />
install Skype - [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Skype#AMD64 Source of instructions].<br />
sudo aptitude install ia32-libs<br />
wget http://skype.com/go/getskype-linux-ubuntu<br />
sudo aptitude install libqt4-core libqt4-gui qt4-qtconfig <br />
sudo dpkg --install --force-architecture --force-depends skype-debian*.deb<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Install the Tahoma fonts ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.stchman.com/ms_fonts.html Source of instructions].<br />
<br />
Once the msttcorefonts package is installed you will notice that Tahoma and Tahoma Bold is missing. You will need to extract Tahoma<br />
and Tahoma Bold from the zip file. Tahoma is used for Microsoft desktop, title bars and menu fonts so if you are trying to get that<br />
XP look you will need the Tahoma regular and Tahoma Bold fonts. Install Tahoma by doing the following in a terminal.<br />
<br />
cd ~<br />
wget http://www.stchman.com/tools/MS_fonts/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo unzip -d /usr/share/fonts/truetype/msttcorefonts ~/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo fc-cache -f -v<br />
rm -f ~/tahoma.zip<br />
<br />
== Install Flash == <br />
<br />
* Install the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up or installs flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems.<br />
* Restart the browser.<br />
* Go to: Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, go with all the defaults.<br />
* It removes any old flash plugins and downloads and installs the latest Adobe one.<br />
* For AMD64 systems, can use the flash 64 bit beta.<br />
<br />
If flash videos have a blue tint after the installation, then repeat the above steps, which may fix it. If it doesn't, then right click on a flash video with a blue tint -> Settings -> Untick "enable HW acceleration". [http://askubuntu.com/questions/117127/flash-video-appears-blue Source].<br />
<br />
== Install Google Earth ==<br />
<!--<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update && sudo aptitude install medibuntu-keyring && sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install googleearth-4.3<br />
<br />
... or follow the manual instructions on [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/GoogleEarth this page] for a more recent version.<br />
--><br />
Follow [http://www.liberiangeek.net/2011/10/how-to-install-google-earth-in-ubuntu-11-10-oneiric-ocelot/ these instructions for installing google earth].<br />
<br />
== Install Acrobat reader ==<br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>", or go Applications -> Ubuntu Software Center, and then go: -> Canonical Partners -> Adobe Acrobat reader -> Install.<br />
<br />
<!--<br />
In earlier versions of Ubuntu, to install acrobat reader, since [http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-general-1/cant-shrink-to-fit-pdf-doc-654281/ Ubuntu's native PDF readers don't have shrink to fit when printing]. :<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install acroread acroread-plugins<br />
<br />
(this uses medibuntu, from the Google Earth step above).<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
Also need to do this:<br />
sudo editor /usr/share/applications/defaults.list <br />
And change this:<br />
#application/pdf=evince.desktop<br />
application/pdf=AdobeReader.desktop<br />
--><br />
Then to tweak the display preferences of Acrobat Reader: Edit -> Preferences -> Page Display -> set "Zoom" to "Fit Page" -> Click "Ok".<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
== Install Opera ==<br />
<br />
To install and configure opera (since it's useful for testing web pages to be able to check behaviour, and it's useful to have another browser around sometimes), do the following:<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.list<br />
... and add these two lines:<br />
# For latest stable opera:<br />
deb http://deb.opera.com/opera/ stable non-free<br />
<br />
* Then do:<br />
sudo wget -O - http://deb.opera.com/archive.key | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install opera<br />
* Then run opera - Applications -> Internet -> Opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise -> Toolbars tab -> change the "wrapping" setting to "Wrap to multiple lines".<br />
<!-- <br />
* Go to [http://www.opera.com/download/ Opera's download page].<br />
* Download and open and install the .deb file<br />
* Then run opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise and change the wrapping setting to "multiple lines".<br />
--><br />
== Enable Apport for crash bug reporting ==<br />
<br />
Enable apport so that crash bugs will be reported and logged:<br />
sudo editor /etc/default/apport<br />
change enabled from "0" to "1".<br />
<br />
Crashes will then be logged to /var/crash/<br />
<br />
== Configure Open Office to work in MS Office 2000 compatibility mode ==<br />
<br />
[http://news.cnet.com/8301-13880_3-9864262-68.html Source of instructions]. Only do this if you are testing a migration to Ubuntu. Once you have already switched, then use the native ODF for new files, as they generally save formatting better.<br />
* Start OpenOffice Word Process: Applications -> Office -> OpenOffice.org Word Processor -> tools -> options -> expand "Load/Save" -> select "general" -> For document type = "Text document", set Always save as "Microsoft Word 97/2000/XP" (instead of "ODF text document"); For Document type = "Spreadsheet", set Always save as "Microsoft Excel 97/2000/XP"; For Document type = "Presentation", set Always save as "Microsoft PowerPoint 97/2000/XP" -> then click "OK".<br />
* Then tools -> options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> compatibility -> tick "Use printer metrics for document formatting", tick "Do not add leading (extra space) between lines of text", and tick "Consider wrapping style when positioning objects". Then go: Use as Default -> Yes -> OK.<br />
<br />
Note: When you upgrade between Ubuntu releases, you will probably need to repeat the first step, otherwise it will default back to saving in OpenOffice's formats by default.<br />
<br />
== Evolution configuration ==<br />
<br />
* Turn off new email notifications: Evolution -> Edit -> Plugins -> Uncheck "Mail Notification" plugin.<br />
* Edit -> Preferences -> 'Calendar and Tasks' -> 'Display' tab -> Disable the 'Compress weekends in month view' option.<br />
* Customize the default mail folder view. Get one folder looking right (personal preference: Columns: From / Subject / Received, with threads off, sorted by date received with most recent first). Then go View -> Current view -> Save Custom View... -> Replace existing view -> Messages -> Save. "Messages" is a special view, which is used by default on all folders, although you can override it on a folder-by-folder basis, but customizing that folder's view.<br />
<br />
== Set up SSH keys and KeepAlive Interval ==<br />
<br />
For each machine you want to have password-less SSH login to, do:<br />
ssh-copy-id -i ~/.ssh/id_dsa.pub machine1<br />
<br />
Also on some connections the SSH shell can close after a short timeout period. To keep connections option for longer, on the client side do, <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and then add this line to send a keep-alive heartbeat every 60 seconds:<br />
ServerAliveInterval 60<br />
<br />
... there is also a corresponding "ClientAliveInterval 60" setting that can be added to /etc/ssh/sshd_config - although sometimes you only control the client side of the link, and so this is not possible.<br />
<br />
Also set up connection sharing, makes secondary connections to SSH hosts much faster. <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and add this:<br />
# from: "OpenSSH tip: connection sharing"<br />
# http://tanguy.ortolo.eu/blog/article42/ssh-connection-sharing<br />
ControlPath ~/.ssh/control-%r@%h:%p<br />
ControlMaster auto<br />
ControlPersist 1<br />
<br />
== Automounting remote file systems using SSHFS ==<br />
<br />
For a remote Linux system, can automount with autofs + sshfs. Follow the guides [http://www.tjansson.dk/?p=84 here] and [http://www.mccambridge.org/blog/2007/05/totally-seamless-sshfs-under-linux-using-fuse-and-autofs/ here].<br />
<br />
Debug any problems with:<br />
tail --lines=0 -f /var/log/*<br />
<!-- <br />
Windows shares<br />
* Currently TESTING, this step not complete yet.<br />
* [http://oapeon.blogspot.com/2008/09/automounting-cifs-share-in-ubuntu.html Follow these instructions], but also [http://www.howtoforge.com/accessing_windows_or_samba_shares_using_autofs create a /etc/auto.smb.FILESERVERNAME file with login credentials].<br />
<br />
Actually, may have spoken too soon, seems kinda flakey. Getting "Input/output error" on the command line when accessing shares after a few minutes:<br />
<br />
$ ls /smb/server/sharename/<br />
ls: cannot access /smb/server/sharename/: Input/output error<br />
$<br />
<br />
Also seeing these errors when doing "tail -f /var/log/messages", despite supplying login credentials:<br />
Oct 23 17:42:02 redux kernel: [66597.665680] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
Oct 23 17:42:01 redux kernel: [66597.524118] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
<br />
To remove, uninstall these packages:<br />
sudo aptitude uninstall --purge autofs libevent1 libgssglue1 libnfsidmap2 librpcsecgss3 nfs-common portmap smbfs<br />
<br />
<br />
rebooting seemed to make this better.... although it's still buggy and flakey. Get directories being infinitely recursive, edited files appearing as directories, etc etc.<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
testing / playing with smbnetfs as an alternative<br />
sudo aptitude install smbnetfs<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/smbnetfs.conf <br />
<br />
- show_$_shares "false"<br />
+ show_$_shares "true"<br />
<br />
mkdir ~/.smb<br />
editor ~/.smb/smbnetfs.auth<br />
<br />
auth nickj password<br />
<br />
Need to do something with .smb/smbnetfs.conf ?<br />
<br />
<br />
* smbnetfs is probably not even running - need to find some decent docs on how to configure this.<br />
* autofs is mounted on /smb , and can be seriously flakey.<br />
* trying sshfs now, seems better but needs some magic options in the mount flags to work suitably.<br />
--><br />
== right before and right after each upgrade ==<br />
<br />
Remove unneeded cruft, by doing:<br />
sudo apt-get autoremove<br />
sudo apt-get clean<br />
deborphan<br />
Check first that no important packages are about to be removed, then do:<br />
sudo apt-get remove --purge $(deborphan)<br />
Purge old configuration files, first command shows what will be purged:<br />
sudo aptitude search ~c <br />
sudo aptitude purge ~c<br />
<br />
Fix broken packages:<br />
* <code>sudo aptitude</code><br />
* fix any broken packages (ctrl-t -> resolver -> examine -> g -> g).<br />
* also clean up cache and obsolete files (ctrl-t -> actions -> "clean package cache" and "clean obsolete files").<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
These tweaks are only required for 9.04:<br />
<br />
([http://reformedmusings.wordpress.com/2009/04/26/recovering-daily-update-notifications-in-ubuntu-904-jaunty/ Source]) To enable daily notification of non-security updates, which is especially useful if you [[#enable Apport for crash bug reporting|enable Apport for crash bug reporting]], then do this:<br />
gconftool -s --type bool /apps/update-notifier/auto_launch false<br />
<br />
([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-when-logoutshutdown-and-restart-ubuntu904 Source]) To remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout, do this:<br />
* Right-click on the panel power button icon on top-right of the screen -> Preferences -> Untick "Show confirm dialog for logout, shutdown and restart".<br />
<br />
Only in Ubuntu 9.04:<br />
sudo aptitude install firefox-3.5 firefox-3.5-gnome-support<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Tweaks to Ubuntu 9.10 that I had to apply to get stuff working again, or configured how I like it:<br />
<br />
1: Remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout. ([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-in-ubuntu910karmic Source]). <br />
<br />
2: For seeing details of SMART reporting for hard disks:<br />
sudo aptitude install gsmartcontrol<br />
<br />
3: system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Dust".<br />
<br />
4: Alt-F2, run gconf-editor , then toogle the GConf key /apps/eog/ui/disable_trash_confirmation to be ticked, to disable prompting for image deleting though Eye of Gnome ([https://bugzilla.gnome.org/show_bug.cgi?id=541967#c5 source]).<br />
<br />
5: Some third party entries in your sources.list were disabled. You can re-enable them after the upgrade with the 'software-properties' tool or your package manager.<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.lst<br />
<br />
.. then re-enable dropbox, chrome daily builds, etc, and apply those updates:<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude upgrade<br />
<br />
6: Setting MySQL back to utf8 mode:<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/mysql/my.cnf <br />
add under the "[mysqld]" section:<br />
default-character-set=utf8<br />
<br />
7: Blue tint to video files in VLC, Mplayer, and Totem. [http://www.mediacollege.com/video-gallery/testclips/20051210-w50s.flv Example video file]. [https://bugs.launchpad.net/totem/+bug/395476 Bug is in] the Nvidia closed source driver. Workaround is:<br />
* open totem via Applications -> Sound & Video -> Movie Player<br />
* open the preferences window via Edit -> Preferences<br />
* select the Display tab<br />
* click the Reset to Defaults button<br />
<br />
8: Problem: Mplayer crashing regularly when changing video output mode, and also giving a "couldn't resolve name for AF_INET6:" error on URL playback. Workaround: ditch mplayer, as totem and VLC are suitable replacements:<br />
sudo aptitude remove --purge mplayer<br />
<br />
9: Flash applets don't work in firefox or chrome on AMD64 (example: playing [http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-february-1-2010/q---o this Daily Show] video) .... solution: redo the [[#Install_Flash_on_AMD64|Flash installation steps]].<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Ambiance". <!-- move window decoration buttons to the left too - find link & steps for this --><br />
# If images don't display in office documents: Start OpenOffice writer, and then go: Tools -> Options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> View -> tick "Graphics and objects" -> click "Ok".<br />
<!-- to get SIP calls working through empathy through the dodgy Telstra modem that blocks VoIP: sudo aptitude install telepathy-sofiasip ... no, didn't work - test again later. --><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# <code>sudo aptitude remove tracker</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install unity-2d</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
The 11.10 release had more problems than most releases.<br />
<br />
Nautilus default view: go to Places -> Home folder -> Edit -> Preferences -> "View new folders using": select "List View".<br />
<br />
=== Restore classic Gnome desktop ===<br />
To get gnome classic desktop back, as per [http://www.webupd8.org/2011/08/installing-using-classic-gnome-desktop.html this blog post].<br />
sudo apt-get install gnome-session-fallback<br />
Then:<br />
* Install weather applet<br />
* System monitor applet<br />
* Add application icons for Firefox, chrome, terminal, and gedit.<br />
sudo aptitude install alarm-clock-applet<br />
* Add an application icon for the alarm clock applet.<br />
* Put a trash applet back on the bottom right of the screen.<br />
* Put a show desktop applet back on the bottom left of the screen.<br />
<br />
=== SSH menu is gone, use SSH plus instead ===<br />
Follow [http://www.gulecha.org/2011/07/29/sshplus-a-sshmenu-compatible-appindicator/ these installation instructions]. Then do <code>sudo aptitude install putty</code><br/> <br />
To add to startup apps: Applications -> System Tools -> Preferences -> startup applications -> add SSHplus by full path.<br />
<br />
=== blurry image viewer ===<br />
Images look blurry because the default Gnome Image viewer (eog/eye of gnome) is set to "Best Fit" instead of "Normal view", which resizes images slightly, making them appear blurry. Unfortunately, there seems to be no preference or setting that allows changing this permanently. Instead just install another image viewing app, and make it the default:<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install gthumb</code><br/><br />
It can be customized to view images 1:1 by going Edit -> Preferences -> Viewer -> Set to actual size. Then go View -> unselect "Thumbnail pane" (with this on, it seems to interfere with 1:1 viewing). Test it, then if so make it the default app by going ubuntu "System Settings" (top right corner of your desktop) -> System info -> Default applications -> Photos -> gThumb.<br />
<br />
=== usb automounting was broken ===<br />
Inserted USB drives would no longer automatically mount and open a file manager window. Solved by installing, and then removing, the usbmount package.<br />
<br />
=== Flash broken ===<br />
After upgrading from 11.04 to 11.10, flash applets either did not work, or worked partial (such as the sound being distorted, like the person was underwater). Fixed by installing the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up broken flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems. Installed the extension, restarted the browser, then went Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, just went with all the defaults, it removed the old flash plugins (I had 2) and downloaded and installed the latest adobe one, and then it was as good as new and working flawlessly.<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 12.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
=== Multiple monitors broken, screen orientation broken ===<br />
<br />
run Synaptic, remove all the nvidia drivers, and install the nouveau firmware, then reboot, then systems settings -> displays, and can change the monitor setup so that multi-montior works again and so the orientations are in portrait instead of landscape.<br />
<br />
From the command line to remove nvidia drivers, can do:<br />
sudo apt-get purge nvidia-settings nvidia-current<br />
<br />
=== Customised keyboard shortcuts lost ===<br />
<br />
All my customized keyboard shortcuts for the extra buttons on my keyboard are lost. Had to redo the keyboard config to get these back.<br />
<br />
=== alt-tab no longer works ===<br />
<br />
To fix (from [http://askubuntu.com/questions/135685/alt-tab-does-not-switch this source]) :<br />
sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* Go at the very bottom where it says "Window Management"<br />
* Put a checkmark in "application switcher"<br />
* That should fix it.<br />
<br />
=== Workplace switching is broken (gives a blank desktop with no menus or items) ===<br />
<br />
Install compiz settings manager as above, and that will fix it. To get switching to be 4 horizontal desktops:<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* "general" -> General options -> Desktop size -> horizontal virtual size = 4, vertical virtual size = 1<br />
<br />
Also turn off "effects" -> "animations" in compiz too, whilst we are there.<br />
<br />
=== Gnome menus look ugly ===<br />
<br />
The bug is [https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/light-themes/+bug/981289 here]. To fix ambiance themes, [http://www.webupd8.org/2012/05/install-ambiance-fixed-for-classic.html follow these steps].<br />
<br />
=== Printing was broken ===<br />
<br />
Jobs sent to the network printer just sat in the queue and were never printed, even though the printer hardware was fine and the same queue worked perfectly in 11.10. Easiest solution was to cancel all print jobs, delete the printer, add a new printer with the same settings, and reboot (because the printer setup locked up whilst doing these things).<br />
<br />
=== Printing was excessively slow from Firefox ===<br />
<br />
Even after doing the above, printing was very slow from Firefox to the HP LaserJet 2100 TN. For example, it was taking up to 4 minutes to print a page, whereas it would take 15 seconds before. To fix:<br />
* Run "system-config-printer" from the command line.<br />
* Change the printer driver. Instead of the recommended driver, use "HP LaserJet 2100 - CUPS+Gutenprint v5.2.8-pre1".<br />
* Print a test page, once works okay, click "OK", and close the printer config applet.<br />
<br />
=== Volume applet indicator disappeared ===<br />
<br />
[http://askubuntu.com/questions/126411/volume-and-other-indicators-disappeared-in-the-classic-desktop Source].<br />
Run gnome-sound-applet from the command line to check that it is installed and working.<br />
<br />
To start the sound applet automatically, go to System Tools -> Preferences -> Startup Applications, and add Command gnome-sound-applet<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 13.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
To be able to play videos again:<br />
sudo aptitude install ubuntu-restricted-extras<br />
<br />
To stop using Nautilus, following the unfortuate decision to remove all of its most useful features, and switch to Nemo instead. [http://www.fandigital.com/2012/09/install-nemo-file-manager-in-ubuntu.html Source] [http://www.fandigital.com/2013/01/set-nemo-default-file-manager-ubuntu.html Source].<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:gwendal-lebihan-dev/cinnamon-stable<br />
sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install nemo nemo-fileroller<br />
xdg-mime default nemo.desktop inode/directory application/x-gnome-saved-search<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 13.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Changed video driver from nouveau open source driver to nvidia's binary driver, to fix intermittent crashing of gnome-shell once or more per day: Applications -> System tools -> Software & updates -> Additional drivers -> nvidia-319-updates.<br />
<br />
* Problem: guest session broken, wallpaper all black, desktop icons broken, and screensaver unlock sometimes not working<br />
* Cause: All due to a conflict between Ubuntu 13.10 and cinnamon.<br />
* Solution: remove cinnamon and nemo. [http://askubuntu.com/questions/360772/unity-isnt-starting-on-13-10 Source].<br />
<br />
sudo apt-get install ppa-purge<br />
sudo apt-get purge --auto-remove cinnamon<br />
sudo apt-get autoremove<br />
sudo apt-get update -f<br />
sudo apt-get dist-upgrade<br />
sudo apt-get install ubuntu-desktop<br />
sudo apt-get remove .*cinnamon.*<br />
sudo apt-get remove .*nemo.*<br />
<br />
Then install nemo from the Ubuntu repos - part of the repos now.<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 14.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Only needed on a Gnome desktop, will cause icons to not appear on a Unity desktop and so should be skipped under Unity: To fix missing notifier icons (network, dropbox, sshplus, ksplice) under Gnome :<br />
<br />
* How to fix the missing network icon - follow [http://www.bauer-power.net/2014/05/permanent-fix-for-missing-network.html these steps].<br />
* For the others: System tools -> preferences -> startup applications -> then open the item whose notifier icon is not appearing.<br />
* add "dbus-launch " to start of the command lines for Ksplice and SSHPlus and Dropbox, and any others that are not working.<br />
<!--<br />
To fix greeter/login-screen monitor orientation - [http://askubuntu.com/questions/408302/rotated-monitor-login-screen-needs-rotation source].<br />
<br />
sudo cp ~/.config/monitors.xml /var/lib/lightdm/.config/<br />
sudo chown lightdm.lightdm /var/lib/lightdm/.config/monitors.xml<br />
--><br />
<br />
== VirtualBox ==<br />
<br />
From the [http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Linux_Downloads VirtualBox Installation instructions]:<br />
sudo vim /etc/apt/sources.list <br />
add this line: <code>deb http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian oneiric contrib</code> . Do not add a deb-src line.<br />
wget -q http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian/oracle_vbox.asc -O- | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install dkms<br />
sudo aptitude install virtualbox-4.3<br />
<br />
The first time that you install, make sure that you are a member of vboxusers group (needed for USB disks to work correctly) :<br />
sudo usermod -a -G vboxusers `whoami`<br />
sudo usermod -a -G disk `whoami`<br />
Then reboot the computer.<br />
<br />
To get the extension pack, go Help -> Check for Updates, and this will check you have the latest virtualbox and also install/update the extensions. Enter password if prompted.<br />
<br />
Before starting the Guest machine, make sure USB functionality is enabled by going:<br />
* Settings -> USB -> Make sure both the USB checkboxes are ticked -> Click the "Add Empty Filter" button (the top button on the right) -> click OK to close dialog box.<br />
<br />
Rebuild the virtualbox modules after upgrading from a previous version:<br />
sudo service vboxdrv setup<br />
<br />
After upgrading from a previous version, to update the guest's VirtualBox drivers, do this after the Guest has started:<br />
* VirtualBox -> start Guest -> "Devices" menu -> Install Guest Additions.<br />
<br />
Then plug in a USB device after the guest machine has started. Then make it visible to the Guest by going:<br />
* Devices -> USB devices -> and select the USB device to make visible.<br />
<br />
And in a Debian or Ubuntu '''guest''' machine after doing a dist-upgrade, to install the vbox additions, do this:<br />
* Devices -> install guest additions...<br />
mount /dev/cdrom <br />
aptitude install build-essential linux-headers-$(uname -r)<br />
sh /cdrom/VBoxLinuxAdditions.run<br />
<br />
When doing a major version upgrade, use apt-get and not aptitude. For example:<br />
sudo apt-get install virtualbox-4.3<br />
... and then start VirtualBox, and then install the latest extension pack, using the steps above. The link will be on the [https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads VirtualBox downloads] page.<br />
<br />
If you get an "Error! Could not locate dkms.conf file" message, then you probably have old directories left over from an old version of virtualbox under /var/lib/dkms/ . E.g. I had some directories left over from 3.2.6, and the fix was:<br />
sudo rm -r /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetadp /var/lib/dkms/vboxdrv /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetflt<br />
<br />
== Newsgroup bin client ==<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude install sabnzbdplus<br />
Then configure as per [http://wiki.sabnzbd.org/quick-setup the steps on their wiki].<br />
<!-- Lottanzb keeps crashing for me:<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:lottanzb/daily-build<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:jcfp/ppa<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install lottanzb sabnzbdplus<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Steps for making the Benq Acer S2W 3300U work == <br />
<br />
* Plug in power and USB cable to the scanner, and connect it to your computer.<br />
* Check SANE is installed, then run <code> sane-find-scanner </code>, and it should list your scanner.<br />
* From [http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/downloads.cfm/dtype/D/page/downloads/product/91 Benq's page] get the Mirascan ZIP file. Note that Benq's webservers are crap, and they cut out mid-download, so save yourself frustration by using wget to take care of the downloading/resuming/retrying, by doing:<br />
wget ftp://211.78.86.204/scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
and/or<br />
wget http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/download.cfm?file=scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
* Check the ZIP file downloaded okay by doing:<br />
unzip -t mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
... and making sure it says there were "no errors detected" at the end.<br />
* Extract just the u176v046.bin file (which is firmware blob that this scanner needs to operate) into the current directory:<br />
unzip -j mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip "MiraScan v4.03u10_BQA/BIN/u176v046.bin"<br />
* Set up Sane to use this firmware blob:<br />
sudo mkdir /usr/share/sane/snapscan<br />
sudo cp u176v046.bin /usr/share/sane/snapscan/<br />
sudo editor /etc/sane.d/snapscan.conf<br />
... and change the first line from:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/your-firmwarefile.bin<br />
to:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/u176v046.bin<br />
... then save and close the file.<br />
* Then under the Applications -> Graphics menu, run Xsane, or (my preference) Simple Scan.<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
<!-- todo: add the repo steps here --><br />
Unfortunately dropbox does not seem to automatically install updates for old versions. Given this, need to manually install updates on old versions, and easiest way to install dropbox updates on Linux is, open a terminal and do:<br />
dropbox stop<br />
dropbox status # Should report "not running"<br />
rm -r ~/.dropbox-dist/<br />
dropbox start -i<br />
<br />
== Handbrake ==<br />
<br />
Handbrake is a media converter, and is especially useful for converting files for portable devices, like Android tablets or iPhones. To install the snapshot releases (which seems to be the easiest way, if you want the GUI) :<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:stebbins/handbrake-snapshots<br />
sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install handbrake-gtk handbrake-cli<br />
== Install Chromium dev builds ==<br />
<br />
Firefox is currently slightly better as a daily browser, but Chromium is improving rapidly. If you want to play with the native alpha port of Google's Chrome browser just to see how it's going, you can install the dev builds of Chromium quite easily by doing:<br />
<!-- could get rid of the PPA - Ubuntu now includes the chromium browser in universe, that lags a little, but avoids the constant daily updates: http://packages.ubuntu.com/search?keywords=chromium-browser --><br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:chromium-daily/dev<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install chromium-browser chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-nonfree chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-extra<br />
<!-- following [http://www.stefanoforenza.com/chromium-on-ubuntu-how-to/ these directions]. You probably also want to add the key for this PPA to your system, following [https://help.launchpad.net/Packaging/PPA#Adding%20the%20keys%20using%20Gnome these directions] about adding [http://keyserver.ubuntu.com:11371/pks/lookup?op=get&search=0x5A9BF3BB4E5E17B5 their key] to your system, so that you don't get lots of prompts every day when there is an update about "do you want to install unauthenticated packages?". --><br />
<br />
Chrome Extensions to install:<br />
* [http://www.chromeextensions.org/appearance-functioning/flashblock/ FlashBlock].<br />
* [http://blog.xmarks.com/?p=1244 Xmarks].<br />
* [https://chrome.google.com/extensions/detail/gighmmpiobklfepjocnamgkkbiglidom Adblock]. Need to restart browser for extension to take effect.<br />
<br />
Still waiting for these Chrome extensions as at July 2010:<br />
* The equivalent of Tab Mix Plus. (still looking for this).<br />
<br />
Things that aren't working quite right yet in Chromium on Linux:<br />
* The backspace key should go back, or should be configurable for this. There is an extension that allows this, but it should probably be a preference in the base browser.<br />
* Auto-updating of extensions. There is a way to do this from the extensions UI, but in Chromium it doesn't seem to do anything.<br />
* Audio playback not working correctly - e.g. on [http://slides.html5rocks.com/#slide22 this slide], get no audio after selecting a national anthem other than US (US works, other's don't). Possibly [http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Chrome/thread?tid=2fdf2aa857abe1ef&hl=en this issue] or [http://code.google.com/p/chromium/issues/detail?id=37848 this issue].<br />
* WebGL does not work on an old laptop, but does on a modern desktop. Could be that the laptop's hardware is just too old (or just not supported in 3D).<br />
<br />
To enable most of the new features of Chromium, change the command line for starting chromium to be like this:<br />
chromium-browser --enable-plugins --enable-greasemonkey --enable-user-scripts --enable-internal-flash --enable-extensions --enable-webgl %U<br />
<br />
Configuration settings:<br />
* To make streetview work: Try to open streetview -> nothing happens -> press Ctrl-Shift-F (which permanently unblock flashblock on that site) -> then streetview will pop up and work thereafter.<br />
<br />
Updating the flash plugin if you get a warning that "the flash plugin was blocked because it is out of date", or just installing the flash plugin.<br />
* First check where the plugin is installed, by opening chrome://plugins/ in chromium, and expanding the "details" link.<br />
* For me, it said "Location: /usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so".<br />
* Note this directory, and update the flashplugin variable below if you have a different path:<br />
cd ~/tmp<br />
flashplugin=/usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so<br />
sudo mv $flashplugin ./libflashplayer.so.old<br />
wget http://download.macromedia.com/pub/labs/flashplayer10/flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz<br />
tar zfvx flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz <br />
sudo cp ./libflashplayer.so $flashplugin<br />
cd /usr/lib/chromium-browser/plugins<br />
sudo ln -s $flashplugin<br />
Now restart chromium and the warning should be fixed & flash should work.<br />
<!--<br />
== Pinta ==<br />
<br />
Basic image editing program, like ms-paint:<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:moonlight-team/pinta<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install pinta<br />
<br />
tends to crash though.... don't include in public instructions just yet!<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
'''Warning: semi-commercial software'''<br />
<br />
Personally, I find dropbox useful for synchronising up to 2 GB of data free between multiple systems (desktop and laptop; work and home). You need to sign up here and install the software from here.<br />
##### FINISH WRITING THIS STEP AT SOME POINT #####<br />
##### Keeps crashing on network transfers, so don't write up until that is completed ###### -- this was fixed by upgrading to version 0.6.564 <br />
##### The crashing is back.... **sigh**<br />
<br />
== testing: Ksplice for rebootless kernel updates ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.ksplice.com/uptrack/download Install]<br />
[http://lwn.net/Articles/340477/ background on Ksplice].<br />
<br />
== Ekiga linux setup ==<br />
.... cannot test this until ADSL connection no longer blocks VoIP...<br />
Date: Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:21:10 +1100<br />
VoIP client.<br />
<br />
Applications ->Internet -> Ekiga softphone<br />
Enter name<br />
Tick "I do not want to sign up for the ekiga.net free service"<br />
connection type xDSL.cable<br />
enable STUN support: Yes<br />
rest of the options: take the defaults,.<br />
<br />
Then in Ekiga, go:<br />
edit -> accounts -> add my pennytel account details.<br />
#### No sound through ekiga in 10.10 -- leave commented out until this works ####<br />
--></div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/Ubuntu_desktop_setup_stepsUbuntu desktop setup steps2014-10-30T04:18:04Z<p>Nickj: /* VirtualBox */ update extension instructions.</p>
<hr />
<div>Ubuntu desktop setup steps for an AMD64 system. Most of these instructions will also work on 8.04 LTS, 8.10, 9.04, and 9.10, and 10.04 LTS, 10.10, 11.04, and 11.10, as these instructions were previously for those versions, and it should almost all work on an x86 system too:<br />
<br />
== Pre-installation standard hardware test procedure ==<br />
<br />
Before installing or configuring any software, it is imperative to test the hardware beforehand, to establish that it is not provably broken:<br />
* Download the ISOs for [http://www.sysresccd.org/ System Rescue CD] and [http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/ Ultimate Boot CD] and burn these.<br />
* From either CD, run Memtest86+ on the machine overnight, to test that the CPU and memory are error-free.<br />
* From UBCD, run a CPU stress test for 5 to 10 minutes to check CPU is reliable and adequately cooled.<br />
* From Sys Rescue CD, check for bad blocks on the hard drive, before trusting it with any data: <code>badblocks -v -s -w -c 4096 /dev/sda</code> <br />Note however that badblocks is quite a slow test - e.g. took 34 hours on a 500 GB SATA disk in an external USB enclosure, and 17 hours on a 250 GB IDE disk.<br />It's also a destructive write test, and so will blank the disk, so make sure you have the right device (use <code>fdisk -lu</code> to confirm the device's size and name).<br />Successful output will look something like this:<br />
Checking for bad blocks in read-write mode<br />
From block 0 to 244198583<br />
Testing with pattern 0xaa: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x55: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0xff: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x00: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Pass completed, 0 bad blocks found.<br />
<br />
If problems are found with any of the above, resolve these first before proceeding further.<br />
<br />
== Installation == <br />
<br />
* Firstly, decide whether you want software RAID or not. Personally, I use RAID-1 mirroring of a single bootable partition, using 2 same-sized disks, from 2 different manufacturers, because:<br />
*# it's simple.<br />
*# it's redundant enough.<br />
*# it's cheap: the incremental cost is the cost of a single disk, which is less than $100.<br />
*# you can boot off of it.<br />
*# it's not a question of if a disk will fail, but when.<br />
: For software RAID, install from the Alternate Installation CD. You can always [http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Convert_a_single_drive_system_to_RAID convert to RAID-1 later], but it's significantly more faffing about than setting it up this way from the get-go.<br />
* Once you've done the above, download and burn either the standard or alternate Ubuntu install CD, as appropriate.<br />
* Insert installation CD. Follow simple options, installs, ejects CD, reboots. Then login.<br />
* System -> Networking -> set up static IP address instead of dynamic IP address.<br />
* reboot to get network changes to apply (theoretically this should not be necessary, but in practice it was, at least for me on 8.04).<br />
* reboot, install system updates. Then reboot once updates are installed.<br />
* system -> hardware drivers -> enable the proprietary nvidia drivers.<br />
* reboot to enable the proprietary drivers.<br />
<br />
== Tweaks and Preferences ==<br />
<br />
* Ditch the annoying sounds: System -> Preferences -> sound -> sounds -> set all to "no sound", and untick "play system sounds", and on "system beep" tab untick all boxes.<br />
* Ditch the thrashing hard-disk: System -> Preferences -> Searching and indexing -> General -> tick "enable indexing" and "enable watching" and both of the power management boxes to disable stuff when on battery.<br />
* To get Subpixel Smoothing on LCDs, do this: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Fonts -> Select "subpixel smoothing (LCDs)". Need to restart Firefox for this change to take effect in Firefox.<br />
* To get reasonable desktop visual effects: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Visual Effects -> Select "Normal".<br />
* To make the system remember running apps and window locations on logout, do this: System -> Preferences -> sessions -> session options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out". In Ubuntu 9.04 / gnome 2.26 & up, this setting has moved, and is now under: System -> Preferences -> Startup Application Preferences -> options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out".<br />
<!--* To tweak networking performance, [http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Hardy#Howto:_Tweak_and_maximize_your_bandwidth_in_Ubuntu.2FLinux_via_sysctl.21 follow these instructions]. --><br />
* Power saving: Turn off blinking cursor by going: System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> untick "Cursor blinks in text fields".<br />
* Add terminal icon to gnome panel: Right-click panel -> Add to Panel -> Application Launcher... -> Accessories -> Terminal -> Add -> Close.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Editor" tab -> tick "autosave" files every 2 minutes.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Plugins" tab -> tick "Sort" to enable the sort plugin -> Close. Can now highlight text and go Edit -> Sort to get it alphabetically sorted.<br />
<br />
== [[Firefox configuration steps]] ==<br />
<br />
{{:Firefox configuration steps}}<br />
<br />
== Installation of extra software ==<br />
<br />
Go system -> admin -> synaptic package manager -> then Install the following (my brief descriptions of what some packages do are also shown) :<br />
* inkscape # Vector drawing package<br />
* hugin # Create panoramas from an image set.<br />
* dia # Draw diagrams & flow charts, somewhat like "visio" on Windows.<br />
* googleearth-package<br />
* xchat # IRC client.<br />
* ttf-mscorefonts-installer ttf-linux-libertine ttf-inconsolata # The most useful font sets. See also the "[[#Install the Tahoma fonts|Install the Tahoma fonts]]" section below.<br />
* audacious # Like XMMS or Winamp<br />
* nmap # Check for open ports.<br />
* filezilla # GUI FTP client.<br />
* wireshark # Packet sniffer<br />
* powertop iotop htop # Show power hogs, I/O hogs, and an more visual command-line version of top.<br />
* nautilus-open-terminal # adds ability to right click on a folder and get a command prompt there.<br />
* php5-cli php5-gd php5-curl # Only useful if you want to write scripts in PHP.<br />
* traceroute # How packets get from here to there over the network.<br />
* curl # Command line HTTP client, includes form-submitting capacity<br />
* tofrodos # Convert line endings from dos to UNIX or vice-versa.<br />
* openssh-server<br />
* libxml2-dev libmysqlclient-dev # Optional: Only used for compiling PHP snapshots<br />
* eclipse sun-java6-jdk sun-java6-jre sun-java6-plugin libmysql-java junit junit-doc # Optional: Java development using Eclipse + java plugins for Firefox<br />
* sysinfo # Kind of like device manager on Windows. Shows CPU / memory / hard disk installed, some hardware that has been detected, etc.<br />
* autofs smbfs smbclient<br />
* gisomount<br />
* gtk-recordmydesktop # Record videos of what you're doing on your desktop.<br />
* gworldclock # Want to simultaneously see the time in Tokyo, LA, London, and Rio? Use this.<br />
* ffmpeg2theora # Convert videos into format suitable for uploading to Wikimedia commons.<br />
* rar p7zip-full # needed for extracting .7z and RAR archives<br />
* gnome-do # Run apps or commands from a keyboard launcher.<br />
* pinfo # Much nicer UI than man or info for reading documentation.<br />
* vlc mozilla-plugin-vlc<br />
* avidemux # Useful for replacing audio tracks in video files.<br />
* indent # Useful for auto-indenting code.<br />
* smartmontools smart-notifier # S.M.A.R.T. hard disk monitoring tools.<br />
* tidy<br />
* ddrescue # Useful for recovering data from failing hard disks.<br />
* gimp-resynthesizer # A nifty plugin for gimp for repairing images or filling in content intelligently. Ignore if you don't use gimp.<br />
* qpdf # Useful for removing password from PDF files, as per [http://blog.sandipb.net/2009/01/10/removing-encryption-from-legitimate-pdf-files-on-ubuntu/ this guide].<br />
* hardinfo # Generates a hardware report and benchmark for the system; can also run in command line mode by doing: <code> hardinfo -r -f html > report.html </code><br />
* gtkvncviewer # Nice VNC client.<br />
* renameutils # Useful for bulk renaming of files. Example for renaming all .JPG files in a directory to .jpg (lowercase) is: <code>rename s/JPG$/jpg/ *</code><br />
* meld # Good GUI for comparing two files, e.g. two log files.<br />
* asciio # Good for drawing ASCII graphs; only available in Ubuntu 10.10 and up.<br />
* spamassassin # Email filtering, used by Evolution.<br />
<!--<br />
<br />
Have installed on laptop - test some more and see if worth including:<br />
gedit-plugins<br />
wget http://nchc.dl.sourceforge.net/sourceforge/openproj/openproj_1.4-2.deb && sudo dpkg -i openproj_1.4-2.deb<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
winbind # could be useful on a windows network. Have not discerned any benefit yet though.<br />
<br />
Still working out whether to include or not: * evolution-plugins-experimental <br />
<br />
* bum # Boot Up Manager - GUI for specifying what services should be running on boot-up.<br />
* miro # Combined bittorrent client and video player. Particularly useful for downloading TED talks before a flight. Uses lots of disk space though.<br />
* k3b # CD burning app.<br />
* deluge amule # P2P - donkey plus bittorrent<br />
<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Configure "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" ==<br />
<br />
To get the back / forward keyboard keys working in Firefox, when using the "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard", go System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> Layout -> click the model button -> Choose Microsoft -> set model to "Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro USB" -> click "close".<br />
<br />
== Custom Key Bindings, aimed at "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" == <br />
<br />
Note: the steps keep changing in each Ubuntu release (the menus move around, the keycodes change), unfortunately. This is what works for me using 11.10 in gnome-fallback mode:<br />
<br />
* ubuntu "System Setting" (top right corner of your desktop) -> Keyboard -> Shortcut.<br />
* Set "1" favourite key to "run a terminal"<br />
* Set "2" favourite key to "open home folder"<br />
<br />
There seems to be a bug that prevents the "custom shortcuts" keys from working for favourite keys 3, 4 and 5. Instead we have to do this:<br />
* In a terminal, run: <code>gconf-editor</code><br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/global_keybindings<br />
* Change "run_command_3" to be 0xc2, "run_command_4" to be 0xc3, and "run_command_5" to be 0xc4 - these corresponds to the 3 / 4 / 5 favourite keys.<br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/keybinding_commands<br />
* Change "command_3" to be the take-screenshot command: <code>gnome-screenshot --window --interactive</code><br />
* Change "command_4" to be the new-text-editor command: <code>/usr/bin/gedit --new-document</code><br />
* Change "command_5" to be as desired.<br />
<!-- * Name is "Zend Studio", command is "sh /home/nickj/programs/Zend/ZendStudio-5.5.0/bin/ZDE". Set the 5 favourite key to run this. --><br />
<br />
== Install Skype == <br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>" -> Skype -> More Info -> Install. <br />
<br />
Then to make the right-click menus legible with Ubuntu's dark theme, do as follows:<br />
# Applications -> Internet -> Skype -> single-click on the skype icon in the top right to open skype -> Ctrl-O to open options -> "general" -> Choose Style: "Desktop settings" -> close.<br />
# Single click on skype icon to open skype again -> Ctrl-Q to close.<br />
# Now restart skype by going Applications -> Internet -> Skype, and the right-click menus will be readable.<br />
<!--<br />
install Skype - [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Skype#AMD64 Source of instructions].<br />
sudo aptitude install ia32-libs<br />
wget http://skype.com/go/getskype-linux-ubuntu<br />
sudo aptitude install libqt4-core libqt4-gui qt4-qtconfig <br />
sudo dpkg --install --force-architecture --force-depends skype-debian*.deb<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Install the Tahoma fonts ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.stchman.com/ms_fonts.html Source of instructions].<br />
<br />
Once the msttcorefonts package is installed you will notice that Tahoma and Tahoma Bold is missing. You will need to extract Tahoma<br />
and Tahoma Bold from the zip file. Tahoma is used for Microsoft desktop, title bars and menu fonts so if you are trying to get that<br />
XP look you will need the Tahoma regular and Tahoma Bold fonts. Install Tahoma by doing the following in a terminal.<br />
<br />
cd ~<br />
wget http://www.stchman.com/tools/MS_fonts/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo unzip -d /usr/share/fonts/truetype/msttcorefonts ~/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo fc-cache -f -v<br />
rm -f ~/tahoma.zip<br />
<br />
== Install Flash == <br />
<br />
* Install the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up or installs flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems.<br />
* Restart the browser.<br />
* Go to: Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, go with all the defaults.<br />
* It removes any old flash plugins and downloads and installs the latest Adobe one.<br />
* For AMD64 systems, can use the flash 64 bit beta.<br />
<br />
If flash videos have a blue tint after the installation, then repeat the above steps, which may fix it. If it doesn't, then right click on a flash video with a blue tint -> Settings -> Untick "enable HW acceleration". [http://askubuntu.com/questions/117127/flash-video-appears-blue Source].<br />
<br />
== Install Google Earth ==<br />
<!--<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update && sudo aptitude install medibuntu-keyring && sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install googleearth-4.3<br />
<br />
... or follow the manual instructions on [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/GoogleEarth this page] for a more recent version.<br />
--><br />
Follow [http://www.liberiangeek.net/2011/10/how-to-install-google-earth-in-ubuntu-11-10-oneiric-ocelot/ these instructions for installing google earth].<br />
<br />
== Install Acrobat reader ==<br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>", or go Applications -> Ubuntu Software Center, and then go: -> Canonical Partners -> Adobe Acrobat reader -> Install.<br />
<br />
<!--<br />
In earlier versions of Ubuntu, to install acrobat reader, since [http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-general-1/cant-shrink-to-fit-pdf-doc-654281/ Ubuntu's native PDF readers don't have shrink to fit when printing]. :<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install acroread acroread-plugins<br />
<br />
(this uses medibuntu, from the Google Earth step above).<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
Also need to do this:<br />
sudo editor /usr/share/applications/defaults.list <br />
And change this:<br />
#application/pdf=evince.desktop<br />
application/pdf=AdobeReader.desktop<br />
--><br />
Then to tweak the display preferences of Acrobat Reader: Edit -> Preferences -> Page Display -> set "Zoom" to "Fit Page" -> Click "Ok".<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
== Install Opera ==<br />
<br />
To install and configure opera (since it's useful for testing web pages to be able to check behaviour, and it's useful to have another browser around sometimes), do the following:<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.list<br />
... and add these two lines:<br />
# For latest stable opera:<br />
deb http://deb.opera.com/opera/ stable non-free<br />
<br />
* Then do:<br />
sudo wget -O - http://deb.opera.com/archive.key | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install opera<br />
* Then run opera - Applications -> Internet -> Opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise -> Toolbars tab -> change the "wrapping" setting to "Wrap to multiple lines".<br />
<!-- <br />
* Go to [http://www.opera.com/download/ Opera's download page].<br />
* Download and open and install the .deb file<br />
* Then run opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise and change the wrapping setting to "multiple lines".<br />
--><br />
== Enable Apport for crash bug reporting ==<br />
<br />
Enable apport so that crash bugs will be reported and logged:<br />
sudo editor /etc/default/apport<br />
change enabled from "0" to "1".<br />
<br />
Crashes will then be logged to /var/crash/<br />
<br />
== Configure Open Office to work in MS Office 2000 compatibility mode ==<br />
<br />
[http://news.cnet.com/8301-13880_3-9864262-68.html Source of instructions]. Only do this if you are testing a migration to Ubuntu. Once you have already switched, then use the native ODF for new files, as they generally save formatting better.<br />
* Start OpenOffice Word Process: Applications -> Office -> OpenOffice.org Word Processor -> tools -> options -> expand "Load/Save" -> select "general" -> For document type = "Text document", set Always save as "Microsoft Word 97/2000/XP" (instead of "ODF text document"); For Document type = "Spreadsheet", set Always save as "Microsoft Excel 97/2000/XP"; For Document type = "Presentation", set Always save as "Microsoft PowerPoint 97/2000/XP" -> then click "OK".<br />
* Then tools -> options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> compatibility -> tick "Use printer metrics for document formatting", tick "Do not add leading (extra space) between lines of text", and tick "Consider wrapping style when positioning objects". Then go: Use as Default -> Yes -> OK.<br />
<br />
Note: When you upgrade between Ubuntu releases, you will probably need to repeat the first step, otherwise it will default back to saving in OpenOffice's formats by default.<br />
<br />
== Evolution configuration ==<br />
<br />
* Turn off new email notifications: Evolution -> Edit -> Plugins -> Uncheck "Mail Notification" plugin.<br />
* Edit -> Preferences -> 'Calendar and Tasks' -> 'Display' tab -> Disable the 'Compress weekends in month view' option.<br />
* Customize the default mail folder view. Get one folder looking right (personal preference: Columns: From / Subject / Received, with threads off, sorted by date received with most recent first). Then go View -> Current view -> Save Custom View... -> Replace existing view -> Messages -> Save. "Messages" is a special view, which is used by default on all folders, although you can override it on a folder-by-folder basis, but customizing that folder's view.<br />
<br />
== Set up SSH keys and KeepAlive Interval ==<br />
<br />
For each machine you want to have password-less SSH login to, do:<br />
ssh-copy-id -i ~/.ssh/id_dsa.pub machine1<br />
<br />
Also on some connections the SSH shell can close after a short timeout period. To keep connections option for longer, on the client side do, <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and then add this line to send a keep-alive heartbeat every 60 seconds:<br />
ServerAliveInterval 60<br />
<br />
... there is also a corresponding "ClientAliveInterval 60" setting that can be added to /etc/ssh/sshd_config - although sometimes you only control the client side of the link, and so this is not possible.<br />
<br />
Also set up connection sharing, makes secondary connections to SSH hosts much faster. <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and add this:<br />
# from: "OpenSSH tip: connection sharing"<br />
# http://tanguy.ortolo.eu/blog/article42/ssh-connection-sharing<br />
ControlPath ~/.ssh/control-%r@%h:%p<br />
ControlMaster auto<br />
ControlPersist 1<br />
<br />
== Automounting remote file systems using SSHFS ==<br />
<br />
For a remote Linux system, can automount with autofs + sshfs. Follow the guides [http://www.tjansson.dk/?p=84 here] and [http://www.mccambridge.org/blog/2007/05/totally-seamless-sshfs-under-linux-using-fuse-and-autofs/ here].<br />
<br />
Debug any problems with:<br />
tail --lines=0 -f /var/log/*<br />
<!-- <br />
Windows shares<br />
* Currently TESTING, this step not complete yet.<br />
* [http://oapeon.blogspot.com/2008/09/automounting-cifs-share-in-ubuntu.html Follow these instructions], but also [http://www.howtoforge.com/accessing_windows_or_samba_shares_using_autofs create a /etc/auto.smb.FILESERVERNAME file with login credentials].<br />
<br />
Actually, may have spoken too soon, seems kinda flakey. Getting "Input/output error" on the command line when accessing shares after a few minutes:<br />
<br />
$ ls /smb/server/sharename/<br />
ls: cannot access /smb/server/sharename/: Input/output error<br />
$<br />
<br />
Also seeing these errors when doing "tail -f /var/log/messages", despite supplying login credentials:<br />
Oct 23 17:42:02 redux kernel: [66597.665680] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
Oct 23 17:42:01 redux kernel: [66597.524118] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
<br />
To remove, uninstall these packages:<br />
sudo aptitude uninstall --purge autofs libevent1 libgssglue1 libnfsidmap2 librpcsecgss3 nfs-common portmap smbfs<br />
<br />
<br />
rebooting seemed to make this better.... although it's still buggy and flakey. Get directories being infinitely recursive, edited files appearing as directories, etc etc.<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
testing / playing with smbnetfs as an alternative<br />
sudo aptitude install smbnetfs<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/smbnetfs.conf <br />
<br />
- show_$_shares "false"<br />
+ show_$_shares "true"<br />
<br />
mkdir ~/.smb<br />
editor ~/.smb/smbnetfs.auth<br />
<br />
auth nickj password<br />
<br />
Need to do something with .smb/smbnetfs.conf ?<br />
<br />
<br />
* smbnetfs is probably not even running - need to find some decent docs on how to configure this.<br />
* autofs is mounted on /smb , and can be seriously flakey.<br />
* trying sshfs now, seems better but needs some magic options in the mount flags to work suitably.<br />
--><br />
== right before and right after each upgrade ==<br />
<br />
Remove unneeded cruft, by doing:<br />
sudo apt-get autoremove<br />
sudo apt-get clean<br />
deborphan<br />
Check first that no important packages are about to be removed, then do:<br />
sudo apt-get remove --purge $(deborphan)<br />
Purge old configuration files, first command shows what will be purged:<br />
sudo aptitude search ~c <br />
sudo aptitude purge ~c<br />
<br />
Fix broken packages:<br />
* <code>sudo aptitude</code><br />
* fix any broken packages (ctrl-t -> resolver -> examine -> g -> g).<br />
* also clean up cache and obsolete files (ctrl-t -> actions -> "clean package cache" and "clean obsolete files").<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
These tweaks are only required for 9.04:<br />
<br />
([http://reformedmusings.wordpress.com/2009/04/26/recovering-daily-update-notifications-in-ubuntu-904-jaunty/ Source]) To enable daily notification of non-security updates, which is especially useful if you [[#enable Apport for crash bug reporting|enable Apport for crash bug reporting]], then do this:<br />
gconftool -s --type bool /apps/update-notifier/auto_launch false<br />
<br />
([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-when-logoutshutdown-and-restart-ubuntu904 Source]) To remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout, do this:<br />
* Right-click on the panel power button icon on top-right of the screen -> Preferences -> Untick "Show confirm dialog for logout, shutdown and restart".<br />
<br />
Only in Ubuntu 9.04:<br />
sudo aptitude install firefox-3.5 firefox-3.5-gnome-support<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Tweaks to Ubuntu 9.10 that I had to apply to get stuff working again, or configured how I like it:<br />
<br />
1: Remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout. ([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-in-ubuntu910karmic Source]). <br />
<br />
2: For seeing details of SMART reporting for hard disks:<br />
sudo aptitude install gsmartcontrol<br />
<br />
3: system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Dust".<br />
<br />
4: Alt-F2, run gconf-editor , then toogle the GConf key /apps/eog/ui/disable_trash_confirmation to be ticked, to disable prompting for image deleting though Eye of Gnome ([https://bugzilla.gnome.org/show_bug.cgi?id=541967#c5 source]).<br />
<br />
5: Some third party entries in your sources.list were disabled. You can re-enable them after the upgrade with the 'software-properties' tool or your package manager.<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.lst<br />
<br />
.. then re-enable dropbox, chrome daily builds, etc, and apply those updates:<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude upgrade<br />
<br />
6: Setting MySQL back to utf8 mode:<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/mysql/my.cnf <br />
add under the "[mysqld]" section:<br />
default-character-set=utf8<br />
<br />
7: Blue tint to video files in VLC, Mplayer, and Totem. [http://www.mediacollege.com/video-gallery/testclips/20051210-w50s.flv Example video file]. [https://bugs.launchpad.net/totem/+bug/395476 Bug is in] the Nvidia closed source driver. Workaround is:<br />
* open totem via Applications -> Sound & Video -> Movie Player<br />
* open the preferences window via Edit -> Preferences<br />
* select the Display tab<br />
* click the Reset to Defaults button<br />
<br />
8: Problem: Mplayer crashing regularly when changing video output mode, and also giving a "couldn't resolve name for AF_INET6:" error on URL playback. Workaround: ditch mplayer, as totem and VLC are suitable replacements:<br />
sudo aptitude remove --purge mplayer<br />
<br />
9: Flash applets don't work in firefox or chrome on AMD64 (example: playing [http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-february-1-2010/q---o this Daily Show] video) .... solution: redo the [[#Install_Flash_on_AMD64|Flash installation steps]].<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Ambiance". <!-- move window decoration buttons to the left too - find link & steps for this --><br />
# If images don't display in office documents: Start OpenOffice writer, and then go: Tools -> Options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> View -> tick "Graphics and objects" -> click "Ok".<br />
<!-- to get SIP calls working through empathy through the dodgy Telstra modem that blocks VoIP: sudo aptitude install telepathy-sofiasip ... no, didn't work - test again later. --><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# <code>sudo aptitude remove tracker</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install unity-2d</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
The 11.10 release had more problems than most releases.<br />
<br />
Nautilus default view: go to Places -> Home folder -> Edit -> Preferences -> "View new folders using": select "List View".<br />
<br />
=== Restore classic Gnome desktop ===<br />
To get gnome classic desktop back, as per [http://www.webupd8.org/2011/08/installing-using-classic-gnome-desktop.html this blog post].<br />
sudo apt-get install gnome-session-fallback<br />
Then:<br />
* Install weather applet<br />
* System monitor applet<br />
* Add application icons for Firefox, chrome, terminal, and gedit.<br />
sudo aptitude install alarm-clock-applet<br />
* Add an application icon for the alarm clock applet.<br />
* Put a trash applet back on the bottom right of the screen.<br />
* Put a show desktop applet back on the bottom left of the screen.<br />
<br />
=== SSH menu is gone, use SSH plus instead ===<br />
Follow [http://www.gulecha.org/2011/07/29/sshplus-a-sshmenu-compatible-appindicator/ these installation instructions]. Then do <code>sudo aptitude install putty</code><br/> <br />
To add to startup apps: Applications -> System Tools -> Preferences -> startup applications -> add SSHplus by full path.<br />
<br />
=== blurry image viewer ===<br />
Images look blurry because the default Gnome Image viewer (eog/eye of gnome) is set to "Best Fit" instead of "Normal view", which resizes images slightly, making them appear blurry. Unfortunately, there seems to be no preference or setting that allows changing this permanently. Instead just install another image viewing app, and make it the default:<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install gthumb</code><br/><br />
It can be customized to view images 1:1 by going Edit -> Preferences -> Viewer -> Set to actual size. Then go View -> unselect "Thumbnail pane" (with this on, it seems to interfere with 1:1 viewing). Test it, then if so make it the default app by going ubuntu "System Settings" (top right corner of your desktop) -> System info -> Default applications -> Photos -> gThumb.<br />
<br />
=== usb automounting was broken ===<br />
Inserted USB drives would no longer automatically mount and open a file manager window. Solved by installing, and then removing, the usbmount package.<br />
<br />
=== Flash broken ===<br />
After upgrading from 11.04 to 11.10, flash applets either did not work, or worked partial (such as the sound being distorted, like the person was underwater). Fixed by installing the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up broken flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems. Installed the extension, restarted the browser, then went Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, just went with all the defaults, it removed the old flash plugins (I had 2) and downloaded and installed the latest adobe one, and then it was as good as new and working flawlessly.<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 12.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
=== Multiple monitors broken, screen orientation broken ===<br />
<br />
run Synaptic, remove all the nvidia drivers, and install the nouveau firmware, then reboot, then systems settings -> displays, and can change the monitor setup so that multi-montior works again and so the orientations are in portrait instead of landscape.<br />
<br />
From the command line to remove nvidia drivers, can do:<br />
sudo apt-get purge nvidia-settings nvidia-current<br />
<br />
=== Customised keyboard shortcuts lost ===<br />
<br />
All my customized keyboard shortcuts for the extra buttons on my keyboard are lost. Had to redo the keyboard config to get these back.<br />
<br />
=== alt-tab no longer works ===<br />
<br />
To fix (from [http://askubuntu.com/questions/135685/alt-tab-does-not-switch this source]) :<br />
sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* Go at the very bottom where it says "Window Management"<br />
* Put a checkmark in "application switcher"<br />
* That should fix it.<br />
<br />
=== Workplace switching is broken (gives a blank desktop with no menus or items) ===<br />
<br />
Install compiz settings manager as above, and that will fix it. To get switching to be 4 horizontal desktops:<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* "general" -> General options -> Desktop size -> horizontal virtual size = 4, vertical virtual size = 1<br />
<br />
Also turn off "effects" -> "animations" in compiz too, whilst we are there.<br />
<br />
=== Gnome menus look ugly ===<br />
<br />
The bug is [https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/light-themes/+bug/981289 here]. To fix ambiance themes, [http://www.webupd8.org/2012/05/install-ambiance-fixed-for-classic.html follow these steps].<br />
<br />
=== Printing was broken ===<br />
<br />
Jobs sent to the network printer just sat in the queue and were never printed, even though the printer hardware was fine and the same queue worked perfectly in 11.10. Easiest solution was to cancel all print jobs, delete the printer, add a new printer with the same settings, and reboot (because the printer setup locked up whilst doing these things).<br />
<br />
=== Printing was excessively slow from Firefox ===<br />
<br />
Even after doing the above, printing was very slow from Firefox to the HP LaserJet 2100 TN. For example, it was taking up to 4 minutes to print a page, whereas it would take 15 seconds before. To fix:<br />
* Run "system-config-printer" from the command line.<br />
* Change the printer driver. Instead of the recommended driver, use "HP LaserJet 2100 - CUPS+Gutenprint v5.2.8-pre1".<br />
* Print a test page, once works okay, click "OK", and close the printer config applet.<br />
<br />
=== Volume applet indicator disappeared ===<br />
<br />
[http://askubuntu.com/questions/126411/volume-and-other-indicators-disappeared-in-the-classic-desktop Source].<br />
Run gnome-sound-applet from the command line to check that it is installed and working.<br />
<br />
To start the sound applet automatically, go to System Tools -> Preferences -> Startup Applications, and add Command gnome-sound-applet<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 13.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
To be able to play videos again:<br />
sudo aptitude install ubuntu-restricted-extras<br />
<br />
To stop using Nautilus, following the unfortuate decision to remove all of its most useful features, and switch to Nemo instead. [http://www.fandigital.com/2012/09/install-nemo-file-manager-in-ubuntu.html Source] [http://www.fandigital.com/2013/01/set-nemo-default-file-manager-ubuntu.html Source].<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:gwendal-lebihan-dev/cinnamon-stable<br />
sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install nemo nemo-fileroller<br />
xdg-mime default nemo.desktop inode/directory application/x-gnome-saved-search<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 13.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Changed video driver from nouveau open source driver to nvidia's binary driver, to fix intermittent crashing of gnome-shell once or more per day: Applications -> System tools -> Software & updates -> Additional drivers -> nvidia-319-updates.<br />
<br />
* Problem: guest session broken, wallpaper all black, desktop icons broken, and screensaver unlock sometimes not working<br />
* Cause: All due to a conflict between Ubuntu 13.10 and cinnamon.<br />
* Solution: remove cinnamon and nemo. [http://askubuntu.com/questions/360772/unity-isnt-starting-on-13-10 Source].<br />
<br />
sudo apt-get install ppa-purge<br />
sudo apt-get purge --auto-remove cinnamon<br />
sudo apt-get autoremove<br />
sudo apt-get update -f<br />
sudo apt-get dist-upgrade<br />
sudo apt-get install ubuntu-desktop<br />
sudo apt-get remove .*cinnamon.*<br />
sudo apt-get remove .*nemo.*<br />
<br />
Then install nemo from the Ubuntu repos - part of the repos now.<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 14.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
To fix missing notifier icons (network, dropbox, sshplus, ksplice) :<br />
<br />
* How to fix the missing network icon - follow [http://www.bauer-power.net/2014/05/permanent-fix-for-missing-network.html these steps].<br />
* For the others: System tools -> preferences -> startup applications -> then open the item whose notifier icon is not appearing.<br />
* add "dbus-launch " to start of the command lines for Ksplice and SSHPlus and Dropbox, and any others that are not working.<br />
<br />
To fix greeter/login-screen monitor orientation - [http://askubuntu.com/questions/408302/rotated-monitor-login-screen-needs-rotation source].<br />
<br />
sudo cp ~/.config/monitors.xml /var/lib/lightdm/.config/<br />
sudo chown lightdm.lightdm /var/lib/lightdm/.config/monitors.xml<br />
<br />
== VirtualBox ==<br />
<br />
From the [http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Linux_Downloads VirtualBox Installation instructions]:<br />
sudo vim /etc/apt/sources.list <br />
add this line: <code>deb http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian oneiric contrib</code> . Do not add a deb-src line.<br />
wget -q http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian/oracle_vbox.asc -O- | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install dkms<br />
sudo aptitude install virtualbox-4.3<br />
<br />
The first time that you install, make sure that you are a member of vboxusers group (needed for USB disks to work correctly) :<br />
sudo usermod -a -G vboxusers `whoami`<br />
sudo usermod -a -G disk `whoami`<br />
Then reboot the computer.<br />
<br />
To get the extension pack, go Help -> Check for Updates, and this will check you have the latest virtualbox and also install/update the extensions. Enter password if prompted.<br />
<br />
Before starting the Guest machine, make sure USB functionality is enabled by going:<br />
* Settings -> USB -> Make sure both the USB checkboxes are ticked -> Click the "Add Empty Filter" button (the top button on the right) -> click OK to close dialog box.<br />
<br />
Rebuild the virtualbox modules after upgrading from a previous version:<br />
sudo service vboxdrv setup<br />
<br />
After upgrading from a previous version, to update the guest's VirtualBox drivers, do this after the Guest has started:<br />
* VirtualBox -> start Guest -> "Devices" menu -> Install Guest Additions.<br />
<br />
Then plug in a USB device after the guest machine has started. Then make it visible to the Guest by going:<br />
* Devices -> USB devices -> and select the USB device to make visible.<br />
<br />
And in a Debian or Ubuntu '''guest''' machine after doing a dist-upgrade, to install the vbox additions, do this:<br />
* Devices -> install guest additions...<br />
mount /dev/cdrom <br />
aptitude install build-essential linux-headers-$(uname -r)<br />
sh /cdrom/VBoxLinuxAdditions.run<br />
<br />
When doing a major version upgrade, use apt-get and not aptitude. For example:<br />
sudo apt-get install virtualbox-4.3<br />
... and then start VirtualBox, and then install the latest extension pack, using the steps above. The link will be on the [https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads VirtualBox downloads] page.<br />
<br />
If you get an "Error! Could not locate dkms.conf file" message, then you probably have old directories left over from an old version of virtualbox under /var/lib/dkms/ . E.g. I had some directories left over from 3.2.6, and the fix was:<br />
sudo rm -r /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetadp /var/lib/dkms/vboxdrv /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetflt<br />
<br />
== Newsgroup bin client ==<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude install sabnzbdplus<br />
Then configure as per [http://wiki.sabnzbd.org/quick-setup the steps on their wiki].<br />
<!-- Lottanzb keeps crashing for me:<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:lottanzb/daily-build<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:jcfp/ppa<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install lottanzb sabnzbdplus<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Steps for making the Benq Acer S2W 3300U work == <br />
<br />
* Plug in power and USB cable to the scanner, and connect it to your computer.<br />
* Check SANE is installed, then run <code> sane-find-scanner </code>, and it should list your scanner.<br />
* From [http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/downloads.cfm/dtype/D/page/downloads/product/91 Benq's page] get the Mirascan ZIP file. Note that Benq's webservers are crap, and they cut out mid-download, so save yourself frustration by using wget to take care of the downloading/resuming/retrying, by doing:<br />
wget ftp://211.78.86.204/scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
and/or<br />
wget http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/download.cfm?file=scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
* Check the ZIP file downloaded okay by doing:<br />
unzip -t mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
... and making sure it says there were "no errors detected" at the end.<br />
* Extract just the u176v046.bin file (which is firmware blob that this scanner needs to operate) into the current directory:<br />
unzip -j mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip "MiraScan v4.03u10_BQA/BIN/u176v046.bin"<br />
* Set up Sane to use this firmware blob:<br />
sudo mkdir /usr/share/sane/snapscan<br />
sudo cp u176v046.bin /usr/share/sane/snapscan/<br />
sudo editor /etc/sane.d/snapscan.conf<br />
... and change the first line from:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/your-firmwarefile.bin<br />
to:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/u176v046.bin<br />
... then save and close the file.<br />
* Then under the Applications -> Graphics menu, run Xsane, or (my preference) Simple Scan.<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
<!-- todo: add the repo steps here --><br />
Unfortunately dropbox does not seem to automatically install updates for old versions. Given this, need to manually install updates on old versions, and easiest way to install dropbox updates on Linux is, open a terminal and do:<br />
dropbox stop<br />
dropbox status # Should report "not running"<br />
rm -r ~/.dropbox-dist/<br />
dropbox start -i<br />
<br />
== Handbrake ==<br />
<br />
Handbrake is a media converter, and is especially useful for converting files for portable devices, like Android tablets or iPhones. To install the snapshot releases (which seems to be the easiest way, if you want the GUI) :<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:stebbins/handbrake-snapshots<br />
sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install handbrake-gtk handbrake-cli<br />
== Install Chromium dev builds ==<br />
<br />
Firefox is currently slightly better as a daily browser, but Chromium is improving rapidly. If you want to play with the native alpha port of Google's Chrome browser just to see how it's going, you can install the dev builds of Chromium quite easily by doing:<br />
<!-- could get rid of the PPA - Ubuntu now includes the chromium browser in universe, that lags a little, but avoids the constant daily updates: http://packages.ubuntu.com/search?keywords=chromium-browser --><br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:chromium-daily/dev<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install chromium-browser chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-nonfree chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-extra<br />
<!-- following [http://www.stefanoforenza.com/chromium-on-ubuntu-how-to/ these directions]. You probably also want to add the key for this PPA to your system, following [https://help.launchpad.net/Packaging/PPA#Adding%20the%20keys%20using%20Gnome these directions] about adding [http://keyserver.ubuntu.com:11371/pks/lookup?op=get&search=0x5A9BF3BB4E5E17B5 their key] to your system, so that you don't get lots of prompts every day when there is an update about "do you want to install unauthenticated packages?". --><br />
<br />
Chrome Extensions to install:<br />
* [http://www.chromeextensions.org/appearance-functioning/flashblock/ FlashBlock].<br />
* [http://blog.xmarks.com/?p=1244 Xmarks].<br />
* [https://chrome.google.com/extensions/detail/gighmmpiobklfepjocnamgkkbiglidom Adblock]. Need to restart browser for extension to take effect.<br />
<br />
Still waiting for these Chrome extensions as at July 2010:<br />
* The equivalent of Tab Mix Plus. (still looking for this).<br />
<br />
Things that aren't working quite right yet in Chromium on Linux:<br />
* The backspace key should go back, or should be configurable for this. There is an extension that allows this, but it should probably be a preference in the base browser.<br />
* Auto-updating of extensions. There is a way to do this from the extensions UI, but in Chromium it doesn't seem to do anything.<br />
* Audio playback not working correctly - e.g. on [http://slides.html5rocks.com/#slide22 this slide], get no audio after selecting a national anthem other than US (US works, other's don't). Possibly [http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Chrome/thread?tid=2fdf2aa857abe1ef&hl=en this issue] or [http://code.google.com/p/chromium/issues/detail?id=37848 this issue].<br />
* WebGL does not work on an old laptop, but does on a modern desktop. Could be that the laptop's hardware is just too old (or just not supported in 3D).<br />
<br />
To enable most of the new features of Chromium, change the command line for starting chromium to be like this:<br />
chromium-browser --enable-plugins --enable-greasemonkey --enable-user-scripts --enable-internal-flash --enable-extensions --enable-webgl %U<br />
<br />
Configuration settings:<br />
* To make streetview work: Try to open streetview -> nothing happens -> press Ctrl-Shift-F (which permanently unblock flashblock on that site) -> then streetview will pop up and work thereafter.<br />
<br />
Updating the flash plugin if you get a warning that "the flash plugin was blocked because it is out of date", or just installing the flash plugin.<br />
* First check where the plugin is installed, by opening chrome://plugins/ in chromium, and expanding the "details" link.<br />
* For me, it said "Location: /usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so".<br />
* Note this directory, and update the flashplugin variable below if you have a different path:<br />
cd ~/tmp<br />
flashplugin=/usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so<br />
sudo mv $flashplugin ./libflashplayer.so.old<br />
wget http://download.macromedia.com/pub/labs/flashplayer10/flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz<br />
tar zfvx flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz <br />
sudo cp ./libflashplayer.so $flashplugin<br />
cd /usr/lib/chromium-browser/plugins<br />
sudo ln -s $flashplugin<br />
Now restart chromium and the warning should be fixed & flash should work.<br />
<!--<br />
== Pinta ==<br />
<br />
Basic image editing program, like ms-paint:<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:moonlight-team/pinta<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install pinta<br />
<br />
tends to crash though.... don't include in public instructions just yet!<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
'''Warning: semi-commercial software'''<br />
<br />
Personally, I find dropbox useful for synchronising up to 2 GB of data free between multiple systems (desktop and laptop; work and home). You need to sign up here and install the software from here.<br />
##### FINISH WRITING THIS STEP AT SOME POINT #####<br />
##### Keeps crashing on network transfers, so don't write up until that is completed ###### -- this was fixed by upgrading to version 0.6.564 <br />
##### The crashing is back.... **sigh**<br />
<br />
== testing: Ksplice for rebootless kernel updates ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.ksplice.com/uptrack/download Install]<br />
[http://lwn.net/Articles/340477/ background on Ksplice].<br />
<br />
== Ekiga linux setup ==<br />
.... cannot test this until ADSL connection no longer blocks VoIP...<br />
Date: Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:21:10 +1100<br />
VoIP client.<br />
<br />
Applications ->Internet -> Ekiga softphone<br />
Enter name<br />
Tick "I do not want to sign up for the ekiga.net free service"<br />
connection type xDSL.cable<br />
enable STUN support: Yes<br />
rest of the options: take the defaults,.<br />
<br />
Then in Ekiga, go:<br />
edit -> accounts -> add my pennytel account details.<br />
#### No sound through ekiga in 10.10 -- leave commented out until this works ####<br />
--></div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/QuotesQuotes2014-10-09T06:22:32Z<p>Nickj: </p>
<hr />
<div>Various quotes I saw and liked: <br />
* "I'm not sure which upsets me more: that people are so unwilling to accept responsibility for their own actions, or that they are so eager to regulate everyone else's." - source unknown<br />
* "If you never fail, you are not taking enough risks." - (Dede, 1993).<br />
* "In theory there is no difference between theory and practice, but in practice there is." - either Jan L.A. van de Snepscheut or Fnord Bjørnberger<br />
* "Talk is cheap because supply always exceeds demand." - source unknown<br />
* "Neither individuals nor corporations have any right to come into court and ask that the clock of history be stopped, or turned back, for their private benefit." - Robert Heinlein <br />
* "Lots of folks are forced to skimp to support a government that won't." - source unknown<br />
* "When all is said and done ... there is usually more said than done." - source unknown<br />
* "Real innovation happens with the small guys." - source unknown<br />
* "Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake." - Napoleon Bonaparte<br />
* On the Matrix Revolutions: "The Wachowski brothers have delivered a dud so disappointing, they may as well have bussed in Ewoks to save Zion."<br />
* "Time is the only truly finite resource from a human perspective. As technology has progressed, distances have been conquered, vast energies harnessed, but old Father Time is still inescapable. As a result, we place great value on just how much time is taken to accomplish anything." - WiPEOUT<br />
* "Anyone who says that money isn't important is spending someone else's." - Hampton's Law <br />
* "The road less travelled is often less travelled for a very good reason" - Jerry Seinfeld<br />
* "You cannot apply a technological solution to a sociological problem." - Edwards' Law<br />
* "Everything takes longer, costs more, and is less useful." - Erwin Tomash<br />
* "Ideas have no value. Execution is what matters most." - Paraphrasing of Loïc Le Meur and Krzysztof Kowalczyk.<br />
* Fermi's Solution: "Any sufficiently advanced civilization either destroys itself or transcends to superintelligence."<br />
* "Democracy is the recurrent suspicion that more than half of the people are right more than half of the time." - E. B. White<br />
* "If you are 20 and you aren't a communist you have no heart, but if you are 30 and you still are a communist, you lack rationality." - source unknown.<br />
* Macintosh dictum: the user should never have to tell the machine anything that it knows or can deduce for itself.<br />
* "Ideas are cheap, but turning them into reality is brutally hard work." - posted to a discussion board.<br />
* "Never underestimate the power of broke, bored, determined Uni students." - posted to a discussion board.<br />
* "Be bold, and mighty forces will come to your aid." - Basil King.<br />
* "It is hard to get the world to throw away stuff they've already bought and that still works. Being twice as good isn't enough; if you really want people to trash their current equipment you need to be 10 times as good." - Bob Cringely, 2004.<br />
* "Life is uncertain, so always eat dessert first." - source unknown.<br />
* C.f. Edison's famous adage: "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."<br />
* "What resists, persists." - Lao Tsu 6th Century B.C.<br />
* "If it's not tested, it's broken." - Bruce Eckel.<br />
* "People optimize locally - that is, they do what's best for themselves." - Eric Allman.<br />
* "One of the most valuable things my father taught me is an old Yorkshire saying: where there's muck, there's brass. Meaning that unpleasant work pays. And more to the point here, vice versa. Work people like doesn't pay well, for reasons of supply and demand." - from [http://www.paulgraham.com/bronze.html Paul Graham]<br />
* "Remembering you are going to die is the best way to avoid the fear that you have something to lose." - Steve Jobs<br />
* "Most of us, when all is said and done, like what we like and make up reasons for it afterwards." -- Soren F. Petersen<br />
* "All you have to decide is what you're going to do with the time you are given." - Gandalf <br />
* "Have you ever seen one of these [NIH] grant applications? We're lucky Einstein didn't have to fill one out or God knows what 'E' would equal." - seen on the Internet.<br />
* "Patent. n. Genius is 5% inspiration and 95% perspiration. A patent is a tool for doing 5% of the work and then sitting around waiting for someone else to do the other 95% so you can sue them." - email sig seen on Internet.<br />
* "There are two types of people in this world... Those who finish what they start, and" - slogon on T-shirt.<br />
* "Writing for a penny a word is ridiculous. If a man really wants to make a million dollars he should start his own religion." - L Ron Hubbard, spoken in 1950 at a writer's convention, 4 years before he founded the Church of Scientology.<br />
* "The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt." - Bertrand Russell.<br />
* "It's not the principle of the thing, it's the money!" -- Movie producer in "King Kong".<br />
* "First class, is what's wrong honey. It used to be a better meal, now it's a better life." -- Dorothy in "Jerry Maguire" (1996).<br />
* "First rule in government spending: why build one when you can have two at twice the price?" -- Mr Hadden in "Contact" (1997).<br />
* "It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends upon his not understanding it." -- Upton Sinclair.<br />
* "Hell is Other People's Code" -- unknown.<br />
* "Be the change you want to see in the world." -- Gandhi.<br />
* "Hydrogen is an odorless colorless gas which, given enough time, turns into people." -- Edward R Harrison.<br />
* "Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination are omnipotent. The slogan 'press on' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race." -- President Calvin Coolidge.<br />
* "Be kind. For everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." -- Plato.<br />
* "Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first." -- Mark Twain.<br />
* "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -- Mark Twain.<br />
* "Markets can remain irrational a lot longer than you and I can remain solvent." -- A. Gary Shilling.<br />
* "There are only two kinds of programming languages: those people always bitch about, and those nobody uses." -- Bjarne Stroustrup.<br />
* "in an extended fight, one tends to become more like one's enemy" -- LWN.net<br />
* "The future is here. It's just not widely distributed yet." -- William Gibson<br />
* "Rooster one day, feather duster the next." -- Figure of speech, possibly Australian.<br />
* "Not all smart people work at Sun Microsystems." -- Bill Joy.<br />
* "All of man’s difficulties are caused by his inability to sit quietly in a room by himself." -- Blaise Pascal.<br />
* "If past history was all there was to the game, the richest people would be librarians." -- Warren Buffett<br />
<br />
[[Category:Opinion-Editorial]]</div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/QuotesQuotes2014-09-03T01:00:46Z<p>Nickj: </p>
<hr />
<div>Various quotes I saw and liked: <br />
* "I'm not sure which upsets me more: that people are so unwilling to accept responsibility for their own actions, or that they are so eager to regulate everyone else's." - source unknown<br />
* "If you never fail, you are not taking enough risks." - (Dede, 1993).<br />
* "In theory there is no difference between theory and practice, but in practice there is." - either Jan L.A. van de Snepscheut or Fnord Bjørnberger<br />
* "Talk is cheap because supply always exceeds demand." - source unknown<br />
* "Neither individuals nor corporations have any right to come into court and ask that the clock of history be stopped, or turned back, for their private benefit." - Robert Heinlein <br />
* "Lots of folks are forced to skimp to support a government that won't." - source unknown<br />
* "When all is said and done ... there is usually more said than done." - source unknown<br />
* "Real innovation happens with the small guys." - source unknown<br />
* "Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake." - Napoleon Bonaparte<br />
* On the Matrix Revolutions: "The Wachowski brothers have delivered a dud so disappointing, they may as well have bussed in Ewoks to save Zion."<br />
* "Time is the only truly finite resource from a human perspective. As technology has progressed, distances have been conquered, vast energies harnessed, but old Father Time is still inescapable. As a result, we place great value on just how much time is taken to accomplish anything." - WiPEOUT<br />
* "Anyone who says that money isn't important is spending someone else's." - Hampton's Law <br />
* "The road less travelled is often less travelled for a very good reason" - Jerry Seinfeld<br />
* "You cannot apply a technological solution to a sociological problem." - Edwards' Law<br />
* "Everything takes longer, costs more, and is less useful." - Erwin Tomash<br />
* "Ideas have no value. Execution is what matters most." - Paraphrasing of Loïc Le Meur and Krzysztof Kowalczyk.<br />
* Fermi's Solution: "Any sufficiently advanced civilization either destroys itself or transcends to superintelligence."<br />
* "Democracy is the recurrent suspicion that more than half of the people are right more than half of the time." - E. B. White<br />
* "If you are 20 and you aren't a communist you have no heart, but if you are 30 and you still are a communist, you lack rationality." - source unknown.<br />
* Macintosh dictum: the user should never have to tell the machine anything that it knows or can deduce for itself.<br />
* "Ideas are cheap, but turning them into reality is brutally hard work." - posted to a discussion board.<br />
* "Never underestimate the power of broke, bored, determined Uni students." - posted to a discussion board.<br />
* "Be bold, and mighty forces will come to your aid." - Basil King.<br />
* "It is hard to get the world to throw away stuff they've already bought and that still works. Being twice as good isn't enough; if you really want people to trash their current equipment you need to be 10 times as good." - Bob Cringely, 2004.<br />
* "Life is uncertain, so always eat dessert first." - source unknown.<br />
* C.f. Edison's famous adage: "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."<br />
* "What resists, persists." - Lao Tsu 6th Century B.C.<br />
* "If it's not tested, it's broken." - Bruce Eckel.<br />
* "People optimize locally - that is, they do what's best for themselves." - Eric Allman.<br />
* "One of the most valuable things my father taught me is an old Yorkshire saying: where there's muck, there's brass. Meaning that unpleasant work pays. And more to the point here, vice versa. Work people like doesn't pay well, for reasons of supply and demand." - from [http://www.paulgraham.com/bronze.html Paul Graham]<br />
