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Archives For October 31, 2016

HPLIP 3.16.11 Adds New Printers, Fedora 25, OpenSuse 42.2 Support

Last updated: November 29, 2016

HP Linux Imaging and Printing

HP Linux Imaging and Printing (HPLIP), HP Linux solution for printing, scanning, and faxing with HP inkjet and laser based printers, has reached the 3.16.11 release one day ago.

HPLIP 3.16.11 adds following new printers support:

  • HP LaserJet M101-M106 Printer
  • HP LaserJet Pro M203-M206 Printer
  • HP LaserJet Pro MFP M227-M231 Printer
  • HP LaserJet Pro MFP M129-M134

Also new Linux Distro’s Fedora 25 and OpenSuse 42.2 are supported in this release.

hplip-3-16-11-about

How to Install HPLIP 3.16.11 in Ubuntu:

Download the official Linux binary from the link below:

Download HPLIP (.run)

Then open terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T), run commands to give executable permission, and finally run the installer:

cd ~/Downloads/ && chmod +x hplip-3.16.11.run && ./hplip-3.16.11.run

Follow the terminal prompts and finally restart your computer when everything’s done.

install-hplip3-16-11

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How to Install PyCharm 2016.3 in Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 16.10

Last updated: November 28, 2016

PyCharm IDE

PyCharm 2016.3, the third update in the 2016 series of the cross-platform PyCharm and Django IDE, has been released a few days ago.

PyCharm 2.16.3 features:

  • Better Django support
  • Improved Python console
  • Full support for Python 3.6
  • Enhanced version control integration
  • A better variable explorer
  • Upgrades to coverage and profiling tools
  • And much more, see the what’s new page.

How to Install PyCharm 2016.3 in Ubuntu:

Thanks to Mystic-Mirage, both professional and community editions are made into PPA, available for Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 16.10, Linux Mint 18 and derivatives.

1. To add the PPA, open terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) and run command:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:mystic-mirage/pycharm

Type in your password (no visual feedback) when it asks and hit Enter.

PyCharm PPA

2. Then update system package index and install the IDE via commands:

sudo apt update

sudo apt install pycharm-community

Or use sudo apt install pycharm to install the professional version.

Uninstall:

The packages can be easily removed by using apt command with remove flag:

sudo apt remove pycharm pycharm-community && sudo apt autoremove

And the PPA can be removed by going to System Settings -> Software & Updates -> Other Software tab.

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Integrate uGet Download Manager with Google Chrome in Ubuntu 16.04

Last updated: November 26, 2016

ubuntu_tips1

For Google Chrome users not satisfied with the built-in download manager, here’s how to integrate the uGet download manager with Chrome browser in Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 14.04, and Linux Mint 17, 18.

uGet used to have an official extension for Chrome/Chromium, though it’s out of date because Google removed NPAPI support.

Now there’s an open-source uGet Chrome Wrapper that integrates uGet Download Manager with Google Chrome in Linux Systems. With it, youcan:

  • Simply click on any download links, ‘uGet new Download’ dialog will appear and continue the download.
  • Right-click on a link and there’s ‘Download with uGet’ option.
  • Press and hold Insert key to prevent uGet from interrupting your download.
  • Use Ctrl+Shift+U to disable or re-enable the extension (uGet Download option in context menu still available).

uget-chrome-integration

How to Install uGet Chrome Wrapper in Ubuntu:

1. First in Chrome browser, install the uGet integration extension by going to the link below:

uGet integration extension for Chrome

2. Then open terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) and run commands below one by one to install the wrapper for uGet from the developer’s PPA:

  • Add the PPA repository: 
    sudo add-apt-repository ppa:slgobinath/uget-chrome-wrapper

    uget-chrome-wrapper-ppa

  • Then update and install the wrapper: 
    sudo apt update

sudo apt install uget-chrome-wrapper

Finally restart Google Chrome browser and enjoy!

Uninstall uGet Chrome Wrapper:

To completely remove this stuff, first go to Chrome Settings -> Extensions -> remove “uGet integration” extension.

