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Archives For November 30, 1999

[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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Enable ‘Drag & Drop’ Between Desktop and File Browser in Ubuntu 20.04

Last updated: April 24, 2024

gnome shell

Since the desktop icons are handled by an extension instead of Nautilus file browser, drag’n’drop action between desktop and file browser does no longer work.

Fortunately, a fork of the original Desktop Icons extension now is available with several enhancements, including Drag’n’Drop.

It’s called Desktop Icons NG, and features:

  • Drag’n’Drop, both inside the desktop, between desktop and applications, and nautilus windows
  • Allows to use “Open with…” option with several files
  • When hovering or clicking on an icon with a name too large to fit, it shows the full name
  • Doesn’t hang the compositor when there is too much activity in the desktop folder

Install Desktop Icons NG extension:

The extension is still (Oct 2020) in alpha development, so it may have a lot of bugs. Use with care.

1. If you’re first time installing a Gnome Shell extension, first open terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) and run command to install recommended packages:

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

2. Then go to extensions.gnome.org/…/desktop-icons-ng. Turn on the toggle icon and install the extension.

Don’t see the toggle icon? Click the link to install browser extension and refresh the web page.

3. Open Extensions tool from app launcher. Disable the built-in ‘Desktop Icons’ extension and enable the new installed ‘Desktop Icons NG’ extension.

For the extension settings, simply right-click on Ubuntu Desktop and select the last option.

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Ubuntu 20.10 Released! How to Upgrade from Ubuntu 20.04 to Ubuntu 20.10

Last updated: October 23, 2020

Ubuntu 18.04

Ubuntu 20.10 Groovy Gorilla was officially released! Here’s how to upgrade from Ubuntu 20.04 LTS.

Ubuntu 20.10 will be supported for 9 months until July 2021. It features Linux Kernel 5.8, desktop images for Raspberry Pi 4, and GNOME 3.38 on Ubuntu Desktop.

Other changes include:

  • Airtime Queue limits for better WiFi connection quality
  • USB 4 (Thunderbolt 3 protocol) support added
  • Intel Gen11 (Ice Lake) and Gen12 (Tiger Lake) graphics support
  • Initial support for AMD Family 19h (Zen 3)
  • Initial support for POWER10
  • Toolchain update: GCC 10, LLVM 11, Python 3.8.6, etc.
  • nftables is now the default backend for the firewall.
  • The latest OpenStack, updated apps, and more.

Upgrade Ubuntu 20.04 to Ubuntu 20.10:

Ubuntu 20.10 ISO images are available to download at releases.ubuntu.com/20.10.

If you want to upgrade to Ubuntu 20.10 Groovy Gorilla from Ubuntu 20.04, do following steps one by one.

1. Back up all your important data. And you may also create a system restore point via TimeShift which is available in Ubuntu Software.

2. Open Software & Updates and do:

  • select download from Main Server in the first tab.
  • disable all third-party PPAs in the second tab.
  • select ‘Notify me of a new Ubuntu version: For any version‘ in the third tab.

3. Open Software Updater and install all system updates! Restart after installation if it asks.

4. Open Software Updater again, and it should prompt that Ubuntu 20.10 is available to upgrade.

5. Click on the Upgrade… button. Type your password when it prompts. You will be presented with the Release Notes for the release you’re about to upgrade to.

Click on the Upgrade button. It will download the upgrading tool and show you a Distribution Upgrade window allows you to monitor progress. If everything goes OK, you’ll be prompted to restart the system to complete the upgrade.

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KeePassXC 2.6.2 Released with ‘Always on Top’ Option

Last updated: April 24, 2024

KeePassX 2 YubiKey support

KeePassXC, KeePass Cross-Platform Community Edition, released a new update today with new menu option to keep window always on top.

Besides the ‘Always on Top’ menu option, KeePassXC 2.6.2 also features:

  • Move show/hide usernames and passwords to view menu
  • Add command line options and environment variables for changing the config locations
  • Include TOTP settings in CSV import/export and add support for ISO date times
  • Mask sensitive information in command execution confirmation prompt
  • Change “Add key” keyboard shortcut to Ctrl+H.
  • Various bug-fixes, and stability improvements.

How to Install KeePassXC 2.6.2 in Ubuntu:

The official upstream PPA has made the new release packages for Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 18.04, Ubuntu 20.04, and Ubuntu 20.10.

1.) Open terminal either by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T on keyboard, or by searching for ‘terminal’ from system application launcher.

When terminal opens, run command to add the PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:phoerious/keepassxc

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

2.) Then either update the software package using Software Updater

or run command to install the software:

sudo apt update && sudo apt install keepassxc

Uninstall:

You can run the PPA repository simply by running command in terminal:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:phoerious/keepassxc

And if you want, remove keepassxc password manger via command:

sudo apt remove --autoremove keepassxc
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Install Microsoft Edge Browser (Stable) in Ubuntu / Debian via Official Repository

Last updated: April 24, 2024

Microsoft Edge web browser finally adds Linux support after more than a year of dev and beta tests. Here’s how to correctly add the Microsoft repository and install Edge browser in Ubuntu 18.04, Ubuntu 20.04, Ubuntu 22.04, Debian 11, and their based systems.

