Archives For jimingkui

Linux Kernel

The 4.12 Linux Kernel was finally released earlier today. Linus Torvalds announced in lkml.org:

Things were quite calm this week, so I really didn’t have any real reason to delay the 4.12 release.

As mentioned over the various rc announcements, 4.12 is one of the bigger releases historically, and I think only 4.9 ends up having had more commits. And 4.9 was big at least partly because Greg announced it was an LTS kernel. But 4.12 is just plain big.

There’s also nothing particularly odd going on in the tree – it’s all just normal development, just more of it that usual. The shortlog below is obviously just the minor changes since rc7 – the whole 4.12 shortlog is much too large to post.

In the diff department, 4.12 is also very big, although the reason there isn’t just that there’s a lot of development, we have the added bulk of a lot of new header files for the AMD Vega support. That’s almost exactly half the bulk of the patch, in fact, and partly as a result of that the driver side dominates everything else at 85+% of the release patch (it’s not all the AMD Vega headers – the Intel IPU driver in staging is big too, for example).

But aside from just being large, and a blip in size around rc5, the rc’s stabilized pretty nicely, so I think we’re all good to go.

Go out and use it.

Kernel 4.12 top features:

  • initial GeForce GTX 1000 series 3D accelerated support on Nouveau driver stack
  • Intel’s DRM driver has turned on atomic mode-setting by default
  • Initial Radeon RX Vega support on AMDGPU DRM driver
  • A USB Type-C port manager
  • KASLR enabled by default for x86 systems.
  • BFQ and Kyber now mainline as two new I/O schedulers.
  • Continued power management tuning.

How to Install Kernel 4.12 in Ubuntu / Linux Mint:

The mainline kernels do not include any Ubuntu-provided drivers or patches. They are not supported and are not appropriate for production use.

The mainline kernel PPA has made the binaries for the new kernel release, available for download at the link below:

Download Kernel 4.12 (.deb)

Depends on your OS type, download and install the packages in turns:

  1. linux-headers-4.12.0-xxxxxx_all.deb
  2. linux-headers-4.12.0-xxx-generic(/lowlatency)_xxx_amd64(/i386).deb
  3. linux-image-4.12.0-xxx-generic(/lowlatency)_xxx_amd64(/i386).deb

Select generic for common system, and lowlatency for a low latency system (e.g. for recording audio), amd64 for 64bit system, i386 for 32bit system, or armhf, arm64, etc for other OS types.

To get the Kernel 4.12 from the command console, run the commands below one by one:

For 64-bit OS:

cd /tmp/

wget http://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v4.12/linux-headers-4.12.0-041200_4.12.0-041200.201707022031_all.deb

wget http://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v4.12/linux-headers-4.12.0-041200-generic_4.12.0-041200.201707022031_amd64.deb

wget http://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v4.12/linux-image-4.12.0-041200-generic_4.12.0-041200.201707022031_amd64.deb

sudo dpkg -i *.deb

for 32-bit OS:

cd /tmp/

wget http://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v4.12/linux-headers-4.12.0-041200_4.12.0-041200.201707022031_all.deb

wget http://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v4.12/linux-headers-4.12.0-041200-generic_4.12.0-041200.201707022031_i386.deb

wget http://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v4.12/linux-image-4.12.0-041200-generic_4.12.0-041200.201707022031_i386.deb

sudo dpkg -i *.deb

After installed these .debs, restart and enjoy!

Uninstall Linux Kernel 4.12:

Start/restart your machine and select boot with the previous kernel in Grub2 -> Advanced menu. Then use Ubuntu Tweak, or other system tool to remove the Kernel 4.12, or you may see this how to remove old kernels tutorial.

A new update of the free and open-source LiVES video editor and VJ tool was released a few days ago with bug-fixes and some improvements. Here’s how to install or upgrade it in Ubuntu via PPA.

LiVES is a Video Editing System designed to be simple to use, small in size, yet powerfull with many advanced features. The latest LiVES 2.8.7 was released 2 days ago with following changes:

  • Remove glad.h dependence on khr.
  • Prompt for clip name when rendering to new clip.
  • Fix autolives toy.
  • Increase default frame size to 1024×768 for new installs.
  • Allow override of frame size when encoding to ffmpeg / h264 format.
  • Fix breakage in the threaded progress window.
  • Updated Ukrainian translation (Yuri).