* "Remembering you are going to die is the best way to avoid the fear that you have something to lose." - Steve Jobs<br />
* "Most of us, when all is said and done, like what we like and make up reasons for it afterwards." -- Soren F. Petersen<br />
* "All you have to decide is what you're going to do with the time you are given." - Gandalf <br />
* "Have you ever seen one of these [NIH] grant applications? We're lucky Einstein didn't have to fill one out or God knows what 'E' would equal." - seen on the Internet.<br />
* "Patent. n. Genius is 5% inspiration and 95% perspiration. A patent is a tool for doing 5% of the work and then sitting around waiting for someone else to do the other 95% so you can sue them." - email sig seen on Internet.<br />
* "There are two types of people in this world... Those who finish what they start, and" - slogon on T-shirt.<br />
* "Writing for a penny a word is ridiculous. If a man really wants to make a million dollars he should start his own religion." - L Ron Hubbard, spoken in 1950 at a writer's convention, 4 years before he founded the Church of Scientology.<br />
* "The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt." - Bertrand Russell.<br />
* "It's not the principle of the thing, it's the money!" -- Movie producer in "King Kong".<br />
* "First class, is what's wrong honey. It used to be a better meal, now it's a better life." -- Dorothy in "Jerry Maguire" (1996).<br />
* "First rule in government spending: why build one when you can have two at twice the price?" -- Mr Hadden in "Contact" (1997).<br />
* "It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends upon his not understanding it." -- Upton Sinclair.<br />
* "Hell is Other People's Code" -- unknown.<br />
* "Be the change you want to see in the world." -- Gandhi.<br />
* "Hydrogen is an odorless colorless gas which, given enough time, turns into people." -- Edward R Harrison.<br />
* "Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination are omnipotent. The slogan 'press on' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race." -- President Calvin Coolidge.<br />
* "Be kind. For everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." -- Plato.<br />
* "Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first." -- Mark Twain.<br />
* "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -- Mark Twain.<br />
* "Markets can remain irrational a lot longer than you and I can remain solvent." -- A. Gary Shilling.<br />
* "There are only two kinds of programming languages: those people always bitch about, and those nobody uses." -- Bjarne Stroustrup.<br />
* "in an extended fight, one tends to become more like one's enemy" -- LWN.net<br />
* "The future is here. It's just not widely distributed yet." -- William Gibson<br />
* "Rooster one day, feather duster the next." -- Figure of speech, possibly Australian.<br />
* "Not all smart people work at Sun Microsystems." -- Bill Joy.<br />
* "All of man’s difficulties are caused by his inability to sit quietly in a room by himself." -- Blaise Pascal.<br />
<br />
[[Category:Opinion-Editorial]]</div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/Ubuntu_desktop_setup_stepsUbuntu desktop setup steps2014-08-18T04:02:20Z<p>Nickj: Add Ubuntu 13.10 tweaks section</p>
<hr />
<div>Ubuntu desktop setup steps for an AMD64 system. Most of these instructions will also work on 8.04 LTS, 8.10, 9.04, and 9.10, and 10.04 LTS, 10.10, 11.04, and 11.10, as these instructions were previously for those versions, and it should almost all work on an x86 system too:<br />
<br />
== Pre-installation standard hardware test procedure ==<br />
<br />
Before installing or configuring any software, it is imperative to test the hardware beforehand, to establish that it is not provably broken:<br />
* Download the ISOs for [http://www.sysresccd.org/ System Rescue CD] and [http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/ Ultimate Boot CD] and burn these.<br />
* From either CD, run Memtest86+ on the machine overnight, to test that the CPU and memory are error-free.<br />
* From UBCD, run a CPU stress test for 5 to 10 minutes to check CPU is reliable and adequately cooled.<br />
* From Sys Rescue CD, check for bad blocks on the hard drive, before trusting it with any data: <code>badblocks -v -s -w -c 4096 /dev/sda</code> <br />Note however that badblocks is quite a slow test - e.g. took 34 hours on a 500 GB SATA disk in an external USB enclosure, and 17 hours on a 250 GB IDE disk.<br />It's also a destructive write test, and so will blank the disk, so make sure you have the right device (use <code>fdisk -lu</code> to confirm the device's size and name).<br />Successful output will look something like this:<br />
Checking for bad blocks in read-write mode<br />
From block 0 to 244198583<br />
Testing with pattern 0xaa: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x55: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0xff: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x00: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Pass completed, 0 bad blocks found.<br />
<br />
If problems are found with any of the above, resolve these first before proceeding further.<br />
<br />
== Installation == <br />
<br />
* Firstly, decide whether you want software RAID or not. Personally, I use RAID-1 mirroring of a single bootable partition, using 2 same-sized disks, from 2 different manufacturers, because:<br />
*# it's simple.<br />
*# it's redundant enough.<br />
*# it's cheap: the incremental cost is the cost of a single disk, which is less than $100.<br />
*# you can boot off of it.<br />
*# it's not a question of if a disk will fail, but when.<br />
: For software RAID, install from the Alternate Installation CD. You can always [http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Convert_a_single_drive_system_to_RAID convert to RAID-1 later], but it's significantly more faffing about than setting it up this way from the get-go.<br />
* Once you've done the above, download and burn either the standard or alternate Ubuntu install CD, as appropriate.<br />
* Insert installation CD. Follow simple options, installs, ejects CD, reboots. Then login.<br />
* System -> Networking -> set up static IP address instead of dynamic IP address.<br />
* reboot to get network changes to apply (theoretically this should not be necessary, but in practice it was, at least for me on 8.04).<br />
* reboot, install system updates. Then reboot once updates are installed.<br />
* system -> hardware drivers -> enable the proprietary nvidia drivers.<br />
* reboot to enable the proprietary drivers.<br />
<br />
== Tweaks and Preferences ==<br />
<br />
* Ditch the annoying sounds: System -> Preferences -> sound -> sounds -> set all to "no sound", and untick "play system sounds", and on "system beep" tab untick all boxes.<br />
* Ditch the thrashing hard-disk: System -> Preferences -> Searching and indexing -> General -> tick "enable indexing" and "enable watching" and both of the power management boxes to disable stuff when on battery.<br />
* To get Subpixel Smoothing on LCDs, do this: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Fonts -> Select "subpixel smoothing (LCDs)". Need to restart Firefox for this change to take effect in Firefox.<br />
* To get reasonable desktop visual effects: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Visual Effects -> Select "Normal".<br />
* To make the system remember running apps and window locations on logout, do this: System -> Preferences -> sessions -> session options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out". In Ubuntu 9.04 / gnome 2.26 & up, this setting has moved, and is now under: System -> Preferences -> Startup Application Preferences -> options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out".<br />
<!--* To tweak networking performance, [http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Hardy#Howto:_Tweak_and_maximize_your_bandwidth_in_Ubuntu.2FLinux_via_sysctl.21 follow these instructions]. --><br />
* Power saving: Turn off blinking cursor by going: System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> untick "Cursor blinks in text fields".<br />
* Add terminal icon to gnome panel: Right-click panel -> Add to Panel -> Application Launcher... -> Accessories -> Terminal -> Add -> Close.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Editor" tab -> tick "autosave" files every 2 minutes.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Plugins" tab -> tick "Sort" to enable the sort plugin -> Close. Can now highlight text and go Edit -> Sort to get it alphabetically sorted.<br />
<br />
== [[Firefox configuration steps]] ==<br />
<br />
{{:Firefox configuration steps}}<br />
<br />
== Installation of extra software ==<br />
<br />
Go system -> admin -> synaptic package manager -> then Install the following (my brief descriptions of what some packages do are also shown) :<br />
* inkscape # Vector drawing package<br />
* hugin # Create panoramas from an image set.<br />
* dia # Draw diagrams & flow charts, somewhat like "visio" on Windows.<br />
* googleearth-package<br />
* xchat # IRC client.<br />
* ttf-mscorefonts-installer ttf-linux-libertine ttf-inconsolata # The most useful font sets. See also the "[[#Install the Tahoma fonts|Install the Tahoma fonts]]" section below.<br />
* audacious # Like XMMS or Winamp<br />
* nmap # Check for open ports.<br />
* filezilla # GUI FTP client.<br />
* wireshark # Packet sniffer<br />
* powertop iotop htop # Show power hogs, I/O hogs, and an more visual command-line version of top.<br />
* nautilus-open-terminal # adds ability to right click on a folder and get a command prompt there.<br />
* php5-cli php5-gd php5-curl # Only useful if you want to write scripts in PHP.<br />
* traceroute # How packets get from here to there over the network.<br />
* curl # Command line HTTP client, includes form-submitting capacity<br />
* tofrodos # Convert line endings from dos to UNIX or vice-versa.<br />
* openssh-server<br />
* libxml2-dev libmysqlclient-dev # Optional: Only used for compiling PHP snapshots<br />
* eclipse sun-java6-jdk sun-java6-jre sun-java6-plugin libmysql-java junit junit-doc # Optional: Java development using Eclipse + java plugins for Firefox<br />
* sysinfo # Kind of like device manager on Windows. Shows CPU / memory / hard disk installed, some hardware that has been detected, etc.<br />
* autofs smbfs smbclient<br />
* gisomount<br />
* gtk-recordmydesktop # Record videos of what you're doing on your desktop.<br />
* gworldclock # Want to simultaneously see the time in Tokyo, LA, London, and Rio? Use this.<br />
* ffmpeg2theora # Convert videos into format suitable for uploading to Wikimedia commons.<br />
* rar p7zip-full # needed for extracting .7z and RAR archives<br />
* gnome-do # Run apps or commands from a keyboard launcher.<br />
* pinfo # Much nicer UI than man or info for reading documentation.<br />
* vlc mozilla-plugin-vlc<br />
* avidemux # Useful for replacing audio tracks in video files.<br />
* indent # Useful for auto-indenting code.<br />
* smartmontools smart-notifier # S.M.A.R.T. hard disk monitoring tools.<br />
* tidy<br />
* ddrescue # Useful for recovering data from failing hard disks.<br />
* gimp-resynthesizer # A nifty plugin for gimp for repairing images or filling in content intelligently. Ignore if you don't use gimp.<br />
* qpdf # Useful for removing password from PDF files, as per [http://blog.sandipb.net/2009/01/10/removing-encryption-from-legitimate-pdf-files-on-ubuntu/ this guide].<br />
* hardinfo # Generates a hardware report and benchmark for the system; can also run in command line mode by doing: <code> hardinfo -r -f html > report.html </code><br />
* gtkvncviewer # Nice VNC client.<br />
* renameutils # Useful for bulk renaming of files. Example for renaming all .JPG files in a directory to .jpg (lowercase) is: <code>rename s/JPG$/jpg/ *</code><br />
* meld # Good GUI for comparing two files, e.g. two log files.<br />
* asciio # Good for drawing ASCII graphs; only available in Ubuntu 10.10 and up.<br />
* spamassassin # Email filtering, used by Evolution.<br />
<!--<br />
<br />
Have installed on laptop - test some more and see if worth including:<br />
gedit-plugins<br />
wget http://nchc.dl.sourceforge.net/sourceforge/openproj/openproj_1.4-2.deb && sudo dpkg -i openproj_1.4-2.deb<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
winbind # could be useful on a windows network. Have not discerned any benefit yet though.<br />
<br />
Still working out whether to include or not: * evolution-plugins-experimental <br />
<br />
* bum # Boot Up Manager - GUI for specifying what services should be running on boot-up.<br />
* miro # Combined bittorrent client and video player. Particularly useful for downloading TED talks before a flight. Uses lots of disk space though.<br />
* k3b # CD burning app.<br />
* deluge amule # P2P - donkey plus bittorrent<br />
<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Configure "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" ==<br />
<br />
To get the back / forward keyboard keys working in Firefox, when using the "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard", go System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> Layout -> click the model button -> Choose Microsoft -> set model to "Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro USB" -> click "close".<br />
<br />
== Custom Key Bindings, aimed at "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" == <br />
<br />
Note: the steps keep changing in each Ubuntu release (the menus move around, the keycodes change), unfortunately. This is what works for me using 11.10 in gnome-fallback mode:<br />
<br />
* ubuntu "System Setting" (top right corner of your desktop) -> Keyboard -> Shortcut.<br />
* Set "1" favourite key to "run a terminal"<br />
* Set "2" favourite key to "open home folder"<br />
<br />
There seems to be a bug that prevents the "custom shortcuts" keys from working for favourite keys 3, 4 and 5. Instead we have to do this:<br />
* In a terminal, run: <code>gconf-editor</code><br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/global_keybindings<br />
* Change "run_command_3" to be 0xc2, "run_command_4" to be 0xc3, and "run_command_5" to be 0xc4 - these corresponds to the 3 / 4 / 5 favourite keys.<br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/keybinding_commands<br />
* Change "command_3" to be the take-screenshot command: <code>gnome-screenshot --window --interactive</code><br />
* Change "command_4" to be the new-text-editor command: <code>/usr/bin/gedit --new-document</code><br />
* Change "command_5" to be as desired.<br />
<!-- * Name is "Zend Studio", command is "sh /home/nickj/programs/Zend/ZendStudio-5.5.0/bin/ZDE". Set the 5 favourite key to run this. --><br />
<br />
== Install Skype == <br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>" -> Skype -> More Info -> Install. <br />
<br />
Then to make the right-click menus legible with Ubuntu's dark theme, do as follows:<br />
# Applications -> Internet -> Skype -> single-click on the skype icon in the top right to open skype -> Ctrl-O to open options -> "general" -> Choose Style: "Desktop settings" -> close.<br />
# Single click on skype icon to open skype again -> Ctrl-Q to close.<br />
# Now restart skype by going Applications -> Internet -> Skype, and the right-click menus will be readable.<br />
<!--<br />
install Skype - [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Skype#AMD64 Source of instructions].<br />
sudo aptitude install ia32-libs<br />
wget http://skype.com/go/getskype-linux-ubuntu<br />
sudo aptitude install libqt4-core libqt4-gui qt4-qtconfig <br />
sudo dpkg --install --force-architecture --force-depends skype-debian*.deb<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Install the Tahoma fonts ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.stchman.com/ms_fonts.html Source of instructions].<br />
<br />
Once the msttcorefonts package is installed you will notice that Tahoma and Tahoma Bold is missing. You will need to extract Tahoma<br />
and Tahoma Bold from the zip file. Tahoma is used for Microsoft desktop, title bars and menu fonts so if you are trying to get that<br />
XP look you will need the Tahoma regular and Tahoma Bold fonts. Install Tahoma by doing the following in a terminal.<br />
<br />
cd ~<br />
wget http://www.stchman.com/tools/MS_fonts/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo unzip -d /usr/share/fonts/truetype/msttcorefonts ~/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo fc-cache -f -v<br />
rm -f ~/tahoma.zip<br />
<br />
== Install Flash == <br />
<br />
* Install the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up or installs flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems.<br />
* Restart the browser.<br />
* Go to: Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, go with all the defaults.<br />
* It removes any old flash plugins and downloads and installs the latest Adobe one.<br />
* For AMD64 systems, can use the flash 64 bit beta.<br />
<br />
If flash videos have a blue tint after the installation, then repeat the above steps, which may fix it. If it doesn't, then right click on a flash video with a blue tint -> Settings -> Untick "enable HW acceleration". [http://askubuntu.com/questions/117127/flash-video-appears-blue Source].<br />
<br />
== Install Google Earth ==<br />
<!--<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update && sudo aptitude install medibuntu-keyring && sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install googleearth-4.3<br />
<br />
... or follow the manual instructions on [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/GoogleEarth this page] for a more recent version.<br />
--><br />
Follow [http://www.liberiangeek.net/2011/10/how-to-install-google-earth-in-ubuntu-11-10-oneiric-ocelot/ these instructions for installing google earth].<br />
<br />
== Install Acrobat reader ==<br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>", or go Applications -> Ubuntu Software Center, and then go: -> Canonical Partners -> Adobe Acrobat reader -> Install.<br />
<br />
<!--<br />
In earlier versions of Ubuntu, to install acrobat reader, since [http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-general-1/cant-shrink-to-fit-pdf-doc-654281/ Ubuntu's native PDF readers don't have shrink to fit when printing]. :<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install acroread acroread-plugins<br />
<br />
(this uses medibuntu, from the Google Earth step above).<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
Also need to do this:<br />
sudo editor /usr/share/applications/defaults.list <br />
And change this:<br />
#application/pdf=evince.desktop<br />
application/pdf=AdobeReader.desktop<br />
--><br />
Then to tweak the display preferences of Acrobat Reader: Edit -> Preferences -> Page Display -> set "Zoom" to "Fit Page" -> Click "Ok".<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
== Install Opera ==<br />
<br />
To install and configure opera (since it's useful for testing web pages to be able to check behaviour, and it's useful to have another browser around sometimes), do the following:<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.list<br />
... and add these two lines:<br />
# For latest stable opera:<br />
deb http://deb.opera.com/opera/ stable non-free<br />
<br />
* Then do:<br />
sudo wget -O - http://deb.opera.com/archive.key | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install opera<br />
* Then run opera - Applications -> Internet -> Opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise -> Toolbars tab -> change the "wrapping" setting to "Wrap to multiple lines".<br />
<!-- <br />
* Go to [http://www.opera.com/download/ Opera's download page].<br />
* Download and open and install the .deb file<br />
* Then run opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise and change the wrapping setting to "multiple lines".<br />
--><br />
== Enable Apport for crash bug reporting ==<br />
<br />
Enable apport so that crash bugs will be reported and logged:<br />
sudo editor /etc/default/apport<br />
change enabled from "0" to "1".<br />
<br />
Crashes will then be logged to /var/crash/<br />
<br />
== Configure Open Office to work in MS Office 2000 compatibility mode ==<br />
<br />
[http://news.cnet.com/8301-13880_3-9864262-68.html Source of instructions]. Only do this if you are testing a migration to Ubuntu. Once you have already switched, then use the native ODF for new files, as they generally save formatting better.<br />
* Start OpenOffice Word Process: Applications -> Office -> OpenOffice.org Word Processor -> tools -> options -> expand "Load/Save" -> select "general" -> For document type = "Text document", set Always save as "Microsoft Word 97/2000/XP" (instead of "ODF text document"); For Document type = "Spreadsheet", set Always save as "Microsoft Excel 97/2000/XP"; For Document type = "Presentation", set Always save as "Microsoft PowerPoint 97/2000/XP" -> then click "OK".<br />
* Then tools -> options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> compatibility -> tick "Use printer metrics for document formatting", tick "Do not add leading (extra space) between lines of text", and tick "Consider wrapping style when positioning objects". Then go: Use as Default -> Yes -> OK.<br />
<br />
Note: When you upgrade between Ubuntu releases, you will probably need to repeat the first step, otherwise it will default back to saving in OpenOffice's formats by default.<br />
<br />
== Evolution configuration ==<br />
<br />
* Turn off new email notifications: Evolution -> Edit -> Plugins -> Uncheck "Mail Notification" plugin.<br />
* Edit -> Preferences -> 'Calendar and Tasks' -> 'Display' tab -> Disable the 'Compress weekends in month view' option.<br />
* Customize the default mail folder view. Get one folder looking right (personal preference: Columns: From / Subject / Received, with threads off, sorted by date received with most recent first). Then go View -> Current view -> Save Custom View... -> Replace existing view -> Messages -> Save. "Messages" is a special view, which is used by default on all folders, although you can override it on a folder-by-folder basis, but customizing that folder's view.<br />
<br />
== Set up SSH keys and KeepAlive Interval ==<br />
<br />
For each machine you want to have password-less SSH login to, do:<br />
ssh-copy-id -i ~/.ssh/id_dsa.pub machine1<br />
<br />
Also on some connections the SSH shell can close after a short timeout period. To keep connections option for longer, on the client side do, <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and then add this line to send a keep-alive heartbeat every 60 seconds:<br />
ServerAliveInterval 60<br />
<br />
... there is also a corresponding "ClientAliveInterval 60" setting that can be added to /etc/ssh/sshd_config - although sometimes you only control the client side of the link, and so this is not possible.<br />
<br />
Also set up connection sharing, makes secondary connections to SSH hosts much faster. <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and add this:<br />
# from: "OpenSSH tip: connection sharing"<br />
# http://tanguy.ortolo.eu/blog/article42/ssh-connection-sharing<br />
ControlPath ~/.ssh/control-%r@%h:%p<br />
ControlMaster auto<br />
ControlPersist 1<br />
<br />
== Automounting remote file systems using SSHFS ==<br />
<br />
For a remote Linux system, can automount with autofs + sshfs. Follow the guides [http://www.tjansson.dk/?p=84 here] and [http://www.mccambridge.org/blog/2007/05/totally-seamless-sshfs-under-linux-using-fuse-and-autofs/ here].<br />
<br />
Debug any problems with:<br />
tail --lines=0 -f /var/log/*<br />
<!-- <br />
Windows shares<br />
* Currently TESTING, this step not complete yet.<br />
* [http://oapeon.blogspot.com/2008/09/automounting-cifs-share-in-ubuntu.html Follow these instructions], but also [http://www.howtoforge.com/accessing_windows_or_samba_shares_using_autofs create a /etc/auto.smb.FILESERVERNAME file with login credentials].<br />
<br />
Actually, may have spoken too soon, seems kinda flakey. Getting "Input/output error" on the command line when accessing shares after a few minutes:<br />
<br />
$ ls /smb/server/sharename/<br />
ls: cannot access /smb/server/sharename/: Input/output error<br />
$<br />
<br />
Also seeing these errors when doing "tail -f /var/log/messages", despite supplying login credentials:<br />
Oct 23 17:42:02 redux kernel: [66597.665680] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
Oct 23 17:42:01 redux kernel: [66597.524118] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
<br />
To remove, uninstall these packages:<br />
sudo aptitude uninstall --purge autofs libevent1 libgssglue1 libnfsidmap2 librpcsecgss3 nfs-common portmap smbfs<br />
<br />
<br />
rebooting seemed to make this better.... although it's still buggy and flakey. Get directories being infinitely recursive, edited files appearing as directories, etc etc.<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
testing / playing with smbnetfs as an alternative<br />
sudo aptitude install smbnetfs<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/smbnetfs.conf <br />
<br />
- show_$_shares "false"<br />
+ show_$_shares "true"<br />
<br />
mkdir ~/.smb<br />
editor ~/.smb/smbnetfs.auth<br />
<br />
auth nickj password<br />
<br />
Need to do something with .smb/smbnetfs.conf ?<br />
<br />
<br />
* smbnetfs is probably not even running - need to find some decent docs on how to configure this.<br />
* autofs is mounted on /smb , and can be seriously flakey.<br />
* trying sshfs now, seems better but needs some magic options in the mount flags to work suitably.<br />
--><br />
== right before and right after each upgrade ==<br />
<br />
Remove unneeded cruft, by doing:<br />
sudo apt-get autoremove<br />
sudo apt-get clean<br />
deborphan<br />
Check first that no important packages are about to be removed, then do:<br />
sudo apt-get remove --purge $(deborphan)<br />
Purge old configuration files, first command shows what will be purged:<br />
sudo aptitude search ~c <br />
sudo aptitude purge ~c<br />
<br />
Fix broken packages:<br />
* <code>sudo aptitude</code><br />
* fix any broken packages (ctrl-t -> resolver -> examine -> g -> g).<br />
* also clean up cache and obsolete files (ctrl-t -> actions -> "clean package cache" and "clean obsolete files").<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
These tweaks are only required for 9.04:<br />
<br />
([http://reformedmusings.wordpress.com/2009/04/26/recovering-daily-update-notifications-in-ubuntu-904-jaunty/ Source]) To enable daily notification of non-security updates, which is especially useful if you [[#enable Apport for crash bug reporting|enable Apport for crash bug reporting]], then do this:<br />
gconftool -s --type bool /apps/update-notifier/auto_launch false<br />
<br />
([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-when-logoutshutdown-and-restart-ubuntu904 Source]) To remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout, do this:<br />
* Right-click on the panel power button icon on top-right of the screen -> Preferences -> Untick "Show confirm dialog for logout, shutdown and restart".<br />
<br />
Only in Ubuntu 9.04:<br />
sudo aptitude install firefox-3.5 firefox-3.5-gnome-support<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Tweaks to Ubuntu 9.10 that I had to apply to get stuff working again, or configured how I like it:<br />
<br />
1: Remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout. ([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-in-ubuntu910karmic Source]). <br />
<br />
2: For seeing details of SMART reporting for hard disks:<br />
sudo aptitude install gsmartcontrol<br />
<br />
3: system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Dust".<br />
<br />
4: Alt-F2, run gconf-editor , then toogle the GConf key /apps/eog/ui/disable_trash_confirmation to be ticked, to disable prompting for image deleting though Eye of Gnome ([https://bugzilla.gnome.org/show_bug.cgi?id=541967#c5 source]).<br />
<br />
5: Some third party entries in your sources.list were disabled. You can re-enable them after the upgrade with the 'software-properties' tool or your package manager.<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.lst<br />
<br />
.. then re-enable dropbox, chrome daily builds, etc, and apply those updates:<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude upgrade<br />
<br />
6: Setting MySQL back to utf8 mode:<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/mysql/my.cnf <br />
add under the "[mysqld]" section:<br />
default-character-set=utf8<br />
<br />
7: Blue tint to video files in VLC, Mplayer, and Totem. [http://www.mediacollege.com/video-gallery/testclips/20051210-w50s.flv Example video file]. [https://bugs.launchpad.net/totem/+bug/395476 Bug is in] the Nvidia closed source driver. Workaround is:<br />
* open totem via Applications -> Sound & Video -> Movie Player<br />
* open the preferences window via Edit -> Preferences<br />
* select the Display tab<br />
* click the Reset to Defaults button<br />
<br />
8: Problem: Mplayer crashing regularly when changing video output mode, and also giving a "couldn't resolve name for AF_INET6:" error on URL playback. Workaround: ditch mplayer, as totem and VLC are suitable replacements:<br />
sudo aptitude remove --purge mplayer<br />
<br />
9: Flash applets don't work in firefox or chrome on AMD64 (example: playing [http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-february-1-2010/q---o this Daily Show] video) .... solution: redo the [[#Install_Flash_on_AMD64|Flash installation steps]].<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Ambiance". <!-- move window decoration buttons to the left too - find link & steps for this --><br />
# If images don't display in office documents: Start OpenOffice writer, and then go: Tools -> Options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> View -> tick "Graphics and objects" -> click "Ok".<br />
<!-- to get SIP calls working through empathy through the dodgy Telstra modem that blocks VoIP: sudo aptitude install telepathy-sofiasip ... no, didn't work - test again later. --><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# <code>sudo aptitude remove tracker</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install unity-2d</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
The 11.10 release had more problems than most releases.<br />
<br />
Nautilus default view: go to Places -> Home folder -> Edit -> Preferences -> "View new folders using": select "List View".<br />
<br />
=== Restore classic Gnome desktop ===<br />
To get gnome classic desktop back, as per [http://www.webupd8.org/2011/08/installing-using-classic-gnome-desktop.html this blog post].<br />
sudo apt-get install gnome-session-fallback<br />
Then:<br />
* Install weather applet<br />
* System monitor applet<br />
* Add application icons for Firefox, chrome, terminal, and gedit.<br />
sudo aptitude install alarm-clock-applet<br />
* Add an application icon for the alarm clock applet.<br />
* Put a trash applet back on the bottom right of the screen.<br />
* Put a show desktop applet back on the bottom left of the screen.<br />
<br />
=== SSH menu is gone, use SSH plus instead ===<br />
Follow [http://www.gulecha.org/2011/07/29/sshplus-a-sshmenu-compatible-appindicator/ these installation instructions]. Then do <code>sudo aptitude install putty</code><br/> <br />
To add to startup apps: Applications -> System Tools -> Preferences -> startup applications -> add SSHplus by full path.<br />
<br />
=== blurry image viewer ===<br />
Images look blurry because the default Gnome Image viewer (eog/eye of gnome) is set to "Best Fit" instead of "Normal view", which resizes images slightly, making them appear blurry. Unfortunately, there seems to be no preference or setting that allows changing this permanently. Instead just install another image viewing app, and make it the default:<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install gthumb</code><br/><br />
It can be customized to view images 1:1 by going Edit -> Preferences -> Viewer -> Set to actual size. Then go View -> unselect "Thumbnail pane" (with this on, it seems to interfere with 1:1 viewing). Test it, then if so make it the default app by going ubuntu "System Settings" (top right corner of your desktop) -> System info -> Default applications -> Photos -> gThumb.<br />
<br />
=== usb automounting was broken ===<br />
Inserted USB drives would no longer automatically mount and open a file manager window. Solved by installing, and then removing, the usbmount package.<br />
<br />
=== Flash broken ===<br />
After upgrading from 11.04 to 11.10, flash applets either did not work, or worked partial (such as the sound being distorted, like the person was underwater). Fixed by installing the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up broken flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems. Installed the extension, restarted the browser, then went Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, just went with all the defaults, it removed the old flash plugins (I had 2) and downloaded and installed the latest adobe one, and then it was as good as new and working flawlessly.<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 12.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
=== Multiple monitors broken, screen orientation broken ===<br />
<br />
run Synaptic, remove all the nvidia drivers, and install the nouveau firmware, then reboot, then systems settings -> displays, and can change the monitor setup so that multi-montior works again and so the orientations are in portrait instead of landscape.<br />
<br />
From the command line to remove nvidia drivers, can do:<br />
sudo apt-get purge nvidia-settings nvidia-current<br />
<br />
=== Customised keyboard shortcuts lost ===<br />
<br />
All my customized keyboard shortcuts for the extra buttons on my keyboard are lost. Had to redo the keyboard config to get these back.<br />
<br />
=== alt-tab no longer works ===<br />
<br />
To fix (from [http://askubuntu.com/questions/135685/alt-tab-does-not-switch this source]) :<br />
sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* Go at the very bottom where it says "Window Management"<br />
* Put a checkmark in "application switcher"<br />
* That should fix it.<br />
<br />
=== Workplace switching is broken (gives a blank desktop with no menus or items) ===<br />
<br />
Install compiz settings manager as above, and that will fix it. To get switching to be 4 horizontal desktops:<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* "general" -> General options -> Desktop size -> horizontal virtual size = 4, vertical virtual size = 1<br />
<br />
Also turn off "effects" -> "animations" in compiz too, whilst we are there.<br />
<br />
=== Gnome menus look ugly ===<br />
<br />
The bug is [https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/light-themes/+bug/981289 here]. To fix ambiance themes, [http://www.webupd8.org/2012/05/install-ambiance-fixed-for-classic.html follow these steps].<br />
<br />
=== Printing was broken ===<br />
<br />
Jobs sent to the network printer just sat in the queue and were never printed, even though the printer hardware was fine and the same queue worked perfectly in 11.10. Easiest solution was to cancel all print jobs, delete the printer, add a new printer with the same settings, and reboot (because the printer setup locked up whilst doing these things).<br />
<br />
=== Printing was excessively slow from Firefox ===<br />
<br />
Even after doing the above, printing was very slow from Firefox to the HP LaserJet 2100 TN. For example, it was taking up to 4 minutes to print a page, whereas it would take 15 seconds before. To fix:<br />
* Run "system-config-printer" from the command line.<br />
* Change the printer driver. Instead of the recommended driver, use "HP LaserJet 2100 - CUPS+Gutenprint v5.2.8-pre1".<br />
* Print a test page, once works okay, click "OK", and close the printer config applet.<br />
<br />
=== Volume applet indicator disappeared ===<br />
<br />
[http://askubuntu.com/questions/126411/volume-and-other-indicators-disappeared-in-the-classic-desktop Source].<br />
Run gnome-sound-applet from the command line to check that it is installed and working.<br />
<br />
To start the sound applet automatically, go to System Tools -> Preferences -> Startup Applications, and add Command gnome-sound-applet<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 13.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
To be able to play videos again:<br />
sudo aptitude install ubuntu-restricted-extras<br />
<br />
To stop using Nautilus, following the unfortuate decision to remove all of its most useful features, and switch to Nemo instead. [http://www.fandigital.com/2012/09/install-nemo-file-manager-in-ubuntu.html Source] [http://www.fandigital.com/2013/01/set-nemo-default-file-manager-ubuntu.html Source].<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:gwendal-lebihan-dev/cinnamon-stable<br />
sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install nemo nemo-fileroller<br />
xdg-mime default nemo.desktop inode/directory application/x-gnome-saved-search<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 13.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Changed video driver from nouveau open source driver to nvidia's binary driver, to fix intermittent crashing of gnome-shell once or more per day: Applications -> System tools -> Software & updates -> Additional drivers -> nvidia-319-updates.<br />
<br />
* Problem: guest session broken, wallpaper all black, desktop icons broken, and screensaver unlock sometimes not working<br />
* Cause: All due to a conflict between Ubuntu 13.10 and cinnamon.<br />
* Solution: remove cinnamon and nemo. [http://askubuntu.com/questions/360772/unity-isnt-starting-on-13-10 Source].<br />
<br />
sudo apt-get install ppa-purge<br />
sudo apt-get purge --auto-remove cinnamon<br />
sudo apt-get autoremove<br />
sudo apt-get update -f<br />
sudo apt-get dist-upgrade<br />
sudo apt-get install ubuntu-desktop<br />
sudo apt-get remove .*cinnamon.*<br />
sudo apt-get remove .*nemo.*<br />
<br />
Then install nemo from the Ubuntu repos - part of the repos now.<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 14.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
To fix missing notifier icons (network, dropbox, sshplus, ksplice) :<br />
<br />
* How to fix the missing network icon - follow [http://www.bauer-power.net/2014/05/permanent-fix-for-missing-network.html these steps].<br />
* For the others: System tools -> preferences -> startup applications -> then open the item whose notifier icon is not appearing.<br />
* add "dbus-launch " to start of the command lines for Ksplice and SSHPlus and Dropbox, and any others that are not working.<br />
<br />
To fix greeter/login-screen monitor orientation - [http://askubuntu.com/questions/408302/rotated-monitor-login-screen-needs-rotation source].<br />
<br />
sudo cp ~/.config/monitors.xml /var/lib/lightdm/.config/<br />
sudo chown lightdm.lightdm /var/lib/lightdm/.config/monitors.xml<br />
<br />
== VirtualBox ==<br />
<br />
From the [http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Linux_Downloads VirtualBox Installation instructions]:<br />
sudo vim /etc/apt/sources.list <br />
add this line: <code>deb http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian oneiric contrib</code> . Do not add a deb-src line.<br />
wget -q http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian/oracle_vbox.asc -O- | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install dkms<br />
sudo aptitude install virtualbox-4.2<br />
<br />
The first time that you install, make sure that you are a member of vboxusers group (needed for USB disks to work correctly) :<br />
sudo usermod -a -G vboxusers `whoami`<br />
sudo usermod -a -G disk `whoami`<br />
Then reboot the computer.<br />
<br />
To get the extension pack, which enables some extra features in VirtualBox 4.1:<br />
cd ~/.Virtualbox<br />
mkdir extensions<br />
cd extensions/<br />
wget http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/4.1.8/Oracle_VM_VirtualBox_Extension_Pack-4.1.8-75467.vbox-extpack<br />
To enable the extension pack:<br />
* VirtualBox main window -> File -> Preferences -> Extensions -> add button on right -> select the file saved above -> enter password if prompted.<br />
<br />
Before starting the Guest machine, make sure USB functionality is enabled by going:<br />
* Settings -> USB -> Make sure both the USB checkboxes are ticked -> Click the "Add Empty Filter" button (the top button on the right) -> click OK to close dialog box.<br />
<br />
Rebuild the virtualbox modules after upgrading from a previous version:<br />
sudo service vboxdrv setup<br />
<br />
After upgrading from a previous version, to update the guest's VirtualBox drivers, do this after the Guest has started:<br />
* VirtualBox -> start Guest -> "Devices" menu -> Install Guest Additions.<br />
<br />
Then plug in a USB device after the guest machine has started. Then make it visible to the Guest by going:<br />
* Devices -> USB devices -> and select the USB device to make visible.<br />
<br />
And in a Debian or Ubuntu '''guest''' machine after doing a dist-upgrade, to install the vbox additions, do this:<br />
* Devices -> install guest additions...<br />
mount /dev/cdrom <br />
aptitude install build-essential linux-headers-$(uname -r)<br />
sh /cdrom/VBoxLinuxAdditions.run<br />
<br />
When doing a major version upgrade, use apt-get and not aptitude. For example:<br />
sudo apt-get install virtualbox-4.2<br />
... and then start VirtualBox, and then install the latest extension pack, using the steps above. The link will be on the [https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads VirtualBox downloads] page.<br />
<br />
If you get an "Error! Could not locate dkms.conf file" message, then you probably have old directories left over from an old version of virtualbox under /var/lib/dkms/ . E.g. I had some directories left over from 3.2.6, and the fix was:<br />
sudo rm -r /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetadp /var/lib/dkms/vboxdrv /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetflt<br />
<br />
== Newsgroup bin client ==<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude install sabnzbdplus<br />
Then configure as per [http://wiki.sabnzbd.org/quick-setup the steps on their wiki].<br />
<!-- Lottanzb keeps crashing for me:<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:lottanzb/daily-build<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:jcfp/ppa<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install lottanzb sabnzbdplus<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Steps for making the Benq Acer S2W 3300U work == <br />
<br />
* Plug in power and USB cable to the scanner, and connect it to your computer.<br />
* Check SANE is installed, then run <code> sane-find-scanner </code>, and it should list your scanner.<br />
* From [http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/downloads.cfm/dtype/D/page/downloads/product/91 Benq's page] get the Mirascan ZIP file. Note that Benq's webservers are crap, and they cut out mid-download, so save yourself frustration by using wget to take care of the downloading/resuming/retrying, by doing:<br />
wget ftp://211.78.86.204/scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
and/or<br />
wget http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/download.cfm?file=scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
* Check the ZIP file downloaded okay by doing:<br />
unzip -t mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
... and making sure it says there were "no errors detected" at the end.<br />
* Extract just the u176v046.bin file (which is firmware blob that this scanner needs to operate) into the current directory:<br />
unzip -j mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip "MiraScan v4.03u10_BQA/BIN/u176v046.bin"<br />
* Set up Sane to use this firmware blob:<br />
sudo mkdir /usr/share/sane/snapscan<br />
sudo cp u176v046.bin /usr/share/sane/snapscan/<br />
sudo editor /etc/sane.d/snapscan.conf<br />
... and change the first line from:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/your-firmwarefile.bin<br />
to:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/u176v046.bin<br />
... then save and close the file.<br />
* Then under the Applications -> Graphics menu, run Xsane, or (my preference) Simple Scan.<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
<!-- todo: add the repo steps here --><br />
Unfortunately dropbox does not seem to automatically install updates for old versions. Given this, need to manually install updates on old versions, and easiest way to install dropbox updates on Linux is, open a terminal and do:<br />
dropbox stop<br />
dropbox status # Should report "not running"<br />
rm -r ~/.dropbox-dist/<br />
dropbox start -i<br />
<br />
== Handbrake ==<br />
<br />
Handbrake is a media converter, and is especially useful for converting files for portable devices, like Android tablets or iPhones. To install the snapshot releases (which seems to be the easiest way, if you want the GUI) :<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:stebbins/handbrake-snapshots<br />
sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install handbrake-gtk handbrake-cli<br />
== Install Chromium dev builds ==<br />
<br />
Firefox is currently slightly better as a daily browser, but Chromium is improving rapidly. If you want to play with the native alpha port of Google's Chrome browser just to see how it's going, you can install the dev builds of Chromium quite easily by doing:<br />
<!-- could get rid of the PPA - Ubuntu now includes the chromium browser in universe, that lags a little, but avoids the constant daily updates: http://packages.ubuntu.com/search?keywords=chromium-browser --><br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:chromium-daily/dev<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install chromium-browser chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-nonfree chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-extra<br />
<!-- following [http://www.stefanoforenza.com/chromium-on-ubuntu-how-to/ these directions]. You probably also want to add the key for this PPA to your system, following [https://help.launchpad.net/Packaging/PPA#Adding%20the%20keys%20using%20Gnome these directions] about adding [http://keyserver.ubuntu.com:11371/pks/lookup?op=get&search=0x5A9BF3BB4E5E17B5 their key] to your system, so that you don't get lots of prompts every day when there is an update about "do you want to install unauthenticated packages?". --><br />
<br />
Chrome Extensions to install:<br />
* [http://www.chromeextensions.org/appearance-functioning/flashblock/ FlashBlock].<br />
* [http://blog.xmarks.com/?p=1244 Xmarks].<br />
* [https://chrome.google.com/extensions/detail/gighmmpiobklfepjocnamgkkbiglidom Adblock]. Need to restart browser for extension to take effect.<br />
<br />
Still waiting for these Chrome extensions as at July 2010:<br />
* The equivalent of Tab Mix Plus. (still looking for this).<br />
<br />
Things that aren't working quite right yet in Chromium on Linux:<br />
* The backspace key should go back, or should be configurable for this. There is an extension that allows this, but it should probably be a preference in the base browser.<br />
* Auto-updating of extensions. There is a way to do this from the extensions UI, but in Chromium it doesn't seem to do anything.<br />
* Audio playback not working correctly - e.g. on [http://slides.html5rocks.com/#slide22 this slide], get no audio after selecting a national anthem other than US (US works, other's don't). Possibly [http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Chrome/thread?tid=2fdf2aa857abe1ef&hl=en this issue] or [http://code.google.com/p/chromium/issues/detail?id=37848 this issue].<br />
* WebGL does not work on an old laptop, but does on a modern desktop. Could be that the laptop's hardware is just too old (or just not supported in 3D).<br />
<br />
To enable most of the new features of Chromium, change the command line for starting chromium to be like this:<br />
chromium-browser --enable-plugins --enable-greasemonkey --enable-user-scripts --enable-internal-flash --enable-extensions --enable-webgl %U<br />
<br />
Configuration settings:<br />
* To make streetview work: Try to open streetview -> nothing happens -> press Ctrl-Shift-F (which permanently unblock flashblock on that site) -> then streetview will pop up and work thereafter.<br />
<br />
Updating the flash plugin if you get a warning that "the flash plugin was blocked because it is out of date", or just installing the flash plugin.<br />
* First check where the plugin is installed, by opening chrome://plugins/ in chromium, and expanding the "details" link.<br />
* For me, it said "Location: /usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so".<br />
* Note this directory, and update the flashplugin variable below if you have a different path:<br />
cd ~/tmp<br />
flashplugin=/usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so<br />
sudo mv $flashplugin ./libflashplayer.so.old<br />
wget http://download.macromedia.com/pub/labs/flashplayer10/flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz<br />
tar zfvx flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz <br />
sudo cp ./libflashplayer.so $flashplugin<br />
cd /usr/lib/chromium-browser/plugins<br />
sudo ln -s $flashplugin<br />
Now restart chromium and the warning should be fixed & flash should work.<br />
<!--<br />
== Pinta ==<br />
<br />
Basic image editing program, like ms-paint:<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:moonlight-team/pinta<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install pinta<br />
<br />
tends to crash though.... don't include in public instructions just yet!<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
'''Warning: semi-commercial software'''<br />
<br />
Personally, I find dropbox useful for synchronising up to 2 GB of data free between multiple systems (desktop and laptop; work and home). You need to sign up here and install the software from here.<br />
##### FINISH WRITING THIS STEP AT SOME POINT #####<br />
##### Keeps crashing on network transfers, so don't write up until that is completed ###### -- this was fixed by upgrading to version 0.6.564 <br />
##### The crashing is back.... **sigh**<br />
<br />
== testing: Ksplice for rebootless kernel updates ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.ksplice.com/uptrack/download Install]<br />
[http://lwn.net/Articles/340477/ background on Ksplice].<br />
<br />
== Ekiga linux setup ==<br />
.... cannot test this until ADSL connection no longer blocks VoIP...<br />
Date: Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:21:10 +1100<br />
VoIP client.<br />
<br />
Applications ->Internet -> Ekiga softphone<br />
Enter name<br />
Tick "I do not want to sign up for the ekiga.net free service"<br />
connection type xDSL.cable<br />
enable STUN support: Yes<br />
rest of the options: take the defaults,.<br />
<br />
Then in Ekiga, go:<br />
edit -> accounts -> add my pennytel account details.<br />
#### No sound through ekiga in 10.10 -- leave commented out until this works ####<br />
--></div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/Ubuntu_desktop_setup_stepsUbuntu desktop setup steps2014-08-18T03:53:54Z<p>Nickj: add Ubuntu 14.04 tweaks section</p>
<hr />
<div>Ubuntu desktop setup steps for an AMD64 system. Most of these instructions will also work on 8.04 LTS, 8.10, 9.04, and 9.10, and 10.04 LTS, 10.10, 11.04, and 11.10, as these instructions were previously for those versions, and it should almost all work on an x86 system too:<br />
<br />
== Pre-installation standard hardware test procedure ==<br />
<br />
Before installing or configuring any software, it is imperative to test the hardware beforehand, to establish that it is not provably broken:<br />
* Download the ISOs for [http://www.sysresccd.org/ System Rescue CD] and [http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/ Ultimate Boot CD] and burn these.<br />
* From either CD, run Memtest86+ on the machine overnight, to test that the CPU and memory are error-free.<br />
* From UBCD, run a CPU stress test for 5 to 10 minutes to check CPU is reliable and adequately cooled.<br />
* From Sys Rescue CD, check for bad blocks on the hard drive, before trusting it with any data: <code>badblocks -v -s -w -c 4096 /dev/sda</code> <br />Note however that badblocks is quite a slow test - e.g. took 34 hours on a 500 GB SATA disk in an external USB enclosure, and 17 hours on a 250 GB IDE disk.<br />It's also a destructive write test, and so will blank the disk, so make sure you have the right device (use <code>fdisk -lu</code> to confirm the device's size and name).<br />Successful output will look something like this:<br />
Checking for bad blocks in read-write mode<br />
From block 0 to 244198583<br />
Testing with pattern 0xaa: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x55: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0xff: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x00: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Pass completed, 0 bad blocks found.<br />
<br />
If problems are found with any of the above, resolve these first before proceeding further.<br />
<br />
== Installation == <br />
<br />
* Firstly, decide whether you want software RAID or not. Personally, I use RAID-1 mirroring of a single bootable partition, using 2 same-sized disks, from 2 different manufacturers, because:<br />
*# it's simple.<br />
*# it's redundant enough.<br />
*# it's cheap: the incremental cost is the cost of a single disk, which is less than $100.<br />
*# you can boot off of it.<br />
*# it's not a question of if a disk will fail, but when.<br />
: For software RAID, install from the Alternate Installation CD. You can always [http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Convert_a_single_drive_system_to_RAID convert to RAID-1 later], but it's significantly more faffing about than setting it up this way from the get-go.<br />
* Once you've done the above, download and burn either the standard or alternate Ubuntu install CD, as appropriate.<br />
* Insert installation CD. Follow simple options, installs, ejects CD, reboots. Then login.<br />
* System -> Networking -> set up static IP address instead of dynamic IP address.<br />
* reboot to get network changes to apply (theoretically this should not be necessary, but in practice it was, at least for me on 8.04).<br />
* reboot, install system updates. Then reboot once updates are installed.<br />
* system -> hardware drivers -> enable the proprietary nvidia drivers.<br />
* reboot to enable the proprietary drivers.<br />
<br />
== Tweaks and Preferences ==<br />
<br />
* Ditch the annoying sounds: System -> Preferences -> sound -> sounds -> set all to "no sound", and untick "play system sounds", and on "system beep" tab untick all boxes.<br />
* Ditch the thrashing hard-disk: System -> Preferences -> Searching and indexing -> General -> tick "enable indexing" and "enable watching" and both of the power management boxes to disable stuff when on battery.<br />
* To get Subpixel Smoothing on LCDs, do this: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Fonts -> Select "subpixel smoothing (LCDs)". Need to restart Firefox for this change to take effect in Firefox.<br />
* To get reasonable desktop visual effects: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Visual Effects -> Select "Normal".<br />
* To make the system remember running apps and window locations on logout, do this: System -> Preferences -> sessions -> session options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out". In Ubuntu 9.04 / gnome 2.26 & up, this setting has moved, and is now under: System -> Preferences -> Startup Application Preferences -> options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out".<br />
<!--* To tweak networking performance, [http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Hardy#Howto:_Tweak_and_maximize_your_bandwidth_in_Ubuntu.2FLinux_via_sysctl.21 follow these instructions]. --><br />
* Power saving: Turn off blinking cursor by going: System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> untick "Cursor blinks in text fields".<br />
* Add terminal icon to gnome panel: Right-click panel -> Add to Panel -> Application Launcher... -> Accessories -> Terminal -> Add -> Close.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Editor" tab -> tick "autosave" files every 2 minutes.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Plugins" tab -> tick "Sort" to enable the sort plugin -> Close. Can now highlight text and go Edit -> Sort to get it alphabetically sorted.<br />
<br />
== [[Firefox configuration steps]] ==<br />
<br />
{{:Firefox configuration steps}}<br />
<br />
== Installation of extra software ==<br />
<br />
Go system -> admin -> synaptic package manager -> then Install the following (my brief descriptions of what some packages do are also shown) :<br />
* inkscape # Vector drawing package<br />
* hugin # Create panoramas from an image set.<br />
* dia # Draw diagrams & flow charts, somewhat like "visio" on Windows.<br />
* googleearth-package<br />
* xchat # IRC client.<br />
* ttf-mscorefonts-installer ttf-linux-libertine ttf-inconsolata # The most useful font sets. See also the "[[#Install the Tahoma fonts|Install the Tahoma fonts]]" section below.<br />
* audacious # Like XMMS or Winamp<br />
* nmap # Check for open ports.<br />
* filezilla # GUI FTP client.<br />
* wireshark # Packet sniffer<br />
* powertop iotop htop # Show power hogs, I/O hogs, and an more visual command-line version of top.<br />
* nautilus-open-terminal # adds ability to right click on a folder and get a command prompt there.<br />
* php5-cli php5-gd php5-curl # Only useful if you want to write scripts in PHP.<br />
* traceroute # How packets get from here to there over the network.<br />
* curl # Command line HTTP client, includes form-submitting capacity<br />
* tofrodos # Convert line endings from dos to UNIX or vice-versa.<br />
* openssh-server<br />
* libxml2-dev libmysqlclient-dev # Optional: Only used for compiling PHP snapshots<br />
* eclipse sun-java6-jdk sun-java6-jre sun-java6-plugin libmysql-java junit junit-doc # Optional: Java development using Eclipse + java plugins for Firefox<br />
* sysinfo # Kind of like device manager on Windows. Shows CPU / memory / hard disk installed, some hardware that has been detected, etc.<br />
* autofs smbfs smbclient<br />
* gisomount<br />
* gtk-recordmydesktop # Record videos of what you're doing on your desktop.<br />
* gworldclock # Want to simultaneously see the time in Tokyo, LA, London, and Rio? Use this.<br />
* ffmpeg2theora # Convert videos into format suitable for uploading to Wikimedia commons.<br />
* rar p7zip-full # needed for extracting .7z and RAR archives<br />
* gnome-do # Run apps or commands from a keyboard launcher.<br />
* pinfo # Much nicer UI than man or info for reading documentation.<br />
* vlc mozilla-plugin-vlc<br />
* avidemux # Useful for replacing audio tracks in video files.<br />
* indent # Useful for auto-indenting code.<br />
* smartmontools smart-notifier # S.M.A.R.T. hard disk monitoring tools.<br />
* tidy<br />
* ddrescue # Useful for recovering data from failing hard disks.<br />
* gimp-resynthesizer # A nifty plugin for gimp for repairing images or filling in content intelligently. Ignore if you don't use gimp.<br />
* qpdf # Useful for removing password from PDF files, as per [http://blog.sandipb.net/2009/01/10/removing-encryption-from-legitimate-pdf-files-on-ubuntu/ this guide].<br />
* hardinfo # Generates a hardware report and benchmark for the system; can also run in command line mode by doing: <code> hardinfo -r -f html > report.html </code><br />
* gtkvncviewer # Nice VNC client.<br />
* renameutils # Useful for bulk renaming of files. Example for renaming all .JPG files in a directory to .jpg (lowercase) is: <code>rename s/JPG$/jpg/ *</code><br />
* meld # Good GUI for comparing two files, e.g. two log files.<br />
* asciio # Good for drawing ASCII graphs; only available in Ubuntu 10.10 and up.<br />
* spamassassin # Email filtering, used by Evolution.<br />
<!--<br />
<br />
Have installed on laptop - test some more and see if worth including:<br />
gedit-plugins<br />
wget http://nchc.dl.sourceforge.net/sourceforge/openproj/openproj_1.4-2.deb && sudo dpkg -i openproj_1.4-2.deb<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
winbind # could be useful on a windows network. Have not discerned any benefit yet though.<br />
<br />
Still working out whether to include or not: * evolution-plugins-experimental <br />
<br />
* bum # Boot Up Manager - GUI for specifying what services should be running on boot-up.<br />
* miro # Combined bittorrent client and video player. Particularly useful for downloading TED talks before a flight. Uses lots of disk space though.<br />
* k3b # CD burning app.<br />
* deluge amule # P2P - donkey plus bittorrent<br />
<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Configure "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" ==<br />
<br />
To get the back / forward keyboard keys working in Firefox, when using the "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard", go System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> Layout -> click the model button -> Choose Microsoft -> set model to "Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro USB" -> click "close".<br />
<br />
== Custom Key Bindings, aimed at "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" == <br />
<br />
Note: the steps keep changing in each Ubuntu release (the menus move around, the keycodes change), unfortunately. This is what works for me using 11.10 in gnome-fallback mode:<br />
<br />
* ubuntu "System Setting" (top right corner of your desktop) -> Keyboard -> Shortcut.<br />
* Set "1" favourite key to "run a terminal"<br />
* Set "2" favourite key to "open home folder"<br />
<br />
There seems to be a bug that prevents the "custom shortcuts" keys from working for favourite keys 3, 4 and 5. Instead we have to do this:<br />
* In a terminal, run: <code>gconf-editor</code><br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/global_keybindings<br />
* Change "run_command_3" to be 0xc2, "run_command_4" to be 0xc3, and "run_command_5" to be 0xc4 - these corresponds to the 3 / 4 / 5 favourite keys.<br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/keybinding_commands<br />
* Change "command_3" to be the take-screenshot command: <code>gnome-screenshot --window --interactive</code><br />
* Change "command_4" to be the new-text-editor command: <code>/usr/bin/gedit --new-document</code><br />
* Change "command_5" to be as desired.<br />
<!-- * Name is "Zend Studio", command is "sh /home/nickj/programs/Zend/ZendStudio-5.5.0/bin/ZDE". Set the 5 favourite key to run this. --><br />
<br />
== Install Skype == <br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>" -> Skype -> More Info -> Install. <br />
<br />
Then to make the right-click menus legible with Ubuntu's dark theme, do as follows:<br />
# Applications -> Internet -> Skype -> single-click on the skype icon in the top right to open skype -> Ctrl-O to open options -> "general" -> Choose Style: "Desktop settings" -> close.<br />
# Single click on skype icon to open skype again -> Ctrl-Q to close.<br />
# Now restart skype by going Applications -> Internet -> Skype, and the right-click menus will be readable.<br />
<!--<br />
install Skype - [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Skype#AMD64 Source of instructions].<br />
sudo aptitude install ia32-libs<br />
wget http://skype.com/go/getskype-linux-ubuntu<br />
sudo aptitude install libqt4-core libqt4-gui qt4-qtconfig <br />
sudo dpkg --install --force-architecture --force-depends skype-debian*.deb<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Install the Tahoma fonts ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.stchman.com/ms_fonts.html Source of instructions].<br />
<br />
Once the msttcorefonts package is installed you will notice that Tahoma and Tahoma Bold is missing. You will need to extract Tahoma<br />
and Tahoma Bold from the zip file. Tahoma is used for Microsoft desktop, title bars and menu fonts so if you are trying to get that<br />
XP look you will need the Tahoma regular and Tahoma Bold fonts. Install Tahoma by doing the following in a terminal.<br />
<br />
cd ~<br />
wget http://www.stchman.com/tools/MS_fonts/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo unzip -d /usr/share/fonts/truetype/msttcorefonts ~/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo fc-cache -f -v<br />
rm -f ~/tahoma.zip<br />
<br />
== Install Flash == <br />
<br />
* Install the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up or installs flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems.<br />
* Restart the browser.<br />
* Go to: Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, go with all the defaults.<br />
* It removes any old flash plugins and downloads and installs the latest Adobe one.<br />
* For AMD64 systems, can use the flash 64 bit beta.<br />
<br />
If flash videos have a blue tint after the installation, then repeat the above steps, which may fix it. If it doesn't, then right click on a flash video with a blue tint -> Settings -> Untick "enable HW acceleration". [http://askubuntu.com/questions/117127/flash-video-appears-blue Source].<br />
<br />
== Install Google Earth ==<br />
<!--<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update && sudo aptitude install medibuntu-keyring && sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install googleearth-4.3<br />
<br />
... or follow the manual instructions on [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/GoogleEarth this page] for a more recent version.<br />
--><br />
Follow [http://www.liberiangeek.net/2011/10/how-to-install-google-earth-in-ubuntu-11-10-oneiric-ocelot/ these instructions for installing google earth].<br />
<br />
== Install Acrobat reader ==<br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>", or go Applications -> Ubuntu Software Center, and then go: -> Canonical Partners -> Adobe Acrobat reader -> Install.<br />
<br />
<!--<br />
In earlier versions of Ubuntu, to install acrobat reader, since [http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-general-1/cant-shrink-to-fit-pdf-doc-654281/ Ubuntu's native PDF readers don't have shrink to fit when printing]. :<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install acroread acroread-plugins<br />
<br />
(this uses medibuntu, from the Google Earth step above).<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
Also need to do this:<br />
sudo editor /usr/share/applications/defaults.list <br />
And change this:<br />
#application/pdf=evince.desktop<br />
application/pdf=AdobeReader.desktop<br />
--><br />
Then to tweak the display preferences of Acrobat Reader: Edit -> Preferences -> Page Display -> set "Zoom" to "Fit Page" -> Click "Ok".<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
== Install Opera ==<br />
<br />
To install and configure opera (since it's useful for testing web pages to be able to check behaviour, and it's useful to have another browser around sometimes), do the following:<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.list<br />
... and add these two lines:<br />
# For latest stable opera:<br />
deb http://deb.opera.com/opera/ stable non-free<br />
<br />
* Then do:<br />
sudo wget -O - http://deb.opera.com/archive.key | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install opera<br />
* Then run opera - Applications -> Internet -> Opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise -> Toolbars tab -> change the "wrapping" setting to "Wrap to multiple lines".<br />
<!-- <br />
* Go to [http://www.opera.com/download/ Opera's download page].<br />
* Download and open and install the .deb file<br />
* Then run opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise and change the wrapping setting to "multiple lines".<br />
--><br />
== Enable Apport for crash bug reporting ==<br />
<br />
Enable apport so that crash bugs will be reported and logged:<br />
sudo editor /etc/default/apport<br />
change enabled from "0" to "1".<br />
<br />
Crashes will then be logged to /var/crash/<br />
<br />
== Configure Open Office to work in MS Office 2000 compatibility mode ==<br />
<br />
[http://news.cnet.com/8301-13880_3-9864262-68.html Source of instructions]. Only do this if you are testing a migration to Ubuntu. Once you have already switched, then use the native ODF for new files, as they generally save formatting better.<br />
* Start OpenOffice Word Process: Applications -> Office -> OpenOffice.org Word Processor -> tools -> options -> expand "Load/Save" -> select "general" -> For document type = "Text document", set Always save as "Microsoft Word 97/2000/XP" (instead of "ODF text document"); For Document type = "Spreadsheet", set Always save as "Microsoft Excel 97/2000/XP"; For Document type = "Presentation", set Always save as "Microsoft PowerPoint 97/2000/XP" -> then click "OK".<br />
* Then tools -> options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> compatibility -> tick "Use printer metrics for document formatting", tick "Do not add leading (extra space) between lines of text", and tick "Consider wrapping style when positioning objects". Then go: Use as Default -> Yes -> OK.<br />
<br />
Note: When you upgrade between Ubuntu releases, you will probably need to repeat the first step, otherwise it will default back to saving in OpenOffice's formats by default.<br />
<br />
== Evolution configuration ==<br />
<br />
* Turn off new email notifications: Evolution -> Edit -> Plugins -> Uncheck "Mail Notification" plugin.<br />
* Edit -> Preferences -> 'Calendar and Tasks' -> 'Display' tab -> Disable the 'Compress weekends in month view' option.<br />
* Customize the default mail folder view. Get one folder looking right (personal preference: Columns: From / Subject / Received, with threads off, sorted by date received with most recent first). Then go View -> Current view -> Save Custom View... -> Replace existing view -> Messages -> Save. "Messages" is a special view, which is used by default on all folders, although you can override it on a folder-by-folder basis, but customizing that folder's view.<br />
<br />
== Set up SSH keys and KeepAlive Interval ==<br />
<br />
For each machine you want to have password-less SSH login to, do:<br />
ssh-copy-id -i ~/.ssh/id_dsa.pub machine1<br />
<br />
Also on some connections the SSH shell can close after a short timeout period. To keep connections option for longer, on the client side do, <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and then add this line to send a keep-alive heartbeat every 60 seconds:<br />
ServerAliveInterval 60<br />
<br />
... there is also a corresponding "ClientAliveInterval 60" setting that can be added to /etc/ssh/sshd_config - although sometimes you only control the client side of the link, and so this is not possible.<br />
<br />
Also set up connection sharing, makes secondary connections to SSH hosts much faster. <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and add this:<br />
# from: "OpenSSH tip: connection sharing"<br />
# http://tanguy.ortolo.eu/blog/article42/ssh-connection-sharing<br />
ControlPath ~/.ssh/control-%r@%h:%p<br />
ControlMaster auto<br />
ControlPersist 1<br />
<br />
== Automounting remote file systems using SSHFS ==<br />
<br />
For a remote Linux system, can automount with autofs + sshfs. Follow the guides [http://www.tjansson.dk/?p=84 here] and [http://www.mccambridge.org/blog/2007/05/totally-seamless-sshfs-under-linux-using-fuse-and-autofs/ here].<br />
<br />
Debug any problems with:<br />
tail --lines=0 -f /var/log/*<br />
<!-- <br />
Windows shares<br />
* Currently TESTING, this step not complete yet.<br />
* [http://oapeon.blogspot.com/2008/09/automounting-cifs-share-in-ubuntu.html Follow these instructions], but also [http://www.howtoforge.com/accessing_windows_or_samba_shares_using_autofs create a /etc/auto.smb.FILESERVERNAME file with login credentials].<br />
<br />
Actually, may have spoken too soon, seems kinda flakey. Getting "Input/output error" on the command line when accessing shares after a few minutes:<br />
<br />
$ ls /smb/server/sharename/<br />
ls: cannot access /smb/server/sharename/: Input/output error<br />
$<br />
<br />
Also seeing these errors when doing "tail -f /var/log/messages", despite supplying login credentials:<br />
Oct 23 17:42:02 redux kernel: [66597.665680] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
Oct 23 17:42:01 redux kernel: [66597.524118] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
<br />
To remove, uninstall these packages:<br />
sudo aptitude uninstall --purge autofs libevent1 libgssglue1 libnfsidmap2 librpcsecgss3 nfs-common portmap smbfs<br />
<br />
<br />
rebooting seemed to make this better.... although it's still buggy and flakey. Get directories being infinitely recursive, edited files appearing as directories, etc etc.<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
testing / playing with smbnetfs as an alternative<br />
sudo aptitude install smbnetfs<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/smbnetfs.conf <br />
<br />
- show_$_shares "false"<br />
+ show_$_shares "true"<br />
<br />
mkdir ~/.smb<br />
editor ~/.smb/smbnetfs.auth<br />
<br />
auth nickj password<br />
<br />
Need to do something with .smb/smbnetfs.conf ?<br />
<br />
<br />
* smbnetfs is probably not even running - need to find some decent docs on how to configure this.<br />
* autofs is mounted on /smb , and can be seriously flakey.<br />
* trying sshfs now, seems better but needs some magic options in the mount flags to work suitably.<br />
--><br />
== right before and right after each upgrade ==<br />
<br />
Remove unneeded cruft, by doing:<br />
sudo apt-get autoremove<br />
sudo apt-get clean<br />
deborphan<br />
Check first that no important packages are about to be removed, then do:<br />
sudo apt-get remove --purge $(deborphan)<br />
Purge old configuration files, first command shows what will be purged:<br />
sudo aptitude search ~c <br />
sudo aptitude purge ~c<br />
<br />
Fix broken packages:<br />
* <code>sudo aptitude</code><br />
* fix any broken packages (ctrl-t -> resolver -> examine -> g -> g).<br />
* also clean up cache and obsolete files (ctrl-t -> actions -> "clean package cache" and "clean obsolete files").<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
These tweaks are only required for 9.04:<br />
<br />
([http://reformedmusings.wordpress.com/2009/04/26/recovering-daily-update-notifications-in-ubuntu-904-jaunty/ Source]) To enable daily notification of non-security updates, which is especially useful if you [[#enable Apport for crash bug reporting|enable Apport for crash bug reporting]], then do this:<br />
gconftool -s --type bool /apps/update-notifier/auto_launch false<br />
<br />
([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-when-logoutshutdown-and-restart-ubuntu904 Source]) To remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout, do this:<br />
* Right-click on the panel power button icon on top-right of the screen -> Preferences -> Untick "Show confirm dialog for logout, shutdown and restart".<br />
<br />
Only in Ubuntu 9.04:<br />
sudo aptitude install firefox-3.5 firefox-3.5-gnome-support<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Tweaks to Ubuntu 9.10 that I had to apply to get stuff working again, or configured how I like it:<br />
<br />
1: Remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout. ([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-in-ubuntu910karmic Source]). <br />
<br />
2: For seeing details of SMART reporting for hard disks:<br />
sudo aptitude install gsmartcontrol<br />
<br />
3: system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Dust".<br />
<br />
4: Alt-F2, run gconf-editor , then toogle the GConf key /apps/eog/ui/disable_trash_confirmation to be ticked, to disable prompting for image deleting though Eye of Gnome ([https://bugzilla.gnome.org/show_bug.cgi?id=541967#c5 source]).<br />
<br />
5: Some third party entries in your sources.list were disabled. You can re-enable them after the upgrade with the 'software-properties' tool or your package manager.<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.lst<br />
<br />
.. then re-enable dropbox, chrome daily builds, etc, and apply those updates:<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude upgrade<br />
<br />
6: Setting MySQL back to utf8 mode:<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/mysql/my.cnf <br />
add under the "[mysqld]" section:<br />
default-character-set=utf8<br />
<br />
7: Blue tint to video files in VLC, Mplayer, and Totem. [http://www.mediacollege.com/video-gallery/testclips/20051210-w50s.flv Example video file]. [https://bugs.launchpad.net/totem/+bug/395476 Bug is in] the Nvidia closed source driver. Workaround is:<br />
* open totem via Applications -> Sound & Video -> Movie Player<br />
* open the preferences window via Edit -> Preferences<br />
* select the Display tab<br />
* click the Reset to Defaults button<br />
<br />
8: Problem: Mplayer crashing regularly when changing video output mode, and also giving a "couldn't resolve name for AF_INET6:" error on URL playback. Workaround: ditch mplayer, as totem and VLC are suitable replacements:<br />
sudo aptitude remove --purge mplayer<br />
<br />
9: Flash applets don't work in firefox or chrome on AMD64 (example: playing [http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-february-1-2010/q---o this Daily Show] video) .... solution: redo the [[#Install_Flash_on_AMD64|Flash installation steps]].<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Ambiance". <!-- move window decoration buttons to the left too - find link & steps for this --><br />
# If images don't display in office documents: Start OpenOffice writer, and then go: Tools -> Options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> View -> tick "Graphics and objects" -> click "Ok".<br />
<!-- to get SIP calls working through empathy through the dodgy Telstra modem that blocks VoIP: sudo aptitude install telepathy-sofiasip ... no, didn't work - test again later. --><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# <code>sudo aptitude remove tracker</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install unity-2d</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
The 11.10 release had more problems than most releases.<br />
<br />
Nautilus default view: go to Places -> Home folder -> Edit -> Preferences -> "View new folders using": select "List View".<br />
<br />
=== Restore classic Gnome desktop ===<br />
To get gnome classic desktop back, as per [http://www.webupd8.org/2011/08/installing-using-classic-gnome-desktop.html this blog post].<br />
sudo apt-get install gnome-session-fallback<br />
Then:<br />
* Install weather applet<br />
* System monitor applet<br />
* Add application icons for Firefox, chrome, terminal, and gedit.<br />
sudo aptitude install alarm-clock-applet<br />
* Add an application icon for the alarm clock applet.<br />
* Put a trash applet back on the bottom right of the screen.<br />
* Put a show desktop applet back on the bottom left of the screen.<br />
<br />
=== SSH menu is gone, use SSH plus instead ===<br />
Follow [http://www.gulecha.org/2011/07/29/sshplus-a-sshmenu-compatible-appindicator/ these installation instructions]. Then do <code>sudo aptitude install putty</code><br/> <br />
To add to startup apps: Applications -> System Tools -> Preferences -> startup applications -> add SSHplus by full path.<br />
<br />
=== blurry image viewer ===<br />
Images look blurry because the default Gnome Image viewer (eog/eye of gnome) is set to "Best Fit" instead of "Normal view", which resizes images slightly, making them appear blurry. Unfortunately, there seems to be no preference or setting that allows changing this permanently. Instead just install another image viewing app, and make it the default:<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install gthumb</code><br/><br />
It can be customized to view images 1:1 by going Edit -> Preferences -> Viewer -> Set to actual size. Then go View -> unselect "Thumbnail pane" (with this on, it seems to interfere with 1:1 viewing). Test it, then if so make it the default app by going ubuntu "System Settings" (top right corner of your desktop) -> System info -> Default applications -> Photos -> gThumb.<br />
<br />
=== usb automounting was broken ===<br />
Inserted USB drives would no longer automatically mount and open a file manager window. Solved by installing, and then removing, the usbmount package.<br />
<br />
=== Flash broken ===<br />
After upgrading from 11.04 to 11.10, flash applets either did not work, or worked partial (such as the sound being distorted, like the person was underwater). Fixed by installing the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up broken flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems. Installed the extension, restarted the browser, then went Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, just went with all the defaults, it removed the old flash plugins (I had 2) and downloaded and installed the latest adobe one, and then it was as good as new and working flawlessly.<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 12.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
=== Multiple monitors broken, screen orientation broken ===<br />
<br />
run Synaptic, remove all the nvidia drivers, and install the nouveau firmware, then reboot, then systems settings -> displays, and can change the monitor setup so that multi-montior works again and so the orientations are in portrait instead of landscape.<br />
<br />
From the command line to remove nvidia drivers, can do:<br />
sudo apt-get purge nvidia-settings nvidia-current<br />
<br />
=== Customised keyboard shortcuts lost ===<br />
<br />
All my customized keyboard shortcuts for the extra buttons on my keyboard are lost. Had to redo the keyboard config to get these back.<br />
<br />
=== alt-tab no longer works ===<br />
<br />
To fix (from [http://askubuntu.com/questions/135685/alt-tab-does-not-switch this source]) :<br />
sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* Go at the very bottom where it says "Window Management"<br />
* Put a checkmark in "application switcher"<br />
* That should fix it.<br />
<br />
=== Workplace switching is broken (gives a blank desktop with no menus or items) ===<br />
<br />
Install compiz settings manager as above, and that will fix it. To get switching to be 4 horizontal desktops:<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* "general" -> General options -> Desktop size -> horizontal virtual size = 4, vertical virtual size = 1<br />
<br />
Also turn off "effects" -> "animations" in compiz too, whilst we are there.<br />
<br />
=== Gnome menus look ugly ===<br />
<br />
The bug is [https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/light-themes/+bug/981289 here]. To fix ambiance themes, [http://www.webupd8.org/2012/05/install-ambiance-fixed-for-classic.html follow these steps].<br />
<br />
=== Printing was broken ===<br />
<br />
Jobs sent to the network printer just sat in the queue and were never printed, even though the printer hardware was fine and the same queue worked perfectly in 11.10. Easiest solution was to cancel all print jobs, delete the printer, add a new printer with the same settings, and reboot (because the printer setup locked up whilst doing these things).<br />
<br />
=== Printing was excessively slow from Firefox ===<br />
<br />
Even after doing the above, printing was very slow from Firefox to the HP LaserJet 2100 TN. For example, it was taking up to 4 minutes to print a page, whereas it would take 15 seconds before. To fix:<br />
* Run "system-config-printer" from the command line.<br />
* Change the printer driver. Instead of the recommended driver, use "HP LaserJet 2100 - CUPS+Gutenprint v5.2.8-pre1".<br />
* Print a test page, once works okay, click "OK", and close the printer config applet.<br />
<br />
=== Volume applet indicator disappeared ===<br />
<br />
[http://askubuntu.com/questions/126411/volume-and-other-indicators-disappeared-in-the-classic-desktop Source].<br />
Run gnome-sound-applet from the command line to check that it is installed and working.<br />
<br />
To start the sound applet automatically, go to System Tools -> Preferences -> Startup Applications, and add Command gnome-sound-applet<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 13.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
To be able to play videos again:<br />
sudo aptitude install ubuntu-restricted-extras<br />
<br />
To stop using Nautilus, following the unfortuate decision to remove all of its most useful features, and switch to Nemo instead. [http://www.fandigital.com/2012/09/install-nemo-file-manager-in-ubuntu.html Source] [http://www.fandigital.com/2013/01/set-nemo-default-file-manager-ubuntu.html Source].<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:gwendal-lebihan-dev/cinnamon-stable<br />
sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install nemo nemo-fileroller<br />
xdg-mime default nemo.desktop inode/directory application/x-gnome-saved-search<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 14.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
To fix missing notifier icons (network, dropbox, sshplus, ksplice) :<br />
<br />
* How to fix the missing network icon - follow [http://www.bauer-power.net/2014/05/permanent-fix-for-missing-network.html these steps].<br />
* For the others: System tools -> preferences -> startup applications -> then open the item whose notifier icon is not appearing.<br />
* add "dbus-launch " to start of the command lines for Ksplice and SSHPlus and Dropbox, and any others that are not working.<br />
<br />
To fix greeter/login-screen monitor orientation - [http://askubuntu.com/questions/408302/rotated-monitor-login-screen-needs-rotation source].<br />
<br />
sudo cp ~/.config/monitors.xml /var/lib/lightdm/.config/<br />
sudo chown lightdm.lightdm /var/lib/lightdm/.config/monitors.xml<br />
<br />
== VirtualBox ==<br />
<br />
From the [http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Linux_Downloads VirtualBox Installation instructions]:<br />
sudo vim /etc/apt/sources.list <br />
add this line: <code>deb http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian oneiric contrib</code> . Do not add a deb-src line.<br />
wget -q http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian/oracle_vbox.asc -O- | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install dkms<br />
sudo aptitude install virtualbox-4.2<br />
<br />
The first time that you install, make sure that you are a member of vboxusers group (needed for USB disks to work correctly) :<br />
sudo usermod -a -G vboxusers `whoami`<br />
sudo usermod -a -G disk `whoami`<br />
Then reboot the computer.<br />
<br />
To get the extension pack, which enables some extra features in VirtualBox 4.1:<br />
cd ~/.Virtualbox<br />
mkdir extensions<br />
cd extensions/<br />
wget http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/4.1.8/Oracle_VM_VirtualBox_Extension_Pack-4.1.8-75467.vbox-extpack<br />
To enable the extension pack:<br />
* VirtualBox main window -> File -> Preferences -> Extensions -> add button on right -> select the file saved above -> enter password if prompted.<br />
<br />
Before starting the Guest machine, make sure USB functionality is enabled by going:<br />
* Settings -> USB -> Make sure both the USB checkboxes are ticked -> Click the "Add Empty Filter" button (the top button on the right) -> click OK to close dialog box.<br />
<br />
Rebuild the virtualbox modules after upgrading from a previous version:<br />
sudo service vboxdrv setup<br />
<br />
After upgrading from a previous version, to update the guest's VirtualBox drivers, do this after the Guest has started:<br />
* VirtualBox -> start Guest -> "Devices" menu -> Install Guest Additions.<br />
<br />
Then plug in a USB device after the guest machine has started. Then make it visible to the Guest by going:<br />
* Devices -> USB devices -> and select the USB device to make visible.<br />
<br />
And in a Debian or Ubuntu '''guest''' machine after doing a dist-upgrade, to install the vbox additions, do this:<br />
* Devices -> install guest additions...<br />
mount /dev/cdrom <br />
aptitude install build-essential linux-headers-$(uname -r)<br />
sh /cdrom/VBoxLinuxAdditions.run<br />
<br />
When doing a major version upgrade, use apt-get and not aptitude. For example:<br />
sudo apt-get install virtualbox-4.2<br />
... and then start VirtualBox, and then install the latest extension pack, using the steps above. The link will be on the [https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads VirtualBox downloads] page.<br />
<br />
If you get an "Error! Could not locate dkms.conf file" message, then you probably have old directories left over from an old version of virtualbox under /var/lib/dkms/ . E.g. I had some directories left over from 3.2.6, and the fix was:<br />
sudo rm -r /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetadp /var/lib/dkms/vboxdrv /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetflt<br />
<br />
== Newsgroup bin client ==<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude install sabnzbdplus<br />
Then configure as per [http://wiki.sabnzbd.org/quick-setup the steps on their wiki].<br />
<!-- Lottanzb keeps crashing for me:<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:lottanzb/daily-build<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:jcfp/ppa<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install lottanzb sabnzbdplus<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Steps for making the Benq Acer S2W 3300U work == <br />
<br />
* Plug in power and USB cable to the scanner, and connect it to your computer.<br />
* Check SANE is installed, then run <code> sane-find-scanner </code>, and it should list your scanner.<br />
* From [http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/downloads.cfm/dtype/D/page/downloads/product/91 Benq's page] get the Mirascan ZIP file. Note that Benq's webservers are crap, and they cut out mid-download, so save yourself frustration by using wget to take care of the downloading/resuming/retrying, by doing:<br />
wget ftp://211.78.86.204/scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
and/or<br />
wget http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/download.cfm?file=scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
* Check the ZIP file downloaded okay by doing:<br />
unzip -t mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
... and making sure it says there were "no errors detected" at the end.<br />
* Extract just the u176v046.bin file (which is firmware blob that this scanner needs to operate) into the current directory:<br />
unzip -j mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip "MiraScan v4.03u10_BQA/BIN/u176v046.bin"<br />
* Set up Sane to use this firmware blob:<br />
sudo mkdir /usr/share/sane/snapscan<br />
sudo cp u176v046.bin /usr/share/sane/snapscan/<br />
sudo editor /etc/sane.d/snapscan.conf<br />
... and change the first line from:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/your-firmwarefile.bin<br />
to:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/u176v046.bin<br />
... then save and close the file.<br />
* Then under the Applications -> Graphics menu, run Xsane, or (my preference) Simple Scan.<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
<!-- todo: add the repo steps here --><br />
Unfortunately dropbox does not seem to automatically install updates for old versions. Given this, need to manually install updates on old versions, and easiest way to install dropbox updates on Linux is, open a terminal and do:<br />
dropbox stop<br />
dropbox status # Should report "not running"<br />
rm -r ~/.dropbox-dist/<br />
dropbox start -i<br />
<br />
== Handbrake ==<br />
<br />
Handbrake is a media converter, and is especially useful for converting files for portable devices, like Android tablets or iPhones. To install the snapshot releases (which seems to be the easiest way, if you want the GUI) :<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:stebbins/handbrake-snapshots<br />
sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install handbrake-gtk handbrake-cli<br />
== Install Chromium dev builds ==<br />
<br />
Firefox is currently slightly better as a daily browser, but Chromium is improving rapidly. If you want to play with the native alpha port of Google's Chrome browser just to see how it's going, you can install the dev builds of Chromium quite easily by doing:<br />
<!-- could get rid of the PPA - Ubuntu now includes the chromium browser in universe, that lags a little, but avoids the constant daily updates: http://packages.ubuntu.com/search?keywords=chromium-browser --><br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:chromium-daily/dev<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install chromium-browser chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-nonfree chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-extra<br />
<!-- following [http://www.stefanoforenza.com/chromium-on-ubuntu-how-to/ these directions]. You probably also want to add the key for this PPA to your system, following [https://help.launchpad.net/Packaging/PPA#Adding%20the%20keys%20using%20Gnome these directions] about adding [http://keyserver.ubuntu.com:11371/pks/lookup?op=get&search=0x5A9BF3BB4E5E17B5 their key] to your system, so that you don't get lots of prompts every day when there is an update about "do you want to install unauthenticated packages?". --><br />
<br />
Chrome Extensions to install:<br />
* [http://www.chromeextensions.org/appearance-functioning/flashblock/ FlashBlock].<br />
* [http://blog.xmarks.com/?p=1244 Xmarks].<br />
* [https://chrome.google.com/extensions/detail/gighmmpiobklfepjocnamgkkbiglidom Adblock]. Need to restart browser for extension to take effect.<br />
<br />
Still waiting for these Chrome extensions as at July 2010:<br />
* The equivalent of Tab Mix Plus. (still looking for this).<br />
<br />
Things that aren't working quite right yet in Chromium on Linux:<br />
* The backspace key should go back, or should be configurable for this. There is an extension that allows this, but it should probably be a preference in the base browser.<br />
