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‘Komorebi’ Display Clock & Animations on Ubuntu Desktop

Last updated: June 15, 2017

Komorebi is a Linux wallpaper manager that provides fully customizable backgrounds, e,g., show date and time on desktop.

Wallpapers included by default range from animated ones, still, and gradients! See screenshots below.

A settings dialog is available to launch by right-clicking on desktop and choose what to display.

Wallpapers are located in /System/Resources/Komorebi/, you can create your own wallpapers easily by following this tutorial.

Starting by opening terminal via Ctrl+Alt+T and run command to open the wallpaper folder:

gksudo nautilus /System/Resources/Komorebi/

Install Komorebi:

Download the .deb package from the link below, then click install via Ubuntu Software or Gdebi:

Komorebi Release Page

(Optional) To uninstall Komorebi, either use you system package manager or run command:

sudo apt-get remove komorebi

In addition, the software so far is in beta stage. I’ve tested on Ubuntu 16.04. The configuration dialog works on launch, but changing wallpaper sometimes not work a few minutes later.

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How to Downgrade An Installed Package in Ubuntu via Synaptic

Last updated: June 14, 2017

synaptic

For some reason, you may want to downgrade an installed application to an old version in Ubuntu.

Usually, you can easily restore a package to its stock (initial) version available in Ubuntu universe repository. Or, you can restore to a specific software version if you added a third-party repository that contains the version of that package.

By following below steps, you can easily switch between software versions via Synaptic package manager.

1. Install Synaptic package manager via Ubuntu Software app:

Install Synaptic

2. Launch Synaptic package manager and input your user password when prompts since it requires root user privilege:

launch synaptic

3. Search for and then highlight the software you want to downgrade, then go to menu Package -> Force Version…

4. The next dialog allows you to choose among all available software versions.

select old version

Select the version as you want, click ‘Force Version’ and confirm by clicking Mark button in next dialog.

Finally click the Apply button to apply changes.

Tip: After downgraded the software, you may also want to lock the software version by highlighting it in Synaptic then go to menu Package -> Lock Version.

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How to Install PyCharm Professional 2017.1.3 in Ubuntu 16.04, 17.04

Last updated: June 13, 2017

PyCharm IDE

The professional version of PyCharm IDE 2017.1.3 can now be easily installed via a PPA repository (unofficial) in Ubuntu, though there’s an official Linux tarball available.

Although the GetDeb repository is maintaining the latest community version of PyCharm IDE for Ubuntu users, there lacks a PPA for PyCharm Pro since Mystic-Mirage dropped his PPA support half a year ago.

Now there’s another PPA contains both PyCharm Community and Pro (2017.1.3 so far). Though the PPA only supports Ubuntu 16.10 and Ubuntu 17.04 at the moment, the packages also work in Ubuntu 16.04.

PyCharm Professional

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

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:viktor-krivak/pycharm

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

PyCharm unofficial PPA

2. Then you can install PyCharm Pro via command (replace pycharm-professional with pycharm for the community version):

sudo apt update 

sudo apt install pycharm-professional

Install PyCharm Pro in Ubuntu 16.04:

For Ubuntu 16.04 LTS, grab the .deb package either for zesty or yakkety from PPA packages page.

Then install it either via Gdebi (available in Software Center) package installer or by running command:

sudo dpkg -i ~/Downloads/pycharm-professional_*.deb; sudo apt -f install

Uninstall:

To remove the PPA repository, go to System Settings -> Software & Updates and navigate to Other Software tab.

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

sudo apt remove --autoremove pycharm-professional
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How to Install The Latest GnuCash 2.6.16 in Ubuntu 16.04, 17.04

Last updated: April 4, 2019

GnuCash

While Ubuntu repositories only provide old versions of GnuCash, here’s how to install the latest version of the financial-accounting software, GnuCash 2.6.16, Ubuntu 16.04, Linux Mint 18, and Ubuntu 17.04.

GnuCash is free small-business financial-accounting software designed to be easy to use, yet powerful and flexible. It allows you to track bank accounts, stocks, income and expenses.