Then open terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) and remove the wrapper via command:

sudo apt remove uget-chrome-wrapper && sudo apt autoremove

And the PPA can be removed by going to System Settings -> Software & Updates -> Other Software tab.

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Intel Graphics Update Tool 2.0.3 for Ubuntu 16.10 Released

Last updated: November 24, 2016

intel graphics update tool

Intel Graphics Update Tool, formerly known as the Intel Graphics Installer, has now reached the 2.0.3 release with support for Ubuntu 16.10 and Fedora 24.

The Intel® Graphics Update Tool for Linux* OS (formerly known as the Intel® Graphics Installer for Linux*) was renamed starting from version 2.0.2, in order to more accurately reflect the purpose of the tool. Linux distributions already include by default an Intel® graphics driver, without needing any extra installation. This tool aims to make the latest Intel® Graphics Stack available before it gets officially released by Linux* OS vendors. Specifically, it benefits those Linux* users of both Ubuntu* and Fedora* distributions who want to update their graphics subsystems for Intel® platforms.

Version 2.0.3 of the update tool is targeted specifically at both Ubuntu* 16.10 and Fedora* 24. Earlier revisions for those Linux distributions are now deprecated and are no longer being supported by the update tool. Please upgrade to a more recent version of your OS distribution if you want to take advantage of this release.

The 2.0.3 release includes the Mesa 12.0.3 3D Graphics Library, Cairo 1.15.2 graphics library, libva-intel-driver 1.7.2, as well as all the libva related libraries, such as libva-wayland, libva-tpi, libva-glx, libva-egl, libva-drm, libva-x11, and libva-utils. Also Intel Graphics Stack Recipe 2016Q3 for Linux is supported in this release.

intel graphics update tool

Download & Install Intel Graphics Update Tool 2.0.3:

Download the installer from the link below:

Intel Graphics Update Tool 2.0.3

For Ubuntu, they are .deb binaries, just grab the one matches your OS type, and click to open & install via Ubuntu Software.

intel-graphics-update-tool-deb

Once installed, launch it from Unity Dash and enjoy!

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How to Install Cinnamon 3.2 in Ubuntu 16.04, 16.10

Last updated: November 20, 2016

Cinnamon 3.2

The Cinnamon Desktop 3.2 was released two weeks ago. There’s now a stable PPA to make it easy to install it in Ubuntu 16.04 and/or Ubuntu 16.10.

Cinnamon 3.2 is a massive release with hundreds of changes, it brings support for vertical panels, the ability to play sound effects when displaying notifications, revamped Keyboard applet, a setting for the new menu animations.

Other features include:

  • new “Peek at desktop” feature
  • workspace switcher improvements
  • simplified background manager
  • keyboard navigation for context menus
  • updated appindicators and settings
  • support for displaying percentage next to the volume slider
  • hover delay functionality to hot corners.
  • For more details, see the changelog

Cinnamon 3.2 Vertical Panel

How to install Cinnamon 3.2 in Ubuntu:

For Ubuntu 16.04 and Ubuntu 16.10, there’s now stable build PPA available. Just open terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) and run the commands below to install it:

1. Run command to add the PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:embrosyn/cinnamon

Type your password when it asks (no visual feedback), and you may take a look at the PPA description before hitting Enter to continue.

Cinnamon 3.2 PPA

2. Then update package index and install Cinnamon Desktop:

sudo apt update

sudo apt install cinnamon

Once installed, log out and select log in back with Cinnamon session.

Uninstall:

To uninstall the Cinnamon Desktop, simply run apt command with remove flag:

sudo apt remove cinnamon && sudo apt autoremove

And the PPA can be removed by going to System Settings -> Software & Updates -> Other Software tab.

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Enable Screen Rotation, Docking for ThinkPad X220 X230 in Ubuntu 16.04

Last updated: November 18, 2016

ubuntu_tips1

For ThinkPad X220, or X230 tablet running Ubuntu Desktop, there’s an open-source project thinkpad-scripts for screen rotation, docking etc.

