UbuntuHandbook

SMPlayer 18.5 Released! How to Install it in Ubuntu 18.04

Last updated: May 23, 2018

SMPlayer media player 18.5.0 was released earlier today with enhancements and a few bug-fixes. Here’s how to install it in all current Ubuntu releases via PPA.

SMPlayer 18.5.0 release highlights:

Now the YouTube live streams work on Windows as well.
A problem which might prevent SMPlayer to open filenames with unicode characters in Windows has been fixed.
Fix: the cursor keys should now work in the playlist.
Now it’s possible to select which multimedia keys should be used as global shortcuts (Preferences -> Keyboard and mouse).
The multimedia key events are sent twice on some systems, making some keys (like volume mute or play/pause) almost unusable. This version tries to detect it and prevent it.
“opus” has been added to to the list of audio extensions.

How to Install SMPlayer 18.5 in Ubuntu:

For Ubuntu 14.04, Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 17.10, Ubuntu 18.04, and derivatives, do following steps to install or upgrade SMPlayer via its PPA repository.

1. Search for and launch “terminal” from application launcher. When it opens, run command:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:rvm/smplayer

Input your password (no visual feedback while typing) when it asks and hit Enter.

2. Then upgrade SMPlayer using Software Updater (or Update Manager):

or run commands in terminal to install (or upgrade) the media player:

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install smplayer smtube smplayer-themes

Uninstall:

To remove SMPlayer, run command in terminal:

sudo apt-get remove --autoremove smplayer smtube smplayer-*

And remove the PPA via “Software & Updates” utility under Other Software tab.

In Howtos, News SMPlayer

GIMP 2.10.2 Released with HEIF Support (How to Upgrade)

Last updated: May 22, 2018

GIMP 2.10.2, the first bug-fix release for the GIMP 2.10 series, was released 2 days ago. And now you can easily install it in Ubuntu 18.04, Ubuntu 17.10, and derivatives.

GIMP 2.10.2 release highlights:

Add HEIF image format support both for loading and export
Spherize filter to wrap an image around a spherical cap
Recursive Transform filter to create a Droste effect
Single-window screenshots improvement for Windows.
Histogram computation improvement which eliminates some UI freezes
Document update and a total of 44 bug-fixes.

How to Install GIMP 2.10.2 via PPA in Ubuntu:

The new release has been made into PPA repository for Ubuntu 18.04, Ubuntu 17.10.

Ubuntu 16.04 is not supported at the moment due to inextricably Glib dependencies.

1. Open terminal either via Ctrl+Alt+T keyboard shortcuts, or by searching for ‘Terminal’ from app launcher. When it opens, run command to add the PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:otto-kesselgulasch/gimp

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

2. After added the PPA, you can upgrade to GIMP 2.10.2 from an existing release using Software Updater (Update Manager):

or run commands one by one in terminal to install or upgrade GIMP:

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install gimp

Tip: apt update command is not required for Ubuntu 18.04 since it automatically refresh repository caches after adding PPA.

How to Restore:

For any reason, you can restore to the old GIMP 2.8.22 by running following command in terminal to purge the PPA:

sudo apt-get install ppa-purge && sudo ppa-purge ppa:otto-kesselgulasch/gimp

In Howtos, News gimp, image editor

How to Install MuPDF 1.13.0 in Ubuntu 18.04

Last updated: May 21, 2018

This quick tutorial is going to show you how to install the latest MuPDF viewer 1.13.0 in Ubuntu 18.04, Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 17.10.

MuPDF is a lightweight PDF, XPS, and E-book viewer that consists of a software library, command line tools, and viewers for various platforms.

The latest MuPDF 1.13.0 is primarily a bugfix release that features:

New “mutool sign” tool for showing and verifying digital signatures.
Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Cyrillic, and Greek font support in mutool create.
Improvements to annotation editing API.
And some security fixes.

How to Install MuPDF 1.13.0 in Ubuntu / Linux Mint:

Besides building the tool from source, there’s an unofficial PPA with the packages for Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 18.04, Ubuntu 17.10, and their derivatives.

1. Open terminal by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T or searching for “Terminal” from start menu. When it opens, run command to add the PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntuhandbook1/apps

Type in password (no visual feedback due to security reason) when it asks and hit Enter.

2. Then install mupdf and mupdf-tools packages either via Synaptic Package Manager or by running following commands in terminal:

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install mupdf mupdf-tools

If you have a previous release installed, simply launch Software Updater to upgrade the tool after checking for updates.

To use the PDF/XPS viewer, right-click on your file and select open with MuPDF. You can also set MuPDF as default in the Properties window.

