UbuntuHandbook

How to Install Nvidia Driver 331.67 in Ubuntu 14.04/12.04

Last updated: April 13, 2014

Nvidia driver 331.67 for Linux has been released which brings new GPUs support and a few bug fixes. This tutorial will show you how to install this proprietary driver in Ubuntu 14.04 Trusty and Ubuntu 12.04 Precise.

Nvidia 331.67 release highlights:

Added support for the following GPUs:
- GeForce GT 705
- GeForce GT 720
- GeForce GTX 860M
- GeForce GTX 870M
- GeForce GTX 880M
- GeForce GTX TITAN Black
Fixed a bug that could lead to crashes when running Left 4 Dead 2 with threaded optimizations enabled.
Updated the makefile for the NVIDIA kernel module to work around a bug in older versions of GNU Make that prevented the NVIDIA kernel module from building correctly. This bug was fixed in version 3.81 of GNU Make.
Fixed a bug that causes some X clients to be disconnected from the X server when the screen is resized while RandR 1.4 display offloading is in use.
Fixed a bug that could cause display corruption when resuming from suspend on systems using RandR 1.4 display offloading with recent Linux kernels.
Added support for Tridelity SL stereo mode.
Fixed a bug that could cause nvidia-settings to crash or display incorrect information after switching virtual terminals while a color correction confirmation countdown was active.

Install Nvidia 331.67:

1. Press Ctrl+Alt+T on your keyboard to open the terminal. When it opens, run the commands below to remove the previous driver:

sudo apt-get purge nvidia*; sudo apt-get install nvidia-331-updates-dev

2. Restart your computer. Go to Software & Updates -> Additional drivers and switch to recommended open-source driver.

3. Download Nvidia 331.67 for:

32 bit Linux

64 bit Linux

32 bit ARM

4. Press Ctrl+Alt+F1 (or F2 ~ F6) key combination on your keyboard to switch to command console and login. Stop the graphic session by running the appropriate command below:

sudo service lightdm stop ## For the default LightDM

sudo service gdm stop ## For the Gnome GDM

sudo service mdm stop ## For the Linux Mint default MDM

5. Now give executable permission and start the installer, and finally follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

chmod +x ~/Downloads/NVIDIA-Linux-*-331.67.run && sudo sh ~/Downloads/NVIDIA-Linux-*-331.67.run

Tips: You may keep the installer file so that you can remove this driver via below command if for some reason this driver does not work properly:

sudo sh ~/Downloads/NVIDIA-Linux-*-331.67.run --uninstall

That’s it. Enjoy!

In Howtos Nvidia Driver, Ubuntu 12.04, Ubuntu 14.04

Reset Unity and Compiz Settings in Ubuntu 14.04

Last updated: June 26, 2014

This quick tutorial is going to show you how to reset unity and compiz if you messed up your Unity desktop in Ubuntu 14.04 Trusty Tahr. All you need to do is run two commands in a terminal window.

Don’t be scared if you’re not comfortable with Linux commands. Just copy the code via Ctrl+C, then paste it into the terminal via Ctrl+Shift+V and finally hit Enter to run.

To get started, press Ctrl+Alt+T to open a terminal window. When it opens, run the below command to reset Unity and Compiz settings:

dconf reset -f /org/compiz/

After that, run the below command to restart Unity:

setsid unity

Now your unity desktop and compiz effects should reset to the original status.

To get back the default set of Unity Launcher icons, run below command and then log out and back in.

unity --reset-icons

If you want to restore default icon theme, use Unity Tweak Tool which is available in Ubuntu Software Center.

In Howtos reset compiz, reset unity, Ubuntu 14.04

How to Install Adobe Flash in Ubuntu 14.04 LTS

Last updated: February 6, 2015

This quick tutorial is going to show you how to install Adobe Flash player in Ubuntu 14.04 Trusty Tahr for Firefox and other web browser. If you’re using Google Chrome, flash player is already installed by default.

For 32 bit system:

Press Ctrl+Alt+T on keyboard to open the terminal. When it opens, run the command below to update your package lists:

sudo apt-get update

Then open Ubuntu Software Center, search for and install the package flashplugin-installer.

It extracts the 32-bit Flash player library from the adobe-flashplugin package (which is retrieved from http://archive.canonical.com/) and configures itself as default for Internet browsers.

For 64 bit system:

Because “flashplugin-installer” installs the 32-bit version of Flash and a related compatibility library which may be slower and less stable, so it’s recommended to install the adobe-flashplugin package from canonial partners repository.

First open “Software & Updates” from unity dash, then enable the partners repository under Other “Software” tab.

After that, press Ctrl+Alt+T on keyboard to open the terminal. When it opens, run the commands below to install the flash:

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get purge adobe-flash{plugin,-properties-gtk}

sudo apt-get install flashplugin-installer

That’s it. Enjoy!

