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Archives For November 30, 1999

Get Windows 7 Aero Flip 3D alike Alt+Tab Task Switcher in Ubuntu 20.04

Last updated: April 24, 2024

gnome shell

Fancy some 3D effects on your Ubuntu Desktop? There’s a gnome shell extension that enables Windows 7 Aero Flip 3D style ‘Alt+Tab’ app window switcher in Ubuntu.

Coverflow Alt-Tab is the extension works on Ubuntu 24.04, Ubuntu 22.04, Ubuntu 20.04, Ubuntu 20.10, Ubuntu 18.04, and all other editions with Gnome 3 desktop.

1. If you’re first time installing a Gnome Shell extension, open terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) and run command to install the chrome-gnome-shell package:

sudo apt install chrome-gnome-shell

You may also install gnome-shell-extension-prefs, an utility to manage Gnome extensions.

2. Go to extensions.gnome.org/…/coverflow-alt-tab/. Click the link to install browser extension if it prompts.

3. Finally refresh the web page and turn on the toggle icon to install the Gnome Shell extension.

Once installed, press Alt+Tab and enjoy! For the preferences, use Gnome Tweaks or Extensions utility.

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How to Install “X-Apps’ (Pix, Xed, Xplayer, Xreader, Xviewer) in Ubuntu 20.04

Last updated: April 24, 2024

gnome shell

This simple tutorial shows how to install x-apps, a bunch of GTK3 DE-agnostic applications, in Ubuntu 20.04 via PPA.

X-Apps are a bunch of GTK3 DE-agnostic applications that are not so tightly tied to a particular distribution or DE as their ancestors might be. The project was started in 2016 by Linux Mint.

The idea behind this project is to replace applications which no longer integrate properly outside of a particular environment (this is the case for a growing number of GNOME applications) and to give our desktop environments the same set of core applications, so that each change, each new feature being developed, each little improvement made in one of them will benefit not just one environment, but all of them.

This is an Ubuntu PPA that contains these app packages so far for Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 18.04, and Ubuntu 20.04.

  • pix – image management application based on gThumb,
  • xed – text editor based on Pluma,
  • xplayer – media player based on Totem,
  • xviewer – image viewer based on Eye of GNOME,
  • xreader – document reader based on Atril.

1. Open terminal from your system application launcher. When it opens, run command to add the PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:savoury1/xapps

Type user password (no visual feedback) when it prompts and hit Enter to continue.

2. Then refresh package cache and install either or all of the packages:

sudo apt update

sudo apt install pix xed xplayer xviewer xreader

Just remove xed, xplayer, or any other package from the apt command if you don’t want to install it.

Uninstall X-Apps:

To remove the PPA, open terminal and run command:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:savoury1/xapps

To remove x-apps, run command:

sudo apt remove --autoremove pix xed xplayer xviewer xreader
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Chromium Browser (Deb) Now Available to Install via Linux Mint 20 Repository

Last updated: February 21, 2021

Prefer installing Chromium web browser via deb over the snap package? Linux Mint 20 now includes the browser and keeps it updated in its own repository for both Ubuntu based and LMDE editions.

Since Ubuntu 20.04, chromium browser in the main repository is a dummy package. It’s redirected to the SNAP (containerized software package) when you trying to install it.

The Linux Mint team argued against this change and removed the package from its main repositories.

When it starts replacing packages for no good reason though, when it starts harming our interaction with upstream projects and software vendors and reducing our choice, it becomes a threat.

Now the Chromium browser is back to the official repositories for both Linux Mint and LMDE. And it’s a deb package built by the Linux Mint team.

How to Install Chromium Deb Package in Ubuntu 20.04:

Though there’s already an Ubuntu PPA that maintains the deb package, the one from Linux Mint is available for choice:

Just click the button below, download the deb package, install it and you’re done!

Chromium in Mint Repository

Note: For Ubuntu grab the package with “ulyana” in filename. For Debian download the one with “debbie” in filename.

Add the Linux Mint repository & receive updates:

You can add the Linux Mint repository, so you’re able to receive the package updates through Software Updater.

1. Open terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) and run command to add the Linux Mint 20 upstream repository:

sudo sh -c 'echo "deb http://packages.linuxmint.com ulyana upstream" >> /etc/apt/sources.list.d/mint.list'

2. Download and click install the key (its “linuxmint-keyring_2016.05.26_all.deb” so far):

Linux Mint Keyring

3. Set the priority to make Ubuntu only install chromium from Linux Mint repository.

Run command to create and open the configuration file in text editor:

sudo gedit /etc/apt/preferences.d/mint-ulyssa-pin

When it opens, paste below lines and save the file.

# Allow upgrading only chromium from Ulyssa repository
Package: chromium
Pin: origin packages.linuxmint.com
Pin-Priority: 500

# Never prefer other packages from the Ulyssa repository
Package: *
Pin: origin packages.linuxmint.com
Pin-Priority: 1

4. Finally check updates and install the web browser:

sudo apt update

sudo apt install chromium

Note the package is chromium rather than chromium-browser.

To remove Linux Mint repository:

Simply go to Software & Updates -> Other Software tab and remove the repository line.