* Auto-updating of extensions. There is a way to do this from the extensions UI, but in Chromium it doesn't seem to do anything.<br />
* Audio playback not working correctly - e.g. on [http://slides.html5rocks.com/#slide22 this slide], get no audio after selecting a national anthem other than US (US works, other's don't). Possibly [http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Chrome/thread?tid=2fdf2aa857abe1ef&hl=en this issue] or [http://code.google.com/p/chromium/issues/detail?id=37848 this issue].<br />
* WebGL does not work on an old laptop, but does on a modern desktop. Could be that the laptop's hardware is just too old (or just not supported in 3D).<br />
<br />
To enable most of the new features of Chromium, change the command line for starting chromium to be like this:<br />
chromium-browser --enable-plugins --enable-greasemonkey --enable-user-scripts --enable-internal-flash --enable-extensions --enable-webgl %U<br />
<br />
Configuration settings:<br />
* To make streetview work: Try to open streetview -> nothing happens -> press Ctrl-Shift-F (which permanently unblock flashblock on that site) -> then streetview will pop up and work thereafter.<br />
<br />
Updating the flash plugin if you get a warning that "the flash plugin was blocked because it is out of date", or just installing the flash plugin.<br />
* First check where the plugin is installed, by opening chrome://plugins/ in chromium, and expanding the "details" link.<br />
* For me, it said "Location: /usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so".<br />
* Note this directory, and update the flashplugin variable below if you have a different path:<br />
cd ~/tmp<br />
flashplugin=/usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so<br />
sudo mv $flashplugin ./libflashplayer.so.old<br />
wget http://download.macromedia.com/pub/labs/flashplayer10/flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz<br />
tar zfvx flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz <br />
sudo cp ./libflashplayer.so $flashplugin<br />
cd /usr/lib/chromium-browser/plugins<br />
sudo ln -s $flashplugin<br />
Now restart chromium and the warning should be fixed & flash should work.<br />
<!--<br />
== Pinta ==<br />
<br />
Basic image editing program, like ms-paint:<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:moonlight-team/pinta<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install pinta<br />
<br />
tends to crash though.... don't include in public instructions just yet!<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
'''Warning: semi-commercial software'''<br />
<br />
Personally, I find dropbox useful for synchronising up to 2 GB of data free between multiple systems (desktop and laptop; work and home). You need to sign up here and install the software from here.<br />
##### FINISH WRITING THIS STEP AT SOME POINT #####<br />
##### Keeps crashing on network transfers, so don't write up until that is completed ###### -- this was fixed by upgrading to version 0.6.564 <br />
##### The crashing is back.... **sigh**<br />
<br />
== testing: Ksplice for rebootless kernel updates ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.ksplice.com/uptrack/download Install]<br />
[http://lwn.net/Articles/340477/ background on Ksplice].<br />
<br />
== Ekiga linux setup ==<br />
.... cannot test this until ADSL connection no longer blocks VoIP...<br />
Date: Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:21:10 +1100<br />
VoIP client.<br />
<br />
Applications ->Internet -> Ekiga softphone<br />
Enter name<br />
Tick "I do not want to sign up for the ekiga.net free service"<br />
connection type xDSL.cable<br />
enable STUN support: Yes<br />
rest of the options: take the defaults,.<br />
<br />
Then in Ekiga, go:<br />
edit -> accounts -> add my pennytel account details.<br />
#### No sound through ekiga in 10.10 -- leave commented out until this works ####<br />
--></div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/QuotesQuotes2013-10-28T01:32:40Z<p>Nickj: </p>
<hr />
<div>Various quotes I saw and liked: <br />
* "I'm not sure which upsets me more: that people are so unwilling to accept responsibility for their own actions, or that they are so eager to regulate everyone else's." - source unknown<br />
* "If you never fail, you are not taking enough risks." - (Dede, 1993).<br />
* "In theory there is no difference between theory and practice, but in practice there is." - either Jan L.A. van de Snepscheut or Fnord Bjørnberger<br />
* "Talk is cheap because supply always exceeds demand." - source unknown<br />
* "Neither individuals nor corporations have any right to come into court and ask that the clock of history be stopped, or turned back, for their private benefit." - Robert Heinlein <br />
* "Lots of folks are forced to skimp to support a government that won't." - source unknown<br />
* "When all is said and done ... there is usually more said than done." - source unknown<br />
* "Real innovation happens with the small guys." - source unknown<br />
* "Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake." - Napoleon Bonaparte<br />
* On the Matrix Revolutions: "The Wachowski brothers have delivered a dud so disappointing, they may as well have bussed in Ewoks to save Zion."<br />
* "Time is the only truly finite resource from a human perspective. As technology has progressed, distances have been conquered, vast energies harnessed, but old Father Time is still inescapable. As a result, we place great value on just how much time is taken to accomplish anything." - WiPEOUT<br />
* "Anyone who says that money isn't important is spending someone else's." - Hampton's Law <br />
* "The road less travelled is often less travelled for a very good reason" - Jerry Seinfeld<br />
* "You cannot apply a technological solution to a sociological problem." - Edwards' Law<br />
* "Everything takes longer, costs more, and is less useful." - Erwin Tomash<br />
* "Ideas have no value. Execution is what matters most." - Paraphrasing of Loïc Le Meur and Krzysztof Kowalczyk.<br />
* Fermi's Solution: "Any sufficiently advanced civilization either destroys itself or transcends to superintelligence."<br />
* "Democracy is the recurrent suspicion that more than half of the people are right more than half of the time." - E. B. White<br />
* "If you are 20 and you aren't a communist you have no heart, but if you are 30 and you still are a communist, you lack rationality." - source unknown.<br />
* Macintosh dictum: the user should never have to tell the machine anything that it knows or can deduce for itself.<br />
* "Ideas are cheap, but turning them into reality is brutally hard work." - posted to a discussion board.<br />
* "Never underestimate the power of broke, bored, determined Uni students." - posted to a discussion board.<br />
* "Be bold, and mighty forces will come to your aid." - Basil King.<br />
* "It is hard to get the world to throw away stuff they've already bought and that still works. Being twice as good isn't enough; if you really want people to trash their current equipment you need to be 10 times as good." - Bob Cringely, 2004.<br />
* "Life is uncertain, so always eat dessert first." - source unknown.<br />
* C.f. Edison's famous adage: "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."<br />
* "What resists, persists." - Lao Tsu 6th Century B.C.<br />
* "If it's not tested, it's broken." - Bruce Eckel.<br />
* "People optimize locally - that is, they do what's best for themselves." - Eric Allman.<br />
* "One of the most valuable things my father taught me is an old Yorkshire saying: where there's muck, there's brass. Meaning that unpleasant work pays. And more to the point here, vice versa. Work people like doesn't pay well, for reasons of supply and demand." - from [http://www.paulgraham.com/bronze.html Paul Graham]<br />
* "Remembering you are going to die is the best way to avoid the fear that you have something to lose." - Steve Jobs<br />
* "Most of us, when all is said and done, like what we like and make up reasons for it afterwards." -- Soren F. Petersen<br />
* "All you have to decide is what you're going to do with the time you are given." - Gandalf <br />
* "Have you ever seen one of these [NIH] grant applications? We're lucky Einstein didn't have to fill one out or God knows what 'E' would equal." - seen on the Internet.<br />
* "Patent. n. Genius is 5% inspiration and 95% perspiration. A patent is a tool for doing 5% of the work and then sitting around waiting for someone else to do the other 95% so you can sue them." - email sig seen on Internet.<br />
* "There are two types of people in this world... Those who finish what they start, and" - slogon on T-shirt.<br />
* "Writing for a penny a word is ridiculous. If a man really wants to make a million dollars he should start his own religion." - L Ron Hubbard, spoken in 1950 at a writer's convention, 4 years before he founded the Church of Scientology.<br />
* "The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt." - Bertrand Russell.<br />
* "It's not the principle of the thing, it's the money!" -- Movie producer in "King Kong".<br />
* "First class, is what's wrong honey. It used to be a better meal, now it's a better life." -- Dorothy in "Jerry Maguire" (1996).<br />
* "First rule in government spending: why build one when you can have two at twice the price?" -- Mr Hadden in "Contact" (1997).<br />
* "It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends upon his not understanding it." -- Upton Sinclair.<br />
* "Hell is Other People's Code" -- unknown.<br />
* "Be the change you want to see in the world." -- Gandhi.<br />
* "Hydrogen is an odorless colorless gas which, given enough time, turns into people." -- Edward R Harrison.<br />
* "Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination are omnipotent. The slogan 'press on' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race." -- President Calvin Coolidge.<br />
* "Be kind. For everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." -- Plato.<br />
* "Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first." -- Mark Twain.<br />
* "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -- Mark Twain.<br />
* "Markets can remain irrational a lot longer than you and I can remain solvent." -- A. Gary Shilling.<br />
* "There are only two kinds of programming languages: those people always bitch about, and those nobody uses." -- Bjarne Stroustrup.<br />
* "in an extended fight, one tends to become more like one's enemy" -- LWN.net<br />
* "The future is here. It's just not widely distributed yet." -- William Gibson<br />
* "Rooster one day, feather duster the next." -- Figure of speech, possibly Australian.<br />
* "Not all smart people work at Sun Microsystems." -- Bill Joy<br />
<br />
[[Category:Opinion-Editorial]]</div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/QuotesQuotes2013-10-28T01:30:07Z<p>Nickj: </p>
<hr />
<div>Various quotes I saw and liked: <br />
* "I'm not sure which upsets me more: that people are so unwilling to accept responsibility for their own actions, or that they are so eager to regulate everyone else's." - source unknown<br />
* "If you never fail, you are not taking enough risks." - (Dede, 1993).<br />
* "In theory there is no difference between theory and practice, but in practice there is." - either Jan L.A. van de Snepscheut or Fnord Bjørnberger<br />
* "Talk is cheap because supply always exceeds demand." - source unknown<br />
* "Neither individuals nor corporations have any right to come into court and ask that the clock of history be stopped, or turned back, for their private benefit." - Robert Heinlein <br />
* "Lots of folks are forced to skimp to support a government that won't." - source unknown<br />
* "When all is said and done ... there is usually more said than done." - source unknown<br />
* "Real innovation happens with the small guys." - source unknown<br />
* "Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake." - Napoleon Bonaparte<br />
* On the Matrix Revolutions: "The Wachowski brothers have delivered a dud so disappointing, they may as well have bussed in Ewoks to save Zion."<br />
* "Time is the only truly finite resource from a human perspective. As technology has progressed, distances have been conquered, vast energies harnessed, but old Father Time is still inescapable. As a result, we place great value on just how much time is taken to accomplish anything." - WiPEOUT<br />
* "Anyone who says that money isn't important is spending someone else's." - Hampton's Law <br />
* "The road less travelled is often less travelled for a very good reason" - Jerry Seinfeld<br />
* "You cannot apply a technological solution to a sociological problem." - Edwards' Law<br />
* "Everything takes longer, costs more, and is less useful." - Erwin Tomash<br />
* "Ideas have no value. Execution is what matters most." - Paraphrasing of Loïc Le Meur and Krzysztof Kowalczyk.<br />
* Fermi's Solution: "Any sufficiently advanced civilization either destroys itself or transcends to superintelligence."<br />
* "Democracy is the recurrent suspicion that more than half of the people are right more than half of the time." - E. B. White<br />
* "If you are 20 and you aren't a communist you have no heart, but if you are 30 and you still are a communist, you lack rationality." - source unknown.<br />
* Macintosh dictum: the user should never have to tell the machine anything that it knows or can deduce for itself.<br />
* "Ideas are cheap, but turning them into reality is brutally hard work." - posted to a discussion board.<br />
* "Never underestimate the power of broke, bored, determined Uni students." - posted to a discussion board.<br />
* "Be bold, and mighty forces will come to your aid." - Basil King.<br />
* "It is hard to get the world to throw away stuff they've already bought and that still works. Being twice as good isn't enough; if you really want people to trash their current equipment you need to be 10 times as good." - Bob Cringely, 2004.<br />
* "Life is uncertain, so always eat dessert first." - source unknown.<br />
* C.f. Edison's famous adage: "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."<br />
* "What resists, persists." - Lao Tsu 6th Century B.C.<br />
* "If it's not tested, it's broken." - Bruce Eckel.<br />
* "People optimize locally - that is, they do what's best for themselves." - Eric Allman.<br />
* "One of the most valuable things my father taught me is an old Yorkshire saying: where there's muck, there's brass. Meaning that unpleasant work pays. And more to the point here, vice versa. Work people like doesn't pay well, for reasons of supply and demand." - from [http://www.paulgraham.com/bronze.html Paul Graham]<br />
* "Remembering you are going to die is the best way to avoid the fear that you have something to lose." - Steve Jobs<br />
* "Most of us, when all is said and done, like what we like and make up reasons for it afterwards." -- Soren F. Petersen<br />
* "All you have to decide is what you're going to do with the time you are given." - Gandalf <br />
* "Have you ever seen one of these [NIH] grant applications? We're lucky Einstein didn't have to fill one out or God knows what 'E' would equal." - seen on the Internet.<br />
* "Patent. n. Genius is 5% inspiration and 95% perspiration. A patent is a tool for doing 5% of the work and then sitting around waiting for someone else to do the other 95% so you can sue them." - email sig seen on Internet.<br />
* "There are two types of people in this world... Those who finish what they start, and" - slogon on T-shirt.<br />
* "Writing for a penny a word is ridiculous. If a man really wants to make a million dollars he should start his own religion." - L Ron Hubbard, spoken in 1950 at a writer's convention, 4 years before he founded the Church of Scientology.<br />
* "The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt." - Bertrand Russell.<br />
* "It's not the principle of the thing, it's the money!" -- Movie producer in "King Kong".<br />
* "First class, is what's wrong honey. It used to be a better meal, now it's a better life." -- Dorothy in "Jerry Maguire" (1996).<br />
* "First rule in government spending: why build one when you can have two at twice the price?" -- Mr Hadden in "Contact" (1997).<br />
* "It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends upon his not understanding it." -- Upton Sinclair.<br />
* "Hell is Other People's Code" -- unknown.<br />
* "Be the change you want to see in the world." -- Gandhi.<br />
* "Hydrogen is an odorless colorless gas which, given enough time, turns into people." -- Edward R Harrison.<br />
* "Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination are omnipotent. The slogan 'press on' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race." -- President Calvin Coolidge.<br />
* "Be kind. For everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." -- Plato.<br />
* "Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first." -- Mark Twain.<br />
* "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -- Mark Twain.<br />
* "Markets can remain irrational a lot longer than you and I can remain solvent." -- A. Gary Shilling.<br />
* "There are only two kinds of programming languages: those people always bitch about, and those nobody uses." -- Bjarne Stroustrup.<br />
* "in an extended fight, one tends to become more like one's enemy" -- LWN.net<br />
* "The future is here. It's just not widely distributed yet." -- William Gibson<br />
* "Rooster one day, feather duster the next." -- Figure of speech, possibly Australian.<br />
* "Not all smart people work at Sun Microsystems."" -- Bill Joy<br />
<br />
[[Category:Opinion-Editorial]]</div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/Ubuntu_desktop_setup_stepsUbuntu desktop setup steps2013-08-27T02:21:43Z<p>Nickj: /* Ubuntu 13.04 */</p>
<hr />
<div>Ubuntu desktop setup steps for an AMD64 system. Most of these instructions will also work on 8.04 LTS, 8.10, 9.04, and 9.10, and 10.04 LTS, 10.10, 11.04, and 11.10, as these instructions were previously for those versions, and it should almost all work on an x86 system too:<br />
<br />
== Pre-installation standard hardware test procedure ==<br />
<br />
Before installing or configuring any software, it is imperative to test the hardware beforehand, to establish that it is not provably broken:<br />
* Download the ISOs for [http://www.sysresccd.org/ System Rescue CD] and [http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/ Ultimate Boot CD] and burn these.<br />
* From either CD, run Memtest86+ on the machine overnight, to test that the CPU and memory are error-free.<br />
* From UBCD, run a CPU stress test for 5 to 10 minutes to check CPU is reliable and adequately cooled.<br />
* From Sys Rescue CD, check for bad blocks on the hard drive, before trusting it with any data: <code>badblocks -v -s -w -c 4096 /dev/sda</code> <br />Note however that badblocks is quite a slow test - e.g. took 34 hours on a 500 GB SATA disk in an external USB enclosure, and 17 hours on a 250 GB IDE disk.<br />It's also a destructive write test, and so will blank the disk, so make sure you have the right device (use <code>fdisk -lu</code> to confirm the device's size and name).<br />Successful output will look something like this:<br />
Checking for bad blocks in read-write mode<br />
From block 0 to 244198583<br />
Testing with pattern 0xaa: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x55: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0xff: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x00: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Pass completed, 0 bad blocks found.<br />
<br />
If problems are found with any of the above, resolve these first before proceeding further.<br />
<br />
== Installation == <br />
<br />
* Firstly, decide whether you want software RAID or not. Personally, I use RAID-1 mirroring of a single bootable partition, using 2 same-sized disks, from 2 different manufacturers, because:<br />
*# it's simple.<br />
*# it's redundant enough.<br />
*# it's cheap: the incremental cost is the cost of a single disk, which is less than $100.<br />
*# you can boot off of it.<br />
*# it's not a question of if a disk will fail, but when.<br />
: For software RAID, install from the Alternate Installation CD. You can always [http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Convert_a_single_drive_system_to_RAID convert to RAID-1 later], but it's significantly more faffing about than setting it up this way from the get-go.<br />
* Once you've done the above, download and burn either the standard or alternate Ubuntu install CD, as appropriate.<br />
* Insert installation CD. Follow simple options, installs, ejects CD, reboots. Then login.<br />
* System -> Networking -> set up static IP address instead of dynamic IP address.<br />
* reboot to get network changes to apply (theoretically this should not be necessary, but in practice it was, at least for me on 8.04).<br />
* reboot, install system updates. Then reboot once updates are installed.<br />
* system -> hardware drivers -> enable the proprietary nvidia drivers.<br />
* reboot to enable the proprietary drivers.<br />
<br />
== Tweaks and Preferences ==<br />
<br />
* Ditch the annoying sounds: System -> Preferences -> sound -> sounds -> set all to "no sound", and untick "play system sounds", and on "system beep" tab untick all boxes.<br />
* Ditch the thrashing hard-disk: System -> Preferences -> Searching and indexing -> General -> tick "enable indexing" and "enable watching" and both of the power management boxes to disable stuff when on battery.<br />
* To get Subpixel Smoothing on LCDs, do this: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Fonts -> Select "subpixel smoothing (LCDs)". Need to restart Firefox for this change to take effect in Firefox.<br />
* To get reasonable desktop visual effects: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Visual Effects -> Select "Normal".<br />
* To make the system remember running apps and window locations on logout, do this: System -> Preferences -> sessions -> session options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out". In Ubuntu 9.04 / gnome 2.26 & up, this setting has moved, and is now under: System -> Preferences -> Startup Application Preferences -> options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out".<br />
<!--* To tweak networking performance, [http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Hardy#Howto:_Tweak_and_maximize_your_bandwidth_in_Ubuntu.2FLinux_via_sysctl.21 follow these instructions]. --><br />
* Power saving: Turn off blinking cursor by going: System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> untick "Cursor blinks in text fields".<br />
* Add terminal icon to gnome panel: Right-click panel -> Add to Panel -> Application Launcher... -> Accessories -> Terminal -> Add -> Close.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Editor" tab -> tick "autosave" files every 2 minutes.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Plugins" tab -> tick "Sort" to enable the sort plugin -> Close. Can now highlight text and go Edit -> Sort to get it alphabetically sorted.<br />
<br />
== [[Firefox configuration steps]] ==<br />
<br />
{{:Firefox configuration steps}}<br />
<br />
== Installation of extra software ==<br />
<br />
Go system -> admin -> synaptic package manager -> then Install the following (my brief descriptions of what some packages do are also shown) :<br />
* inkscape # Vector drawing package<br />
* hugin # Create panoramas from an image set.<br />
* dia # Draw diagrams & flow charts, somewhat like "visio" on Windows.<br />
* googleearth-package<br />
* xchat # IRC client.<br />
* ttf-mscorefonts-installer ttf-linux-libertine ttf-inconsolata # The most useful font sets. See also the "[[#Install the Tahoma fonts|Install the Tahoma fonts]]" section below.<br />
* audacious # Like XMMS or Winamp<br />
* nmap # Check for open ports.<br />
* filezilla # GUI FTP client.<br />
* wireshark # Packet sniffer<br />
* powertop iotop htop # Show power hogs, I/O hogs, and an more visual command-line version of top.<br />
* nautilus-open-terminal # adds ability to right click on a folder and get a command prompt there.<br />
* php5-cli php5-gd php5-curl # Only useful if you want to write scripts in PHP.<br />
* traceroute # How packets get from here to there over the network.<br />
* curl # Command line HTTP client, includes form-submitting capacity<br />
* tofrodos # Convert line endings from dos to UNIX or vice-versa.<br />
* openssh-server<br />
* libxml2-dev libmysqlclient-dev # Optional: Only used for compiling PHP snapshots<br />
* eclipse sun-java6-jdk sun-java6-jre sun-java6-plugin libmysql-java junit junit-doc # Optional: Java development using Eclipse + java plugins for Firefox<br />
* sysinfo # Kind of like device manager on Windows. Shows CPU / memory / hard disk installed, some hardware that has been detected, etc.<br />
* autofs smbfs smbclient<br />
* gisomount<br />
* gtk-recordmydesktop # Record videos of what you're doing on your desktop.<br />
* gworldclock # Want to simultaneously see the time in Tokyo, LA, London, and Rio? Use this.<br />
* ffmpeg2theora # Convert videos into format suitable for uploading to Wikimedia commons.<br />
* rar p7zip-full # needed for extracting .7z and RAR archives<br />
* gnome-do # Run apps or commands from a keyboard launcher.<br />
* pinfo # Much nicer UI than man or info for reading documentation.<br />
* vlc mozilla-plugin-vlc<br />
* avidemux # Useful for replacing audio tracks in video files.<br />
* indent # Useful for auto-indenting code.<br />
* smartmontools smart-notifier # S.M.A.R.T. hard disk monitoring tools.<br />
* tidy<br />
* ddrescue # Useful for recovering data from failing hard disks.<br />
* gimp-resynthesizer # A nifty plugin for gimp for repairing images or filling in content intelligently. Ignore if you don't use gimp.<br />
* qpdf # Useful for removing password from PDF files, as per [http://blog.sandipb.net/2009/01/10/removing-encryption-from-legitimate-pdf-files-on-ubuntu/ this guide].<br />
* hardinfo # Generates a hardware report and benchmark for the system; can also run in command line mode by doing: <code> hardinfo -r -f html > report.html </code><br />
* gtkvncviewer # Nice VNC client.<br />
* renameutils # Useful for bulk renaming of files. Example for renaming all .JPG files in a directory to .jpg (lowercase) is: <code>rename s/JPG$/jpg/ *</code><br />
* meld # Good GUI for comparing two files, e.g. two log files.<br />
* asciio # Good for drawing ASCII graphs; only available in Ubuntu 10.10 and up.<br />
* spamassassin # Email filtering, used by Evolution.<br />
<!--<br />
<br />
Have installed on laptop - test some more and see if worth including:<br />
gedit-plugins<br />
wget http://nchc.dl.sourceforge.net/sourceforge/openproj/openproj_1.4-2.deb && sudo dpkg -i openproj_1.4-2.deb<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
winbind # could be useful on a windows network. Have not discerned any benefit yet though.<br />
<br />
Still working out whether to include or not: * evolution-plugins-experimental <br />
<br />
* bum # Boot Up Manager - GUI for specifying what services should be running on boot-up.<br />
* miro # Combined bittorrent client and video player. Particularly useful for downloading TED talks before a flight. Uses lots of disk space though.<br />
* k3b # CD burning app.<br />
* deluge amule # P2P - donkey plus bittorrent<br />
<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Configure "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" ==<br />
<br />
To get the back / forward keyboard keys working in Firefox, when using the "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard", go System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> Layout -> click the model button -> Choose Microsoft -> set model to "Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro USB" -> click "close".<br />
<br />
== Custom Key Bindings, aimed at "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" == <br />
<br />
Note: the steps keep changing in each Ubuntu release (the menus move around, the keycodes change), unfortunately. This is what works for me using 11.10 in gnome-fallback mode:<br />
<br />
* ubuntu "System Setting" (top right corner of your desktop) -> Keyboard -> Shortcut.<br />
* Set "1" favourite key to "run a terminal"<br />
* Set "2" favourite key to "open home folder"<br />
<br />
There seems to be a bug that prevents the "custom shortcuts" keys from working for favourite keys 3, 4 and 5. Instead we have to do this:<br />
* In a terminal, run: <code>gconf-editor</code><br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/global_keybindings<br />
* Change "run_command_3" to be 0xc2, "run_command_4" to be 0xc3, and "run_command_5" to be 0xc4 - these corresponds to the 3 / 4 / 5 favourite keys.<br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/keybinding_commands<br />
* Change "command_3" to be the take-screenshot command: <code>gnome-screenshot --window --interactive</code><br />
* Change "command_4" to be the new-text-editor command: <code>/usr/bin/gedit --new-document</code><br />
* Change "command_5" to be as desired.<br />
<!-- * Name is "Zend Studio", command is "sh /home/nickj/programs/Zend/ZendStudio-5.5.0/bin/ZDE". Set the 5 favourite key to run this. --><br />
<br />
== Install Skype == <br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>" -> Skype -> More Info -> Install. <br />
<br />
Then to make the right-click menus legible with Ubuntu's dark theme, do as follows:<br />
# Applications -> Internet -> Skype -> single-click on the skype icon in the top right to open skype -> Ctrl-O to open options -> "general" -> Choose Style: "Desktop settings" -> close.<br />
# Single click on skype icon to open skype again -> Ctrl-Q to close.<br />
# Now restart skype by going Applications -> Internet -> Skype, and the right-click menus will be readable.<br />
<!--<br />
install Skype - [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Skype#AMD64 Source of instructions].<br />
sudo aptitude install ia32-libs<br />
wget http://skype.com/go/getskype-linux-ubuntu<br />
sudo aptitude install libqt4-core libqt4-gui qt4-qtconfig <br />
sudo dpkg --install --force-architecture --force-depends skype-debian*.deb<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Install the Tahoma fonts ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.stchman.com/ms_fonts.html Source of instructions].<br />
<br />
Once the msttcorefonts package is installed you will notice that Tahoma and Tahoma Bold is missing. You will need to extract Tahoma<br />
and Tahoma Bold from the zip file. Tahoma is used for Microsoft desktop, title bars and menu fonts so if you are trying to get that<br />
XP look you will need the Tahoma regular and Tahoma Bold fonts. Install Tahoma by doing the following in a terminal.<br />
<br />
cd ~<br />
wget http://www.stchman.com/tools/MS_fonts/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo unzip -d /usr/share/fonts/truetype/msttcorefonts ~/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo fc-cache -f -v<br />
rm -f ~/tahoma.zip<br />
<br />
== Install Flash == <br />
<br />
* Install the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up or installs flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems.<br />
* Restart the browser.<br />
* Go to: Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, go with all the defaults.<br />
* It removes any old flash plugins and downloads and installs the latest Adobe one.<br />
* For AMD64 systems, can use the flash 64 bit beta.<br />
<br />
If flash videos have a blue tint after the installation, then repeat the above steps, which may fix it. If it doesn't, then right click on a flash video with a blue tint -> Settings -> Untick "enable HW acceleration". [http://askubuntu.com/questions/117127/flash-video-appears-blue Source].<br />
<br />
== Install Google Earth ==<br />
<!--<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update && sudo aptitude install medibuntu-keyring && sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install googleearth-4.3<br />
<br />
... or follow the manual instructions on [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/GoogleEarth this page] for a more recent version.<br />
--><br />
Follow [http://www.liberiangeek.net/2011/10/how-to-install-google-earth-in-ubuntu-11-10-oneiric-ocelot/ these instructions for installing google earth].<br />
<br />
== Install Acrobat reader ==<br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>", or go Applications -> Ubuntu Software Center, and then go: -> Canonical Partners -> Adobe Acrobat reader -> Install.<br />
<br />
<!--<br />
In earlier versions of Ubuntu, to install acrobat reader, since [http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-general-1/cant-shrink-to-fit-pdf-doc-654281/ Ubuntu's native PDF readers don't have shrink to fit when printing]. :<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install acroread acroread-plugins<br />
<br />
(this uses medibuntu, from the Google Earth step above).<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
Also need to do this:<br />
sudo editor /usr/share/applications/defaults.list <br />
And change this:<br />
#application/pdf=evince.desktop<br />
application/pdf=AdobeReader.desktop<br />
--><br />
Then to tweak the display preferences of Acrobat Reader: Edit -> Preferences -> Page Display -> set "Zoom" to "Fit Page" -> Click "Ok".<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
== Install Opera ==<br />
<br />
To install and configure opera (since it's useful for testing web pages to be able to check behaviour, and it's useful to have another browser around sometimes), do the following:<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.list<br />
... and add these two lines:<br />
# For latest stable opera:<br />
deb http://deb.opera.com/opera/ stable non-free<br />
<br />
* Then do:<br />
sudo wget -O - http://deb.opera.com/archive.key | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install opera<br />
* Then run opera - Applications -> Internet -> Opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise -> Toolbars tab -> change the "wrapping" setting to "Wrap to multiple lines".<br />
<!-- <br />
* Go to [http://www.opera.com/download/ Opera's download page].<br />
* Download and open and install the .deb file<br />
* Then run opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise and change the wrapping setting to "multiple lines".<br />
--><br />
== Enable Apport for crash bug reporting ==<br />
<br />
Enable apport so that crash bugs will be reported and logged:<br />
sudo editor /etc/default/apport<br />
change enabled from "0" to "1".<br />
<br />
Crashes will then be logged to /var/crash/<br />
<br />
== Configure Open Office to work in MS Office 2000 compatibility mode ==<br />
<br />
[http://news.cnet.com/8301-13880_3-9864262-68.html Source of instructions]. Only do this if you are testing a migration to Ubuntu. Once you have already switched, then use the native ODF for new files, as they generally save formatting better.<br />
* Start OpenOffice Word Process: Applications -> Office -> OpenOffice.org Word Processor -> tools -> options -> expand "Load/Save" -> select "general" -> For document type = "Text document", set Always save as "Microsoft Word 97/2000/XP" (instead of "ODF text document"); For Document type = "Spreadsheet", set Always save as "Microsoft Excel 97/2000/XP"; For Document type = "Presentation", set Always save as "Microsoft PowerPoint 97/2000/XP" -> then click "OK".<br />
* Then tools -> options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> compatibility -> tick "Use printer metrics for document formatting", tick "Do not add leading (extra space) between lines of text", and tick "Consider wrapping style when positioning objects". Then go: Use as Default -> Yes -> OK.<br />
<br />
Note: When you upgrade between Ubuntu releases, you will probably need to repeat the first step, otherwise it will default back to saving in OpenOffice's formats by default.<br />
<br />
== Evolution configuration ==<br />
<br />
* Turn off new email notifications: Evolution -> Edit -> Plugins -> Uncheck "Mail Notification" plugin.<br />
* Edit -> Preferences -> 'Calendar and Tasks' -> 'Display' tab -> Disable the 'Compress weekends in month view' option.<br />
* Customize the default mail folder view. Get one folder looking right (personal preference: Columns: From / Subject / Received, with threads off, sorted by date received with most recent first). Then go View -> Current view -> Save Custom View... -> Replace existing view -> Messages -> Save. "Messages" is a special view, which is used by default on all folders, although you can override it on a folder-by-folder basis, but customizing that folder's view.<br />
<br />
== Set up SSH keys and KeepAlive Interval ==<br />
<br />
For each machine you want to have password-less SSH login to, do:<br />
ssh-copy-id -i ~/.ssh/id_dsa.pub machine1<br />
<br />
Also on some connections the SSH shell can close after a short timeout period. To keep connections option for longer, on the client side do, <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and then add this line to send a keep-alive heartbeat every 60 seconds:<br />
ServerAliveInterval 60<br />
<br />
... there is also a corresponding "ClientAliveInterval 60" setting that can be added to /etc/ssh/sshd_config - although sometimes you only control the client side of the link, and so this is not possible.<br />
<br />
Also set up connection sharing, makes secondary connections to SSH hosts much faster. <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and add this:<br />
# from: "OpenSSH tip: connection sharing"<br />
# http://tanguy.ortolo.eu/blog/article42/ssh-connection-sharing<br />
ControlPath ~/.ssh/control-%r@%h:%p<br />
ControlMaster auto<br />
ControlPersist 1<br />
<br />
== Automounting remote file systems using SSHFS ==<br />
<br />
For a remote Linux system, can automount with autofs + sshfs. Follow the guides [http://www.tjansson.dk/?p=84 here] and [http://www.mccambridge.org/blog/2007/05/totally-seamless-sshfs-under-linux-using-fuse-and-autofs/ here].<br />
<br />
Debug any problems with:<br />
tail --lines=0 -f /var/log/*<br />
<!-- <br />
Windows shares<br />
* Currently TESTING, this step not complete yet.<br />
* [http://oapeon.blogspot.com/2008/09/automounting-cifs-share-in-ubuntu.html Follow these instructions], but also [http://www.howtoforge.com/accessing_windows_or_samba_shares_using_autofs create a /etc/auto.smb.FILESERVERNAME file with login credentials].<br />
<br />
Actually, may have spoken too soon, seems kinda flakey. Getting "Input/output error" on the command line when accessing shares after a few minutes:<br />
<br />
$ ls /smb/server/sharename/<br />
ls: cannot access /smb/server/sharename/: Input/output error<br />
$<br />
<br />
Also seeing these errors when doing "tail -f /var/log/messages", despite supplying login credentials:<br />
Oct 23 17:42:02 redux kernel: [66597.665680] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
Oct 23 17:42:01 redux kernel: [66597.524118] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
<br />
To remove, uninstall these packages:<br />
sudo aptitude uninstall --purge autofs libevent1 libgssglue1 libnfsidmap2 librpcsecgss3 nfs-common portmap smbfs<br />
<br />
<br />
rebooting seemed to make this better.... although it's still buggy and flakey. Get directories being infinitely recursive, edited files appearing as directories, etc etc.<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
testing / playing with smbnetfs as an alternative<br />
sudo aptitude install smbnetfs<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/smbnetfs.conf <br />
<br />
- show_$_shares "false"<br />
+ show_$_shares "true"<br />
<br />
mkdir ~/.smb<br />
editor ~/.smb/smbnetfs.auth<br />
<br />
auth nickj password<br />
<br />
Need to do something with .smb/smbnetfs.conf ?<br />
<br />
<br />
* smbnetfs is probably not even running - need to find some decent docs on how to configure this.<br />
* autofs is mounted on /smb , and can be seriously flakey.<br />
* trying sshfs now, seems better but needs some magic options in the mount flags to work suitably.<br />
--><br />
== right before and right after each upgrade ==<br />
<br />
Remove unneeded cruft, by doing:<br />
sudo apt-get autoremove<br />
sudo apt-get clean<br />
deborphan<br />
Check first that no important packages are about to be removed, then do:<br />
sudo apt-get remove --purge $(deborphan)<br />
Purge old configuration files, first command shows what will be purged:<br />
sudo aptitude search ~c <br />
sudo aptitude purge ~c<br />
<br />
Fix broken packages:<br />
* <code>sudo aptitude</code><br />
* fix any broken packages (ctrl-t -> resolver -> examine -> g -> g).<br />
* also clean up cache and obsolete files (ctrl-t -> actions -> "clean package cache" and "clean obsolete files").<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
These tweaks are only required for 9.04:<br />
<br />
([http://reformedmusings.wordpress.com/2009/04/26/recovering-daily-update-notifications-in-ubuntu-904-jaunty/ Source]) To enable daily notification of non-security updates, which is especially useful if you [[#enable Apport for crash bug reporting|enable Apport for crash bug reporting]], then do this:<br />
gconftool -s --type bool /apps/update-notifier/auto_launch false<br />
<br />
([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-when-logoutshutdown-and-restart-ubuntu904 Source]) To remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout, do this:<br />
* Right-click on the panel power button icon on top-right of the screen -> Preferences -> Untick "Show confirm dialog for logout, shutdown and restart".<br />
<br />
Only in Ubuntu 9.04:<br />
sudo aptitude install firefox-3.5 firefox-3.5-gnome-support<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Tweaks to Ubuntu 9.10 that I had to apply to get stuff working again, or configured how I like it:<br />
<br />
1: Remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout. ([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-in-ubuntu910karmic Source]). <br />
<br />
2: For seeing details of SMART reporting for hard disks:<br />
sudo aptitude install gsmartcontrol<br />
<br />
3: system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Dust".<br />
<br />
4: Alt-F2, run gconf-editor , then toogle the GConf key /apps/eog/ui/disable_trash_confirmation to be ticked, to disable prompting for image deleting though Eye of Gnome ([https://bugzilla.gnome.org/show_bug.cgi?id=541967#c5 source]).<br />
<br />
5: Some third party entries in your sources.list were disabled. You can re-enable them after the upgrade with the 'software-properties' tool or your package manager.<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.lst<br />
<br />
.. then re-enable dropbox, chrome daily builds, etc, and apply those updates:<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude upgrade<br />
<br />
6: Setting MySQL back to utf8 mode:<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/mysql/my.cnf <br />
add under the "[mysqld]" section:<br />
default-character-set=utf8<br />
<br />
7: Blue tint to video files in VLC, Mplayer, and Totem. [http://www.mediacollege.com/video-gallery/testclips/20051210-w50s.flv Example video file]. [https://bugs.launchpad.net/totem/+bug/395476 Bug is in] the Nvidia closed source driver. Workaround is:<br />
* open totem via Applications -> Sound & Video -> Movie Player<br />
* open the preferences window via Edit -> Preferences<br />
* select the Display tab<br />
* click the Reset to Defaults button<br />
<br />
8: Problem: Mplayer crashing regularly when changing video output mode, and also giving a "couldn't resolve name for AF_INET6:" error on URL playback. Workaround: ditch mplayer, as totem and VLC are suitable replacements:<br />
sudo aptitude remove --purge mplayer<br />
<br />
9: Flash applets don't work in firefox or chrome on AMD64 (example: playing [http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-february-1-2010/q---o this Daily Show] video) .... solution: redo the [[#Install_Flash_on_AMD64|Flash installation steps]].<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Ambiance". <!-- move window decoration buttons to the left too - find link & steps for this --><br />
# If images don't display in office documents: Start OpenOffice writer, and then go: Tools -> Options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> View -> tick "Graphics and objects" -> click "Ok".<br />
<!-- to get SIP calls working through empathy through the dodgy Telstra modem that blocks VoIP: sudo aptitude install telepathy-sofiasip ... no, didn't work - test again later. --><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# <code>sudo aptitude remove tracker</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install unity-2d</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
The 11.10 release had more problems than most releases.<br />
<br />
Nautilus default view: go to Places -> Home folder -> Edit -> Preferences -> "View new folders using": select "List View".<br />
<br />
=== Restore classic Gnome desktop ===<br />
To get gnome classic desktop back, as per [http://www.webupd8.org/2011/08/installing-using-classic-gnome-desktop.html this blog post].<br />
sudo apt-get install gnome-session-fallback<br />
Then:<br />
* Install weather applet<br />
* System monitor applet<br />
* Add application icons for Firefox, chrome, terminal, and gedit.<br />
sudo aptitude install alarm-clock-applet<br />
* Add an application icon for the alarm clock applet.<br />
* Put a trash applet back on the bottom right of the screen.<br />
* Put a show desktop applet back on the bottom left of the screen.<br />
<br />
=== SSH menu is gone, use SSH plus instead ===<br />
Follow [http://www.gulecha.org/2011/07/29/sshplus-a-sshmenu-compatible-appindicator/ these installation instructions]. Then do <code>sudo aptitude install putty</code><br/> <br />
To add to startup apps: Applications -> System Tools -> Preferences -> startup applications -> add SSHplus by full path.<br />
<br />
=== blurry image viewer ===<br />
Images look blurry because the default Gnome Image viewer (eog/eye of gnome) is set to "Best Fit" instead of "Normal view", which resizes images slightly, making them appear blurry. Unfortunately, there seems to be no preference or setting that allows changing this permanently. Instead just install another image viewing app, and make it the default:<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install gthumb</code><br/><br />
It can be customized to view images 1:1 by going Edit -> Preferences -> Viewer -> Set to actual size. Then go View -> unselect "Thumbnail pane" (with this on, it seems to interfere with 1:1 viewing). Test it, then if so make it the default app by going ubuntu "System Settings" (top right corner of your desktop) -> System info -> Default applications -> Photos -> gThumb.<br />
<br />
=== usb automounting was broken ===<br />
Inserted USB drives would no longer automatically mount and open a file manager window. Solved by installing, and then removing, the usbmount package.<br />
<br />
=== Flash broken ===<br />
After upgrading from 11.04 to 11.10, flash applets either did not work, or worked partial (such as the sound being distorted, like the person was underwater). Fixed by installing the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up broken flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems. Installed the extension, restarted the browser, then went Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, just went with all the defaults, it removed the old flash plugins (I had 2) and downloaded and installed the latest adobe one, and then it was as good as new and working flawlessly.<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 12.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
=== Multiple monitors broken, screen orientation broken ===<br />
<br />
run Synaptic, remove all the nvidia drivers, and install the nouveau firmware, then reboot, then systems settings -> displays, and can change the monitor setup so that multi-montior works again and so the orientations are in portrait instead of landscape.<br />
<br />
From the command line to remove nvidia drivers, can do:<br />
sudo apt-get purge nvidia-settings nvidia-current<br />
<br />
=== Customised keyboard shortcuts lost ===<br />
<br />
All my customized keyboard shortcuts for the extra buttons on my keyboard are lost. Had to redo the keyboard config to get these back.<br />
<br />
=== alt-tab no longer works ===<br />
<br />
To fix (from [http://askubuntu.com/questions/135685/alt-tab-does-not-switch this source]) :<br />
sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* Go at the very bottom where it says "Window Management"<br />
* Put a checkmark in "application switcher"<br />
* That should fix it.<br />
<br />
=== Workplace switching is broken (gives a blank desktop with no menus or items) ===<br />
<br />
Install compiz settings manager as above, and that will fix it. To get switching to be 4 horizontal desktops:<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* "general" -> General options -> Desktop size -> horizontal virtual size = 4, vertical virtual size = 1<br />
<br />
Also turn off "effects" -> "animations" in compiz too, whilst we are there.<br />
<br />
=== Gnome menus look ugly ===<br />
<br />
The bug is [https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/light-themes/+bug/981289 here]. To fix ambiance themes, [http://www.webupd8.org/2012/05/install-ambiance-fixed-for-classic.html follow these steps].<br />
<br />
=== Printing was broken ===<br />
<br />
Jobs sent to the network printer just sat in the queue and were never printed, even though the printer hardware was fine and the same queue worked perfectly in 11.10. Easiest solution was to cancel all print jobs, delete the printer, add a new printer with the same settings, and reboot (because the printer setup locked up whilst doing these things).<br />
<br />
=== Printing was excessively slow from Firefox ===<br />
<br />
Even after doing the above, printing was very slow from Firefox to the HP LaserJet 2100 TN. For example, it was taking up to 4 minutes to print a page, whereas it would take 15 seconds before. To fix:<br />
* Run "system-config-printer" from the command line.<br />
* Change the printer driver. Instead of the recommended driver, use "HP LaserJet 2100 - CUPS+Gutenprint v5.2.8-pre1".<br />
* Print a test page, once works okay, click "OK", and close the printer config applet.<br />
<br />
=== Volume applet indicator disappeared ===<br />
<br />
[http://askubuntu.com/questions/126411/volume-and-other-indicators-disappeared-in-the-classic-desktop Source].<br />
Run gnome-sound-applet from the command line to check that it is installed and working.<br />
<br />
To start the sound applet automatically, go to System Tools -> Preferences -> Startup Applications, and add Command gnome-sound-applet<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 13.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
To be able to play videos again:<br />
sudo aptitude install ubuntu-restricted-extras<br />
<br />
To stop using Nautilus, following the unfortuate decision to remove all of its most useful features, and switch to Nemo instead. [http://www.fandigital.com/2012/09/install-nemo-file-manager-in-ubuntu.html Source] [http://www.fandigital.com/2013/01/set-nemo-default-file-manager-ubuntu.html Source].<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:gwendal-lebihan-dev/cinnamon-stable<br />
sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install nemo nemo-fileroller<br />
xdg-mime default nemo.desktop inode/directory application/x-gnome-saved-search<br />
<br />
== VirtualBox ==<br />
<br />
From the [http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Linux_Downloads VirtualBox Installation instructions]:<br />
sudo vim /etc/apt/sources.list <br />
add this line: <code>deb http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian oneiric contrib</code> . Do not add a deb-src line.<br />
wget -q http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian/oracle_vbox.asc -O- | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install dkms<br />
sudo aptitude install virtualbox-4.2<br />
<br />
The first time that you install, make sure that you are a member of vboxusers group (needed for USB disks to work correctly) :<br />
sudo usermod -a -G vboxusers `whoami`<br />
sudo usermod -a -G disk `whoami`<br />
Then reboot the computer.<br />
<br />
To get the extension pack, which enables some extra features in VirtualBox 4.1:<br />
cd ~/.Virtualbox<br />
mkdir extensions<br />
cd extensions/<br />
wget http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/4.1.8/Oracle_VM_VirtualBox_Extension_Pack-4.1.8-75467.vbox-extpack<br />
To enable the extension pack:<br />
* VirtualBox main window -> File -> Preferences -> Extensions -> add button on right -> select the file saved above -> enter password if prompted.<br />
<br />
Before starting the Guest machine, make sure USB functionality is enabled by going:<br />
* Settings -> USB -> Make sure both the USB checkboxes are ticked -> Click the "Add Empty Filter" button (the top button on the right) -> click OK to close dialog box.<br />
<br />
Rebuild the virtualbox modules after upgrading from a previous version:<br />
sudo service vboxdrv setup<br />
<br />
After upgrading from a previous version, to update the guest's VirtualBox drivers, do this after the Guest has started:<br />
* VirtualBox -> start Guest -> "Devices" menu -> Install Guest Additions.<br />
<br />
Then plug in a USB device after the guest machine has started. Then make it visible to the Guest by going:<br />
* Devices -> USB devices -> and select the USB device to make visible.<br />
<br />
And in a Debian or Ubuntu '''guest''' machine after doing a dist-upgrade, to install the vbox additions, do this:<br />
* Devices -> install guest additions...<br />
mount /dev/cdrom <br />
aptitude install build-essential linux-headers-$(uname -r)<br />
sh /cdrom/VBoxLinuxAdditions.run<br />
<br />
When doing a major version upgrade, use apt-get and not aptitude. For example:<br />
sudo apt-get install virtualbox-4.2<br />
... and then start VirtualBox, and then install the latest extension pack, using the steps above. The link will be on the [https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads VirtualBox downloads] page.<br />
<br />
If you get an "Error! Could not locate dkms.conf file" message, then you probably have old directories left over from an old version of virtualbox under /var/lib/dkms/ . E.g. I had some directories left over from 3.2.6, and the fix was:<br />
sudo rm -r /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetadp /var/lib/dkms/vboxdrv /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetflt<br />
<br />
== Newsgroup bin client ==<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude install sabnzbdplus<br />
Then configure as per [http://wiki.sabnzbd.org/quick-setup the steps on their wiki].<br />
<!-- Lottanzb keeps crashing for me:<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:lottanzb/daily-build<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:jcfp/ppa<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install lottanzb sabnzbdplus<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Steps for making the Benq Acer S2W 3300U work == <br />
<br />
* Plug in power and USB cable to the scanner, and connect it to your computer.<br />
* Check SANE is installed, then run <code> sane-find-scanner </code>, and it should list your scanner.<br />
* From [http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/downloads.cfm/dtype/D/page/downloads/product/91 Benq's page] get the Mirascan ZIP file. Note that Benq's webservers are crap, and they cut out mid-download, so save yourself frustration by using wget to take care of the downloading/resuming/retrying, by doing:<br />
wget ftp://211.78.86.204/scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
and/or<br />
wget http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/download.cfm?file=scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
* Check the ZIP file downloaded okay by doing:<br />
unzip -t mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
... and making sure it says there were "no errors detected" at the end.<br />
* Extract just the u176v046.bin file (which is firmware blob that this scanner needs to operate) into the current directory:<br />
unzip -j mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip "MiraScan v4.03u10_BQA/BIN/u176v046.bin"<br />
* Set up Sane to use this firmware blob:<br />
sudo mkdir /usr/share/sane/snapscan<br />
sudo cp u176v046.bin /usr/share/sane/snapscan/<br />
sudo editor /etc/sane.d/snapscan.conf<br />
... and change the first line from:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/your-firmwarefile.bin<br />
to:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/u176v046.bin<br />
... then save and close the file.<br />
* Then under the Applications -> Graphics menu, run Xsane, or (my preference) Simple Scan.<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
<!-- todo: add the repo steps here --><br />
Unfortunately dropbox does not seem to automatically install updates for old versions. Given this, need to manually install updates on old versions, and easiest way to install dropbox updates on Linux is, open a terminal and do:<br />
dropbox stop<br />
dropbox status # Should report "not running"<br />
rm -r ~/.dropbox-dist/<br />
dropbox start -i<br />
<br />
== Handbrake ==<br />
<br />
Handbrake is a media converter, and is especially useful for converting files for portable devices, like Android tablets or iPhones. To install the snapshot releases (which seems to be the easiest way, if you want the GUI) :<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:stebbins/handbrake-snapshots<br />
sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install handbrake-gtk handbrake-cli<br />
== Install Chromium dev builds ==<br />
<br />
Firefox is currently slightly better as a daily browser, but Chromium is improving rapidly. If you want to play with the native alpha port of Google's Chrome browser just to see how it's going, you can install the dev builds of Chromium quite easily by doing:<br />
<!-- could get rid of the PPA - Ubuntu now includes the chromium browser in universe, that lags a little, but avoids the constant daily updates: http://packages.ubuntu.com/search?keywords=chromium-browser --><br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:chromium-daily/dev<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install chromium-browser chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-nonfree chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-extra<br />
<!-- following [http://www.stefanoforenza.com/chromium-on-ubuntu-how-to/ these directions]. You probably also want to add the key for this PPA to your system, following [https://help.launchpad.net/Packaging/PPA#Adding%20the%20keys%20using%20Gnome these directions] about adding [http://keyserver.ubuntu.com:11371/pks/lookup?op=get&search=0x5A9BF3BB4E5E17B5 their key] to your system, so that you don't get lots of prompts every day when there is an update about "do you want to install unauthenticated packages?". --><br />
<br />
Chrome Extensions to install:<br />
* [http://www.chromeextensions.org/appearance-functioning/flashblock/ FlashBlock].<br />
* [http://blog.xmarks.com/?p=1244 Xmarks].<br />
* [https://chrome.google.com/extensions/detail/gighmmpiobklfepjocnamgkkbiglidom Adblock]. Need to restart browser for extension to take effect.<br />
<br />
Still waiting for these Chrome extensions as at July 2010:<br />
* The equivalent of Tab Mix Plus. (still looking for this).<br />
<br />
Things that aren't working quite right yet in Chromium on Linux:<br />
* The backspace key should go back, or should be configurable for this. There is an extension that allows this, but it should probably be a preference in the base browser.<br />
* Auto-updating of extensions. There is a way to do this from the extensions UI, but in Chromium it doesn't seem to do anything.<br />
* Audio playback not working correctly - e.g. on [http://slides.html5rocks.com/#slide22 this slide], get no audio after selecting a national anthem other than US (US works, other's don't). Possibly [http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Chrome/thread?tid=2fdf2aa857abe1ef&hl=en this issue] or [http://code.google.com/p/chromium/issues/detail?id=37848 this issue].<br />
* WebGL does not work on an old laptop, but does on a modern desktop. Could be that the laptop's hardware is just too old (or just not supported in 3D).<br />
<br />
To enable most of the new features of Chromium, change the command line for starting chromium to be like this:<br />
chromium-browser --enable-plugins --enable-greasemonkey --enable-user-scripts --enable-internal-flash --enable-extensions --enable-webgl %U<br />
<br />
Configuration settings:<br />
* To make streetview work: Try to open streetview -> nothing happens -> press Ctrl-Shift-F (which permanently unblock flashblock on that site) -> then streetview will pop up and work thereafter.<br />
<br />
Updating the flash plugin if you get a warning that "the flash plugin was blocked because it is out of date", or just installing the flash plugin.<br />
* First check where the plugin is installed, by opening chrome://plugins/ in chromium, and expanding the "details" link.<br />
* For me, it said "Location: /usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so".<br />
* Note this directory, and update the flashplugin variable below if you have a different path:<br />
cd ~/tmp<br />
flashplugin=/usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so<br />
sudo mv $flashplugin ./libflashplayer.so.old<br />
wget http://download.macromedia.com/pub/labs/flashplayer10/flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz<br />
tar zfvx flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz <br />
sudo cp ./libflashplayer.so $flashplugin<br />
cd /usr/lib/chromium-browser/plugins<br />
sudo ln -s $flashplugin<br />
Now restart chromium and the warning should be fixed & flash should work.<br />
<!--<br />
== Pinta ==<br />
<br />
Basic image editing program, like ms-paint:<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:moonlight-team/pinta<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install pinta<br />
<br />
tends to crash though.... don't include in public instructions just yet!<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
'''Warning: semi-commercial software'''<br />
<br />
Personally, I find dropbox useful for synchronising up to 2 GB of data free between multiple systems (desktop and laptop; work and home). You need to sign up here and install the software from here.<br />
##### FINISH WRITING THIS STEP AT SOME POINT #####<br />
##### Keeps crashing on network transfers, so don't write up until that is completed ###### -- this was fixed by upgrading to version 0.6.564 <br />
##### The crashing is back.... **sigh**<br />
<br />
== testing: Ksplice for rebootless kernel updates ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.ksplice.com/uptrack/download Install]<br />
[http://lwn.net/Articles/340477/ background on Ksplice].<br />
<br />
== Ekiga linux setup ==<br />
.... cannot test this until ADSL connection no longer blocks VoIP...<br />
Date: Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:21:10 +1100<br />
VoIP client.<br />
<br />
Applications ->Internet -> Ekiga softphone<br />
Enter name<br />
Tick "I do not want to sign up for the ekiga.net free service"<br />
connection type xDSL.cable<br />
enable STUN support: Yes<br />
rest of the options: take the defaults,.<br />
<br />
Then in Ekiga, go:<br />
edit -> accounts -> add my pennytel account details.<br />
#### No sound through ekiga in 10.10 -- leave commented out until this works ####<br />
--></div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/Ubuntu_desktop_setup_stepsUbuntu desktop setup steps2013-08-25T12:52:15Z<p>Nickj: /* VirtualBox */ 4.2</p>
<hr />
<div>Ubuntu desktop setup steps for an AMD64 system. Most of these instructions will also work on 8.04 LTS, 8.10, 9.04, and 9.10, and 10.04 LTS, 10.10, 11.04, and 11.10, as these instructions were previously for those versions, and it should almost all work on an x86 system too:<br />
<br />
== Pre-installation standard hardware test procedure ==<br />
<br />
Before installing or configuring any software, it is imperative to test the hardware beforehand, to establish that it is not provably broken:<br />
* Download the ISOs for [http://www.sysresccd.org/ System Rescue CD] and [http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/ Ultimate Boot CD] and burn these.<br />
* From either CD, run Memtest86+ on the machine overnight, to test that the CPU and memory are error-free.<br />
* From UBCD, run a CPU stress test for 5 to 10 minutes to check CPU is reliable and adequately cooled.<br />
* From Sys Rescue CD, check for bad blocks on the hard drive, before trusting it with any data: <code>badblocks -v -s -w -c 4096 /dev/sda</code> <br />Note however that badblocks is quite a slow test - e.g. took 34 hours on a 500 GB SATA disk in an external USB enclosure, and 17 hours on a 250 GB IDE disk.<br />It's also a destructive write test, and so will blank the disk, so make sure you have the right device (use <code>fdisk -lu</code> to confirm the device's size and name).<br />Successful output will look something like this:<br />
Checking for bad blocks in read-write mode<br />
From block 0 to 244198583<br />
Testing with pattern 0xaa: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x55: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0xff: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x00: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Pass completed, 0 bad blocks found.<br />
<br />
If problems are found with any of the above, resolve these first before proceeding further.<br />
<br />
== Installation == <br />
<br />
* Firstly, decide whether you want software RAID or not. Personally, I use RAID-1 mirroring of a single bootable partition, using 2 same-sized disks, from 2 different manufacturers, because:<br />
*# it's simple.<br />
*# it's redundant enough.<br />
*# it's cheap: the incremental cost is the cost of a single disk, which is less than $100.<br />
*# you can boot off of it.<br />
*# it's not a question of if a disk will fail, but when.<br />
: For software RAID, install from the Alternate Installation CD. You can always [http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Convert_a_single_drive_system_to_RAID convert to RAID-1 later], but it's significantly more faffing about than setting it up this way from the get-go.<br />
* Once you've done the above, download and burn either the standard or alternate Ubuntu install CD, as appropriate.<br />
* Insert installation CD. Follow simple options, installs, ejects CD, reboots. Then login.<br />
* System -> Networking -> set up static IP address instead of dynamic IP address.<br />
* reboot to get network changes to apply (theoretically this should not be necessary, but in practice it was, at least for me on 8.04).<br />
* reboot, install system updates. Then reboot once updates are installed.<br />
* system -> hardware drivers -> enable the proprietary nvidia drivers.<br />
* reboot to enable the proprietary drivers.<br />
<br />
== Tweaks and Preferences ==<br />
<br />
* Ditch the annoying sounds: System -> Preferences -> sound -> sounds -> set all to "no sound", and untick "play system sounds", and on "system beep" tab untick all boxes.<br />
* Ditch the thrashing hard-disk: System -> Preferences -> Searching and indexing -> General -> tick "enable indexing" and "enable watching" and both of the power management boxes to disable stuff when on battery.<br />
* To get Subpixel Smoothing on LCDs, do this: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Fonts -> Select "subpixel smoothing (LCDs)". Need to restart Firefox for this change to take effect in Firefox.<br />
* To get reasonable desktop visual effects: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Visual Effects -> Select "Normal".<br />
* To make the system remember running apps and window locations on logout, do this: System -> Preferences -> sessions -> session options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out". In Ubuntu 9.04 / gnome 2.26 & up, this setting has moved, and is now under: System -> Preferences -> Startup Application Preferences -> options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out".<br />
<!--* To tweak networking performance, [http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Hardy#Howto:_Tweak_and_maximize_your_bandwidth_in_Ubuntu.2FLinux_via_sysctl.21 follow these instructions]. --><br />
* Power saving: Turn off blinking cursor by going: System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> untick "Cursor blinks in text fields".<br />
* Add terminal icon to gnome panel: Right-click panel -> Add to Panel -> Application Launcher... -> Accessories -> Terminal -> Add -> Close.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Editor" tab -> tick "autosave" files every 2 minutes.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Plugins" tab -> tick "Sort" to enable the sort plugin -> Close. Can now highlight text and go Edit -> Sort to get it alphabetically sorted.<br />
<br />
== [[Firefox configuration steps]] ==<br />
<br />
{{:Firefox configuration steps}}<br />
<br />
== Installation of extra software ==<br />
<br />
Go system -> admin -> synaptic package manager -> then Install the following (my brief descriptions of what some packages do are also shown) :<br />
* inkscape # Vector drawing package<br />
* hugin # Create panoramas from an image set.<br />
* dia # Draw diagrams & flow charts, somewhat like "visio" on Windows.<br />
* googleearth-package<br />
* xchat # IRC client.<br />
* ttf-mscorefonts-installer ttf-linux-libertine ttf-inconsolata # The most useful font sets. See also the "[[#Install the Tahoma fonts|Install the Tahoma fonts]]" section below.<br />
* audacious # Like XMMS or Winamp<br />
* nmap # Check for open ports.<br />
* filezilla # GUI FTP client.<br />
* wireshark # Packet sniffer<br />
* powertop iotop htop # Show power hogs, I/O hogs, and an more visual command-line version of top.<br />
* nautilus-open-terminal # adds ability to right click on a folder and get a command prompt there.<br />
* php5-cli php5-gd php5-curl # Only useful if you want to write scripts in PHP.<br />
* traceroute # How packets get from here to there over the network.<br />
* curl # Command line HTTP client, includes form-submitting capacity<br />
* tofrodos # Convert line endings from dos to UNIX or vice-versa.<br />
* openssh-server<br />
* libxml2-dev libmysqlclient-dev # Optional: Only used for compiling PHP snapshots<br />
* eclipse sun-java6-jdk sun-java6-jre sun-java6-plugin libmysql-java junit junit-doc # Optional: Java development using Eclipse + java plugins for Firefox<br />
* sysinfo # Kind of like device manager on Windows. Shows CPU / memory / hard disk installed, some hardware that has been detected, etc.<br />
* autofs smbfs smbclient<br />
* gisomount<br />
* gtk-recordmydesktop # Record videos of what you're doing on your desktop.<br />
* gworldclock # Want to simultaneously see the time in Tokyo, LA, London, and Rio? Use this.<br />
* ffmpeg2theora # Convert videos into format suitable for uploading to Wikimedia commons.<br />
* rar p7zip-full # needed for extracting .7z and RAR archives<br />
* gnome-do # Run apps or commands from a keyboard launcher.<br />
* pinfo # Much nicer UI than man or info for reading documentation.<br />
* vlc mozilla-plugin-vlc<br />
* avidemux # Useful for replacing audio tracks in video files.<br />
* indent # Useful for auto-indenting code.<br />
* smartmontools smart-notifier # S.M.A.R.T. hard disk monitoring tools.<br />
* tidy<br />
* ddrescue # Useful for recovering data from failing hard disks.<br />
* gimp-resynthesizer # A nifty plugin for gimp for repairing images or filling in content intelligently. Ignore if you don't use gimp.<br />
* qpdf # Useful for removing password from PDF files, as per [http://blog.sandipb.net/2009/01/10/removing-encryption-from-legitimate-pdf-files-on-ubuntu/ this guide].<br />
* hardinfo # Generates a hardware report and benchmark for the system; can also run in command line mode by doing: <code> hardinfo -r -f html > report.html </code><br />
* gtkvncviewer # Nice VNC client.<br />
* renameutils # Useful for bulk renaming of files. Example for renaming all .JPG files in a directory to .jpg (lowercase) is: <code>rename s/JPG$/jpg/ *</code><br />
* meld # Good GUI for comparing two files, e.g. two log files.<br />
* asciio # Good for drawing ASCII graphs; only available in Ubuntu 10.10 and up.<br />
* spamassassin # Email filtering, used by Evolution.<br />
<!--<br />
<br />
Have installed on laptop - test some more and see if worth including:<br />
gedit-plugins<br />
wget http://nchc.dl.sourceforge.net/sourceforge/openproj/openproj_1.4-2.deb && sudo dpkg -i openproj_1.4-2.deb<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
winbind # could be useful on a windows network. Have not discerned any benefit yet though.<br />
<br />
Still working out whether to include or not: * evolution-plugins-experimental <br />
<br />
* bum # Boot Up Manager - GUI for specifying what services should be running on boot-up.<br />
* miro # Combined bittorrent client and video player. Particularly useful for downloading TED talks before a flight. Uses lots of disk space though.<br />
* k3b # CD burning app.<br />
* deluge amule # P2P - donkey plus bittorrent<br />
<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Configure "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" ==<br />
<br />
To get the back / forward keyboard keys working in Firefox, when using the "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard", go System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> Layout -> click the model button -> Choose Microsoft -> set model to "Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro USB" -> click "close".<br />
<br />
== Custom Key Bindings, aimed at "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" == <br />
<br />
Note: the steps keep changing in each Ubuntu release (the menus move around, the keycodes change), unfortunately. This is what works for me using 11.10 in gnome-fallback mode:<br />
<br />
* ubuntu "System Setting" (top right corner of your desktop) -> Keyboard -> Shortcut.<br />
* Set "1" favourite key to "run a terminal"<br />
* Set "2" favourite key to "open home folder"<br />
<br />
There seems to be a bug that prevents the "custom shortcuts" keys from working for favourite keys 3, 4 and 5. Instead we have to do this:<br />
* In a terminal, run: <code>gconf-editor</code><br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/global_keybindings<br />
* Change "run_command_3" to be 0xc2, "run_command_4" to be 0xc3, and "run_command_5" to be 0xc4 - these corresponds to the 3 / 4 / 5 favourite keys.<br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/keybinding_commands<br />
* Change "command_3" to be the take-screenshot command: <code>gnome-screenshot --window --interactive</code><br />
* Change "command_4" to be the new-text-editor command: <code>/usr/bin/gedit --new-document</code><br />
* Change "command_5" to be as desired.<br />
<!-- * Name is "Zend Studio", command is "sh /home/nickj/programs/Zend/ZendStudio-5.5.0/bin/ZDE". Set the 5 favourite key to run this. --><br />
<br />
== Install Skype == <br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>" -> Skype -> More Info -> Install. <br />
<br />
Then to make the right-click menus legible with Ubuntu's dark theme, do as follows:<br />
# Applications -> Internet -> Skype -> single-click on the skype icon in the top right to open skype -> Ctrl-O to open options -> "general" -> Choose Style: "Desktop settings" -> close.<br />
# Single click on skype icon to open skype again -> Ctrl-Q to close.<br />
# Now restart skype by going Applications -> Internet -> Skype, and the right-click menus will be readable.<br />
<!--<br />
install Skype - [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Skype#AMD64 Source of instructions].<br />
sudo aptitude install ia32-libs<br />
wget http://skype.com/go/getskype-linux-ubuntu<br />
sudo aptitude install libqt4-core libqt4-gui qt4-qtconfig <br />
sudo dpkg --install --force-architecture --force-depends skype-debian*.deb<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Install the Tahoma fonts ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.stchman.com/ms_fonts.html Source of instructions].<br />
<br />
Once the msttcorefonts package is installed you will notice that Tahoma and Tahoma Bold is missing. You will need to extract Tahoma<br />
and Tahoma Bold from the zip file. Tahoma is used for Microsoft desktop, title bars and menu fonts so if you are trying to get that<br />
XP look you will need the Tahoma regular and Tahoma Bold fonts. Install Tahoma by doing the following in a terminal.<br />
<br />
cd ~<br />
wget http://www.stchman.com/tools/MS_fonts/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo unzip -d /usr/share/fonts/truetype/msttcorefonts ~/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo fc-cache -f -v<br />
rm -f ~/tahoma.zip<br />
<br />
== Install Flash == <br />
<br />
* Install the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up or installs flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems.<br />
* Restart the browser.<br />
* Go to: Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, go with all the defaults.<br />
* It removes any old flash plugins and downloads and installs the latest Adobe one.<br />
* For AMD64 systems, can use the flash 64 bit beta.<br />
<br />
If flash videos have a blue tint after the installation, then repeat the above steps, which may fix it. If it doesn't, then right click on a flash video with a blue tint -> Settings -> Untick "enable HW acceleration". [http://askubuntu.com/questions/117127/flash-video-appears-blue Source].<br />
<br />
== Install Google Earth ==<br />
<!--<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update && sudo aptitude install medibuntu-keyring && sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install googleearth-4.3<br />
<br />
... or follow the manual instructions on [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/GoogleEarth this page] for a more recent version.<br />
--><br />
Follow [http://www.liberiangeek.net/2011/10/how-to-install-google-earth-in-ubuntu-11-10-oneiric-ocelot/ these instructions for installing google earth].<br />
<br />
== Install Acrobat reader ==<br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>", or go Applications -> Ubuntu Software Center, and then go: -> Canonical Partners -> Adobe Acrobat reader -> Install.<br />
<br />
<!--<br />
In earlier versions of Ubuntu, to install acrobat reader, since [http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-general-1/cant-shrink-to-fit-pdf-doc-654281/ Ubuntu's native PDF readers don't have shrink to fit when printing]. :<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install acroread acroread-plugins<br />
<br />
(this uses medibuntu, from the Google Earth step above).<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
Also need to do this:<br />
sudo editor /usr/share/applications/defaults.list <br />
And change this:<br />
#application/pdf=evince.desktop<br />
application/pdf=AdobeReader.desktop<br />
--><br />
Then to tweak the display preferences of Acrobat Reader: Edit -> Preferences -> Page Display -> set "Zoom" to "Fit Page" -> Click "Ok".<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
== Install Opera ==<br />
<br />
To install and configure opera (since it's useful for testing web pages to be able to check behaviour, and it's useful to have another browser around sometimes), do the following:<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.list<br />
... and add these two lines:<br />
# For latest stable opera:<br />
deb http://deb.opera.com/opera/ stable non-free<br />
<br />
* Then do:<br />
sudo wget -O - http://deb.opera.com/archive.key | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install opera<br />
* Then run opera - Applications -> Internet -> Opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise -> Toolbars tab -> change the "wrapping" setting to "Wrap to multiple lines".<br />
<!-- <br />
* Go to [http://www.opera.com/download/ Opera's download page].<br />
* Download and open and install the .deb file<br />
* Then run opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise and change the wrapping setting to "multiple lines".<br />
--><br />
== Enable Apport for crash bug reporting ==<br />
<br />
Enable apport so that crash bugs will be reported and logged:<br />
sudo editor /etc/default/apport<br />
change enabled from "0" to "1".<br />
<br />
Crashes will then be logged to /var/crash/<br />
<br />
== Configure Open Office to work in MS Office 2000 compatibility mode ==<br />
<br />
[http://news.cnet.com/8301-13880_3-9864262-68.html Source of instructions]. Only do this if you are testing a migration to Ubuntu. Once you have already switched, then use the native ODF for new files, as they generally save formatting better.<br />
* Start OpenOffice Word Process: Applications -> Office -> OpenOffice.org Word Processor -> tools -> options -> expand "Load/Save" -> select "general" -> For document type = "Text document", set Always save as "Microsoft Word 97/2000/XP" (instead of "ODF text document"); For Document type = "Spreadsheet", set Always save as "Microsoft Excel 97/2000/XP"; For Document type = "Presentation", set Always save as "Microsoft PowerPoint 97/2000/XP" -> then click "OK".<br />
* Then tools -> options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> compatibility -> tick "Use printer metrics for document formatting", tick "Do not add leading (extra space) between lines of text", and tick "Consider wrapping style when positioning objects". Then go: Use as Default -> Yes -> OK.<br />
<br />
Note: When you upgrade between Ubuntu releases, you will probably need to repeat the first step, otherwise it will default back to saving in OpenOffice's formats by default.<br />
<br />
== Evolution configuration ==<br />
<br />
* Turn off new email notifications: Evolution -> Edit -> Plugins -> Uncheck "Mail Notification" plugin.<br />
* Edit -> Preferences -> 'Calendar and Tasks' -> 'Display' tab -> Disable the 'Compress weekends in month view' option.<br />
* Customize the default mail folder view. Get one folder looking right (personal preference: Columns: From / Subject / Received, with threads off, sorted by date received with most recent first). Then go View -> Current view -> Save Custom View... -> Replace existing view -> Messages -> Save. "Messages" is a special view, which is used by default on all folders, although you can override it on a folder-by-folder basis, but customizing that folder's view.<br />
<br />
== Set up SSH keys and KeepAlive Interval ==<br />
<br />
For each machine you want to have password-less SSH login to, do:<br />
ssh-copy-id -i ~/.ssh/id_dsa.pub machine1<br />
<br />
Also on some connections the SSH shell can close after a short timeout period. To keep connections option for longer, on the client side do, <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and then add this line to send a keep-alive heartbeat every 60 seconds:<br />
ServerAliveInterval 60<br />
<br />
... there is also a corresponding "ClientAliveInterval 60" setting that can be added to /etc/ssh/sshd_config - although sometimes you only control the client side of the link, and so this is not possible.<br />
<br />
Also set up connection sharing, makes secondary connections to SSH hosts much faster. <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and add this:<br />
# from: "OpenSSH tip: connection sharing"<br />
# http://tanguy.ortolo.eu/blog/article42/ssh-connection-sharing<br />
ControlPath ~/.ssh/control-%r@%h:%p<br />
ControlMaster auto<br />
ControlPersist 1<br />
<br />
== Automounting remote file systems using SSHFS ==<br />
<br />
For a remote Linux system, can automount with autofs + sshfs. Follow the guides [http://www.tjansson.dk/?p=84 here] and [http://www.mccambridge.org/blog/2007/05/totally-seamless-sshfs-under-linux-using-fuse-and-autofs/ here].<br />
<br />
Debug any problems with:<br />
tail --lines=0 -f /var/log/*<br />
<!-- <br />
Windows shares<br />
* Currently TESTING, this step not complete yet.<br />
* [http://oapeon.blogspot.com/2008/09/automounting-cifs-share-in-ubuntu.html Follow these instructions], but also [http://www.howtoforge.com/accessing_windows_or_samba_shares_using_autofs create a /etc/auto.smb.FILESERVERNAME file with login credentials].<br />
<br />
Actually, may have spoken too soon, seems kinda flakey. Getting "Input/output error" on the command line when accessing shares after a few minutes:<br />
<br />
$ ls /smb/server/sharename/<br />
ls: cannot access /smb/server/sharename/: Input/output error<br />
$<br />
<br />
Also seeing these errors when doing "tail -f /var/log/messages", despite supplying login credentials:<br />
Oct 23 17:42:02 redux kernel: [66597.665680] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
Oct 23 17:42:01 redux kernel: [66597.524118] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
<br />
To remove, uninstall these packages:<br />
sudo aptitude uninstall --purge autofs libevent1 libgssglue1 libnfsidmap2 librpcsecgss3 nfs-common portmap smbfs<br />
<br />
<br />
rebooting seemed to make this better.... although it's still buggy and flakey. Get directories being infinitely recursive, edited files appearing as directories, etc etc.<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
testing / playing with smbnetfs as an alternative<br />
sudo aptitude install smbnetfs<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/smbnetfs.conf <br />
<br />
- show_$_shares "false"<br />
+ show_$_shares "true"<br />
<br />
mkdir ~/.smb<br />
editor ~/.smb/smbnetfs.auth<br />
<br />
auth nickj password<br />
<br />
Need to do something with .smb/smbnetfs.conf ?<br />
<br />
<br />
* smbnetfs is probably not even running - need to find some decent docs on how to configure this.<br />
* autofs is mounted on /smb , and can be seriously flakey.<br />
* trying sshfs now, seems better but needs some magic options in the mount flags to work suitably.<br />
--><br />
== right before and right after each upgrade ==<br />
<br />
Remove unneeded cruft, by doing:<br />
sudo apt-get autoremove<br />
sudo apt-get clean<br />
deborphan<br />
Check first that no important packages are about to be removed, then do:<br />
sudo apt-get remove --purge $(deborphan)<br />
Purge old configuration files, first command shows what will be purged:<br />
sudo aptitude search ~c <br />
sudo aptitude purge ~c<br />
<br />
Fix broken packages:<br />
* <code>sudo aptitude</code><br />
* fix any broken packages (ctrl-t -> resolver -> examine -> g -> g).<br />
* also clean up cache and obsolete files (ctrl-t -> actions -> "clean package cache" and "clean obsolete files").<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
These tweaks are only required for 9.04:<br />
<br />
([http://reformedmusings.wordpress.com/2009/04/26/recovering-daily-update-notifications-in-ubuntu-904-jaunty/ Source]) To enable daily notification of non-security updates, which is especially useful if you [[#enable Apport for crash bug reporting|enable Apport for crash bug reporting]], then do this:<br />
gconftool -s --type bool /apps/update-notifier/auto_launch false<br />
<br />
([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-when-logoutshutdown-and-restart-ubuntu904 Source]) To remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout, do this:<br />
* Right-click on the panel power button icon on top-right of the screen -> Preferences -> Untick "Show confirm dialog for logout, shutdown and restart".<br />
<br />
Only in Ubuntu 9.04:<br />
sudo aptitude install firefox-3.5 firefox-3.5-gnome-support<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Tweaks to Ubuntu 9.10 that I had to apply to get stuff working again, or configured how I like it:<br />
<br />
1: Remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout. ([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-in-ubuntu910karmic Source]). <br />
<br />
2: For seeing details of SMART reporting for hard disks:<br />
sudo aptitude install gsmartcontrol<br />
<br />
3: system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Dust".<br />
<br />
4: Alt-F2, run gconf-editor , then toogle the GConf key /apps/eog/ui/disable_trash_confirmation to be ticked, to disable prompting for image deleting though Eye of Gnome ([https://bugzilla.gnome.org/show_bug.cgi?id=541967#c5 source]).<br />
<br />
5: Some third party entries in your sources.list were disabled. You can re-enable them after the upgrade with the 'software-properties' tool or your package manager.<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.lst<br />
<br />
.. then re-enable dropbox, chrome daily builds, etc, and apply those updates:<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude upgrade<br />
<br />
6: Setting MySQL back to utf8 mode:<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/mysql/my.cnf <br />
add under the "[mysqld]" section:<br />
default-character-set=utf8<br />
<br />
7: Blue tint to video files in VLC, Mplayer, and Totem. [http://www.mediacollege.com/video-gallery/testclips/20051210-w50s.flv Example video file]. [https://bugs.launchpad.net/totem/+bug/395476 Bug is in] the Nvidia closed source driver. Workaround is:<br />
* open totem via Applications -> Sound & Video -> Movie Player<br />
* open the preferences window via Edit -> Preferences<br />
* select the Display tab<br />
* click the Reset to Defaults button<br />
<br />
8: Problem: Mplayer crashing regularly when changing video output mode, and also giving a "couldn't resolve name for AF_INET6:" error on URL playback. Workaround: ditch mplayer, as totem and VLC are suitable replacements:<br />
sudo aptitude remove --purge mplayer<br />
<br />
9: Flash applets don't work in firefox or chrome on AMD64 (example: playing [http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-february-1-2010/q---o this Daily Show] video) .... solution: redo the [[#Install_Flash_on_AMD64|Flash installation steps]].<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Ambiance". <!-- move window decoration buttons to the left too - find link & steps for this --><br />
# If images don't display in office documents: Start OpenOffice writer, and then go: Tools -> Options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> View -> tick "Graphics and objects" -> click "Ok".<br />
<!-- to get SIP calls working through empathy through the dodgy Telstra modem that blocks VoIP: sudo aptitude install telepathy-sofiasip ... no, didn't work - test again later. --><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# <code>sudo aptitude remove tracker</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install unity-2d</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
The 11.10 release had more problems than most releases.<br />
<br />
Nautilus default view: go to Places -> Home folder -> Edit -> Preferences -> "View new folders using": select "List View".<br />
<br />
=== Restore classic Gnome desktop ===<br />
To get gnome classic desktop back, as per [http://www.webupd8.org/2011/08/installing-using-classic-gnome-desktop.html this blog post].<br />
sudo apt-get install gnome-session-fallback<br />
Then:<br />
* Install weather applet<br />
* System monitor applet<br />
* Add application icons for Firefox, chrome, terminal, and gedit.<br />
sudo aptitude install alarm-clock-applet<br />
* Add an application icon for the alarm clock applet.<br />
* Put a trash applet back on the bottom right of the screen.<br />
* Put a show desktop applet back on the bottom left of the screen.<br />
<br />
=== SSH menu is gone, use SSH plus instead ===<br />
Follow [http://www.gulecha.org/2011/07/29/sshplus-a-sshmenu-compatible-appindicator/ these installation instructions]. Then do <code>sudo aptitude install putty</code><br/> <br />
To add to startup apps: Applications -> System Tools -> Preferences -> startup applications -> add SSHplus by full path.<br />
<br />
=== blurry image viewer ===<br />
Images look blurry because the default Gnome Image viewer (eog/eye of gnome) is set to "Best Fit" instead of "Normal view", which resizes images slightly, making them appear blurry. Unfortunately, there seems to be no preference or setting that allows changing this permanently. Instead just install another image viewing app, and make it the default:<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install gthumb</code><br/><br />
It can be customized to view images 1:1 by going Edit -> Preferences -> Viewer -> Set to actual size. Then go View -> unselect "Thumbnail pane" (with this on, it seems to interfere with 1:1 viewing). Test it, then if so make it the default app by going ubuntu "System Settings" (top right corner of your desktop) -> System info -> Default applications -> Photos -> gThumb.<br />
<br />
=== usb automounting was broken ===<br />
Inserted USB drives would no longer automatically mount and open a file manager window. Solved by installing, and then removing, the usbmount package.<br />
<br />
=== Flash broken ===<br />
After upgrading from 11.04 to 11.10, flash applets either did not work, or worked partial (such as the sound being distorted, like the person was underwater). Fixed by installing the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up broken flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems. Installed the extension, restarted the browser, then went Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, just went with all the defaults, it removed the old flash plugins (I had 2) and downloaded and installed the latest adobe one, and then it was as good as new and working flawlessly.<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 12.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
=== Multiple monitors broken, screen orientation broken ===<br />
<br />
run Synaptic, remove all the nvidia drivers, and install the nouveau firmware, then reboot, then systems settings -> displays, and can change the monitor setup so that multi-montior works again and so the orientations are in portrait instead of landscape.<br />
<br />
From the command line to remove nvidia drivers, can do:<br />
sudo apt-get purge nvidia-settings nvidia-current<br />
<br />
=== Customised keyboard shortcuts lost ===<br />
<br />
