Archives For November 30, 1999

Superpaper is a cross-platform wallpaper manager that focuses on multi-monitor support. It features pixel density correction that spans an image flawlessly across displays of different shapes and sizes, and bezel correction and perspective correction.

Other Superpaper features include:

  • Set a single image across all displays
  • Set different image on every display
  • Manual pixel offsets for fine-tuning
  • Desktop Slideshow with configurable file order from local sources
  • Command-line interface
  • Hotkey support
  • Align test tool

How to Install Superpaper in Ubuntu:

You can try the wallpaper manager without installing it on your system via Appimage, which is available to download at:

Superpaper releases

Right-click on the Appimage package, go to Properties -> Permissions -> enable ‘Allow executing file as program’, and finally run it to launch the wallpaper manager.

Superpaper also available to install from PyPI, open terminal and run following commands one by one:

1.) Run command to install wxPython:

sudo apt install python3-wxgtk4.0 python3-pip

2.) Then download and install the wallpaper manager as well as dependencies via command:

pip3 install --user -U superpaper

Once installed, launch it from your system application menu (may need to reboot first) and enjoy!

Uninstall superpaper:

For any reason you can easily remove the software via command:

pip3 uninstall superpaper

Kdenlive video editor 20.04 was released a few days ago. Here’s how to install it via PPA in (K)Ubuntu 20.04, (K)Ubuntu 19.10.

Kdenlive 20.04 release highlights according to the release note:

The highlights include major speed improvements due to the Preview Scaling feature, New rating, tagging sorting and filtering of clips in the Project Bin for a great logging experience, Pitch shifting is now possible when using the speed effect, Multicam editing improvements and OpenTimelineIO support. Besides all the shiny new features, this version comes with fixes for 40 critical stability issues as well as a major revamp of the user experience. Kdenlive is now more reliable than ever before.

Install Kdenlive 20.04 in Ubuntu:

The latest Kdenlive snap package, which runs in sandbox, has been made into Ubuntu Software.

Also non-install 64-bit .appimage package is available in files.kde.org.

For those prefer native .deb packages, the kdenlive team ppa has built the packages for Ubuntu 19.10, Ubuntu 20.04, and derivatives.

1.) Open ‘terminal’ from your system application menu, and run command to add the PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:kdenlive/kdenlive-stable

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

2. ) If an old version of kdenlive was installed, upgrade it via Update Manager:

Or simply run command in terminal to install the video editor:

sudo apt install kdenlive

NOTE for non-KDE users, Kdenlive will be installed along with a large list of KDE libraries.

Uninstall:

To purge the PPA as well as downgrade Kdenlive package, run command in terminal:

sudo apt install ppa-purge && sudo ppa-purge ppa:kdenlive/kdenlive-stable

To remove the PPA only, run command:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:kdenlive/kdenlive-stable

And to remove Kdenlive, run command:

sudo apt remove --autoremove kdenlive kdenlive-data

gnome shell

Miss Ubuntu 18.04 style dynamic top panel transparency? Here’s how to get this function in Ubuntu 20.04 gnome shell.

Although top panel transparency was removed since Gnome 3.32, you can get the feature back via ‘Dynamic Panel Transparency‘ gnome shell extension.

The extension fades your top panel to nothingness when there are no maximized windows present. With extension settings, you can also:

  • change transition speed.
  • set custom panel opacity.
  • change foreground text color.
  • per-app basis settings.

If you’re first time installing gnome shell extension in Ubuntu 20.04, you may need to do the first two steps to setup GNOME Shell extensions integration for web browsers.

1. Open Firefox or Google Chrome and go to https://extensions.gnome.org:

Click the link text “click here to install browser extension” and follow the pop-ups to install the browser extension:

shell browser extension

2. Then open terminal via Ctrl+Alt+T and run command:

sudo apt install chrome-gnome-shell

3. Go to dynamic-panel-transparency/ page, and click the toggle to install the extension.

4. The extension is not updated for Gnome 3.36 at the moment. If you see an error, run command in terminal:

gedit ~/.local/share/gnome-shell/extensions/[email protected]/intellifade.js

And in pop-up text editor, find out and change following lines:

let anchor_y = -Main.layoutManager.panelBox.get_anchor_point()[1];
let pivot_y = -Main.layoutManager.panelBox.get_pivot_point()[1];

// Adjust for bottom panel.
if (anchor_y > 0) {
this.panel_bounds.y = anchor_y;
this.panel_bounds.is_top = false;
} else if (pivot_y > 0) {
this.panel_bounds.y = pivot_y;
this.panel_bounds.is_top = false;
}

into:

let pivot_y = -Main.layoutManager.panelBox.get_pivot_point()[1];

// Adjust for bottom panel.
if (pivot_y > 0) {
this.panel_bounds.y = pivot_y;
this.panel_bounds.is_top = false;
}

Save the file. And restart Gnome Shell by pressing Alt+F2 on keyboard, typing “r” (without quotes) and hit Enter.