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How to Install Latest KiCad in Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04, 20.04 [New PPA]

Last updated: April 25, 2024

This simple tutorial shows how to install the latest KiCad, schematic capture & PCB design software, in Ubuntu 24.04, Ubuntu 22.04, Ubuntu 20.04, Linux Mint via PPA.

KiCad is a free software suite for electronic design automation. It facilitates the design of schematics for electronic circuits and their conversion to PCB designs. KiCad was originally developed by Jean-Pierre Charras. It features an integrated environment for schematic capture and PCB layout design. Tools exist within the package to create a bill of materials, artwork, Gerber files, and 3D views of the PCB and its components.

The new official PPA was created a few months ago contains the latest packages for 8.0 release series. See here for the new features in the KiCad 8.x.

1. Open terminal either from system application launcher, or by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T on keyboard. When it opens, run command to add the PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:kicad/kicad-8.0-releases

Type user password (no visual feedback) when it asks and hit Enter to continue.

NOTE: KiCad maintains individual PPAs for each release series! When next 9.x release series is out, there may be new PPA for it. So go check this page in case a new PPA is available when you see this tutorial.

2. Then refresh system package via command:

sudo apt update

For Ubuntu 18.04 & higher, this is done automatically while adding PPA.

3. Install the KiCad package:

sudo apt install kicad

Uninstall:

To remove KiCad package, run command:

sudo apt remove --autoremove kicad

To remove the PPA, either go to Software & Updates -> Other Software or run command:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:kicad/kicad-8.0-releases
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Giara – Modern GTK Reddit App for Linux [Ubuntu PPA]

Last updated: April 24, 2024

Looking for a Reddit client for Linux desktop? Giara is a modern new GTK app for Reddit written in Python 3 with GTK.

Giara is a free open-source software created with mobile Linux in mind. It comes with most Reddit features including new text, link, media posts, search subreddits and users, up vote, down vote, post rely, dark mode support, and more.

How to Install Giara in Ubuntu:

It is recommended to install the software using flatpak package, see Giara in flathub.org.

For those prefer native DEB package, I’ve uploaded the packages into the unofficial PPA for Ubuntu 20.04 and Ubuntu 20.10.

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

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntuhandbook1/giara

2. Then refresh package cache and install the app:

sudo apt update

sudo apt install giara

Note for Ubuntu 20.04, the app window border and top-bar buttons are not looking good due to old system libraries (upstream issue).

Uninstall:

To remove the PPA, either go to Software & Updates -> Other Software tab or run command in terminal:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntuhandbook1/giara

And remove the Reddit app if you want by running command:

sudo apt remove --autoremove giara
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Control Philips Hue lights in Ubuntu 20.04, 20.10 via Gnome Extension

Last updated: April 24, 2024

gnome shell

For those who have Philips Hue compatible lights, now it’s easy to control them via a Gnome Shell Extension.

Hue-lights is an extension that offers a system tray indicator to control Philips Hue compatible lights using Philips Hue Bridge. The extension groups the lights in zones and rooms, allows you to control the state, the brightness, and the color.

How to Install Hue-lights Gnome Shell Extension:

In your web browser, go to the extension web site and turn on the toggle icon to install it.

Once you installed the extension, the system tray indicator starts automatically and discovers Philips Hue bridges in your home network. For choice you may add the IP manually.

Don’t see the toggle icon? Follow the link to install the browser extension (if it prompts):

Then open terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) and run command:

sudo apt install chrome-gnome-shell

And finally refresh the extension web page!

Uninstall the Extension:

To remove the extension, either turn off the toggle icon in the web page or use Extensions tool (install gnome-shell-extension-prefs package if you don’t have it).

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[Quick Tip] One Command to Get A Collection of Gnome Shell Extensions in Ubuntu

Last updated: April 24, 2024

gnome shell

This is a beginner’s guide shows how to easily extend functionality of GNOME Shell in Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, and Ubuntu 20.10.

Ubuntu by default includes three extensions: Desktop Icons, Ubuntu AppIndicators, and Ubuntu Dock.

Besides installing more from Gnome Shell extension website, you can run a single command to get a collection of extensions that provide additional and optional functionality.

The extensions include:

  • Applications Menu – add classic Gnome 2 menu in top-bar right after Activities.
  • Auto Move Windows – Move applications to specific workspaces when they create windows.
  • Horizontal workspaces – use a horizontal workspace layout.
  • Launch new instance – always launch a new instance when clicking app shortcut in the dash or the application menu.
  • Native Window Placement – Arrange windows in overview in a more compact way.
  • Places Status Indicator – add menu in top-bar to quick access user folders.
  • Removable Drive Menu – add system tray indicator to easy access and unmount removable devices.
  • Screenshot Window Sizer – Resize windows for gnome software screenshots.
  • User Themes – load shell themes from uer directory.
  • Window List – Display a window list at the bottom of the screen.
  • Workspace Indicator – add system tray applet to indicator in which workspace you are.

1. And the commands is (press Ctrl+Alt+T to open terminal and run the command):

sudo apt install gnome-shell-extensions gnome-shell-extension-prefs

2. After running the command, restart Gnome Shell by:

  1. press Alt+F2 on keyboard.
  2. try r in the pop-up ‘Run a Command’ box.
  3. hit Enter.