All my customized keyboard shortcuts for the extra buttons on my keyboard are lost. Had to redo the keyboard config to get these back.<br />
<br />
=== alt-tab no longer works ===<br />
<br />
To fix (from [http://askubuntu.com/questions/135685/alt-tab-does-not-switch this source]) :<br />
sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* Go at the very bottom where it says "Window Management"<br />
* Put a checkmark in "application switcher"<br />
* That should fix it.<br />
<br />
=== Workplace switching is broken (gives a blank desktop with no menus or items) ===<br />
<br />
Install compiz settings manager as above, and that will fix it. To get switching to be 4 horizontal desktops:<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* "general" -> General options -> Desktop size -> horizontal virtual size = 4, vertical virtual size = 1<br />
<br />
Also turn off "effects" -> "animations" in compiz too, whilst we are there.<br />
<br />
=== Gnome menus look ugly ===<br />
<br />
The bug is [https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/light-themes/+bug/981289 here]. To fix ambiance themes, [http://www.webupd8.org/2012/05/install-ambiance-fixed-for-classic.html follow these steps].<br />
<br />
=== Printing was broken ===<br />
<br />
Jobs sent to the network printer just sat in the queue and were never printed, even though the printer hardware was fine and the same queue worked perfectly in 11.10. Easiest solution was to cancel all print jobs, delete the printer, add a new printer with the same settings, and reboot (because the printer setup locked up whilst doing these things).<br />
<br />
=== Printing was excessively slow from Firefox ===<br />
<br />
Even after doing the above, printing was very slow from Firefox to the HP LaserJet 2100 TN. For example, it was taking up to 4 minutes to print a page, whereas it would take 15 seconds before. To fix:<br />
* Run "system-config-printer" from the command line.<br />
* Change the printer driver. Instead of the recommended driver, use "HP LaserJet 2100 - CUPS+Gutenprint v5.2.8-pre1".<br />
* Print a test page, once works okay, click "OK", and close the printer config applet.<br />
<br />
=== Volume applet indicator disappeared ===<br />
<br />
[http://askubuntu.com/questions/126411/volume-and-other-indicators-disappeared-in-the-classic-desktop Source].<br />
Run gnome-sound-applet from the command line to check that it is installed and working.<br />
<br />
To start the sound applet automatically, go to System Tools -> Preferences -> Startup Applications, and add Command gnome-sound-applet<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 13.04 ==<br />
sudo aptitude install ubuntu-restricted-extras<br />
<br />
== VirtualBox ==<br />
<br />
From the [http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Linux_Downloads VirtualBox Installation instructions]:<br />
sudo vim /etc/apt/sources.list <br />
add this line: <code>deb http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian oneiric contrib</code> . Do not add a deb-src line.<br />
wget -q http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian/oracle_vbox.asc -O- | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install dkms<br />
sudo aptitude install virtualbox-4.2<br />
<br />
The first time that you install, make sure that you are a member of vboxusers group (needed for USB disks to work correctly) :<br />
sudo usermod -a -G vboxusers `whoami`<br />
sudo usermod -a -G disk `whoami`<br />
Then reboot the computer.<br />
<br />
To get the extension pack, which enables some extra features in VirtualBox 4.1:<br />
cd ~/.Virtualbox<br />
mkdir extensions<br />
cd extensions/<br />
wget http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/4.1.8/Oracle_VM_VirtualBox_Extension_Pack-4.1.8-75467.vbox-extpack<br />
To enable the extension pack:<br />
* VirtualBox main window -> File -> Preferences -> Extensions -> add button on right -> select the file saved above -> enter password if prompted.<br />
<br />
Before starting the Guest machine, make sure USB functionality is enabled by going:<br />
* Settings -> USB -> Make sure both the USB checkboxes are ticked -> Click the "Add Empty Filter" button (the top button on the right) -> click OK to close dialog box.<br />
<br />
Rebuild the virtualbox modules after upgrading from a previous version:<br />
sudo service vboxdrv setup<br />
<br />
After upgrading from a previous version, to update the guest's VirtualBox drivers, do this after the Guest has started:<br />
* VirtualBox -> start Guest -> "Devices" menu -> Install Guest Additions.<br />
<br />
Then plug in a USB device after the guest machine has started. Then make it visible to the Guest by going:<br />
* Devices -> USB devices -> and select the USB device to make visible.<br />
<br />
And in a Debian or Ubuntu '''guest''' machine after doing a dist-upgrade, to install the vbox additions, do this:<br />
* Devices -> install guest additions...<br />
mount /dev/cdrom <br />
aptitude install build-essential linux-headers-$(uname -r)<br />
sh /cdrom/VBoxLinuxAdditions.run<br />
<br />
When doing a major version upgrade, use apt-get and not aptitude. For example:<br />
sudo apt-get install virtualbox-4.2<br />
... and then start VirtualBox, and then install the latest extension pack, using the steps above. The link will be on the [https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads VirtualBox downloads] page.<br />
<br />
If you get an "Error! Could not locate dkms.conf file" message, then you probably have old directories left over from an old version of virtualbox under /var/lib/dkms/ . E.g. I had some directories left over from 3.2.6, and the fix was:<br />
sudo rm -r /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetadp /var/lib/dkms/vboxdrv /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetflt<br />
<br />
== Newsgroup bin client ==<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude install sabnzbdplus<br />
Then configure as per [http://wiki.sabnzbd.org/quick-setup the steps on their wiki].<br />
<!-- Lottanzb keeps crashing for me:<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:lottanzb/daily-build<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:jcfp/ppa<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install lottanzb sabnzbdplus<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Steps for making the Benq Acer S2W 3300U work == <br />
<br />
* Plug in power and USB cable to the scanner, and connect it to your computer.<br />
* Check SANE is installed, then run <code> sane-find-scanner </code>, and it should list your scanner.<br />
* From [http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/downloads.cfm/dtype/D/page/downloads/product/91 Benq's page] get the Mirascan ZIP file. Note that Benq's webservers are crap, and they cut out mid-download, so save yourself frustration by using wget to take care of the downloading/resuming/retrying, by doing:<br />
wget ftp://211.78.86.204/scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
and/or<br />
wget http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/download.cfm?file=scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
* Check the ZIP file downloaded okay by doing:<br />
unzip -t mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
... and making sure it says there were "no errors detected" at the end.<br />
* Extract just the u176v046.bin file (which is firmware blob that this scanner needs to operate) into the current directory:<br />
unzip -j mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip "MiraScan v4.03u10_BQA/BIN/u176v046.bin"<br />
* Set up Sane to use this firmware blob:<br />
sudo mkdir /usr/share/sane/snapscan<br />
sudo cp u176v046.bin /usr/share/sane/snapscan/<br />
sudo editor /etc/sane.d/snapscan.conf<br />
... and change the first line from:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/your-firmwarefile.bin<br />
to:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/u176v046.bin<br />
... then save and close the file.<br />
* Then under the Applications -> Graphics menu, run Xsane, or (my preference) Simple Scan.<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
<!-- todo: add the repo steps here --><br />
Unfortunately dropbox does not seem to automatically install updates for old versions. Given this, need to manually install updates on old versions, and easiest way to install dropbox updates on Linux is, open a terminal and do:<br />
dropbox stop<br />
dropbox status # Should report "not running"<br />
rm -r ~/.dropbox-dist/<br />
dropbox start -i<br />
<br />
== Handbrake ==<br />
<br />
Handbrake is a media converter, and is especially useful for converting files for portable devices, like Android tablets or iPhones. To install the snapshot releases (which seems to be the easiest way, if you want the GUI) :<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:stebbins/handbrake-snapshots<br />
sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install handbrake-gtk handbrake-cli<br />
== Install Chromium dev builds ==<br />
<br />
Firefox is currently slightly better as a daily browser, but Chromium is improving rapidly. If you want to play with the native alpha port of Google's Chrome browser just to see how it's going, you can install the dev builds of Chromium quite easily by doing:<br />
<!-- could get rid of the PPA - Ubuntu now includes the chromium browser in universe, that lags a little, but avoids the constant daily updates: http://packages.ubuntu.com/search?keywords=chromium-browser --><br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:chromium-daily/dev<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install chromium-browser chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-nonfree chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-extra<br />
<!-- following [http://www.stefanoforenza.com/chromium-on-ubuntu-how-to/ these directions]. You probably also want to add the key for this PPA to your system, following [https://help.launchpad.net/Packaging/PPA#Adding%20the%20keys%20using%20Gnome these directions] about adding [http://keyserver.ubuntu.com:11371/pks/lookup?op=get&search=0x5A9BF3BB4E5E17B5 their key] to your system, so that you don't get lots of prompts every day when there is an update about "do you want to install unauthenticated packages?". --><br />
<br />
Chrome Extensions to install:<br />
* [http://www.chromeextensions.org/appearance-functioning/flashblock/ FlashBlock].<br />
* [http://blog.xmarks.com/?p=1244 Xmarks].<br />
* [https://chrome.google.com/extensions/detail/gighmmpiobklfepjocnamgkkbiglidom Adblock]. Need to restart browser for extension to take effect.<br />
<br />
Still waiting for these Chrome extensions as at July 2010:<br />
* The equivalent of Tab Mix Plus. (still looking for this).<br />
<br />
Things that aren't working quite right yet in Chromium on Linux:<br />
* The backspace key should go back, or should be configurable for this. There is an extension that allows this, but it should probably be a preference in the base browser.<br />
* Auto-updating of extensions. There is a way to do this from the extensions UI, but in Chromium it doesn't seem to do anything.<br />
* Audio playback not working correctly - e.g. on [http://slides.html5rocks.com/#slide22 this slide], get no audio after selecting a national anthem other than US (US works, other's don't). Possibly [http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Chrome/thread?tid=2fdf2aa857abe1ef&hl=en this issue] or [http://code.google.com/p/chromium/issues/detail?id=37848 this issue].<br />
* WebGL does not work on an old laptop, but does on a modern desktop. Could be that the laptop's hardware is just too old (or just not supported in 3D).<br />
<br />
To enable most of the new features of Chromium, change the command line for starting chromium to be like this:<br />
chromium-browser --enable-plugins --enable-greasemonkey --enable-user-scripts --enable-internal-flash --enable-extensions --enable-webgl %U<br />
<br />
Configuration settings:<br />
* To make streetview work: Try to open streetview -> nothing happens -> press Ctrl-Shift-F (which permanently unblock flashblock on that site) -> then streetview will pop up and work thereafter.<br />
<br />
Updating the flash plugin if you get a warning that "the flash plugin was blocked because it is out of date", or just installing the flash plugin.<br />
* First check where the plugin is installed, by opening chrome://plugins/ in chromium, and expanding the "details" link.<br />
* For me, it said "Location: /usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so".<br />
* Note this directory, and update the flashplugin variable below if you have a different path:<br />
cd ~/tmp<br />
flashplugin=/usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so<br />
sudo mv $flashplugin ./libflashplayer.so.old<br />
wget http://download.macromedia.com/pub/labs/flashplayer10/flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz<br />
tar zfvx flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz <br />
sudo cp ./libflashplayer.so $flashplugin<br />
cd /usr/lib/chromium-browser/plugins<br />
sudo ln -s $flashplugin<br />
Now restart chromium and the warning should be fixed & flash should work.<br />
<!--<br />
== Pinta ==<br />
<br />
Basic image editing program, like ms-paint:<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:moonlight-team/pinta<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install pinta<br />
<br />
tends to crash though.... don't include in public instructions just yet!<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
'''Warning: semi-commercial software'''<br />
<br />
Personally, I find dropbox useful for synchronising up to 2 GB of data free between multiple systems (desktop and laptop; work and home). You need to sign up here and install the software from here.<br />
##### FINISH WRITING THIS STEP AT SOME POINT #####<br />
##### Keeps crashing on network transfers, so don't write up until that is completed ###### -- this was fixed by upgrading to version 0.6.564 <br />
##### The crashing is back.... **sigh**<br />
<br />
== testing: Ksplice for rebootless kernel updates ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.ksplice.com/uptrack/download Install]<br />
[http://lwn.net/Articles/340477/ background on Ksplice].<br />
<br />
== Ekiga linux setup ==<br />
.... cannot test this until ADSL connection no longer blocks VoIP...<br />
Date: Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:21:10 +1100<br />
VoIP client.<br />
<br />
Applications ->Internet -> Ekiga softphone<br />
Enter name<br />
Tick "I do not want to sign up for the ekiga.net free service"<br />
connection type xDSL.cable<br />
enable STUN support: Yes<br />
rest of the options: take the defaults,.<br />
<br />
Then in Ekiga, go:<br />
edit -> accounts -> add my pennytel account details.<br />
#### No sound through ekiga in 10.10 -- leave commented out until this works ####<br />
--></div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/Ubuntu_desktop_setup_stepsUbuntu desktop setup steps2013-08-25T12:51:27Z<p>Nickj: /* Volume applet indicator disappeared */</p>
<hr />
<div>Ubuntu desktop setup steps for an AMD64 system. Most of these instructions will also work on 8.04 LTS, 8.10, 9.04, and 9.10, and 10.04 LTS, 10.10, 11.04, and 11.10, as these instructions were previously for those versions, and it should almost all work on an x86 system too:<br />
<br />
== Pre-installation standard hardware test procedure ==<br />
<br />
Before installing or configuring any software, it is imperative to test the hardware beforehand, to establish that it is not provably broken:<br />
* Download the ISOs for [http://www.sysresccd.org/ System Rescue CD] and [http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/ Ultimate Boot CD] and burn these.<br />
* From either CD, run Memtest86+ on the machine overnight, to test that the CPU and memory are error-free.<br />
* From UBCD, run a CPU stress test for 5 to 10 minutes to check CPU is reliable and adequately cooled.<br />
* From Sys Rescue CD, check for bad blocks on the hard drive, before trusting it with any data: <code>badblocks -v -s -w -c 4096 /dev/sda</code> <br />Note however that badblocks is quite a slow test - e.g. took 34 hours on a 500 GB SATA disk in an external USB enclosure, and 17 hours on a 250 GB IDE disk.<br />It's also a destructive write test, and so will blank the disk, so make sure you have the right device (use <code>fdisk -lu</code> to confirm the device's size and name).<br />Successful output will look something like this:<br />
Checking for bad blocks in read-write mode<br />
From block 0 to 244198583<br />
Testing with pattern 0xaa: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x55: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0xff: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x00: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Pass completed, 0 bad blocks found.<br />
<br />
If problems are found with any of the above, resolve these first before proceeding further.<br />
<br />
== Installation == <br />
<br />
* Firstly, decide whether you want software RAID or not. Personally, I use RAID-1 mirroring of a single bootable partition, using 2 same-sized disks, from 2 different manufacturers, because:<br />
*# it's simple.<br />
*# it's redundant enough.<br />
*# it's cheap: the incremental cost is the cost of a single disk, which is less than $100.<br />
*# you can boot off of it.<br />
*# it's not a question of if a disk will fail, but when.<br />
: For software RAID, install from the Alternate Installation CD. You can always [http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Convert_a_single_drive_system_to_RAID convert to RAID-1 later], but it's significantly more faffing about than setting it up this way from the get-go.<br />
* Once you've done the above, download and burn either the standard or alternate Ubuntu install CD, as appropriate.<br />
* Insert installation CD. Follow simple options, installs, ejects CD, reboots. Then login.<br />
* System -> Networking -> set up static IP address instead of dynamic IP address.<br />
* reboot to get network changes to apply (theoretically this should not be necessary, but in practice it was, at least for me on 8.04).<br />
* reboot, install system updates. Then reboot once updates are installed.<br />
* system -> hardware drivers -> enable the proprietary nvidia drivers.<br />
* reboot to enable the proprietary drivers.<br />
<br />
== Tweaks and Preferences ==<br />
<br />
* Ditch the annoying sounds: System -> Preferences -> sound -> sounds -> set all to "no sound", and untick "play system sounds", and on "system beep" tab untick all boxes.<br />
* Ditch the thrashing hard-disk: System -> Preferences -> Searching and indexing -> General -> tick "enable indexing" and "enable watching" and both of the power management boxes to disable stuff when on battery.<br />
* To get Subpixel Smoothing on LCDs, do this: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Fonts -> Select "subpixel smoothing (LCDs)". Need to restart Firefox for this change to take effect in Firefox.<br />
* To get reasonable desktop visual effects: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Visual Effects -> Select "Normal".<br />
* To make the system remember running apps and window locations on logout, do this: System -> Preferences -> sessions -> session options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out". In Ubuntu 9.04 / gnome 2.26 & up, this setting has moved, and is now under: System -> Preferences -> Startup Application Preferences -> options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out".<br />
<!--* To tweak networking performance, [http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Hardy#Howto:_Tweak_and_maximize_your_bandwidth_in_Ubuntu.2FLinux_via_sysctl.21 follow these instructions]. --><br />
* Power saving: Turn off blinking cursor by going: System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> untick "Cursor blinks in text fields".<br />
* Add terminal icon to gnome panel: Right-click panel -> Add to Panel -> Application Launcher... -> Accessories -> Terminal -> Add -> Close.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Editor" tab -> tick "autosave" files every 2 minutes.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Plugins" tab -> tick "Sort" to enable the sort plugin -> Close. Can now highlight text and go Edit -> Sort to get it alphabetically sorted.<br />
<br />
== [[Firefox configuration steps]] ==<br />
<br />
{{:Firefox configuration steps}}<br />
<br />
== Installation of extra software ==<br />
<br />
Go system -> admin -> synaptic package manager -> then Install the following (my brief descriptions of what some packages do are also shown) :<br />
* inkscape # Vector drawing package<br />
* hugin # Create panoramas from an image set.<br />
* dia # Draw diagrams & flow charts, somewhat like "visio" on Windows.<br />
* googleearth-package<br />
* xchat # IRC client.<br />
* ttf-mscorefonts-installer ttf-linux-libertine ttf-inconsolata # The most useful font sets. See also the "[[#Install the Tahoma fonts|Install the Tahoma fonts]]" section below.<br />
* audacious # Like XMMS or Winamp<br />
* nmap # Check for open ports.<br />
* filezilla # GUI FTP client.<br />
* wireshark # Packet sniffer<br />
* powertop iotop htop # Show power hogs, I/O hogs, and an more visual command-line version of top.<br />
* nautilus-open-terminal # adds ability to right click on a folder and get a command prompt there.<br />
* php5-cli php5-gd php5-curl # Only useful if you want to write scripts in PHP.<br />
* traceroute # How packets get from here to there over the network.<br />
* curl # Command line HTTP client, includes form-submitting capacity<br />
* tofrodos # Convert line endings from dos to UNIX or vice-versa.<br />
* openssh-server<br />
* libxml2-dev libmysqlclient-dev # Optional: Only used for compiling PHP snapshots<br />
* eclipse sun-java6-jdk sun-java6-jre sun-java6-plugin libmysql-java junit junit-doc # Optional: Java development using Eclipse + java plugins for Firefox<br />
* sysinfo # Kind of like device manager on Windows. Shows CPU / memory / hard disk installed, some hardware that has been detected, etc.<br />
* autofs smbfs smbclient<br />
* gisomount<br />
* gtk-recordmydesktop # Record videos of what you're doing on your desktop.<br />
* gworldclock # Want to simultaneously see the time in Tokyo, LA, London, and Rio? Use this.<br />
* ffmpeg2theora # Convert videos into format suitable for uploading to Wikimedia commons.<br />
* rar p7zip-full # needed for extracting .7z and RAR archives<br />
* gnome-do # Run apps or commands from a keyboard launcher.<br />
* pinfo # Much nicer UI than man or info for reading documentation.<br />
* vlc mozilla-plugin-vlc<br />
* avidemux # Useful for replacing audio tracks in video files.<br />
* indent # Useful for auto-indenting code.<br />
* smartmontools smart-notifier # S.M.A.R.T. hard disk monitoring tools.<br />
* tidy<br />
* ddrescue # Useful for recovering data from failing hard disks.<br />
* gimp-resynthesizer # A nifty plugin for gimp for repairing images or filling in content intelligently. Ignore if you don't use gimp.<br />
* qpdf # Useful for removing password from PDF files, as per [http://blog.sandipb.net/2009/01/10/removing-encryption-from-legitimate-pdf-files-on-ubuntu/ this guide].<br />
* hardinfo # Generates a hardware report and benchmark for the system; can also run in command line mode by doing: <code> hardinfo -r -f html > report.html </code><br />
* gtkvncviewer # Nice VNC client.<br />
* renameutils # Useful for bulk renaming of files. Example for renaming all .JPG files in a directory to .jpg (lowercase) is: <code>rename s/JPG$/jpg/ *</code><br />
* meld # Good GUI for comparing two files, e.g. two log files.<br />
* asciio # Good for drawing ASCII graphs; only available in Ubuntu 10.10 and up.<br />
* spamassassin # Email filtering, used by Evolution.<br />
<!--<br />
<br />
Have installed on laptop - test some more and see if worth including:<br />
gedit-plugins<br />
wget http://nchc.dl.sourceforge.net/sourceforge/openproj/openproj_1.4-2.deb && sudo dpkg -i openproj_1.4-2.deb<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
winbind # could be useful on a windows network. Have not discerned any benefit yet though.<br />
<br />
Still working out whether to include or not: * evolution-plugins-experimental <br />
<br />
* bum # Boot Up Manager - GUI for specifying what services should be running on boot-up.<br />
* miro # Combined bittorrent client and video player. Particularly useful for downloading TED talks before a flight. Uses lots of disk space though.<br />
* k3b # CD burning app.<br />
* deluge amule # P2P - donkey plus bittorrent<br />
<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Configure "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" ==<br />
<br />
To get the back / forward keyboard keys working in Firefox, when using the "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard", go System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> Layout -> click the model button -> Choose Microsoft -> set model to "Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro USB" -> click "close".<br />
<br />
== Custom Key Bindings, aimed at "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" == <br />
<br />
Note: the steps keep changing in each Ubuntu release (the menus move around, the keycodes change), unfortunately. This is what works for me using 11.10 in gnome-fallback mode:<br />
<br />
* ubuntu "System Setting" (top right corner of your desktop) -> Keyboard -> Shortcut.<br />
* Set "1" favourite key to "run a terminal"<br />
* Set "2" favourite key to "open home folder"<br />
<br />
There seems to be a bug that prevents the "custom shortcuts" keys from working for favourite keys 3, 4 and 5. Instead we have to do this:<br />
* In a terminal, run: <code>gconf-editor</code><br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/global_keybindings<br />
* Change "run_command_3" to be 0xc2, "run_command_4" to be 0xc3, and "run_command_5" to be 0xc4 - these corresponds to the 3 / 4 / 5 favourite keys.<br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/keybinding_commands<br />
* Change "command_3" to be the take-screenshot command: <code>gnome-screenshot --window --interactive</code><br />
* Change "command_4" to be the new-text-editor command: <code>/usr/bin/gedit --new-document</code><br />
* Change "command_5" to be as desired.<br />
<!-- * Name is "Zend Studio", command is "sh /home/nickj/programs/Zend/ZendStudio-5.5.0/bin/ZDE". Set the 5 favourite key to run this. --><br />
<br />
== Install Skype == <br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>" -> Skype -> More Info -> Install. <br />
<br />
Then to make the right-click menus legible with Ubuntu's dark theme, do as follows:<br />
# Applications -> Internet -> Skype -> single-click on the skype icon in the top right to open skype -> Ctrl-O to open options -> "general" -> Choose Style: "Desktop settings" -> close.<br />
# Single click on skype icon to open skype again -> Ctrl-Q to close.<br />
# Now restart skype by going Applications -> Internet -> Skype, and the right-click menus will be readable.<br />
<!--<br />
install Skype - [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Skype#AMD64 Source of instructions].<br />
sudo aptitude install ia32-libs<br />
wget http://skype.com/go/getskype-linux-ubuntu<br />
sudo aptitude install libqt4-core libqt4-gui qt4-qtconfig <br />
sudo dpkg --install --force-architecture --force-depends skype-debian*.deb<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Install the Tahoma fonts ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.stchman.com/ms_fonts.html Source of instructions].<br />
<br />
Once the msttcorefonts package is installed you will notice that Tahoma and Tahoma Bold is missing. You will need to extract Tahoma<br />
and Tahoma Bold from the zip file. Tahoma is used for Microsoft desktop, title bars and menu fonts so if you are trying to get that<br />
XP look you will need the Tahoma regular and Tahoma Bold fonts. Install Tahoma by doing the following in a terminal.<br />
<br />
cd ~<br />
wget http://www.stchman.com/tools/MS_fonts/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo unzip -d /usr/share/fonts/truetype/msttcorefonts ~/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo fc-cache -f -v<br />
rm -f ~/tahoma.zip<br />
<br />
== Install Flash == <br />
<br />
* Install the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up or installs flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems.<br />
* Restart the browser.<br />
* Go to: Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, go with all the defaults.<br />
* It removes any old flash plugins and downloads and installs the latest Adobe one.<br />
* For AMD64 systems, can use the flash 64 bit beta.<br />
<br />
If flash videos have a blue tint after the installation, then repeat the above steps, which may fix it. If it doesn't, then right click on a flash video with a blue tint -> Settings -> Untick "enable HW acceleration". [http://askubuntu.com/questions/117127/flash-video-appears-blue Source].<br />
<br />
== Install Google Earth ==<br />
<!--<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update && sudo aptitude install medibuntu-keyring && sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install googleearth-4.3<br />
<br />
... or follow the manual instructions on [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/GoogleEarth this page] for a more recent version.<br />
--><br />
Follow [http://www.liberiangeek.net/2011/10/how-to-install-google-earth-in-ubuntu-11-10-oneiric-ocelot/ these instructions for installing google earth].<br />
<br />
== Install Acrobat reader ==<br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>", or go Applications -> Ubuntu Software Center, and then go: -> Canonical Partners -> Adobe Acrobat reader -> Install.<br />
<br />
<!--<br />
In earlier versions of Ubuntu, to install acrobat reader, since [http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-general-1/cant-shrink-to-fit-pdf-doc-654281/ Ubuntu's native PDF readers don't have shrink to fit when printing]. :<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install acroread acroread-plugins<br />
<br />
(this uses medibuntu, from the Google Earth step above).<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
Also need to do this:<br />
sudo editor /usr/share/applications/defaults.list <br />
And change this:<br />
#application/pdf=evince.desktop<br />
application/pdf=AdobeReader.desktop<br />
--><br />
Then to tweak the display preferences of Acrobat Reader: Edit -> Preferences -> Page Display -> set "Zoom" to "Fit Page" -> Click "Ok".<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
== Install Opera ==<br />
<br />
To install and configure opera (since it's useful for testing web pages to be able to check behaviour, and it's useful to have another browser around sometimes), do the following:<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.list<br />
... and add these two lines:<br />
# For latest stable opera:<br />
deb http://deb.opera.com/opera/ stable non-free<br />
<br />
* Then do:<br />
sudo wget -O - http://deb.opera.com/archive.key | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install opera<br />
* Then run opera - Applications -> Internet -> Opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise -> Toolbars tab -> change the "wrapping" setting to "Wrap to multiple lines".<br />
<!-- <br />
* Go to [http://www.opera.com/download/ Opera's download page].<br />
* Download and open and install the .deb file<br />
* Then run opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise and change the wrapping setting to "multiple lines".<br />
--><br />
== Enable Apport for crash bug reporting ==<br />
<br />
Enable apport so that crash bugs will be reported and logged:<br />
sudo editor /etc/default/apport<br />
change enabled from "0" to "1".<br />
<br />
Crashes will then be logged to /var/crash/<br />
<br />
== Configure Open Office to work in MS Office 2000 compatibility mode ==<br />
<br />
[http://news.cnet.com/8301-13880_3-9864262-68.html Source of instructions]. Only do this if you are testing a migration to Ubuntu. Once you have already switched, then use the native ODF for new files, as they generally save formatting better.<br />
* Start OpenOffice Word Process: Applications -> Office -> OpenOffice.org Word Processor -> tools -> options -> expand "Load/Save" -> select "general" -> For document type = "Text document", set Always save as "Microsoft Word 97/2000/XP" (instead of "ODF text document"); For Document type = "Spreadsheet", set Always save as "Microsoft Excel 97/2000/XP"; For Document type = "Presentation", set Always save as "Microsoft PowerPoint 97/2000/XP" -> then click "OK".<br />
* Then tools -> options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> compatibility -> tick "Use printer metrics for document formatting", tick "Do not add leading (extra space) between lines of text", and tick "Consider wrapping style when positioning objects". Then go: Use as Default -> Yes -> OK.<br />
<br />
Note: When you upgrade between Ubuntu releases, you will probably need to repeat the first step, otherwise it will default back to saving in OpenOffice's formats by default.<br />
<br />
== Evolution configuration ==<br />
<br />
* Turn off new email notifications: Evolution -> Edit -> Plugins -> Uncheck "Mail Notification" plugin.<br />
* Edit -> Preferences -> 'Calendar and Tasks' -> 'Display' tab -> Disable the 'Compress weekends in month view' option.<br />
* Customize the default mail folder view. Get one folder looking right (personal preference: Columns: From / Subject / Received, with threads off, sorted by date received with most recent first). Then go View -> Current view -> Save Custom View... -> Replace existing view -> Messages -> Save. "Messages" is a special view, which is used by default on all folders, although you can override it on a folder-by-folder basis, but customizing that folder's view.<br />
<br />
== Set up SSH keys and KeepAlive Interval ==<br />
<br />
For each machine you want to have password-less SSH login to, do:<br />
ssh-copy-id -i ~/.ssh/id_dsa.pub machine1<br />
<br />
Also on some connections the SSH shell can close after a short timeout period. To keep connections option for longer, on the client side do, <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and then add this line to send a keep-alive heartbeat every 60 seconds:<br />
ServerAliveInterval 60<br />
<br />
... there is also a corresponding "ClientAliveInterval 60" setting that can be added to /etc/ssh/sshd_config - although sometimes you only control the client side of the link, and so this is not possible.<br />
<br />
Also set up connection sharing, makes secondary connections to SSH hosts much faster. <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and add this:<br />
# from: "OpenSSH tip: connection sharing"<br />
# http://tanguy.ortolo.eu/blog/article42/ssh-connection-sharing<br />
ControlPath ~/.ssh/control-%r@%h:%p<br />
ControlMaster auto<br />
ControlPersist 1<br />
<br />
== Automounting remote file systems using SSHFS ==<br />
<br />
For a remote Linux system, can automount with autofs + sshfs. Follow the guides [http://www.tjansson.dk/?p=84 here] and [http://www.mccambridge.org/blog/2007/05/totally-seamless-sshfs-under-linux-using-fuse-and-autofs/ here].<br />
<br />
Debug any problems with:<br />
tail --lines=0 -f /var/log/*<br />
<!-- <br />
Windows shares<br />
* Currently TESTING, this step not complete yet.<br />
* [http://oapeon.blogspot.com/2008/09/automounting-cifs-share-in-ubuntu.html Follow these instructions], but also [http://www.howtoforge.com/accessing_windows_or_samba_shares_using_autofs create a /etc/auto.smb.FILESERVERNAME file with login credentials].<br />
<br />
Actually, may have spoken too soon, seems kinda flakey. Getting "Input/output error" on the command line when accessing shares after a few minutes:<br />
<br />
$ ls /smb/server/sharename/<br />
ls: cannot access /smb/server/sharename/: Input/output error<br />
$<br />
<br />
Also seeing these errors when doing "tail -f /var/log/messages", despite supplying login credentials:<br />
Oct 23 17:42:02 redux kernel: [66597.665680] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
Oct 23 17:42:01 redux kernel: [66597.524118] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
<br />
To remove, uninstall these packages:<br />
sudo aptitude uninstall --purge autofs libevent1 libgssglue1 libnfsidmap2 librpcsecgss3 nfs-common portmap smbfs<br />
<br />
<br />
rebooting seemed to make this better.... although it's still buggy and flakey. Get directories being infinitely recursive, edited files appearing as directories, etc etc.<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
testing / playing with smbnetfs as an alternative<br />
sudo aptitude install smbnetfs<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/smbnetfs.conf <br />
<br />
- show_$_shares "false"<br />
+ show_$_shares "true"<br />
<br />
mkdir ~/.smb<br />
editor ~/.smb/smbnetfs.auth<br />
<br />
auth nickj password<br />
<br />
Need to do something with .smb/smbnetfs.conf ?<br />
<br />
<br />
* smbnetfs is probably not even running - need to find some decent docs on how to configure this.<br />
* autofs is mounted on /smb , and can be seriously flakey.<br />
* trying sshfs now, seems better but needs some magic options in the mount flags to work suitably.<br />
--><br />
== right before and right after each upgrade ==<br />
<br />
Remove unneeded cruft, by doing:<br />
sudo apt-get autoremove<br />
sudo apt-get clean<br />
deborphan<br />
Check first that no important packages are about to be removed, then do:<br />
sudo apt-get remove --purge $(deborphan)<br />
Purge old configuration files, first command shows what will be purged:<br />
sudo aptitude search ~c <br />
sudo aptitude purge ~c<br />
<br />
Fix broken packages:<br />
* <code>sudo aptitude</code><br />
* fix any broken packages (ctrl-t -> resolver -> examine -> g -> g).<br />
* also clean up cache and obsolete files (ctrl-t -> actions -> "clean package cache" and "clean obsolete files").<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
These tweaks are only required for 9.04:<br />
<br />
([http://reformedmusings.wordpress.com/2009/04/26/recovering-daily-update-notifications-in-ubuntu-904-jaunty/ Source]) To enable daily notification of non-security updates, which is especially useful if you [[#enable Apport for crash bug reporting|enable Apport for crash bug reporting]], then do this:<br />
gconftool -s --type bool /apps/update-notifier/auto_launch false<br />
<br />
([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-when-logoutshutdown-and-restart-ubuntu904 Source]) To remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout, do this:<br />
* Right-click on the panel power button icon on top-right of the screen -> Preferences -> Untick "Show confirm dialog for logout, shutdown and restart".<br />
<br />
Only in Ubuntu 9.04:<br />
sudo aptitude install firefox-3.5 firefox-3.5-gnome-support<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Tweaks to Ubuntu 9.10 that I had to apply to get stuff working again, or configured how I like it:<br />
<br />
1: Remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout. ([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-in-ubuntu910karmic Source]). <br />
<br />
2: For seeing details of SMART reporting for hard disks:<br />
sudo aptitude install gsmartcontrol<br />
<br />
3: system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Dust".<br />
<br />
4: Alt-F2, run gconf-editor , then toogle the GConf key /apps/eog/ui/disable_trash_confirmation to be ticked, to disable prompting for image deleting though Eye of Gnome ([https://bugzilla.gnome.org/show_bug.cgi?id=541967#c5 source]).<br />
<br />
5: Some third party entries in your sources.list were disabled. You can re-enable them after the upgrade with the 'software-properties' tool or your package manager.<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.lst<br />
<br />
.. then re-enable dropbox, chrome daily builds, etc, and apply those updates:<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude upgrade<br />
<br />
6: Setting MySQL back to utf8 mode:<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/mysql/my.cnf <br />
add under the "[mysqld]" section:<br />
default-character-set=utf8<br />
<br />
7: Blue tint to video files in VLC, Mplayer, and Totem. [http://www.mediacollege.com/video-gallery/testclips/20051210-w50s.flv Example video file]. [https://bugs.launchpad.net/totem/+bug/395476 Bug is in] the Nvidia closed source driver. Workaround is:<br />
* open totem via Applications -> Sound & Video -> Movie Player<br />
* open the preferences window via Edit -> Preferences<br />
* select the Display tab<br />
* click the Reset to Defaults button<br />
<br />
8: Problem: Mplayer crashing regularly when changing video output mode, and also giving a "couldn't resolve name for AF_INET6:" error on URL playback. Workaround: ditch mplayer, as totem and VLC are suitable replacements:<br />
sudo aptitude remove --purge mplayer<br />
<br />
9: Flash applets don't work in firefox or chrome on AMD64 (example: playing [http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-february-1-2010/q---o this Daily Show] video) .... solution: redo the [[#Install_Flash_on_AMD64|Flash installation steps]].<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Ambiance". <!-- move window decoration buttons to the left too - find link & steps for this --><br />
# If images don't display in office documents: Start OpenOffice writer, and then go: Tools -> Options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> View -> tick "Graphics and objects" -> click "Ok".<br />
<!-- to get SIP calls working through empathy through the dodgy Telstra modem that blocks VoIP: sudo aptitude install telepathy-sofiasip ... no, didn't work - test again later. --><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# <code>sudo aptitude remove tracker</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install unity-2d</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
The 11.10 release had more problems than most releases.<br />
<br />
Nautilus default view: go to Places -> Home folder -> Edit -> Preferences -> "View new folders using": select "List View".<br />
<br />
=== Restore classic Gnome desktop ===<br />
To get gnome classic desktop back, as per [http://www.webupd8.org/2011/08/installing-using-classic-gnome-desktop.html this blog post].<br />
sudo apt-get install gnome-session-fallback<br />
Then:<br />
* Install weather applet<br />
* System monitor applet<br />
* Add application icons for Firefox, chrome, terminal, and gedit.<br />
sudo aptitude install alarm-clock-applet<br />
* Add an application icon for the alarm clock applet.<br />
* Put a trash applet back on the bottom right of the screen.<br />
* Put a show desktop applet back on the bottom left of the screen.<br />
<br />
=== SSH menu is gone, use SSH plus instead ===<br />
Follow [http://www.gulecha.org/2011/07/29/sshplus-a-sshmenu-compatible-appindicator/ these installation instructions]. Then do <code>sudo aptitude install putty</code><br/> <br />
To add to startup apps: Applications -> System Tools -> Preferences -> startup applications -> add SSHplus by full path.<br />
<br />
=== blurry image viewer ===<br />
Images look blurry because the default Gnome Image viewer (eog/eye of gnome) is set to "Best Fit" instead of "Normal view", which resizes images slightly, making them appear blurry. Unfortunately, there seems to be no preference or setting that allows changing this permanently. Instead just install another image viewing app, and make it the default:<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install gthumb</code><br/><br />
It can be customized to view images 1:1 by going Edit -> Preferences -> Viewer -> Set to actual size. Then go View -> unselect "Thumbnail pane" (with this on, it seems to interfere with 1:1 viewing). Test it, then if so make it the default app by going ubuntu "System Settings" (top right corner of your desktop) -> System info -> Default applications -> Photos -> gThumb.<br />
<br />
=== usb automounting was broken ===<br />
Inserted USB drives would no longer automatically mount and open a file manager window. Solved by installing, and then removing, the usbmount package.<br />
<br />
=== Flash broken ===<br />
After upgrading from 11.04 to 11.10, flash applets either did not work, or worked partial (such as the sound being distorted, like the person was underwater). Fixed by installing the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up broken flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems. Installed the extension, restarted the browser, then went Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, just went with all the defaults, it removed the old flash plugins (I had 2) and downloaded and installed the latest adobe one, and then it was as good as new and working flawlessly.<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 12.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
=== Multiple monitors broken, screen orientation broken ===<br />
<br />
run Synaptic, remove all the nvidia drivers, and install the nouveau firmware, then reboot, then systems settings -> displays, and can change the monitor setup so that multi-montior works again and so the orientations are in portrait instead of landscape.<br />
<br />
From the command line to remove nvidia drivers, can do:<br />
sudo apt-get purge nvidia-settings nvidia-current<br />
<br />
=== Customised keyboard shortcuts lost ===<br />
<br />
All my customized keyboard shortcuts for the extra buttons on my keyboard are lost. Had to redo the keyboard config to get these back.<br />
<br />
=== alt-tab no longer works ===<br />
<br />
To fix (from [http://askubuntu.com/questions/135685/alt-tab-does-not-switch this source]) :<br />
sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* Go at the very bottom where it says "Window Management"<br />
* Put a checkmark in "application switcher"<br />
* That should fix it.<br />
<br />
=== Workplace switching is broken (gives a blank desktop with no menus or items) ===<br />
<br />
Install compiz settings manager as above, and that will fix it. To get switching to be 4 horizontal desktops:<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* "general" -> General options -> Desktop size -> horizontal virtual size = 4, vertical virtual size = 1<br />
<br />
Also turn off "effects" -> "animations" in compiz too, whilst we are there.<br />
<br />
=== Gnome menus look ugly ===<br />
<br />
The bug is [https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/light-themes/+bug/981289 here]. To fix ambiance themes, [http://www.webupd8.org/2012/05/install-ambiance-fixed-for-classic.html follow these steps].<br />
<br />
=== Printing was broken ===<br />
<br />
Jobs sent to the network printer just sat in the queue and were never printed, even though the printer hardware was fine and the same queue worked perfectly in 11.10. Easiest solution was to cancel all print jobs, delete the printer, add a new printer with the same settings, and reboot (because the printer setup locked up whilst doing these things).<br />
<br />
=== Printing was excessively slow from Firefox ===<br />
<br />
Even after doing the above, printing was very slow from Firefox to the HP LaserJet 2100 TN. For example, it was taking up to 4 minutes to print a page, whereas it would take 15 seconds before. To fix:<br />
* Run "system-config-printer" from the command line.<br />
* Change the printer driver. Instead of the recommended driver, use "HP LaserJet 2100 - CUPS+Gutenprint v5.2.8-pre1".<br />
* Print a test page, once works okay, click "OK", and close the printer config applet.<br />
<br />
=== Volume applet indicator disappeared ===<br />
<br />
[http://askubuntu.com/questions/126411/volume-and-other-indicators-disappeared-in-the-classic-desktop Source].<br />
Run gnome-sound-applet from the command line to check that it is installed and working.<br />
<br />
To start the sound applet automatically, go to System Tools -> Preferences -> Startup Applications, and add Command gnome-sound-applet<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 13.04 ==<br />
sudo aptitude install ubuntu-restricted-extras<br />
<br />
== VirtualBox ==<br />
<br />
From the [http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Linux_Downloads VirtualBox Installation instructions]:<br />
sudo vim /etc/apt/sources.list <br />
add this line: <code>deb http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian oneiric contrib</code> . Do not add a deb-src line.<br />
wget -q http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian/oracle_vbox.asc -O- | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install dkms<br />
sudo aptitude install virtualbox-4.1<br />
<br />
The first time that you install, make sure that you are a member of vboxusers group (needed for USB disks to work correctly) :<br />
sudo usermod -a -G vboxusers `whoami`<br />
sudo usermod -a -G disk `whoami`<br />
Then reboot the computer.<br />
<br />
To get the extension pack, which enables some extra features in VirtualBox 4.1:<br />
cd ~/.Virtualbox<br />
mkdir extensions<br />
cd extensions/<br />
wget http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/4.1.8/Oracle_VM_VirtualBox_Extension_Pack-4.1.8-75467.vbox-extpack<br />
To enable the extension pack:<br />
* VirtualBox main window -> File -> Preferences -> Extensions -> add button on right -> select the file saved above -> enter password if prompted.<br />
<br />
Before starting the Guest machine, make sure USB functionality is enabled by going:<br />
* Settings -> USB -> Make sure both the USB checkboxes are ticked -> Click the "Add Empty Filter" button (the top button on the right) -> click OK to close dialog box.<br />
<br />
Rebuild the virtualbox modules after upgrading from a previous version:<br />
sudo service vboxdrv setup<br />
<br />
After upgrading from a previous version, to update the guest's VirtualBox drivers, do this after the Guest has started:<br />
* VirtualBox -> start Guest -> "Devices" menu -> Install Guest Additions.<br />
<br />
Then plug in a USB device after the guest machine has started. Then make it visible to the Guest by going:<br />
* Devices -> USB devices -> and select the USB device to make visible.<br />
<br />
And in a Debian or Ubuntu '''guest''' machine after doing a dist-upgrade, to install the vbox additions, do this:<br />
* Devices -> install guest additions...<br />
mount /dev/cdrom <br />
aptitude install build-essential linux-headers-$(uname -r)<br />
sh /cdrom/VBoxLinuxAdditions.run<br />
<br />
When doing a major version upgrade, use apt-get and not aptitude. For example:<br />
sudo apt-get install virtualbox-4.1<br />
... and then start VirtualBox, and then install the latest extension pack, using the steps above. The link will be on the [https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads VirtualBox downloads] page.<br />
<br />
If you get an "Error! Could not locate dkms.conf file" message, then you probably have old directories left over from an old version of virtualbox under /var/lib/dkms/ . E.g. I had some directories left over from 3.2.6, and the fix was:<br />
sudo rm -r /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetadp /var/lib/dkms/vboxdrv /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetflt<br />
<br />
== Newsgroup bin client ==<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude install sabnzbdplus<br />
Then configure as per [http://wiki.sabnzbd.org/quick-setup the steps on their wiki].<br />
<!-- Lottanzb keeps crashing for me:<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:lottanzb/daily-build<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:jcfp/ppa<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install lottanzb sabnzbdplus<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Steps for making the Benq Acer S2W 3300U work == <br />
<br />
* Plug in power and USB cable to the scanner, and connect it to your computer.<br />
* Check SANE is installed, then run <code> sane-find-scanner </code>, and it should list your scanner.<br />
* From [http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/downloads.cfm/dtype/D/page/downloads/product/91 Benq's page] get the Mirascan ZIP file. Note that Benq's webservers are crap, and they cut out mid-download, so save yourself frustration by using wget to take care of the downloading/resuming/retrying, by doing:<br />
wget ftp://211.78.86.204/scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
and/or<br />
wget http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/download.cfm?file=scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
* Check the ZIP file downloaded okay by doing:<br />
unzip -t mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
... and making sure it says there were "no errors detected" at the end.<br />
* Extract just the u176v046.bin file (which is firmware blob that this scanner needs to operate) into the current directory:<br />
unzip -j mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip "MiraScan v4.03u10_BQA/BIN/u176v046.bin"<br />
* Set up Sane to use this firmware blob:<br />
sudo mkdir /usr/share/sane/snapscan<br />
sudo cp u176v046.bin /usr/share/sane/snapscan/<br />
sudo editor /etc/sane.d/snapscan.conf<br />
... and change the first line from:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/your-firmwarefile.bin<br />
to:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/u176v046.bin<br />
... then save and close the file.<br />
* Then under the Applications -> Graphics menu, run Xsane, or (my preference) Simple Scan.<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
<!-- todo: add the repo steps here --><br />
Unfortunately dropbox does not seem to automatically install updates for old versions. Given this, need to manually install updates on old versions, and easiest way to install dropbox updates on Linux is, open a terminal and do:<br />
dropbox stop<br />
dropbox status # Should report "not running"<br />
rm -r ~/.dropbox-dist/<br />
dropbox start -i<br />
<br />
== Handbrake ==<br />
<br />
Handbrake is a media converter, and is especially useful for converting files for portable devices, like Android tablets or iPhones. To install the snapshot releases (which seems to be the easiest way, if you want the GUI) :<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:stebbins/handbrake-snapshots<br />
sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install handbrake-gtk handbrake-cli<br />
== Install Chromium dev builds ==<br />
<br />
Firefox is currently slightly better as a daily browser, but Chromium is improving rapidly. If you want to play with the native alpha port of Google's Chrome browser just to see how it's going, you can install the dev builds of Chromium quite easily by doing:<br />
<!-- could get rid of the PPA - Ubuntu now includes the chromium browser in universe, that lags a little, but avoids the constant daily updates: http://packages.ubuntu.com/search?keywords=chromium-browser --><br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:chromium-daily/dev<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install chromium-browser chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-nonfree chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-extra<br />
<!-- following [http://www.stefanoforenza.com/chromium-on-ubuntu-how-to/ these directions]. You probably also want to add the key for this PPA to your system, following [https://help.launchpad.net/Packaging/PPA#Adding%20the%20keys%20using%20Gnome these directions] about adding [http://keyserver.ubuntu.com:11371/pks/lookup?op=get&search=0x5A9BF3BB4E5E17B5 their key] to your system, so that you don't get lots of prompts every day when there is an update about "do you want to install unauthenticated packages?". --><br />
<br />
Chrome Extensions to install:<br />
* [http://www.chromeextensions.org/appearance-functioning/flashblock/ FlashBlock].<br />
* [http://blog.xmarks.com/?p=1244 Xmarks].<br />
* [https://chrome.google.com/extensions/detail/gighmmpiobklfepjocnamgkkbiglidom Adblock]. Need to restart browser for extension to take effect.<br />
<br />
Still waiting for these Chrome extensions as at July 2010:<br />
* The equivalent of Tab Mix Plus. (still looking for this).<br />
<br />
Things that aren't working quite right yet in Chromium on Linux:<br />
* The backspace key should go back, or should be configurable for this. There is an extension that allows this, but it should probably be a preference in the base browser.<br />
* Auto-updating of extensions. There is a way to do this from the extensions UI, but in Chromium it doesn't seem to do anything.<br />
* Audio playback not working correctly - e.g. on [http://slides.html5rocks.com/#slide22 this slide], get no audio after selecting a national anthem other than US (US works, other's don't). Possibly [http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Chrome/thread?tid=2fdf2aa857abe1ef&hl=en this issue] or [http://code.google.com/p/chromium/issues/detail?id=37848 this issue].<br />
* WebGL does not work on an old laptop, but does on a modern desktop. Could be that the laptop's hardware is just too old (or just not supported in 3D).<br />
<br />
To enable most of the new features of Chromium, change the command line for starting chromium to be like this:<br />
chromium-browser --enable-plugins --enable-greasemonkey --enable-user-scripts --enable-internal-flash --enable-extensions --enable-webgl %U<br />
<br />
Configuration settings:<br />
* To make streetview work: Try to open streetview -> nothing happens -> press Ctrl-Shift-F (which permanently unblock flashblock on that site) -> then streetview will pop up and work thereafter.<br />
<br />
Updating the flash plugin if you get a warning that "the flash plugin was blocked because it is out of date", or just installing the flash plugin.<br />
* First check where the plugin is installed, by opening chrome://plugins/ in chromium, and expanding the "details" link.<br />
* For me, it said "Location: /usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so".<br />
* Note this directory, and update the flashplugin variable below if you have a different path:<br />
cd ~/tmp<br />
flashplugin=/usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so<br />
sudo mv $flashplugin ./libflashplayer.so.old<br />
wget http://download.macromedia.com/pub/labs/flashplayer10/flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz<br />
tar zfvx flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz <br />
sudo cp ./libflashplayer.so $flashplugin<br />
cd /usr/lib/chromium-browser/plugins<br />
sudo ln -s $flashplugin<br />
Now restart chromium and the warning should be fixed & flash should work.<br />
<!--<br />
== Pinta ==<br />
<br />
Basic image editing program, like ms-paint:<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:moonlight-team/pinta<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install pinta<br />
<br />
tends to crash though.... don't include in public instructions just yet!<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
'''Warning: semi-commercial software'''<br />
<br />
Personally, I find dropbox useful for synchronising up to 2 GB of data free between multiple systems (desktop and laptop; work and home). You need to sign up here and install the software from here.<br />
##### FINISH WRITING THIS STEP AT SOME POINT #####<br />
##### Keeps crashing on network transfers, so don't write up until that is completed ###### -- this was fixed by upgrading to version 0.6.564 <br />
##### The crashing is back.... **sigh**<br />
<br />
== testing: Ksplice for rebootless kernel updates ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.ksplice.com/uptrack/download Install]<br />
[http://lwn.net/Articles/340477/ background on Ksplice].<br />
<br />
== Ekiga linux setup ==<br />
.... cannot test this until ADSL connection no longer blocks VoIP...<br />
Date: Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:21:10 +1100<br />
VoIP client.<br />
<br />
Applications ->Internet -> Ekiga softphone<br />
Enter name<br />
Tick "I do not want to sign up for the ekiga.net free service"<br />
connection type xDSL.cable<br />
enable STUN support: Yes<br />
rest of the options: take the defaults,.<br />
<br />
Then in Ekiga, go:<br />
edit -> accounts -> add my pennytel account details.<br />
#### No sound through ekiga in 10.10 -- leave commented out until this works ####<br />
--></div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/Niseko_Ski_DiaryNiseko Ski Diary2012-11-28T06:01:39Z<p>Nickj: /* Day 1 */</p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:Day 3 - Mt Yotei with almost no cloud.JPG|right|350px]]<br />
Holiday diary and pictures from our 2006 ski trip to Niseko, Hokkaido, Japan.<br />
<br />
== Background ==<br />
<br />
* Travelling from: Sydney, Australia.<br />
* Travelling to: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niseko,_Hokkaido Niesko, Hokkaido], Japan.<br />
* When we went: March 2006, for 8 days.<br />
* Number of people: 2 - myself (age 31) and my Dad (aged somewhat older!).<br />
* Level of experience: Me - intermediate (could parallel turn, but badly; Had only skied in Australia before this, at Perisher + a tiny amount at Thredbo); My dad - absolute beginner with exactly 2 days prior skiing experience (and only barely able to snow plough).<br />
* Had never been on a ski holiday outside of Australia before.<br />
<br />
== Who we booked it through ==<br />
<br />
We originally booked for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Furano,_Hokkaido Furano], through Flight Centre. However we had questions about the room (e.g. did it have a kettle - my Dad is a big tea drinker), and about how to get ski lessons (in English, of course). It soon became apparent that Flight Centre knew nothing, and were simply unable to answer even these basic questions, so we dropped them.<br />
<br />
If you don't speak Japanese, and haven't been before, then you really need to organise it through someone you can talk to, and ask questions of. And you will have questions - even something as simple as "where do I go for my ski lessons?".<br />
<br />
At the same time I read through some of the Australian skiing discussion forums, and the bits of the Lonely Planet guide to Japan. Furano got generally good comments, but Niseko generally got excellent comments, so we focussed more on Niseko instead of Furano.<br />
<br />
Through google we found [http://www.nisekoski.com.au/ Niseko Ski Tours]. My Dad phoned them, and it was immediately clear they knew what they were talking about. Shortly thereafter we booked with them. There are other tour operators that specialize in Japanese skiing (e.g. [http://www.snowave.com/ Snowave], and [http://www.skijapan.com.au/ Ski Japan], and [http://www.travelplan.com.au/ TravelPlan]), but all I can tell you is that we were extremely happy with Niseko Ski Tours.<br />
<br />
Cost for direct return flights (in business class seats), 8 nights accommodation + breakfast, ski lessons, all transfers, and 7-day all-mountain lift passes, was around AUS $3300 per person.<br />
<br />
I meant to get travel insurance (AUS $90 extra) before leaving, but I never got around to it, and was a bit worried about this - but thankfully there was no call for it.<br />
<br />
== What to pack ==<br />
<br />
* Standard ski gear (pants, jacket, beanie, goggles)<br />
* Skis (carve skis are fine, and what we used, but the people that live in Hokkaido tend to have powder skis which are wider and a bit shorter), boots, stocks.<br />
* Standard clothes (Jeans, tracksuit pants, long-sleeved tops, 2 or 3 short-sleeved tops, 1 or 2 jumpers). (Didn't think we would wear the short sleeved tops, but we did - both in the hotel, which was quite warm, and my Dad wore his on the lower beginner slopes on the hotter days).<br />
* Standard toiletries + 2 tubes of Voltarin ointment (to apply to aching limbs).<br />
* ''Thin'' socks for skiing in (I brought socks that were too thick, and it hurt my shins)<br />
* Good gloves (I really wanted better gloves on several occasions). Your gloves should be much longer than standard gloves, if possible, that should go about 10 centimetres beyond the wrist. (When you fall in powder it goes everywhere, so you want to have a really good seal between your gloves and your jacket). Also it's cold (-15C at the top of the mountain), and windy, and so far more demanding conditions than Australia. I started to get frostbite on 3 occasions whilst wearing gloves that had been fine in Australia. So if you are intermediate or advanced, try to get good gloves before you go. (We took some extra pairs of gloves, and rotated them so that they were dry).<br />
* A full balaclava and/or neck warmer. A must, in my opinion. You lose a lot of heat through your neck. Never needed one in Australia, but was really glad to have one here.<br />
* Full body thermal underwear / long johns. (It gets cold out there. My Dad didn't wear his once on the lower slopes, because he wasn't sure he needed it, but by the end of the day he was sure).<br />
<br />
'''Note''': Baggage weight is a serious problem! We each got a baggage allowance of 20 kilos, plus 5 kilos extra for ski gear. When you add the weight of all you ski gear, the bags themselves, ski clothes, non-ski clothes, then it will be very tight to fit into this allowance, so weight everything first. JAL has a reputation for very strictly enforcing weight limits and charging extra if you go above these. I did go above them by about 3 kilos, but luckily both our flights were only half full, so they didn't seem to care too much about weight, and never said anything to us about this.<br />
<br />
Also you will want to take lots of Yen, in cash. Cash is king in Japan, and we never used a credit card or an ATM card even once, and you should assume that these facilities will not be available, and carry adequate cash with you, just like the Japanese do. (I took AUS $500, Dad took AUS $1,500). I carried my cash with me the whole time, but safety deposit was available at the hotel reception.<br />
<br />
== What not to pack ==<br />
<br />
* Despite my Dad's fussing, we didn't need any washing powder - they give you as much as you like in the hotel for free!<br />
* Towel (thought we might need this for the onsen, but they gave us towels)<br />
* Swimmers (never went to any pools, and you wear your birthday suit in the onsen)<br />
* Sunscreen (Was never enough sun to need sunscreen, but it's pretty light, so probably didn't hurt to take it)<br />
* Your mobile phone (it won't work in Japan; Japan and Korea use a different system which is incompatible with the GSM phones used in Europe / Australia / USA). A mobile can be useful in Australia (e.g. for meeting at the airport, letting people know you have arrived back, etc) - but it won't work in Japan.<br />
* Sunglasses (I used goggles the whole time because of the wind, snow, and cold - but again, it's pretty light, so probably didn't hurt to take sunnies)<br />
<br />
== Travelling there ==<br />
<br />
The flight out was very good - it ran to schedule (departing at Kingsford Smith at 11 AM), and we were right<br />
up the front of the JAL 747-400 charter plane. It was a direct flight to Sapporo - a direct flight is highly recommended, rather than transferring at Tokyo, as Tokyo has 2 airports, 1.5 hours apart, and you will need to travel from one to the other; If you fly Australian airlines you need to transfer at Cairns, which still adds around 4 hours to your journey. Go direct if you can. <br />
<br />
Onboard the plane was Steve Kelso from Niseko Ski Tours, whom we had booked through, who was going on business travel to Furano and other locations to see about adding them as a destination. We found that Niseko ski tours had around 18 customers on the December 2005 charter<br />
flight, none on the January flight (could not get accommodation,<br />
because the dates conflicted with a Japanese local holiday), and 6<br />
people on the March 2006 flight that we took.<br />
<br />
The flight took 9 hours 50 minutes, and we arrived at Sapporo's [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Chitose_Airport New Chitose Airport] at around 7 PM (note that Japan is 2 hours behind Australian Eastern Time).<br />
When we landed at<br />
Sapporo there was snow at the airport on the ground, but it wasn't<br />
snowing. There was a camera in the nose of the plane, and you could<br />
see the landing and approach and runway projected onto the overhead<br />
screen - there was a guy who guided the plane into its berth/spot with<br />
two red wands, and after we got into the right spot he bowed to the<br />
plane (very Japanese!). We got our luggage quickly (thankfully the baggage the doors weren't<br />
frozen shut, as we worried they may be and has happened before).<br />
<br />
Whilst waiting for our bus at New Chitose Airport, we talked<br />
to an Australian who worked for the JAL airline,<br />
who was taking some reporters on a whirlwind tour, and he indicated<br />
that next year (2006-2007) that JAL will probably continue direct<br />
flights from Sydney to Sapporo, but with a smaller plane (e.g. 777<br />
instead of the 747-400 that we were on, and which was only around 40%<br />
full). Apparently the December plane was around 75% full, the January one maybe 65% full, and this one was 40-50% full).<br />
Also there are supposed to be around 12000 Australians visiting Niseko this<br />
2005-2006 season, and there were around 8000 in the season before.<br />
Apparently this 50% growth per annum in Australian visitor numbers has<br />
been happening for the past 5 years.<br />
<br />
Then on the bus to Niseko, there was a Japanese manager of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rusutsu,_Hokkaido Rusutsu] (a ski<br />
resort that is a bit closer to Sapporo - our bus stopped there before continuing onto Niseko). He talked to us about a lot of things, including a study<br />
done for them by the University of Canberra about why Aussies come<br />
here. Apparently there are 4 main factors that explain this:<br />
* Powder<br />
* No jet lag<br />
* Cost of lift tickets (nearly half the cost of Australian lift tickets)<br />
* Consistency of the weather here<br />
He confirmed that the number of Australian visitors is increasing, but added that the number of Japanese visitors is in a steady decline. <br />
The reason for the slow decline in Japanese skiers is that apparently the younger generation would rather stay<br />
indoors with Internet, TV, and video games.<br />
<br />
The bus ride was around one and half hours to Niseko, and it was<br />
freezing cold when we moved our bags into the hotel, and it was<br />
snowing lightly. We had a welcoming thing when we arrived, but we were<br />
so exhausted that we didn't take it all in. Got to bed around midnight local time, or two AM Sydney<br />
time.<br />
<br />
We stayed at [http://www.travelplan.com.au/accommodation.ski/id/7218/resortid/2992 the Niseko Scot Hotel] (and [http://www.nisekoski.com.au/hotel/hoteldetail.cfm?LMID=8 more info here]). The rooms are small, but the location is fantastic. The hotel is advertised sometimes has having 4 restaurants, but in reality it has 3 - a sushi restaurant, a restaurant just outside the front reception, and Gulliver's and Scot Dining (which have the same staff and the same menu and the same prices, so by any reasonable definition they're one restaurant, not two).<br />
<br />
== Day 1 ==<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Day 1 - Kogen.JPG|Day 1 - Kogen<br />
Image:Day 1 - Alpen.JPG|Day 1 - Alpen<br />
Image:Day 1 - meeting area.JPG|Day 1 - meeting area<br />
</gallery><br />
<!-- Image:Day 1 - Tired after yesterday\'s flight.JPG|Day 1 - Tired after yesterday's flight --><br />
<br />
Dad woke me at 6 AM with coughing and banging and boiling the kettle,<br />
and then said in his best surprised voice: "Oh, you're awake!" Then we<br />
had breakfast, and it was half western / half Japanese (some noodles<br />
and stuff). Then off to our lessons, Dad in the newbies and me in the<br />
intermediate section, my instructor called Junto (not sure if I'm spelling that correctly). Dad had dressed for really cold weather, and I<br />
dressed for semi-cold (did not wear my fleece). The sky cleared up to<br />
a nice blue sky (very rare here apparently), and so it got much<br />
warmer. Found out that Dad later went back to the hotel and took off<br />
most of his stuff because he was dripping in sweat! I was okay<br />
though.<br />
<br />
The view was/is fantastic from up on the mountain; Opposite our<br />
mountain is another mountain in a national park, called Mt Yotei, that looks just like<br />
a smaller version of mount Fuji - really beautiful.<br />
<br />
Had lunch at the bottom of the mountain - AUS $11 for a big bowl of fried pork cutlet<br />
and rice and yummy gravy - good value, very filling, couldn't finish<br />
it all! They do an amazing variety sorts of drinks here, by the way. Hot and cold<br />
cans of every variety (coffee, tea, soft drinks, juices, etc). Lots of<br />
vending machines too. Then after an hour back onto the slopes (no rest<br />
for the wicked!)<br />
<br />
Dad skied for around 1 hour more before being exhausted and throwing<br />
in the towel. I skied for another 30 minutes (finished around 3:45).<br />
Our lift tickets go from 8:30 AM until 8:30 PM each night, but so exhausted I don't<br />
think we'll manage that for a bit!<br />
<br />
One thing that you notice on the mountain is that are semi-continuous automated announcements in Japanese over the loudspeaker system. There are also some announcements in English, and although some English announcements had a sense of humour, they rarely told you anything useful. However, you got used to it, and learned to ignore it pretty quickly.<br />
<br />
Then we had an Onsen / Japanese bath. There ''is'' one in the hotel but<br />
apparently it's not a "proper" one (I think that means it's not using<br />
geothermal power to heat the water). One is being installed for next season (2006-2007) apparently. It was interesting to try all the<br />
washing rituals, and the hot bath after skiing felt so amazingly good.<br />
Very civilized - I approve! All Australian ski accommodation needs one of these.<br />
<br />
Was feeling very knackered by the end our first day of skiing!<br />
<br />
== Day 2 ==<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Day 1 - The snoopy themed room.JPG|Day 2 - The Snoopy themed room<br />
Image:Day 1 - The snoopy themed bed covers.JPG|Day 2 - The Snoopy themed bed covers<br />
Image:Day 1 - The snoopy themed tissue box.jpg|Day 2 - The Snoopy themed tissue box<br />
Image:Day 1 - Snoopy themed rubbish bin.JPG|Day 2 - Snoopy themed rubbish bin<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
More about the room we are in: It is decorated in a "Snoopy" theme;<br />
Snoopy curtains, Snoopy doonas, Snoopy tissue box, and a Snoopy<br />
rubbish bin. Not sure whether to find it cute or creepy ... The thing with Snoopy is not a kids thing, I think it's just a theme;<br />
There is a 6 foot cardboard cutout of Snoopy in reception. I think<br />
the Japanese maybe just like Snoopy. They seem to like cartoons a bit<br />
in general in fact, and on the plane when they were saying do or don't<br />
do something, they would show it with a cartoon.<br />
<br />
The room<br />
itself is quite small, and has almost no storage space (no drawers,<br />
only 4 or 5 hangers in the whole room, etc). However the view from our room<br />
is fantastic - we are in the corner of the building, and we look<br />
straight up the main Grand Hirafu ski slope in one window, and right down on the main<br />
ski lesson meeting place with the other window. We're in the second<br />
building down the slope, and from the front of our hotel you can ski<br />
to 3 or 4 lifts (one lift is a beginner one, and so maybe should not<br />
be counted). It's technically not quite ski-in ski-out as you have to<br />
carry your skis about 15 metres through the car park, but its position is so fantastic that it really doesn't matter.<br />
<br />
We went for a wander in the Niseko village today, and there are two<br />
real estate shops, mostly directed at Australians. By the way, real<br />
estate prices are AUS $3 million for a house, and a 2 bedroom unit is<br />
>= AUS $400,000 (eek!). Also on our wander we found there is a whole shop<br />
here filled with "Hello Kitty" merchandise.<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Day 2 - Dad impersonating an alien.JPG|Day 2 - Dad impersonating an alien<br />
Image:Day 2 - Alpen.JPG|Day 2 - Alpen<br />
Image:Day 2 - Kogen.JPG|Day 2 - Kogen<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
The weather today was really bad, after a great day yesterday. Only 4<br />
or 6 of the lower lifts were open today, and it was constantly<br />
snowing. They said it was the worst wind of the whole season, and that<br />
this was the first time in the whole season that this many lifts had<br />
been closed. What a contrast to the beautiful conditions yesterday.<br />
<br />
We had lunch in a Japanese restaurant, and an elderly lady made us<br />
change out of shoes and into slippers. After the meal the waitress<br />
refused Dad's tip (probably because it was the equivalent of $2.50 !)<br />
<br />
At dinner tonight, I had Ramen noodles and pork as mains, with snow<br />
crab sushi and salmon roe sushi as entree. The sushi was particularly<br />
good (the seafood was really fresh and tasty). There is lots of<br />
seafood in the food here, and lots of noodles or rice (you can even<br />
have rice at breakfast if you want); there isn't much fruit in the<br />
food, and not really any desserts as such though. Then after 4 beers<br />
with dinner, Dad burned himself by spilling piping hot Japanese tea<br />
onto his crotch. The poor Japanese waitress rushed over to help him as<br />
he yelped in pain, but I think that he had had so much beer that we<br />
won't really know until tomorrow if he hurt himself. :-(<br />
<br />
I continue to approve of Onsens... the hot water feels so good after a<br />
day's skiing, although I do feel a bit dizzy when I get out after 15<br />
minutes in the hot water...<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Day 2 - blurry night view up Hifaru.JPG|Day 2 - blurry night view up Hirafu<br />
Image:Day 2 - night skiing on Alpen.JPG|Day 2 - night skiing on Alpen<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
The computer where I am writing this looks right<br />
down onto one of the lifts, and it's still snowing, and the forecast<br />
is that it will probably do so tomorrow as well, but the day after it<br />
is forecast to clear up.<br />
<br />
== Day 3 ==<br />
<br />
Tried calling a mobile at home with a 1000 Yen calling card that you can buy here,<br />
but the quality was terrible. Not sure if this was because of the<br />
calling card, or because of the mobile. Also tried to check my voice mail, but<br />
for some reason I could not get it to work using the calling card (it<br />
would not accept the mailbox number, so maybe the Japanese phones make<br />
different tones when you press the buttons).<br />
<br />
Dad is OK from the hot tea - no permanent damage.<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Day 3 - View of fresh snow on Kogen.JPG|Day 3 morning - View of fresh snow on Kogen<br />
Image:Day 3 - Dad studies the snow.JPG|Day 3 morning - Dad studies the snow<br />
Image:Day 3 - Kogen Hotel.JPG|Day 3 morning - Kogen Hotel<br />
Image:Day 3 - Non view of Mt Yotei.JPG|Day 3 morning - Non view of Mt Yotei<br />
Image:Day 3 - sticking tongue out.JPG|Day 3 morning - sticking tongue out<br />
Image:Day 3 - View of Alpen.JPG|Day 3 morning - View of Alpen<br />
Image:Day 3 - View of bottom of Alpen & Niseko Alpen Hotel.JPG|Day 3 morning - View of bottom of Alpen & Niseko Alpen Hotel<br />
Image:Day 3 - View of Kogen lifts.JPG|Day 3 morning - View of Kogen lifts<br />
Image:Day 3 - View of Kogen, skies clearing.JPG|Day 3 morning - View of Kogen, skies clearing<br />
Image:Day 3 - View of Meeting place.JPG|Day 3 morning - View of Meeting place<br />
Image:Day 3 - View of Kogen.JPG|Day 3 morning - View of Kogen<br />
Image:Day 3 - View up Alpen, skies clearing.JPG|Day 3 morning - View up Alpen, skies clearing<br />
Image:Day 3 - View up Alpen.JPG|Day 3 morning - View up Alpen<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
In the morning it was snowing lightly, with<br />
almost no wind, and occasional breaks in the cloud. Woke up to a big<br />
overnight dump of "wet powder"; Wet powder melts to water when it hits<br />
your clothing, and it is also kind of sticky, so it sticks to the<br />
skis, and makes it harder to turn. Apparently the best is "dry<br />
powder", which is supposed to be like talcum powder, and when you hold<br />
it in your glove you can see the individual snowflakes, and is supposed<br />
to be much better to ski in. Hope I get to see some of that. However, dry powder is mostly supposed to fall from late December through to the start of February, with wet powder at the remaining ski season; However the trade-off is that during the dry powder periods you can go for weeks without seeing the sun, as it can snow continuously - me, I kind of like to see the sun, and even with<br />
the wet powder it was fun! When you get into the non-groomed<br />
areas you can have snow up to your thighs, and see it's sort of like flying<br />
through a cloud, completely unable to see your skis. Of course the illusion ends when you try to turn and get it wrong, and end up completely buried in snow!<br />
<br />
The cloud that had brought the wet powder cleared up as the day wore<br />
on, and now it is pretty clear again and blue skies. I can see Mount Yotei opposite (which is basically the acid test of the weather<br />
conditions here - if you can see the base then it's good conditions, and if<br />
you can see the top then it's great conditions). There is a webcam [http://www.snowjapan.com/e/daily/webcam/hokkaido/yotei.html here]. Trees here are Silver<br />
birches and on the lower slopes there are some pines. No eucalyptus of<br />
course, unlike Australia. Not much wildlife here, other than ravens /<br />
crows. There are supposed to be some foxes, but I haven't seen any.<br />
<br />
Also there are lots of Japanese school kids on the slopes. They have<br />
big numbers on their backs, and all wear the same clothing; apparently<br />
it is a traditional Japanese school perk to get a trip to the snow in<br />
the junior school, and once again in high school. Lucky sods!<br />
<br />
Rang one of the lucky bells at the top of the mountain today, so it<br />
should bring me luck!<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Day 3 - Another view up the mountain.JPG|Day 3 lunchtime - Another view up the mountain<br />
Image:Day 3 - Dad at the bottom of Kogen.JPG|Day 3 lunchtime - Dad at the bottom of Kogen<br />
Image:Day 3 - View of base of Alpen, and top of Family run.JPG|Day 3 lunchtime - View of base of Alpen, and top of Family run<br />
Image:Day 3 - Outside view of bottom of Alpen.JPG|Day 3 lunchtime - Outside view of bottom of Alpen<br />
Image:Day 3 - Outside view up Alpen.JPG|Day 3 lunchtime - Outside view up Alpen<br />
Image:Day 3 - Outside view up the mountain.JPG|Day 3 lunchtime - Outside view up the mountain<br />
Image:Day 3 - Rokomoko lunch.JPG|Day 3 lunchtime - Rokomoko lunch<br />
Image:Day 3 - View of meeting place at bottom of Kogen.JPG|Day 3 lunchtime - View of NISS ski school meeting place at bottom of Kogen<br />
Image:Day 3 - View of Mt Yotei, clearing up a bit.JPG|Day 3 lunchtime - View of Mt Yotei, clearing up a bit<br />
Image:Day 3 - View of the Kogen Hotel, with base of Mt Yotei visible in the background.JPG|Day 3 lunchtime - View of the Kogen Hotel, with base of Mt Yotei visible in the background<br />
Image:Day 3 - View over parking lot 1, and down into village.JPG|Day 3 lunchtime - View over parking lot 1, and down into village<br />
Image:Day 3 - View up Alpen (again).JPG|Day 3 lunchtime - View up Alpen (again)<br />
Image:Day 3 - Some of the weird and wonderful controls on a Japanese toilet.JPG|Day 3 - Some of the weird and wonderful controls on a Japanese toilet<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
Lunch was good; had a "rockomo" meal, which was a large fried mince<br />
patty, plus creamy soft scrambled eggs, and a salad, all on a bed of<br />
white rice. It was really good and filling!<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Day 3 - Mt Yotei finally visible.JPG|Day 3 late afternoon - Mt Yotei finally visible<br />
Image:Day 3 - Mt Yotei with almost no cloud.JPG|Day 3 late afternoon - Mt Yotei with almost no cloud<br />
Image:Day 3 - View of down into village.JPG|Day 3 late afternoon - View of down into village<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
I had my second lesson this morning. Unfortunately my right shin<br />
became really painful when I was doing my turns skiing down the<br />
mountain (particularly turning left). I was wearing thick socks, so it<br />
could either be that my socks were too thick, or that my boots are a<br />
bad fit (although they were okay on the first two days with socks that<br />
were a bit thinner). So after 2 hours of the 3-hour morning lesson it<br />
was hurting too much to continue, so I called it quits for the day and<br />
skied down to the hotel. I then had a long bath at the onsen, and then<br />
put some muscle soothing cream/ointment on the shin area that Dad had<br />
brought with him (ointment was called "Voltarin"). I will wear much<br />
thinner socks tomorrow and see how I go. My feet have never been cold<br />
here in my ski boots, so the socks being thinner shouldn't be a<br />
problem.<br />
<br />
One Japanese ski saying my ski instructor told us during the lesson was: "No friends on<br />
powder days! Especially no older friends on powder days!". By which<br />
she explained that she meant that on mornings when fresh powder has<br />
fallen overnight, you want to get up the mountain early (before the<br />
powder gets tracked out), and waiting for friends will only slow you<br />
down, so don't do it. Even worse is older friends, because in Japan<br />
there is a social expectation of waiting for older people; If you're<br />
older than them it's OK to go ahead, but this would be considered rude<br />
if you are younger than them - hence "no older friends on powder<br />
days!"<br />
<br />
Also during the lesson on the flat bits I was stopping gliding much<br />
sooner than the other people in the class. Our instructor got me to<br />
take off my skis, and saw that the wet powder snow was sticking to the<br />
skis. She scraped the snow off with a special flat plastic tool she<br />
had, but said that I should get the skis waxed to prevent the powder<br />
sticking. The skis are being waxed now (they do it overnight here), so<br />
I will collect them tomorrow morning.<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Day 3 - Night view of Niesko Scot Hotel, and up the mountain.JPG|Day 3 Evening - Night view of Niesko Scot Hotel, and up the mountain<br />
Image:Day 3 - Night view of Scot Hotel and up the mountain (again).JPG|Day 3 Evening - Night view of Scot Hotel and up the mountain (again)<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== Day 4 ==<br />
<br />
My shins were hurting quite a lot today. Hopefully it's transient, and<br />
not a permanent problem with the boots.<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Day 4 - Supplies for waxing skis and removing powder from skis.JPG|Day 4 - Supplies for waxing skis and removing powder from skis<br />
Image:Day 4 - View of Alpen.JPG|Day 4 - View of Alpen<br />
Image:Day 4 - View of Kogen.JPG|Day 4 - View of Kogen<br />
Image:Day 4 - View of Mt Yotei, with completely clear skies.JPG|Day 4 - View of Mt Yotei, with completely clear skies <br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
Woke up to fantastic conditions today - mostly blue skies, and few<br />
clouds and perfect skiing conditions. It didn't snow overnight, so the<br />
lower slopes were getting icy. I decide to make it my aim to try and<br />
do most of the remaining green runs on the mountain that I hadn't done<br />
yet.<br />
<br />
Chatted to an Australian couple at breakfast that came into Niseko at<br />
the same time as us with Niesko Ski Tours, called Brad and Carrie. Dad refers to Brad as a<br />
"ski god". They both quite enjoy holidaying in ski resorts, and from<br />
the conversation it was clear that they had visited a few ski resorts (although<br />
Brad more than Carrie as he started doing this before they met). It<br />
sounded like around 20, and so I said this; Brad reckoned it could not<br />
be that many, more like 10 to 15. So he listed them, and by the time<br />
he was done it was 20. I pointed out that he had to add one for Niseko,<br />
thus making it 21! Carrie is more an intermediate skier though, which<br />
was good because they asked me if I wanted to come with them that<br />
morning, and I didn't want to hold them up, so I said yes.<br />
<br />
We set off from the main village where we are staying (base of Grand<br />
Hirafu) at 9:15. We took two lifts up the mountain, high enough for<br />
the conditions to change completely as we entered the low lying cloud,<br />
and it got much cooler and visibility dropped to around 15 metres. We<br />
traversed into the Higashiyama resort area, and then took another lift<br />
and kept traversing into An'nupuri resort area. Then we took Green and<br />
red runs down the mountain (a red run here is the equivalent of a blue<br />
run in Australia; Green is still called green, and black is still<br />
called black though).<br />
<br />
An'nupuri is kind of like Blue Cow (especially Pleasant Valley) - it has wide, gentle runs; but the runs are longer than Blue Cow,<br />
and there are less people over a larger area. It was good, so we took<br />
the main An'nupuri Gondola up, and did it over again. Then we stopped<br />
for a coffee break at a small wooden building called the "Paradise<br />
Hut". Carrie said it reminded her of having coffee after the Merritz run<br />
at Thredbo (of which she approves). The perspective on Mount Yotei<br />
is also very different from An'nupuri, because you have wrapped<br />
around the mountain more. Overall, I really liked An'nupuri, and would<br />
rate it well (as I would also for Hirafu).<br />
<br />
Then up a series of three individual lifts took us right up into the<br />
cloud cover again, and we glided down to the "An'nupuri Hut" for<br />
lunch. I had the miso and pork and potato soup with rice cakes. It was<br />
okay, but Brad's choice for pork cutlet and gravy and rice was the<br />
clear winner; I suspected it would be, but I had that meal before, and<br />
wanted to sample as many new Japanese foods as possible.<br />
<br />
At this point we had crossed back into Higashiyama, which took us one<br />
resort closer back to base. We worked down the one main green run of<br />
Higashiyama, which is basically a winding road. I found the upper two<br />
thirds of Higashiyama to be steeper than I had expected for a green<br />
run. The lower third was one long full-speed-no-turns-or-you-will-walk<br />
run that takes you to the doors of the Niseko Higashiyama Prince<br />
Hotel, a modern semi-high-rise hotel located all by itself, away from<br />
the main village (so if you stay there you'd be eating in the hotel<br />
every night most likely).<br />
<br />
By this time Carrie and I were truly knackered (I could feel my thighs<br />
starting to cramp up and tremble). So we decide to take the free mountain<br />
bus back to home base, but Brad wanted to ski on. So he took the<br />
Prince Gondola, which located just outside the Prince Hotel. We took<br />
the Gondola up too because we had time until the bus, and I wanted to<br />
take the Gondola to check out the ride. So at the top we took some<br />
photos, then took the Gondola all the way back down again. Started to<br />
talk about ski lift accidents, and realised that Carrie suffers<br />
vertigo and fear of flying, so I was asked to please talk about<br />
something else!<br />
<br />
Then we wandered around the shops in the lobby of the Prince Hotel for<br />
about 15 minutes, before catching the bus. The bus is just a normal<br />
bus. They really need a bus with ski racks on the side, because if you<br />
are medium-tall western male in a bus carrying skis of the <br />
appropriate length for you, then it is almost impossible to transport these on<br />
a normal bus. Got back around 3:45 PM, and I was really tired so I<br />
flopped out, with the plan of rendezvousing in time to try and catch<br />
the sunset over the mountains later in the day.<br />
<br />
Phone rang around 5 PM, and got all the ski gear back on and went back<br />
up to the top to mountain. It was much cooler, and the wind had picked<br />
up. The clouds unfortunately came in a bit, and we didn't get the<br />
pastel sunset that Brad has seen the day before. Skied until around<br />
6:30, then back to the hotel to rendezvous with Dad for dinner.<br />
<br />
We had sushi at the restaurant in the hotel. It was really good and a<br />
real experience (much better quality than Sydney, and half of the<br />
things were things that you would probably never get). The sushi here is both better quality and a wider variety of stuff;<br />
Octopus, mackerel, tuna (of course), beef, sea urchin, salmon roe, and<br />
many other things that I am not sure of (although I think no whales or<br />
dolphins were harmed in the making of this sushi). Came to AUS<br />
$100 for the two of us, but it was good!<br />
<br />
Then had a really hot onsen, which really relaxed my tired muscles!<br />
<br />
== Day 5 ==<br />
<br />
The other people that booked through the same travel agent look to all be staying in the same hotel; They<br />
took the same flight out, and will take the same flight back, and<br />
are staying at the same hotel, so some days we have a little chat each morning<br />
about what we did yesterday or what we doing today, or whatever is our<br />
minds.<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Day 5 - Dad claims this is a new muscle.JPG|Day 5 - Dad claims this is a new muscle<br />
Image:Day 5 - Mt Yotei, some cloud.JPG|Day 5 - Mt Yotei, some cloud<br />
Image:Day 5 - View down into village.JPG|Day 5 - View down into village<br />
Image:Day 5 - View of Japanese School kids at the bottom of Alpen.JPG|Day 5 - View of Japanese School kids at the bottom of Alpen<br />