The latest so far is GnuCash 2.6.16, features various bug-fixes and translation updates.

GnuCash 2.6.16

How to Install GnuCash 2.6.16 in Ubuntu:

The GetDeb repository offers the binary packages for Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 16.10, Ubuntu 17.04, and their derivatives.

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

sudo sh -c 'echo "deb http://archive.getdeb.net/ubuntu $(lsb_release -sc)-getdeb apps" >> /etc/apt/sources.list.d/getdeb.list'

Type in your password (no visual feedback) and hit Enter to add the repository.

For Linux Mint, please enable GetDeb App repository via Software Sources -> Additional repositories.

2. For those who have a previous release installed, launch Software Updater (Update Manager) and upgrade GnuCash after checking for updates:

upgrade GnuCash

or simply run commands to update and install the financial-accounting software:

sudo apt update

sudo apt install gnucash

Uninstall:

The GetDeb repository can be removed via the Software & Updates utility under Other Software tab.

If you want to downgrade GnuCash to the stock version in Ubuntu repositories, install Synaptic Package Manager via Ubuntu Software, launch it and force install old version of gnucash.

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How to Install G’MIC 2.0 via PPA in Ubuntu 16.04, 14.04 & Higher

Last updated: June 9, 2017

G’MIC, a generic, extensible, and open source framework for image processing, has reached the new major 2.0 release. Here’s how to install it in Ubuntu via PPA.

The IMAGE team of the research laboratory GREYC in Caen/France is pleased to announce the release of a new major version (numbered 2.0) of its project G’MIC: a generic, extensible, and open source framework for image processing. Here, we present the main advances made in the software since our last article. The new features presented here include the work carried out over the last twelve months (versions 2.0.0 and 1.7.x, for x varying from 2 to 9).

See the announcement for details.

How to Install G’MIC 2.0 & GIMP Plugin in Ubuntu:

Besides downloading the official binaries from G’MIC download page, you can install / upgrade G’MIC and G’MIC plugin for Gimp from the Thorsten’s PPA, which so far supports for Ubuntu 14.04, Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 16.10, Ubuntu 17.04, Ubuntu 17.10.

1. Open terminal 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:otto-kesselgulasch/gimp

Type in your password (no visual feedback) when prompts and hit enter.

GIMP PPA for 16.04

2. Then update and install both G’MIC and its gimp plugin:

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install gmic gimp-gmic

Once installed, launch gmic from terminal or gmic plugin from GIMP Filters menu.

If you have a previous release installed, simply upgrade it via Software Updater after adding the PPA.

Uninstall:

To remove GMIC and GIMP plugin, simply run command:

sudo apt-get remove gmic gimp-gmic && sudo apt-get autoremove

You can also manage the PPA repository by going to System Settings -> Software & Updates -> Other Software tab.

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HPLIP 3.17.6 Released with Ubuntu 17.04, New Printers Support

Last updated: June 7, 2017

HP Linux Imaging and Printing

HPLIP, Hewlett-Packard’s Linux imaging and printing software, has reached the 3.17.6 release with lots of new printers support, and Ubuntu 17.04, Debian 8.8 support.

HPLIP 3.17.6 is the second release in 2017, it adds following new printer support:

  • HP LaserJet Enterprise M607n, M607dn, M608n, M608dn, M608x, M608dh, M609dn, M609x.
  • HP LaserJet Managed E60055dn, E60065dn, E60065x, E60075dn, E60075x.
  • HP LaserJet Enterprise MFP M631dn, MFP M631z, MFP M632fht, MFP M632h, MFP M633fh.
  • HP LaserJet Enterprise Flow MFP M631h, Flow MFP M632z, Flow MFP M633z
  • HP LaserJet Managed MFP E62555dn, MFP E62565hs
  • HP LaserJet Managed Flow MFP E62565h, Flow MFP E62565z, Flow MFP E62575z
  • HP Color LaserJet Enterprise M652dn, M652n, M653dn, M653dh, M653x
  • HP Color LaserJet Managed E65050dn, E65060dn, MFP E67550dh, Flow MFP E67560z, MFP M681dh, MFP M681f
  • HP Color LaserJet Enterprise Flow MFP M681z, Flow MFP M681f, Flow MFP M682z
  • HP PageWide Managed P77750z Multifunction Printer
  • HP Pagewide Pro 750dn, 750dw, 772dw Multifunction Printer
  • HP PageWide Managed P77740zs Multifunction Printer
  • HP PageWide Managed P77750zs Multifunction Printer
  • HP PageWide Managed P75050dn Printer
  • HP LaserJet Pro MFP M25a, MFP M25nw, MFP M26a, MFP M26nw, MFP M27c, MFP M27cnw

HPLIP 3.17.6

How to Install HPLIP 3.17.6 in Ubuntu:

The official .run installer is available for download at the link below:

Download HPLIP (.run file)

After downloaded the .run installer, open terminal via Ctrl+Alt+T or by searching for “Terminal” from app launcher. When it opens, run command:

cd ~/Downloads/ && chmod +x hplip-3.17.6.run && ./hplip-3.17.6.run

The commands navigate to your Downloads folder, give executable permission, and finally run the installer script in that terminal window.

Simply follow the terminal prompts, answer some questions, wait it automatically building HPLIP and setting up your devices, and enjoy.

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Winamp Like ‘Qmmp’ Music Player 1.1.9 Released

Last updated: June 4, 2017

Qmmp Qt-based multimedia player

Qmmp, Qt-based multimedia player, has reached the 1.1.9 (and 0.10.9) release with some performance improvements and bug fixes.

Qmmp 1.1.9 and 0.10.9 are different version series with same changes. Qmmp 0.10.x is released for Qt4, and Qmmp 1.1.x is for Qt5.

Changes in Qmmp 1.1.9 and 0.10.9:

  • using relative skin path for portable configuration;
  • improved WASAPI support;
  • fixed cursors support in the skinned user interface;
  • fixed freezing when using DirectSound output;
  • fixed documentation;
  • fixed issue with ‘jump to track’ dialog when single click activation is enabled;
  • fixed tray icon tooltip (1.1.9 only);
  • fixed FLAC bitrate calculation;
  • fixed segmentation fault in the ffmpeg plugin;
  • translation updates.

Qmmp 1.10.0

How to Install Qmmp 1.1.9 (0.10.9) in Ubuntu:

The Qmmp release PPA has built the packages for Ubuntu 12.04, Ubuntu 14.04, Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 16.10, and Ubuntu 17.04.

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

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:forkotov02/ppa

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

2. Run commands to check updates and install the latest Qmmp packages:

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install qmmp qmmp-plugin-pack

The commands will install Qt4 version of Qmmp 0.10.9 in Ubuntu 12.04 and Ubuntu 14.04, and install Qt5 version of Qmmp 1.1.9 in Ubuntu 16.04 and higher.

For Ubuntu 16.04 and higher users who want to install Qmmp Qt4, run following commands instead:

sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install qmmp-qt4 qmmp-plugin-pack-qt4

Uninstall:

To remove Qmmp multimedia player, simply run command in terminal:

sudo apt-get remove qmmp qmmp-qt4 qmmp-plugin-* && sudo apt-get autoremove

For the PPA repository, go to System Settings -> Software & Updates -> Other Software tab.

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How to Install FreeType 2.8 in Ubuntu 16.04, 17.04

Last updated: June 2, 2017

FreeType

FreeType, a freely available software library to render fonts, has reached the 2.8 release. Here’s how to install it via PPA in Ubuntu.

FreeType 2.8 features complete support for CFF2 and OpenType Variation Fonts, a new function `FT_Face_Properties’, 25 more scripts added to the auto-hinter, and various fixes.