Thinkpad-scripts is a collection of scripts intended for the Lenovo ThinkPad X220 Tablet. You can still use them with the regular X220 machine, but only thinkpad-rotate will probably be useless for you then.

In short, this script fixes or improves the following:

  • Rotation of the internal screen and any Wacom touch and pen input devices using the bezel buttons or physical screen rotation
  • Get the microphone mute button to work.
  • Automatically use any external monitor, speakers and LAN connection when docking onto an UltraBase or similar.
  • Ability to disable touch pad or touch screen.

How to Install Thinkpad-Scripts in Ubuntu 16.04, 14.04:

The scripts are available in the PPA repository, so far available for Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 14.04 and their derivatives.

1. Open terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) and run command to add the PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:martin-ueding/stable

thinkpad-scripts-ppa

2. Then update and install the scripts:

sudo apt update

sudo apt install thinkpad-scripts

For documentation, go to this page.

Uninstall:

To uninstall the scripts, simply run command:

sudo apt remove thinkpad-scripts && sudo apt autoremove

And the PPA can be removed by going to System Settings -> Software & Updates -> Other Software tab.

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Record Animated GIF Images in Ubuntu 16.04 via Peek

Last updated: November 16, 2016

peek Animated GIF recorder

For those who want to record a selection of your screen to an animated GIF image, Peek is open source tool for Linux that offers a simple window that can be resized to select a screen area to record over.

peek recording area

After resizing Peek window to select a screen area, click the Record button to start recording.

Once you stop the recording, a dialog pops-up and prompts you to give a name and select where to save the GIF image.

save gif image

After you save the GIF image, a dialog pops-up allows you to open the file folder quickly with the GIF image automatic highlighted.

peek-open-in-folder

Install Peek Animated GIF recorder in Ubuntu 16.04:

Peek so far only support Linux with X11. Other Unix like systems using X11 should work as well. It is planned to also support Wayland and maybe other operating systems in the future.

1. Open terminal from Unity Dash, App Launcher, or via Ctrl+Alt+T keys, then run command to install the requirements:

sudo apt install libsdl1.2debian ffmpeg libavdevice-ffmpeg56

2. Then download peek, Linux.deb package from the link below:

Peek Animated GIF Recorder (.deb)

Finally click install the .deb via Ubuntu Software or use dpkg -i command in terminal:

sudo dpkg -i ~/Downloads/peek-*.deb && sudo apt -f install

Once installed, launch peek from Unity Dash or your app launcher and enjoy!

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Mozilla Firefox 50 Released! [How-to-upgrade]

Last updated: November 15, 2016

Firefox 50

Mozilla Firefox browser has now reached the 50 release, with updated keyboard shortcuts, other new features, various security fixes and more.

According to the release note, Firefox 50 features:

  • Updates to keyboard shortcuts
    • Set a preference to have Ctrl+Tab cycle through tabs in recently used order
    • View a page in Reader Mode by using Ctrl+Alt+R (command+alt+r on Mac)
  • Added option to Find in page that allows users to limit search to whole words only
  • Increased availability of WebGL to more than 98 percent of users on Windows 7 and newer
  • Added download protection for a large number of executable file types on Windows, Mac and Linux
  • Improved performance for SDK extensions or extensions using the SDK module loader
  • Playback video on more sites without plugins with WebM EME Support for Widevine on Windows and Mac
  • Fixed rendering of dashed and dotted borders with rounded corners
  • Added a built-in Emoji set for operating systems without native Emoji fonts (Windows 8.0 and lower and Linux)

Download / Install Firefox 50 in Ubuntu:

For the portable non-install version, please go to mozilla.org.

For Ubuntu 16.10, Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 14.04, Ubuntu 12.04, and derivatives, Canonical will soon offer the new Firefox 50 updates via the updates/security repository. Check out the build page.

At that time, just launch Software Updater and upgrade Firefox after checking for updates.

upgrade firefox 46

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Install Boot-Repair via PPA in Ubuntu to Fix Boot Problems

Last updated: November 14, 2016

boot-repair-icon

Boot Repair is a simple tool to repair frequent boot issues for Linux, Windows, and other OSes. It’s free, open-source, and easy to use (repair in one click).