Finally, launch “Extensions” utility, turn on ‘Dynamic Panel Transparency’ extension and change its settings and enjoy!

In addition, you may also adjust the left dock panel opacity by running command (change 0.2 in the code):

gsettings set org.gnome.shell.extensions.dash-to-dock background-opacity 0.2

gnome shell

Want to create desktop wallpaper slideshow in Ubuntu 20.04 so it changes background wallpaper automatically with your photo images and given time interval?

This quick tip is going to show you how to easily setup a custom desktop slideshow without installing anything, though there are a few applications can do the job (e.g., wallch which is available in software center).

1. First open the pre-installed shotwell photo manager from system application menu.

2. Then import your photo images via menu File > Import From Folder.

3. Then you can easily set a custom desktop slideshow via:

  • choose a selection of (Ctrl+click or Shift+click) or all photos (Ctrl+A).
  • go to menu File > Set as Desktop Slideshow

4. In next pop-up, set time interval, and click OK.

The desktop slideshow starts immediately and also automatically in next boot, until you change background wallpaper via System Settings > Background.

This quick tutorial shows how to install the latest Google Chrome web browser, and keep it up-to-date, in Ubuntu 20.04 via the official Google repository.

Note: if you hate Linux command line, you may download and install the .deb package from Google Chrome site via a web browser.

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

2. When terminal opens, run command to install the key:

wget -qO - https://dl.google.com/linux/linux_signing_key.pub | gpg --dearmor | sudo tee /etc/apt/keyrings/google-chrome.gpg

Type user password (no asterisk feedback) for sudo prompts and hit Enter. The terminal should output un-readable text, since the key file is dearmored.

Then add the source repository to your system via command:

sudo sh -c 'echo "deb [arch=amd64 signed-by=/etc/apt/keyrings/google-chrome.gpg] http://dl.google.com/linux/chrome/deb/ stable main" > /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome.list'

3. Refresh system package cache and install Google Chrome via commands:

sudo apt update

sudo apt install google-chrome-stable

If a new version is available, you’ll be able to update the browser via Software Updater (Update Manager):

Uninstall:

You can remove Google Chrome web browser for any reason by running command in terminal:

sudo apt remove google-chrome-stable

And remove the repository by going to Software & Updates -> Other Software tab.

Opera 68 was released today as the new stable version of the popular web browser. The new release features built-in messenger Instagram support.

Opera 68 release highlights:

  • Built-in Instagram support in the left sidebar.
  • Search in open tabs (Ctrl+Space).
  • Improved duplicate tabs highlighter
  • Improved workspaces feature.
  • Display grey padlock or warning sign for secure (https) or insecure pages.

How to Install Opera 68 in Ubuntu:

The Opera team offers snap package (runs in sandbox), available to install in Ubuntu Software:

Also the native Ubuntu .deb package is available for downloading at the link below:

Download Opera for Linux

Grab the .deb package, and double-click to install it.

If you installed Opera via the .deb package, you may also add the official apt repository via following steps to receive future software updates.

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

sudo sh -c 'echo "deb http://deb.opera.com/opera-stable/ stable non-free" >> /etc/apt/sources.list.d/opera.list'

2. Get the key:

wget -O - http://deb.opera.com/archive.key | sudo apt-key add -

Finally either install Opera via following command or upgrade the browser via Software Updater:

sudo apt update

sudo apt install opera-stable

Uninstall:

For the Opera snap package, simply remove it from Ubuntu Software.

For the Opera apt repository, launch Software & Updates and navigate to Other Software tab.

To remove traditional opera package, either use your system package manager or run command in terminal:

sudo apt remove --autoremove opera-stable

Free open-source system cleaning tool BleachBit 4.0.0 was released a few days ago. Now it’s running on Python 3 instead of Python 2.

Changes in BleachBit 4.0.0 include:

  • Add cleaner for Discord.
  • Clean more of Google Chrome: IndexDB.
  • Clean more of Firefox: cookies, history.
  • Clean much more of Opera.
  • Clean much more of gPodder.
  • Improve responsiveness of application window while cleaning.
  • Fix cleaning VLC.
  • Support for Python 3.
  • Clean dnf autoremove
  • Other improvements and many bug-fixes.

Install BleachBit 4.0.0 in Ubuntu:

While BleachBit in Ubuntu universe repositories is old. You can download the latest version from the link below:

BleachBit for Linux

Grab the .deb for your Ubuntu edition, Ubuntu 20.04 is not supported at the moment, then click install via Ubuntu Software or Gdebi.

Looking for a classic start menu in Ubuntu 20.04 or Ubuntu 22.04 Gnome Shell? Arc-menu is a traditional modern application menu for GNOME.