Image:Day 5 - View up Alpen (again).JPG|Day 5 - View up Alpen (again)<br />
Image:Day 5 - View up Alpen.JPG|Day 5 - View up Alpen<br />
Image:Day 5 - View up Kogen.JPG|Day 5 - View up Kogen<br />
Image:Day 5 - clearing away the overnight snow.JPG|Day 5 - clearing away the overnight snow<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
The weather here today was pretty bad; it rained rather than snowed,<br />
so everything got soaking wet. (The hotel really needs drying room,<br />
but doesn't have one.) Also there was low cloud so the visibility was<br />
bad, and at the top of the mountain it was the worst of all worlds -<br />
windy, cold, and snowing with snow that melted very rapidly, leaving<br />
you wet.<br />
<br />
I went with my Dad to Hanazono area (which is another area, kind of<br />
like how Perisher Blue is 4 resorts - Perisher, Blue Cow, Smiggins,<br />
and Guthega). This was my first time in Hanazono, and the runs that we<br />
plotted out where all green runs and the numbers next to them (which<br />
are supposed to show the length of the run, the average angle, and the<br />
maximum angle, as well as the green/red/black grade) indicated that<br />
the runs that we took ("swing" and "holiday") should be fairly easy.<br />
However when we got higher it was much colder that at the bottom of<br />
the mountain (as Carrie says "it's a whole different mountain up<br />
there", because it changes completely by becoming more extreme when<br />
you go up a kilometre in height).<br />
<br />
We kept going though, determined as ever, and started out OK.<br />
Hanazono's green run starts off as a long flat bit, and has another<br />
long flat bit at the end. However in the middle it has a bit where it<br />
gets fairly steep, and on this bit Dad misread the run and thought it<br />
would flatten out, so he went straight ahead, and picked up a huge<br />
amount of speed in a short distance; Since he is can currently only use<br />
snow ploughs to stop and turn, and snow ploughs basically stop working<br />
at high speed, he couldn't control himself and veered straight towards<br />
the trees. I could only watch in horror as he went full speed, head<br />
over heels into bank of snow and towards the trees. His skis went<br />
flying, and he rolled 4 or 5 times down the mountain. By the time he<br />
was done his skis were about 10 meters behind him, and I picked them<br />
up and asked him how he was. Nothing was broken, but he was pretty<br />
shaken. We went onto Hanazono's one cafe / restaurant, and had a rest.<br />
<br />
Hanazono doesn't really have much there, we found. The restaurant is<br />
too far away from the lifts (about 100 metres, which is too far in<br />
skis if you have to skate it). There's nothing much else there, and<br />
only one series of lifts to get up the mountain, and only two main<br />
runs for coming down (one red/black, plus the green one that we did).<br />
So Hanazono seems much weaker to me than the other resorts.<br />
<br />
Dad found that there are blocks of land up for sale within walking<br />
distance of the Hanazono Hooded Quad # 1 base lift for AUS $70,000 to $150,000 (if our maths is<br />
correct). Hanazono is currently pretty basic, and its connections to<br />
Hirafu are pretty weak. Also the bus to and from Hanazono is pretty<br />
rare - it only has a bus link twice per day<br />
(around 2:30 and 3:40, but were there around 11:30 AM). So this made it necessary to <br />
ski back from Hanazono, which we would have been better not doing.<br />
The free shuttle bus really needs to cover Hanazono as well, but<br />
doesn't currently.<br />
<br />
After a break at Hanazono we continued on, trying to get back via a green run.<br />
In retrospect,<br />
we should have called a cab or something for Dad. We took the lifts up<br />
the mountain, and then took the "Holiday" run back. From the map, it<br />
would seem to be ideal for beginners because it is green with a good<br />
angle, and is nice and long. However in reality it has bits that are<br />
too steep for beginners, and long sections that are so flat and long<br />
that you run out of speed. The result for a beginner is alternating<br />
between terror and boredom!<br />
<br />
On the run back Dad was really tired and just wanted to get back to<br />
base. He fell over several times more (had lost confidence at this<br />
point I think). The visibility was terrible (about 10 metres), and he<br />
was completely soaked from falling over, and from the rain. Pretty<br />
miserable and wet we got back. Then we had a really hot onsen, which<br />
helped. (By the way, we found out today that there are some mixed<br />
onsens here, which contrasts with the gender segregation that seems to<br />
be the norm; However although Japanese girls are up for it, by all<br />
accounts the Aussie girls are for the most part too conservative to<br />
give it a go!).<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Day 5 - View of Mt Yotei (late afternoon).JPG|Day 5 late afternoon - View of Mt Yotei<br />
Image:Day 5 - View up Alpen (late afternoon).JPG|Day 5 late afternoon - View up Alpen<br />
Image:Day 5 - View up Kogen (late afternoon).JPG|Day 5 late afternoon - View up Kogen<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
Then I had a snooze for a few hours, before we went for our sushi<br />
dinner. Before this, we watched about 15 mins<br />
of Japanese TV for the first time since we got here. Of course we<br />
could understand nothing that was said, but you can get the general<br />
idea from tone and body language and especially the set and visuals.<br />
They had a program on about holidaying in Dubai (a Japanese person who<br />
went there in summer would be in for a shock - it's easily hot enough<br />
to fry an egg on the pavement, and massively humid too), and a show<br />
all about seaweed (the foods they made from all that seaweed all look<br />
very unappetizing, such as seaweed and spaghetti and nothing else),<br />
and a chat show, and the news. The weather in Okinawa looked good, but<br />
if I've got our location right, we're probably in for snow overnight.<br />
<br />
My shins today were still pretty sore, but I still can't tell if it is<br />
a permanent problem with my boots, or whether it is something you go<br />
through in the process of breaking in new boots. My main worry about<br />
tomorrow though is Dad, so we'll see how he is tomorrow and keep him<br />
to the green runs he knows. I don't think that he will go to An'nupuri<br />
now, which is a pity because I think he would like it.<br />
<br />
Also found out that Aussies here are only around 10 or 15% of the<br />
visitor numbers. I would have thought it was more, but maybe they tend<br />
to go at similar times, or maybe I just notice the Australian accent<br />
more. They have a world wall map in the Hanazono cafe, which says<br />
"please add you name and mark where you are from", and there are a<br />
handful of Americans, a few Europeans, almost nothing from the rest of<br />
the world, apart from Japan and Australia which were both almost black<br />
with people writing their names and marking where they were from - so<br />
I guess that gives you a pretty fair idea of where most of the<br />
visitors here are from.<br />
<br />
Tonight we had sushi again for dinner, but with a large helping of<br />
sake (which tasted surprisingly good), and tried some different things<br />
from the menu, including fried sushi (only very lightly fried),<br />
special roll (which was huge and had sashimi inside it), and salmon<br />
rice ball (basically a large ball of rice with a very small amount of<br />
salmon in the centre).<br />
<br />
I'm typing this up in a cafe type of area, and there is a kind of corporate hotel<br />
celebration happening around me. The Japanese staff are *seriously*<br />
drunk, and very loud, and occasionally they break into song and start<br />
dancing. I'm trying to not be noticed! Dad made the observation that<br />
in Japan it is socially acceptable to be totally smashed, whereas in<br />
Australia once you get too drunk people generally start suggesting<br />
that maybe you want to slow down...<br />
<br />
Some other thoughts about Niseko:<br />
* Most of the runs here are not well signposted at all - they generally have no names or length of grade details shown. Mostly there are simply no signs at all. The signage really needs to be changed to be something like Perisher (big permanent wooden signs with run details).<br />
* There is a hydrogen sulphide (rotten egg) smell that you sometimes catch around some of the lower lifts in Grand Hirafu. I finally worked out what this was - It's a natural smell from one of the geothermal onsens!<br />
* The ski equipment availability in the shops here is pretty bad, so any visitors should bring their gear with them.<br />
* The furthest we have walked for dinner is about 300 metres, and all of the restaurants and bars are contained within quite a small area.<br />
* There is a "wine and dine" directory, which lists the various restaurants and gives a sample of items from their menus and prices.<br />
* There is a [http://www.niseko.ne.jp/en/map-en.pdf high detail version of the Niseko trail map online], but you need Adobe Acrobat Reader version 6 or higher to be able to read it.<br />
<br />
Some things were should learn from the Japanese:<br />
* Onsens are amazingly relaxing after skiing, and are a perfect antidote to a hard today's skiing. We need to do this too!<br />
* Japanese food is much healthier than western food, and we could learn a lot from how they eat.<br />
* Sake is good!<br />
* Vending machines everywhere is good. Vending machines everywhere that will sell you good beer is even better.<br />
* To have a wider variety of drinks.<br />
* The "skidata" lift pass system that is proximity-based and used by this resort means that no human ever needs to check your lift pass, and you only need to get it close to the sensor (the best thing seems to be to wear your pass as an armband).<br />
* We should learn to speak Japanese as well as the Japanese speak English (which is often surprisingly good).<br />
* The Japanese restaurants have a tradition of placing a selection from their menus (price + description + picture) outside their restaurants. This is very useful, and something more of our restaurants should do.<br />
<br />
Things the Japanese need to learn from the west:<br />
* To add drying rooms to all the hotels (the Scot Hotel does not have one, and as a result the heaters in the lobby are covered with damp gloves, goggles, and boots). It's very unsightly, hot enough to melt the plastic on our gloves, but there is no other sensible way to dry soaking ski gear.<br />
[[Image:Day 1 - Most useless kettle ever invented.JPG|right|thumb|125px|Day 5 - The most useless kettle ever invented]]<br />
* To throw away the weird constant heating kettles they have in the rooms, and replace them with real kettles. The constant heating kettles requires you to push down the top to get around a teaspoon of boiling water. So for a large mug of tea you need 20 or so pushes, each one splashing a few drops of boiling water! <br />
* To properly signpost every ski run.<br />
* To not add sugar to all the bread (all the bread here is sweet)<br />
* To wax skis without requiring overnight to do it.<br />
* To eat fruit, and drink real fruit juice.<br />
* To run more free shuttle busses, more often, and to extend them to Hanazono.<br />
* To have big boards (that are all networked together, so they are always current) that show which runs are open and which are closed, and which are on wind hold. There is one of these at Hirafu, but it's in the parking lot, and so is completely useless if you don't drive, or once you have your skis on. There also is a whiteboard in the lobby of the Prince Hotel, but it in Japanese, and it's manually updated by a guy on the phone with a whiteboard marker, so it's both hard to understand, and prone to being out of date. What's needed is a big board right next to the base of all three Gondolas, plus one at the base of the Ace Quad lift # 2, plus another near the base of King Lift # 1, plus one at the base of Hanazono. With these six boards at these key locations, you would instantly know what was open and what was not - but currently it's mostly flying blind.<br />
* To maybe provide a lift that goes across the mountain, to provide an easy way for beginners to traverse the mountain (otherwise you need to use red and black runs to traverse, which means that beginners just don't traverse).<br />
<br />
Also Niseko is currently in the middle of a real-estate boom, driven<br />
totally by Australians. The Japanese, who are just coming out of 15<br />
years of almost no growth, largely caused by a property bubble they<br />
experienced, seem to think that the Australians are nuts paying such inflated prices for property.<br />
<br />
== Day 6 ==<br />
<br />
There was no snow overnight, so the conditions started out pretty icy<br />
as it was yesterday's snow, but compacted up. Then in the morning it<br />
started snowing, and continued to snow lightly all day - I'm just<br />
happy as long as it doesn't rain, which it didn't! By the way, there<br />
is no artificial snow making equipment here, which something that I<br />
had noticed that's different from Australia.<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Day 6 - View of Alpen.JPG|Day 6 - View of Alpen<br />
Image:Day 6 - View of Kogen.JPG|Day 6 - View of Kogen<br />
Image:Day 6 - Non View of Mt Yotei.JPG|Day 6 - Non View of Mt Yotei<br />
Image:Day 6 - View of Alpen (again).JPG|Day 6 - View of Alpen (again)<br />
Image:Day 6 - View of Alpen Hotel, snowing.JPG|Day 6 - View of Alpen Hotel, snowing<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
Dad thinks his knee has swollen up a bit, but I can't really see the difference.<br />
<br />
Dad wants me to add that the bathroom in our room is a little plastic<br />
modular thing; it is 6' 3" tall. The bath is 4' long, but deeper than<br />
a normal bath. Most people we suspect just shower or use the onsen.<br />
<br />
We are coming to understand why Japanese tourists have a reputation for not leaving<br />
their hotels; The restaurants inside the hotels here are a bit more<br />
pricey than outside, but only around 15 or 20% more, as opposed to<br />
Australia where restaurants in hotels charge a premium of maybe 50% to<br />
100%. So when it's snowing and dark and windy outside, it often makes much more sense to just eat in the hotel.<br />
<br />
Some lifts are beginning to close early now, as we are getting to the<br />
end of their ski season (e.g. the Hirafu Gondola is closes at 4:30 PM<br />
as of the 11th of March). In general early March seems to be a lot<br />
closer to the end of the season than we thought. This also evident in<br />
the raining (rather than snowing) that happened yesterday.<br />
<br />
Dad also found that NISS (Niseko International Ski School) lessons are<br />
marginally cheaper to buy in Australia than in Niseko (5940 Yen versus<br />
6000 Yen). Also for the lessons if less than 3 people go for a given<br />
level, then the lesson only runs for 2 hours instead of 3 hours.<br />
<br />
This morning I had a private one-on-one ski lesson, with a Japanese<br />
instructor called "Katz". I think his full name was Katzumo, but<br />
evidently people remember Katz, so that's what he uses. It wasn't<br />
supposed to be a private lesson, but only two people turned up for our<br />
level, and there were two instructors, so private lessons it was! Katz<br />
gave me some things to remember to try and improve my skiing, which I<br />
note here for my future reference:<br />
* Always look down the mountain, not straight ahead, or at the skis. Head and shoulders should always face straight down the mountain.<br />
* Bend down at the knees during the turn.<br />
* Tap the snow lightly in front of me before going into the turn. This helps to initiate the turn.<br />
* Keep my arms forward, and bent and away from the body. This helps balance.<br />
* Practise sliding down the mountain and then turn quickly, and repeat. This exercise also helps to improve balance.<br />
* Practise with crouching and swinging the poles in the snow in arcs as I turn. This helps to give the turn a nice smooth round form, rather than a sharp zigzag down the mountain, which I am prone to.<br />
<br />
There were far more people on the mountain today. This is because it<br />
was a Sunday, and it wasn't raining, so people who live in Sapporo<br />
drive the 1.5 hours to Niseko to go skiing. Makes sense to me.<br />
<br />
I asked my ski instructor about Furano (which is the ski resort in<br />
Hokkaido we were originally going to go to). He said it is the same<br />
size roughly as just Grand Hirafu. Niseko is apparently the biggest<br />
ski resort in Hokkaido. Furano and Rusutsu apparently are probably the<br />
next biggest resorts.<br />
<br />
For lunch we ate at the J-First hotel. Dad and I both had the Yakitori set,<br />
which is kind of like Teriyaki chicken. It was very tasty, and good<br />
value, and in a good location, with a huge restaurant, which was<br />
completely empty apart from us! I guess everyone was up on the<br />
mountain.<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Day 6 - Lunch at the J-First Hotel.JPG|Day 6 - Lunch at the J-First Hotel<br />
Image:Day 6 - View from J-First hotel of the village.JPG|Day 6 - View from J-First hotel of the village<br />
Image:Day 6 - View from J-First Hotel of the village (again).JPG|Day 6 - View from J-First Hotel of the village (again)<br />
Image:Day 6 - Yakitori lunch set at the J-First Hotel.JPG|Day 6 - Yakitori lunch set at the J-First Hotel<br />
Image:Day 6 - lunch, tasty.JPG|Day 6 - lunch, tasty<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
The mountain that we are on has another resort next to An'nupuri -<br />
it's called Moiwa, and but it not part of<br />
the resort that we can use, or connected to it, and it only has 2 lifts. Only reason I mention this is I saw the<br />
lifts one day, and wondered what they were, since they weren't on our<br />
trail maps.<br />
<br />
For dinner, I had raw Japanese-style tuna, plus a whole raw egg, served over<br />
hot plain rice - yummy! Dad had a crab hotpot, which he enjoyed. We've<br />
found that beers over here are rather dear in restaurants (around AUS<br />
$9, or 650 Yen, per glass seems to be typical in a restaurant).<br />
<br />
The snow is currently building up into fresh powder, so the conditions<br />
should be great tomorrow and I should probably get going early;<br />
Especially so as our lift tickets expire tomorrow, at 4:30 pm on the<br />
dot. So I intend on boarding my last lift for the day to the top of<br />
the mountain at 4:29 PM, and then skiing all the way to the bottom!<br />
<br />
== Day 7 ==<br />
<br />
The last full day of skiing. Skied from 8:30 AM sharp to 3 PM. Headed over to Higashiyama to get to some runs I hadn't done yet. After doing that, tried to board the Prince Gondola to get up the mountain and out of the resort. I was sitting in the Gondola and the doors had closed when there was an announcement in Japanese. I was then pulled out of the Gondola, and someone explained that due to high winds the Prince Gondola was being put on wind hold. There was no other way to get up the mountain, so it was either a bus across to An'nupuri, or a bus back to Hirafu. I checked inside the hotel, and An'nupuri was shut down too (all but two lower lifts were closed). So I had a 50 minute wait for the next bus to Hirafu, and chatted to some snowboarders from Canberra. Coffee and tea were overpriced at the Prince Hotel (650 Yen for a coffee, which will buy a Large Draft beer in a restaurant in Hirafu), so I just used their vending machine. Of course everyone else wanted out of Higashiyama too, so when the bus finally arrived I had to stand, and most people didn't even get on the bus. Standing for 15-20 minutes in a stinking hot bus in ski gear, stooped over because it was not tall enough, was not at all fun. I got out at the first stop just to get out of the bus, and double-timed it over to the Hirafu Gondola, and straight up to Hanazono. It was freezing up there - roughly -15 to -20C according to the large thermometer at Ace Hill. I started to get frostbite in my hands because my gloves got wet. Started to really want better gloves - leather is the best material apparently - with a much longer wrist section to give a good seal over the ski jacket.<br />
<br />
Whilst waiting in the lift queue, an elderly Japanese guy pushed his way through the queue to the front, and on my lift, and the lifties didn't say a word and just let him through. He sat on the chairlift next to me for a few minutes picking his nose (seriously), and then started talking to me. He was actually quite an amusing guy - he was 70 years old, and had started skiing at 53. He didn't like powder, and much preferred to ski on ice. And every Japanese summer he travelled to New Zealand to ski. He quite liked New Zealand's Coronet Peak ski area, because he said it had lots of ice, and he had knick-named it "Concrete Peak"!<br />
<br />
Then straight down the mountain, and back to the hotel at 3:05 PM, and then change, and then onto the 3:27 PM bus to Kutchan, the local major town (the equivalent of say Jindabyne). The streets of Kutchan were completely covered in snow, unlike Jindabyne most of the time. We looked at the 3 ski shops in Kutchan. Some of the gear was good prices, but the sizes were all wrong (e.g. sock sizes that maxed out at 27 cm, whereas my foot size is 29 cm). Dad found the same thing with ski pants (he wanted some with suspenders). Also there was a poor choice of gloves, which surprised me a bit because I would have imagined that anyone living in Hokkaido would want about 6 pairs of gloves.<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Day 7 - Kutchan supermarket - Dad wants 4 litres of whisky.JPG|Day 7 - Kutchan supermarket - Dad wants 4 litres of whisky<br />
Image:Day 7 - Kutchan view from railway station.JPG|Day 7 - Kutchan view from railway station<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
Then we checked out a Japanese supermarket / department store, which was an interesting experience. Who knew that you could buy 4 litres (yes, 4 litres!) of scotch for AUS $39 in Japan? Then at 6 PM we got the free night bus back to Hirafu, and had dinner at the hotel - we both had sukiyaki beef, which is beef strips in a sweet broth, which you dip in raw egg, and then eat with rice. Very nice!<br />
<br />
== Day 8 ==<br />
<br />
A day of logistics! Checkout of hotel, then half a day of skiing, then onsen, then lunch, then bus to Sapporo airport, then overnight return flight to Sydney.<br />
<br />
The powder today was fantastic! It started snowing again yesterday, and continued snowing overnight, and did not stop. We bought 5 hour lift passes for 3400 Yen, and skied from lift opening at 8:30 AM sharp, through to midday when we had to stop in order to prepare for the bus. Skiing powder again was great! Had skied a bit of powder earlier in the week, but this was deeper and dryer powder and untracked. It is harder to ski in powder (deep powder slows you down more, and powder in general makes it harder work to turn). I fell over many times in powder because of this, but it is completely painless because the powder cushions your fall. At one point I headed into a bank of deep powder, and was being followed by two Aussies who were clearly quite good skiers. I stacked it completely when I tried to turn, and as I dug myself out of the deep powder one of them gave me the thumbs up as he skied past, and yelled out: "Good one!" :-) One small downside of powder is that putting your skis back on in deep powder is difficult and slow, because the powder sticks to the bottoms of your boots, and in the ski bindings, and you sink much further into the powder than your skis.<br />
<br />
Then we went straight from skiing into the onsen, and then changed into street clothing for the journey home, and packed away ski gear. Dad and I had final lunch with Brad and Carrie; Dad had sushi (his personal favourite), and I had port cutlet and rice (my personal favourite).<br />
<br />
I slipped and fell in the parking lot on black ice (for the second time) - this is in addition to other people (Dad, Carrie) falling there on previous days. The most dangerous part of the whole trip wasn't the skiing, but rather the damn black ice in that car park.<br />
<br />
The bus back to Sapporo took 2 hours and 10 minutes, and it skipped Rusutsu because of the snowy weather conditions. The route took us past [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shikotsu-Toya_National_Park Lake Shikotsu] (which we had not seen on the way down when we were travelling at night).<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Day 8 - Pork Cutlet and Miso set lunch.JPG|Day 8 - Pork Cutlet and Miso set lunch<br />
Image:Day 8 - View of river.JPG|Day 8 - View of river<br />
Image:Day 8 - View of River (again).JPG|Day 8 - View of River (again)<br />
Image:Day 8 - View of snow-covered Japanese countryside.JPG|Day 8 - View of snow-covered Japanese countryside<br />
Image:Day 8 - View of another river.JPG|Day 8 - View of another river<br />
Image:Day 8 - on the bus to the airport.JPG|Day 8 - on the bus to the airport<br />
Image:Day 8 - View of Lake Shikotsu.JPG|Day 8 - View of Lake Shikotsu<br />
Image:Day 8 - View of Lake Shikotsu (again).JPG|Day 8 - View of Lake Shikotsu (again)<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
Sapporo's New Chitose Airport has a food section with lots of stores on the arrivals level. This includes fresh seafood (hairy crabs, ordinary crabs), chocolates, sake, and various touristy knick-knacks. After checking into the flight, we bought various things (dark chocolate, green algae "pets", some chocolate corn sweets, some local beers, some more sake, some Choya [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umeshu Umeshu]). We tried to spend every bit of Japanese currency that we had, because the exchange rate back and the exchange fees meant that it isn't worth converting the AUS $200 we had left back into Aussie dollars. In the end, we came away with AUS $1.50 in Japanese loose change.<br />
<br />
On the plane we spoke briefly to Steve Kelso, who had been the tour organiser, and who was returning from visiting Furano (and other locations). Asked about Furano as it had been our first choice of location, and he said that Furano is a fairly straight forward ski field with some great runs, and one pass covers the mountain. Furano is a different experience to Hirafu. Off-piste is currently prohibited but with signs of some lessening of the rules. There are some limitations on pre-packaging the ski pass in Furano at the moment, but depending on decisions over the coming Japanese Spring/Summer they will know if it is more economical for clients to buy the pass pre-packaged or in Furano. For the heavy-duty guys wanting ungroomed snow, day trips to a couple of nearby resorts including [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asahikawa,_Hokkaido Asahikawa] are appropriate.<br />
<br />
Had 3 beers on the plane, and then took a Valium that Dad had brought especially for us for the flight back so that we could sleep. I dozed in and out of sleep, and maybe got 4 hours sleep before they turned on all the lights about 1.5 hours out of Sydney.<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Day 8 - Dad tired after overnight flight.JPG|Day 8 - Dad tired after overnight flight<br />
Image:Day 8 - View over Sydney city on approach to Kingsford Smith.JPG|Day 8 - Early dawn view of Sydney's CBD on approach to Kingsford Smith Airport<br />
Image:Day 8 - View flying over Kurnell.JPG|Day 8 - View of Kurnell<br />
Image:Day 8 - View Flying over Botany Bay.JPG|Day 8 - View of Botany Bay<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
Our approach took us over the city and then Botany Bay, landed around 6:40 AM. After clearing immigration and customs, and joining the taxi queue, we immediately noticed the humidity. Good to be home, but also feeling sad to not be on holiday at Niseko any more.<br />
<br />
Would I go again? Hell yes! Would I recommend others go? Definitely.<br />
<br />
Happy skiing!<br />
<br />
<br /><br />
: '''''Have you got comments or questions?''' Then [http://nickj.org/index.php?title=Talk:Niseko_Ski_Diary&action=edit&section=new leave a note with your comment or question].''</div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/Niseko_Ski_DiaryNiseko Ski Diary2012-11-28T05:57:59Z<p>Nickj: really revert!</p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:Day 3 - Mt Yotei with almost no cloud.JPG|right|350px]]<br />
Holiday diary and pictures from our 2006 ski trip to Niseko, Hokkaido, Japan.<br />
<br />
== Background ==<br />
<br />
* Travelling from: Sydney, Australia.<br />
* Travelling to: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niseko,_Hokkaido Niesko, Hokkaido], Japan.<br />
* When we went: March 2006, for 8 days.<br />
* Number of people: 2 - myself (age 31) and my Dad (aged somewhat older!).<br />
* Level of experience: Me - intermediate (could parallel turn, but badly; Had only skied in Australia before this, at Perisher + a tiny amount at Thredbo); My dad - absolute beginner with exactly 2 days prior skiing experience (and only barely able to snow plough).<br />
* Had never been on a ski holiday outside of Australia before.<br />
<br />
== Who we booked it through ==<br />
<br />
We originally booked for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Furano,_Hokkaido Furano], through Flight Centre. However we had questions about the room (e.g. did it have a kettle - my Dad is a big tea drinker), and about how to get ski lessons (in English, of course). It soon became apparent that Flight Centre knew nothing, and were simply unable to answer even these basic questions, so we dropped them.<br />
<br />
If you don't speak Japanese, and haven't been before, then you really need to organise it through someone you can talk to, and ask questions of. And you will have questions - even something as simple as "where do I go for my ski lessons?".<br />
<br />
At the same time I read through some of the Australian skiing discussion forums, and the bits of the Lonely Planet guide to Japan. Furano got generally good comments, but Niseko generally got excellent comments, so we focussed more on Niseko instead of Furano.<br />
<br />
Through google we found [http://www.nisekoski.com.au/ Niseko Ski Tours]. My Dad phoned them, and it was immediately clear they knew what they were talking about. Shortly thereafter we booked with them. There are other tour operators that specialize in Japanese skiing (e.g. [http://www.snowave.com/ Snowave], and [http://www.skijapan.com.au/ Ski Japan], and [http://www.travelplan.com.au/ TravelPlan]), but all I can tell you is that we were extremely happy with Niseko Ski Tours.<br />
<br />
Cost for direct return flights (in business class seats), 8 nights accommodation + breakfast, ski lessons, all transfers, and 7-day all-mountain lift passes, was around AUS $3300 per person.<br />
<br />
I meant to get travel insurance (AUS $90 extra) before leaving, but I never got around to it, and was a bit worried about this - but thankfully there was no call for it.<br />
<br />
== What to pack ==<br />
<br />
* Standard ski gear (pants, jacket, beanie, goggles)<br />
* Skis (carve skis are fine, and what we used, but the people that live in Hokkaido tend to have powder skis which are wider and a bit shorter), boots, stocks.<br />
* Standard clothes (Jeans, tracksuit pants, long-sleeved tops, 2 or 3 short-sleeved tops, 1 or 2 jumpers). (Didn't think we would wear the short sleeved tops, but we did - both in the hotel, which was quite warm, and my Dad wore his on the lower beginner slopes on the hotter days).<br />
* Standard toiletries + 2 tubes of Voltarin ointment (to apply to aching limbs).<br />
* ''Thin'' socks for skiing in (I brought socks that were too thick, and it hurt my shins)<br />
* Good gloves (I really wanted better gloves on several occasions). Your gloves should be much longer than standard gloves, if possible, that should go about 10 centimetres beyond the wrist. (When you fall in powder it goes everywhere, so you want to have a really good seal between your gloves and your jacket). Also it's cold (-15C at the top of the mountain), and windy, and so far more demanding conditions than Australia. I started to get frostbite on 3 occasions whilst wearing gloves that had been fine in Australia. So if you are intermediate or advanced, try to get good gloves before you go. (We took some extra pairs of gloves, and rotated them so that they were dry).<br />
* A full balaclava and/or neck warmer. A must, in my opinion. You lose a lot of heat through your neck. Never needed one in Australia, but was really glad to have one here.<br />
* Full body thermal underwear / long johns. (It gets cold out there. My Dad didn't wear his once on the lower slopes, because he wasn't sure he needed it, but by the end of the day he was sure).<br />
<br />
'''Note''': Baggage weight is a serious problem! We each got a baggage allowance of 20 kilos, plus 5 kilos extra for ski gear. When you add the weight of all you ski gear, the bags themselves, ski clothes, non-ski clothes, then it will be very tight to fit into this allowance, so weight everything first. JAL has a reputation for very strictly enforcing weight limits and charging extra if you go above these. I did go above them by about 3 kilos, but luckily both our flights were only half full, so they didn't seem to care too much about weight, and never said anything to us about this.<br />
<br />
Also you will want to take lots of Yen, in cash. Cash is king in Japan, and we never used a credit card or an ATM card even once, and you should assume that these facilities will not be available, and carry adequate cash with you, just like the Japanese do. (I took AUS $500, Dad took AUS $1,500). I carried my cash with me the whole time, but safety deposit was available at the hotel reception.<br />
<br />
== What not to pack ==<br />
<br />
* Despite my Dad's fussing, we didn't need any washing powder - they give you as much as you like in the hotel for free!<br />
* Towel (thought we might need this for the onsen, but they gave us towels)<br />
* Swimmers (never went to any pools, and you wear your birthday suit in the onsen)<br />
* Sunscreen (Was never enough sun to need sunscreen, but it's pretty light, so probably didn't hurt to take it)<br />
* Your mobile phone (it won't work in Japan; Japan and Korea use a different system which is incompatible with the GSM phones used in Europe / Australia / USA). A mobile can be useful in Australia (e.g. for meeting at the airport, letting people know you have arrived back, etc) - but it won't work in Japan.<br />
* Sunglasses (I used goggles the whole time because of the wind, snow, and cold - but again, it's pretty light, so probably didn't hurt to take sunnies)<br />
<br />
== Travelling there ==<br />
<br />
The flight out was very good - it ran to schedule (departing at Kingsford Smith at 11 AM), and we were right<br />
up the front of the JAL 747-400 charter plane. It was a direct flight to Sapporo - a direct flight is highly recommended, rather than transferring at Tokyo, as Tokyo has 2 airports, 1.5 hours apart, and you will need to travel from one to the other; If you fly Australian airlines you need to transfer at Cairns, which still adds around 4 hours to your journey. Go direct if you can. <br />
<br />
Onboard the plane was Steve Kelso from Niseko Ski Tours, whom we had booked through, who was going on business travel to Furano and other locations to see about adding them as a destination. We found that Niseko ski tours had around 18 customers on the December 2005 charter<br />
flight, none on the January flight (could not get accommodation,<br />
because the dates conflicted with a Japanese local holiday), and 6<br />
people on the March 2006 flight that we took.<br />
<br />
The flight took 9 hours 50 minutes, and we arrived at Sapporo's [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Chitose_Airport New Chitose Airport] at around 7 PM (note that Japan is 2 hours behind Australian Eastern Time).<br />
When we landed at<br />
Sapporo there was snow at the airport on the ground, but it wasn't<br />
snowing. There was a camera in the nose of the plane, and you could<br />
see the landing and approach and runway projected onto the overhead<br />
screen - there was a guy who guided the plane into its berth/spot with<br />
two red wands, and after we got into the right spot he bowed to the<br />
plane (very Japanese!). We got our luggage quickly (thankfully the baggage the doors weren't<br />
frozen shut, as we worried they may be and has happened before).<br />
<br />
Whilst waiting for our bus at New Chitose Airport, we talked<br />
to an Australian who worked for the JAL airline,<br />
who was taking some reporters on a whirlwind tour, and he indicated<br />
that next year (2006-2007) that JAL will probably continue direct<br />
flights from Sydney to Sapporo, but with a smaller plane (e.g. 777<br />
instead of the 747-400 that we were on, and which was only around 40%<br />
full). Apparently the December plane was around 75% full, the January one maybe 65% full, and this one was 40-50% full).<br />
Also there are supposed to be around 12000 Australians visiting Niseko this<br />
2005-2006 season, and there were around 8000 in the season before.<br />
Apparently this 50% growth per annum in Australian visitor numbers has<br />
been happening for the past 5 years.<br />
<br />
Then on the bus to Niseko, there was a Japanese manager of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rusutsu,_Hokkaido Rusutsu] (a ski<br />
resort that is a bit closer to Sapporo - our bus stopped there before continuing onto Niseko). He talked to us about a lot of things, including a study<br />
done for them by the University of Canberra about why Aussies come<br />
here. Apparently there are 4 main factors that explain this:<br />
* Powder<br />
* No jet lag<br />
* Cost of lift tickets (nearly half the cost of Australian lift tickets)<br />
* Consistency of the weather here<br />
He confirmed that the number of Australian visitors is increasing, but added that the number of Japanese visitors is in a steady decline. <br />
The reason for the slow decline in Japanese skiers is that apparently the younger generation would rather stay<br />
indoors with Internet, TV, and video games.<br />
<br />
The bus ride was around one and half hours to Niseko, and it was<br />
freezing cold when we moved our bags into the hotel, and it was<br />
snowing lightly. We had a welcoming thing when we arrived, but we were<br />
so exhausted that we didn't take it all in. Got to bed around midnight local time, or two AM Sydney<br />
time.<br />
<br />
We stayed at [http://www.travelplan.com.au/accommodation.ski/id/7218/resortid/2992 the Niseko Scot Hotel] (and [http://www.nisekoski.com.au/hotel/hoteldetail.cfm?LMID=8 more info here]). The rooms are small, but the location is fantastic. The hotel is advertised sometimes has having 4 restaurants, but in reality it has 3 - a sushi restaurant, a restaurant just outside the front reception, and Gulliver's and Scot Dining (which have the same staff and the same menu and the same prices, so by any reasonable definition they're one restaurant, not two).<br />
<br />
== Day 1 ==<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Day 1 - Kogen.JPG|Day 1 - Kogen<br />
Image:Day 1 - Alpen.JPG|Day 1 - Alpen<br />
Image:Day 1 - meeting area.JPG|Day 1 - meeting area<br />
Image:Day 1 - Tired after yesterday\'s flight.JPG|Day 1 - Tired after yesterday's flight<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
Dad woke me at 6 AM with coughing and banging and boiling the kettle,<br />
and then said in his best surprised voice: "Oh, you're awake!" Then we<br />
had breakfast, and it was half western / half Japanese (some noodles<br />
and stuff). Then off to our lessons, Dad in the newbies and me in the<br />
intermediate section, my instructor called Junto (not sure if I'm spelling that correctly). Dad had dressed for really cold weather, and I<br />
dressed for semi-cold (did not wear my fleece). The sky cleared up to<br />
a nice blue sky (very rare here apparently), and so it got much<br />
warmer. Found out that Dad later went back to the hotel and took off<br />
most of his stuff because he was dripping in sweat! I was okay<br />
though.<br />
<br />
The view was/is fantastic from up on the mountain; Opposite our<br />
mountain is another mountain in a national park, called Mt Yotei, that looks just like<br />
a smaller version of mount Fuji - really beautiful.<br />
<br />
Had lunch at the bottom of the mountain - AUS $11 for a big bowl of fried pork cutlet<br />
and rice and yummy gravy - good value, very filling, couldn't finish<br />
it all! They do an amazing variety sorts of drinks here, by the way. Hot and cold<br />
cans of every variety (coffee, tea, soft drinks, juices, etc). Lots of<br />
vending machines too. Then after an hour back onto the slopes (no rest<br />
for the wicked!)<br />
<br />
Dad skied for around 1 hour more before being exhausted and throwing<br />
in the towel. I skied for another 30 minutes (finished around 3:45).<br />
Our lift tickets go from 8:30 AM until 8:30 PM each night, but so exhausted I don't<br />
think we'll manage that for a bit!<br />
<br />
One thing that you notice on the mountain is that are semi-continuous automated announcements in Japanese over the loudspeaker system. There are also some announcements in English, and although some English announcements had a sense of humour, they rarely told you anything useful. However, you got used to it, and learned to ignore it pretty quickly.<br />
<br />
Then we had an Onsen / Japanese bath. There ''is'' one in the hotel but<br />
apparently it's not a "proper" one (I think that means it's not using<br />
geothermal power to heat the water). One is being installed for next season (2006-2007) apparently. It was interesting to try all the<br />
washing rituals, and the hot bath after skiing felt so amazingly good.<br />
Very civilized - I approve! All Australian ski accommodation needs one of these.<br />
<br />
Was feeling very knackered by the end our first day of skiing!<br />
<br />
== Day 2 ==<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Day 1 - The snoopy themed room.JPG|Day 2 - The Snoopy themed room<br />
Image:Day 1 - The snoopy themed bed covers.JPG|Day 2 - The Snoopy themed bed covers<br />
Image:Day 1 - The snoopy themed tissue box.jpg|Day 2 - The Snoopy themed tissue box<br />
Image:Day 1 - Snoopy themed rubbish bin.JPG|Day 2 - Snoopy themed rubbish bin<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
More about the room we are in: It is decorated in a "Snoopy" theme;<br />
Snoopy curtains, Snoopy doonas, Snoopy tissue box, and a Snoopy<br />
rubbish bin. Not sure whether to find it cute or creepy ... The thing with Snoopy is not a kids thing, I think it's just a theme;<br />
There is a 6 foot cardboard cutout of Snoopy in reception. I think<br />
the Japanese maybe just like Snoopy. They seem to like cartoons a bit<br />
in general in fact, and on the plane when they were saying do or don't<br />
do something, they would show it with a cartoon.<br />
<br />
The room<br />
itself is quite small, and has almost no storage space (no drawers,<br />
only 4 or 5 hangers in the whole room, etc). However the view from our room<br />
is fantastic - we are in the corner of the building, and we look<br />
straight up the main Grand Hirafu ski slope in one window, and right down on the main<br />
ski lesson meeting place with the other window. We're in the second<br />
building down the slope, and from the front of our hotel you can ski<br />
to 3 or 4 lifts (one lift is a beginner one, and so maybe should not<br />
be counted). It's technically not quite ski-in ski-out as you have to<br />
carry your skis about 15 metres through the car park, but its position is so fantastic that it really doesn't matter.<br />
<br />
We went for a wander in the Niseko village today, and there are two<br />
real estate shops, mostly directed at Australians. By the way, real<br />
estate prices are AUS $3 million for a house, and a 2 bedroom unit is<br />
>= AUS $400,000 (eek!). Also on our wander we found there is a whole shop<br />
here filled with "Hello Kitty" merchandise.<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Day 2 - Dad impersonating an alien.JPG|Day 2 - Dad impersonating an alien<br />
Image:Day 2 - Alpen.JPG|Day 2 - Alpen<br />
Image:Day 2 - Kogen.JPG|Day 2 - Kogen<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
The weather today was really bad, after a great day yesterday. Only 4<br />
or 6 of the lower lifts were open today, and it was constantly<br />
snowing. They said it was the worst wind of the whole season, and that<br />
this was the first time in the whole season that this many lifts had<br />
been closed. What a contrast to the beautiful conditions yesterday.<br />
<br />
We had lunch in a Japanese restaurant, and an elderly lady made us<br />
change out of shoes and into slippers. After the meal the waitress<br />
refused Dad's tip (probably because it was the equivalent of $2.50 !)<br />
<br />
At dinner tonight, I had Ramen noodles and pork as mains, with snow<br />
crab sushi and salmon roe sushi as entree. The sushi was particularly<br />
good (the seafood was really fresh and tasty). There is lots of<br />
seafood in the food here, and lots of noodles or rice (you can even<br />
have rice at breakfast if you want); there isn't much fruit in the<br />
food, and not really any desserts as such though. Then after 4 beers<br />
with dinner, Dad burned himself by spilling piping hot Japanese tea<br />
onto his crotch. The poor Japanese waitress rushed over to help him as<br />
he yelped in pain, but I think that he had had so much beer that we<br />
won't really know until tomorrow if he hurt himself. :-(<br />
<br />
I continue to approve of Onsens... the hot water feels so good after a<br />
day's skiing, although I do feel a bit dizzy when I get out after 15<br />
minutes in the hot water...<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Day 2 - blurry night view up Hifaru.JPG|Day 2 - blurry night view up Hirafu<br />
Image:Day 2 - night skiing on Alpen.JPG|Day 2 - night skiing on Alpen<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
The computer where I am writing this looks right<br />
down onto one of the lifts, and it's still snowing, and the forecast<br />
is that it will probably do so tomorrow as well, but the day after it<br />
is forecast to clear up.<br />
<br />
== Day 3 ==<br />
<br />
Tried calling a mobile at home with a 1000 Yen calling card that you can buy here,<br />
but the quality was terrible. Not sure if this was because of the<br />
calling card, or because of the mobile. Also tried to check my voice mail, but<br />
for some reason I could not get it to work using the calling card (it<br />
would not accept the mailbox number, so maybe the Japanese phones make<br />
different tones when you press the buttons).<br />
<br />
Dad is OK from the hot tea - no permanent damage.<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Day 3 - View of fresh snow on Kogen.JPG|Day 3 morning - View of fresh snow on Kogen<br />
Image:Day 3 - Dad studies the snow.JPG|Day 3 morning - Dad studies the snow<br />
Image:Day 3 - Kogen Hotel.JPG|Day 3 morning - Kogen Hotel<br />
Image:Day 3 - Non view of Mt Yotei.JPG|Day 3 morning - Non view of Mt Yotei<br />
Image:Day 3 - sticking tongue out.JPG|Day 3 morning - sticking tongue out<br />
Image:Day 3 - View of Alpen.JPG|Day 3 morning - View of Alpen<br />
Image:Day 3 - View of bottom of Alpen & Niseko Alpen Hotel.JPG|Day 3 morning - View of bottom of Alpen & Niseko Alpen Hotel<br />
Image:Day 3 - View of Kogen lifts.JPG|Day 3 morning - View of Kogen lifts<br />
Image:Day 3 - View of Kogen, skies clearing.JPG|Day 3 morning - View of Kogen, skies clearing<br />
Image:Day 3 - View of Meeting place.JPG|Day 3 morning - View of Meeting place<br />
Image:Day 3 - View of Kogen.JPG|Day 3 morning - View of Kogen<br />
Image:Day 3 - View up Alpen, skies clearing.JPG|Day 3 morning - View up Alpen, skies clearing<br />
Image:Day 3 - View up Alpen.JPG|Day 3 morning - View up Alpen<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
In the morning it was snowing lightly, with<br />
almost no wind, and occasional breaks in the cloud. Woke up to a big<br />
overnight dump of "wet powder"; Wet powder melts to water when it hits<br />
your clothing, and it is also kind of sticky, so it sticks to the<br />
skis, and makes it harder to turn. Apparently the best is "dry<br />
powder", which is supposed to be like talcum powder, and when you hold<br />
it in your glove you can see the individual snowflakes, and is supposed<br />
to be much better to ski in. Hope I get to see some of that. However, dry powder is mostly supposed to fall from late December through to the start of February, with wet powder at the remaining ski season; However the trade-off is that during the dry powder periods you can go for weeks without seeing the sun, as it can snow continuously - me, I kind of like to see the sun, and even with<br />
the wet powder it was fun! When you get into the non-groomed<br />
areas you can have snow up to your thighs, and see it's sort of like flying<br />
through a cloud, completely unable to see your skis. Of course the illusion ends when you try to turn and get it wrong, and end up completely buried in snow!<br />
<br />
The cloud that had brought the wet powder cleared up as the day wore<br />
on, and now it is pretty clear again and blue skies. I can see Mount Yotei opposite (which is basically the acid test of the weather<br />
conditions here - if you can see the base then it's good conditions, and if<br />
you can see the top then it's great conditions). There is a webcam [http://www.snowjapan.com/e/daily/webcam/hokkaido/yotei.html here]. Trees here are Silver<br />
birches and on the lower slopes there are some pines. No eucalyptus of<br />
course, unlike Australia. Not much wildlife here, other than ravens /<br />
crows. There are supposed to be some foxes, but I haven't seen any.<br />
<br />
Also there are lots of Japanese school kids on the slopes. They have<br />
big numbers on their backs, and all wear the same clothing; apparently<br />
it is a traditional Japanese school perk to get a trip to the snow in<br />
the junior school, and once again in high school. Lucky sods!<br />
<br />
Rang one of the lucky bells at the top of the mountain today, so it<br />
should bring me luck!<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Day 3 - Another view up the mountain.JPG|Day 3 lunchtime - Another view up the mountain<br />
Image:Day 3 - Dad at the bottom of Kogen.JPG|Day 3 lunchtime - Dad at the bottom of Kogen<br />
Image:Day 3 - View of base of Alpen, and top of Family run.JPG|Day 3 lunchtime - View of base of Alpen, and top of Family run<br />
Image:Day 3 - Outside view of bottom of Alpen.JPG|Day 3 lunchtime - Outside view of bottom of Alpen<br />
Image:Day 3 - Outside view up Alpen.JPG|Day 3 lunchtime - Outside view up Alpen<br />
Image:Day 3 - Outside view up the mountain.JPG|Day 3 lunchtime - Outside view up the mountain<br />
Image:Day 3 - Rokomoko lunch.JPG|Day 3 lunchtime - Rokomoko lunch<br />
Image:Day 3 - View of meeting place at bottom of Kogen.JPG|Day 3 lunchtime - View of NISS ski school meeting place at bottom of Kogen<br />
Image:Day 3 - View of Mt Yotei, clearing up a bit.JPG|Day 3 lunchtime - View of Mt Yotei, clearing up a bit<br />
Image:Day 3 - View of the Kogen Hotel, with base of Mt Yotei visible in the background.JPG|Day 3 lunchtime - View of the Kogen Hotel, with base of Mt Yotei visible in the background<br />
Image:Day 3 - View over parking lot 1, and down into village.JPG|Day 3 lunchtime - View over parking lot 1, and down into village<br />
Image:Day 3 - View up Alpen (again).JPG|Day 3 lunchtime - View up Alpen (again)<br />
Image:Day 3 - Some of the weird and wonderful controls on a Japanese toilet.JPG|Day 3 - Some of the weird and wonderful controls on a Japanese toilet<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
Lunch was good; had a "rockomo" meal, which was a large fried mince<br />
patty, plus creamy soft scrambled eggs, and a salad, all on a bed of<br />
white rice. It was really good and filling!<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Day 3 - Mt Yotei finally visible.JPG|Day 3 late afternoon - Mt Yotei finally visible<br />
Image:Day 3 - Mt Yotei with almost no cloud.JPG|Day 3 late afternoon - Mt Yotei with almost no cloud<br />
Image:Day 3 - View of down into village.JPG|Day 3 late afternoon - View of down into village<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
I had my second lesson this morning. Unfortunately my right shin<br />
became really painful when I was doing my turns skiing down the<br />
mountain (particularly turning left). I was wearing thick socks, so it<br />
could either be that my socks were too thick, or that my boots are a<br />
bad fit (although they were okay on the first two days with socks that<br />
were a bit thinner). So after 2 hours of the 3-hour morning lesson it<br />
was hurting too much to continue, so I called it quits for the day and<br />
skied down to the hotel. I then had a long bath at the onsen, and then<br />
put some muscle soothing cream/ointment on the shin area that Dad had<br />
brought with him (ointment was called "Voltarin"). I will wear much<br />
thinner socks tomorrow and see how I go. My feet have never been cold<br />
here in my ski boots, so the socks being thinner shouldn't be a<br />
problem.<br />
<br />
One Japanese ski saying my ski instructor told us during the lesson was: "No friends on<br />
powder days! Especially no older friends on powder days!". By which<br />
she explained that she meant that on mornings when fresh powder has<br />
fallen overnight, you want to get up the mountain early (before the<br />
powder gets tracked out), and waiting for friends will only slow you<br />
down, so don't do it. Even worse is older friends, because in Japan<br />
there is a social expectation of waiting for older people; If you're<br />
older than them it's OK to go ahead, but this would be considered rude<br />
if you are younger than them - hence "no older friends on powder<br />
days!"<br />
<br />
Also during the lesson on the flat bits I was stopping gliding much<br />
sooner than the other people in the class. Our instructor got me to<br />
take off my skis, and saw that the wet powder snow was sticking to the<br />
skis. She scraped the snow off with a special flat plastic tool she<br />
had, but said that I should get the skis waxed to prevent the powder<br />
sticking. The skis are being waxed now (they do it overnight here), so<br />
I will collect them tomorrow morning.<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Day 3 - Night view of Niesko Scot Hotel, and up the mountain.JPG|Day 3 Evening - Night view of Niesko Scot Hotel, and up the mountain<br />
Image:Day 3 - Night view of Scot Hotel and up the mountain (again).JPG|Day 3 Evening - Night view of Scot Hotel and up the mountain (again)<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== Day 4 ==<br />
<br />
My shins were hurting quite a lot today. Hopefully it's transient, and<br />
not a permanent problem with the boots.<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Day 4 - Supplies for waxing skis and removing powder from skis.JPG|Day 4 - Supplies for waxing skis and removing powder from skis<br />
Image:Day 4 - View of Alpen.JPG|Day 4 - View of Alpen<br />
Image:Day 4 - View of Kogen.JPG|Day 4 - View of Kogen<br />
Image:Day 4 - View of Mt Yotei, with completely clear skies.JPG|Day 4 - View of Mt Yotei, with completely clear skies <br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
Woke up to fantastic conditions today - mostly blue skies, and few<br />
clouds and perfect skiing conditions. It didn't snow overnight, so the<br />
lower slopes were getting icy. I decide to make it my aim to try and<br />
do most of the remaining green runs on the mountain that I hadn't done<br />
yet.<br />
<br />
Chatted to an Australian couple at breakfast that came into Niseko at<br />
the same time as us with Niesko Ski Tours, called Brad and Carrie. Dad refers to Brad as a<br />
"ski god". They both quite enjoy holidaying in ski resorts, and from<br />
the conversation it was clear that they had visited a few ski resorts (although<br />
Brad more than Carrie as he started doing this before they met). It<br />
sounded like around 20, and so I said this; Brad reckoned it could not<br />
be that many, more like 10 to 15. So he listed them, and by the time<br />
he was done it was 20. I pointed out that he had to add one for Niseko,<br />
thus making it 21! Carrie is more an intermediate skier though, which<br />
was good because they asked me if I wanted to come with them that<br />
morning, and I didn't want to hold them up, so I said yes.<br />
<br />
We set off from the main village where we are staying (base of Grand<br />
Hirafu) at 9:15. We took two lifts up the mountain, high enough for<br />
the conditions to change completely as we entered the low lying cloud,<br />
and it got much cooler and visibility dropped to around 15 metres. We<br />
traversed into the Higashiyama resort area, and then took another lift<br />
and kept traversing into An'nupuri resort area. Then we took Green and<br />
red runs down the mountain (a red run here is the equivalent of a blue<br />
run in Australia; Green is still called green, and black is still<br />
called black though).<br />
<br />
An'nupuri is kind of like Blue Cow (especially Pleasant Valley) - it has wide, gentle runs; but the runs are longer than Blue Cow,<br />
and there are less people over a larger area. It was good, so we took<br />
the main An'nupuri Gondola up, and did it over again. Then we stopped<br />
for a coffee break at a small wooden building called the "Paradise<br />
Hut". Carrie said it reminded her of having coffee after the Merritz run<br />
at Thredbo (of which she approves). The perspective on Mount Yotei<br />
is also very different from An'nupuri, because you have wrapped<br />
around the mountain more. Overall, I really liked An'nupuri, and would<br />
rate it well (as I would also for Hirafu).<br />
<br />
Then up a series of three individual lifts took us right up into the<br />
cloud cover again, and we glided down to the "An'nupuri Hut" for<br />
lunch. I had the miso and pork and potato soup with rice cakes. It was<br />
okay, but Brad's choice for pork cutlet and gravy and rice was the<br />
clear winner; I suspected it would be, but I had that meal before, and<br />
wanted to sample as many new Japanese foods as possible.<br />
<br />
At this point we had crossed back into Higashiyama, which took us one<br />
resort closer back to base. We worked down the one main green run of<br />
Higashiyama, which is basically a winding road. I found the upper two<br />
thirds of Higashiyama to be steeper than I had expected for a green<br />
run. The lower third was one long full-speed-no-turns-or-you-will-walk<br />
run that takes you to the doors of the Niseko Higashiyama Prince<br />
Hotel, a modern semi-high-rise hotel located all by itself, away from<br />
the main village (so if you stay there you'd be eating in the hotel<br />
every night most likely).<br />
<br />
By this time Carrie and I were truly knackered (I could feel my thighs<br />
starting to cramp up and tremble). So we decide to take the free mountain<br />
bus back to home base, but Brad wanted to ski on. So he took the<br />
Prince Gondola, which located just outside the Prince Hotel. We took<br />
the Gondola up too because we had time until the bus, and I wanted to<br />
take the Gondola to check out the ride. So at the top we took some<br />
photos, then took the Gondola all the way back down again. Started to<br />
talk about ski lift accidents, and realised that Carrie suffers<br />
vertigo and fear of flying, so I was asked to please talk about<br />
something else!<br />
<br />
Then we wandered around the shops in the lobby of the Prince Hotel for<br />
about 15 minutes, before catching the bus. The bus is just a normal<br />
bus. They really need a bus with ski racks on the side, because if you<br />
are medium-tall western male in a bus carrying skis of the <br />
appropriate length for you, then it is almost impossible to transport these on<br />
a normal bus. Got back around 3:45 PM, and I was really tired so I<br />
flopped out, with the plan of rendezvousing in time to try and catch<br />
the sunset over the mountains later in the day.<br />
<br />
Phone rang around 5 PM, and got all the ski gear back on and went back<br />
up to the top to mountain. It was much cooler, and the wind had picked<br />
up. The clouds unfortunately came in a bit, and we didn't get the<br />
pastel sunset that Brad has seen the day before. Skied until around<br />
6:30, then back to the hotel to rendezvous with Dad for dinner.<br />
<br />
We had sushi at the restaurant in the hotel. It was really good and a<br />
real experience (much better quality than Sydney, and half of the<br />
things were things that you would probably never get). The sushi here is both better quality and a wider variety of stuff;<br />
Octopus, mackerel, tuna (of course), beef, sea urchin, salmon roe, and<br />
many other things that I am not sure of (although I think no whales or<br />
dolphins were harmed in the making of this sushi). Came to AUS<br />
$100 for the two of us, but it was good!<br />
<br />
Then had a really hot onsen, which really relaxed my tired muscles!<br />
<br />
== Day 5 ==<br />
<br />
The other people that booked through the same travel agent look to all be staying in the same hotel; They<br />
took the same flight out, and will take the same flight back, and<br />
are staying at the same hotel, so some days we have a little chat each morning<br />
about what we did yesterday or what we doing today, or whatever is our<br />
minds.<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Day 5 - Dad claims this is a new muscle.JPG|Day 5 - Dad claims this is a new muscle<br />
Image:Day 5 - Mt Yotei, some cloud.JPG|Day 5 - Mt Yotei, some cloud<br />
Image:Day 5 - View down into village.JPG|Day 5 - View down into village<br />
Image:Day 5 - View of Japanese School kids at the bottom of Alpen.JPG|Day 5 - View of Japanese School kids at the bottom of Alpen<br />
Image:Day 5 - View up Alpen (again).JPG|Day 5 - View up Alpen (again)<br />
Image:Day 5 - View up Alpen.JPG|Day 5 - View up Alpen<br />
Image:Day 5 - View up Kogen.JPG|Day 5 - View up Kogen<br />
Image:Day 5 - clearing away the overnight snow.JPG|Day 5 - clearing away the overnight snow<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
The weather here today was pretty bad; it rained rather than snowed,<br />
so everything got soaking wet. (The hotel really needs drying room,<br />
but doesn't have one.) Also there was low cloud so the visibility was<br />
bad, and at the top of the mountain it was the worst of all worlds -<br />
windy, cold, and snowing with snow that melted very rapidly, leaving<br />
you wet.<br />
<br />
I went with my Dad to Hanazono area (which is another area, kind of<br />
like how Perisher Blue is 4 resorts - Perisher, Blue Cow, Smiggins,<br />
and Guthega). This was my first time in Hanazono, and the runs that we<br />
plotted out where all green runs and the numbers next to them (which<br />
are supposed to show the length of the run, the average angle, and the<br />
maximum angle, as well as the green/red/black grade) indicated that<br />
the runs that we took ("swing" and "holiday") should be fairly easy.<br />
However when we got higher it was much colder that at the bottom of<br />
the mountain (as Carrie says "it's a whole different mountain up<br />
there", because it changes completely by becoming more extreme when<br />
you go up a kilometre in height).<br />
<br />
We kept going though, determined as ever, and started out OK.<br />
Hanazono's green run starts off as a long flat bit, and has another<br />
long flat bit at the end. However in the middle it has a bit where it<br />
gets fairly steep, and on this bit Dad misread the run and thought it<br />
would flatten out, so he went straight ahead, and picked up a huge<br />
amount of speed in a short distance; Since he is can currently only use<br />
snow ploughs to stop and turn, and snow ploughs basically stop working<br />
at high speed, he couldn't control himself and veered straight towards<br />
the trees. I could only watch in horror as he went full speed, head<br />
over heels into bank of snow and towards the trees. His skis went<br />
flying, and he rolled 4 or 5 times down the mountain. By the time he<br />
was done his skis were about 10 meters behind him, and I picked them<br />
up and asked him how he was. Nothing was broken, but he was pretty<br />
shaken. We went onto Hanazono's one cafe / restaurant, and had a rest.<br />
<br />
Hanazono doesn't really have much there, we found. The restaurant is<br />
too far away from the lifts (about 100 metres, which is too far in<br />
skis if you have to skate it). There's nothing much else there, and<br />
only one series of lifts to get up the mountain, and only two main<br />
runs for coming down (one red/black, plus the green one that we did).<br />
So Hanazono seems much weaker to me than the other resorts.<br />
<br />
Dad found that there are blocks of land up for sale within walking<br />
distance of the Hanazono Hooded Quad # 1 base lift for AUS $70,000 to $150,000 (if our maths is<br />
correct). Hanazono is currently pretty basic, and its connections to<br />
Hirafu are pretty weak. Also the bus to and from Hanazono is pretty<br />
rare - it only has a bus link twice per day<br />
(around 2:30 and 3:40, but were there around 11:30 AM). So this made it necessary to <br />
ski back from Hanazono, which we would have been better not doing.<br />
The free shuttle bus really needs to cover Hanazono as well, but<br />
doesn't currently.<br />
<br />
After a break at Hanazono we continued on, trying to get back via a green run.<br />
In retrospect,<br />
we should have called a cab or something for Dad. We took the lifts up<br />
the mountain, and then took the "Holiday" run back. From the map, it<br />
would seem to be ideal for beginners because it is green with a good<br />
angle, and is nice and long. However in reality it has bits that are<br />
too steep for beginners, and long sections that are so flat and long<br />
that you run out of speed. The result for a beginner is alternating<br />
between terror and boredom!<br />
<br />
On the run back Dad was really tired and just wanted to get back to<br />
base. He fell over several times more (had lost confidence at this<br />
point I think). The visibility was terrible (about 10 metres), and he<br />
was completely soaked from falling over, and from the rain. Pretty<br />
miserable and wet we got back. Then we had a really hot onsen, which<br />
helped. (By the way, we found out today that there are some mixed<br />
onsens here, which contrasts with the gender segregation that seems to<br />
be the norm; However although Japanese girls are up for it, by all<br />
accounts the Aussie girls are for the most part too conservative to<br />
give it a go!).<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Day 5 - View of Mt Yotei (late afternoon).JPG|Day 5 late afternoon - View of Mt Yotei<br />
Image:Day 5 - View up Alpen (late afternoon).JPG|Day 5 late afternoon - View up Alpen<br />
Image:Day 5 - View up Kogen (late afternoon).JPG|Day 5 late afternoon - View up Kogen<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
Then I had a snooze for a few hours, before we went for our sushi<br />
dinner. Before this, we watched about 15 mins<br />
of Japanese TV for the first time since we got here. Of course we<br />
could understand nothing that was said, but you can get the general<br />
idea from tone and body language and especially the set and visuals.<br />
They had a program on about holidaying in Dubai (a Japanese person who<br />
went there in summer would be in for a shock - it's easily hot enough<br />
to fry an egg on the pavement, and massively humid too), and a show<br />
all about seaweed (the foods they made from all that seaweed all look<br />
very unappetizing, such as seaweed and spaghetti and nothing else),<br />
and a chat show, and the news. The weather in Okinawa looked good, but<br />
if I've got our location right, we're probably in for snow overnight.<br />
<br />
My shins today were still pretty sore, but I still can't tell if it is<br />
a permanent problem with my boots, or whether it is something you go<br />
through in the process of breaking in new boots. My main worry about<br />
tomorrow though is Dad, so we'll see how he is tomorrow and keep him<br />
to the green runs he knows. I don't think that he will go to An'nupuri<br />
now, which is a pity because I think he would like it.<br />
<br />
Also found out that Aussies here are only around 10 or 15% of the<br />
visitor numbers. I would have thought it was more, but maybe they tend<br />
to go at similar times, or maybe I just notice the Australian accent<br />
more. They have a world wall map in the Hanazono cafe, which says<br />
"please add you name and mark where you are from", and there are a<br />
handful of Americans, a few Europeans, almost nothing from the rest of<br />
the world, apart from Japan and Australia which were both almost black<br />
with people writing their names and marking where they were from - so<br />
I guess that gives you a pretty fair idea of where most of the<br />
visitors here are from.<br />
<br />
Tonight we had sushi again for dinner, but with a large helping of<br />
sake (which tasted surprisingly good), and tried some different things<br />
from the menu, including fried sushi (only very lightly fried),<br />
special roll (which was huge and had sashimi inside it), and salmon<br />
rice ball (basically a large ball of rice with a very small amount of<br />
salmon in the centre).<br />
<br />
I'm typing this up in a cafe type of area, and there is a kind of corporate hotel<br />
celebration happening around me. The Japanese staff are *seriously*<br />
drunk, and very loud, and occasionally they break into song and start<br />
dancing. I'm trying to not be noticed! Dad made the observation that<br />
in Japan it is socially acceptable to be totally smashed, whereas in<br />
Australia once you get too drunk people generally start suggesting<br />
that maybe you want to slow down...<br />
<br />
Some other thoughts about Niseko:<br />
* Most of the runs here are not well signposted at all - they generally have no names or length of grade details shown. Mostly there are simply no signs at all. The signage really needs to be changed to be something like Perisher (big permanent wooden signs with run details).<br />
* There is a hydrogen sulphide (rotten egg) smell that you sometimes catch around some of the lower lifts in Grand Hirafu. I finally worked out what this was - It's a natural smell from one of the geothermal onsens!<br />
* The ski equipment availability in the shops here is pretty bad, so any visitors should bring their gear with them.<br />
* The furthest we have walked for dinner is about 300 metres, and all of the restaurants and bars are contained within quite a small area.<br />
* There is a "wine and dine" directory, which lists the various restaurants and gives a sample of items from their menus and prices.<br />
* There is a [http://www.niseko.ne.jp/en/map-en.pdf high detail version of the Niseko trail map online], but you need Adobe Acrobat Reader version 6 or higher to be able to read it.<br />
<br />
Some things were should learn from the Japanese:<br />
* Onsens are amazingly relaxing after skiing, and are a perfect antidote to a hard today's skiing. We need to do this too!<br />
* Japanese food is much healthier than western food, and we could learn a lot from how they eat.<br />
* Sake is good!<br />
* Vending machines everywhere is good. Vending machines everywhere that will sell you good beer is even better.<br />
* To have a wider variety of drinks.<br />
* The "skidata" lift pass system that is proximity-based and used by this resort means that no human ever needs to check your lift pass, and you only need to get it close to the sensor (the best thing seems to be to wear your pass as an armband).<br />
* We should learn to speak Japanese as well as the Japanese speak English (which is often surprisingly good).<br />
* The Japanese restaurants have a tradition of placing a selection from their menus (price + description + picture) outside their restaurants. This is very useful, and something more of our restaurants should do.<br />
<br />
Things the Japanese need to learn from the west:<br />
* To add drying rooms to all the hotels (the Scot Hotel does not have one, and as a result the heaters in the lobby are covered with damp gloves, goggles, and boots). It's very unsightly, hot enough to melt the plastic on our gloves, but there is no other sensible way to dry soaking ski gear.<br />
[[Image:Day 1 - Most useless kettle ever invented.JPG|right|thumb|125px|Day 5 - The most useless kettle ever invented]]<br />
* To throw away the weird constant heating kettles they have in the rooms, and replace them with real kettles. The constant heating kettles requires you to push down the top to get around a teaspoon of boiling water. So for a large mug of tea you need 20 or so pushes, each one splashing a few drops of boiling water! <br />
* To properly signpost every ski run.<br />
* To not add sugar to all the bread (all the bread here is sweet)<br />
* To wax skis without requiring overnight to do it.<br />
* To eat fruit, and drink real fruit juice.<br />
* To run more free shuttle busses, more often, and to extend them to Hanazono.<br />
* To have big boards (that are all networked together, so they are always current) that show which runs are open and which are closed, and which are on wind hold. There is one of these at Hirafu, but it's in the parking lot, and so is completely useless if you don't drive, or once you have your skis on. There also is a whiteboard in the lobby of the Prince Hotel, but it in Japanese, and it's manually updated by a guy on the phone with a whiteboard marker, so it's both hard to understand, and prone to being out of date. What's needed is a big board right next to the base of all three Gondolas, plus one at the base of the Ace Quad lift # 2, plus another near the base of King Lift # 1, plus one at the base of Hanazono. With these six boards at these key locations, you would instantly know what was open and what was not - but currently it's mostly flying blind.<br />
* To maybe provide a lift that goes across the mountain, to provide an easy way for beginners to traverse the mountain (otherwise you need to use red and black runs to traverse, which means that beginners just don't traverse).<br />
<br />
Also Niseko is currently in the middle of a real-estate boom, driven<br />
totally by Australians. The Japanese, who are just coming out of 15<br />
years of almost no growth, largely caused by a property bubble they<br />
experienced, seem to think that the Australians are nuts paying such inflated prices for property.<br />
<br />
== Day 6 ==<br />
<br />
There was no snow overnight, so the conditions started out pretty icy<br />
as it was yesterday's snow, but compacted up. Then in the morning it<br />
started snowing, and continued to snow lightly all day - I'm just<br />
happy as long as it doesn't rain, which it didn't! By the way, there<br />
is no artificial snow making equipment here, which something that I<br />
had noticed that's different from Australia.<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Day 6 - View of Alpen.JPG|Day 6 - View of Alpen<br />
Image:Day 6 - View of Kogen.JPG|Day 6 - View of Kogen<br />
Image:Day 6 - Non View of Mt Yotei.JPG|Day 6 - Non View of Mt Yotei<br />
Image:Day 6 - View of Alpen (again).JPG|Day 6 - View of Alpen (again)<br />
Image:Day 6 - View of Alpen Hotel, snowing.JPG|Day 6 - View of Alpen Hotel, snowing<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
Dad thinks his knee has swollen up a bit, but I can't really see the difference.<br />
<br />
Dad wants me to add that the bathroom in our room is a little plastic<br />
modular thing; it is 6' 3" tall. The bath is 4' long, but deeper than<br />
a normal bath. Most people we suspect just shower or use the onsen.<br />
<br />
We are coming to understand why Japanese tourists have a reputation for not leaving<br />
their hotels; The restaurants inside the hotels here are a bit more<br />
pricey than outside, but only around 15 or 20% more, as opposed to<br />
Australia where restaurants in hotels charge a premium of maybe 50% to<br />
100%. So when it's snowing and dark and windy outside, it often makes much more sense to just eat in the hotel.<br />
<br />
Some lifts are beginning to close early now, as we are getting to the<br />
end of their ski season (e.g. the Hirafu Gondola is closes at 4:30 PM<br />
as of the 11th of March). In general early March seems to be a lot<br />
closer to the end of the season than we thought. This also evident in<br />
the raining (rather than snowing) that happened yesterday.<br />
<br />
Dad also found that NISS (Niseko International Ski School) lessons are<br />
marginally cheaper to buy in Australia than in Niseko (5940 Yen versus<br />
6000 Yen). Also for the lessons if less than 3 people go for a given<br />
level, then the lesson only runs for 2 hours instead of 3 hours.<br />
<br />
This morning I had a private one-on-one ski lesson, with a Japanese<br />
instructor called "Katz". I think his full name was Katzumo, but<br />
evidently people remember Katz, so that's what he uses. It wasn't<br />
supposed to be a private lesson, but only two people turned up for our<br />
level, and there were two instructors, so private lessons it was! Katz<br />
gave me some things to remember to try and improve my skiing, which I<br />
note here for my future reference:<br />
* Always look down the mountain, not straight ahead, or at the skis. Head and shoulders should always face straight down the mountain.<br />
* Bend down at the knees during the turn.<br />
* Tap the snow lightly in front of me before going into the turn. This helps to initiate the turn.<br />
* Keep my arms forward, and bent and away from the body. This helps balance.<br />
* Practise sliding down the mountain and then turn quickly, and repeat. This exercise also helps to improve balance.<br />
* Practise with crouching and swinging the poles in the snow in arcs as I turn. This helps to give the turn a nice smooth round form, rather than a sharp zigzag down the mountain, which I am prone to.<br />
<br />
There were far more people on the mountain today. This is because it<br />
was a Sunday, and it wasn't raining, so people who live in Sapporo<br />
drive the 1.5 hours to Niseko to go skiing. Makes sense to me.<br />
<br />
I asked my ski instructor about Furano (which is the ski resort in<br />
Hokkaido we were originally going to go to). He said it is the same<br />
size roughly as just Grand Hirafu. Niseko is apparently the biggest<br />
ski resort in Hokkaido. Furano and Rusutsu apparently are probably the<br />
next biggest resorts.<br />
<br />
For lunch we ate at the J-First hotel. Dad and I both had the Yakitori set,<br />
which is kind of like Teriyaki chicken. It was very tasty, and good<br />
value, and in a good location, with a huge restaurant, which was<br />
completely empty apart from us! I guess everyone was up on the<br />
mountain.<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Day 6 - Lunch at the J-First Hotel.JPG|Day 6 - Lunch at the J-First Hotel<br />
Image:Day 6 - View from J-First hotel of the village.JPG|Day 6 - View from J-First hotel of the village<br />
Image:Day 6 - View from J-First Hotel of the village (again).JPG|Day 6 - View from J-First Hotel of the village (again)<br />
Image:Day 6 - Yakitori lunch set at the J-First Hotel.JPG|Day 6 - Yakitori lunch set at the J-First Hotel<br />
Image:Day 6 - lunch, tasty.JPG|Day 6 - lunch, tasty<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
The mountain that we are on has another resort next to An'nupuri -<br />
it's called Moiwa, and but it not part of<br />
the resort that we can use, or connected to it, and it only has 2 lifts. Only reason I mention this is I saw the<br />
lifts one day, and wondered what they were, since they weren't on our<br />
trail maps.<br />
<br />
For dinner, I had raw Japanese-style tuna, plus a whole raw egg, served over<br />
hot plain rice - yummy! Dad had a crab hotpot, which he enjoyed. We've<br />
found that beers over here are rather dear in restaurants (around AUS<br />
$9, or 650 Yen, per glass seems to be typical in a restaurant).<br />
<br />
The snow is currently building up into fresh powder, so the conditions<br />
should be great tomorrow and I should probably get going early;<br />
Especially so as our lift tickets expire tomorrow, at 4:30 pm on the<br />
dot. So I intend on boarding my last lift for the day to the top of<br />
the mountain at 4:29 PM, and then skiing all the way to the bottom!<br />
<br />
== Day 7 ==<br />
<br />
The last full day of skiing. Skied from 8:30 AM sharp to 3 PM. Headed over to Higashiyama to get to some runs I hadn't done yet. After doing that, tried to board the Prince Gondola to get up the mountain and out of the resort. I was sitting in the Gondola and the doors had closed when there was an announcement in Japanese. I was then pulled out of the Gondola, and someone explained that due to high winds the Prince Gondola was being put on wind hold. There was no other way to get up the mountain, so it was either a bus across to An'nupuri, or a bus back to Hirafu. I checked inside the hotel, and An'nupuri was shut down too (all but two lower lifts were closed). So I had a 50 minute wait for the next bus to Hirafu, and chatted to some snowboarders from Canberra. Coffee and tea were overpriced at the Prince Hotel (650 Yen for a coffee, which will buy a Large Draft beer in a restaurant in Hirafu), so I just used their vending machine. Of course everyone else wanted out of Higashiyama too, so when the bus finally arrived I had to stand, and most people didn't even get on the bus. Standing for 15-20 minutes in a stinking hot bus in ski gear, stooped over because it was not tall enough, was not at all fun. I got out at the first stop just to get out of the bus, and double-timed it over to the Hirafu Gondola, and straight up to Hanazono. It was freezing up there - roughly -15 to -20C according to the large thermometer at Ace Hill. I started to get frostbite in my hands because my gloves got wet. Started to really want better gloves - leather is the best material apparently - with a much longer wrist section to give a good seal over the ski jacket.<br />
<br />
Whilst waiting in the lift queue, an elderly Japanese guy pushed his way through the queue to the front, and on my lift, and the lifties didn't say a word and just let him through. He sat on the chairlift next to me for a few minutes picking his nose (seriously), and then started talking to me. He was actually quite an amusing guy - he was 70 years old, and had started skiing at 53. He didn't like powder, and much preferred to ski on ice. And every Japanese summer he travelled to New Zealand to ski. He quite liked New Zealand's Coronet Peak ski area, because he said it had lots of ice, and he had knick-named it "Concrete Peak"!<br />
<br />
Then straight down the mountain, and back to the hotel at 3:05 PM, and then change, and then onto the 3:27 PM bus to Kutchan, the local major town (the equivalent of say Jindabyne). The streets of Kutchan were completely covered in snow, unlike Jindabyne most of the time. We looked at the 3 ski shops in Kutchan. Some of the gear was good prices, but the sizes were all wrong (e.g. sock sizes that maxed out at 27 cm, whereas my foot size is 29 cm). Dad found the same thing with ski pants (he wanted some with suspenders). Also there was a poor choice of gloves, which surprised me a bit because I would have imagined that anyone living in Hokkaido would want about 6 pairs of gloves.<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Day 7 - Kutchan supermarket - Dad wants 4 litres of whisky.JPG|Day 7 - Kutchan supermarket - Dad wants 4 litres of whisky<br />
Image:Day 7 - Kutchan view from railway station.JPG|Day 7 - Kutchan view from railway station<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
Then we checked out a Japanese supermarket / department store, which was an interesting experience. Who knew that you could buy 4 litres (yes, 4 litres!) of scotch for AUS $39 in Japan? Then at 6 PM we got the free night bus back to Hirafu, and had dinner at the hotel - we both had sukiyaki beef, which is beef strips in a sweet broth, which you dip in raw egg, and then eat with rice. Very nice!<br />
<br />
== Day 8 ==<br />
<br />
A day of logistics! Checkout of hotel, then half a day of skiing, then onsen, then lunch, then bus to Sapporo airport, then overnight return flight to Sydney.<br />
<br />
The powder today was fantastic! It started snowing again yesterday, and continued snowing overnight, and did not stop. We bought 5 hour lift passes for 3400 Yen, and skied from lift opening at 8:30 AM sharp, through to midday when we had to stop in order to prepare for the bus. Skiing powder again was great! Had skied a bit of powder earlier in the week, but this was deeper and dryer powder and untracked. It is harder to ski in powder (deep powder slows you down more, and powder in general makes it harder work to turn). I fell over many times in powder because of this, but it is completely painless because the powder cushions your fall. At one point I headed into a bank of deep powder, and was being followed by two Aussies who were clearly quite good skiers. I stacked it completely when I tried to turn, and as I dug myself out of the deep powder one of them gave me the thumbs up as he skied past, and yelled out: "Good one!" :-) One small downside of powder is that putting your skis back on in deep powder is difficult and slow, because the powder sticks to the bottoms of your boots, and in the ski bindings, and you sink much further into the powder than your skis.<br />
<br />
Then we went straight from skiing into the onsen, and then changed into street clothing for the journey home, and packed away ski gear. Dad and I had final lunch with Brad and Carrie; Dad had sushi (his personal favourite), and I had port cutlet and rice (my personal favourite).<br />
<br />
I slipped and fell in the parking lot on black ice (for the second time) - this is in addition to other people (Dad, Carrie) falling there on previous days. The most dangerous part of the whole trip wasn't the skiing, but rather the damn black ice in that car park.<br />
<br />
The bus back to Sapporo took 2 hours and 10 minutes, and it skipped Rusutsu because of the snowy weather conditions. The route took us past [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shikotsu-Toya_National_Park Lake Shikotsu] (which we had not seen on the way down when we were travelling at night).<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Day 8 - Pork Cutlet and Miso set lunch.JPG|Day 8 - Pork Cutlet and Miso set lunch<br />
Image:Day 8 - View of river.JPG|Day 8 - View of river<br />
Image:Day 8 - View of River (again).JPG|Day 8 - View of River (again)<br />
Image:Day 8 - View of snow-covered Japanese countryside.JPG|Day 8 - View of snow-covered Japanese countryside<br />
Image:Day 8 - View of another river.JPG|Day 8 - View of another river<br />
Image:Day 8 - on the bus to the airport.JPG|Day 8 - on the bus to the airport<br />
Image:Day 8 - View of Lake Shikotsu.JPG|Day 8 - View of Lake Shikotsu<br />
Image:Day 8 - View of Lake Shikotsu (again).JPG|Day 8 - View of Lake Shikotsu (again)<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
Sapporo's New Chitose Airport has a food section with lots of stores on the arrivals level. This includes fresh seafood (hairy crabs, ordinary crabs), chocolates, sake, and various touristy knick-knacks. After checking into the flight, we bought various things (dark chocolate, green algae "pets", some chocolate corn sweets, some local beers, some more sake, some Choya [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umeshu Umeshu]). We tried to spend every bit of Japanese currency that we had, because the exchange rate back and the exchange fees meant that it isn't worth converting the AUS $200 we had left back into Aussie dollars. In the end, we came away with AUS $1.50 in Japanese loose change.<br />
<br />
On the plane we spoke briefly to Steve Kelso, who had been the tour organiser, and who was returning from visiting Furano (and other locations). Asked about Furano as it had been our first choice of location, and he said that Furano is a fairly straight forward ski field with some great runs, and one pass covers the mountain. Furano is a different experience to Hirafu. Off-piste is currently prohibited but with signs of some lessening of the rules. There are some limitations on pre-packaging the ski pass in Furano at the moment, but depending on decisions over the coming Japanese Spring/Summer they will know if it is more economical for clients to buy the pass pre-packaged or in Furano. For the heavy-duty guys wanting ungroomed snow, day trips to a couple of nearby resorts including [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asahikawa,_Hokkaido Asahikawa] are appropriate.<br />
<br />
Had 3 beers on the plane, and then took a Valium that Dad had brought especially for us for the flight back so that we could sleep. I dozed in and out of sleep, and maybe got 4 hours sleep before they turned on all the lights about 1.5 hours out of Sydney.<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Day 8 - Dad tired after overnight flight.JPG|Day 8 - Dad tired after overnight flight<br />
Image:Day 8 - View over Sydney city on approach to Kingsford Smith.JPG|Day 8 - Early dawn view of Sydney's CBD on approach to Kingsford Smith Airport<br />
Image:Day 8 - View flying over Kurnell.JPG|Day 8 - View of Kurnell<br />
Image:Day 8 - View Flying over Botany Bay.JPG|Day 8 - View of Botany Bay<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
Our approach took us over the city and then Botany Bay, landed around 6:40 AM. After clearing immigration and customs, and joining the taxi queue, we immediately noticed the humidity. Good to be home, but also feeling sad to not be on holiday at Niseko any more.<br />
<br />
Would I go again? Hell yes! Would I recommend others go? Definitely.<br />
<br />
Happy skiing!<br />
<br />
<br /><br />
: '''''Have you got comments or questions?''' Then [http://nickj.org/index.php?title=Talk:Niseko_Ski_Diary&action=edit&section=new leave a note with your comment or question].''</div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/MediaWiki:Monobook.cssMediaWiki:Monobook.css2012-11-28T05:54:10Z<p>Nickj: remove modified colours, looks terrible in MW 1.19.2, but was okay in MW 1.16.</p>
<hr />
<div>/* From: http://wikidev.net/MediaWiki_skin_tweaks <br />
** Make a few corners round, only supported by moz/firefox/other gecko browsers for now<br />
*/ <br />
#p-cactions ul li, #p-cactions ul li a { -moz-border-radius-topleft: 0.4em; -moz-border-radius-topright: 0.4em; }<br />
#content { -moz-border-radius-topleft: 0.6em; -moz-border-radius-bottomleft: 0.6em; }<br />
div.pBody { -moz-border-radius-topright: 0.4em; -moz-border-radius-bottomright: 0.4em; }</div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/Nick%27s_HomepageNick's Homepage2012-10-21T07:41:10Z<p>Nickj: Reverted edits by Grenadecan1988 (talk) to last revision by Nickj</p>
<hr />
<div>* Japanese Skiing travel write ups:<br />
** [[Niseko Ski Diary]].<br />
** [[Shiga Kogen Ski Diary]].<br />
** [[Hakuba Ski Diary]].<br />
* About me:<br />
** [[Resume|Resum&eacute;]].<br />
** [[Quotes]] - Various quotes I saw and liked.<br />
** [[Likes and Dislikes]].<br />
** [[Favourite Games]].<br />
** [[Thumb up or down]]: Things I'd like to see more of, and things I'd like to see less of.<br />
** [[Random Thoughts]].<br />
** [[I'd like to see that]].<br />
* Random - stuff that doesn't fit anywhere else:<br />
** [[Identity of Kemeny's Hidden Label wines]].<br />
** [[LG WD-1435RD notes|Notes on the LG WD-1435RD washer dryer]].<br />
** [[Diplomacy strategy tips]].<br />
** [[Links]].<br />
* Computers:<br />