LiVES Video Editor

How to Install LiVES 2.8.7 in Ubuntu:

Besides building the software from source, you can install it from unofficial PPA in Ubuntu 14.04, Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 16.10, Ubuntu 17.04, Linux Mint 18.x and their derivatives by following steps:

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

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntuhandbook1/lives

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

LiVES PPA

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

or simply run commands in terminal to install or upgrade LiVES:

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install lives lives-plugins

Uninstall:

To remove the software, simply run commands:

sudo apt-get remove --autoremove lives lives-plugins

The PPA can be removed via Software & Updates utility under Other Software tab.

The first alpha of Ubuntu 17.10 Artful Aardvark was released earlier today. It features images for Lubuntu, Kubuntu, and Ubuntu Kylin.

The pre-release uses the kernel and graphics stacks of Ubuntu 17.04, which include Linux Kernel 4.10, X.Org Server 1.19.3 display server, and Mesa 17.1.2 3D Graphics Library. The systemd init system, however, was upgraded to the latest systemd 233.

Download Ubuntu 17.10 Alpha 1:

NOTE the pre-release images are not recommended for anyone who need a stable system. However, they are recommended for developers or users who want to test by finding, reporting, and/or fixing bugs, or people want to see how the current snapshot of Ubuntu 17.10 will look and behave.

LUbuntu 17.10: cdimage.ubuntu.com/lubuntu/releases/artful/

KUbuntu 17.10: cdimage.ubuntu.com/kubuntu/releases/artful/

Ubuntu Kylin 17.10: cdimage.ubuntu.com/ubuntukylin/releases/artful/

Future releases of Ubuntu 17.10:

July 27th Alpha 2 (for opt-in flavors)
August 31st Beta 1 (for opt-in flavors)
September 28th Final Beta
October 19th Final Release

via: fridge.ubuntu.com

screencloud

ScreenCloud is an open-source screenshot sharing application consists of a cross-platform client and a sharing website.

With plugins, the app also supports uploading to other online services, e.g., FTP server, Imgur, and Dropbox.

ScreenCloud Features:

  • Open Source and cross-platform(Windows, Mac & Linux)
  • Fast and easy: Snap a photo, paste the link, done!
  • Plugin support, save to Dropbox, Imgur, etc.
  • Built in screenshot editor.

ScreenCloud Applet

How to Install ScreenCloud Client in Ubuntu:

For Ubuntu 12.04, Ubuntu 14.04, Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 16.10, Ubuntu 17.04, and derivatives, open terminal via Ctrl+Alt+T and do following steps to install the ScreenCloud client.

1. Run command to add the repository:

sudo sh -c "echo 'deb http://download.opensuse.org/repositories/home:/olav-st/xUbuntu_16.04/ /' >> /etc/apt/sources.list.d/screencloud.list"

Change xUbuntu_16.04 in the code to xUbuntu_14.04, xUbuntu_17.04, etc depends on your system edition.

2. Download and install the repository key:

wget http://download.opensuse.org/repositories/home:olav-st/xUbuntu_16.04/Release.key && sudo apt-key add Release.key

Also change xUbuntu_16.04 in the code to which matches you os edition.

3. Finally install screencloud via either Synaptic Package Manager or commands:

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install screencloud

Once installed, launch the software from Unity Dash, Gnome launcher or other app launcher, setup your account and plugins and enjoy!

Uninstall:

To remove the Screencloud repository, go to Software & Updates utility and navigate to Other Software tab.

To remove the screenshot sharing software, either use Synaptic Package Manager or run command:

sudo apt-get remove --autoremove screencloud

nuvola player

Nuvola Player, cloud music integration for Linux desktop, has reached the 4.5 release a few days ago. Here’s how to install it in Ubuntu 16.04 and higher using the flatpak packages.

Nuvola Player 4 was forked from the release 3 with many new features & enhancements. The latest Nuvola 4.5 was released on June 24th, 2017. See more details.

1. Install Flatpak and Desktop Portal service

For Ubuntu 17.04 and higher, adding the PPA is not required (skip step 1) since Flatpak is available in Ubuntu universe repository.

  1. Open terminal via Ctrl+Alt+T or by searching “Terminal” form app launcher. When it opens, run command to add flatpak PPA:
    sudo add-apt-repository ppa:alexlarsson/flatpak

  2. Then update and install flatpak via commands:
    sudo apt-get update
    
    sudo apt-get install flatpak xdg-desktop-portal-gtk
  3. Restart your computer is required.