In Howtos adobe flash, Ubuntu 14.04

How to Install Minecraft in Ubuntu 14.04

Last updated: May 14, 2015

This quick tutorial is going to show you how to install minecraft, the popular sandbox indie game, in Ubuntu 14.04 Trusty Tahr.

An unofficial PPA provides an installer script to automatically download the files from Mojang’s servers and install the game on your system. So all you to do is get the script from the PPA.

minecraft login

Before getting started, you may read the PPA description:

# Not Redistribution

Since the script actually goes out to Mojang’s servers to get the files, I’m not redistributing any of their files. This project is simply an installer for their stuff.

# Not a Black Screen Fix

If your computer has issues running Minecraft with OpenJDK 7, then it will have issues running this. Because that’s what this is. I’ve tested this on multiple machines and it’s worked fine, but your mileage may vary. That said, one of the main black screen issues I’ve seen is people not running it with OpenJDK 7. ;)

To get started, press Ctrl+Alt+T on keyboard to open the terminal. When it opens, run the commands below one by one:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:minecraft-installer-peeps/minecraft-installer

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install minecraft-installer

Once installed, open it from Unity Dash and enjoy! If you don’t want to add the PPA, download and install the .deb directly from launchpad page.

In Howtos Minecraft, Minecraft installer, Ubuntu 14.04

Install Evernote Client (Everpad) in Ubuntu 14.04

Last updated: April 22, 2024

NOTE: The app has discontinued for 10 years! So, this tutorial does not longer works! See it in github page.

Everpad is an open-source client for the fantastic note taking tool evernote that integrates extremely well with Unity, the default Ubuntu Desktop Environment.

The app support Unity Lens which allows you to search through your Evernotes, then click to open them for additional editing. From the app indicator you can create and manage all of your Evernotes from one place.

Install Everpad:

NOTE: The development of Everpad has suspended for months, and there are a large mount of open issues still have no response. Everpad now has bugs, use it at your own risk!

Once Ubuntu 14.04 is finally released, you’ll be able to install the evernote app via below commands.

Press Ctrl+Alt+T on keyboard to open the terminal. When it opens, run the commands below one by one:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:nvbn-rm/ppa

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install everpad

Once installed search for and run the ‘Everpad’ from the Unity Dash. You will then see the app indicator appear on your panel. Once it does, click on it and select “Settings & Management” then “Authorise” to configure Everpad with your Evernote account.

That’s it! Your notes will now start to sync with Ubuntu. Enjoy!

In Howtos evernote client, everpad, Ubuntu 14.04

Install Cool Reader 3 in Ubuntu 14.04 Trusty Tahr

Last updated: October 3, 2015

This simple tutorial is going to show you how to install Cool Reader 3, the best reader for e-books, in Ubuntu 14.04 Trusty Tahr.

CoolReader is a fast and small cross-platform XML/CSS based E-Book reader for desktops and handheld devices. It reads books in formats FB2, TXT, RTF, DOC, TCR, HTML, EPUB, CHM, PDB, MOBI. It works on Win32, Linux, Android. Ported on some eInk based devices.

The developer provides the most recent build of this app for Ubuntu users in his PPA. So far, the PPA supports Ubuntu 14.04, Ubuntu 13.10, Ubuntu 12.10, Ubuntu 12.04 and Ubuntu 10.04. Also, there’s a great review about Cool Reader on the maintainer’s blog.

Install CoolReader 3:

Press Ctrl+Alt+T on keyboard to open the terminal. When it opens, run the command below to add the PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:vovansrnd/coolreader

After that, do update and install the app:

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install cr3

That’s it. If you don’t want to add the PPA, download & install the .deb package from launchpad page.

UPDATE: The PPA repository is not updated for Ubuntu 15.04 and higher. But the 14.04 binary will work on higher Ubuntu editions without problems. Select download below package:

“cr3_3.1.2.3-39_amd64.deb” for 64-bit OS
“cr3_3.1.2.3-39_i386.deb” for 32-bit OS

From this page and then click to install via Software Center.

In Howtos cool reader 3, Ubuntu 14.04

Install Spotify Client in Ubuntu 14.04 From Its Repository

Last updated: August 19, 2015

Ubuntu 14.04 Trusty Tahr, the next Long-term support Ubuntu release is coming soon. This simple tutorial shows you how to install the Spotify Client the official way from its repository.

Spotify is a great way to listen to music by streaming it on your phone, in your browser, or on your Linux desktop. You can stream everything, upgrade and sync tracks and playlists offline, or purchase individual tracks to keep forever.

Spotify has a Linux repository to make it easy to install its client app on Debian/Ubuntu Desktop. Below steps will show you how to add the repository and install the app:

1. Search for and open the “Software & Updates” utility from Unity Dash.

2. Under “Other Software” tab, click the Add button and paste the below line into the pop-up box:

deb http://repository.spotify.com stable non-free

Click on Add Source button and then you’ll have Spotify repository in your system.

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

sudo apt-key adv --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com --recv-keys 94558F59

Type in your password when prompt.