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

In Howtos MuPDF, pdf viewer

Gnome Twitch 0.4.2 Released! How to Install it in Ubuntu 18.04

Last updated: May 19, 2018

GTK+ Twitch application ‘Gnome Twitch’ reached the 0.4.2 release after a year of development.

Gnome Twitch 0.4.2 fixed some minor bugs. The new release fixed crashes on opening stream due to requests must be made over SSL, by using new Twitch API URL over SSL.

Install Gnome Twitch 0.4.2 in Ubuntu 18.04

For Ubuntu 18.04 LTS, you can install the new release package from the PPA (unofficial).

1. Open terminal either via Ctrl+Alt+T or by searching for “terminal” from app launcher. When it opens, run command:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntuhandbook1/apps

Type your password (no visual feedback while typing due to security reason) when it prompts and hit Enter to continue.

2. If a previous version of Gnome Twitch was installed, upgrade it via Software Updater:

or run command in terminal to install (or upgrade) gnome twitch:

sudo apt-get install gnome-twitch

Uninstall:

You can remove PPA repositories via Software & Updates -> Other Software tab.

To remove the Twitch app, either use your system package manager or run command:

sudo apt-get remove --autoremove gnome-twitch

In Howtos, News Gnome Twitch, Twitch Client

How to Install 0 A.D. alpha 23 in Ubuntu 18.04/16.04

Last updated: May 18, 2018

A new release of the free, open-source real-time strategy game of ancient warfare, 0 A.D. Alpha 23 “Ken Wood”, was released a day ago. Here’s how to install it in Ubuntu 18.04, Ubuntu 17.10, Ubuntu 16.04.

New features in 0 A.D. Alpha 23 according to the release note:

New Civilization: Kushites
Mod Downloader
Cavalry and Spartan Building Models
Combine Victory Conditions
Attack Range Visualization
Diplomacy Colors
Destruction Damage
Unit Information Dialog
AI Behavior
Lobby Authentication to prevent impersonation
Nomad Mode on all Random Maps
New Random Maps: Lower Nubia, Jebel Barkal, Elephantine, Fields of Meroë, Hellas, Dodecanese, Scythian Rivulet

How to Install 0 A.D. alpha 23 in Ubuntu:

The Wildfire Games team offers an official PPA that contains the latest packages for Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 18.04, Ubuntu 17.10, and their derivatives.

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

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:wfg/0ad

Type your password (no visual feedback while typing due to security reason) when prompts and hit Enter.

2. Then upgrade the game from an existing release via Software Updater:

Or simply run commands to update and install the game:

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install 0ad 0ad-data

Uninstall:

Purge the PPA via the following command will remove the PPA as well as downgrade 0 A.D. to its stock version in your Ubuntu:

sudo apt-get install ppa-purge && sudo ppa-purge ppa:wfg/0ad

If you still want to remove the game, either use your system package manager or run command:

sudo apt-get remove --autoremove 0ad 0ad-data

In Howtos, News 0 A.D., game

How to Install VLC 3.0.2 in Ubuntu 16.04 via PPA

Last updated: November 4, 2018

The latest VLC 3.0.2 will soon be available in Ubuntu 18.04 repository (published as proposed at the moment). For Ubuntu 16.04 users who prefer traditional VLC packages to the snap, here’s how to install VLC 3.0.2 via a PPA repository.

NOTE: The PPA build does not support Chromecast, upgrade to Ubuntu 18.04 if that’s important to you.

1. Open terminal via Ctrl+Alt+T keyboard shortcuts or by searching for ‘terminal’ from app launcher.

2. When terminal opens, run command to add the third-party VLC PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:jonathonf/vlc-3

Type your password (no visual feedback while typing due to security reason) when it prompts and hit Enter to continue.

3. Run following 2 commands to add the PPAs for updated FFmpeg and Meson libraries:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:jonathonf/ffmpeg-4

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:jonathonf/meson

4. Finally upgrade VLC media player using Software Updater.

Or run command in terminal to install VLC 3.0.2 in Ubuntu 16.04:

sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install vlc

How to Restore:

You can revert back to stock version of VLC (2.2.2) in Ubuntu 16.04 by purging the PPA via command:

sudo apt-get install ppa-purge && sudo ppa-purge ppa:jonathonf/vlc-3

Also downgrade the FFmpeg libraries by purging the dependency PPA if you want:

sudo ppa-purge ppa:jonathonf/ffmpeg-4

In Howtos vlc media player

One Command to Install Wallpapers from Old Ubuntu Releases

Last updated: May 16, 2018

Each Ubuntu release ships a list of wallpaper images in /usr/share/backgrounds directory. These default wallpapers from old Ubuntu releases can be installed easily in your current Ubuntu desktop via a single command.

Open terminal via Ctrl+Alt+T or by searching for “terminal” from application menu.