2. Remove old Nuvola installation if any via commands:

sudo apt-get remove nuvolaplayer*
rm -rf ~/.cache/nuvolaplayer3
rm -rf ~/.local/share/nuvolaplayer3
rm -rf ~/.config/nuvolaplayer3
rm -f ~/.local/share/applications/nuvolaplayer3*

3. Install Nuvola Apps run time via command:

flatpak install --from https://nuvola.tiliado.eu/eu.tiliado.Nuvola.flatpakref

Answer y when you’re asked and hit Enter.

4. Finally install each web player via command:

flatpak install --from https://nuvola.tiliado.eu/eu.tiliado.NuvolaAppSpotify.flatpakref

replace NuvolaAppSpotify in the code via following ones for other services:

  • NuvolaApp8tracks
  • NuvolaAppAmazonCloudPlayer
  • NuvolaAppBandcamp
  • NuvolaAppDeezer
  • NuvolaAppGoogleCalendar
  • NuvolaAppGooglePlayMusic
  • NuvolaAppGroove
  • NuvolaAppJango
  • NuvolaAppKexp
  • NuvolaAppLogitechMediaServer
  • NuvolaAppMixcloud
  • NuvolaAppOwncloudMusic
  • NuvolaAppPlex
  • NuvolaAppSiriusxm
  • NuvolaAppSoundcloud
  • NuvolaAppTunein
  • NuvolaAppYandexMusic
  • NuvolaAppYoutube

After installed an app, log out and back in so you’re able to launch Nuvola app from Unity Dash, Gnome launcher or other app launcher.

Uninstall:

To uninstall the flatpak packages, simply run commands (use flatpak list to get a list of installed flatpak apps):

flatpak uninstall eu.tiliado.Nuvola

To remove flatpak, run command:

sudo apt remove --autoremove flatpak

And the PPA can be removed via Software & Updates utility under Other Software tab.

KeePass2

KeePass password manager 2.36 was released early this month with many new features and improvements. Now you can install it via a PPA in Ubuntu 14.04, Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 17.04, and derivatives.

KeePass was originally for Windows only, but now uses Mono to run on Linux. For those who want a native Linux password manager software, try KeePassX or KeePassXC.

New features in KeePass 2.36:

  • Added commands ‘Find Duplicate Passwords’ and ‘Find Similar Passwords’.
  • Added command ‘Password Quality Report’.
  • Added option ‘String name’ in the ‘Edit’ -> ‘Find’ dialog.
  • Added option for using a gray tray icon.
  • Added {CMD:/…/} placeholder, which runs a command line.
  • Added {T-CONV:/…/Raw/} placeholder, which inserts a text without encoding it for the current context.
  • Added optional ‘Last Password Modification Time (Based on History)’ entry list column.
  • The internal text editor now supports editing PS1 files.
  • The position and size of the internal data viewer is now remembered and restored.
  • For various dialogs, the maximized state is now remembered and restored.
  • Added configuration option for specifying an expiry date for master keys.
  • Added configuration option for specifying disallowed auto-type target windows.
  • Added workaround for Edge throwing away all keyboard input for a short time after its activation.
  • Added workaround for Mono not properly rendering bold and italic text in rich text boxes.
  • TrlUtil now performs a case-sensitive word validation.

How to Install KeePass 2.36 in Ubuntu:

Open terminal via Ctrl+Alt+T or by searching for “Terminal” from app launcher. When it opens, run following commands one by one:

1. Run command to add the KeePass2 PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntuhandbook1/keepass2

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

2. Then upgrade KeePass password safe via Software Updater if you have a previous version installed:

upgrade KeePass2

Or run commands to install / upgrade the software:

sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install keepass2

Uninstall:

The PPA repository can be removed via Software & Updates utility under Other Software tab. To remove KeePass password safe, simply run command:

sudo apt-get remove --autoremove keepass2

QOwnNotes

QOwnNotes is an open-source note-taking and todo list manager with markdown support and ownCloud / Nextcloud integration. It works on Linux, Mac OS X, and Windows.

With QOwnNotes, you can:

  • write down your thoughts and they are stored stored as plain-text files on your computer.
  • Sync notes over devices (desktop & mobile) with ownCloud or Nextcloud sync client.
  • Use ownCloud Notes to edit your notes in the web.

The latest release so far is QOwnNotes 17.06.5, a small bug-fix release with also translation updates. See HERE for more details.

QOwnNotes

How to Install QOwnNotes in Ubuntu 16.04 and Higher:

The official QOwnNotes PPA offers the latest packages for Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 16.10, Ubuntu 17.04, and derivatives.