4. Now you’re able to install the client app using Synaptic Package Manager, or by running the commands below one by one:

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install spotify-client-qt spotify-client-gnome-support

You may download & install the .deb package from the web page if you don’t like to add the PPA.

In Howtos spotify, spotify client, spotify repository, Ubuntu 14.04

Install Midori Web Browser 0.5.8 in Ubuntu

Last updated: April 4, 2014

Midori, a lightweight and fast web browser, just released version 0.5.8 with great improvements on Adblock and WebKit2.

According to the release note, Midori 0.5.8 added or fixed:

A statusbar icon for easy flipping filtering on and off and seeing whether anything was blocked on the site.
If you had problems with peculiar display problems whilst using Adblock, chances are good they’ll be gone with the upgrade
WebKit2 is making another big jump. Text selection behavior, favicons, support for multiple rendering processes, opening new windows and setting cache and cookie paths correctly.
Spelling corrections: Right-click an underlined word and pick a suggestion from the menu.
Two new extensions implement Ctrl+Enter to complete www. and .com and a handy little notes panel which automatically saves one or more snippets as you make changes.
Brand new file type editor (MIME type on Linux). Finally the user is in control of how files open, either via the Preferences or the right-click “Open With…” menu item.

For details, read the official announcement.

Install Midori in Ubuntu:

It’s easy to install or upgrade to Midori 0.5.8 in Ubuntu 14.04, Ubuntu 13.10, Ubuntu 12.10, Ubuntu 12.04 and their derivatives such as Linux Mint, Elementary OS, and etc.

To do so, press Ctrl+Alt+T on keyboard to open the terminal. When it opens, run the 3 commands below one by one:

sudo apt-add-repository ppa:midori/ppa

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install midori

It will add the Midori PPA, do an update and finally install or upgrade the web browser. Once installed, open it from Unity Dash or Menu.

Enjoy!

In Howtos midori lightweight browser, midori ppa, Ubuntu 14.04

Switch Back to Previous LockScreen in Ubuntu 14.04 Unity

Last updated: May 20, 2014

Ubuntu 14.04 Unity now has its own screen locker which looks identical to the LightDM greeter – the default Unity login screen. For those who prefer the previous lockscreen used in Ubuntu 13.10 and earlier, here’s how to switch it back.

The new lockscreen, light-locker, is forked from gnome-screensaver that aims to have simple, sane, secure defaults and be well integrated with the desktop while not carrying any desktop-specific dependencies.

If you would like to try this lockscreen in Ubuntu 13.10 or Ubuntu 13.04, see this post.

To restore previous Lockscreen in Ubuntu 14.04:

UPDATE: The option has been removed in Ubuntu 14.04 final release. So this tutorial won’t work anymore.

Search for and install Compizconfig-Settings-Manager in Ubuntu Software Center. Or press Ctrl+Alt+T on keyboard to open the terminal, and run the command below instead:

sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager

After that, start CCSM from Unity Dash and navigate to Ubuntu Unity Plugin -> General -> Lockscreen. Click on the drop-down box and select which screen locker to use.

That’s it. Enjoy!

In Howtos lightdm, lightdm session locker, Ubuntu 14.04

Install the Latest SMPlayer 14.3 in Ubuntu 14.04/13.10/12.04

Last updated: April 2, 2014

SMPlayer, a graphical user interface (GUI) for the award-winning MPlayer, has reached release 14.3.0. This tutorial will show you how to install or upgrade to the latest SMPlayer in Ubuntu while the default Ubuntu repositories still have version 0.8.x.

Changes in SMPlayer 14.3:

The control for fullscreen mode has been rewritten and improved. Now it is displayed over the video.
(Windows) New option in Preferences -> Subtitles to enable or disable the use of the Windows font directory. Disabling this option prevents the annoying font scanning.
Some presets have been added to the audio equalizer.
(Experimental) Possibility to play (non-protected) blu-ray discs.
Better support for multimedia keys. This can help control SMPlayer with a remote control.
New option in the playlist preferences for adding automatically other files in the folder to the playlist.
The option “Move the window when the video area is dragged” has been fixed.
(Windows) Now it’s possible to open Windows shortcuts (symlinks).
Better support for Youtube.
(Windows) Better screensaver disabling.
Many bugfixes.
Possibility to compile with Qt 5.

Install SMPlayer:

Ubuntu users are recommended to get the latest SMPlayer from PPA. To do so, press Ctrl+Alt+T on keyboard to open terminal. When it opens, run the commands below one by one:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:rvm/smplayer 

sudo apt-get update 

sudo apt-get install smplayer smtube smplayer-themes smplayer-skins

So far, the PPA supports Ubuntu 14.04, Ubuntu 13.10, Ubuntu 12.10, Ubuntu 12.04 and their derivatives, such as Linux Mint, Elementary OS Luna, and etc.

In Howtos SMPlayer, SMPlayer PPA, Ubuntu 14.04