Arc-menu is a gnome shell extension replaces the top-left corner ‘Activities’ button and provides application menu that includes:

  • quick access to current user settings and user folders.
  • quick access to Software Center, System settings, Gnome Tweaks, terminal.
  • search functionality
  • Log out, lock, and power off buttons.

Install Classic Menu in Ubuntu 22.04

1.) Firstly, press Ctrl+Alt+T on keyboard to open terminal. When it opens, run command to install required library with ability to install Gnome Extension via web browser:

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

2.) Next, go to the extension web page in your browser via the link button below.

NOTE: The pre-installed Firefox is Snap that so far does not support installing Gnome Extensions. Use another browser, or install Firefox as Deb back.

Install the browser extension (if prompted) via the link in that page, and refresh the web-page. Finally turn on the slider icon to install Arc Menu.

If successfully installed, the menu should appear immediately on the upper-left corner. To configure the its icon and menu layout, just right-click on the button and choose an option to open settings.

Or, search for and open “Gnome Extensions” app from overview screen to manage and/or remove installed extensions.

App to Manage your extensions

Install the Classic Menu in Ubuntu 20.04:

1. To install Arc-menu Gnome Shell extension:

Simply open terminal by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T on keyboard. When it opens, run command:

sudo apt install gnome-shell-extension-arc-menu

Type user password when it prompts, no asterisk feedback, and hit Enter.

2. Enable / Disable Arc-menu:

Once installed the Gnome Shell extension, you can turn on / off the application menu easily via Gnome Extensions app.

If you don’t already have the tool, install it via command:

sudo apt install gnome-shell-extension-prefs

Then, search for and open ‘Gnome Extensions’ app in Activities overview screen. And turn on the toggle icon to enable the menu:

Don’t see ‘Arc Menu’ in settings? Restart Gnome by log out and back in (or press Alt+F2, type y and hit Enter).

3. Change Menu icon, appearance, etc.

Right click on the menu icon and select ‘Arc Menu Settings’. Then you change menu location, hotkey, menu icon, and more in popup settings dialog.

That’s it. Enjoy!

This simple tutorial shows how to install the latest Bluefish editor 2.2.11 in Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 18.04, Ubuntu 19.10, and derivatives.

Bluefish editor 2.2.11 is a maintenance release that features Python 3 compatibility. Other changes include:

  • Improved double-click selection.
  • Fill a line with spaces up to a mouse click.
  • Search and replace ignores backup files by default.
  • Insert output from an external command
  • Search in files in the file-browser.
  • Select current identifier via shift+ctrl+i
  • Printing improvements, translation updates, and many bug-fixes.

While the new release package is already made into Ubuntu 20.04 universe repository, the PPA repository contains the latest packages for all current Ubuntu releases.

1. Open terminal either by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T on keyboard or by searching for ‘terminal’ from ‘Show Applications’ menu.

When terminal opens, run command to add the PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:klaus-vormweg/bluefish

Type user password when it prompts and hit Enter to continue.

2. Then run commands to check updates and install the programmers editor:

sudo apt update

sudo apt install bluefish

Or launch and update your old software package via Software Updater utility.

Uninstall:

You may remove the PPA repository either via Software & Updates utility under Other Software tab, or by running command in terminal:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:klaus-vormweg/bluefish

And remove Bluefish programmers editor if you want via command:

sudo apt remove --autoremove bluefish

Audacious music player

The second bug-fix release for Audacious 4.0 was released a day ago. Here’s how to install it in all current Ubuntu releases.

While the first bug-fix release brings KDE Plasma 5.18 compatibility, Audacious audio player 4.0.2 includes mainly bug fixes and tweaks for the Qt interface:

  • Fixed a regression where the Enter key did not work in the playlist.
  • Fixed the seek bar changing width as the time counter increments.
  • Fixed the title bar getting stuck showing “Buffering”.
  • Added a workaround to ensure that the toolbar is not hidden on startup.
  • Fixed the Composer field not being saved when updating ID3v2 tags.

How to Install Audacious 4.0.2 in Ubuntu:

The unofficial PPA contains the latest packages for Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 18.04, Ubuntu 19.10, and Ubuntu 20.04.

1. Open terminal by either pressing Ctrl+Alt+T on keyboard or searching for ‘terminal’ from application menu. When it opens, run command to add the PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntuhandbook1/apps

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

2. Then run commands one by one in terminal to install or upgrade the audio player:

sudo apt update

sudo apt install audacious audacious-plugins

Uninstall:

The PPA repository also contains some other applications. You may remove the PPA either by going to Software & Updates utility -> Other Software tab, or by running command in terminal:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:ubuntuhandbook1/apps

To remove audacious, either use your system package manager or run command:

sudo apt remove --autoremove audacious audacious-plugins