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

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:pbek/qownnotes

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

2. Then install the software either via Synaptic package manager or by running commands:

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install qownnotes

Uninstall:

To remove the software, either use your system package manager or run command in terminal:

sudo apt-get remove --autoremove qownnotes

To remove the PPA, launch Software & Updates utility and navigate to Other Software tab.

digiKam 5.6.0

The digiKam photo management software has reached the new stable 5.6.0 release with exciting new features and more than 81 issues closed.

New features in digiKam 5.6.0 according to the announcement:

  • The HTML gallery and Video Slideshow tools are back and available via tools menu.
  • database shrinking is also possible for MySQL databases.
  • improved the grouping items feature
  • support for custom sidecars
  • Geolocation Bookmarks has been rewritten to work with bundle version of digiKam (e.g., Appimage).

digiKam 5.6.0

How to Install digiKam 5.6.0 in Ubuntu 17.04:

Due to requirement of higher Qt5 library version, digiKam 5.6.0 is only available for Ubuntu 17.04 through PPA.

1. Open terminal via Ctrl+Alt+T, then run command to add the PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:philip5/extra

Type your password when prompts and hit Enter.

2. Then upgrade digiKam via Software Updater (Update Manager):

or simply run commands in terminal to install /upgrade the software:

sudo apt update && sudo apt install digikam

Install digiKam 5.6.0 in Ubuntu 16.04:

For Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 16.10, and old versions download the AppImage from the link below:

Download digiKam (AppImage)

AppImage is a single executable package, give its permission from file’s ‘Properties’ window:

Then run the file to launch digiKam (don’t see ‘Run’ option? go to menu Edit -> Preferences -> Behavior -> Run Executable text files when they are opened):

The first launch will ask you if to install a shortcut for the AppImage.

The Opus audio codec reached the new major 1.2 release a few days ago with many quality improvements, new features, and bug fixes.

Changes in Opus 1.2 includes:

  • Speech quality improvements especially in the 12-20 kbit/s range
  • Improved VBR encoding for hybrid mode
  • More aggressive use of wider speech bandwidth, including fullband speech starting at 14 kbit/s
  • Music quality improvements in the 32-48 kb/s range
  • Generic and SSE CELT optimizations
  • Support for directly encoding packets up to 120 ms
  • DTX support for CELT mode
  • SILK CBR improvements
  • Support for all of the fixes in draft-ietf-codec-opus-update-06 (the mono downmix and the folding fixes need --enable-update-draft)
  • Many bug fixes, including integer wrap-arounds discovered through fuzzing (no security implications)

Besides building the codec from source, a third-party PPA now is available to make it easy to install Opus 1.2 in Ubuntu 16.04 and/or Ubuntu 14.04.

1. Open terminal via Ctrl+Alt+T or by application launcher, when it opens, run command to add the PPA:

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

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

2. Then upgrade the library and opus-tools via Software Updater:

Or simply run commands in terminal:

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install libopus0 opus-tools

NOTE: the PPA contains the latest FFMPEG 3 packages. If you want to install it, the Tesseract OCR PPA is required in Ubuntu 14.04 for the dependencies.

f you don’t want to upgrade your ffmpeg libraries, remove the PPA via command:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:jonathonf/ffmpeg-3

Grub

Boring with the default Grub2 boot loader appearance? Besides switching to Burg boot-loader, you can change the look and feel via the Vimix-grub-theme.

The theme is designed by vinceliuice, the man behind Vimix GTK theme. To try it out, follow the steps below one by one:

1. First, either download the theme package from Github project page, or use the direct link below:

2. Then, go to your Downloads folder. Extract the tarball, and right-click on new generated folder and select “Open in Terminal”.

3. In the pop-up terminal window, run command to install the theme:

sudo ./install.sh --theme vimix

For choice, you can install a few other themes by replacing vimix with tela, stylish, or whitesur. And/or add more options, such as:

  • --screen 2k (or 4k, ultrawide, ultrawide2k) to specify screen resolution. Skip this for 1080p.
  • --icon white (or whitesur) for the icon color. Skip for colorful.

In addition:

For those who want to change the background image or change theme later, simply install Grub-Customizer, launch the software and do:

  1. navigate to Appearance settings tab.
  2. highlight the theme file “background.png”
  3. click ‘Load file’ selection box and choose your image (must be .png)
  4. finally click Save button in Grub Customizer.

Also remove useless Grub menu entries via the first tab in Grub-Customizer if you have multiple Linux Kernels.

Uninstall:

To restore Grub boot menu screen, re-do step 2 to open the theme source folder in terminal, and run command:

sudo ./install.sh --remove vimix

Also replace vimix according which theme you installed.