** Data Centre Server setup steps - [[Debian stable Web Server step-by-step|Step-by-step: From-scratch installation steps for a Linux PHP web server running Debian]]:<br />
*** Run memtest overnight.<br />
*** Installation.<br />
*** Update /etc/apt/sources.list.<br />
*** Get the latest and greatest packages.<br />
*** Remove unneeded or unwanted packages.<br />
*** Install LAMP.<br />
*** [[Debian stable Web Server step-by-step#Install_extra_useful_software|Install extra useful software]].<br />
*** Disable IPv6.<br />
*** [[Debian stable Web Server step-by-step#Stop console screen from blanking|Stop console screen from blanking]].<br />
*** [[Debian stable Web Server step-by-step#Exim 4 configuration|Exim 4 configuration]].<br />
*** customizing Apache configuration.<br />
*** Set up Apache virtual hosting.<br />
*** [[Debian stable Web Server step-by-step#Apache content compression|Apache content compression]].<br />
*** [[Debian stable Web Server step-by-step#Configure php.ini|Configure php.ini]].<br />
*** [[Debian stable Web Server step-by-step#Enable SSL in Apache 2|Enable SSL in Apache 2]].<br />
*** Change the date.<br />
*** [[Debian stable Web Server step-by-step#Tweak MySQL configuration|Tweak MySQL configuration]].<br />
*** Installing and configuring portsentry.<br />
*** [[Debian stable Web Server step-by-step#Locking down the IP functionality|Locking down the IP functionality]].<br />
*** [[Debian stable Web Server step-by-step#Set limits.conf|limits.conf]].<br />
*** [[Debian stable Web Server step-by-step#Install bastille|Install bastille]].<br />
*** Install the SUN JDK.<br />
*** Install the NTP daemon to keep the time current.<br />
*** [[Debian stable Web Server step-by-step#Install APC as the PHP opcode cache|Install APC as the PHP opcode cache]].<br />
** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps|Ubuntu Linux Workstation setup steps]]:<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Pre-installation standard hardware test procedure|Pre-installation standard hardware test procedure]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Installation|Ubuntu Installation]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Tweaks and Preferences|Tweaks and Preferences]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Firefox 3 configuration steps|Firefox configuration steps]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Firefox Add-ons|Firefox Add-ons]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Firefox Tweaks|Firefox Tweaks]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Installation of extra software|Installation of extra software]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Configure "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard"|Configure "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard"]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Custom Key Bindings, aimed at "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard"|Custom Key Bindings, aimed at "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard"]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Install Skype|Install Skype]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Install the Tahoma fonts|Install the Tahoma fonts]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Install Flash on AMD64|Install Flash on AMD64]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Install Google Earth|Install Google Earth]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Install Acrobat reader|Install Acrobat reader]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Install Opera|Install Opera]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Enable Apport for crash bug reporting|Enable Apport for crash bug reporting]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Configure Open Office to work in MS Office 2000 compatibility mode|Configure Open Office to work in MS Office 2000 compatibility mode]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Automounting remote file systems using SSHFS|Automounting remote file systems using SSHFS]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Install Chromium beta daily builds|Install Chromium beta daily builds]].<br />
** [[Ubuntu home server setup steps|Home server setup steps]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu home server setup steps#Setting up UPS monitoring|UPS monitoring]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu home server setup steps#Enable collection monitoring, including web interface|Collectd]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu home server setup steps#Set up Rtorrent to use your off-peak data allowance|Rtorrent]].<br />
** Computers - Misc:<br />
*** [[PHP test]] - brief test I was asked to write for PHP programmers.<br />
*** [[Nokia N95]] - links to useful apps for setting up the phone.<br />
** Computers - Debian or Ubuntu command-line upgrades:<br />
*** [[Upgrade Debian Woody to Debian Sarge]].<br />
*** [[Upgrade Debian Sarge to Debian Etch]].<br />
*** [[Upgrade Ubuntu 6.06 LTS to Ubuntu 8.04 LTS]].<br />
** Computers - Desktop software configuration or migration:<br />
*** [[Firefox 3 configuration steps|Firefox configuration steps]].<br />
*** [[How to migrate from Outlook 2000 to Evolution]].<br />
** Computers - Server software installation or configuration:<br />
*** [[SSL cert configuration for Apache on Debian]].<br />
<!-- Not working: *** [[Setting up OpenVPN for free Internet access in airports, hotels, and cafes]]. --><br />
** Computers - MediaWiki or Wikipedia:<br />
*** [http://blog.nickj.org/ Blog] - mostly wiki-related ramblings.<br />
*** [http://can-we-link-it.nickj.org Suggesting links for the English Wikipedia].<br />
*** [http://WikiHR.net/ WikiHR.net] - a directory for finding wiki-specialists or companies available for hire.<br />
*** [http://open.wikiblogplanet.com/ Open Wiki Blog Planet] - displays over 100 wiki-related blogs on one page and which everyone can edit the list of feeds for.<br />
*** [[MediaWiki|MediaWiki parser and fuzz tests]] - technical, HTML compliance tests and fuzz tests. Not very interesting.<br />
*** [[MediaWiki code coverage howto]] - info how to gather code coverage data for parser tests.<br />
*** [[Experiment with Suggestion Searching on Wikipedia]] - similar functionality to this mockup was [http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Manual:$wgEnableMWSuggest added in 1.13].<br />
** Computers - POV - Things many web sites get wrong:<br />
*** [[JavaScript links are evil]].<br />
*** [[Online stores should publish their shipping rates up front]].<br />
** Computers - POV - Programming Languages:<br />
*** [[Java's clone syntax seems to suck]].<br />
*** [[Ways that PHP4 sucks for work on non-trivial Object-Orientated problems]].<br />
*** [[Personal notes from when I was learning Java]].<br />
** Computers - Linux POV:<br />
*** [[My Linux Timeline]].<br />
** Computers - Hardware:<br />
*** [[My Desktop Hardware Upgrade Philosophy]]. With graphs!<br />
** Computers - Software Development:<br />
*** [[Random software development tips]].<br />
*** [[Maintaining software with the Swiss Cheese approach]].<br />
** Computers - POV:<br />
*** [["The best way to stop the distribution of a bit of software is to charge money for it"]].<br />
** Computers - Comments or reviews on web sites or software - some of these are bound to be out-of-date now:<br />
*** [[Review of TA Spring]].<br />
*** [[Comments on Gallery 2.0]]<br />
*** [[Hoyts Website Sucks]].<br />
*** [http://nickpj.googlepages.com/msnmapsgivesimpossibledirections MSN maps gives impossible directions].<br />
** Old or out of date computing stuff:<br />
*** [[No Microsoft End-game strategy for Linux]].<br />
<!-- to delete. These things would have gone on a blog, if there had been such a thing as blogs when these were written:<br />
*** [[Linux distro supported timeframes]]. --: this is solved now by running Debian Stable on servers.<br />
*** [[Why are some things so hard to configure in Linux?]] --: this is largely solved now with Cups + the latest X.org<br />
*** [[Wish-list for Linux Distros]]. --: this is solved with out of the box OpenGL, the Sysinfo program, the restricted drivers installer, an improved Evolution, and better multi-monitor support.<br />
*** [[Software features that I would like to see become standard]] --: this is solved with KSplice.<br />
*** [[Limitations of 32-bit machines]]. --: this solved by using 64 bit hardware & OS, although 32 bit systems still have a place, especially when memory is restricted.<br />
*** [[Steps to getting spam under control]]. --: this is solved by using decent spam filtering software.<br />
*** [[Technical problems with the Web]]. --: JavaScript has become necessary, and tools like GWT help with compatibility.<br />
<br />
** [[Social behaviour, or lack thereof]].<br />
** [[Are you a Nick Jenkins or Nicholas Jenkins?]] Yes, there are other people that share this name. Here are just some of them.<br />
--><br />
<br />
<br />
If I've made a typo or grammatical or technical mistake please just correct it (you can edit all pages).<br />
<br />
If you have some thoughts on what I've written & want to share them, or anything else, then you're welcome to [[User talk:Nickj|leave me a message]].</div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/Ubuntu_desktop_setup_stepsUbuntu desktop setup steps2012-10-19T23:25:20Z<p>Nickj: /* SSH menu is gone, use SSH plus instead */ updated app menu location for 12.04</p>
<hr />
<div>Ubuntu desktop setup steps for an AMD64 system. Most of these instructions will also work on 8.04 LTS, 8.10, 9.04, and 9.10, and 10.04 LTS, 10.10, 11.04, and 11.10, as these instructions were previously for those versions, and it should almost all work on an x86 system too:<br />
<br />
== Pre-installation standard hardware test procedure ==<br />
<br />
Before installing or configuring any software, it is imperative to test the hardware beforehand, to establish that it is not provably broken:<br />
* Download the ISOs for [http://www.sysresccd.org/ System Rescue CD] and [http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/ Ultimate Boot CD] and burn these.<br />
* From either CD, run Memtest86+ on the machine overnight, to test that the CPU and memory are error-free.<br />
* From UBCD, run a CPU stress test for 5 to 10 minutes to check CPU is reliable and adequately cooled.<br />
* From Sys Rescue CD, check for bad blocks on the hard drive, before trusting it with any data: <code>badblocks -v -s -w -c 4096 /dev/sda</code> <br />Note however that badblocks is quite a slow test - e.g. took 34 hours on a 500 GB SATA disk in an external USB enclosure, and 17 hours on a 250 GB IDE disk.<br />It's also a destructive write test, and so will blank the disk, so make sure you have the right device (use <code>fdisk -lu</code> to confirm the device's size and name).<br />Successful output will look something like this:<br />
Checking for bad blocks in read-write mode<br />
From block 0 to 244198583<br />
Testing with pattern 0xaa: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x55: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0xff: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x00: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Pass completed, 0 bad blocks found.<br />
<br />
If problems are found with any of the above, resolve these first before proceeding further.<br />
<br />
== Installation == <br />
<br />
* Firstly, decide whether you want software RAID or not. Personally, I use RAID-1 mirroring of a single bootable partition, using 2 same-sized disks, from 2 different manufacturers, because:<br />
*# it's simple.<br />
*# it's redundant enough.<br />
*# it's cheap: the incremental cost is the cost of a single disk, which is less than $100.<br />
*# you can boot off of it.<br />
*# it's not a question of if a disk will fail, but when.<br />
: For software RAID, install from the Alternate Installation CD. You can always [http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Convert_a_single_drive_system_to_RAID convert to RAID-1 later], but it's significantly more faffing about than setting it up this way from the get-go.<br />
* Once you've done the above, download and burn either the standard or alternate Ubuntu install CD, as appropriate.<br />
* Insert installation CD. Follow simple options, installs, ejects CD, reboots. Then login.<br />
* System -> Networking -> set up static IP address instead of dynamic IP address.<br />
* reboot to get network changes to apply (theoretically this should not be necessary, but in practice it was, at least for me on 8.04).<br />
* reboot, install system updates. Then reboot once updates are installed.<br />
* system -> hardware drivers -> enable the proprietary nvidia drivers.<br />
* reboot to enable the proprietary drivers.<br />
<br />
== Tweaks and Preferences ==<br />
<br />
* Ditch the annoying sounds: System -> Preferences -> sound -> sounds -> set all to "no sound", and untick "play system sounds", and on "system beep" tab untick all boxes.<br />
* Ditch the thrashing hard-disk: System -> Preferences -> Searching and indexing -> General -> tick "enable indexing" and "enable watching" and both of the power management boxes to disable stuff when on battery.<br />
* To get Subpixel Smoothing on LCDs, do this: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Fonts -> Select "subpixel smoothing (LCDs)". Need to restart Firefox for this change to take effect in Firefox.<br />
* To get reasonable desktop visual effects: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Visual Effects -> Select "Normal".<br />
* To make the system remember running apps and window locations on logout, do this: System -> Preferences -> sessions -> session options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out". In Ubuntu 9.04 / gnome 2.26 & up, this setting has moved, and is now under: System -> Preferences -> Startup Application Preferences -> options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out".<br />
<!--* To tweak networking performance, [http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Hardy#Howto:_Tweak_and_maximize_your_bandwidth_in_Ubuntu.2FLinux_via_sysctl.21 follow these instructions]. --><br />
* Power saving: Turn off blinking cursor by going: System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> untick "Cursor blinks in text fields".<br />
* Add terminal icon to gnome panel: Right-click panel -> Add to Panel -> Application Launcher... -> Accessories -> Terminal -> Add -> Close.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Editor" tab -> tick "autosave" files every 2 minutes.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Plugins" tab -> tick "Sort" to enable the sort plugin -> Close. Can now highlight text and go Edit -> Sort to get it alphabetically sorted.<br />
<br />
== [[Firefox configuration steps]] ==<br />
<br />
{{:Firefox configuration steps}}<br />
<br />
== Installation of extra software ==<br />
<br />
Go system -> admin -> synaptic package manager -> then Install the following (my brief descriptions of what some packages do are also shown) :<br />
* inkscape # Vector drawing package<br />
* hugin # Create panoramas from an image set.<br />
* dia # Draw diagrams & flow charts, somewhat like "visio" on Windows.<br />
* googleearth-package<br />
* xchat # IRC client.<br />
* ttf-mscorefonts-installer ttf-linux-libertine ttf-inconsolata # The most useful font sets. See also the "[[#Install the Tahoma fonts|Install the Tahoma fonts]]" section below.<br />
* audacious # Like XMMS or Winamp<br />
* nmap # Check for open ports.<br />
* filezilla # GUI FTP client.<br />
* wireshark # Packet sniffer<br />
* powertop iotop htop # Show power hogs, I/O hogs, and an more visual command-line version of top.<br />
* nautilus-open-terminal # adds ability to right click on a folder and get a command prompt there.<br />
* php5-cli php5-gd php5-curl # Only useful if you want to write scripts in PHP.<br />
* traceroute # How packets get from here to there over the network.<br />
* curl # Command line HTTP client, includes form-submitting capacity<br />
* tofrodos # Convert line endings from dos to UNIX or vice-versa.<br />
* openssh-server<br />
* libxml2-dev libmysqlclient-dev # Optional: Only used for compiling PHP snapshots<br />
* eclipse sun-java6-jdk sun-java6-jre sun-java6-plugin libmysql-java junit junit-doc # Optional: Java development using Eclipse + java plugins for Firefox<br />
* sysinfo # Kind of like device manager on Windows. Shows CPU / memory / hard disk installed, some hardware that has been detected, etc.<br />
* autofs smbfs smbclient<br />
* gisomount<br />
* gtk-recordmydesktop # Record videos of what you're doing on your desktop.<br />
* gworldclock # Want to simultaneously see the time in Tokyo, LA, London, and Rio? Use this.<br />
* ffmpeg2theora # Convert videos into format suitable for uploading to Wikimedia commons.<br />
* rar p7zip-full # needed for extracting .7z and RAR archives<br />
* gnome-do # Run apps or commands from a keyboard launcher.<br />
* pinfo # Much nicer UI than man or info for reading documentation.<br />
* vlc mozilla-plugin-vlc<br />
* avidemux # Useful for replacing audio tracks in video files.<br />
* indent # Useful for auto-indenting code.<br />
* smartmontools smart-notifier # S.M.A.R.T. hard disk monitoring tools.<br />
* tidy<br />
* ddrescue # Useful for recovering data from failing hard disks.<br />
* gimp-resynthesizer # A nifty plugin for gimp for repairing images or filling in content intelligently. Ignore if you don't use gimp.<br />
* qpdf # Useful for removing password from PDF files, as per [http://blog.sandipb.net/2009/01/10/removing-encryption-from-legitimate-pdf-files-on-ubuntu/ this guide].<br />
* hardinfo # Generates a hardware report and benchmark for the system; can also run in command line mode by doing: <code> hardinfo -r -f html > report.html </code><br />
* gtkvncviewer # Nice VNC client.<br />
* renameutils # Useful for bulk renaming of files. Example for renaming all .JPG files in a directory to .jpg (lowercase) is: <code>rename s/JPG$/jpg/ *</code><br />
* meld # Good GUI for comparing two files, e.g. two log files.<br />
* asciio # Good for drawing ASCII graphs; only available in Ubuntu 10.10 and up.<br />
* spamassassin # Email filtering, used by Evolution.<br />
<!--<br />
<br />
Have installed on laptop - test some more and see if worth including:<br />
gedit-plugins<br />
wget http://nchc.dl.sourceforge.net/sourceforge/openproj/openproj_1.4-2.deb && sudo dpkg -i openproj_1.4-2.deb<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
winbind # could be useful on a windows network. Have not discerned any benefit yet though.<br />
<br />
Still working out whether to include or not: * evolution-plugins-experimental <br />
<br />
* bum # Boot Up Manager - GUI for specifying what services should be running on boot-up.<br />
* miro # Combined bittorrent client and video player. Particularly useful for downloading TED talks before a flight. Uses lots of disk space though.<br />
* k3b # CD burning app.<br />
* deluge amule # P2P - donkey plus bittorrent<br />
<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Configure "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" ==<br />
<br />
To get the back / forward keyboard keys working in Firefox, when using the "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard", go System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> Layout -> click the model button -> Choose Microsoft -> set model to "Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro USB" -> click "close".<br />
<br />
== Custom Key Bindings, aimed at "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" == <br />
<br />
Note: the steps keep changing in each Ubuntu release (the menus move around, the keycodes change), unfortunately. This is what works for me using 11.10 in gnome-fallback mode:<br />
<br />
* ubuntu "System Setting" (top right corner of your desktop) -> Keyboard -> Shortcut.<br />
* Set "1" favourite key to "run a terminal"<br />
* Set "2" favourite key to "open home folder"<br />
<br />
There seems to be a bug that prevents the "custom shortcuts" keys from working for favourite keys 3, 4 and 5. Instead we have to do this:<br />
* In a terminal, run: <code>gconf-editor</code><br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/global_keybindings<br />
* Change "run_command_3" to be 0xc2, "run_command_4" to be 0xc3, and "run_command_5" to be 0xc4 - these corresponds to the 3 / 4 / 5 favourite keys.<br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/keybinding_commands<br />
* Change "command_3" to be the take-screenshot command: <code>gnome-screenshot --window --interactive</code><br />
* Change "command_4" to be the new-text-editor command: <code>/usr/bin/gedit --new-document</code><br />
* Change "command_5" to be as desired.<br />
<!-- * Name is "Zend Studio", command is "sh /home/nickj/programs/Zend/ZendStudio-5.5.0/bin/ZDE". Set the 5 favourite key to run this. --><br />
<br />
== Install Skype == <br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>" -> Skype -> More Info -> Install. <br />
<br />
Then to make the right-click menus legible with Ubuntu's dark theme, do as follows:<br />
# Applications -> Internet -> Skype -> single-click on the skype icon in the top right to open skype -> Ctrl-O to open options -> "general" -> Choose Style: "Desktop settings" -> close.<br />
# Single click on skype icon to open skype again -> Ctrl-Q to close.<br />
# Now restart skype by going Applications -> Internet -> Skype, and the right-click menus will be readable.<br />
<!--<br />
install Skype - [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Skype#AMD64 Source of instructions].<br />
sudo aptitude install ia32-libs<br />
wget http://skype.com/go/getskype-linux-ubuntu<br />
sudo aptitude install libqt4-core libqt4-gui qt4-qtconfig <br />
sudo dpkg --install --force-architecture --force-depends skype-debian*.deb<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Install the Tahoma fonts ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.stchman.com/ms_fonts.html Source of instructions].<br />
<br />
Once the msttcorefonts package is installed you will notice that Tahoma and Tahoma Bold is missing. You will need to extract Tahoma<br />
and Tahoma Bold from the zip file. Tahoma is used for Microsoft desktop, title bars and menu fonts so if you are trying to get that<br />
XP look you will need the Tahoma regular and Tahoma Bold fonts. Install Tahoma by doing the following in a terminal.<br />
<br />
cd ~<br />
wget http://www.stchman.com/tools/MS_fonts/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo unzip -d /usr/share/fonts/truetype/msttcorefonts ~/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo fc-cache -f -v<br />
rm -f ~/tahoma.zip<br />
<br />
== Install Flash == <br />
<br />
* Install the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up or installs flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems.<br />
* Restart the browser.<br />
* Go to: Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, go with all the defaults.<br />
* It removes any old flash plugins and downloads and installs the latest Adobe one.<br />
* For AMD64 systems, can use the flash 64 bit beta.<br />
<br />
If flash videos have a blue tint after the installation, then repeat the above steps, which may fix it. If it doesn't, then right click on a flash video with a blue tint -> Settings -> Untick "enable HW acceleration". [http://askubuntu.com/questions/117127/flash-video-appears-blue Source].<br />
<br />
== Install Google Earth ==<br />
<!--<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update && sudo aptitude install medibuntu-keyring && sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install googleearth-4.3<br />
<br />
... or follow the manual instructions on [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/GoogleEarth this page] for a more recent version.<br />
--><br />
Follow [http://www.liberiangeek.net/2011/10/how-to-install-google-earth-in-ubuntu-11-10-oneiric-ocelot/ these instructions for installing google earth].<br />
<br />
== Install Acrobat reader ==<br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>", or go Applications -> Ubuntu Software Center, and then go: -> Canonical Partners -> Adobe Acrobat reader -> Install.<br />
<br />
<!--<br />
In earlier versions of Ubuntu, to install acrobat reader, since [http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-general-1/cant-shrink-to-fit-pdf-doc-654281/ Ubuntu's native PDF readers don't have shrink to fit when printing]. :<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install acroread acroread-plugins<br />
<br />
(this uses medibuntu, from the Google Earth step above).<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
Also need to do this:<br />
sudo editor /usr/share/applications/defaults.list <br />
And change this:<br />
#application/pdf=evince.desktop<br />
application/pdf=AdobeReader.desktop<br />
--><br />
Then to tweak the display preferences of Acrobat Reader: Edit -> Preferences -> Page Display -> set "Zoom" to "Fit Page" -> Click "Ok".<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
== Install Opera ==<br />
<br />
To install and configure opera (since it's useful for testing web pages to be able to check behaviour, and it's useful to have another browser around sometimes), do the following:<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.list<br />
... and add these two lines:<br />
# For latest stable opera:<br />
deb http://deb.opera.com/opera/ stable non-free<br />
<br />
* Then do:<br />
sudo wget -O - http://deb.opera.com/archive.key | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install opera<br />
* Then run opera - Applications -> Internet -> Opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise -> Toolbars tab -> change the "wrapping" setting to "Wrap to multiple lines".<br />
<!-- <br />
* Go to [http://www.opera.com/download/ Opera's download page].<br />
* Download and open and install the .deb file<br />
* Then run opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise and change the wrapping setting to "multiple lines".<br />
--><br />
== Enable Apport for crash bug reporting ==<br />
<br />
Enable apport so that crash bugs will be reported and logged:<br />
sudo editor /etc/default/apport<br />
change enabled from "0" to "1".<br />
<br />
Crashes will then be logged to /var/crash/<br />
<br />
== Configure Open Office to work in MS Office 2000 compatibility mode ==<br />
<br />
[http://news.cnet.com/8301-13880_3-9864262-68.html Source of instructions]. Only do this if you are testing a migration to Ubuntu. Once you have already switched, then use the native ODF for new files, as they generally save formatting better.<br />
* Start OpenOffice Word Process: Applications -> Office -> OpenOffice.org Word Processor -> tools -> options -> expand "Load/Save" -> select "general" -> For document type = "Text document", set Always save as "Microsoft Word 97/2000/XP" (instead of "ODF text document"); For Document type = "Spreadsheet", set Always save as "Microsoft Excel 97/2000/XP"; For Document type = "Presentation", set Always save as "Microsoft PowerPoint 97/2000/XP" -> then click "OK".<br />
* Then tools -> options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> compatibility -> tick "Use printer metrics for document formatting", tick "Do not add leading (extra space) between lines of text", and tick "Consider wrapping style when positioning objects". Then go: Use as Default -> Yes -> OK.<br />
<br />
Note: When you upgrade between Ubuntu releases, you will probably need to repeat the first step, otherwise it will default back to saving in OpenOffice's formats by default.<br />
<br />
== Evolution configuration ==<br />
<br />
* Turn off new email notifications: Evolution -> Edit -> Plugins -> Uncheck "Mail Notification" plugin.<br />
* Edit -> Preferences -> 'Calendar and Tasks' -> 'Display' tab -> Disable the 'Compress weekends in month view' option.<br />
* Customize the default mail folder view. Get one folder looking right (personal preference: Columns: From / Subject / Received, with threads off, sorted by date received with most recent first). Then go View -> Current view -> Save Custom View... -> Replace existing view -> Messages -> Save. "Messages" is a special view, which is used by default on all folders, although you can override it on a folder-by-folder basis, but customizing that folder's view.<br />
<br />
== Set up SSH keys and KeepAlive Interval ==<br />
<br />
For each machine you want to have password-less SSH login to, do:<br />
ssh-copy-id -i ~/.ssh/id_dsa.pub machine1<br />
<br />
Also on some connections the SSH shell can close after a short timeout period. To keep connections option for longer, on the client side do, <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and then add this line to send a keep-alive heartbeat every 60 seconds:<br />
ServerAliveInterval 60<br />
<br />
... there is also a corresponding "ClientAliveInterval 60" setting that can be added to /etc/ssh/sshd_config - although sometimes you only control the client side of the link, and so this is not possible.<br />
<br />
Also set up connection sharing, makes secondary connections to SSH hosts much faster. <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and add this:<br />
# from: "OpenSSH tip: connection sharing"<br />
# http://tanguy.ortolo.eu/blog/article42/ssh-connection-sharing<br />
ControlPath ~/.ssh/control-%r@%h:%p<br />
ControlMaster auto<br />
ControlPersist 1<br />
<br />
== Automounting remote file systems using SSHFS ==<br />
<br />
For a remote Linux system, can automount with autofs + sshfs. Follow the guides [http://www.tjansson.dk/?p=84 here] and [http://www.mccambridge.org/blog/2007/05/totally-seamless-sshfs-under-linux-using-fuse-and-autofs/ here].<br />
<br />
Debug any problems with:<br />
tail --lines=0 -f /var/log/*<br />
<!-- <br />
Windows shares<br />
* Currently TESTING, this step not complete yet.<br />
* [http://oapeon.blogspot.com/2008/09/automounting-cifs-share-in-ubuntu.html Follow these instructions], but also [http://www.howtoforge.com/accessing_windows_or_samba_shares_using_autofs create a /etc/auto.smb.FILESERVERNAME file with login credentials].<br />
<br />
Actually, may have spoken too soon, seems kinda flakey. Getting "Input/output error" on the command line when accessing shares after a few minutes:<br />
<br />
$ ls /smb/server/sharename/<br />
ls: cannot access /smb/server/sharename/: Input/output error<br />
$<br />
<br />
Also seeing these errors when doing "tail -f /var/log/messages", despite supplying login credentials:<br />
Oct 23 17:42:02 redux kernel: [66597.665680] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
Oct 23 17:42:01 redux kernel: [66597.524118] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
<br />
To remove, uninstall these packages:<br />
sudo aptitude uninstall --purge autofs libevent1 libgssglue1 libnfsidmap2 librpcsecgss3 nfs-common portmap smbfs<br />
<br />
<br />
rebooting seemed to make this better.... although it's still buggy and flakey. Get directories being infinitely recursive, edited files appearing as directories, etc etc.<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
testing / playing with smbnetfs as an alternative<br />
sudo aptitude install smbnetfs<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/smbnetfs.conf <br />
<br />
- show_$_shares "false"<br />
+ show_$_shares "true"<br />
<br />
mkdir ~/.smb<br />
editor ~/.smb/smbnetfs.auth<br />
<br />
auth nickj password<br />
<br />
Need to do something with .smb/smbnetfs.conf ?<br />
<br />
<br />
* smbnetfs is probably not even running - need to find some decent docs on how to configure this.<br />
* autofs is mounted on /smb , and can be seriously flakey.<br />
* trying sshfs now, seems better but needs some magic options in the mount flags to work suitably.<br />
--><br />
== right before and right after each upgrade ==<br />
<br />
Remove unneeded cruft, by doing:<br />
sudo apt-get autoremove<br />
sudo apt-get clean<br />
deborphan<br />
Check first that no important packages are about to be removed, then do:<br />
sudo apt-get remove --purge $(deborphan)<br />
Purge old configuration files, first command shows what will be purged:<br />
sudo aptitude search ~c <br />
sudo aptitude purge ~c<br />
<br />
Fix broken packages:<br />
* <code>sudo aptitude</code><br />
* fix any broken packages (ctrl-t -> resolver -> examine -> g -> g).<br />
* also clean up cache and obsolete files (ctrl-t -> actions -> "clean package cache" and "clean obsolete files").<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
These tweaks are only required for 9.04:<br />
<br />
([http://reformedmusings.wordpress.com/2009/04/26/recovering-daily-update-notifications-in-ubuntu-904-jaunty/ Source]) To enable daily notification of non-security updates, which is especially useful if you [[#enable Apport for crash bug reporting|enable Apport for crash bug reporting]], then do this:<br />
gconftool -s --type bool /apps/update-notifier/auto_launch false<br />
<br />
([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-when-logoutshutdown-and-restart-ubuntu904 Source]) To remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout, do this:<br />
* Right-click on the panel power button icon on top-right of the screen -> Preferences -> Untick "Show confirm dialog for logout, shutdown and restart".<br />
<br />
Only in Ubuntu 9.04:<br />
sudo aptitude install firefox-3.5 firefox-3.5-gnome-support<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Tweaks to Ubuntu 9.10 that I had to apply to get stuff working again, or configured how I like it:<br />
<br />
1: Remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout. ([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-in-ubuntu910karmic Source]). <br />
<br />
2: For seeing details of SMART reporting for hard disks:<br />
sudo aptitude install gsmartcontrol<br />
<br />
3: system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Dust".<br />
<br />
4: Alt-F2, run gconf-editor , then toogle the GConf key /apps/eog/ui/disable_trash_confirmation to be ticked, to disable prompting for image deleting though Eye of Gnome ([https://bugzilla.gnome.org/show_bug.cgi?id=541967#c5 source]).<br />
<br />
5: Some third party entries in your sources.list were disabled. You can re-enable them after the upgrade with the 'software-properties' tool or your package manager.<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.lst<br />
<br />
.. then re-enable dropbox, chrome daily builds, etc, and apply those updates:<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude upgrade<br />
<br />
6: Setting MySQL back to utf8 mode:<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/mysql/my.cnf <br />
add under the "[mysqld]" section:<br />
default-character-set=utf8<br />
<br />
7: Blue tint to video files in VLC, Mplayer, and Totem. [http://www.mediacollege.com/video-gallery/testclips/20051210-w50s.flv Example video file]. [https://bugs.launchpad.net/totem/+bug/395476 Bug is in] the Nvidia closed source driver. Workaround is:<br />
* open totem via Applications -> Sound & Video -> Movie Player<br />
* open the preferences window via Edit -> Preferences<br />
* select the Display tab<br />
* click the Reset to Defaults button<br />
<br />
8: Problem: Mplayer crashing regularly when changing video output mode, and also giving a "couldn't resolve name for AF_INET6:" error on URL playback. Workaround: ditch mplayer, as totem and VLC are suitable replacements:<br />
sudo aptitude remove --purge mplayer<br />
<br />
9: Flash applets don't work in firefox or chrome on AMD64 (example: playing [http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-february-1-2010/q---o this Daily Show] video) .... solution: redo the [[#Install_Flash_on_AMD64|Flash installation steps]].<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Ambiance". <!-- move window decoration buttons to the left too - find link & steps for this --><br />
# If images don't display in office documents: Start OpenOffice writer, and then go: Tools -> Options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> View -> tick "Graphics and objects" -> click "Ok".<br />
<!-- to get SIP calls working through empathy through the dodgy Telstra modem that blocks VoIP: sudo aptitude install telepathy-sofiasip ... no, didn't work - test again later. --><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# <code>sudo aptitude remove tracker</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install unity-2d</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
The 11.10 release had more problems than most releases.<br />
<br />
Nautilus default view: go to Places -> Home folder -> Edit -> Preferences -> "View new folders using": select "List View".<br />
<br />
=== Restore classic Gnome desktop ===<br />
To get gnome classic desktop back, as per [http://www.webupd8.org/2011/08/installing-using-classic-gnome-desktop.html this blog post].<br />
sudo apt-get install gnome-session-fallback<br />
Then:<br />
* Install weather applet<br />
* System monitor applet<br />
* Add application icons for Firefox, chrome, terminal, and gedit.<br />
sudo aptitude install alarm-clock-applet<br />
* Add an application icon for the alarm clock applet.<br />
* Put a trash applet back on the bottom right of the screen.<br />
* Put a show desktop applet back on the bottom left of the screen.<br />
<br />
=== SSH menu is gone, use SSH plus instead ===<br />
Follow [http://www.gulecha.org/2011/07/29/sshplus-a-sshmenu-compatible-appindicator/ these installation instructions]. Then do <code>sudo aptitude install putty</code><br/> <br />
To add to startup apps: Applications -> System Tools -> Preferences -> startup applications -> add SSHplus by full path.<br />
<br />
=== blurry image viewer ===<br />
Images look blurry because the default Gnome Image viewer (eog/eye of gnome) is set to "Best Fit" instead of "Normal view", which resizes images slightly, making them appear blurry. Unfortunately, there seems to be no preference or setting that allows changing this permanently. Instead just install another image viewing app, and make it the default:<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install gthumb</code><br/><br />
It can be customized to view images 1:1 by going Edit -> Preferences -> Viewer -> Set to actual size. Then go View -> unselect "Thumbnail pane" (with this on, it seems to interfere with 1:1 viewing). Test it, then if so make it the default app by going ubuntu "System Settings" (top right corner of your desktop) -> System info -> Default applications -> Photos -> gThumb.<br />
<br />
=== usb automounting was broken ===<br />
Inserted USB drives would no longer automatically mount and open a file manager window. Solved by installing, and then removing, the usbmount package.<br />
<br />
=== Flash broken ===<br />
After upgrading from 11.04 to 11.10, flash applets either did not work, or worked partial (such as the sound being distorted, like the person was underwater). Fixed by installing the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up broken flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems. Installed the extension, restarted the browser, then went Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, just went with all the defaults, it removed the old flash plugins (I had 2) and downloaded and installed the latest adobe one, and then it was as good as new and working flawlessly.<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 12.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
=== Multiple monitors broken, screen orientation broken ===<br />
<br />
run Synaptic, remove all the nvidia drivers, and install the nouveau firmware, then reboot, then systems settings -> displays, and can change the monitor setup so that multi-montior works again and so the orientations are in portrait instead of landscape.<br />
<br />
From the command line to remove nvidia drivers, can do:<br />
sudo apt-get purge nvidia-settings nvidia-current<br />
<br />
=== Customised keyboard shortcuts lost ===<br />
<br />
All my customized keyboard shortcuts for the extra buttons on my keyboard are lost. Had to redo the keyboard config to get these back.<br />
<br />
=== alt-tab no longer works ===<br />
<br />
To fix (from [http://askubuntu.com/questions/135685/alt-tab-does-not-switch this source]) :<br />
sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* Go at the very bottom where it says "Window Management"<br />
* Put a checkmark in "application switcher"<br />
* That should fix it.<br />
<br />
=== Workplace switching is broken (gives a blank desktop with no menus or items) ===<br />
<br />
Install compiz settings manager as above, and that will fix it. To get switching to be 4 horizontal desktops:<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* "general" -> General options -> Desktop size -> horizontal virtual size = 4, vertical virtual size = 1<br />
<br />
Also turn off "effects" -> "animations" in compiz too, whilst we are there.<br />
<br />
=== Gnome menus look ugly ===<br />
<br />
The bug is [https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/light-themes/+bug/981289 here]. To fix ambiance themes, [http://www.webupd8.org/2012/05/install-ambiance-fixed-for-classic.html follow these steps].<br />
<br />
=== Printing was broken ===<br />
<br />
Jobs sent to the network printer just sat in the queue and were never printed, even though the printer hardware was fine and the same queue worked perfectly in 11.10. Easiest solution was to cancel all print jobs, delete the printer, add a new printer with the same settings, and reboot (because the printer setup locked up whilst doing these things).<br />
<br />
=== Printing was excessively slow from Firefox ===<br />
<br />
Even after doing the above, printing was very slow from Firefox to the HP LaserJet 2100 TN. For example, it was taking up to 4 minutes to print a page, whereas it would take 15 seconds before. To fix:<br />
* Run "system-config-printer" from the command line.<br />
* Change the printer driver. Instead of the recommended driver, use "HP LaserJet 2100 - CUPS+Gutenprint v5.2.8-pre1".<br />
* Print a test page, once works okay, click "OK", and close the printer config applet.<br />
<br />
=== Volume applet indicator disappeared ===<br />
<br />
[http://askubuntu.com/questions/126411/volume-and-other-indicators-disappeared-in-the-classic-desktop Source].<br />
Run gnome-sound-applet from the command line to check that it is installed and working.<br />
<br />
To start the sound applet automatically, go to System Tools -> Preferences -> Startup Applications, and add Command gnome-sound-applet<br />
<br />
<!-- == Python-iview (for Australia only) == <br />
[https://launchpad.net/~jeremy-visser/+archive/python-iview Python-iview] allows downloading ABC shows for later viewing. Steps to install:<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:jeremy-visser/python-iview<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude upgrade # this installs a later rtmpdump<br />
sudo aptitude install python-iview<br />
--><br />
<br />
== VirtualBox ==<br />
<br />
From the [http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Linux_Downloads VirtualBox Installation instructions]:<br />
sudo vim /etc/apt/sources.list <br />
add this line: <code>deb http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian oneiric contrib</code> . Do not add a deb-src line.<br />
wget -q http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian/oracle_vbox.asc -O- | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install dkms<br />
sudo aptitude install virtualbox-4.1<br />
<br />
The first time that you install, make sure that you are a member of vboxusers group (needed for USB disks to work correctly) :<br />
sudo usermod -a -G vboxusers `whoami`<br />
sudo usermod -a -G disk `whoami`<br />
Then reboot the computer.<br />
<br />
To get the extension pack, which enables some extra features in VirtualBox 4.1:<br />
cd ~/.Virtualbox<br />
mkdir extensions<br />
cd extensions/<br />
wget http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/4.1.8/Oracle_VM_VirtualBox_Extension_Pack-4.1.8-75467.vbox-extpack<br />
To enable the extension pack:<br />
* VirtualBox main window -> File -> Preferences -> Extensions -> add button on right -> select the file saved above -> enter password if prompted.<br />
<br />
Before starting the Guest machine, make sure USB functionality is enabled by going:<br />
* Settings -> USB -> Make sure both the USB checkboxes are ticked -> Click the "Add Empty Filter" button (the top button on the right) -> click OK to close dialog box.<br />
<br />
Rebuild the virtualbox modules after upgrading from a previous version:<br />
sudo service vboxdrv setup<br />
<br />
After upgrading from a previous version, to update the guest's VirtualBox drivers, do this after the Guest has started:<br />
* VirtualBox -> start Guest -> "Devices" menu -> Install Guest Additions.<br />
<br />
Then plug in a USB device after the guest machine has started. Then make it visible to the Guest by going:<br />
* Devices -> USB devices -> and select the USB device to make visible.<br />
<br />
And in a Debian or Ubuntu '''guest''' machine after doing a dist-upgrade, to install the vbox additions, do this:<br />
* Devices -> install guest additions...<br />
mount /dev/cdrom <br />
aptitude install build-essential linux-headers-$(uname -r)<br />
sh /cdrom/VBoxLinuxAdditions.run<br />
<br />
When doing a major version upgrade, use apt-get and not aptitude. For example:<br />
sudo apt-get install virtualbox-4.1<br />
... and then start VirtualBox, and then install the latest extension pack, using the steps above. The link will be on the [https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads VirtualBox downloads] page.<br />
<br />
If you get an "Error! Could not locate dkms.conf file" message, then you probably have old directories left over from an old version of virtualbox under /var/lib/dkms/ . E.g. I had some directories left over from 3.2.6, and the fix was:<br />
sudo rm -r /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetadp /var/lib/dkms/vboxdrv /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetflt<br />
<br />
== Newsgroup bin client ==<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude install sabnzbdplus<br />
Then configure as per [http://wiki.sabnzbd.org/quick-setup the steps on their wiki].<br />
<!-- Lottanzb keeps crashing for me:<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:lottanzb/daily-build<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:jcfp/ppa<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install lottanzb sabnzbdplus<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Steps for making the Benq Acer S2W 3300U work == <br />
<br />
* Plug in power and USB cable to the scanner, and connect it to your computer.<br />
* Check SANE is installed, then run <code> sane-find-scanner </code>, and it should list your scanner.<br />
* From [http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/downloads.cfm/dtype/D/page/downloads/product/91 Benq's page] get the Mirascan ZIP file. Note that Benq's webservers are crap, and they cut out mid-download, so save yourself frustration by using wget to take care of the downloading/resuming/retrying, by doing:<br />
wget ftp://211.78.86.204/scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
and/or<br />
wget http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/download.cfm?file=scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
* Check the ZIP file downloaded okay by doing:<br />
unzip -t mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
... and making sure it says there were "no errors detected" at the end.<br />
* Extract just the u176v046.bin file (which is firmware blob that this scanner needs to operate) into the current directory:<br />
unzip -j mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip "MiraScan v4.03u10_BQA/BIN/u176v046.bin"<br />
* Set up Sane to use this firmware blob:<br />
sudo mkdir /usr/share/sane/snapscan<br />
sudo cp u176v046.bin /usr/share/sane/snapscan/<br />
sudo editor /etc/sane.d/snapscan.conf<br />
... and change the first line from:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/your-firmwarefile.bin<br />
to:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/u176v046.bin<br />
... then save and close the file.<br />
* Then under the Applications -> Graphics menu, run Xsane, or (my preference) Simple Scan.<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
<!-- todo: add the repo steps here --><br />
Unfortunately dropbox does not seem to automatically install updates for old versions. Given this, need to manually install updates on old versions, and easiest way to install dropbox updates on Linux is, open a terminal and do:<br />
dropbox stop<br />
dropbox status # Should report "not running"<br />
rm -r ~/.dropbox-dist/<br />
dropbox start -i<br />
<br />
== Handbrake ==<br />
<br />
Handbrake is a media converter, and is especially useful for converting files for portable devices, like Android tablets or iPhones. To install the snapshot releases (which seems to be the easiest way, if you want the GUI) :<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:stebbins/handbrake-snapshots<br />
sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install handbrake-gtk handbrake-cli<br />
== Install Chromium dev builds ==<br />
<br />
Firefox is currently slightly better as a daily browser, but Chromium is improving rapidly. If you want to play with the native alpha port of Google's Chrome browser just to see how it's going, you can install the dev builds of Chromium quite easily by doing:<br />
<!-- could get rid of the PPA - Ubuntu now includes the chromium browser in universe, that lags a little, but avoids the constant daily updates: http://packages.ubuntu.com/search?keywords=chromium-browser --><br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:chromium-daily/dev<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install chromium-browser chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-nonfree chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-extra<br />
<!-- following [http://www.stefanoforenza.com/chromium-on-ubuntu-how-to/ these directions]. You probably also want to add the key for this PPA to your system, following [https://help.launchpad.net/Packaging/PPA#Adding%20the%20keys%20using%20Gnome these directions] about adding [http://keyserver.ubuntu.com:11371/pks/lookup?op=get&search=0x5A9BF3BB4E5E17B5 their key] to your system, so that you don't get lots of prompts every day when there is an update about "do you want to install unauthenticated packages?". --><br />
<br />
Chrome Extensions to install:<br />
* [http://www.chromeextensions.org/appearance-functioning/flashblock/ FlashBlock].<br />
* [http://blog.xmarks.com/?p=1244 Xmarks].<br />
* [https://chrome.google.com/extensions/detail/gighmmpiobklfepjocnamgkkbiglidom Adblock]. Need to restart browser for extension to take effect.<br />
<br />
Still waiting for these Chrome extensions as at July 2010:<br />
* The equivalent of Tab Mix Plus. (still looking for this).<br />
<br />
Things that aren't working quite right yet in Chromium on Linux:<br />
* The backspace key should go back, or should be configurable for this. There is an extension that allows this, but it should probably be a preference in the base browser.<br />
* Auto-updating of extensions. There is a way to do this from the extensions UI, but in Chromium it doesn't seem to do anything.<br />
* Audio playback not working correctly - e.g. on [http://slides.html5rocks.com/#slide22 this slide], get no audio after selecting a national anthem other than US (US works, other's don't). Possibly [http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Chrome/thread?tid=2fdf2aa857abe1ef&hl=en this issue] or [http://code.google.com/p/chromium/issues/detail?id=37848 this issue].<br />
* WebGL does not work on an old laptop, but does on a modern desktop. Could be that the laptop's hardware is just too old (or just not supported in 3D).<br />
<br />
To enable most of the new features of Chromium, change the command line for starting chromium to be like this:<br />
chromium-browser --enable-plugins --enable-greasemonkey --enable-user-scripts --enable-internal-flash --enable-extensions --enable-webgl %U<br />
<br />
Configuration settings:<br />
* To make streetview work: Try to open streetview -> nothing happens -> press Ctrl-Shift-F (which permanently unblock flashblock on that site) -> then streetview will pop up and work thereafter.<br />
<br />
Updating the flash plugin if you get a warning that "the flash plugin was blocked because it is out of date", or just installing the flash plugin.<br />
* First check where the plugin is installed, by opening chrome://plugins/ in chromium, and expanding the "details" link.<br />
* For me, it said "Location: /usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so".<br />
* Note this directory, and update the flashplugin variable below if you have a different path:<br />
cd ~/tmp<br />
flashplugin=/usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so<br />
sudo mv $flashplugin ./libflashplayer.so.old<br />
wget http://download.macromedia.com/pub/labs/flashplayer10/flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz<br />
tar zfvx flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz <br />
sudo cp ./libflashplayer.so $flashplugin<br />
cd /usr/lib/chromium-browser/plugins<br />
sudo ln -s $flashplugin<br />
Now restart chromium and the warning should be fixed & flash should work.<br />
<!--<br />
== Pinta ==<br />
<br />
Basic image editing program, like ms-paint:<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:moonlight-team/pinta<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install pinta<br />
<br />
tends to crash though.... don't include in public instructions just yet!<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
'''Warning: semi-commercial software'''<br />
<br />
Personally, I find dropbox useful for synchronising up to 2 GB of data free between multiple systems (desktop and laptop; work and home). You need to sign up here and install the software from here.<br />
##### FINISH WRITING THIS STEP AT SOME POINT #####<br />
##### Keeps crashing on network transfers, so don't write up until that is completed ###### -- this was fixed by upgrading to version 0.6.564 <br />
##### The crashing is back.... **sigh**<br />
<br />
== testing: Ksplice for rebootless kernel updates ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.ksplice.com/uptrack/download Install]<br />
[http://lwn.net/Articles/340477/ background on Ksplice].<br />
<br />
== Ekiga linux setup ==<br />
.... cannot test this until ADSL connection no longer blocks VoIP...<br />
Date: Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:21:10 +1100<br />
VoIP client.<br />
<br />
Applications ->Internet -> Ekiga softphone<br />
Enter name<br />
Tick "I do not want to sign up for the ekiga.net free service"<br />
connection type xDSL.cable<br />
enable STUN support: Yes<br />
rest of the options: take the defaults,.<br />
<br />
Then in Ekiga, go:<br />
edit -> accounts -> add my pennytel account details.<br />
#### No sound through ekiga in 10.10 -- leave commented out until this works ####<br />
--></div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/QuotesQuotes2012-10-02T01:02:56Z<p>Nickj: </p>
<hr />
<div>Various quotes I saw and liked: <br />
* "I'm not sure which upsets me more: that people are so unwilling to accept responsibility for their own actions, or that they are so eager to regulate everyone else's." - source unknown<br />
* "If you never fail, you are not taking enough risks." - (Dede, 1993).<br />
* "In theory there is no difference between theory and practice, but in practice there is." - either Jan L.A. van de Snepscheut or Fnord Bjørnberger<br />
* "Talk is cheap because supply always exceeds demand." - source unknown<br />
* "Neither individuals nor corporations have any right to come into court and ask that the clock of history be stopped, or turned back, for their private benefit." - Robert Heinlein <br />
* "Lots of folks are forced to skimp to support a government that won't." - source unknown<br />
* "When all is said and done ... there is usually more said than done." - source unknown<br />
* "Real innovation happens with the small guys." - source unknown<br />
* "Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake." - Napoleon Bonaparte<br />
* On the Matrix Revolutions: "The Wachowski brothers have delivered a dud so disappointing, they may as well have bussed in Ewoks to save Zion."<br />
* "Time is the only truly finite resource from a human perspective. As technology has progressed, distances have been conquered, vast energies harnessed, but old Father Time is still inescapable. As a result, we place great value on just how much time is taken to accomplish anything." - WiPEOUT<br />
* "Anyone who says that money isn't important is spending someone else's." - Hampton's Law <br />
* "The road less travelled is often less travelled for a very good reason" - Jerry Seinfeld<br />
* "You cannot apply a technological solution to a sociological problem." - Edwards' Law<br />
* "Everything takes longer, costs more, and is less useful." - Erwin Tomash<br />
* "Ideas have no value. Execution is what matters most." - Paraphrasing of Loïc Le Meur and Krzysztof Kowalczyk.<br />
* Fermi's Solution: "Any sufficiently advanced civilization either destroys itself or transcends to superintelligence."<br />
* "Democracy is the recurrent suspicion that more than half of the people are right more than half of the time." - E. B. White<br />
* "If you are 20 and you aren't a communist you have no heart, but if you are 30 and you still are a communist, you lack rationality." - source unknown.<br />
* Macintosh dictum: the user should never have to tell the machine anything that it knows or can deduce for itself.<br />
* "Ideas are cheap, but turning them into reality is brutally hard work." - posted to a discussion board.<br />
* "Never underestimate the power of broke, bored, determined Uni students." - posted to a discussion board.<br />
* "Be bold, and mighty forces will come to your aid." - Basil King.<br />
* "It is hard to get the world to throw away stuff they've already bought and that still works. Being twice as good isn't enough; if you really want people to trash their current equipment you need to be 10 times as good." - Bob Cringely, 2004.<br />
* "Life is uncertain, so always eat dessert first." - source unknown.<br />
* C.f. Edison's famous adage: "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."<br />
* "What resists, persists." - Lao Tsu 6th Century B.C.<br />
* "If it's not tested, it's broken." - Bruce Eckel.<br />
* "People optimize locally - that is, they do what's best for themselves." - Eric Allman.<br />
* "One of the most valuable things my father taught me is an old Yorkshire saying: where there's muck, there's brass. Meaning that unpleasant work pays. And more to the point here, vice versa. Work people like doesn't pay well, for reasons of supply and demand." - from [http://www.paulgraham.com/bronze.html Paul Graham]<br />
* "Remembering you are going to die is the best way to avoid the fear that you have something to lose." - Steve Jobs<br />
* "Most of us, when all is said and done, like what we like and make up reasons for it afterwards." -- Soren F. Petersen<br />
* "All you have to decide is what you're going to do with the time you are given." - Gandalf <br />
* "Have you ever seen one of these [NIH] grant applications? We're lucky Einstein didn't have to fill one out or God knows what 'E' would equal." - seen on the Internet.<br />
* "Patent. n. Genius is 5% inspiration and 95% perspiration. A patent is a tool for doing 5% of the work and then sitting around waiting for someone else to do the other 95% so you can sue them." - email sig seen on Internet.<br />
* "There are two types of people in this world... Those who finish what they start, and" - slogon on T-shirt.<br />
* "Writing for a penny a word is ridiculous. If a man really wants to make a million dollars he should start his own religion." - L Ron Hubbard, spoken in 1950 at a writer's convention, 4 years before he founded the Church of Scientology.<br />
* "The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt." - Bertrand Russell.<br />
* "It's not the principle of the thing, it's the money!" -- Movie producer in "King Kong".<br />
* "First class, is what's wrong honey. It used to be a better meal, now it's a better life." -- Dorothy in "Jerry Maguire" (1996).<br />
* "First rule in government spending: why build one when you can have two at twice the price?" -- Mr Hadden in "Contact" (1997).<br />
* "It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends upon his not understanding it." -- Upton Sinclair.<br />
* "Hell is Other People's Code" -- unknown.<br />
* "Be the change you want to see in the world." -- Gandhi.<br />
* "Hydrogen is an odorless colorless gas which, given enough time, turns into people." -- Edward R Harrison.<br />
* "Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination are omnipotent. The slogan 'press on' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race." -- President Calvin Coolidge.<br />
* "Be kind. For everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." -- Plato.<br />
* "Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first." -- Mark Twain.<br />
* "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -- Mark Twain.<br />
* "Markets can remain irrational a lot longer than you and I can remain solvent." -- A. Gary Shilling.<br />
* "There are only two kinds of programming languages: those people always bitch about, and those nobody uses." -- Bjarne Stroustrup.<br />
* "in an extended fight, one tends to become more like one's enemy" -- LWN.net<br />
* "The future is here. It's just not widely distributed yet." -- William Gibson<br />
* "Rooster one day, feather duster the next." -- Figure of speech, possibly Australian.<br />
<br />
[[Category:Opinion-Editorial]]</div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/QuotesQuotes2012-09-25T02:08:33Z<p>Nickj: </p>
<hr />
<div>Various quotes I saw and liked: <br />
* "I'm not sure which upsets me more: that people are so unwilling to accept responsibility for their own actions, or that they are so eager to regulate everyone else's." - source unknown<br />
* "If you never fail, you are not taking enough risks." - (Dede, 1993).<br />
* "In theory there is no difference between theory and practice, but in practice there is." - either Jan L.A. van de Snepscheut or Fnord Bjørnberger<br />
* "Talk is cheap because supply always exceeds demand." - source unknown<br />
* "Neither individuals nor corporations have any right to come into court and ask that the clock of history be stopped, or turned back, for their private benefit." - Robert Heinlein <br />
* "Lots of folks are forced to skimp to support a government that won't." - source unknown<br />
* "When all is said and done ... there is usually more said than done." - source unknown<br />
* "Real innovation happens with the small guys." - source unknown<br />
* "Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake." - Napoleon Bonaparte<br />
* On the Matrix Revolutions: "The Wachowski brothers have delivered a dud so disappointing, they may as well have bussed in Ewoks to save Zion."<br />
* "Time is the only truly finite resource from a human perspective. As technology has progressed, distances have been conquered, vast energies harnessed, but old Father Time is still inescapable. As a result, we place great value on just how much time is taken to accomplish anything." - WiPEOUT<br />
* "Anyone who says that money isn't important is spending someone else's." - Hampton's Law <br />
* "The road less travelled is often less travelled for a very good reason" - Jerry Seinfeld<br />
* "You cannot apply a technological solution to a sociological problem." - Edwards' Law<br />
* "Everything takes longer, costs more, and is less useful." - Erwin Tomash<br />
* "Ideas have no value. Execution is what matters most." - Paraphrasing of Loïc Le Meur and Krzysztof Kowalczyk.<br />
* Fermi's Solution: "Any sufficiently advanced civilization either destroys itself or transcends to superintelligence."<br />
* "Democracy is the recurrent suspicion that more than half of the people are right more than half of the time." - E. B. White<br />
* "If you are 20 and you aren't a communist you have no heart, but if you are 30 and you still are a communist, you lack rationality." - source unknown.<br />
* Macintosh dictum: the user should never have to tell the machine anything that it knows or can deduce for itself.<br />
* "Ideas are cheap, but turning them into reality is brutally hard work." - posted to a discussion board.<br />
* "Never underestimate the power of broke, bored, determined Uni students." - posted to a discussion board.<br />
* "Be bold, and mighty forces will come to your aid." - Basil King.<br />
* "It is hard to get the world to throw away stuff they've already bought and that still works. Being twice as good isn't enough; if you really want people to trash their current equipment you need to be 10 times as good." - Bob Cringely, 2004.<br />
* "Life is uncertain, so always eat dessert first." - source unknown.<br />
* C.f. Edison's famous adage: "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."<br />
* "What resists, persists." - Lao Tsu 6th Century B.C.<br />
* "If it's not tested, it's broken." - Bruce Eckel.<br />
* "People optimize locally - that is, they do what's best for themselves." - Eric Allman.<br />
* "One of the most valuable things my father taught me is an old Yorkshire saying: where there's muck, there's brass. Meaning that unpleasant work pays. And more to the point here, vice versa. Work people like doesn't pay well, for reasons of supply and demand." - from [http://www.paulgraham.com/bronze.html Paul Graham]<br />
* "Remembering you are going to die is the best way to avoid the fear that you have something to lose." - Steve Jobs<br />
* "Most of us, when all is said and done, like what we like and make up reasons for it afterwards." -- Soren F. Petersen<br />
* "All you have to decide is what you're going to do with the time you are given." - Gandalf <br />
* "Have you ever seen one of these [NIH] grant applications? We're lucky Einstein didn't have to fill one out or God knows what 'E' would equal." - seen on the Internet.<br />
* "Patent. n. Genius is 5% inspiration and 95% perspiration. A patent is a tool for doing 5% of the work and then sitting around waiting for someone else to do the other 95% so you can sue them." - email sig seen on Internet.<br />
* "There are two types of people in this world... Those who finish what they start, and" - slogon on T-shirt.<br />
* "Writing for a penny a word is ridiculous. If a man really wants to make a million dollars he should start his own religion." - L Ron Hubbard, spoken in 1950 at a writer's convention, 4 years before he founded the Church of Scientology.<br />
* "The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt." - Bertrand Russell.<br />
* "It's not the principle of the thing, it's the money!" -- Movie producer in "King Kong".<br />
* "First class, is what's wrong honey. It used to be a better meal, now it's a better life." -- Dorothy in "Jerry Maguire" (1996).<br />
* "First rule in government spending: why build one when you can have two at twice the price?" -- Mr Hadden in "Contact" (1997).<br />
* "It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends upon his not understanding it." -- Upton Sinclair.<br />
* "Hell is Other People's Code" -- unknown.<br />
* "Be the change you want to see in the world." -- Gandhi.<br />
* "Hydrogen is an odorless colorless gas which, given enough time, turns into people." -- Edward R Harrison.<br />
* "Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination are omnipotent. The slogan 'press on' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race." -- President Calvin Coolidge.<br />
* "Be kind. For everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." -- Plato.<br />
* "Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first." -- Mark Twain.<br />
* "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -- Mark Twain.<br />
* "Markets can remain irrational a lot longer than you and I can remain solvent." -- A. Gary Shilling.<br />
* "There are only two kinds of programming languages: those people always bitch about, and those nobody uses." -- Bjarne Stroustrup.<br />
* "in an extended fight, one tends to become more like one's enemy" -- LWN.net<br />
* "The future is here. It's just not widely distributed yet." -- William Gibson<br />
<br />
[[Category:Opinion-Editorial]]</div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/Ubuntu_desktop_setup_stepsUbuntu desktop setup steps2012-09-17T11:09:41Z<p>Nickj: /* Multiple monitors broken, screen orientation broken */</p>
<hr />
<div>Ubuntu desktop setup steps for an AMD64 system. Most of these instructions will also work on 8.04 LTS, 8.10, 9.04, and 9.10, and 10.04 LTS, 10.10, 11.04, and 11.10, as these instructions were previously for those versions, and it should almost all work on an x86 system too:<br />
<br />
== Pre-installation standard hardware test procedure ==<br />
<br />
Before installing or configuring any software, it is imperative to test the hardware beforehand, to establish that it is not provably broken:<br />
* Download the ISOs for [http://www.sysresccd.org/ System Rescue CD] and [http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/ Ultimate Boot CD] and burn these.<br />
* From either CD, run Memtest86+ on the machine overnight, to test that the CPU and memory are error-free.<br />
* From UBCD, run a CPU stress test for 5 to 10 minutes to check CPU is reliable and adequately cooled.<br />
* From Sys Rescue CD, check for bad blocks on the hard drive, before trusting it with any data: <code>badblocks -v -s -w -c 4096 /dev/sda</code> <br />Note however that badblocks is quite a slow test - e.g. took 34 hours on a 500 GB SATA disk in an external USB enclosure, and 17 hours on a 250 GB IDE disk.<br />It's also a destructive write test, and so will blank the disk, so make sure you have the right device (use <code>fdisk -lu</code> to confirm the device's size and name).<br />Successful output will look something like this:<br />
Checking for bad blocks in read-write mode<br />
From block 0 to 244198583<br />
Testing with pattern 0xaa: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x55: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0xff: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x00: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Pass completed, 0 bad blocks found.<br />
<br />
If problems are found with any of the above, resolve these first before proceeding further.<br />
<br />
== Installation == <br />
<br />
* Firstly, decide whether you want software RAID or not. Personally, I use RAID-1 mirroring of a single bootable partition, using 2 same-sized disks, from 2 different manufacturers, because:<br />
*# it's simple.<br />
*# it's redundant enough.<br />
*# it's cheap: the incremental cost is the cost of a single disk, which is less than $100.<br />
*# you can boot off of it.<br />
*# it's not a question of if a disk will fail, but when.<br />
: For software RAID, install from the Alternate Installation CD. You can always [http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Convert_a_single_drive_system_to_RAID convert to RAID-1 later], but it's significantly more faffing about than setting it up this way from the get-go.<br />
* Once you've done the above, download and burn either the standard or alternate Ubuntu install CD, as appropriate.<br />
* Insert installation CD. Follow simple options, installs, ejects CD, reboots. Then login.<br />
* System -> Networking -> set up static IP address instead of dynamic IP address.<br />
* reboot to get network changes to apply (theoretically this should not be necessary, but in practice it was, at least for me on 8.04).<br />
* reboot, install system updates. Then reboot once updates are installed.<br />
* system -> hardware drivers -> enable the proprietary nvidia drivers.<br />
* reboot to enable the proprietary drivers.<br />
<br />
== Tweaks and Preferences ==<br />
<br />
* Ditch the annoying sounds: System -> Preferences -> sound -> sounds -> set all to "no sound", and untick "play system sounds", and on "system beep" tab untick all boxes.<br />
* Ditch the thrashing hard-disk: System -> Preferences -> Searching and indexing -> General -> tick "enable indexing" and "enable watching" and both of the power management boxes to disable stuff when on battery.<br />
* To get Subpixel Smoothing on LCDs, do this: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Fonts -> Select "subpixel smoothing (LCDs)". Need to restart Firefox for this change to take effect in Firefox.<br />
* To get reasonable desktop visual effects: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Visual Effects -> Select "Normal".<br />
* To make the system remember running apps and window locations on logout, do this: System -> Preferences -> sessions -> session options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out". In Ubuntu 9.04 / gnome 2.26 & up, this setting has moved, and is now under: System -> Preferences -> Startup Application Preferences -> options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out".<br />
<!--* To tweak networking performance, [http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Hardy#Howto:_Tweak_and_maximize_your_bandwidth_in_Ubuntu.2FLinux_via_sysctl.21 follow these instructions]. --><br />
* Power saving: Turn off blinking cursor by going: System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> untick "Cursor blinks in text fields".<br />
* Add terminal icon to gnome panel: Right-click panel -> Add to Panel -> Application Launcher... -> Accessories -> Terminal -> Add -> Close.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Editor" tab -> tick "autosave" files every 2 minutes.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Plugins" tab -> tick "Sort" to enable the sort plugin -> Close. Can now highlight text and go Edit -> Sort to get it alphabetically sorted.<br />
<br />
== [[Firefox configuration steps]] ==<br />
<br />
{{:Firefox configuration steps}}<br />
<br />
== Installation of extra software ==<br />
<br />
Go system -> admin -> synaptic package manager -> then Install the following (my brief descriptions of what some packages do are also shown) :<br />
* inkscape # Vector drawing package<br />
* hugin # Create panoramas from an image set.<br />
* dia # Draw diagrams & flow charts, somewhat like "visio" on Windows.<br />
* googleearth-package<br />
* xchat # IRC client.<br />
* ttf-mscorefonts-installer ttf-linux-libertine ttf-inconsolata # The most useful font sets. See also the "[[#Install the Tahoma fonts|Install the Tahoma fonts]]" section below.<br />
* audacious # Like XMMS or Winamp<br />
* nmap # Check for open ports.<br />
* filezilla # GUI FTP client.<br />
* wireshark # Packet sniffer<br />
* powertop iotop htop # Show power hogs, I/O hogs, and an more visual command-line version of top.<br />
* nautilus-open-terminal # adds ability to right click on a folder and get a command prompt there.<br />
* php5-cli php5-gd php5-curl # Only useful if you want to write scripts in PHP.<br />
* traceroute # How packets get from here to there over the network.<br />
* curl # Command line HTTP client, includes form-submitting capacity<br />
* tofrodos # Convert line endings from dos to UNIX or vice-versa.<br />
* openssh-server<br />
* libxml2-dev libmysqlclient-dev # Optional: Only used for compiling PHP snapshots<br />
* eclipse sun-java6-jdk sun-java6-jre sun-java6-plugin libmysql-java junit junit-doc # Optional: Java development using Eclipse + java plugins for Firefox<br />
* sysinfo # Kind of like device manager on Windows. Shows CPU / memory / hard disk installed, some hardware that has been detected, etc.<br />
* autofs smbfs smbclient<br />
* gisomount<br />
* gtk-recordmydesktop # Record videos of what you're doing on your desktop.<br />
* gworldclock # Want to simultaneously see the time in Tokyo, LA, London, and Rio? Use this.<br />
* ffmpeg2theora # Convert videos into format suitable for uploading to Wikimedia commons.<br />
* rar p7zip-full # needed for extracting .7z and RAR archives<br />
* gnome-do # Run apps or commands from a keyboard launcher.<br />
* pinfo # Much nicer UI than man or info for reading documentation.<br />
* vlc mozilla-plugin-vlc<br />
* avidemux # Useful for replacing audio tracks in video files.<br />
* indent # Useful for auto-indenting code.<br />
* smartmontools smart-notifier # S.M.A.R.T. hard disk monitoring tools.<br />
* tidy<br />
* ddrescue # Useful for recovering data from failing hard disks.<br />
* gimp-resynthesizer # A nifty plugin for gimp for repairing images or filling in content intelligently. Ignore if you don't use gimp.<br />
* qpdf # Useful for removing password from PDF files, as per [http://blog.sandipb.net/2009/01/10/removing-encryption-from-legitimate-pdf-files-on-ubuntu/ this guide].<br />
* hardinfo # Generates a hardware report and benchmark for the system; can also run in command line mode by doing: <code> hardinfo -r -f html > report.html </code><br />
* gtkvncviewer # Nice VNC client.<br />
* renameutils # Useful for bulk renaming of files. Example for renaming all .JPG files in a directory to .jpg (lowercase) is: <code>rename s/JPG$/jpg/ *</code><br />
* meld # Good GUI for comparing two files, e.g. two log files.<br />
* asciio # Good for drawing ASCII graphs; only available in Ubuntu 10.10 and up.<br />
* spamassassin # Email filtering, used by Evolution.<br />
<!--<br />
<br />
Have installed on laptop - test some more and see if worth including:<br />
gedit-plugins<br />
wget http://nchc.dl.sourceforge.net/sourceforge/openproj/openproj_1.4-2.deb && sudo dpkg -i openproj_1.4-2.deb<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
winbind # could be useful on a windows network. Have not discerned any benefit yet though.<br />
<br />
Still working out whether to include or not: * evolution-plugins-experimental <br />
<br />
* bum # Boot Up Manager - GUI for specifying what services should be running on boot-up.<br />
* miro # Combined bittorrent client and video player. Particularly useful for downloading TED talks before a flight. Uses lots of disk space though.<br />
* k3b # CD burning app.<br />
* deluge amule # P2P - donkey plus bittorrent<br />
<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Configure "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" ==<br />
<br />
To get the back / forward keyboard keys working in Firefox, when using the "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard", go System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> Layout -> click the model button -> Choose Microsoft -> set model to "Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro USB" -> click "close".<br />
<br />
== Custom Key Bindings, aimed at "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" == <br />
<br />
Note: the steps keep changing in each Ubuntu release (the menus move around, the keycodes change), unfortunately. This is what works for me using 11.10 in gnome-fallback mode:<br />
<br />
* ubuntu "System Setting" (top right corner of your desktop) -> Keyboard -> Shortcut.<br />
* Set "1" favourite key to "run a terminal"<br />
* Set "2" favourite key to "open home folder"<br />
<br />
There seems to be a bug that prevents the "custom shortcuts" keys from working for favourite keys 3, 4 and 5. Instead we have to do this:<br />
* In a terminal, run: <code>gconf-editor</code><br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/global_keybindings<br />
* Change "run_command_3" to be 0xc2, "run_command_4" to be 0xc3, and "run_command_5" to be 0xc4 - these corresponds to the 3 / 4 / 5 favourite keys.<br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/keybinding_commands<br />
* Change "command_3" to be the take-screenshot command: <code>gnome-screenshot --window --interactive</code><br />
* Change "command_4" to be the new-text-editor command: <code>/usr/bin/gedit --new-document</code><br />
* Change "command_5" to be as desired.<br />
<!-- * Name is "Zend Studio", command is "sh /home/nickj/programs/Zend/ZendStudio-5.5.0/bin/ZDE". Set the 5 favourite key to run this. --><br />
<br />
== Install Skype == <br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>" -> Skype -> More Info -> Install. <br />
<br />
Then to make the right-click menus legible with Ubuntu's dark theme, do as follows:<br />
# Applications -> Internet -> Skype -> single-click on the skype icon in the top right to open skype -> Ctrl-O to open options -> "general" -> Choose Style: "Desktop settings" -> close.<br />
# Single click on skype icon to open skype again -> Ctrl-Q to close.<br />
# Now restart skype by going Applications -> Internet -> Skype, and the right-click menus will be readable.<br />
<!--<br />
install Skype - [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Skype#AMD64 Source of instructions].<br />
sudo aptitude install ia32-libs<br />
wget http://skype.com/go/getskype-linux-ubuntu<br />
sudo aptitude install libqt4-core libqt4-gui qt4-qtconfig <br />
sudo dpkg --install --force-architecture --force-depends skype-debian*.deb<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Install the Tahoma fonts ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.stchman.com/ms_fonts.html Source of instructions].<br />
<br />
Once the msttcorefonts package is installed you will notice that Tahoma and Tahoma Bold is missing. You will need to extract Tahoma<br />
and Tahoma Bold from the zip file. Tahoma is used for Microsoft desktop, title bars and menu fonts so if you are trying to get that<br />
XP look you will need the Tahoma regular and Tahoma Bold fonts. Install Tahoma by doing the following in a terminal.<br />
<br />
cd ~<br />
wget http://www.stchman.com/tools/MS_fonts/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo unzip -d /usr/share/fonts/truetype/msttcorefonts ~/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo fc-cache -f -v<br />
rm -f ~/tahoma.zip<br />
<br />
== Install Flash == <br />
<br />
* Install the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up or installs flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems.<br />
* Restart the browser.<br />
* Go to: Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, go with all the defaults.<br />
* It removes any old flash plugins and downloads and installs the latest Adobe one.<br />
* For AMD64 systems, can use the flash 64 bit beta.<br />
<br />
If flash videos have a blue tint after the installation, then repeat the above steps, which may fix it. If it doesn't, then right click on a flash video with a blue tint -> Settings -> Untick "enable HW acceleration". [http://askubuntu.com/questions/117127/flash-video-appears-blue Source].<br />
<br />
== Install Google Earth ==<br />
<!--<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update && sudo aptitude install medibuntu-keyring && sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install googleearth-4.3<br />
<br />
... or follow the manual instructions on [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/GoogleEarth this page] for a more recent version.<br />
--><br />
Follow [http://www.liberiangeek.net/2011/10/how-to-install-google-earth-in-ubuntu-11-10-oneiric-ocelot/ these instructions for installing google earth].<br />
<br />
== Install Acrobat reader ==<br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>", or go Applications -> Ubuntu Software Center, and then go: -> Canonical Partners -> Adobe Acrobat reader -> Install.<br />
<br />
<!--<br />
In earlier versions of Ubuntu, to install acrobat reader, since [http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-general-1/cant-shrink-to-fit-pdf-doc-654281/ Ubuntu's native PDF readers don't have shrink to fit when printing]. :<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install acroread acroread-plugins<br />
<br />
(this uses medibuntu, from the Google Earth step above).<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
Also need to do this:<br />
sudo editor /usr/share/applications/defaults.list <br />
And change this:<br />
#application/pdf=evince.desktop<br />
application/pdf=AdobeReader.desktop<br />
--><br />
Then to tweak the display preferences of Acrobat Reader: Edit -> Preferences -> Page Display -> set "Zoom" to "Fit Page" -> Click "Ok".<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
== Install Opera ==<br />
<br />
To install and configure opera (since it's useful for testing web pages to be able to check behaviour, and it's useful to have another browser around sometimes), do the following:<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.list<br />
... and add these two lines:<br />
# For latest stable opera:<br />
deb http://deb.opera.com/opera/ stable non-free<br />
<br />
* Then do:<br />
sudo wget -O - http://deb.opera.com/archive.key | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install opera<br />
* Then run opera - Applications -> Internet -> Opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise -> Toolbars tab -> change the "wrapping" setting to "Wrap to multiple lines".<br />
<!-- <br />
* Go to [http://www.opera.com/download/ Opera's download page].<br />
* Download and open and install the .deb file<br />
* Then run opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise and change the wrapping setting to "multiple lines".<br />
--><br />
== Enable Apport for crash bug reporting ==<br />
<br />
Enable apport so that crash bugs will be reported and logged:<br />
sudo editor /etc/default/apport<br />
change enabled from "0" to "1".<br />
<br />
Crashes will then be logged to /var/crash/<br />
<br />
== Configure Open Office to work in MS Office 2000 compatibility mode ==<br />
<br />
[http://news.cnet.com/8301-13880_3-9864262-68.html Source of instructions]. Only do this if you are testing a migration to Ubuntu. Once you have already switched, then use the native ODF for new files, as they generally save formatting better.<br />
* Start OpenOffice Word Process: Applications -> Office -> OpenOffice.org Word Processor -> tools -> options -> expand "Load/Save" -> select "general" -> For document type = "Text document", set Always save as "Microsoft Word 97/2000/XP" (instead of "ODF text document"); For Document type = "Spreadsheet", set Always save as "Microsoft Excel 97/2000/XP"; For Document type = "Presentation", set Always save as "Microsoft PowerPoint 97/2000/XP" -> then click "OK".<br />
* Then tools -> options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> compatibility -> tick "Use printer metrics for document formatting", tick "Do not add leading (extra space) between lines of text", and tick "Consider wrapping style when positioning objects". Then go: Use as Default -> Yes -> OK.<br />
<br />
Note: When you upgrade between Ubuntu releases, you will probably need to repeat the first step, otherwise it will default back to saving in OpenOffice's formats by default.<br />
<br />
== Evolution configuration ==<br />
<br />
* Turn off new email notifications: Evolution -> Edit -> Plugins -> Uncheck "Mail Notification" plugin.<br />
* Edit -> Preferences -> 'Calendar and Tasks' -> 'Display' tab -> Disable the 'Compress weekends in month view' option.<br />
* Customize the default mail folder view. Get one folder looking right (personal preference: Columns: From / Subject / Received, with threads off, sorted by date received with most recent first). Then go View -> Current view -> Save Custom View... -> Replace existing view -> Messages -> Save. "Messages" is a special view, which is used by default on all folders, although you can override it on a folder-by-folder basis, but customizing that folder's view.<br />
<br />
== Set up SSH keys and KeepAlive Interval ==<br />
<br />
For each machine you want to have password-less SSH login to, do:<br />
ssh-copy-id -i ~/.ssh/id_dsa.pub machine1<br />
<br />
Also on some connections the SSH shell can close after a short timeout period. To keep connections option for longer, on the client side do, <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and then add this line to send a keep-alive heartbeat every 60 seconds:<br />
ServerAliveInterval 60<br />
<br />
... there is also a corresponding "ClientAliveInterval 60" setting that can be added to /etc/ssh/sshd_config - although sometimes you only control the client side of the link, and so this is not possible.<br />
<br />
Also set up connection sharing, makes secondary connections to SSH hosts much faster. <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and add this:<br />
# from: "OpenSSH tip: connection sharing"<br />
# http://tanguy.ortolo.eu/blog/article42/ssh-connection-sharing<br />
ControlPath ~/.ssh/control-%r@%h:%p<br />
ControlMaster auto<br />
ControlPersist 1<br />
<br />
== Automounting remote file systems using SSHFS ==<br />
<br />
For a remote Linux system, can automount with autofs + sshfs. Follow the guides [http://www.tjansson.dk/?p=84 here] and [http://www.mccambridge.org/blog/2007/05/totally-seamless-sshfs-under-linux-using-fuse-and-autofs/ here].<br />
<br />
Debug any problems with:<br />
tail --lines=0 -f /var/log/*<br />
<!-- <br />
Windows shares<br />
* Currently TESTING, this step not complete yet.<br />
* [http://oapeon.blogspot.com/2008/09/automounting-cifs-share-in-ubuntu.html Follow these instructions], but also [http://www.howtoforge.com/accessing_windows_or_samba_shares_using_autofs create a /etc/auto.smb.FILESERVERNAME file with login credentials].<br />
<br />
Actually, may have spoken too soon, seems kinda flakey. Getting "Input/output error" on the command line when accessing shares after a few minutes:<br />
<br />
$ ls /smb/server/sharename/<br />
ls: cannot access /smb/server/sharename/: Input/output error<br />
$<br />
<br />
Also seeing these errors when doing "tail -f /var/log/messages", despite supplying login credentials:<br />
Oct 23 17:42:02 redux kernel: [66597.665680] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
Oct 23 17:42:01 redux kernel: [66597.524118] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
<br />
To remove, uninstall these packages:<br />
sudo aptitude uninstall --purge autofs libevent1 libgssglue1 libnfsidmap2 librpcsecgss3 nfs-common portmap smbfs<br />
<br />
<br />
rebooting seemed to make this better.... although it's still buggy and flakey. Get directories being infinitely recursive, edited files appearing as directories, etc etc.<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
testing / playing with smbnetfs as an alternative<br />
sudo aptitude install smbnetfs<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/smbnetfs.conf <br />
<br />
- show_$_shares "false"<br />
+ show_$_shares "true"<br />
<br />
mkdir ~/.smb<br />
editor ~/.smb/smbnetfs.auth<br />
<br />
auth nickj password<br />
<br />
Need to do something with .smb/smbnetfs.conf ?<br />
<br />
<br />
* smbnetfs is probably not even running - need to find some decent docs on how to configure this.<br />
* autofs is mounted on /smb , and can be seriously flakey.<br />
* trying sshfs now, seems better but needs some magic options in the mount flags to work suitably.<br />
--><br />
== right before and right after each upgrade ==<br />
<br />
Remove unneeded cruft, by doing:<br />
sudo apt-get autoremove<br />
sudo apt-get clean<br />
deborphan<br />
Check first that no important packages are about to be removed, then do:<br />
sudo apt-get remove --purge $(deborphan)<br />
Purge old configuration files, first command shows what will be purged:<br />
sudo aptitude search ~c <br />
sudo aptitude purge ~c<br />
<br />
Fix broken packages:<br />
* <code>sudo aptitude</code><br />
* fix any broken packages (ctrl-t -> resolver -> examine -> g -> g).<br />
* also clean up cache and obsolete files (ctrl-t -> actions -> "clean package cache" and "clean obsolete files").<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
These tweaks are only required for 9.04:<br />
<br />
([http://reformedmusings.wordpress.com/2009/04/26/recovering-daily-update-notifications-in-ubuntu-904-jaunty/ Source]) To enable daily notification of non-security updates, which is especially useful if you [[#enable Apport for crash bug reporting|enable Apport for crash bug reporting]], then do this:<br />
gconftool -s --type bool /apps/update-notifier/auto_launch false<br />
<br />
([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-when-logoutshutdown-and-restart-ubuntu904 Source]) To remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout, do this:<br />
* Right-click on the panel power button icon on top-right of the screen -> Preferences -> Untick "Show confirm dialog for logout, shutdown and restart".<br />
<br />
Only in Ubuntu 9.04:<br />
sudo aptitude install firefox-3.5 firefox-3.5-gnome-support<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Tweaks to Ubuntu 9.10 that I had to apply to get stuff working again, or configured how I like it:<br />
<br />
1: Remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout. ([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-in-ubuntu910karmic Source]). <br />
<br />
2: For seeing details of SMART reporting for hard disks:<br />
sudo aptitude install gsmartcontrol<br />
<br />
3: system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Dust".<br />
<br />
4: Alt-F2, run gconf-editor , then toogle the GConf key /apps/eog/ui/disable_trash_confirmation to be ticked, to disable prompting for image deleting though Eye of Gnome ([https://bugzilla.gnome.org/show_bug.cgi?id=541967#c5 source]).<br />
<br />
5: Some third party entries in your sources.list were disabled. You can re-enable them after the upgrade with the 'software-properties' tool or your package manager.<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.lst<br />
<br />
.. then re-enable dropbox, chrome daily builds, etc, and apply those updates:<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude upgrade<br />
<br />
6: Setting MySQL back to utf8 mode:<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/mysql/my.cnf <br />
add under the "[mysqld]" section:<br />
default-character-set=utf8<br />
<br />
7: Blue tint to video files in VLC, Mplayer, and Totem. [http://www.mediacollege.com/video-gallery/testclips/20051210-w50s.flv Example video file]. [https://bugs.launchpad.net/totem/+bug/395476 Bug is in] the Nvidia closed source driver. Workaround is:<br />
* open totem via Applications -> Sound & Video -> Movie Player<br />
* open the preferences window via Edit -> Preferences<br />
* select the Display tab<br />
* click the Reset to Defaults button<br />
<br />
8: Problem: Mplayer crashing regularly when changing video output mode, and also giving a "couldn't resolve name for AF_INET6:" error on URL playback. Workaround: ditch mplayer, as totem and VLC are suitable replacements:<br />
sudo aptitude remove --purge mplayer<br />
<br />
9: Flash applets don't work in firefox or chrome on AMD64 (example: playing [http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-february-1-2010/q---o this Daily Show] video) .... solution: redo the [[#Install_Flash_on_AMD64|Flash installation steps]].<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Ambiance". <!-- move window decoration buttons to the left too - find link & steps for this --><br />
# If images don't display in office documents: Start OpenOffice writer, and then go: Tools -> Options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> View -> tick "Graphics and objects" -> click "Ok".<br />
<!-- to get SIP calls working through empathy through the dodgy Telstra modem that blocks VoIP: sudo aptitude install telepathy-sofiasip ... no, didn't work - test again later. --><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# <code>sudo aptitude remove tracker</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install unity-2d</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
The 11.10 release had more problems than most releases.<br />
<br />
Nautilus default view: go to Places -> Home folder -> Edit -> Preferences -> "View new folders using": select "List View".<br />
<br />
=== Restore classic Gnome desktop ===<br />
To get gnome classic desktop back, as per [http://www.webupd8.org/2011/08/installing-using-classic-gnome-desktop.html this blog post].<br />
sudo apt-get install gnome-session-fallback<br />