3. Finally open (or re-open) Extensions tool from app menu. You’ll see a list of new extensions. Enable any of them as you want and enjoy!

(Optional) If you don’t like them, simply run command to remove the package (restart Gnome Shell is required):

sudo apt remove gnome-shell-extensions

NOTE for clean freak: Even if you just need one or a few of the extensions, you can’t remove the package to get rid of the rest from showing in Extensions tool. As a workaround, you can install the extensions you need from extensions.gnome.org.

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Kinto – Easily Get Mac OS Like Keybinds in Ubuntu Linux

Last updated: April 24, 2024

For Mac users want to change keybinds in Ubuntu Linux or Windows, Kinto is an easy system-wide solution with setup wizard and system tray indicator.

The software description says:

‘Type in Linux & Windows like it’s a Mac. Seamless copy and paste with all apps and terminals. The zero effort solution.‘

Kinto works for standard Windows, Apple and Chromebook keyboards. Different to most other re-mappers, it is a complete system-wide remap of your base level modifier keys.

GUI keys:

Physical Ctrl Win/Alt Alt/Cmd Spacebar
Virtual Win/Super* Alt RCtrl Spacebar

Terminal Keys:

Physical Ctrl Win/Alt Alt/Cmd Spacebar
Virtual LCtrl Alt RCtrl Spacebar

How to Install Kinto in Ubuntu:

Make sure you have python 3 installed, then follow the steps to grab the source and set it up.

1. Open terminal and run command to clone the source:

git clone https://github.com/rbreaves/kinto.git

2. Then run command to navigate to kinto folder, and run the setup.py script.

cd kinto && ./setup.py

If everything goes well, a setup wizard will pop-up

Just click on ‘Agree’ button, follow the wizard, hit Enter, and you’re done! The system tray indicator is not enabled by default, you can enable it from the File menu.

see Kinto on github.

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Pandora Client Pithos 1.5.1 Released [Ubuntu PPA]

Last updated: September 13, 2022

Pithos, native Pandora Radio client for Linux, released version 1.5.1 a day ago with minor bug-fixes and improvements.

Pithos is much more lightweight than the Pandora.com web client, and integrates with desktop features such as media keys, notifications, and the sound menu. The latest v1.5.1 release highlights include:

  • Add Quit to the app menu
  • Remove the limit of 95 stations
  • Handle Enter keypress in stations search
  • Fix app menu keybindings failing to work
  • Fix syntax error on Python 3.8
  • Fix an exception on newer versions of pygobject
  • Fix album art downloads in Flatpak
  • MPRIS: Fix media keys failing to bind on KDE

How to Install Pithos 1.5.1 in Ubuntu / Linux Mint:

If you’re OK with the containerized flatpak package. Pithos 1.5.1 has been made into flathub.org for most Linux systems.

For those prefer .deb package, the unofficial PPA is available for Ubuntu 18.04, Ubuntu 20.04, Linux Mint 20, Ubuntu 22.04.

1. Open terminal and run command to add the PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntuhandbook1/apps

2. Then check updates and install the client:

sudo apt update

sudo apt install pithos

How to Remove Pithos:

To remove the PPA, either go to Software & Updates -> Other Software or run command in terminal:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntuhandbook1/apps

And to remove the Pandora client, run command:

sudo apt remove --autoremove pithos
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Kodi 18.9 Released with HTTP Access Workaround [PPA]

Last updated: October 25, 2020

Kodi media center released one more update for the 18.x “Leia” a day ago, with a quick workaround to the third-party HTTP2 and SSL changes that impacted internet access from Kodi by scrapers, streaming addons, etc.

Okay, one more roll of the “Leia” die, although this one is really driven by circumstances beyond our control. Technical changes by Cloudflare caused significant issues with HTTP access to any site using them – metadata sources, for example – and we need to put in a quick workaround before everyone gets too upset; while 19.x “Matrix” is close, it’s not close enough to leave these issues unaddressed. So, as we’re building that new code, we thought that we might as well fix a couple of other regressions while we’re here.

Changes in Kodi 18.9 also include:

  • Fix memory leaks in TexturePacker
  • Fix event server unable to send raw key strikes
  • Fix issues around directory navigation and incorrectly-set start directories
  • Fix MediaCodec OES/EGL rendering

How to Install Kodi 18.9 in Ubuntu:

Kodi Team PPA has made the new release packages for all current Ubuntu releases and derivatives.

1. Open terminal either from application menu or by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T on keyboard. When it opens, run command to add the PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:team-xbmc/ppa

Type user password (no asterisk feedback) when it prompts and hit Enter to continue.

2. Then either upgrading Kodi from an existing version via Software Updater:

upgrade Kodi

or refresh system package cache and install Kodi 18.9 via commands:

sudo apt update

sudo apt install kodi

Uninstall:

To remove the Kodi PPA repository, simply open Software & Updates -> Other Software.

To remove Kodi, run command:

sudo apt remove --autoremove kodi kodi-data kodi-bin

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