After this tutorial, you should be able to open the latest stable Edge from start menu (activities overview). And, with the Microsoft repository it allows to keep it up-to-date by receiving updates via “Software Updater”.

How to Install Microsoft Edge in Ubuntu:

For those who don’t want to struggle with Linux commands, just download the latest version of .deb package from THIS PAGE, then double-click to install via “Software Install”.

1. Download & install the GPG Key:

Before adding the repository, you need to first download & install the GPG key so system will accept signatures from Microsoft.

Press Ctrl+Alt+T on keyboard to open terminal. When it opens, paste the command below and hit Enter to run:

wget -O - https://packages.microsoft.com/keys/microsoft.asc | gpg --dearmor | sudo tee /usr/share/keyrings/microsoft.gpg

The command will download the key from Microsoft, then convert it into encrypted GPG, and finally store the file under “/usr/share/keyrings/” directory.

Download, convert, & install the key

IMPORTANT: After downloaded the key, terminal may stuck with blinking cursor! It’s waiting for you to type user password for sudo command, because the “[sudo] password for $USER:” prompt is somehow not displayed. Just type your password (no feedback) and hit Enter.

2. Add Microsoft Edge repository:

After installing the GPG key, run the command below one by one to add the repository to your system.

a.) Remove old repository if any via command:

sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/microsoft-edge*.list

b.) Add the stable repository:

sudo sh -c 'echo "deb [arch=amd64 signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/microsoft.gpg] https://packages.microsoft.com/repos/edge stable main" > /etc/apt/sources.list.d/microsoft-edge.list'

The command will create and write the source line into “/etc/apt/sources.list.d/microsoft-edge.list” file, signed by the key installed via step above.

Add microsoft repo, sign the key

3. Finally refresh package cache and install Edge browser:

After all, update the system package cache via command:

sudo apt update

And install the web browser:

sudo apt install microsoft-edge-stable

Once installed, search for and open it from activities overview screen and enjoy!

How to Remove Edge & its repository:

With the repository, it allows to receive updates for Edge using “Software Updater” utility. If you want to remove it, open terminal and run command to delete the source file:

sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/microsoft-edge.list

Also, remove the key file if you want:

sudo rm /usr/share/keyrings/microsoft.gpg

To remove the Edge web browser, run command:

sudo apt remove --autoremove microsoft-edge-stable
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Firefox 82 Released with Faster Page Loading, Picture-In-Picture Improvements

Last updated: October 20, 2020

Firefox web browser 82.0 was released today with improved picture-in-picture, faster page loading and start-up time.

Firefox 82.0 release highlights:

  • New look and position for the Picture-In-Picture button.
  • Picture-In-Picture now has a keyboard shortcut for Mac users.
  • Improve resource usage during video playback, battery life for Windows user.
  • 20% faster when loading websites with flexbox-based layouts.
  • 17% quicker when restoring a session.
  • 10% quicker when opening new windows in Windows.
  • Explore new articles when you save a webpage to Pocket from the Firefox toolbar.
  • WebRender support on more Windows machines.
  • Various security fixes and more.

Get Firefox 82 in Ubuntu:

The latest packages will be made into security & updates repositories for all current Ubuntu releases in a few days.

At that time, you can upgrade Firefox through the Software Updater utility:

If you can’t wait, download the Linux package from mozilla website.

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qBittorrent 4.3.0 Released with Better HiDPI, Enhanced Theming Support

Last updated: October 19, 2020

qBittorrent

qBittorrent BitTorrent client 4.3.0 was released as a new major version with new features and various bug-fixes.

The new release uses Qt 5.15.1 which offers far better HiDPI support. Theming support has been enhanced, however previous theme bundles will not work properly before the provider updated them.

What’s new in qBittorrent 4.3.0:

  • Many UI elements colors are themeable now
  • Allow changing GUI icons from theme bundles
  • Notify user when torrent moving finished
  • Shortcut CTRL + I opens Statistics window
  • Add RSS functionality in Web UI
  • Drop “.unwanted folder” feature
  • Expose libtorrent peer_turnover, max_concurrent_http_announces, no_connect_privileged_ports settings
  • And various bug-fixes

How to Install qBittorrent 4.3.0 via PPA in Ubuntu:

The official qBittorrent PPA has built the new release packages for Ubuntu 18.04, Ubuntu 20.04, and derivatives.

1. To add the PPA, open terminal by either pressing Ctrl+Alt+T on keyboard or searching for “Terminal” from application menu. When it opens, run command:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:qbittorrent-team/qbittorrent-stable

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

2. If an old version was installed on your system, upgrade it via Software Updater,

upgrade qBittorrent

or run following commands to install /upgrade qBittorrent in terminal:

sudo apt update

sudo apt install qbittorrent

Uninstall:

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

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:qbittorrent-team/qbittorrent-stable

To remove the bittorrent client, either use your system package manager or run command:

sudo apt-get remove --autoremove qbittorrent
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