Then:<br />
* Install weather applet<br />
* System monitor applet<br />
* Add application icons for Firefox, chrome, terminal, and gedit.<br />
sudo aptitude install alarm-clock-applet<br />
* Add an application icon for the alarm clock applet.<br />
* Put a trash applet back on the bottom right of the screen.<br />
* Put a show desktop applet back on the bottom left of the screen.<br />
<br />
=== SSH menu is gone, use SSH plus instead ===<br />
Follow [http://www.gulecha.org/2011/07/29/sshplus-a-sshmenu-compatible-appindicator/ these installation instructions]. Then do <code>sudo aptitude install putty</code><br/> <br />
To add to startup apps: application -> other -> startup applications -> add SSHplus by full path.<br />
<br />
=== blurry image viewer ===<br />
Images look blurry because the default Gnome Image viewer (eog/eye of gnome) is set to "Best Fit" instead of "Normal view", which resizes images slightly, making them appear blurry. Unfortunately, there seems to be no preference or setting that allows changing this permanently. Instead just install another image viewing app, and make it the default:<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install gthumb</code><br/><br />
It can be customized to view images 1:1 by going Edit -> Preferences -> Viewer -> Set to actual size. Then go View -> unselect "Thumbnail pane" (with this on, it seems to interfere with 1:1 viewing). Test it, then if so make it the default app by going ubuntu "System Settings" (top right corner of your desktop) -> System info -> Default applications -> Photos -> gThumb.<br />
<br />
=== usb automounting was broken ===<br />
Inserted USB drives would no longer automatically mount and open a file manager window. Solved by installing, and then removing, the usbmount package.<br />
<br />
=== Flash broken ===<br />
After upgrading from 11.04 to 11.10, flash applets either did not work, or worked partial (such as the sound being distorted, like the person was underwater). Fixed by installing the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up broken flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems. Installed the extension, restarted the browser, then went Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, just went with all the defaults, it removed the old flash plugins (I had 2) and downloaded and installed the latest adobe one, and then it was as good as new and working flawlessly.<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 12.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
=== Multiple monitors broken, screen orientation broken ===<br />
<br />
run Synaptic, remove all the nvidia drivers, and install the nouveau firmware, then reboot, then systems settings -> displays, and can change the monitor setup so that multi-montior works again and so the orientations are in portrait instead of landscape.<br />
<br />
From the command line to remove nvidia drivers, can do:<br />
sudo apt-get purge nvidia-settings nvidia-current<br />
<br />
=== Customised keyboard shortcuts lost ===<br />
<br />
All my customized keyboard shortcuts for the extra buttons on my keyboard are lost. Had to redo the keyboard config to get these back.<br />
<br />
=== alt-tab no longer works ===<br />
<br />
To fix (from [http://askubuntu.com/questions/135685/alt-tab-does-not-switch this source]) :<br />
sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* Go at the very bottom where it says "Window Management"<br />
* Put a checkmark in "application switcher"<br />
* That should fix it.<br />
<br />
=== Workplace switching is broken (gives a blank desktop with no menus or items) ===<br />
<br />
Install compiz settings manager as above, and that will fix it. To get switching to be 4 horizontal desktops:<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* "general" -> General options -> Desktop size -> horizontal virtual size = 4, vertical virtual size = 1<br />
<br />
Also turn off "effects" -> "animations" in compiz too, whilst we are there.<br />
<br />
=== Gnome menus look ugly ===<br />
<br />
The bug is [https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/light-themes/+bug/981289 here]. To fix ambiance themes, [http://www.webupd8.org/2012/05/install-ambiance-fixed-for-classic.html follow these steps].<br />
<br />
=== Printing was broken ===<br />
<br />
Jobs sent to the network printer just sat in the queue and were never printed, even though the printer hardware was fine and the same queue worked perfectly in 11.10. Easiest solution was to cancel all print jobs, delete the printer, add a new printer with the same settings, and reboot (because the printer setup locked up whilst doing these things).<br />
<br />
=== Printing was excessively slow from Firefox ===<br />
<br />
Even after doing the above, printing was very slow from Firefox to the HP LaserJet 2100 TN. For example, it was taking up to 4 minutes to print a page, whereas it would take 15 seconds before. To fix:<br />
* Run "system-config-printer" from the command line.<br />
* Change the printer driver. Instead of the recommended driver, use "HP LaserJet 2100 - CUPS+Gutenprint v5.2.8-pre1".<br />
* Print a test page, once works okay, click "OK", and close the printer config applet.<br />
<br />
=== Volume applet indicator disappeared ===<br />
<br />
[http://askubuntu.com/questions/126411/volume-and-other-indicators-disappeared-in-the-classic-desktop Source].<br />
Run gnome-sound-applet from the command line to check that it is installed and working.<br />
<br />
To start the sound applet automatically, go to System Tools -> Preferences -> Startup Applications, and add Command gnome-sound-applet<br />
<br />
<!-- == Python-iview (for Australia only) == <br />
[https://launchpad.net/~jeremy-visser/+archive/python-iview Python-iview] allows downloading ABC shows for later viewing. Steps to install:<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:jeremy-visser/python-iview<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude upgrade # this installs a later rtmpdump<br />
sudo aptitude install python-iview<br />
--><br />
<br />
== VirtualBox ==<br />
<br />
From the [http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Linux_Downloads VirtualBox Installation instructions]:<br />
sudo vim /etc/apt/sources.list <br />
add this line: <code>deb http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian oneiric contrib</code> . Do not add a deb-src line.<br />
wget -q http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian/oracle_vbox.asc -O- | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install dkms<br />
sudo aptitude install virtualbox-4.1<br />
<br />
The first time that you install, make sure that you are a member of vboxusers group (needed for USB disks to work correctly) :<br />
sudo usermod -a -G vboxusers `whoami`<br />
sudo usermod -a -G disk `whoami`<br />
Then reboot the computer.<br />
<br />
To get the extension pack, which enables some extra features in VirtualBox 4.1:<br />
cd ~/.Virtualbox<br />
mkdir extensions<br />
cd extensions/<br />
wget http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/4.1.8/Oracle_VM_VirtualBox_Extension_Pack-4.1.8-75467.vbox-extpack<br />
To enable the extension pack:<br />
* VirtualBox main window -> File -> Preferences -> Extensions -> add button on right -> select the file saved above -> enter password if prompted.<br />
<br />
Before starting the Guest machine, make sure USB functionality is enabled by going:<br />
* Settings -> USB -> Make sure both the USB checkboxes are ticked -> Click the "Add Empty Filter" button (the top button on the right) -> click OK to close dialog box.<br />
<br />
Rebuild the virtualbox modules after upgrading from a previous version:<br />
sudo service vboxdrv setup<br />
<br />
After upgrading from a previous version, to update the guest's VirtualBox drivers, do this after the Guest has started:<br />
* VirtualBox -> start Guest -> "Devices" menu -> Install Guest Additions.<br />
<br />
Then plug in a USB device after the guest machine has started. Then make it visible to the Guest by going:<br />
* Devices -> USB devices -> and select the USB device to make visible.<br />
<br />
And in a Debian or Ubuntu '''guest''' machine after doing a dist-upgrade, to install the vbox additions, do this:<br />
* Devices -> install guest additions...<br />
mount /dev/cdrom <br />
aptitude install build-essential linux-headers-$(uname -r)<br />
sh /cdrom/VBoxLinuxAdditions.run<br />
<br />
When doing a major version upgrade, use apt-get and not aptitude. For example:<br />
sudo apt-get install virtualbox-4.1<br />
... and then start VirtualBox, and then install the latest extension pack, using the steps above. The link will be on the [https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads VirtualBox downloads] page.<br />
<br />
If you get an "Error! Could not locate dkms.conf file" message, then you probably have old directories left over from an old version of virtualbox under /var/lib/dkms/ . E.g. I had some directories left over from 3.2.6, and the fix was:<br />
sudo rm -r /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetadp /var/lib/dkms/vboxdrv /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetflt<br />
<br />
== Newsgroup bin client ==<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude install sabnzbdplus<br />
Then configure as per [http://wiki.sabnzbd.org/quick-setup the steps on their wiki].<br />
<!-- Lottanzb keeps crashing for me:<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:lottanzb/daily-build<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:jcfp/ppa<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install lottanzb sabnzbdplus<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Steps for making the Benq Acer S2W 3300U work == <br />
<br />
* Plug in power and USB cable to the scanner, and connect it to your computer.<br />
* Check SANE is installed, then run <code> sane-find-scanner </code>, and it should list your scanner.<br />
* From [http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/downloads.cfm/dtype/D/page/downloads/product/91 Benq's page] get the Mirascan ZIP file. Note that Benq's webservers are crap, and they cut out mid-download, so save yourself frustration by using wget to take care of the downloading/resuming/retrying, by doing:<br />
wget ftp://211.78.86.204/scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
and/or<br />
wget http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/download.cfm?file=scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
* Check the ZIP file downloaded okay by doing:<br />
unzip -t mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
... and making sure it says there were "no errors detected" at the end.<br />
* Extract just the u176v046.bin file (which is firmware blob that this scanner needs to operate) into the current directory:<br />
unzip -j mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip "MiraScan v4.03u10_BQA/BIN/u176v046.bin"<br />
* Set up Sane to use this firmware blob:<br />
sudo mkdir /usr/share/sane/snapscan<br />
sudo cp u176v046.bin /usr/share/sane/snapscan/<br />
sudo editor /etc/sane.d/snapscan.conf<br />
... and change the first line from:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/your-firmwarefile.bin<br />
to:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/u176v046.bin<br />
... then save and close the file.<br />
* Then under the Applications -> Graphics menu, run Xsane, or (my preference) Simple Scan.<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
<!-- todo: add the repo steps here --><br />
Unfortunately dropbox does not seem to automatically install updates for old versions. Given this, need to manually install updates on old versions, and easiest way to install dropbox updates on Linux is, open a terminal and do:<br />
dropbox stop<br />
dropbox status # Should report "not running"<br />
rm -r ~/.dropbox-dist/<br />
dropbox start -i<br />
<br />
== Handbrake ==<br />
<br />
Handbrake is a media converter, and is especially useful for converting files for portable devices, like Android tablets or iPhones. To install the snapshot releases (which seems to be the easiest way, if you want the GUI) :<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:stebbins/handbrake-snapshots<br />
sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install handbrake-gtk handbrake-cli<br />
== Install Chromium dev builds ==<br />
<br />
Firefox is currently slightly better as a daily browser, but Chromium is improving rapidly. If you want to play with the native alpha port of Google's Chrome browser just to see how it's going, you can install the dev builds of Chromium quite easily by doing:<br />
<!-- could get rid of the PPA - Ubuntu now includes the chromium browser in universe, that lags a little, but avoids the constant daily updates: http://packages.ubuntu.com/search?keywords=chromium-browser --><br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:chromium-daily/dev<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install chromium-browser chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-nonfree chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-extra<br />
<!-- following [http://www.stefanoforenza.com/chromium-on-ubuntu-how-to/ these directions]. You probably also want to add the key for this PPA to your system, following [https://help.launchpad.net/Packaging/PPA#Adding%20the%20keys%20using%20Gnome these directions] about adding [http://keyserver.ubuntu.com:11371/pks/lookup?op=get&search=0x5A9BF3BB4E5E17B5 their key] to your system, so that you don't get lots of prompts every day when there is an update about "do you want to install unauthenticated packages?". --><br />
<br />
Chrome Extensions to install:<br />
* [http://www.chromeextensions.org/appearance-functioning/flashblock/ FlashBlock].<br />
* [http://blog.xmarks.com/?p=1244 Xmarks].<br />
* [https://chrome.google.com/extensions/detail/gighmmpiobklfepjocnamgkkbiglidom Adblock]. Need to restart browser for extension to take effect.<br />
<br />
Still waiting for these Chrome extensions as at July 2010:<br />
* The equivalent of Tab Mix Plus. (still looking for this).<br />
<br />
Things that aren't working quite right yet in Chromium on Linux:<br />
* The backspace key should go back, or should be configurable for this. There is an extension that allows this, but it should probably be a preference in the base browser.<br />
* Auto-updating of extensions. There is a way to do this from the extensions UI, but in Chromium it doesn't seem to do anything.<br />
* Audio playback not working correctly - e.g. on [http://slides.html5rocks.com/#slide22 this slide], get no audio after selecting a national anthem other than US (US works, other's don't). Possibly [http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Chrome/thread?tid=2fdf2aa857abe1ef&hl=en this issue] or [http://code.google.com/p/chromium/issues/detail?id=37848 this issue].<br />
* WebGL does not work on an old laptop, but does on a modern desktop. Could be that the laptop's hardware is just too old (or just not supported in 3D).<br />
<br />
To enable most of the new features of Chromium, change the command line for starting chromium to be like this:<br />
chromium-browser --enable-plugins --enable-greasemonkey --enable-user-scripts --enable-internal-flash --enable-extensions --enable-webgl %U<br />
<br />
Configuration settings:<br />
* To make streetview work: Try to open streetview -> nothing happens -> press Ctrl-Shift-F (which permanently unblock flashblock on that site) -> then streetview will pop up and work thereafter.<br />
<br />
Updating the flash plugin if you get a warning that "the flash plugin was blocked because it is out of date", or just installing the flash plugin.<br />
* First check where the plugin is installed, by opening chrome://plugins/ in chromium, and expanding the "details" link.<br />
* For me, it said "Location: /usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so".<br />
* Note this directory, and update the flashplugin variable below if you have a different path:<br />
cd ~/tmp<br />
flashplugin=/usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so<br />
sudo mv $flashplugin ./libflashplayer.so.old<br />
wget http://download.macromedia.com/pub/labs/flashplayer10/flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz<br />
tar zfvx flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz <br />
sudo cp ./libflashplayer.so $flashplugin<br />
cd /usr/lib/chromium-browser/plugins<br />
sudo ln -s $flashplugin<br />
Now restart chromium and the warning should be fixed & flash should work.<br />
<!--<br />
== Pinta ==<br />
<br />
Basic image editing program, like ms-paint:<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:moonlight-team/pinta<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install pinta<br />
<br />
tends to crash though.... don't include in public instructions just yet!<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
'''Warning: semi-commercial software'''<br />
<br />
Personally, I find dropbox useful for synchronising up to 2 GB of data free between multiple systems (desktop and laptop; work and home). You need to sign up here and install the software from here.<br />
##### FINISH WRITING THIS STEP AT SOME POINT #####<br />
##### Keeps crashing on network transfers, so don't write up until that is completed ###### -- this was fixed by upgrading to version 0.6.564 <br />
##### The crashing is back.... **sigh**<br />
<br />
== testing: Ksplice for rebootless kernel updates ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.ksplice.com/uptrack/download Install]<br />
[http://lwn.net/Articles/340477/ background on Ksplice].<br />
<br />
== Ekiga linux setup ==<br />
.... cannot test this until ADSL connection no longer blocks VoIP...<br />
Date: Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:21:10 +1100<br />
VoIP client.<br />
<br />
Applications ->Internet -> Ekiga softphone<br />
Enter name<br />
Tick "I do not want to sign up for the ekiga.net free service"<br />
connection type xDSL.cable<br />
enable STUN support: Yes<br />
rest of the options: take the defaults,.<br />
<br />
Then in Ekiga, go:<br />
edit -> accounts -> add my pennytel account details.<br />
#### No sound through ekiga in 10.10 -- leave commented out until this works ####<br />
--></div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/Firefox_configuration_stepsFirefox configuration steps2012-09-17T01:44:39Z<p>Nickj: /* Firefox Tweaks */</p>
<hr />
<div>Firefox configuration steps<br />
<br />
== Firefox Add-ons == <br />
Go Tools -> Add-ons -> Get Add-ons -> then search for and install these add-ons:<br />
* [https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1122 Tax mix plus].<br />
* Flashblock<br />
* Xmarks<br />
* Adblock Plus<br />
<br />
== Firefox Tweaks == <br />
* Don't want Firefox to close when pressing ctrl-w on the last tab: Tools -> tab mix plus options -> events -> tab closing -> tick "do not close window when closing last tab by hotkey".<br />
* Tab mix plus -> Events -> New Tabs -> Tick "Open new tabs next to current one".<br />
* Tab mix plus -> Events -> Tab Features -> Untick "Ctrl-Tab navigates tabs in most recently used order".<br />
* Tab mix plus -> Display -> Tab Bar -> When tabs don't fit width: Multi-row; Set number of rows to 2 or 3. <!--<br />
* Firefox: enable printing in print preview mode in Linux: about:config -> toggle "printWhileInPrintPreview" to "true". [Have to re-apply this setting when upgrading linux distro] --><br />
* Stop animated GIFs in Firefox: about:config -> image.animation_mode -> change to "none"<br />
* Firefox: Fix the stupid behavior of overwriting current tabs when opening new tabs: about:config -> browser.tabs.loadFolderAndReplace -> toggle to "true". [Have to re-apply this setting when upgrading Linux distro]<br />
* To get autocomplete for the web address, go: about:config -> browser.urlbar.autoFill -> toggle to "true" -> restart FF.<br />
* Stop the full screen mode-switch animation: about:config -> browser.fullscreen.animateUp -> change to "0".<br />
* Perform a sync using Foxmarks wizard, and for the initial setup keep the bookmarks on the server, and overwrite those on this computer.<br />
* File -> Page setup ... -> Paper size = "A4", and orientation = "Portrait".<br />
* Edit -> Preferences -> Main tab -> tick to close the download window when all downloads are finished.<br />
* Laptops only: Add a delay to the bookmark menu collapsing (only really useful on laptops when navigating with a trackpad or button, which tends to be fairly inaccurate) - about:config -> right-click -> New -> Integer -> name is: ui.submenuDelay -> value is: 800<br />
* Prevent JavaScript from messing with browser window: Edit -> Preferences -> Content tab -> Advanced ... -> untick everything.<br />
* Make the "Backspace" key be like pressing the "Back" button: about:config -> browser.backspace_action -> change to "0".<br />
* Stop blocky graphics: View -> Zoom -> Tick "Zoom Text Only".<br />
* About:config -> dom.max_script_run_time -> chnage from 10 to 20 to increase timeout on slow scripts.<br />
* Set search bar to use Australian Google rather than US Google: Open [http://mycroft.mozdev.org/google-search-plugins.html this list of search plugins] -> click "Google Australia - the web" -> tick the "Start using it straight away" box -> click "Ok".<br />
* To make streetview work: Tools -> Addons -> Flash-block -> preferences -> whitelist -> add "maps.google.com.au" and "maps.google.com".<br />
* Firefox 4, to limit excessive memory usage: about:config -> browser.sessionhistory.max_total_viewers -> set to "0".<br />
* To stop old tabs using memory when the browser is restarted: Edit -> Preferences -> Tabs -> tick "Don't load tabs until selected". This gives behaviour like the BarTab extension, albeit without tab unloading after a period of inactivity.<br />
* If install noscript, then add a whitelisting for xmarks.com<br />
* To increase mouse scroll speeed: About:config -> mousewheel.withnokey.sysnumlines -> toggle to false. Then make sure that mousewheel.withnokey.numlines is set to 6.</div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/Ubuntu_desktop_setup_stepsUbuntu desktop setup steps2012-09-05T03:15:37Z<p>Nickj: /* Python-iview (for Australia only) */ unfortunately this app was pulled due to the ABC sending threatening legal letters to the dev.</p>
<hr />
<div>Ubuntu desktop setup steps for an AMD64 system. Most of these instructions will also work on 8.04 LTS, 8.10, 9.04, and 9.10, and 10.04 LTS, 10.10, 11.04, and 11.10, as these instructions were previously for those versions, and it should almost all work on an x86 system too:<br />
<br />
== Pre-installation standard hardware test procedure ==<br />
<br />
Before installing or configuring any software, it is imperative to test the hardware beforehand, to establish that it is not provably broken:<br />
* Download the ISOs for [http://www.sysresccd.org/ System Rescue CD] and [http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/ Ultimate Boot CD] and burn these.<br />
* From either CD, run Memtest86+ on the machine overnight, to test that the CPU and memory are error-free.<br />
* From UBCD, run a CPU stress test for 5 to 10 minutes to check CPU is reliable and adequately cooled.<br />
* From Sys Rescue CD, check for bad blocks on the hard drive, before trusting it with any data: <code>badblocks -v -s -w -c 4096 /dev/sda</code> <br />Note however that badblocks is quite a slow test - e.g. took 34 hours on a 500 GB SATA disk in an external USB enclosure, and 17 hours on a 250 GB IDE disk.<br />It's also a destructive write test, and so will blank the disk, so make sure you have the right device (use <code>fdisk -lu</code> to confirm the device's size and name).<br />Successful output will look something like this:<br />
Checking for bad blocks in read-write mode<br />
From block 0 to 244198583<br />
Testing with pattern 0xaa: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x55: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0xff: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x00: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Pass completed, 0 bad blocks found.<br />
<br />
If problems are found with any of the above, resolve these first before proceeding further.<br />
<br />
== Installation == <br />
<br />
* Firstly, decide whether you want software RAID or not. Personally, I use RAID-1 mirroring of a single bootable partition, using 2 same-sized disks, from 2 different manufacturers, because:<br />
*# it's simple.<br />
*# it's redundant enough.<br />
*# it's cheap: the incremental cost is the cost of a single disk, which is less than $100.<br />
*# you can boot off of it.<br />
*# it's not a question of if a disk will fail, but when.<br />
: For software RAID, install from the Alternate Installation CD. You can always [http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Convert_a_single_drive_system_to_RAID convert to RAID-1 later], but it's significantly more faffing about than setting it up this way from the get-go.<br />
* Once you've done the above, download and burn either the standard or alternate Ubuntu install CD, as appropriate.<br />
* Insert installation CD. Follow simple options, installs, ejects CD, reboots. Then login.<br />
* System -> Networking -> set up static IP address instead of dynamic IP address.<br />
* reboot to get network changes to apply (theoretically this should not be necessary, but in practice it was, at least for me on 8.04).<br />
* reboot, install system updates. Then reboot once updates are installed.<br />
* system -> hardware drivers -> enable the proprietary nvidia drivers.<br />
* reboot to enable the proprietary drivers.<br />
<br />
== Tweaks and Preferences ==<br />
<br />
* Ditch the annoying sounds: System -> Preferences -> sound -> sounds -> set all to "no sound", and untick "play system sounds", and on "system beep" tab untick all boxes.<br />
* Ditch the thrashing hard-disk: System -> Preferences -> Searching and indexing -> General -> tick "enable indexing" and "enable watching" and both of the power management boxes to disable stuff when on battery.<br />
* To get Subpixel Smoothing on LCDs, do this: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Fonts -> Select "subpixel smoothing (LCDs)". Need to restart Firefox for this change to take effect in Firefox.<br />
* To get reasonable desktop visual effects: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Visual Effects -> Select "Normal".<br />
* To make the system remember running apps and window locations on logout, do this: System -> Preferences -> sessions -> session options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out". In Ubuntu 9.04 / gnome 2.26 & up, this setting has moved, and is now under: System -> Preferences -> Startup Application Preferences -> options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out".<br />
<!--* To tweak networking performance, [http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Hardy#Howto:_Tweak_and_maximize_your_bandwidth_in_Ubuntu.2FLinux_via_sysctl.21 follow these instructions]. --><br />
* Power saving: Turn off blinking cursor by going: System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> untick "Cursor blinks in text fields".<br />
* Add terminal icon to gnome panel: Right-click panel -> Add to Panel -> Application Launcher... -> Accessories -> Terminal -> Add -> Close.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Editor" tab -> tick "autosave" files every 2 minutes.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Plugins" tab -> tick "Sort" to enable the sort plugin -> Close. Can now highlight text and go Edit -> Sort to get it alphabetically sorted.<br />
<br />
== [[Firefox configuration steps]] ==<br />
<br />
{{:Firefox configuration steps}}<br />
<br />
== Installation of extra software ==<br />
<br />
Go system -> admin -> synaptic package manager -> then Install the following (my brief descriptions of what some packages do are also shown) :<br />
* inkscape # Vector drawing package<br />
* hugin # Create panoramas from an image set.<br />
* dia # Draw diagrams & flow charts, somewhat like "visio" on Windows.<br />
* googleearth-package<br />
* xchat # IRC client.<br />
* ttf-mscorefonts-installer ttf-linux-libertine ttf-inconsolata # The most useful font sets. See also the "[[#Install the Tahoma fonts|Install the Tahoma fonts]]" section below.<br />
* audacious # Like XMMS or Winamp<br />
* nmap # Check for open ports.<br />
* filezilla # GUI FTP client.<br />
* wireshark # Packet sniffer<br />
* powertop iotop htop # Show power hogs, I/O hogs, and an more visual command-line version of top.<br />
* nautilus-open-terminal # adds ability to right click on a folder and get a command prompt there.<br />
* php5-cli php5-gd php5-curl # Only useful if you want to write scripts in PHP.<br />
* traceroute # How packets get from here to there over the network.<br />
* curl # Command line HTTP client, includes form-submitting capacity<br />
* tofrodos # Convert line endings from dos to UNIX or vice-versa.<br />
* openssh-server<br />
* libxml2-dev libmysqlclient-dev # Optional: Only used for compiling PHP snapshots<br />
* eclipse sun-java6-jdk sun-java6-jre sun-java6-plugin libmysql-java junit junit-doc # Optional: Java development using Eclipse + java plugins for Firefox<br />
* sysinfo # Kind of like device manager on Windows. Shows CPU / memory / hard disk installed, some hardware that has been detected, etc.<br />
* autofs smbfs smbclient<br />
* gisomount<br />
* gtk-recordmydesktop # Record videos of what you're doing on your desktop.<br />
* gworldclock # Want to simultaneously see the time in Tokyo, LA, London, and Rio? Use this.<br />
* ffmpeg2theora # Convert videos into format suitable for uploading to Wikimedia commons.<br />
* rar p7zip-full # needed for extracting .7z and RAR archives<br />
* gnome-do # Run apps or commands from a keyboard launcher.<br />
* pinfo # Much nicer UI than man or info for reading documentation.<br />
* vlc mozilla-plugin-vlc<br />
* avidemux # Useful for replacing audio tracks in video files.<br />
* indent # Useful for auto-indenting code.<br />
* smartmontools smart-notifier # S.M.A.R.T. hard disk monitoring tools.<br />
* tidy<br />
* ddrescue # Useful for recovering data from failing hard disks.<br />
* gimp-resynthesizer # A nifty plugin for gimp for repairing images or filling in content intelligently. Ignore if you don't use gimp.<br />
* qpdf # Useful for removing password from PDF files, as per [http://blog.sandipb.net/2009/01/10/removing-encryption-from-legitimate-pdf-files-on-ubuntu/ this guide].<br />
* hardinfo # Generates a hardware report and benchmark for the system; can also run in command line mode by doing: <code> hardinfo -r -f html > report.html </code><br />
* gtkvncviewer # Nice VNC client.<br />
* renameutils # Useful for bulk renaming of files. Example for renaming all .JPG files in a directory to .jpg (lowercase) is: <code>rename s/JPG$/jpg/ *</code><br />
* meld # Good GUI for comparing two files, e.g. two log files.<br />
* asciio # Good for drawing ASCII graphs; only available in Ubuntu 10.10 and up.<br />
* spamassassin # Email filtering, used by Evolution.<br />
<!--<br />
<br />
Have installed on laptop - test some more and see if worth including:<br />
gedit-plugins<br />
wget http://nchc.dl.sourceforge.net/sourceforge/openproj/openproj_1.4-2.deb && sudo dpkg -i openproj_1.4-2.deb<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
winbind # could be useful on a windows network. Have not discerned any benefit yet though.<br />
<br />
Still working out whether to include or not: * evolution-plugins-experimental <br />
<br />
* bum # Boot Up Manager - GUI for specifying what services should be running on boot-up.<br />
* miro # Combined bittorrent client and video player. Particularly useful for downloading TED talks before a flight. Uses lots of disk space though.<br />
* k3b # CD burning app.<br />
* deluge amule # P2P - donkey plus bittorrent<br />
<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Configure "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" ==<br />
<br />
To get the back / forward keyboard keys working in Firefox, when using the "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard", go System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> Layout -> click the model button -> Choose Microsoft -> set model to "Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro USB" -> click "close".<br />
<br />
== Custom Key Bindings, aimed at "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" == <br />
<br />
Note: the steps keep changing in each Ubuntu release (the menus move around, the keycodes change), unfortunately. This is what works for me using 11.10 in gnome-fallback mode:<br />
<br />
* ubuntu "System Setting" (top right corner of your desktop) -> Keyboard -> Shortcut.<br />
* Set "1" favourite key to "run a terminal"<br />
* Set "2" favourite key to "open home folder"<br />
<br />
There seems to be a bug that prevents the "custom shortcuts" keys from working for favourite keys 3, 4 and 5. Instead we have to do this:<br />
* In a terminal, run: <code>gconf-editor</code><br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/global_keybindings<br />
* Change "run_command_3" to be 0xc2, "run_command_4" to be 0xc3, and "run_command_5" to be 0xc4 - these corresponds to the 3 / 4 / 5 favourite keys.<br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/keybinding_commands<br />
* Change "command_3" to be the take-screenshot command: <code>gnome-screenshot --window --interactive</code><br />
* Change "command_4" to be the new-text-editor command: <code>/usr/bin/gedit --new-document</code><br />
* Change "command_5" to be as desired.<br />
<!-- * Name is "Zend Studio", command is "sh /home/nickj/programs/Zend/ZendStudio-5.5.0/bin/ZDE". Set the 5 favourite key to run this. --><br />
<br />
== Install Skype == <br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>" -> Skype -> More Info -> Install. <br />
<br />
Then to make the right-click menus legible with Ubuntu's dark theme, do as follows:<br />
# Applications -> Internet -> Skype -> single-click on the skype icon in the top right to open skype -> Ctrl-O to open options -> "general" -> Choose Style: "Desktop settings" -> close.<br />
# Single click on skype icon to open skype again -> Ctrl-Q to close.<br />
# Now restart skype by going Applications -> Internet -> Skype, and the right-click menus will be readable.<br />
<!--<br />
install Skype - [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Skype#AMD64 Source of instructions].<br />
sudo aptitude install ia32-libs<br />
wget http://skype.com/go/getskype-linux-ubuntu<br />
sudo aptitude install libqt4-core libqt4-gui qt4-qtconfig <br />
sudo dpkg --install --force-architecture --force-depends skype-debian*.deb<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Install the Tahoma fonts ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.stchman.com/ms_fonts.html Source of instructions].<br />
<br />
Once the msttcorefonts package is installed you will notice that Tahoma and Tahoma Bold is missing. You will need to extract Tahoma<br />
and Tahoma Bold from the zip file. Tahoma is used for Microsoft desktop, title bars and menu fonts so if you are trying to get that<br />
XP look you will need the Tahoma regular and Tahoma Bold fonts. Install Tahoma by doing the following in a terminal.<br />
<br />
cd ~<br />
wget http://www.stchman.com/tools/MS_fonts/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo unzip -d /usr/share/fonts/truetype/msttcorefonts ~/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo fc-cache -f -v<br />
rm -f ~/tahoma.zip<br />
<br />
== Install Flash == <br />
<br />
* Install the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up or installs flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems.<br />
* Restart the browser.<br />
* Go to: Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, go with all the defaults.<br />
* It removes any old flash plugins and downloads and installs the latest Adobe one.<br />
* For AMD64 systems, can use the flash 64 bit beta.<br />
<br />
If flash videos have a blue tint after the installation, then repeat the above steps, which may fix it. If it doesn't, then right click on a flash video with a blue tint -> Settings -> Untick "enable HW acceleration". [http://askubuntu.com/questions/117127/flash-video-appears-blue Source].<br />
<br />
== Install Google Earth ==<br />
<!--<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update && sudo aptitude install medibuntu-keyring && sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install googleearth-4.3<br />
<br />
... or follow the manual instructions on [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/GoogleEarth this page] for a more recent version.<br />
--><br />
Follow [http://www.liberiangeek.net/2011/10/how-to-install-google-earth-in-ubuntu-11-10-oneiric-ocelot/ these instructions for installing google earth].<br />
<br />
== Install Acrobat reader ==<br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>", or go Applications -> Ubuntu Software Center, and then go: -> Canonical Partners -> Adobe Acrobat reader -> Install.<br />
<br />
<!--<br />
In earlier versions of Ubuntu, to install acrobat reader, since [http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-general-1/cant-shrink-to-fit-pdf-doc-654281/ Ubuntu's native PDF readers don't have shrink to fit when printing]. :<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install acroread acroread-plugins<br />
<br />
(this uses medibuntu, from the Google Earth step above).<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
Also need to do this:<br />
sudo editor /usr/share/applications/defaults.list <br />
And change this:<br />
#application/pdf=evince.desktop<br />
application/pdf=AdobeReader.desktop<br />
--><br />
Then to tweak the display preferences of Acrobat Reader: Edit -> Preferences -> Page Display -> set "Zoom" to "Fit Page" -> Click "Ok".<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
== Install Opera ==<br />
<br />
To install and configure opera (since it's useful for testing web pages to be able to check behaviour, and it's useful to have another browser around sometimes), do the following:<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.list<br />
... and add these two lines:<br />
# For latest stable opera:<br />
deb http://deb.opera.com/opera/ stable non-free<br />
<br />
* Then do:<br />
sudo wget -O - http://deb.opera.com/archive.key | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install opera<br />
* Then run opera - Applications -> Internet -> Opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise -> Toolbars tab -> change the "wrapping" setting to "Wrap to multiple lines".<br />
<!-- <br />
* Go to [http://www.opera.com/download/ Opera's download page].<br />
* Download and open and install the .deb file<br />
* Then run opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise and change the wrapping setting to "multiple lines".<br />
--><br />
== Enable Apport for crash bug reporting ==<br />
<br />
Enable apport so that crash bugs will be reported and logged:<br />
sudo editor /etc/default/apport<br />
change enabled from "0" to "1".<br />
<br />
Crashes will then be logged to /var/crash/<br />
<br />
== Configure Open Office to work in MS Office 2000 compatibility mode ==<br />
<br />
[http://news.cnet.com/8301-13880_3-9864262-68.html Source of instructions]. Only do this if you are testing a migration to Ubuntu. Once you have already switched, then use the native ODF for new files, as they generally save formatting better.<br />
* Start OpenOffice Word Process: Applications -> Office -> OpenOffice.org Word Processor -> tools -> options -> expand "Load/Save" -> select "general" -> For document type = "Text document", set Always save as "Microsoft Word 97/2000/XP" (instead of "ODF text document"); For Document type = "Spreadsheet", set Always save as "Microsoft Excel 97/2000/XP"; For Document type = "Presentation", set Always save as "Microsoft PowerPoint 97/2000/XP" -> then click "OK".<br />
* Then tools -> options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> compatibility -> tick "Use printer metrics for document formatting", tick "Do not add leading (extra space) between lines of text", and tick "Consider wrapping style when positioning objects". Then go: Use as Default -> Yes -> OK.<br />
<br />
Note: When you upgrade between Ubuntu releases, you will probably need to repeat the first step, otherwise it will default back to saving in OpenOffice's formats by default.<br />
<br />
== Evolution configuration ==<br />
<br />
* Turn off new email notifications: Evolution -> Edit -> Plugins -> Uncheck "Mail Notification" plugin.<br />
* Edit -> Preferences -> 'Calendar and Tasks' -> 'Display' tab -> Disable the 'Compress weekends in month view' option.<br />
* Customize the default mail folder view. Get one folder looking right (personal preference: Columns: From / Subject / Received, with threads off, sorted by date received with most recent first). Then go View -> Current view -> Save Custom View... -> Replace existing view -> Messages -> Save. "Messages" is a special view, which is used by default on all folders, although you can override it on a folder-by-folder basis, but customizing that folder's view.<br />
<br />
== Set up SSH keys and KeepAlive Interval ==<br />
<br />
For each machine you want to have password-less SSH login to, do:<br />
ssh-copy-id -i ~/.ssh/id_dsa.pub machine1<br />
<br />
Also on some connections the SSH shell can close after a short timeout period. To keep connections option for longer, on the client side do, <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and then add this line to send a keep-alive heartbeat every 60 seconds:<br />
ServerAliveInterval 60<br />
<br />
... there is also a corresponding "ClientAliveInterval 60" setting that can be added to /etc/ssh/sshd_config - although sometimes you only control the client side of the link, and so this is not possible.<br />
<br />
Also set up connection sharing, makes secondary connections to SSH hosts much faster. <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and add this:<br />
# from: "OpenSSH tip: connection sharing"<br />
# http://tanguy.ortolo.eu/blog/article42/ssh-connection-sharing<br />
ControlPath ~/.ssh/control-%r@%h:%p<br />
ControlMaster auto<br />
ControlPersist 1<br />
<br />
== Automounting remote file systems using SSHFS ==<br />
<br />
For a remote Linux system, can automount with autofs + sshfs. Follow the guides [http://www.tjansson.dk/?p=84 here] and [http://www.mccambridge.org/blog/2007/05/totally-seamless-sshfs-under-linux-using-fuse-and-autofs/ here].<br />
<br />
Debug any problems with:<br />
tail --lines=0 -f /var/log/*<br />
<!-- <br />
Windows shares<br />
* Currently TESTING, this step not complete yet.<br />
* [http://oapeon.blogspot.com/2008/09/automounting-cifs-share-in-ubuntu.html Follow these instructions], but also [http://www.howtoforge.com/accessing_windows_or_samba_shares_using_autofs create a /etc/auto.smb.FILESERVERNAME file with login credentials].<br />
<br />
Actually, may have spoken too soon, seems kinda flakey. Getting "Input/output error" on the command line when accessing shares after a few minutes:<br />
<br />
$ ls /smb/server/sharename/<br />
ls: cannot access /smb/server/sharename/: Input/output error<br />
$<br />
<br />
Also seeing these errors when doing "tail -f /var/log/messages", despite supplying login credentials:<br />
Oct 23 17:42:02 redux kernel: [66597.665680] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
Oct 23 17:42:01 redux kernel: [66597.524118] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
<br />
To remove, uninstall these packages:<br />
sudo aptitude uninstall --purge autofs libevent1 libgssglue1 libnfsidmap2 librpcsecgss3 nfs-common portmap smbfs<br />
<br />
<br />
rebooting seemed to make this better.... although it's still buggy and flakey. Get directories being infinitely recursive, edited files appearing as directories, etc etc.<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
testing / playing with smbnetfs as an alternative<br />
sudo aptitude install smbnetfs<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/smbnetfs.conf <br />
<br />
- show_$_shares "false"<br />
+ show_$_shares "true"<br />
<br />
mkdir ~/.smb<br />
editor ~/.smb/smbnetfs.auth<br />
<br />
auth nickj password<br />
<br />
Need to do something with .smb/smbnetfs.conf ?<br />
<br />
<br />
* smbnetfs is probably not even running - need to find some decent docs on how to configure this.<br />
* autofs is mounted on /smb , and can be seriously flakey.<br />
* trying sshfs now, seems better but needs some magic options in the mount flags to work suitably.<br />
--><br />
== right before and right after each upgrade ==<br />
<br />
Remove unneeded cruft, by doing:<br />
sudo apt-get autoremove<br />
sudo apt-get clean<br />
deborphan<br />
Check first that no important packages are about to be removed, then do:<br />
sudo apt-get remove --purge $(deborphan)<br />
Purge old configuration files, first command shows what will be purged:<br />
sudo aptitude search ~c <br />
sudo aptitude purge ~c<br />
<br />
Fix broken packages:<br />
* <code>sudo aptitude</code><br />
* fix any broken packages (ctrl-t -> resolver -> examine -> g -> g).<br />
* also clean up cache and obsolete files (ctrl-t -> actions -> "clean package cache" and "clean obsolete files").<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
These tweaks are only required for 9.04:<br />
<br />
([http://reformedmusings.wordpress.com/2009/04/26/recovering-daily-update-notifications-in-ubuntu-904-jaunty/ Source]) To enable daily notification of non-security updates, which is especially useful if you [[#enable Apport for crash bug reporting|enable Apport for crash bug reporting]], then do this:<br />
gconftool -s --type bool /apps/update-notifier/auto_launch false<br />
<br />
([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-when-logoutshutdown-and-restart-ubuntu904 Source]) To remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout, do this:<br />
* Right-click on the panel power button icon on top-right of the screen -> Preferences -> Untick "Show confirm dialog for logout, shutdown and restart".<br />
<br />
Only in Ubuntu 9.04:<br />
sudo aptitude install firefox-3.5 firefox-3.5-gnome-support<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Tweaks to Ubuntu 9.10 that I had to apply to get stuff working again, or configured how I like it:<br />
<br />
1: Remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout. ([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-in-ubuntu910karmic Source]). <br />
<br />
2: For seeing details of SMART reporting for hard disks:<br />
sudo aptitude install gsmartcontrol<br />
<br />
3: system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Dust".<br />
<br />
4: Alt-F2, run gconf-editor , then toogle the GConf key /apps/eog/ui/disable_trash_confirmation to be ticked, to disable prompting for image deleting though Eye of Gnome ([https://bugzilla.gnome.org/show_bug.cgi?id=541967#c5 source]).<br />
<br />
5: Some third party entries in your sources.list were disabled. You can re-enable them after the upgrade with the 'software-properties' tool or your package manager.<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.lst<br />
<br />
.. then re-enable dropbox, chrome daily builds, etc, and apply those updates:<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude upgrade<br />
<br />
6: Setting MySQL back to utf8 mode:<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/mysql/my.cnf <br />
add under the "[mysqld]" section:<br />
default-character-set=utf8<br />
<br />
7: Blue tint to video files in VLC, Mplayer, and Totem. [http://www.mediacollege.com/video-gallery/testclips/20051210-w50s.flv Example video file]. [https://bugs.launchpad.net/totem/+bug/395476 Bug is in] the Nvidia closed source driver. Workaround is:<br />
* open totem via Applications -> Sound & Video -> Movie Player<br />
* open the preferences window via Edit -> Preferences<br />
* select the Display tab<br />
* click the Reset to Defaults button<br />
<br />
8: Problem: Mplayer crashing regularly when changing video output mode, and also giving a "couldn't resolve name for AF_INET6:" error on URL playback. Workaround: ditch mplayer, as totem and VLC are suitable replacements:<br />
sudo aptitude remove --purge mplayer<br />
<br />
9: Flash applets don't work in firefox or chrome on AMD64 (example: playing [http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-february-1-2010/q---o this Daily Show] video) .... solution: redo the [[#Install_Flash_on_AMD64|Flash installation steps]].<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Ambiance". <!-- move window decoration buttons to the left too - find link & steps for this --><br />
# If images don't display in office documents: Start OpenOffice writer, and then go: Tools -> Options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> View -> tick "Graphics and objects" -> click "Ok".<br />
<!-- to get SIP calls working through empathy through the dodgy Telstra modem that blocks VoIP: sudo aptitude install telepathy-sofiasip ... no, didn't work - test again later. --><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# <code>sudo aptitude remove tracker</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install unity-2d</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
The 11.10 release had more problems than most releases.<br />
<br />
Nautilus default view: go to Places -> Home folder -> Edit -> Preferences -> "View new folders using": select "List View".<br />
<br />
=== Restore classic Gnome desktop ===<br />
To get gnome classic desktop back, as per [http://www.webupd8.org/2011/08/installing-using-classic-gnome-desktop.html this blog post].<br />
sudo apt-get install gnome-session-fallback<br />
Then:<br />
* Install weather applet<br />
* System monitor applet<br />
* Add application icons for Firefox, chrome, terminal, and gedit.<br />
sudo aptitude install alarm-clock-applet<br />
* Add an application icon for the alarm clock applet.<br />
* Put a trash applet back on the bottom right of the screen.<br />
* Put a show desktop applet back on the bottom left of the screen.<br />
<br />
=== SSH menu is gone, use SSH plus instead ===<br />
Follow [http://www.gulecha.org/2011/07/29/sshplus-a-sshmenu-compatible-appindicator/ these installation instructions]. Then do <code>sudo aptitude install putty</code><br/> <br />
To add to startup apps: application -> other -> startup applications -> add SSHplus by full path.<br />
<br />
=== blurry image viewer ===<br />
Images look blurry because the default Gnome Image viewer (eog/eye of gnome) is set to "Best Fit" instead of "Normal view", which resizes images slightly, making them appear blurry. Unfortunately, there seems to be no preference or setting that allows changing this permanently. Instead just install another image viewing app, and make it the default:<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install gthumb</code><br/><br />
It can be customized to view images 1:1 by going Edit -> Preferences -> Viewer -> Set to actual size. Then go View -> unselect "Thumbnail pane" (with this on, it seems to interfere with 1:1 viewing). Test it, then if so make it the default app by going ubuntu "System Settings" (top right corner of your desktop) -> System info -> Default applications -> Photos -> gThumb.<br />
<br />
=== usb automounting was broken ===<br />
Inserted USB drives would no longer automatically mount and open a file manager window. Solved by installing, and then removing, the usbmount package.<br />
<br />
=== Flash broken ===<br />
After upgrading from 11.04 to 11.10, flash applets either did not work, or worked partial (such as the sound being distorted, like the person was underwater). Fixed by installing the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up broken flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems. Installed the extension, restarted the browser, then went Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, just went with all the defaults, it removed the old flash plugins (I had 2) and downloaded and installed the latest adobe one, and then it was as good as new and working flawlessly.<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 12.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
=== Multiple monitors broken, screen orientation broken ===<br />
<br />
run Synaptic, remove all the nvidia drivers, and install the nouveau firmware, then reboot, then systems settings -> displays, and can change the monitor setup so that multi-montior works again and so the orientations are in portrait instead of landscape.<br />
<br />
=== Customised keyboard shortcuts lost ===<br />
<br />
All my customized keyboard shortcuts for the extra buttons on my keyboard are lost. Had to redo the keyboard config to get these back.<br />
<br />
=== alt-tab no longer works ===<br />
<br />
To fix (from [http://askubuntu.com/questions/135685/alt-tab-does-not-switch this source]) :<br />
sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* Go at the very bottom where it says "Window Management"<br />
* Put a checkmark in "application switcher"<br />
* That should fix it.<br />
<br />
=== Workplace switching is broken (gives a blank desktop with no menus or items) ===<br />
<br />
Install compiz settings manager as above, and that will fix it. To get switching to be 4 horizontal desktops:<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* "general" -> General options -> Desktop size -> horizontal virtual size = 4, vertical virtual size = 1<br />
<br />
Also turn off "effects" -> "animations" in compiz too, whilst we are there.<br />
<br />
=== Gnome menus look ugly ===<br />
<br />
The bug is [https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/light-themes/+bug/981289 here]. To fix ambiance themes, [http://www.webupd8.org/2012/05/install-ambiance-fixed-for-classic.html follow these steps].<br />
<br />
=== Printing was broken ===<br />
<br />
Jobs sent to the network printer just sat in the queue and were never printed, even though the printer hardware was fine and the same queue worked perfectly in 11.10. Easiest solution was to cancel all print jobs, delete the printer, add a new printer with the same settings, and reboot (because the printer setup locked up whilst doing these things).<br />
<br />
=== Printing was excessively slow from Firefox ===<br />
<br />
Even after doing the above, printing was very slow from Firefox to the HP LaserJet 2100 TN. For example, it was taking up to 4 minutes to print a page, whereas it would take 15 seconds before. To fix:<br />
* Run "system-config-printer" from the command line.<br />
* Change the printer driver. Instead of the recommended driver, use "HP LaserJet 2100 - CUPS+Gutenprint v5.2.8-pre1".<br />
* Print a test page, once works okay, click "OK", and close the printer config applet.<br />
<br />
=== Volume applet indicator disappeared ===<br />
<br />
[http://askubuntu.com/questions/126411/volume-and-other-indicators-disappeared-in-the-classic-desktop Source].<br />
Run gnome-sound-applet from the command line to check that it is installed and working.<br />
<br />
To start the sound applet automatically, go to System Tools -> Preferences -> Startup Applications, and add Command gnome-sound-applet<br />
<br />
<!-- == Python-iview (for Australia only) == <br />
[https://launchpad.net/~jeremy-visser/+archive/python-iview Python-iview] allows downloading ABC shows for later viewing. Steps to install:<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:jeremy-visser/python-iview<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude upgrade # this installs a later rtmpdump<br />
sudo aptitude install python-iview<br />
--><br />
<br />
== VirtualBox ==<br />
<br />
From the [http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Linux_Downloads VirtualBox Installation instructions]:<br />
sudo vim /etc/apt/sources.list <br />
add this line: <code>deb http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian oneiric contrib</code> . Do not add a deb-src line.<br />
wget -q http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian/oracle_vbox.asc -O- | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install dkms<br />
sudo aptitude install virtualbox-4.1<br />
<br />
The first time that you install, make sure that you are a member of vboxusers group (needed for USB disks to work correctly) :<br />
sudo usermod -a -G vboxusers `whoami`<br />
sudo usermod -a -G disk `whoami`<br />
Then reboot the computer.<br />
<br />
To get the extension pack, which enables some extra features in VirtualBox 4.1:<br />
cd ~/.Virtualbox<br />
mkdir extensions<br />
cd extensions/<br />
wget http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/4.1.8/Oracle_VM_VirtualBox_Extension_Pack-4.1.8-75467.vbox-extpack<br />
To enable the extension pack:<br />
* VirtualBox main window -> File -> Preferences -> Extensions -> add button on right -> select the file saved above -> enter password if prompted.<br />
<br />
Before starting the Guest machine, make sure USB functionality is enabled by going:<br />
* Settings -> USB -> Make sure both the USB checkboxes are ticked -> Click the "Add Empty Filter" button (the top button on the right) -> click OK to close dialog box.<br />
<br />
Rebuild the virtualbox modules after upgrading from a previous version:<br />
sudo service vboxdrv setup<br />
<br />
After upgrading from a previous version, to update the guest's VirtualBox drivers, do this after the Guest has started:<br />
* VirtualBox -> start Guest -> "Devices" menu -> Install Guest Additions.<br />
<br />
Then plug in a USB device after the guest machine has started. Then make it visible to the Guest by going:<br />
* Devices -> USB devices -> and select the USB device to make visible.<br />
<br />
And in a Debian or Ubuntu '''guest''' machine after doing a dist-upgrade, to install the vbox additions, do this:<br />
* Devices -> install guest additions...<br />
mount /dev/cdrom <br />
aptitude install build-essential linux-headers-$(uname -r)<br />
sh /cdrom/VBoxLinuxAdditions.run<br />
<br />
When doing a major version upgrade, use apt-get and not aptitude. For example:<br />
sudo apt-get install virtualbox-4.1<br />
... and then start VirtualBox, and then install the latest extension pack, using the steps above. The link will be on the [https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads VirtualBox downloads] page.<br />
<br />
If you get an "Error! Could not locate dkms.conf file" message, then you probably have old directories left over from an old version of virtualbox under /var/lib/dkms/ . E.g. I had some directories left over from 3.2.6, and the fix was:<br />
sudo rm -r /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetadp /var/lib/dkms/vboxdrv /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetflt<br />
<br />
== Newsgroup bin client ==<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude install sabnzbdplus<br />
Then configure as per [http://wiki.sabnzbd.org/quick-setup the steps on their wiki].<br />
<!-- Lottanzb keeps crashing for me:<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:lottanzb/daily-build<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:jcfp/ppa<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install lottanzb sabnzbdplus<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Steps for making the Benq Acer S2W 3300U work == <br />
<br />
* Plug in power and USB cable to the scanner, and connect it to your computer.<br />
* Check SANE is installed, then run <code> sane-find-scanner </code>, and it should list your scanner.<br />
* From [http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/downloads.cfm/dtype/D/page/downloads/product/91 Benq's page] get the Mirascan ZIP file. Note that Benq's webservers are crap, and they cut out mid-download, so save yourself frustration by using wget to take care of the downloading/resuming/retrying, by doing:<br />
wget ftp://211.78.86.204/scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
and/or<br />
wget http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/download.cfm?file=scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
* Check the ZIP file downloaded okay by doing:<br />
unzip -t mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
... and making sure it says there were "no errors detected" at the end.<br />
* Extract just the u176v046.bin file (which is firmware blob that this scanner needs to operate) into the current directory:<br />
unzip -j mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip "MiraScan v4.03u10_BQA/BIN/u176v046.bin"<br />
* Set up Sane to use this firmware blob:<br />
sudo mkdir /usr/share/sane/snapscan<br />
sudo cp u176v046.bin /usr/share/sane/snapscan/<br />
sudo editor /etc/sane.d/snapscan.conf<br />
... and change the first line from:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/your-firmwarefile.bin<br />
to:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/u176v046.bin<br />
... then save and close the file.<br />
* Then under the Applications -> Graphics menu, run Xsane, or (my preference) Simple Scan.<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
<!-- todo: add the repo steps here --><br />
Unfortunately dropbox does not seem to automatically install updates for old versions. Given this, need to manually install updates on old versions, and easiest way to install dropbox updates on Linux is, open a terminal and do:<br />
dropbox stop<br />
dropbox status # Should report "not running"<br />
rm -r ~/.dropbox-dist/<br />
dropbox start -i<br />
<br />
== Handbrake ==<br />
<br />
Handbrake is a media converter, and is especially useful for converting files for portable devices, like Android tablets or iPhones. To install the snapshot releases (which seems to be the easiest way, if you want the GUI) :<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:stebbins/handbrake-snapshots<br />
sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install handbrake-gtk handbrake-cli<br />
== Install Chromium dev builds ==<br />
<br />
Firefox is currently slightly better as a daily browser, but Chromium is improving rapidly. If you want to play with the native alpha port of Google's Chrome browser just to see how it's going, you can install the dev builds of Chromium quite easily by doing:<br />
<!-- could get rid of the PPA - Ubuntu now includes the chromium browser in universe, that lags a little, but avoids the constant daily updates: http://packages.ubuntu.com/search?keywords=chromium-browser --><br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:chromium-daily/dev<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install chromium-browser chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-nonfree chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-extra<br />
<!-- following [http://www.stefanoforenza.com/chromium-on-ubuntu-how-to/ these directions]. You probably also want to add the key for this PPA to your system, following [https://help.launchpad.net/Packaging/PPA#Adding%20the%20keys%20using%20Gnome these directions] about adding [http://keyserver.ubuntu.com:11371/pks/lookup?op=get&search=0x5A9BF3BB4E5E17B5 their key] to your system, so that you don't get lots of prompts every day when there is an update about "do you want to install unauthenticated packages?". --><br />
<br />
Chrome Extensions to install:<br />
* [http://www.chromeextensions.org/appearance-functioning/flashblock/ FlashBlock].<br />
* [http://blog.xmarks.com/?p=1244 Xmarks].<br />
* [https://chrome.google.com/extensions/detail/gighmmpiobklfepjocnamgkkbiglidom Adblock]. Need to restart browser for extension to take effect.<br />
<br />
Still waiting for these Chrome extensions as at July 2010:<br />
* The equivalent of Tab Mix Plus. (still looking for this).<br />
<br />
Things that aren't working quite right yet in Chromium on Linux:<br />
* The backspace key should go back, or should be configurable for this. There is an extension that allows this, but it should probably be a preference in the base browser.<br />
* Auto-updating of extensions. There is a way to do this from the extensions UI, but in Chromium it doesn't seem to do anything.<br />
* Audio playback not working correctly - e.g. on [http://slides.html5rocks.com/#slide22 this slide], get no audio after selecting a national anthem other than US (US works, other's don't). Possibly [http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Chrome/thread?tid=2fdf2aa857abe1ef&hl=en this issue] or [http://code.google.com/p/chromium/issues/detail?id=37848 this issue].<br />
* WebGL does not work on an old laptop, but does on a modern desktop. Could be that the laptop's hardware is just too old (or just not supported in 3D).<br />
<br />
To enable most of the new features of Chromium, change the command line for starting chromium to be like this:<br />
chromium-browser --enable-plugins --enable-greasemonkey --enable-user-scripts --enable-internal-flash --enable-extensions --enable-webgl %U<br />
<br />
Configuration settings:<br />
* To make streetview work: Try to open streetview -> nothing happens -> press Ctrl-Shift-F (which permanently unblock flashblock on that site) -> then streetview will pop up and work thereafter.<br />
<br />
Updating the flash plugin if you get a warning that "the flash plugin was blocked because it is out of date", or just installing the flash plugin.<br />
* First check where the plugin is installed, by opening chrome://plugins/ in chromium, and expanding the "details" link.<br />
* For me, it said "Location: /usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so".<br />
* Note this directory, and update the flashplugin variable below if you have a different path:<br />
cd ~/tmp<br />
flashplugin=/usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so<br />
sudo mv $flashplugin ./libflashplayer.so.old<br />
wget http://download.macromedia.com/pub/labs/flashplayer10/flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz<br />
tar zfvx flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz <br />
sudo cp ./libflashplayer.so $flashplugin<br />
cd /usr/lib/chromium-browser/plugins<br />
sudo ln -s $flashplugin<br />
Now restart chromium and the warning should be fixed & flash should work.<br />
<!--<br />
== Pinta ==<br />
<br />
Basic image editing program, like ms-paint:<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:moonlight-team/pinta<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install pinta<br />
<br />
tends to crash though.... don't include in public instructions just yet!<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
'''Warning: semi-commercial software'''<br />
<br />
Personally, I find dropbox useful for synchronising up to 2 GB of data free between multiple systems (desktop and laptop; work and home). You need to sign up here and install the software from here.<br />
##### FINISH WRITING THIS STEP AT SOME POINT #####<br />
##### Keeps crashing on network transfers, so don't write up until that is completed ###### -- this was fixed by upgrading to version 0.6.564 <br />
##### The crashing is back.... **sigh**<br />
<br />
== testing: Ksplice for rebootless kernel updates ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.ksplice.com/uptrack/download Install]<br />
[http://lwn.net/Articles/340477/ background on Ksplice].<br />
<br />
== Ekiga linux setup ==<br />
.... cannot test this until ADSL connection no longer blocks VoIP...<br />
Date: Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:21:10 +1100<br />
VoIP client.<br />
<br />
Applications ->Internet -> Ekiga softphone<br />
Enter name<br />
Tick "I do not want to sign up for the ekiga.net free service"<br />
connection type xDSL.cable<br />
enable STUN support: Yes<br />
rest of the options: take the defaults,.<br />
<br />
Then in Ekiga, go:<br />
edit -> accounts -> add my pennytel account details.<br />
#### No sound through ekiga in 10.10 -- leave commented out until this works ####<br />
--></div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/Nick%27s_HomepageNick's Homepage2012-09-04T23:13:29Z<p>Nickj: Reverted edits by Teltoareala1988 (talk) to last revision by Nickj</p>
<hr />
<div>* Japanese Skiing travel write ups:<br />
** [[Niseko Ski Diary]].<br />
** [[Shiga Kogen Ski Diary]].<br />
** [[Hakuba Ski Diary]].<br />
* About me:<br />
** [[Resume|Resum&eacute;]].<br />
** [[Quotes]] - Various quotes I saw and liked.<br />
** [[Likes and Dislikes]].<br />
** [[Favourite Games]].<br />
** [[Thumb up or down]]: Things I'd like to see more of, and things I'd like to see less of.<br />
** [[Random Thoughts]].<br />
** [[I'd like to see that]].<br />
* Random - stuff that doesn't fit anywhere else:<br />
** [[Identity of Kemeny's Hidden Label wines]].<br />
** [[LG WD-1435RD notes|Notes on the LG WD-1435RD washer dryer]].<br />
** [[Diplomacy strategy tips]].<br />
** [[Links]].<br />
* Computers:<br />
** Data Centre Server setup steps - [[Debian stable Web Server step-by-step|Step-by-step: From-scratch installation steps for a Linux PHP web server running Debian]]:<br />
*** Run memtest overnight.<br />
*** Installation.<br />
*** Update /etc/apt/sources.list.<br />
*** Get the latest and greatest packages.<br />
*** Remove unneeded or unwanted packages.<br />
*** Install LAMP.<br />
*** [[Debian stable Web Server step-by-step#Install_extra_useful_software|Install extra useful software]].<br />
*** Disable IPv6.<br />
*** [[Debian stable Web Server step-by-step#Stop console screen from blanking|Stop console screen from blanking]].<br />
*** [[Debian stable Web Server step-by-step#Exim 4 configuration|Exim 4 configuration]].<br />
*** customizing Apache configuration.<br />
*** Set up Apache virtual hosting.<br />
*** [[Debian stable Web Server step-by-step#Apache content compression|Apache content compression]].<br />
*** [[Debian stable Web Server step-by-step#Configure php.ini|Configure php.ini]].<br />
*** [[Debian stable Web Server step-by-step#Enable SSL in Apache 2|Enable SSL in Apache 2]].<br />
*** Change the date.<br />
*** [[Debian stable Web Server step-by-step#Tweak MySQL configuration|Tweak MySQL configuration]].<br />
*** Installing and configuring portsentry.<br />
*** [[Debian stable Web Server step-by-step#Locking down the IP functionality|Locking down the IP functionality]].<br />
*** [[Debian stable Web Server step-by-step#Set limits.conf|limits.conf]].<br />
*** [[Debian stable Web Server step-by-step#Install bastille|Install bastille]].<br />
*** Install the SUN JDK.<br />
*** Install the NTP daemon to keep the time current.<br />
*** [[Debian stable Web Server step-by-step#Install APC as the PHP opcode cache|Install APC as the PHP opcode cache]].<br />
** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps|Ubuntu Linux Workstation setup steps]]:<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Pre-installation standard hardware test procedure|Pre-installation standard hardware test procedure]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Installation|Ubuntu Installation]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Tweaks and Preferences|Tweaks and Preferences]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Firefox 3 configuration steps|Firefox configuration steps]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Firefox Add-ons|Firefox Add-ons]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Firefox Tweaks|Firefox Tweaks]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Installation of extra software|Installation of extra software]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Configure "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard"|Configure "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard"]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Custom Key Bindings, aimed at "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard"|Custom Key Bindings, aimed at "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard"]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Install Skype|Install Skype]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Install the Tahoma fonts|Install the Tahoma fonts]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Install Flash on AMD64|Install Flash on AMD64]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Install Google Earth|Install Google Earth]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Install Acrobat reader|Install Acrobat reader]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Install Opera|Install Opera]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Enable Apport for crash bug reporting|Enable Apport for crash bug reporting]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Configure Open Office to work in MS Office 2000 compatibility mode|Configure Open Office to work in MS Office 2000 compatibility mode]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Automounting remote file systems using SSHFS|Automounting remote file systems using SSHFS]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu desktop setup steps#Install Chromium beta daily builds|Install Chromium beta daily builds]].<br />
** [[Ubuntu home server setup steps|Home server setup steps]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu home server setup steps#Setting up UPS monitoring|UPS monitoring]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu home server setup steps#Enable collection monitoring, including web interface|Collectd]].<br />
*** [[Ubuntu home server setup steps#Set up Rtorrent to use your off-peak data allowance|Rtorrent]].<br />
** Computers - Misc:<br />
*** [[PHP test]] - brief test I was asked to write for PHP programmers.<br />
*** [[Nokia N95]] - links to useful apps for setting up the phone.<br />
** Computers - Debian or Ubuntu command-line upgrades:<br />
*** [[Upgrade Debian Woody to Debian Sarge]].<br />
*** [[Upgrade Debian Sarge to Debian Etch]].<br />
*** [[Upgrade Ubuntu 6.06 LTS to Ubuntu 8.04 LTS]].<br />
** Computers - Desktop software configuration or migration:<br />
*** [[Firefox 3 configuration steps|Firefox configuration steps]].<br />
*** [[How to migrate from Outlook 2000 to Evolution]].<br />
** Computers - Server software installation or configuration:<br />
*** [[SSL cert configuration for Apache on Debian]].<br />
<!-- Not working: *** [[Setting up OpenVPN for free Internet access in airports, hotels, and cafes]]. --><br />
** Computers - MediaWiki or Wikipedia:<br />
*** [http://blog.nickj.org/ Blog] - mostly wiki-related ramblings.<br />
*** [http://can-we-link-it.nickj.org Suggesting links for the English Wikipedia].<br />
*** [http://WikiHR.net/ WikiHR.net] - a directory for finding wiki-specialists or companies available for hire.<br />
*** [http://open.wikiblogplanet.com/ Open Wiki Blog Planet] - displays over 100 wiki-related blogs on one page and which everyone can edit the list of feeds for.<br />
*** [[MediaWiki|MediaWiki parser and fuzz tests]] - technical, HTML compliance tests and fuzz tests. Not very interesting.<br />
*** [[MediaWiki code coverage howto]] - info how to gather code coverage data for parser tests.<br />
*** [[Experiment with Suggestion Searching on Wikipedia]] - similar functionality to this mockup was [http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Manual:$wgEnableMWSuggest added in 1.13].<br />
** Computers - POV - Things many web sites get wrong:<br />
*** [[JavaScript links are evil]].<br />
*** [[Online stores should publish their shipping rates up front]].<br />
** Computers - POV - Programming Languages:<br />
*** [[Java's clone syntax seems to suck]].<br />
*** [[Ways that PHP4 sucks for work on non-trivial Object-Orientated problems]].<br />
*** [[Personal notes from when I was learning Java]].<br />
** Computers - Linux POV:<br />
*** [[My Linux Timeline]].<br />
** Computers - Hardware:<br />
*** [[My Desktop Hardware Upgrade Philosophy]]. With graphs!<br />
** Computers - Software Development:<br />
*** [[Random software development tips]].<br />
*** [[Maintaining software with the Swiss Cheese approach]].<br />
** Computers - POV:<br />
*** [["The best way to stop the distribution of a bit of software is to charge money for it"]].<br />
** Computers - Comments or reviews on web sites or software - some of these are bound to be out-of-date now:<br />
*** [[Review of TA Spring]].<br />
*** [[Comments on Gallery 2.0]]<br />
*** [[Hoyts Website Sucks]].<br />
*** [http://nickpj.googlepages.com/msnmapsgivesimpossibledirections MSN maps gives impossible directions].<br />
** Old or out of date computing stuff:<br />
*** [[No Microsoft End-game strategy for Linux]].<br />
<!-- to delete. These things would have gone on a blog, if there had been such a thing as blogs when these were written:<br />
*** [[Linux distro supported timeframes]]. --: this is solved now by running Debian Stable on servers.<br />
*** [[Why are some things so hard to configure in Linux?]] --: this is largely solved now with Cups + the latest X.org<br />
*** [[Wish-list for Linux Distros]]. --: this is solved with out of the box OpenGL, the Sysinfo program, the restricted drivers installer, an improved Evolution, and better multi-monitor support.<br />
*** [[Software features that I would like to see become standard]] --: this is solved with KSplice.<br />
*** [[Limitations of 32-bit machines]]. --: this solved by using 64 bit hardware & OS, although 32 bit systems still have a place, especially when memory is restricted.<br />
*** [[Steps to getting spam under control]]. --: this is solved by using decent spam filtering software.<br />
*** [[Technical problems with the Web]]. --: JavaScript has become necessary, and tools like GWT help with compatibility.<br />
<br />
** [[Social behaviour, or lack thereof]].<br />
** [[Are you a Nick Jenkins or Nicholas Jenkins?]] Yes, there are other people that share this name. Here are just some of them.<br />
--><br />
<br />
<br />
If I've made a typo or grammatical or technical mistake please just correct it (you can edit all pages).<br />
<br />
If you have some thoughts on what I've written & want to share them, or anything else, then you're welcome to [[User talk:Nickj|leave me a message]].</div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/QuotesQuotes2012-09-04T08:37:32Z<p>Nickj: </p>
<hr />
<div>Various quotes I saw and liked: <br />
* "I'm not sure which upsets me more: that people are so unwilling to accept responsibility for their own actions, or that they are so eager to regulate everyone else's." - source unknown<br />
* "If you never fail, you are not taking enough risks." - (Dede, 1993).<br />
* "In theory there is no difference between theory and practice, but in practice there is." - either Jan L.A. van de Snepscheut or Fnord Bjørnberger<br />
* "Talk is cheap because supply always exceeds demand." - source unknown<br />
* "Neither individuals nor corporations have any right to come into court and ask that the clock of history be stopped, or turned back, for their private benefit." - Robert Heinlein <br />
* "Lots of folks are forced to skimp to support a government that won't." - source unknown<br />
* "When all is said and done ... there is usually more said than done." - source unknown<br />
* "Real innovation happens with the small guys." - source unknown<br />
* "Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake." - Napoleon Bonaparte<br />
* On the Matrix Revolutions: "The Wachowski brothers have delivered a dud so disappointing, they may as well have bussed in Ewoks to save Zion."<br />
* "Time is the only truly finite resource from a human perspective. As technology has progressed, distances have been conquered, vast energies harnessed, but old Father Time is still inescapable. As a result, we place great value on just how much time is taken to accomplish anything." - WiPEOUT<br />
* "Anyone who says that money isn't important is spending someone else's." - Hampton's Law <br />
* "The road less travelled is often less travelled for a very good reason" - Jerry Seinfeld<br />
* "You cannot apply a technological solution to a sociological problem." - Edwards' Law<br />
* "Everything takes longer, costs more, and is less useful." - Erwin Tomash<br />
* "Ideas have no value. Execution is what matters most." - Paraphrasing of Loïc Le Meur and Krzysztof Kowalczyk.<br />
* Fermi's Solution: "Any sufficiently advanced civilization either destroys itself or transcends to superintelligence."<br />
* "Democracy is the recurrent suspicion that more than half of the people are right more than half of the time." - E. B. White<br />
* "If you are 20 and you aren't a communist you have no heart, but if you are 30 and you still are a communist, you lack rationality." - source unknown.<br />
* Macintosh dictum: the user should never have to tell the machine anything that it knows or can deduce for itself.<br />
* "Ideas are cheap, but turning them into reality is brutally hard work." - posted to a discussion board.<br />
* "Never underestimate the power of broke, bored, determined Uni students." - posted to a discussion board.<br />
* "Be bold, and mighty forces will come to your aid." - Basil King.<br />
* "It is hard to get the world to throw away stuff they've already bought and that still works. Being twice as good isn't enough; if you really want people to trash their current equipment you need to be 10 times as good." - Bob Cringely, 2004.<br />
* "Life is uncertain, so always eat dessert first." - source unknown.<br />
* C.f. Edison's famous adage: "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."<br />
* "What resists, persists." - Lao Tsu 6th Century B.C.<br />
* "If it's not tested, it's broken." - Bruce Eckel.<br />
* "People optimize locally - that is, they do what's best for themselves." - Eric Allman.<br />
* "One of the most valuable things my father taught me is an old Yorkshire saying: where there's muck, there's brass. Meaning that unpleasant work pays. And more to the point here, vice versa. Work people like doesn't pay well, for reasons of supply and demand." - from [http://www.paulgraham.com/bronze.html Paul Graham]<br />
* "Remembering you are going to die is the best way to avoid the fear that you have something to lose." - Steve Jobs<br />
* "Most of us, when all is said and done, like what we like and make up reasons for it afterwards." -- Soren F. Petersen<br />
* "All you have to decide is what you're going to do with the time you are given." - Gandalf <br />
* "Have you ever seen one of these [NIH] grant applications? We're lucky Einstein didn't have to fill one out or God knows what 'E' would equal." - seen on the Internet.<br />
* "Patent. n. Genius is 5% inspiration and 95% perspiration. A patent is a tool for doing 5% of the work and then sitting around waiting for someone else to do the other 95% so you can sue them." - email sig seen on Internet.<br />
* "There are two types of people in this world... Those who finish what they start, and" - slogon on T-shirt.<br />
* "Writing for a penny a word is ridiculous. If a man really wants to make a million dollars he should start his own religion." - L Ron Hubbard, spoken in 1950 at a writer's convention, 4 years before he founded the Church of Scientology.<br />
* "The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt." - Bertrand Russell.<br />
* "It's not the principle of the thing, it's the money!" -- Movie producer in "King Kong".<br />
* "First class, is what's wrong honey. It used to be a better meal, now it's a better life." -- Dorothy in "Jerry Maguire" (1996).<br />
* "First rule in government spending: why build one when you can have two at twice the price?" -- Mr Hadden in "Contact" (1997).<br />
* "It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends upon his not understanding it." -- Upton Sinclair.<br />
* "Hell is Other People's Code" -- unknown.<br />
* "Be the change you want to see in the world." -- Gandhi.<br />
* "Hydrogen is an odorless colorless gas which, given enough time, turns into people." -- Edward R Harrison.<br />
* "Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination are omnipotent. The slogan 'press on' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race." -- President Calvin Coolidge.<br />
* "Be kind. For everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." -- Plato.<br />
* "Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first." -- Mark Twain.<br />
* "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -- Mark Twain.<br />
* "Markets can remain irrational a lot longer than you and I can remain solvent." -- A. Gary Shilling.<br />
* "There are only two kinds of programming languages: those people always bitch about, and those nobody uses." -- Bjarne Stroustrup.<br />
"in an extended fight, one tends to become more like one's enemy" - LWN.net<br />
[[Category:Opinion-Editorial]]</div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/QuotesQuotes2012-08-23T00:38:10Z<p>Nickj: </p>
<hr />
<div>Various quotes I saw and liked: <br />
* "I'm not sure which upsets me more: that people are so unwilling to accept responsibility for their own actions, or that they are so eager to regulate everyone else's." - source unknown<br />
* "If you never fail, you are not taking enough risks." - (Dede, 1993).<br />
* "In theory there is no difference between theory and practice, but in practice there is." - either Jan L.A. van de Snepscheut or Fnord Bjørnberger<br />
* "Talk is cheap because supply always exceeds demand." - source unknown<br />
* "Neither individuals nor corporations have any right to come into court and ask that the clock of history be stopped, or turned back, for their private benefit." - Robert Heinlein <br />
* "Lots of folks are forced to skimp to support a government that won't." - source unknown<br />
* "When all is said and done ... there is usually more said than done." - source unknown<br />
* "Real innovation happens with the small guys." - source unknown<br />
* "Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake." - Napoleon Bonaparte<br />
* On the Matrix Revolutions: "The Wachowski brothers have delivered a dud so disappointing, they may as well have bussed in Ewoks to save Zion."<br />
* "Time is the only truly finite resource from a human perspective. As technology has progressed, distances have been conquered, vast energies harnessed, but old Father Time is still inescapable. As a result, we place great value on just how much time is taken to accomplish anything." - WiPEOUT<br />
* "Anyone who says that money isn't important is spending someone else's." - Hampton's Law <br />
* "The road less travelled is often less travelled for a very good reason" - Jerry Seinfeld<br />
* "You cannot apply a technological solution to a sociological problem." - Edwards' Law<br />
* "Everything takes longer, costs more, and is less useful." - Erwin Tomash<br />
* "Ideas have no value. Execution is what matters most." - Paraphrasing of Loïc Le Meur and Krzysztof Kowalczyk.<br />
* Fermi's Solution: "Any sufficiently advanced civilization either destroys itself or transcends to superintelligence."<br />
* "Democracy is the recurrent suspicion that more than half of the people are right more than half of the time." - E. B. White<br />
* "If you are 20 and you aren't a communist you have no heart, but if you are 30 and you still are a communist, you lack rationality." - source unknown.<br />
* Macintosh dictum: the user should never have to tell the machine anything that it knows or can deduce for itself.<br />
* "Ideas are cheap, but turning them into reality is brutally hard work." - posted to a discussion board.<br />
* "Never underestimate the power of broke, bored, determined Uni students." - posted to a discussion board.<br />
* "Be bold, and mighty forces will come to your aid." - Basil King.<br />
* "It is hard to get the world to throw away stuff they've already bought and that still works. Being twice as good isn't enough; if you really want people to trash their current equipment you need to be 10 times as good." - Bob Cringely, 2004.<br />
* "Life is uncertain, so always eat dessert first." - source unknown.<br />
* C.f. Edison's famous adage: "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."<br />
* "What resists, persists." - Lao Tsu 6th Century B.C.<br />
* "If it's not tested, it's broken." - Bruce Eckel.<br />
* "People optimize locally - that is, they do what's best for themselves." - Eric Allman.<br />
* "One of the most valuable things my father taught me is an old Yorkshire saying: where there's muck, there's brass. Meaning that unpleasant work pays. And more to the point here, vice versa. Work people like doesn't pay well, for reasons of supply and demand." - from [http://www.paulgraham.com/bronze.html Paul Graham]<br />
* "Remembering you are going to die is the best way to avoid the fear that you have something to lose." - Steve Jobs<br />
* "Most of us, when all is said and done, like what we like and make up reasons for it afterwards." -- Soren F. Petersen<br />
* "All you have to decide is what you're going to do with the time you are given." - Gandalf <br />
* "Have you ever seen one of these [NIH] grant applications? We're lucky Einstein didn't have to fill one out or God knows what 'E' would equal." - seen on the Internet.<br />
* "Patent. n. Genius is 5% inspiration and 95% perspiration. A patent is a tool for doing 5% of the work and then sitting around waiting for someone else to do the other 95% so you can sue them." - email sig seen on Internet.<br />
* "There are two types of people in this world... Those who finish what they start, and" - slogon on T-shirt.<br />
* "Writing for a penny a word is ridiculous. If a man really wants to make a million dollars he should start his own religion." - L Ron Hubbard, spoken in 1950 at a writer's convention, 4 years before he founded the Church of Scientology.<br />
* "The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt." - Bertrand Russell.<br />
* "It's not the principle of the thing, it's the money!" -- Movie producer in "King Kong".<br />
* "First class, is what's wrong honey. It used to be a better meal, now it's a better life." -- Dorothy in "Jerry Maguire" (1996).<br />
* "First rule in government spending: why build one when you can have two at twice the price?" -- Mr Hadden in "Contact" (1997).<br />
* "It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends upon his not understanding it." -- Upton Sinclair.<br />
* "Hell is Other People's Code" -- unknown.<br />
* "Be the change you want to see in the world." -- Gandhi.<br />
* "Hydrogen is an odorless colorless gas which, given enough time, turns into people." -- Edward R Harrison.<br />
* "Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination are omnipotent. The slogan 'press on' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race." -- President Calvin Coolidge.<br />
* "Be kind. For everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." -- Plato.<br />
* "Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first." -- Mark Twain.<br />
* "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -- Mark Twain.<br />
* "Markets can remain irrational a lot longer than you and I can remain solvent." -- A. Gary Shilling.<br />
* "There are only two kinds of programming languages: those people always bitch about, and those nobody uses." -- Bjarne Stroustrup.<br />
<br />
[[Category:Opinion-Editorial]]</div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/Ubuntu_desktop_setup_stepsUbuntu desktop setup steps2012-08-20T07:55:53Z<p>Nickj: reorder sections.</p>
<hr />
<div>Ubuntu desktop setup steps for an AMD64 system. Most of these instructions will also work on 8.04 LTS, 8.10, 9.04, and 9.10, and 10.04 LTS, 10.10, 11.04, and 11.10, as these instructions were previously for those versions, and it should almost all work on an x86 system too:<br />
<br />
== Pre-installation standard hardware test procedure ==<br />
<br />
Before installing or configuring any software, it is imperative to test the hardware beforehand, to establish that it is not provably broken:<br />
* Download the ISOs for [http://www.sysresccd.org/ System Rescue CD] and [http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/ Ultimate Boot CD] and burn these.<br />
* From either CD, run Memtest86+ on the machine overnight, to test that the CPU and memory are error-free.<br />
* From UBCD, run a CPU stress test for 5 to 10 minutes to check CPU is reliable and adequately cooled.<br />
* From Sys Rescue CD, check for bad blocks on the hard drive, before trusting it with any data: <code>badblocks -v -s -w -c 4096 /dev/sda</code> <br />Note however that badblocks is quite a slow test - e.g. took 34 hours on a 500 GB SATA disk in an external USB enclosure, and 17 hours on a 250 GB IDE disk.<br />It's also a destructive write test, and so will blank the disk, so make sure you have the right device (use <code>fdisk -lu</code> to confirm the device's size and name).<br />Successful output will look something like this:<br />
Checking for bad blocks in read-write mode<br />
From block 0 to 244198583<br />
Testing with pattern 0xaa: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x55: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0xff: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x00: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Pass completed, 0 bad blocks found.<br />
<br />
If problems are found with any of the above, resolve these first before proceeding further.<br />
<br />
== Installation == <br />
<br />
* Firstly, decide whether you want software RAID or not. Personally, I use RAID-1 mirroring of a single bootable partition, using 2 same-sized disks, from 2 different manufacturers, because:<br />
*# it's simple.<br />
*# it's redundant enough.<br />
*# it's cheap: the incremental cost is the cost of a single disk, which is less than $100.<br />
*# you can boot off of it.<br />
*# it's not a question of if a disk will fail, but when.<br />
: For software RAID, install from the Alternate Installation CD. You can always [http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Convert_a_single_drive_system_to_RAID convert to RAID-1 later], but it's significantly more faffing about than setting it up this way from the get-go.<br />
* Once you've done the above, download and burn either the standard or alternate Ubuntu install CD, as appropriate.<br />
* Insert installation CD. Follow simple options, installs, ejects CD, reboots. Then login.<br />
* System -> Networking -> set up static IP address instead of dynamic IP address.<br />
* reboot to get network changes to apply (theoretically this should not be necessary, but in practice it was, at least for me on 8.04).<br />
* reboot, install system updates. Then reboot once updates are installed.<br />
* system -> hardware drivers -> enable the proprietary nvidia drivers.<br />