Changes between FreeType 2.7.1 to 2.8.0:

  • Support for OpenType Variation Fonts is now complete.
  • A new function `FT_Face_Properties’ allows the control of some module and library properties per font
  • Support for following more scripts added to the auto-hinter:
    • Adlam, Avestan, Bamum, Buhid, Carian, Chakma, Coptic, Cypriot, Deseret, Glagolitic, Gothic, Kayah, Lisu, N’Ko, Ol Chiki, Old Turkic, Osage, Osmanya, Saurashtra, Shavian, Sundanese, Tai Viet, Tifinagh, Unified Canadian Syllabics, Vai
  • `Light’ auto-hinting mode no longer uses TrueType metrics for TrueType fonts.
  • And see more here.

Install FreeType 2.8 via PPA in Ubuntu:

Stefan Glasenhardt’s PPA has built the 2.8 release for Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 17.04, and their derivatives.

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

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:glasen/freetype2

Type in your password (no visual feedback due to security reason), read the ppa description and hit Enter.

2. Then you can upgrade the FreeType library via Software Updater:

Or install it via commands in terminal:

sudo apt update && sudo apt install freetype2-demos

Uninstall:

To restore the FreeType library to the stock version in your Ubuntu main repository, purge the PPA via command:

sudo apt install ppa-purge && sudo ppa-purge ppa:glasen/freetype2

Or you can remove PPA, which does not affect installed FreeType2 library, via Software & Updates utility Other Software tab.

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Install & Setup Harmattan Conky Theme in Ubuntu Desktop

Last updated: May 31, 2017

ubuntu 17.04

Harmattan is a set of conky themes that display a desktop widget on Ubuntu desktop with information of date and time, weather forecast, network speed, and system resource usage.

conky themes

For those who want to try this conky theme, here’s a step by step how to setup guide:

1. First of all, open terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) and install conky if you don’t have it via command:

sudo apt install conky-all

2. Download the conky theme via the link below:

Download Harmattan Master

3. Extract the tarball, go into result folder and move the .harmattan-assets folder (press Ctrl+H to view hidden folders) to user’s home directory.

move to user home

Then open the result folder in terminal:

4. When the terminal opens, run the preview.sh script via command:

./preview.sh

You’ll see a desktop conky widget, now you can do:

  • press h or l to switch themes.
  • Press j or k to change formats.
  • Press n or m to switch modes.

After selected your favorite theme, press i in terminal to setup OpenWeatherMp API and your City ID.

5. Finally open terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) and run command to edit the .conkyrc file:

gedit ~/.conkyrc

When the file opens, do:

  • Change window_type= to "override" to remove widget border.
  • Change the value of gap_x and gap_y to move widget location.

For the network connection issue, find your device name via command:

ifconfig

In my case it’s enp2s0, so in the .conkyrc file replace all enp0s1 with enp2s0 (use Search -> Find and Replace … menu).

Finally save the file and enjoy!

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Install Brightness Controller Utility in Ubuntu 16.04 & Higher

Last updated: May 30, 2017

brightness controller

Brightness Controller is a simple open-source utility to control brightness, RGB, and color temperature of your displays in Linux.

It allows you to change the brightness to a better degree of control, ranging from 1% to 100%! It should be mentioned that it changes the present brightness value set via hardware control of your monitor. For example, if you set your Monitor’s brightness to 50% using hardware buttons, then that 50% will be the 100% value in Brightness controller.

Brightness Controller is developed with Python2 and Pyside. It supports an arbitrary number of displays!

brightness controller

Install Brightness Controller via PPA:

For all current Ubuntu releases, including Ubuntu 14.04, Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 16.10, Ubuntu 17.04, and the next Ubuntu 17.10, the utility is available via the PPA repository.

1. Open terminal via Ctrl+Alt+T. Run command to add the PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:apandada1/brightness-controller

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

2. Then check updates and install the utility:

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install brightness-controller

For those who don’t want to add PPA, grab the .deb package from HERE.

Uninstall:

To remove the utility, simply run command:

sudo apt-get remove brightness-controller && sudo apt-get autoremove

To remove the PPA, go to system settings -> Software & Updates -> Other Software tab.

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