When the terminal opens, run single command to install default wallpapers from Ubuntu 6.10, Ubuntu 7.04, Ubuntu 7.10, Ubuntu 9.10 to current.

sudo apt-get install ubuntu-wallpapers-* edgy-wallpapers feisty-wallpapers gutsy-wallpapers

Don’t know why, but there’s no default wallpapers packages for Ubuntu 8.04, Ubuntu 8.10, and Ubuntu 9.04.

Once installed, launch System Settings and navigate to background settings page. There you’ll find a large list of old wallpapers available for choice:

In Howtos wallpapers

How to Install Mixxx 2.1 in Ubuntu 18.04/16.04

Last updated: May 15, 2018

Free DJ software Mixxx reached the new major 2.1 release recently. Here’s how to install it in Ubuntu 18.04, Ubuntu 17.10, Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 14.04 via PPA.

Mixxx 2.1 release highlights:

Graphical interface scales for high resolution screens
Overhauled Deere and LateNight skins
New Tango skin
Resizable waveforms
Effects are synchronized to the tempo
Effects are processed post-fader and post-crossfader and can be previewed in headphones
One metaknob per effect with customizable parameter control for intuitive use of effect chains
Nine new effects: Autopan, Biquad Equalizer, Biquad Full Kill Equalizer, Loudness Contour, Metronome, Parametric Equalizer, Phaser, Stereo Balance, Tremolo
Loaded effects and their parameters are saved and restored when Mixxx restarts
More transparent sounding equalizers (Biquad Equalizer and Biquad Full Kill Equalizer)
Improved scratching sounds with jog wheels, vinyl control, and dragging waveforms with the mouse
Simplified looping and beatjump controls
Configurable rows of 8 samplers with up to 8 rows available for a total of 64 samplers
Files loaded to samplers are reloaded when Mixxx restarts
Improved volume normalization algorithm (EBU-R 128)
Filter library table by crates
Sort musical keys in library table by circle of fifths
Write metadata tags back to audio files
New JavaScript library for controller mapping
Configure multiple Internet broadcasting stations and use multiple stations at the same time
Broadcast and record microphones with direct monitoring and latency compensation
Broadcast and record from an external mixer
Booth output with independent gain knob for using sound cards with 6 output channels without an external mixer
Prevent screensaver from starting while Mixxx is running
CUP (Cue And Play) cue button mode
Time remaining and time elapsed now take into account the tempo fader
Clicking cover art now shows it full size in a separate window
and of course, lots and lots of bug fixes.

Install Mixxx 2.1 in Ubuntu:

The official Mixxx PPA contains the new release packages for all current Ubuntu releases.

1. Open terminal either via Ctrl+Alt+T or by searching for ‘terminal’ from app launcher. When it opens, run command to add the PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:mixxx/mixxx

Input your password (no visual feedback while typing due to security reason) when it prompts and hit Enter to continue.

2. If an old version of Mixxx was installed on your system, upgrade the DJ software using Software Updater:

Or run commands one by one in terminal to install or upgrade the software:

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install mixxx

Uninstall:

You can easily remove the software by running command in terminal:

sudo apt-get remove --autoremove mixxx

And remove the PPA repository via Software & Updates utility under Other Software tab.

In Howtos, News DJ software, Mixxx

Replace Left Panel with Mac OS Style Dock Launcher in Ubuntu 18.04

Last updated: January 26, 2019

For those who want to change the look and feel of the left panel “Ubuntu Dock” in Ubuntu 18.04, Dash to Dock is a Gnome extension that replaces left panel with Mac OS style Dock application launcher.

Dash to Dock is a popular Gnome extension that Ubuntu Dock (the default left panel) is forked from. With it, you can get Ubuntu 18.04 desktop looks like:

1. First time to install a Gnome extension? Then you need to install an add-on for your web browser:

click install add-on for Google Chrome, Chromium, Vivaldi

click install add-on for Firefox

click install add-on for Opera

Then open terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) and run command to install native connector get the add-ons to work.

sudo apt-get install chrome-gnome-shell

2. Then go to Dash to Dock extension page in your browser, and turn on the toggle to install it.

The left panel changes to dock launcher once you installed the extension.

To change its appearance, right-click on Show Applications icon or use Gnome Tweak Tool to go to the settings.

In Howtos, News dash to panel, Dock, Ubuntu 18.04

[Quick Tip] Hide the FireFox Title bar in Ubuntu 18.04/16.04

Last updated: May 11, 2018

To make Firefox web browser looks better in Ubuntu Gnome desktop, you can now hide the title bar at the top of the browser to get Gnome-style application header bar.

1. The new feature was introduced in Firefox 60 that was released 2 days ago. So first upgrade your Firefox web browser using Software Updater utility.