* reboot to enable the proprietary drivers.<br />
<br />
== Tweaks and Preferences ==<br />
<br />
* Ditch the annoying sounds: System -> Preferences -> sound -> sounds -> set all to "no sound", and untick "play system sounds", and on "system beep" tab untick all boxes.<br />
* Ditch the thrashing hard-disk: System -> Preferences -> Searching and indexing -> General -> tick "enable indexing" and "enable watching" and both of the power management boxes to disable stuff when on battery.<br />
* To get Subpixel Smoothing on LCDs, do this: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Fonts -> Select "subpixel smoothing (LCDs)". Need to restart Firefox for this change to take effect in Firefox.<br />
* To get reasonable desktop visual effects: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Visual Effects -> Select "Normal".<br />
* To make the system remember running apps and window locations on logout, do this: System -> Preferences -> sessions -> session options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out". In Ubuntu 9.04 / gnome 2.26 & up, this setting has moved, and is now under: System -> Preferences -> Startup Application Preferences -> options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out".<br />
<!--* To tweak networking performance, [http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Hardy#Howto:_Tweak_and_maximize_your_bandwidth_in_Ubuntu.2FLinux_via_sysctl.21 follow these instructions]. --><br />
* Power saving: Turn off blinking cursor by going: System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> untick "Cursor blinks in text fields".<br />
* Add terminal icon to gnome panel: Right-click panel -> Add to Panel -> Application Launcher... -> Accessories -> Terminal -> Add -> Close.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Editor" tab -> tick "autosave" files every 2 minutes.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Plugins" tab -> tick "Sort" to enable the sort plugin -> Close. Can now highlight text and go Edit -> Sort to get it alphabetically sorted.<br />
<br />
== [[Firefox configuration steps]] ==<br />
<br />
{{:Firefox configuration steps}}<br />
<br />
== Installation of extra software ==<br />
<br />
Go system -> admin -> synaptic package manager -> then Install the following (my brief descriptions of what some packages do are also shown) :<br />
* inkscape # Vector drawing package<br />
* hugin # Create panoramas from an image set.<br />
* dia # Draw diagrams & flow charts, somewhat like "visio" on Windows.<br />
* googleearth-package<br />
* xchat # IRC client.<br />
* ttf-mscorefonts-installer ttf-linux-libertine ttf-inconsolata # The most useful font sets. See also the "[[#Install the Tahoma fonts|Install the Tahoma fonts]]" section below.<br />
* audacious # Like XMMS or Winamp<br />
* nmap # Check for open ports.<br />
* filezilla # GUI FTP client.<br />
* wireshark # Packet sniffer<br />
* powertop iotop htop # Show power hogs, I/O hogs, and an more visual command-line version of top.<br />
* nautilus-open-terminal # adds ability to right click on a folder and get a command prompt there.<br />
* php5-cli php5-gd php5-curl # Only useful if you want to write scripts in PHP.<br />
* traceroute # How packets get from here to there over the network.<br />
* curl # Command line HTTP client, includes form-submitting capacity<br />
* tofrodos # Convert line endings from dos to UNIX or vice-versa.<br />
* openssh-server<br />
* libxml2-dev libmysqlclient-dev # Optional: Only used for compiling PHP snapshots<br />
* eclipse sun-java6-jdk sun-java6-jre sun-java6-plugin libmysql-java junit junit-doc # Optional: Java development using Eclipse + java plugins for Firefox<br />
* sysinfo # Kind of like device manager on Windows. Shows CPU / memory / hard disk installed, some hardware that has been detected, etc.<br />
* autofs smbfs smbclient<br />
* gisomount<br />
* gtk-recordmydesktop # Record videos of what you're doing on your desktop.<br />
* gworldclock # Want to simultaneously see the time in Tokyo, LA, London, and Rio? Use this.<br />
* ffmpeg2theora # Convert videos into format suitable for uploading to Wikimedia commons.<br />
* rar p7zip-full # needed for extracting .7z and RAR archives<br />
* gnome-do # Run apps or commands from a keyboard launcher.<br />
* pinfo # Much nicer UI than man or info for reading documentation.<br />
* vlc mozilla-plugin-vlc<br />
* avidemux # Useful for replacing audio tracks in video files.<br />
* indent # Useful for auto-indenting code.<br />
* smartmontools smart-notifier # S.M.A.R.T. hard disk monitoring tools.<br />
* tidy<br />
* ddrescue # Useful for recovering data from failing hard disks.<br />
* gimp-resynthesizer # A nifty plugin for gimp for repairing images or filling in content intelligently. Ignore if you don't use gimp.<br />
* qpdf # Useful for removing password from PDF files, as per [http://blog.sandipb.net/2009/01/10/removing-encryption-from-legitimate-pdf-files-on-ubuntu/ this guide].<br />
* hardinfo # Generates a hardware report and benchmark for the system; can also run in command line mode by doing: <code> hardinfo -r -f html > report.html </code><br />
* gtkvncviewer # Nice VNC client.<br />
* renameutils # Useful for bulk renaming of files. Example for renaming all .JPG files in a directory to .jpg (lowercase) is: <code>rename s/JPG$/jpg/ *</code><br />
* meld # Good GUI for comparing two files, e.g. two log files.<br />
* asciio # Good for drawing ASCII graphs; only available in Ubuntu 10.10 and up.<br />
* spamassassin # Email filtering, used by Evolution.<br />
<!--<br />
<br />
Have installed on laptop - test some more and see if worth including:<br />
gedit-plugins<br />
wget http://nchc.dl.sourceforge.net/sourceforge/openproj/openproj_1.4-2.deb && sudo dpkg -i openproj_1.4-2.deb<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
winbind # could be useful on a windows network. Have not discerned any benefit yet though.<br />
<br />
Still working out whether to include or not: * evolution-plugins-experimental <br />
<br />
* bum # Boot Up Manager - GUI for specifying what services should be running on boot-up.<br />
* miro # Combined bittorrent client and video player. Particularly useful for downloading TED talks before a flight. Uses lots of disk space though.<br />
* k3b # CD burning app.<br />
* deluge amule # P2P - donkey plus bittorrent<br />
<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Configure "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" ==<br />
<br />
To get the back / forward keyboard keys working in Firefox, when using the "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard", go System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> Layout -> click the model button -> Choose Microsoft -> set model to "Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro USB" -> click "close".<br />
<br />
== Custom Key Bindings, aimed at "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" == <br />
<br />
Note: the steps keep changing in each Ubuntu release (the menus move around, the keycodes change), unfortunately. This is what works for me using 11.10 in gnome-fallback mode:<br />
<br />
* ubuntu "System Setting" (top right corner of your desktop) -> Keyboard -> Shortcut.<br />
* Set "1" favourite key to "run a terminal"<br />
* Set "2" favourite key to "open home folder"<br />
<br />
There seems to be a bug that prevents the "custom shortcuts" keys from working for favourite keys 3, 4 and 5. Instead we have to do this:<br />
* In a terminal, run: <code>gconf-editor</code><br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/global_keybindings<br />
* Change "run_command_3" to be 0xc2, "run_command_4" to be 0xc3, and "run_command_5" to be 0xc4 - these corresponds to the 3 / 4 / 5 favourite keys.<br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/keybinding_commands<br />
* Change "command_3" to be the take-screenshot command: <code>gnome-screenshot --window --interactive</code><br />
* Change "command_4" to be the new-text-editor command: <code>/usr/bin/gedit --new-document</code><br />
* Change "command_5" to be as desired.<br />
<!-- * Name is "Zend Studio", command is "sh /home/nickj/programs/Zend/ZendStudio-5.5.0/bin/ZDE". Set the 5 favourite key to run this. --><br />
<br />
== Install Skype == <br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>" -> Skype -> More Info -> Install. <br />
<br />
Then to make the right-click menus legible with Ubuntu's dark theme, do as follows:<br />
# Applications -> Internet -> Skype -> single-click on the skype icon in the top right to open skype -> Ctrl-O to open options -> "general" -> Choose Style: "Desktop settings" -> close.<br />
# Single click on skype icon to open skype again -> Ctrl-Q to close.<br />
# Now restart skype by going Applications -> Internet -> Skype, and the right-click menus will be readable.<br />
<!--<br />
install Skype - [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Skype#AMD64 Source of instructions].<br />
sudo aptitude install ia32-libs<br />
wget http://skype.com/go/getskype-linux-ubuntu<br />
sudo aptitude install libqt4-core libqt4-gui qt4-qtconfig <br />
sudo dpkg --install --force-architecture --force-depends skype-debian*.deb<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Install the Tahoma fonts ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.stchman.com/ms_fonts.html Source of instructions].<br />
<br />
Once the msttcorefonts package is installed you will notice that Tahoma and Tahoma Bold is missing. You will need to extract Tahoma<br />
and Tahoma Bold from the zip file. Tahoma is used for Microsoft desktop, title bars and menu fonts so if you are trying to get that<br />
XP look you will need the Tahoma regular and Tahoma Bold fonts. Install Tahoma by doing the following in a terminal.<br />
<br />
cd ~<br />
wget http://www.stchman.com/tools/MS_fonts/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo unzip -d /usr/share/fonts/truetype/msttcorefonts ~/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo fc-cache -f -v<br />
rm -f ~/tahoma.zip<br />
<br />
== Install Flash == <br />
<br />
* Install the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up or installs flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems.<br />
* Restart the browser.<br />
* Go to: Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, go with all the defaults.<br />
* It removes any old flash plugins and downloads and installs the latest Adobe one.<br />
* For AMD64 systems, can use the flash 64 bit beta.<br />
<br />
If flash videos have a blue tint after the installation, then repeat the above steps, which may fix it. If it doesn't, then right click on a flash video with a blue tint -> Settings -> Untick "enable HW acceleration". [http://askubuntu.com/questions/117127/flash-video-appears-blue Source].<br />
<br />
== Install Google Earth ==<br />
<!--<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update && sudo aptitude install medibuntu-keyring && sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install googleearth-4.3<br />
<br />
... or follow the manual instructions on [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/GoogleEarth this page] for a more recent version.<br />
--><br />
Follow [http://www.liberiangeek.net/2011/10/how-to-install-google-earth-in-ubuntu-11-10-oneiric-ocelot/ these instructions for installing google earth].<br />
<br />
== Install Acrobat reader ==<br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>", or go Applications -> Ubuntu Software Center, and then go: -> Canonical Partners -> Adobe Acrobat reader -> Install.<br />
<br />
<!--<br />
In earlier versions of Ubuntu, to install acrobat reader, since [http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-general-1/cant-shrink-to-fit-pdf-doc-654281/ Ubuntu's native PDF readers don't have shrink to fit when printing]. :<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install acroread acroread-plugins<br />
<br />
(this uses medibuntu, from the Google Earth step above).<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
Also need to do this:<br />
sudo editor /usr/share/applications/defaults.list <br />
And change this:<br />
#application/pdf=evince.desktop<br />
application/pdf=AdobeReader.desktop<br />
--><br />
Then to tweak the display preferences of Acrobat Reader: Edit -> Preferences -> Page Display -> set "Zoom" to "Fit Page" -> Click "Ok".<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
== Install Opera ==<br />
<br />
To install and configure opera (since it's useful for testing web pages to be able to check behaviour, and it's useful to have another browser around sometimes), do the following:<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.list<br />
... and add these two lines:<br />
# For latest stable opera:<br />
deb http://deb.opera.com/opera/ stable non-free<br />
<br />
* Then do:<br />
sudo wget -O - http://deb.opera.com/archive.key | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install opera<br />
* Then run opera - Applications -> Internet -> Opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise -> Toolbars tab -> change the "wrapping" setting to "Wrap to multiple lines".<br />
<!-- <br />
* Go to [http://www.opera.com/download/ Opera's download page].<br />
* Download and open and install the .deb file<br />
* Then run opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise and change the wrapping setting to "multiple lines".<br />
--><br />
== Enable Apport for crash bug reporting ==<br />
<br />
Enable apport so that crash bugs will be reported and logged:<br />
sudo editor /etc/default/apport<br />
change enabled from "0" to "1".<br />
<br />
Crashes will then be logged to /var/crash/<br />
<br />
== Configure Open Office to work in MS Office 2000 compatibility mode ==<br />
<br />
[http://news.cnet.com/8301-13880_3-9864262-68.html Source of instructions]. Only do this if you are testing a migration to Ubuntu. Once you have already switched, then use the native ODF for new files, as they generally save formatting better.<br />
* Start OpenOffice Word Process: Applications -> Office -> OpenOffice.org Word Processor -> tools -> options -> expand "Load/Save" -> select "general" -> For document type = "Text document", set Always save as "Microsoft Word 97/2000/XP" (instead of "ODF text document"); For Document type = "Spreadsheet", set Always save as "Microsoft Excel 97/2000/XP"; For Document type = "Presentation", set Always save as "Microsoft PowerPoint 97/2000/XP" -> then click "OK".<br />
* Then tools -> options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> compatibility -> tick "Use printer metrics for document formatting", tick "Do not add leading (extra space) between lines of text", and tick "Consider wrapping style when positioning objects". Then go: Use as Default -> Yes -> OK.<br />
<br />
Note: When you upgrade between Ubuntu releases, you will probably need to repeat the first step, otherwise it will default back to saving in OpenOffice's formats by default.<br />
<br />
== Evolution configuration ==<br />
<br />
* Turn off new email notifications: Evolution -> Edit -> Plugins -> Uncheck "Mail Notification" plugin.<br />
* Edit -> Preferences -> 'Calendar and Tasks' -> 'Display' tab -> Disable the 'Compress weekends in month view' option.<br />
* Customize the default mail folder view. Get one folder looking right (personal preference: Columns: From / Subject / Received, with threads off, sorted by date received with most recent first). Then go View -> Current view -> Save Custom View... -> Replace existing view -> Messages -> Save. "Messages" is a special view, which is used by default on all folders, although you can override it on a folder-by-folder basis, but customizing that folder's view.<br />
<br />
== Set up SSH keys and KeepAlive Interval ==<br />
<br />
For each machine you want to have password-less SSH login to, do:<br />
ssh-copy-id -i ~/.ssh/id_dsa.pub machine1<br />
<br />
Also on some connections the SSH shell can close after a short timeout period. To keep connections option for longer, on the client side do, <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and then add this line to send a keep-alive heartbeat every 60 seconds:<br />
ServerAliveInterval 60<br />
<br />
... there is also a corresponding "ClientAliveInterval 60" setting that can be added to /etc/ssh/sshd_config - although sometimes you only control the client side of the link, and so this is not possible.<br />
<br />
Also set up connection sharing, makes secondary connections to SSH hosts much faster. <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and add this:<br />
# from: "OpenSSH tip: connection sharing"<br />
# http://tanguy.ortolo.eu/blog/article42/ssh-connection-sharing<br />
ControlPath ~/.ssh/control-%r@%h:%p<br />
ControlMaster auto<br />
ControlPersist 1<br />
<br />
== Automounting remote file systems using SSHFS ==<br />
<br />
For a remote Linux system, can automount with autofs + sshfs. Follow the guides [http://www.tjansson.dk/?p=84 here] and [http://www.mccambridge.org/blog/2007/05/totally-seamless-sshfs-under-linux-using-fuse-and-autofs/ here].<br />
<br />
Debug any problems with:<br />
tail --lines=0 -f /var/log/*<br />
<!-- <br />
Windows shares<br />
* Currently TESTING, this step not complete yet.<br />
* [http://oapeon.blogspot.com/2008/09/automounting-cifs-share-in-ubuntu.html Follow these instructions], but also [http://www.howtoforge.com/accessing_windows_or_samba_shares_using_autofs create a /etc/auto.smb.FILESERVERNAME file with login credentials].<br />
<br />
Actually, may have spoken too soon, seems kinda flakey. Getting "Input/output error" on the command line when accessing shares after a few minutes:<br />
<br />
$ ls /smb/server/sharename/<br />
ls: cannot access /smb/server/sharename/: Input/output error<br />
$<br />
<br />
Also seeing these errors when doing "tail -f /var/log/messages", despite supplying login credentials:<br />
Oct 23 17:42:02 redux kernel: [66597.665680] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
Oct 23 17:42:01 redux kernel: [66597.524118] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
<br />
To remove, uninstall these packages:<br />
sudo aptitude uninstall --purge autofs libevent1 libgssglue1 libnfsidmap2 librpcsecgss3 nfs-common portmap smbfs<br />
<br />
<br />
rebooting seemed to make this better.... although it's still buggy and flakey. Get directories being infinitely recursive, edited files appearing as directories, etc etc.<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
testing / playing with smbnetfs as an alternative<br />
sudo aptitude install smbnetfs<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/smbnetfs.conf <br />
<br />
- show_$_shares "false"<br />
+ show_$_shares "true"<br />
<br />
mkdir ~/.smb<br />
editor ~/.smb/smbnetfs.auth<br />
<br />
auth nickj password<br />
<br />
Need to do something with .smb/smbnetfs.conf ?<br />
<br />
<br />
* smbnetfs is probably not even running - need to find some decent docs on how to configure this.<br />
* autofs is mounted on /smb , and can be seriously flakey.<br />
* trying sshfs now, seems better but needs some magic options in the mount flags to work suitably.<br />
--><br />
== right before and right after each upgrade ==<br />
<br />
Remove unneeded cruft, by doing:<br />
sudo apt-get autoremove<br />
sudo apt-get clean<br />
deborphan<br />
Check first that no important packages are about to be removed, then do:<br />
sudo apt-get remove --purge $(deborphan)<br />
Purge old configuration files, first command shows what will be purged:<br />
sudo aptitude search ~c <br />
sudo aptitude purge ~c<br />
<br />
Fix broken packages:<br />
* <code>sudo aptitude</code><br />
* fix any broken packages (ctrl-t -> resolver -> examine -> g -> g).<br />
* also clean up cache and obsolete files (ctrl-t -> actions -> "clean package cache" and "clean obsolete files").<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
These tweaks are only required for 9.04:<br />
<br />
([http://reformedmusings.wordpress.com/2009/04/26/recovering-daily-update-notifications-in-ubuntu-904-jaunty/ Source]) To enable daily notification of non-security updates, which is especially useful if you [[#enable Apport for crash bug reporting|enable Apport for crash bug reporting]], then do this:<br />
gconftool -s --type bool /apps/update-notifier/auto_launch false<br />
<br />
([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-when-logoutshutdown-and-restart-ubuntu904 Source]) To remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout, do this:<br />
* Right-click on the panel power button icon on top-right of the screen -> Preferences -> Untick "Show confirm dialog for logout, shutdown and restart".<br />
<br />
Only in Ubuntu 9.04:<br />
sudo aptitude install firefox-3.5 firefox-3.5-gnome-support<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Tweaks to Ubuntu 9.10 that I had to apply to get stuff working again, or configured how I like it:<br />
<br />
1: Remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout. ([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-in-ubuntu910karmic Source]). <br />
<br />
2: For seeing details of SMART reporting for hard disks:<br />
sudo aptitude install gsmartcontrol<br />
<br />
3: system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Dust".<br />
<br />
4: Alt-F2, run gconf-editor , then toogle the GConf key /apps/eog/ui/disable_trash_confirmation to be ticked, to disable prompting for image deleting though Eye of Gnome ([https://bugzilla.gnome.org/show_bug.cgi?id=541967#c5 source]).<br />
<br />
5: Some third party entries in your sources.list were disabled. You can re-enable them after the upgrade with the 'software-properties' tool or your package manager.<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.lst<br />
<br />
.. then re-enable dropbox, chrome daily builds, etc, and apply those updates:<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude upgrade<br />
<br />
6: Setting MySQL back to utf8 mode:<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/mysql/my.cnf <br />
add under the "[mysqld]" section:<br />
default-character-set=utf8<br />
<br />
7: Blue tint to video files in VLC, Mplayer, and Totem. [http://www.mediacollege.com/video-gallery/testclips/20051210-w50s.flv Example video file]. [https://bugs.launchpad.net/totem/+bug/395476 Bug is in] the Nvidia closed source driver. Workaround is:<br />
* open totem via Applications -> Sound & Video -> Movie Player<br />
* open the preferences window via Edit -> Preferences<br />
* select the Display tab<br />
* click the Reset to Defaults button<br />
<br />
8: Problem: Mplayer crashing regularly when changing video output mode, and also giving a "couldn't resolve name for AF_INET6:" error on URL playback. Workaround: ditch mplayer, as totem and VLC are suitable replacements:<br />
sudo aptitude remove --purge mplayer<br />
<br />
9: Flash applets don't work in firefox or chrome on AMD64 (example: playing [http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-february-1-2010/q---o this Daily Show] video) .... solution: redo the [[#Install_Flash_on_AMD64|Flash installation steps]].<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Ambiance". <!-- move window decoration buttons to the left too - find link & steps for this --><br />
# If images don't display in office documents: Start OpenOffice writer, and then go: Tools -> Options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> View -> tick "Graphics and objects" -> click "Ok".<br />
<!-- to get SIP calls working through empathy through the dodgy Telstra modem that blocks VoIP: sudo aptitude install telepathy-sofiasip ... no, didn't work - test again later. --><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# <code>sudo aptitude remove tracker</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install unity-2d</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
The 11.10 release had more problems than most releases.<br />
<br />
Nautilus default view: go to Places -> Home folder -> Edit -> Preferences -> "View new folders using": select "List View".<br />
<br />
=== Restore classic Gnome desktop ===<br />
To get gnome classic desktop back, as per [http://www.webupd8.org/2011/08/installing-using-classic-gnome-desktop.html this blog post].<br />
sudo apt-get install gnome-session-fallback<br />
Then:<br />
* Install weather applet<br />
* System monitor applet<br />
* Add application icons for Firefox, chrome, terminal, and gedit.<br />
sudo aptitude install alarm-clock-applet<br />
* Add an application icon for the alarm clock applet.<br />
* Put a trash applet back on the bottom right of the screen.<br />
* Put a show desktop applet back on the bottom left of the screen.<br />
<br />
=== SSH menu is gone, use SSH plus instead ===<br />
Follow [http://www.gulecha.org/2011/07/29/sshplus-a-sshmenu-compatible-appindicator/ these installation instructions]. Then do <code>sudo aptitude install putty</code><br/> <br />
To add to startup apps: application -> other -> startup applications -> add SSHplus by full path.<br />
<br />
=== blurry image viewer ===<br />
Images look blurry because the default Gnome Image viewer (eog/eye of gnome) is set to "Best Fit" instead of "Normal view", which resizes images slightly, making them appear blurry. Unfortunately, there seems to be no preference or setting that allows changing this permanently. Instead just install another image viewing app, and make it the default:<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install gthumb</code><br/><br />
It can be customized to view images 1:1 by going Edit -> Preferences -> Viewer -> Set to actual size. Then go View -> unselect "Thumbnail pane" (with this on, it seems to interfere with 1:1 viewing). Test it, then if so make it the default app by going ubuntu "System Settings" (top right corner of your desktop) -> System info -> Default applications -> Photos -> gThumb.<br />
<br />
=== usb automounting was broken ===<br />
Inserted USB drives would no longer automatically mount and open a file manager window. Solved by installing, and then removing, the usbmount package.<br />
<br />
=== Flash broken ===<br />
After upgrading from 11.04 to 11.10, flash applets either did not work, or worked partial (such as the sound being distorted, like the person was underwater). Fixed by installing the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up broken flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems. Installed the extension, restarted the browser, then went Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, just went with all the defaults, it removed the old flash plugins (I had 2) and downloaded and installed the latest adobe one, and then it was as good as new and working flawlessly.<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 12.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
=== Multiple monitors broken, screen orientation broken ===<br />
<br />
run Synaptic, remove all the nvidia drivers, and install the nouveau firmware, then reboot, then systems settings -> displays, and can change the monitor setup so that multi-montior works again and so the orientations are in portrait instead of landscape.<br />
<br />
=== Customised keyboard shortcuts lost ===<br />
<br />
All my customized keyboard shortcuts for the extra buttons on my keyboard are lost. Had to redo the keyboard config to get these back.<br />
<br />
=== alt-tab no longer works ===<br />
<br />
To fix (from [http://askubuntu.com/questions/135685/alt-tab-does-not-switch this source]) :<br />
sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* Go at the very bottom where it says "Window Management"<br />
* Put a checkmark in "application switcher"<br />
* That should fix it.<br />
<br />
=== Workplace switching is broken (gives a blank desktop with no menus or items) ===<br />
<br />
Install compiz settings manager as above, and that will fix it. To get switching to be 4 horizontal desktops:<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* "general" -> General options -> Desktop size -> horizontal virtual size = 4, vertical virtual size = 1<br />
<br />
Also turn off "effects" -> "animations" in compiz too, whilst we are there.<br />
<br />
=== Gnome menus look ugly ===<br />
<br />
The bug is [https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/light-themes/+bug/981289 here]. To fix ambiance themes, [http://www.webupd8.org/2012/05/install-ambiance-fixed-for-classic.html follow these steps].<br />
<br />
=== Printing was broken ===<br />
<br />
Jobs sent to the network printer just sat in the queue and were never printed, even though the printer hardware was fine and the same queue worked perfectly in 11.10. Easiest solution was to cancel all print jobs, delete the printer, add a new printer with the same settings, and reboot (because the printer setup locked up whilst doing these things).<br />
<br />
=== Printing was excessively slow from Firefox ===<br />
<br />
Even after doing the above, printing was very slow from Firefox to the HP LaserJet 2100 TN. For example, it was taking up to 4 minutes to print a page, whereas it would take 15 seconds before. To fix:<br />
* Run "system-config-printer" from the command line.<br />
* Change the printer driver. Instead of the recommended driver, use "HP LaserJet 2100 - CUPS+Gutenprint v5.2.8-pre1".<br />
* Print a test page, once works okay, click "OK", and close the printer config applet.<br />
<br />
=== Volume applet indicator disappeared ===<br />
<br />
[http://askubuntu.com/questions/126411/volume-and-other-indicators-disappeared-in-the-classic-desktop Source].<br />
Run gnome-sound-applet from the command line to check that it is installed and working.<br />
<br />
To start the sound applet automatically, go to System Tools -> Preferences -> Startup Applications, and add Command gnome-sound-applet<br />
<br />
== Python-iview (for Australia only) == <br />
[https://launchpad.net/~jeremy-visser/+archive/python-iview Python-iview] allows downloading ABC shows for later viewing. Steps to install:<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:jeremy-visser/python-iview<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude upgrade # this installs a later rtmpdump<br />
sudo aptitude install python-iview<br />
<br />
== VirtualBox ==<br />
<br />
From the [http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Linux_Downloads VirtualBox Installation instructions]:<br />
sudo vim /etc/apt/sources.list <br />
add this line: <code>deb http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian oneiric contrib</code> . Do not add a deb-src line.<br />
wget -q http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian/oracle_vbox.asc -O- | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install dkms<br />
sudo aptitude install virtualbox-4.1<br />
<br />
The first time that you install, make sure that you are a member of vboxusers group (needed for USB disks to work correctly) :<br />
sudo usermod -a -G vboxusers `whoami`<br />
sudo usermod -a -G disk `whoami`<br />
Then reboot the computer.<br />
<br />
To get the extension pack, which enables some extra features in VirtualBox 4.1:<br />
cd ~/.Virtualbox<br />
mkdir extensions<br />
cd extensions/<br />
wget http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/4.1.8/Oracle_VM_VirtualBox_Extension_Pack-4.1.8-75467.vbox-extpack<br />
To enable the extension pack:<br />
* VirtualBox main window -> File -> Preferences -> Extensions -> add button on right -> select the file saved above -> enter password if prompted.<br />
<br />
Before starting the Guest machine, make sure USB functionality is enabled by going:<br />
* Settings -> USB -> Make sure both the USB checkboxes are ticked -> Click the "Add Empty Filter" button (the top button on the right) -> click OK to close dialog box.<br />
<br />
Rebuild the virtualbox modules after upgrading from a previous version:<br />
sudo service vboxdrv setup<br />
<br />
After upgrading from a previous version, to update the guest's VirtualBox drivers, do this after the Guest has started:<br />
* VirtualBox -> start Guest -> "Devices" menu -> Install Guest Additions.<br />
<br />
Then plug in a USB device after the guest machine has started. Then make it visible to the Guest by going:<br />
* Devices -> USB devices -> and select the USB device to make visible.<br />
<br />
And in a Debian or Ubuntu '''guest''' machine after doing a dist-upgrade, to install the vbox additions, do this:<br />
* Devices -> install guest additions...<br />
mount /dev/cdrom <br />
aptitude install build-essential linux-headers-$(uname -r)<br />
sh /cdrom/VBoxLinuxAdditions.run<br />
<br />
When doing a major version upgrade, use apt-get and not aptitude. For example:<br />
sudo apt-get install virtualbox-4.1<br />
... and then start VirtualBox, and then install the latest extension pack, using the steps above. The link will be on the [https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads VirtualBox downloads] page.<br />
<br />
If you get an "Error! Could not locate dkms.conf file" message, then you probably have old directories left over from an old version of virtualbox under /var/lib/dkms/ . E.g. I had some directories left over from 3.2.6, and the fix was:<br />
sudo rm -r /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetadp /var/lib/dkms/vboxdrv /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetflt<br />
<br />
== Newsgroup bin client ==<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude install sabnzbdplus<br />
Then configure as per [http://wiki.sabnzbd.org/quick-setup the steps on their wiki].<br />
<!-- Lottanzb keeps crashing for me:<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:lottanzb/daily-build<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:jcfp/ppa<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install lottanzb sabnzbdplus<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Steps for making the Benq Acer S2W 3300U work == <br />
<br />
* Plug in power and USB cable to the scanner, and connect it to your computer.<br />
* Check SANE is installed, then run <code> sane-find-scanner </code>, and it should list your scanner.<br />
* From [http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/downloads.cfm/dtype/D/page/downloads/product/91 Benq's page] get the Mirascan ZIP file. Note that Benq's webservers are crap, and they cut out mid-download, so save yourself frustration by using wget to take care of the downloading/resuming/retrying, by doing:<br />
wget ftp://211.78.86.204/scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
and/or<br />
wget http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/download.cfm?file=scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
* Check the ZIP file downloaded okay by doing:<br />
unzip -t mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
... and making sure it says there were "no errors detected" at the end.<br />
* Extract just the u176v046.bin file (which is firmware blob that this scanner needs to operate) into the current directory:<br />
unzip -j mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip "MiraScan v4.03u10_BQA/BIN/u176v046.bin"<br />
* Set up Sane to use this firmware blob:<br />
sudo mkdir /usr/share/sane/snapscan<br />
sudo cp u176v046.bin /usr/share/sane/snapscan/<br />
sudo editor /etc/sane.d/snapscan.conf<br />
... and change the first line from:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/your-firmwarefile.bin<br />
to:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/u176v046.bin<br />
... then save and close the file.<br />
* Then under the Applications -> Graphics menu, run Xsane, or (my preference) Simple Scan.<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
<!-- todo: add the repo steps here --><br />
Unfortunately dropbox does not seem to automatically install updates for old versions. Given this, need to manually install updates on old versions, and easiest way to install dropbox updates on Linux is, open a terminal and do:<br />
dropbox stop<br />
dropbox status # Should report "not running"<br />
rm -r ~/.dropbox-dist/<br />
dropbox start -i<br />
<br />
== Handbrake ==<br />
<br />
Handbrake is a media converter, and is especially useful for converting files for portable devices, like Android tablets or iPhones. To install the snapshot releases (which seems to be the easiest way, if you want the GUI) :<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:stebbins/handbrake-snapshots<br />
sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install handbrake-gtk handbrake-cli<br />
== Install Chromium dev builds ==<br />
<br />
Firefox is currently slightly better as a daily browser, but Chromium is improving rapidly. If you want to play with the native alpha port of Google's Chrome browser just to see how it's going, you can install the dev builds of Chromium quite easily by doing:<br />
<!-- could get rid of the PPA - Ubuntu now includes the chromium browser in universe, that lags a little, but avoids the constant daily updates: http://packages.ubuntu.com/search?keywords=chromium-browser --><br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:chromium-daily/dev<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install chromium-browser chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-nonfree chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-extra<br />
<!-- following [http://www.stefanoforenza.com/chromium-on-ubuntu-how-to/ these directions]. You probably also want to add the key for this PPA to your system, following [https://help.launchpad.net/Packaging/PPA#Adding%20the%20keys%20using%20Gnome these directions] about adding [http://keyserver.ubuntu.com:11371/pks/lookup?op=get&search=0x5A9BF3BB4E5E17B5 their key] to your system, so that you don't get lots of prompts every day when there is an update about "do you want to install unauthenticated packages?". --><br />
<br />
Chrome Extensions to install:<br />
* [http://www.chromeextensions.org/appearance-functioning/flashblock/ FlashBlock].<br />
* [http://blog.xmarks.com/?p=1244 Xmarks].<br />
* [https://chrome.google.com/extensions/detail/gighmmpiobklfepjocnamgkkbiglidom Adblock]. Need to restart browser for extension to take effect.<br />
<br />
Still waiting for these Chrome extensions as at July 2010:<br />
* The equivalent of Tab Mix Plus. (still looking for this).<br />
<br />
Things that aren't working quite right yet in Chromium on Linux:<br />
* The backspace key should go back, or should be configurable for this. There is an extension that allows this, but it should probably be a preference in the base browser.<br />
* Auto-updating of extensions. There is a way to do this from the extensions UI, but in Chromium it doesn't seem to do anything.<br />
* Audio playback not working correctly - e.g. on [http://slides.html5rocks.com/#slide22 this slide], get no audio after selecting a national anthem other than US (US works, other's don't). Possibly [http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Chrome/thread?tid=2fdf2aa857abe1ef&hl=en this issue] or [http://code.google.com/p/chromium/issues/detail?id=37848 this issue].<br />
* WebGL does not work on an old laptop, but does on a modern desktop. Could be that the laptop's hardware is just too old (or just not supported in 3D).<br />
<br />
To enable most of the new features of Chromium, change the command line for starting chromium to be like this:<br />
chromium-browser --enable-plugins --enable-greasemonkey --enable-user-scripts --enable-internal-flash --enable-extensions --enable-webgl %U<br />
<br />
Configuration settings:<br />
* To make streetview work: Try to open streetview -> nothing happens -> press Ctrl-Shift-F (which permanently unblock flashblock on that site) -> then streetview will pop up and work thereafter.<br />
<br />
Updating the flash plugin if you get a warning that "the flash plugin was blocked because it is out of date", or just installing the flash plugin.<br />
* First check where the plugin is installed, by opening chrome://plugins/ in chromium, and expanding the "details" link.<br />
* For me, it said "Location: /usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so".<br />
* Note this directory, and update the flashplugin variable below if you have a different path:<br />
cd ~/tmp<br />
flashplugin=/usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so<br />
sudo mv $flashplugin ./libflashplayer.so.old<br />
wget http://download.macromedia.com/pub/labs/flashplayer10/flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz<br />
tar zfvx flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz <br />
sudo cp ./libflashplayer.so $flashplugin<br />
cd /usr/lib/chromium-browser/plugins<br />
sudo ln -s $flashplugin<br />
Now restart chromium and the warning should be fixed & flash should work.<br />
<!--<br />
== Pinta ==<br />
<br />
Basic image editing program, like ms-paint:<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:moonlight-team/pinta<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install pinta<br />
<br />
tends to crash though.... don't include in public instructions just yet!<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
'''Warning: semi-commercial software'''<br />
<br />
Personally, I find dropbox useful for synchronising up to 2 GB of data free between multiple systems (desktop and laptop; work and home). You need to sign up here and install the software from here.<br />
##### FINISH WRITING THIS STEP AT SOME POINT #####<br />
##### Keeps crashing on network transfers, so don't write up until that is completed ###### -- this was fixed by upgrading to version 0.6.564 <br />
##### The crashing is back.... **sigh**<br />
<br />
== testing: Ksplice for rebootless kernel updates ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.ksplice.com/uptrack/download Install]<br />
[http://lwn.net/Articles/340477/ background on Ksplice].<br />
<br />
== Ekiga linux setup ==<br />
.... cannot test this until ADSL connection no longer blocks VoIP...<br />
Date: Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:21:10 +1100<br />
VoIP client.<br />
<br />
Applications ->Internet -> Ekiga softphone<br />
Enter name<br />
Tick "I do not want to sign up for the ekiga.net free service"<br />
connection type xDSL.cable<br />
enable STUN support: Yes<br />
rest of the options: take the defaults,.<br />
<br />
Then in Ekiga, go:<br />
edit -> accounts -> add my pennytel account details.<br />
#### No sound through ekiga in 10.10 -- leave commented out until this works ####<br />
--></div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/Ubuntu_desktop_setup_stepsUbuntu desktop setup steps2012-08-20T07:54:03Z<p>Nickj: /* ubuntu 12.04 tweaks */ + section.</p>
<hr />
<div>Ubuntu desktop setup steps for an AMD64 system. Most of these instructions will also work on 8.04 LTS, 8.10, 9.04, and 9.10, and 10.04 LTS, 10.10, 11.04, and 11.10, as these instructions were previously for those versions, and it should almost all work on an x86 system too:<br />
<br />
== Pre-installation standard hardware test procedure ==<br />
<br />
Before installing or configuring any software, it is imperative to test the hardware beforehand, to establish that it is not provably broken:<br />
* Download the ISOs for [http://www.sysresccd.org/ System Rescue CD] and [http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/ Ultimate Boot CD] and burn these.<br />
* From either CD, run Memtest86+ on the machine overnight, to test that the CPU and memory are error-free.<br />
* From UBCD, run a CPU stress test for 5 to 10 minutes to check CPU is reliable and adequately cooled.<br />
* From Sys Rescue CD, check for bad blocks on the hard drive, before trusting it with any data: <code>badblocks -v -s -w -c 4096 /dev/sda</code> <br />Note however that badblocks is quite a slow test - e.g. took 34 hours on a 500 GB SATA disk in an external USB enclosure, and 17 hours on a 250 GB IDE disk.<br />It's also a destructive write test, and so will blank the disk, so make sure you have the right device (use <code>fdisk -lu</code> to confirm the device's size and name).<br />Successful output will look something like this:<br />
Checking for bad blocks in read-write mode<br />
From block 0 to 244198583<br />
Testing with pattern 0xaa: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x55: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0xff: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Testing with pattern 0x00: done <br />
Reading and comparing: done <br />
Pass completed, 0 bad blocks found.<br />
<br />
If problems are found with any of the above, resolve these first before proceeding further.<br />
<br />
== Installation == <br />
<br />
* Firstly, decide whether you want software RAID or not. Personally, I use RAID-1 mirroring of a single bootable partition, using 2 same-sized disks, from 2 different manufacturers, because:<br />
*# it's simple.<br />
*# it's redundant enough.<br />
*# it's cheap: the incremental cost is the cost of a single disk, which is less than $100.<br />
*# you can boot off of it.<br />
*# it's not a question of if a disk will fail, but when.<br />
: For software RAID, install from the Alternate Installation CD. You can always [http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Convert_a_single_drive_system_to_RAID convert to RAID-1 later], but it's significantly more faffing about than setting it up this way from the get-go.<br />
* Once you've done the above, download and burn either the standard or alternate Ubuntu install CD, as appropriate.<br />
* Insert installation CD. Follow simple options, installs, ejects CD, reboots. Then login.<br />
* System -> Networking -> set up static IP address instead of dynamic IP address.<br />
* reboot to get network changes to apply (theoretically this should not be necessary, but in practice it was, at least for me on 8.04).<br />
* reboot, install system updates. Then reboot once updates are installed.<br />
* system -> hardware drivers -> enable the proprietary nvidia drivers.<br />
* reboot to enable the proprietary drivers.<br />
<br />
== Tweaks and Preferences ==<br />
<br />
* Ditch the annoying sounds: System -> Preferences -> sound -> sounds -> set all to "no sound", and untick "play system sounds", and on "system beep" tab untick all boxes.<br />
* Ditch the thrashing hard-disk: System -> Preferences -> Searching and indexing -> General -> tick "enable indexing" and "enable watching" and both of the power management boxes to disable stuff when on battery.<br />
* To get Subpixel Smoothing on LCDs, do this: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Fonts -> Select "subpixel smoothing (LCDs)". Need to restart Firefox for this change to take effect in Firefox.<br />
* To get reasonable desktop visual effects: System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Visual Effects -> Select "Normal".<br />
* To make the system remember running apps and window locations on logout, do this: System -> Preferences -> sessions -> session options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out". In Ubuntu 9.04 / gnome 2.26 & up, this setting has moved, and is now under: System -> Preferences -> Startup Application Preferences -> options -> tick "automatically remember running applications when logging out".<br />
<!--* To tweak networking performance, [http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Hardy#Howto:_Tweak_and_maximize_your_bandwidth_in_Ubuntu.2FLinux_via_sysctl.21 follow these instructions]. --><br />
* Power saving: Turn off blinking cursor by going: System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> untick "Cursor blinks in text fields".<br />
* Add terminal icon to gnome panel: Right-click panel -> Add to Panel -> Application Launcher... -> Accessories -> Terminal -> Add -> Close.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Editor" tab -> tick "autosave" files every 2 minutes.<br />
* Gedit -> Edit -> Preferences -> "Plugins" tab -> tick "Sort" to enable the sort plugin -> Close. Can now highlight text and go Edit -> Sort to get it alphabetically sorted.<br />
<br />
== [[Firefox configuration steps]] ==<br />
<br />
{{:Firefox configuration steps}}<br />
<br />
== Installation of extra software ==<br />
<br />
Go system -> admin -> synaptic package manager -> then Install the following (my brief descriptions of what some packages do are also shown) :<br />
* inkscape # Vector drawing package<br />
* hugin # Create panoramas from an image set.<br />
* dia # Draw diagrams & flow charts, somewhat like "visio" on Windows.<br />
* googleearth-package<br />
* xchat # IRC client.<br />
* ttf-mscorefonts-installer ttf-linux-libertine ttf-inconsolata # The most useful font sets. See also the "[[#Install the Tahoma fonts|Install the Tahoma fonts]]" section below.<br />
* audacious # Like XMMS or Winamp<br />
* nmap # Check for open ports.<br />
* filezilla # GUI FTP client.<br />
* wireshark # Packet sniffer<br />
* powertop iotop htop # Show power hogs, I/O hogs, and an more visual command-line version of top.<br />
* nautilus-open-terminal # adds ability to right click on a folder and get a command prompt there.<br />
* php5-cli php5-gd php5-curl # Only useful if you want to write scripts in PHP.<br />
* traceroute # How packets get from here to there over the network.<br />
* curl # Command line HTTP client, includes form-submitting capacity<br />
* tofrodos # Convert line endings from dos to UNIX or vice-versa.<br />
* openssh-server<br />
* libxml2-dev libmysqlclient-dev # Optional: Only used for compiling PHP snapshots<br />
* eclipse sun-java6-jdk sun-java6-jre sun-java6-plugin libmysql-java junit junit-doc # Optional: Java development using Eclipse + java plugins for Firefox<br />
* sysinfo # Kind of like device manager on Windows. Shows CPU / memory / hard disk installed, some hardware that has been detected, etc.<br />
* autofs smbfs smbclient<br />
* gisomount<br />
* gtk-recordmydesktop # Record videos of what you're doing on your desktop.<br />
* gworldclock # Want to simultaneously see the time in Tokyo, LA, London, and Rio? Use this.<br />
* ffmpeg2theora # Convert videos into format suitable for uploading to Wikimedia commons.<br />
* rar p7zip-full # needed for extracting .7z and RAR archives<br />
* gnome-do # Run apps or commands from a keyboard launcher.<br />
* pinfo # Much nicer UI than man or info for reading documentation.<br />
* vlc mozilla-plugin-vlc<br />
* avidemux # Useful for replacing audio tracks in video files.<br />
* indent # Useful for auto-indenting code.<br />
* smartmontools smart-notifier # S.M.A.R.T. hard disk monitoring tools.<br />
* tidy<br />
* ddrescue # Useful for recovering data from failing hard disks.<br />
* gimp-resynthesizer # A nifty plugin for gimp for repairing images or filling in content intelligently. Ignore if you don't use gimp.<br />
* qpdf # Useful for removing password from PDF files, as per [http://blog.sandipb.net/2009/01/10/removing-encryption-from-legitimate-pdf-files-on-ubuntu/ this guide].<br />
* hardinfo # Generates a hardware report and benchmark for the system; can also run in command line mode by doing: <code> hardinfo -r -f html > report.html </code><br />
* gtkvncviewer # Nice VNC client.<br />
* renameutils # Useful for bulk renaming of files. Example for renaming all .JPG files in a directory to .jpg (lowercase) is: <code>rename s/JPG$/jpg/ *</code><br />
* meld # Good GUI for comparing two files, e.g. two log files.<br />
* asciio # Good for drawing ASCII graphs; only available in Ubuntu 10.10 and up.<br />
* spamassassin # Email filtering, used by Evolution.<br />
<!--<br />
<br />
Have installed on laptop - test some more and see if worth including:<br />
gedit-plugins<br />
wget http://nchc.dl.sourceforge.net/sourceforge/openproj/openproj_1.4-2.deb && sudo dpkg -i openproj_1.4-2.deb<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
winbind # could be useful on a windows network. Have not discerned any benefit yet though.<br />
<br />
Still working out whether to include or not: * evolution-plugins-experimental <br />
<br />
* bum # Boot Up Manager - GUI for specifying what services should be running on boot-up.<br />
* miro # Combined bittorrent client and video player. Particularly useful for downloading TED talks before a flight. Uses lots of disk space though.<br />
* k3b # CD burning app.<br />
* deluge amule # P2P - donkey plus bittorrent<br />
<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Configure "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" ==<br />
<br />
To get the back / forward keyboard keys working in Firefox, when using the "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard", go System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> Layout -> click the model button -> Choose Microsoft -> set model to "Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro USB" -> click "close".<br />
<br />
== Custom Key Bindings, aimed at "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard" == <br />
<br />
Note: the steps keep changing in each Ubuntu release (the menus move around, the keycodes change), unfortunately. This is what works for me using 11.10 in gnome-fallback mode:<br />
<br />
* ubuntu "System Setting" (top right corner of your desktop) -> Keyboard -> Shortcut.<br />
* Set "1" favourite key to "run a terminal"<br />
* Set "2" favourite key to "open home folder"<br />
<br />
There seems to be a bug that prevents the "custom shortcuts" keys from working for favourite keys 3, 4 and 5. Instead we have to do this:<br />
* In a terminal, run: <code>gconf-editor</code><br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/global_keybindings<br />
* Change "run_command_3" to be 0xc2, "run_command_4" to be 0xc3, and "run_command_5" to be 0xc4 - these corresponds to the 3 / 4 / 5 favourite keys.<br />
* Navigate to apps/metacity/keybinding_commands<br />
* Change "command_3" to be the take-screenshot command: <code>gnome-screenshot --window --interactive</code><br />
* Change "command_4" to be the new-text-editor command: <code>/usr/bin/gedit --new-document</code><br />
* Change "command_5" to be as desired.<br />
<!-- * Name is "Zend Studio", command is "sh /home/nickj/programs/Zend/ZendStudio-5.5.0/bin/ZDE". Set the 5 favourite key to run this. --><br />
<br />
== Install Skype == <br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>" -> Skype -> More Info -> Install. <br />
<br />
Then to make the right-click menus legible with Ubuntu's dark theme, do as follows:<br />
# Applications -> Internet -> Skype -> single-click on the skype icon in the top right to open skype -> Ctrl-O to open options -> "general" -> Choose Style: "Desktop settings" -> close.<br />
# Single click on skype icon to open skype again -> Ctrl-Q to close.<br />
# Now restart skype by going Applications -> Internet -> Skype, and the right-click menus will be readable.<br />
<!--<br />
install Skype - [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Skype#AMD64 Source of instructions].<br />
sudo aptitude install ia32-libs<br />
wget http://skype.com/go/getskype-linux-ubuntu<br />
sudo aptitude install libqt4-core libqt4-gui qt4-qtconfig <br />
sudo dpkg --install --force-architecture --force-depends skype-debian*.deb<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Install the Tahoma fonts ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.stchman.com/ms_fonts.html Source of instructions].<br />
<br />
Once the msttcorefonts package is installed you will notice that Tahoma and Tahoma Bold is missing. You will need to extract Tahoma<br />
and Tahoma Bold from the zip file. Tahoma is used for Microsoft desktop, title bars and menu fonts so if you are trying to get that<br />
XP look you will need the Tahoma regular and Tahoma Bold fonts. Install Tahoma by doing the following in a terminal.<br />
<br />
cd ~<br />
wget http://www.stchman.com/tools/MS_fonts/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo unzip -d /usr/share/fonts/truetype/msttcorefonts ~/tahoma.zip<br />
sudo fc-cache -f -v<br />
rm -f ~/tahoma.zip<br />
<br />
== Install Flash == <br />
<br />
* Install the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up or installs flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems.<br />
* Restart the browser.<br />
* Go to: Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, go with all the defaults.<br />
* It removes any old flash plugins and downloads and installs the latest Adobe one.<br />
* For AMD64 systems, can use the flash 64 bit beta.<br />
<br />
If flash videos have a blue tint after the installation, then repeat the above steps, which may fix it. If it doesn't, then right click on a flash video with a blue tint -> Settings -> Untick "enable HW acceleration". [http://askubuntu.com/questions/117127/flash-video-appears-blue Source].<br />
<br />
== Install Google Earth ==<br />
<!--<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update && sudo aptitude install medibuntu-keyring && sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install googleearth-4.3<br />
<br />
... or follow the manual instructions on [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/GoogleEarth this page] for a more recent version.<br />
--><br />
Follow [http://www.liberiangeek.net/2011/10/how-to-install-google-earth-in-ubuntu-11-10-oneiric-ocelot/ these instructions for installing google earth].<br />
<br />
== Install Acrobat reader ==<br />
<br />
From the command line, run "<code>software-center</code>", or go Applications -> Ubuntu Software Center, and then go: -> Canonical Partners -> Adobe Acrobat reader -> Install.<br />
<br />
<!--<br />
In earlier versions of Ubuntu, to install acrobat reader, since [http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-general-1/cant-shrink-to-fit-pdf-doc-654281/ Ubuntu's native PDF readers don't have shrink to fit when printing]. :<br />
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install acroread acroread-plugins<br />
<br />
(this uses medibuntu, from the Google Earth step above).<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
Also need to do this:<br />
sudo editor /usr/share/applications/defaults.list <br />
And change this:<br />
#application/pdf=evince.desktop<br />
application/pdf=AdobeReader.desktop<br />
--><br />
Then to tweak the display preferences of Acrobat Reader: Edit -> Preferences -> Page Display -> set "Zoom" to "Fit Page" -> Click "Ok".<br />
<br />
To change the default file handling for PDF's all I had to do was find a PDF, right click, select Properties, click the Open With tab and select Adobe Acrobat Reader from the options.<br />
<br />
== Install Opera ==<br />
<br />
To install and configure opera (since it's useful for testing web pages to be able to check behaviour, and it's useful to have another browser around sometimes), do the following:<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.list<br />
... and add these two lines:<br />
# For latest stable opera:<br />
deb http://deb.opera.com/opera/ stable non-free<br />
<br />
* Then do:<br />
sudo wget -O - http://deb.opera.com/archive.key | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install opera<br />
* Then run opera - Applications -> Internet -> Opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise -> Toolbars tab -> change the "wrapping" setting to "Wrap to multiple lines".<br />
<!-- <br />
* Go to [http://www.opera.com/download/ Opera's download page].<br />
* Download and open and install the .deb file<br />
* Then run opera<br />
* Right-click on the tab bar, select Customise and change the wrapping setting to "multiple lines".<br />
--><br />
== Enable Apport for crash bug reporting ==<br />
<br />
Enable apport so that crash bugs will be reported and logged:<br />
sudo editor /etc/default/apport<br />
change enabled from "0" to "1".<br />
<br />
Crashes will then be logged to /var/crash/<br />
<br />
== Configure Open Office to work in MS Office 2000 compatibility mode ==<br />
<br />
[http://news.cnet.com/8301-13880_3-9864262-68.html Source of instructions]. Only do this if you are testing a migration to Ubuntu. Once you have already switched, then use the native ODF for new files, as they generally save formatting better.<br />
* Start OpenOffice Word Process: Applications -> Office -> OpenOffice.org Word Processor -> tools -> options -> expand "Load/Save" -> select "general" -> For document type = "Text document", set Always save as "Microsoft Word 97/2000/XP" (instead of "ODF text document"); For Document type = "Spreadsheet", set Always save as "Microsoft Excel 97/2000/XP"; For Document type = "Presentation", set Always save as "Microsoft PowerPoint 97/2000/XP" -> then click "OK".<br />
* Then tools -> options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> compatibility -> tick "Use printer metrics for document formatting", tick "Do not add leading (extra space) between lines of text", and tick "Consider wrapping style when positioning objects". Then go: Use as Default -> Yes -> OK.<br />
<br />
Note: When you upgrade between Ubuntu releases, you will probably need to repeat the first step, otherwise it will default back to saving in OpenOffice's formats by default.<br />
<br />
== Evolution configuration ==<br />
<br />
* Turn off new email notifications: Evolution -> Edit -> Plugins -> Uncheck "Mail Notification" plugin.<br />
* Edit -> Preferences -> 'Calendar and Tasks' -> 'Display' tab -> Disable the 'Compress weekends in month view' option.<br />
* Customize the default mail folder view. Get one folder looking right (personal preference: Columns: From / Subject / Received, with threads off, sorted by date received with most recent first). Then go View -> Current view -> Save Custom View... -> Replace existing view -> Messages -> Save. "Messages" is a special view, which is used by default on all folders, although you can override it on a folder-by-folder basis, but customizing that folder's view.<br />
<br />
== Set up SSH keys and KeepAlive Interval ==<br />
<br />
For each machine you want to have password-less SSH login to, do:<br />
ssh-copy-id -i ~/.ssh/id_dsa.pub machine1<br />
<br />
Also on some connections the SSH shell can close after a short timeout period. To keep connections option for longer, on the client side do, <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and then add this line to send a keep-alive heartbeat every 60 seconds:<br />
ServerAliveInterval 60<br />
<br />
... there is also a corresponding "ClientAliveInterval 60" setting that can be added to /etc/ssh/sshd_config - although sometimes you only control the client side of the link, and so this is not possible.<br />
<br />
Also set up connection sharing, makes secondary connections to SSH hosts much faster. <code>sudo editor /etc/ssh/ssh_config</code> and add this:<br />
# from: "OpenSSH tip: connection sharing"<br />
# http://tanguy.ortolo.eu/blog/article42/ssh-connection-sharing<br />
ControlPath ~/.ssh/control-%r@%h:%p<br />
ControlMaster auto<br />
ControlPersist 1<br />
<br />
== Automounting remote file systems using SSHFS ==<br />
<br />
For a remote Linux system, can automount with autofs + sshfs. Follow the guides [http://www.tjansson.dk/?p=84 here] and [http://www.mccambridge.org/blog/2007/05/totally-seamless-sshfs-under-linux-using-fuse-and-autofs/ here].<br />
<br />
Debug any problems with:<br />
tail --lines=0 -f /var/log/*<br />
<!-- <br />
Windows shares<br />
* Currently TESTING, this step not complete yet.<br />
* [http://oapeon.blogspot.com/2008/09/automounting-cifs-share-in-ubuntu.html Follow these instructions], but also [http://www.howtoforge.com/accessing_windows_or_samba_shares_using_autofs create a /etc/auto.smb.FILESERVERNAME file with login credentials].<br />
<br />
Actually, may have spoken too soon, seems kinda flakey. Getting "Input/output error" on the command line when accessing shares after a few minutes:<br />
<br />
$ ls /smb/server/sharename/<br />
ls: cannot access /smb/server/sharename/: Input/output error<br />
$<br />
<br />
Also seeing these errors when doing "tail -f /var/log/messages", despite supplying login credentials:<br />
Oct 23 17:42:02 redux kernel: [66597.665680] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
Oct 23 17:42:01 redux kernel: [66597.524118] Status code returned 0xc000006d NT_STATUS_LOGON_FAILURE<br />
<br />
To remove, uninstall these packages:<br />
sudo aptitude uninstall --purge autofs libevent1 libgssglue1 libnfsidmap2 librpcsecgss3 nfs-common portmap smbfs<br />
<br />
<br />
rebooting seemed to make this better.... although it's still buggy and flakey. Get directories being infinitely recursive, edited files appearing as directories, etc etc.<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
testing / playing with smbnetfs as an alternative<br />
sudo aptitude install smbnetfs<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/smbnetfs.conf <br />
<br />
- show_$_shares "false"<br />
+ show_$_shares "true"<br />
<br />
mkdir ~/.smb<br />
editor ~/.smb/smbnetfs.auth<br />
<br />
auth nickj password<br />
<br />
Need to do something with .smb/smbnetfs.conf ?<br />
<br />
<br />
* smbnetfs is probably not even running - need to find some decent docs on how to configure this.<br />
* autofs is mounted on /smb , and can be seriously flakey.<br />
* trying sshfs now, seems better but needs some magic options in the mount flags to work suitably.<br />
--><br />
== right before and right after each upgrade ==<br />
<br />
Remove unneeded cruft, by doing:<br />
sudo apt-get autoremove<br />
sudo apt-get clean<br />
deborphan<br />
Check first that no important packages are about to be removed, then do:<br />
sudo apt-get remove --purge $(deborphan)<br />
Purge old configuration files, first command shows what will be purged:<br />
sudo aptitude search ~c <br />
sudo aptitude purge ~c<br />
<br />
Fix broken packages:<br />
* <code>sudo aptitude</code><br />
* fix any broken packages (ctrl-t -> resolver -> examine -> g -> g).<br />
* also clean up cache and obsolete files (ctrl-t -> actions -> "clean package cache" and "clean obsolete files").<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
These tweaks are only required for 9.04:<br />
<br />
([http://reformedmusings.wordpress.com/2009/04/26/recovering-daily-update-notifications-in-ubuntu-904-jaunty/ Source]) To enable daily notification of non-security updates, which is especially useful if you [[#enable Apport for crash bug reporting|enable Apport for crash bug reporting]], then do this:<br />
gconftool -s --type bool /apps/update-notifier/auto_launch false<br />
<br />
([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-when-logoutshutdown-and-restart-ubuntu904 Source]) To remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout, do this:<br />
* Right-click on the panel power button icon on top-right of the screen -> Preferences -> Untick "Show confirm dialog for logout, shutdown and restart".<br />
<br />
Only in Ubuntu 9.04:<br />
sudo aptitude install firefox-3.5 firefox-3.5-gnome-support<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 9.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
Tweaks to Ubuntu 9.10 that I had to apply to get stuff working again, or configured how I like it:<br />
<br />
1: Remove the 60 second delay on shutdown or logout. ([http://ubuntuguide.net/disable-60-seconds-delay-notification-in-ubuntu910karmic Source]). <br />
<br />
2: For seeing details of SMART reporting for hard disks:<br />
sudo aptitude install gsmartcontrol<br />
<br />
3: system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Dust".<br />
<br />
4: Alt-F2, run gconf-editor , then toogle the GConf key /apps/eog/ui/disable_trash_confirmation to be ticked, to disable prompting for image deleting though Eye of Gnome ([https://bugzilla.gnome.org/show_bug.cgi?id=541967#c5 source]).<br />
<br />
5: Some third party entries in your sources.list were disabled. You can re-enable them after the upgrade with the 'software-properties' tool or your package manager.<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/apt/sources.lst<br />
<br />
.. then re-enable dropbox, chrome daily builds, etc, and apply those updates:<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude upgrade<br />
<br />
6: Setting MySQL back to utf8 mode:<br />
<br />
sudo editor /etc/mysql/my.cnf <br />
add under the "[mysqld]" section:<br />
default-character-set=utf8<br />
<br />
7: Blue tint to video files in VLC, Mplayer, and Totem. [http://www.mediacollege.com/video-gallery/testclips/20051210-w50s.flv Example video file]. [https://bugs.launchpad.net/totem/+bug/395476 Bug is in] the Nvidia closed source driver. Workaround is:<br />
* open totem via Applications -> Sound & Video -> Movie Player<br />
* open the preferences window via Edit -> Preferences<br />
* select the Display tab<br />
* click the Reset to Defaults button<br />
<br />
8: Problem: Mplayer crashing regularly when changing video output mode, and also giving a "couldn't resolve name for AF_INET6:" error on URL playback. Workaround: ditch mplayer, as totem and VLC are suitable replacements:<br />
sudo aptitude remove --purge mplayer<br />
<br />
9: Flash applets don't work in firefox or chrome on AMD64 (example: playing [http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-february-1-2010/q---o this Daily Show] video) .... solution: redo the [[#Install_Flash_on_AMD64|Flash installation steps]].<br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# system -> preferences -> appearance -> theme -> select "Ambiance". <!-- move window decoration buttons to the left too - find link & steps for this --><br />
# If images don't display in office documents: Start OpenOffice writer, and then go: Tools -> Options -> OpenOffice.org Writer -> View -> tick "Graphics and objects" -> click "Ok".<br />
<!-- to get SIP calls working through empathy through the dodgy Telstra modem that blocks VoIP: sudo aptitude install telepathy-sofiasip ... no, didn't work - test again later. --><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 10.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
# <code>sudo aptitude remove tracker</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install unity-2d</code><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 11.10 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
The 11.10 release had more problems than most releases.<br />
<br />
Nautilus default view: go to Places -> Home folder -> Edit -> Preferences -> "View new folders using": select "List View".<br />
<br />
=== Restore classic Gnome desktop ===<br />
To get gnome classic desktop back, as per [http://www.webupd8.org/2011/08/installing-using-classic-gnome-desktop.html this blog post].<br />
sudo apt-get install gnome-session-fallback<br />
Then:<br />
* Install weather applet<br />
* System monitor applet<br />
* Add application icons for Firefox, chrome, terminal, and gedit.<br />
sudo aptitude install alarm-clock-applet<br />
* Add an application icon for the alarm clock applet.<br />
* Put a trash applet back on the bottom right of the screen.<br />
* Put a show desktop applet back on the bottom left of the screen.<br />
<br />
=== SSH menu is gone, use SSH plus instead ===<br />
Follow [http://www.gulecha.org/2011/07/29/sshplus-a-sshmenu-compatible-appindicator/ these installation instructions]. Then do <code>sudo aptitude install putty</code><br/> <br />
To add to startup apps: application -> other -> startup applications -> add SSHplus by full path.<br />
<br />
=== blurry image viewer ===<br />
Images look blurry because the default Gnome Image viewer (eog/eye of gnome) is set to "Best Fit" instead of "Normal view", which resizes images slightly, making them appear blurry. Unfortunately, there seems to be no preference or setting that allows changing this permanently. Instead just install another image viewing app, and make it the default:<br />
<code>sudo aptitude install gthumb</code><br/><br />
It can be customized to view images 1:1 by going Edit -> Preferences -> Viewer -> Set to actual size. Then go View -> unselect "Thumbnail pane" (with this on, it seems to interfere with 1:1 viewing). Test it, then if so make it the default app by going ubuntu "System Settings" (top right corner of your desktop) -> System info -> Default applications -> Photos -> gThumb.<br />
<br />
=== usb automounting was broken ===<br />
Inserted USB drives would no longer automatically mount and open a file manager window. Solved by installing, and then removing, the usbmount package.<br />
<br />
=== Flash broken ===<br />
After upgrading from 11.04 to 11.10, flash applets either did not work, or worked partial (such as the sound being distorted, like the person was underwater). Fixed by installing the "flash-aid" extension in Firefox, which fixes up broken flash for Ubuntu and Debian systems. Installed the extension, restarted the browser, then went Tools -> Flash-Aid -> Wizard Mode, just went with all the defaults, it removed the old flash plugins (I had 2) and downloaded and installed the latest adobe one, and then it was as good as new and working flawlessly.<br />
<br />
== Install Chromium dev builds ==<br />
<br />
Firefox is currently slightly better as a daily browser, but Chromium is improving rapidly. If you want to play with the native alpha port of Google's Chrome browser just to see how it's going, you can install the dev builds of Chromium quite easily by doing:<br />
<!-- could get rid of the PPA - Ubuntu now includes the chromium browser in universe, that lags a little, but avoids the constant daily updates: http://packages.ubuntu.com/search?keywords=chromium-browser --><br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:chromium-daily/dev<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install chromium-browser chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-nonfree chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-extra<br />
<!-- following [http://www.stefanoforenza.com/chromium-on-ubuntu-how-to/ these directions]. You probably also want to add the key for this PPA to your system, following [https://help.launchpad.net/Packaging/PPA#Adding%20the%20keys%20using%20Gnome these directions] about adding [http://keyserver.ubuntu.com:11371/pks/lookup?op=get&search=0x5A9BF3BB4E5E17B5 their key] to your system, so that you don't get lots of prompts every day when there is an update about "do you want to install unauthenticated packages?". --><br />
<br />
Chrome Extensions to install:<br />
* [http://www.chromeextensions.org/appearance-functioning/flashblock/ FlashBlock].<br />
* [http://blog.xmarks.com/?p=1244 Xmarks].<br />
* [https://chrome.google.com/extensions/detail/gighmmpiobklfepjocnamgkkbiglidom Adblock]. Need to restart browser for extension to take effect.<br />
<br />
Still waiting for these Chrome extensions as at July 2010:<br />
* The equivalent of Tab Mix Plus. (still looking for this).<br />
<br />
Things that aren't working quite right yet in Chromium on Linux:<br />
* The backspace key should go back, or should be configurable for this. There is an extension that allows this, but it should probably be a preference in the base browser.<br />
* Auto-updating of extensions. There is a way to do this from the extensions UI, but in Chromium it doesn't seem to do anything.<br />
* Audio playback not working correctly - e.g. on [http://slides.html5rocks.com/#slide22 this slide], get no audio after selecting a national anthem other than US (US works, other's don't). Possibly [http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Chrome/thread?tid=2fdf2aa857abe1ef&hl=en this issue] or [http://code.google.com/p/chromium/issues/detail?id=37848 this issue].<br />
* WebGL does not work on an old laptop, but does on a modern desktop. Could be that the laptop's hardware is just too old (or just not supported in 3D).<br />
<br />
To enable most of the new features of Chromium, change the command line for starting chromium to be like this:<br />
chromium-browser --enable-plugins --enable-greasemonkey --enable-user-scripts --enable-internal-flash --enable-extensions --enable-webgl %U<br />
<br />
Configuration settings:<br />
* To make streetview work: Try to open streetview -> nothing happens -> press Ctrl-Shift-F (which permanently unblock flashblock on that site) -> then streetview will pop up and work thereafter.<br />
<br />
Updating the flash plugin if you get a warning that "the flash plugin was blocked because it is out of date", or just installing the flash plugin.<br />
* First check where the plugin is installed, by opening chrome://plugins/ in chromium, and expanding the "details" link.<br />
* For me, it said "Location: /usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so".<br />
* Note this directory, and update the flashplugin variable below if you have a different path:<br />
cd ~/tmp<br />
flashplugin=/usr/lib/mozilla/plugins/libflashplayer.so<br />
sudo mv $flashplugin ./libflashplayer.so.old<br />
wget http://download.macromedia.com/pub/labs/flashplayer10/flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz<br />
tar zfvx flashplayer10_2_p3_64bit_linux_111710.tar.gz <br />
sudo cp ./libflashplayer.so $flashplugin<br />
cd /usr/lib/chromium-browser/plugins<br />
sudo ln -s $flashplugin<br />
Now restart chromium and the warning should be fixed & flash should work.<br />
<!--<br />
== Pinta ==<br />
<br />
Basic image editing program, like ms-paint:<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:moonlight-team/pinta<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install pinta<br />
<br />
tends to crash though.... don't include in public instructions just yet!<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
'''Warning: semi-commercial software'''<br />
<br />
Personally, I find dropbox useful for synchronising up to 2 GB of data free between multiple systems (desktop and laptop; work and home). You need to sign up here and install the software from here.<br />
##### FINISH WRITING THIS STEP AT SOME POINT #####<br />
##### Keeps crashing on network transfers, so don't write up until that is completed ###### -- this was fixed by upgrading to version 0.6.564 <br />
##### The crashing is back.... **sigh**<br />
<br />
== testing: Ksplice for rebootless kernel updates ==<br />
<br />
[http://www.ksplice.com/uptrack/download Install]<br />
[http://lwn.net/Articles/340477/ background on Ksplice].<br />
<br />
== Ekiga linux setup ==<br />
.... cannot test this until ADSL connection no longer blocks VoIP...<br />
Date: Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:21:10 +1100<br />
VoIP client.<br />
<br />
Applications ->Internet -> Ekiga softphone<br />
Enter name<br />
Tick "I do not want to sign up for the ekiga.net free service"<br />
connection type xDSL.cable<br />
enable STUN support: Yes<br />
rest of the options: take the defaults,.<br />
<br />
Then in Ekiga, go:<br />
edit -> accounts -> add my pennytel account details.<br />
#### No sound through ekiga in 10.10 -- leave commented out until this works ####<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Ubuntu 12.04 tweaks ==<br />
<br />
=== Multiple monitors broken, screen orientation broken ===<br />
<br />
run Synaptic, remove all the nvidia drivers, and install the nouveau firmware, then reboot, then systems settings -> displays, and can change the monitor setup so that multi-montior works again and so the orientations are in portrait instead of landscape.<br />
<br />
=== Customised keyboard shortcuts lost ===<br />
<br />
All my customized keyboard shortcuts for the extra buttons on my keyboard are lost. Had to redo the keyboard config to get these back.<br />
<br />
=== alt-tab no longer works ===<br />
<br />
To fix (from [http://askubuntu.com/questions/135685/alt-tab-does-not-switch this source]) :<br />
sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* Go at the very bottom where it says "Window Management"<br />
* Put a checkmark in "application switcher"<br />
* That should fix it.<br />
<br />
=== Workplace switching is broken (gives a blank desktop with no menus or items) ===<br />
<br />
Install compiz settings manager as above, and that will fix it. To get switching to be 4 horizontal desktops:<br />
<br />
* Go to Applications -> system tools -> preferences -> compizconfig settings manager<br />
* "general" -> General options -> Desktop size -> horizontal virtual size = 4, vertical virtual size = 1<br />
<br />
Also turn off "effects" -> "animations" in compiz too, whilst we are there.<br />
<br />
=== Gnome menus look ugly ===<br />
<br />
The bug is [https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/light-themes/+bug/981289 here]. To fix ambiance themes, [http://www.webupd8.org/2012/05/install-ambiance-fixed-for-classic.html follow these steps].<br />
<br />
=== Printing was broken ===<br />
<br />
Jobs sent to the network printer just sat in the queue and were never printed, even though the printer hardware was fine and the same queue worked perfectly in 11.10. Easiest solution was to cancel all print jobs, delete the printer, add a new printer with the same settings, and reboot (because the printer setup locked up whilst doing these things).<br />
<br />
=== Printing was excessively slow from Firefox ===<br />
<br />
Even after doing the above, printing was very slow from Firefox to the HP LaserJet 2100 TN. For example, it was taking up to 4 minutes to print a page, whereas it would take 15 seconds before. To fix:<br />
* Run "system-config-printer" from the command line.<br />
* Change the printer driver. Instead of the recommended driver, use "HP LaserJet 2100 - CUPS+Gutenprint v5.2.8-pre1".<br />
* Print a test page, once works okay, click "OK", and close the printer config applet.<br />
<br />
=== Volume applet indicator disappeared ===<br />
<br />
[http://askubuntu.com/questions/126411/volume-and-other-indicators-disappeared-in-the-classic-desktop Source].<br />
Run gnome-sound-applet from the command line to check that it is installed and working.<br />
<br />
To start the sound applet automatically, go to System Tools -> Preferences -> Startup Applications, and add Command gnome-sound-applet<br />
<br />
== Python-iview (for Australia only) == <br />
[https://launchpad.net/~jeremy-visser/+archive/python-iview Python-iview] allows downloading ABC shows for later viewing. Steps to install:<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:jeremy-visser/python-iview<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude upgrade # this installs a later rtmpdump<br />
sudo aptitude install python-iview<br />
<br />
== VirtualBox ==<br />
<br />
From the [http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Linux_Downloads VirtualBox Installation instructions]:<br />
sudo vim /etc/apt/sources.list <br />
add this line: <code>deb http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian oneiric contrib</code> . Do not add a deb-src line.<br />
wget -q http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian/oracle_vbox.asc -O- | sudo apt-key add -<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install dkms<br />
sudo aptitude install virtualbox-4.1<br />
<br />
The first time that you install, make sure that you are a member of vboxusers group (needed for USB disks to work correctly) :<br />
sudo usermod -a -G vboxusers `whoami`<br />
sudo usermod -a -G disk `whoami`<br />
Then reboot the computer.<br />
<br />
To get the extension pack, which enables some extra features in VirtualBox 4.1:<br />
cd ~/.Virtualbox<br />
mkdir extensions<br />
cd extensions/<br />
wget http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/4.1.8/Oracle_VM_VirtualBox_Extension_Pack-4.1.8-75467.vbox-extpack<br />
To enable the extension pack:<br />
* VirtualBox main window -> File -> Preferences -> Extensions -> add button on right -> select the file saved above -> enter password if prompted.<br />
<br />
Before starting the Guest machine, make sure USB functionality is enabled by going:<br />
* Settings -> USB -> Make sure both the USB checkboxes are ticked -> Click the "Add Empty Filter" button (the top button on the right) -> click OK to close dialog box.<br />
<br />
Rebuild the virtualbox modules after upgrading from a previous version:<br />
sudo service vboxdrv setup<br />
<br />
After upgrading from a previous version, to update the guest's VirtualBox drivers, do this after the Guest has started:<br />
* VirtualBox -> start Guest -> "Devices" menu -> Install Guest Additions.<br />
<br />
Then plug in a USB device after the guest machine has started. Then make it visible to the Guest by going:<br />
* Devices -> USB devices -> and select the USB device to make visible.<br />
<br />
And in a Debian or Ubuntu '''guest''' machine after doing a dist-upgrade, to install the vbox additions, do this:<br />
* Devices -> install guest additions...<br />
mount /dev/cdrom <br />
aptitude install build-essential linux-headers-$(uname -r)<br />
sh /cdrom/VBoxLinuxAdditions.run<br />
<br />
When doing a major version upgrade, use apt-get and not aptitude. For example:<br />
sudo apt-get install virtualbox-4.1<br />
... and then start VirtualBox, and then install the latest extension pack, using the steps above. The link will be on the [https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads VirtualBox downloads] page.<br />
<br />
If you get an "Error! Could not locate dkms.conf file" message, then you probably have old directories left over from an old version of virtualbox under /var/lib/dkms/ . E.g. I had some directories left over from 3.2.6, and the fix was:<br />
sudo rm -r /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetadp /var/lib/dkms/vboxdrv /var/lib/dkms/vboxnetflt<br />
<br />
== Newsgroup bin client ==<br />
<br />
sudo aptitude install sabnzbdplus<br />
Then configure as per [http://wiki.sabnzbd.org/quick-setup the steps on their wiki].<br />
<!-- Lottanzb keeps crashing for me:<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:lottanzb/daily-build<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:jcfp/ppa<br />
sudo aptitude update<br />
sudo aptitude install lottanzb sabnzbdplus<br />
--><br />
<br />
== Steps for making the Benq Acer S2W 3300U work == <br />
<br />
* Plug in power and USB cable to the scanner, and connect it to your computer.<br />
* Check SANE is installed, then run <code> sane-find-scanner </code>, and it should list your scanner.<br />
* From [http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/downloads.cfm/dtype/D/page/downloads/product/91 Benq's page] get the Mirascan ZIP file. Note that Benq's webservers are crap, and they cut out mid-download, so save yourself frustration by using wget to take care of the downloading/resuming/retrying, by doing:<br />
wget ftp://211.78.86.204/scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
and/or<br />
wget http://benq.co.uk/support/downloads/download.cfm?file=scanner/drivers/usb/mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
* Check the ZIP file downloaded okay by doing:<br />
unzip -t mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip<br />
... and making sure it says there were "no errors detected" at the end.<br />
* Extract just the u176v046.bin file (which is firmware blob that this scanner needs to operate) into the current directory:<br />
unzip -j mirascanv403u10_bqa.zip "MiraScan v4.03u10_BQA/BIN/u176v046.bin"<br />
* Set up Sane to use this firmware blob:<br />
sudo mkdir /usr/share/sane/snapscan<br />
sudo cp u176v046.bin /usr/share/sane/snapscan/<br />
sudo editor /etc/sane.d/snapscan.conf<br />
... and change the first line from:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/your-firmwarefile.bin<br />
to:<br />
firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/u176v046.bin<br />
... then save and close the file.<br />
* Then under the Applications -> Graphics menu, run Xsane, or (my preference) Simple Scan.<br />
<br />
== Dropbox ==<br />
<br />
<!-- todo: add the repo steps here --><br />
Unfortunately dropbox does not seem to automatically install updates for old versions. Given this, need to manually install updates on old versions, and easiest way to install dropbox updates on Linux is, open a terminal and do:<br />
dropbox stop<br />
dropbox status # Should report "not running"<br />
rm -r ~/.dropbox-dist/<br />
dropbox start -i<br />
<br />
== Handbrake ==<br />
<br />
Handbrake is a media converter, and is especially useful for converting files for portable devices, like Android tablets or iPhones. To install the snapshot releases (which seems to be the easiest way, if you want the GUI) :<br />
<br />
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:stebbins/handbrake-snapshots<br />
sudo apt-get update<br />
sudo apt-get install handbrake-gtk handbrake-cli</div>Nickjhttp://nickj.org/QuotesQuotes2012-05-14T09:59:47Z<p>Nickj: </p>
<hr />
<div>Various quotes I saw and liked: <br />
* "I'm not sure which upsets me more: that people are so unwilling to accept responsibility for their own actions, or that they are so eager to regulate everyone else's." - source unknown<br />
* "If you never fail, you are not taking enough risks." - (Dede, 1993).<br />
* "In theory there is no difference between theory and practice, but in practice there is." - either Jan L.A. van de Snepscheut or Fnord Bjørnberger<br />
* "Talk is cheap because supply always exceeds demand." - source unknown<br />
* "Neither individuals nor corporations have any right to come into court and ask that the clock of history be stopped, or turned back, for their private benefit." - Robert Heinlein <br />
* "Lots of folks are forced to skimp to support a government that won't." - source unknown<br />
* "When all is said and done ... there is usually more said than done." - source unknown<br />
* "Real innovation happens with the small guys." - source unknown<br />
* "Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake." - Napoleon Bonaparte<br />
* On the Matrix Revolutions: "The Wachowski brothers have delivered a dud so disappointing, they may as well have bussed in Ewoks to save Zion."<br />
* "Time is the only truly finite resource from a human perspective. As technology has progressed, distances have been conquered, vast energies harnessed, but old Father Time is still inescapable. As a result, we place great value on just how much time is taken to accomplish anything." - WiPEOUT<br />
* "Anyone who says that money isn't important is spending someone else's." - Hampton's Law <br />
* "The road less travelled is often less travelled for a very good reason" - Jerry Seinfeld<br />
* "You cannot apply a technological solution to a sociological problem." - Edwards' Law<br />
* "Everything takes longer, costs more, and is less useful." - Erwin Tomash<br />
* "Ideas have no value. Execution is what matters most." - Paraphrasing of Loïc Le Meur and Krzysztof Kowalczyk.<br />
* Fermi's Solution: "Any sufficiently advanced civilization either destroys itself or transcends to superintelligence."<br />
* "Democracy is the recurrent suspicion that more than half of the people are right more than half of the time." - E. B. White<br />
* "If you are 20 and you aren't a communist you have no heart, but if you are 30 and you still are a communist, you lack rationality." - source unknown.<br />
* Macintosh dictum: the user should never have to tell the machine anything that it knows or can deduce for itself.<br />
* "Ideas are cheap, but turning them into reality is brutally hard work." - posted to a discussion board.<br />
* "Never underestimate the power of broke, bored, determined Uni students." - posted to a discussion board.<br />
* "Be bold, and mighty forces will come to your aid." - Basil King.<br />
* "It is hard to get the world to throw away stuff they've already bought and that still works. Being twice as good isn't enough; if you really want people to trash their current equipment you need to be 10 times as good." - Bob Cringely, 2004.<br />
* "Life is uncertain, so always eat dessert first." - source unknown.<br />
* C.f. Edison's famous adage: "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."<br />
* "What resists, persists." - Lao Tsu 6th Century B.C.<br />
* "If it's not tested, it's broken." - Bruce Eckel.<br />
* "People optimize locally - that is, they do what's best for themselves." - Eric Allman.<br />
* "One of the most valuable things my father taught me is an old Yorkshire saying: where there's muck, there's brass. Meaning that unpleasant work pays. And more to the point here, vice versa. Work people like doesn't pay well, for reasons of supply and demand." - from [http://www.paulgraham.com/bronze.html Paul Graham]<br />
* "Remembering you are going to die is the best way to avoid the fear that you have something to lose." - Steve Jobs<br />
* "Most of us, when all is said and done, like what we like and make up reasons for it afterwards." -- Soren F. Petersen<br />
* "All you have to decide is what you're going to do with the time you are given." - Gandalf <br />
* "Have you ever seen one of these [NIH] grant applications? We're lucky Einstein didn't have to fill one out or God knows what 'E' would equal." - seen on the Internet.<br />
* "Patent. n. Genius is 5% inspiration and 95% perspiration. A patent is a tool for doing 5% of the work and then sitting around waiting for someone else to do the other 95% so you can sue them." - email sig seen on Internet.<br />
* "There are two types of people in this world... Those who finish what they start, and" - slogon on T-shirt.<br />
* "Writing for a penny a word is ridiculous. If a man really wants to make a million dollars he should start his own religion." - L Ron Hubbard, spoken in 1950 at a writer's convention, 4 years before he founded the Church of Scientology.<br />
* "The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt." - Bertrand Russell.<br />
* "It's not the principle of the thing, it's the money!" -- Movie producer in "King Kong".<br />
* "First class, is what's wrong honey. It used to be a better meal, now it's a better life." -- Dorothy in "Jerry Maguire" (1996).<br />
* "First rule in government spending: why build one when you can have two at twice the price?" -- Mr Hadden in "Contact" (1997).<br />
* "It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends upon his not understanding it." -- Upton Sinclair.<br />
* "Hell is Other People's Code" -- unknown.<br />
* "Be the change you want to see in the world." -- Gandhi.<br />
* "Hydrogen is an odorless colorless gas which, given enough time, turns into people." -- Edward R Harrison.<br />
* "Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination are omnipotent. The slogan 'press on' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race." -- President Calvin Coolidge.<br />
* "Be kind. For everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." -- Plato.<br />
* "Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first." -- Mark Twain.<br />
* "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -- Mark Twain.<br />
* "Markets can remain irrational a lot longer than you and I can remain solvent." -- A. Gary Shilling.<br />
<br />
[[Category:Opinion-Editorial]]</div>Nickj