By booting up your PC into Ubuntu / Debian via a live-CD or live-USB, then installing Boot-Repair in the live system, just launch Boot-Repair, then click the “Recommended repair” button will automatically detect the problems and recover access to your OSes.

boot-repair

When repair is finished, note the URL (paste.ubuntu.com/XXXXX) that appears on a paper, then reboot and check if you recovered access to your OSs. If the repair did not succeed, indicate the URL to the support email in order to get help.

boot-repair-finish

Boot Repair features:

  • recover access to Windows (XP, Vista, Windows7, Windows8, Windows10).
  • recover access to Debian, Ubuntu, Mint, Fedora, OpenSuse, ArchLinux…
  • recover access to any OS if your PC contains Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, OpenSuse, ArchLinux, or derivative.
  • repair MBR-locked OEM computer boot
  • repair the boot when you have the “GRUB Recovery” error message
  • reinstall GRUB2/GRUB1 bootloader easily
  • and much more ! (UEFI, SecureBoot, RAID, LVM, Wubi, filesystem repair…)

How to install boot-repair in Ubuntu:

For Ubuntu 16.10, Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 14.04, Ubuntu 12.04, and derivatives so far, boot-repair is available for install via its official PPA.

1. To add the PPA, open terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) and run command:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:yannubuntu/boot-repair

boot-repair-ppa

2. Then update and install boot-repair:

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install boot-repair

Once installed, launch boot-repair from Unity Dash or App Launcher.

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MuPDF 1.10 Adds FictionBook (FB2) e-book Support

Last updated: November 12, 2016

MuPDF Ubuntu 16.04

MuPDF, a lightweight PDF, XPS, and E-book viewer, has reached the release candidate for version 1.10.

MuPDF 1.10 features FictionBook (FB2) e-book support, simple SVG parser, mutool convert (a new document conversion tool and interface), multi-threaded rendering in mudraw, luratech decoders for JBIG2 and JPEG2000, optional JPEG-XR support (not included by default for security reasons), updated base 14 fonts from URW, new CJK font with language specific variants, hyperlink support in EPUB.

There are also interface changes and cleanups, code size and memory usage improvements:

  • New tool muraster: example printer driver with limited RAM usage and automatic banding.
  • Alpha channel is now optional in pixmaps.
  • More aggressive purging of cached objects.
  • Partial image decoding for lower memory use when banding.
  • Reduced default set of built-in CMap tables to the minimum required.
  • FZ_ENABLE_PDF, _XPS, _JS, to disable features at compile time.
  • Function level linking.
  • Dropped pdf object generation numbers from public interfaces.
  • Simplified PDF page, xobject, and annotation internals.
  • Closing and freeing devices and writers are now separate steps.
  • Improved PDF annotation editing interface (still a work in progress).
  • Document writer interface.
  • Banded image writer interface.

Install MuPDF 1.10 RC in Ubuntu:

Besides building the new release from source, there’s an unofficial PPA available for Ubuntu 16.10, Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 14.04 and derivatives.

Open terminal from the Dash / Launcher / or via Ctrl+Alt+T shortcut keys, then do following steps to install it:

1. Run command to add the PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntuhandbook1/apps

Type in password (no visual feedback) when it asks and hit Enter.

mupdf-unofficial-ppa

2. To upgrade from a previous release, launch Software Updater and install updates after checking for updates.

Or run command in terminal to install /upgrade mupdf:

sudo apt install mupdf mupdf-tools

Once installed, right-click on your PDF file and select open with MuPDF PDF Viewer.

mupdf

You can set MuPDF as the default viewer from PDF file’s Properties window -> Open With tab.

Uninstall:

To restore MuPDF to the stock version available in your Ubuntu’s main archive, run command in terminal to purge the PPA:

sudo apt install ppa-purge && sudo ppa-purge ppa:ubuntuhandbook1/apps
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