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Archives For November 30, 1999

HandBrake 1.4.0 Released with 10 / 12-bit Encoding, How to Install in Ubuntu

Last updated: July 18, 2021

The open-source video transcoder HandBrake released new 1.4.0 version with exciting new features.

HandBrake 1.4.0 adds native 10 and 12-bit encoding support. Though it has limitations that some filters (e.g., Detelecine, Chroma Smooth, and more) do not currently support higher than 8-bit. With these filters enabled, you won’t benefit from the new feature.

You can select the new 10-bit / 12-bit encoder from the “Video codec” drop-down on the Video tab. For hardware encoders, the option will only be shown if the system supports it.

The release also adds new filters including Chroma Smooth and Colourspace Selection. New Media Foundation encoder for Windows based ARM64 devices powered by Qualcomm Chipsets.

Other changes in HandBrake 1.4.0 include:

  • HDR10 metadata passthru.
  • Added support for Apple Silicon based macs.
  • MP2 Audio Passthru support.
  • Added support for DVB Subtitles.
  • Added support for EIA608 Closed Captions.
  • Improved Static Previews to reduce temporary disk space usage
  • And much more.

How to Install HandBrake 1.4.0 in Ubuntu:

HandBrake has an official Ubuntu PPA though it’s not updated at the moment.

Besides the PPA, you can download & install the flatpak package.

Download HandBrake Linux Flatpak

First time installing a flatpak package? Make sure flatpak daemon is installed via command:

sudo apt install flatpak

Then install the downloaded package via command:

flatpak install ~/Downloads/HandBrake-*.flatpak

(Optional) To uninstall the package, open terminal and run command:

flatpak uninstall fr.handbrake.ghb
In Howtos, News
 

Mozilla Firefox 90.0 Released with SmartBlock 2.0

Last updated: July 13, 2021

Mozilla Firefox released version 90.0 today with some new features and various security fixes.

Firefox 90 introduced the 2.0 version of SmartBlock. The built-in tracker blocking mechanism now provides robust privacy protection, while ensuring you can still use third-party Facebook logins. Facebook scripts are all blocked, just as before, except the short period for the sign-in to proceed smoothly.

For HTTPS-Only Mode, there’s now an option to add exceptions. So that you can visit specified HTTP websites directly without HTTPS-only alerts.

Other changes in Firefox 90 include:

  • Apply updates in the background while Firefox in not running for Windows.
  • New about:third-party page to help identify compatibility issues
  • Print to PDF now produces working hyperlinks
  • The “Open Image in New Tab” context menu now opens images and media in a background tab
  • Improved software WebRender performance
  • Removed FTP support.

How to Get Firefox 90:

Normally, Ubuntu will publish the new Firefox packages through the security & updates repositories in next few days.

You can just wait until it being available to update in Software Updater:

Alternatively, see the release note and download the portable package from Firefox website:

Firefox 90 Release Note & Download
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Linux Mint 20.2 Released with Improved Update Manager, Bulky File Renamer, Cinnamon 5.0

Last updated: July 8, 2021

Linux Mint team announced the second point release for Mint 20 today. Features Kernel 5.4, Ubuntu 20.04 package base, and Cinnamon 5.0, Xfce 4.16, MATE 1.24 for each desktop edition.

Linux Mint 20.2 will be supported until 2025. It comes with improved Update Manager that supports installing updates for applets, desklets, themes, and extensions.

As well, it now displays software update notifications if it has been available for more than 7 logged-in days or older than 15 calendar days. However, you can change the time period or disable the notification entirely.

The release comes with the new Bulky batch file renamer out-of-the-box. As a desktop independent app, you can install it on Ubuntu easily via the .deb package.

For Cinnamon edition, the new Cinnamon 5.0 features file search and content search in Nemo file manager, memory limit for the desktop usage, new CLI and python3 module.

Other changes include:

  • Automated Flatpak updates in Update Manager preferences. It will automatically remove unused flatpak run-times to free up your disk space.
  • Replace GNote with Sticky Notes as default note taking app.
  • Improvements for the ‘Warpinator’ file transfer app.
  • HPLIP 3.21.2 as well as the latest ipp-usb and sane-airscan
  • The WebApp manager now supports for incognito/private browsing.
  • The NVIDIA Prime applet can now switch between AMD onboard chipsets and discrete GPUs.

How to Get Linux Mint 20.2:

You can get the Linux Mint 20.2 upgrade wizard easily via “Edit->Upgrade to Linux Mint 20.2 Uma” menu in Update Manager. However, it’s recommended to backup, disable screensaver, and update Cinnamon spices (applets, desklets, extensions, themes) before getting started.

For the ISO images as well as release notes, go to linuxmint.com.

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Converseen Adds Support for Batch Converting JFIF files to JPEG / PNG

Last updated: July 5, 2021

Batch image converting and scaling app Converseen released version 0.9.9.1, features JFIF file format support.

Converseen is a free open-source tool based on Qt5 framework. It provides a lightweight and easy to use interface to convert single or multiple photo images.

Thanks to Magick++, it supports 100+ supported file formats, including the most popular DPX, EXR, GIF, JPEG, JPEG-2000, PhotoCD, PNG, Postscript, SVG, and TIFF. And, it supports for converting PDF to image, and/or image to PDF.

In addition, it can scale, rotate, and flip images, and replace transparent background with specified color. For JPEG and PNG, you can set the quality level via ‘Image settings’ button.

By releasing Converseen 0.9.9.1, it now supports for converting JFIF file to any supported image format. As well, there are minor updates and various bug-fixes in the release.

How to Install Converseen 0.9.9.1 in Ubuntu:

Besides building from the source tarball, you can install the app from the unofficial PPA in Ubuntu 18.04, Ubuntu 20.04, Ubuntu 21.04, as well as Linux Mint 20.

1.) Firstly, open terminal from system app launcher. When it opens, run command to add the PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntuhandbook1/apps

2.) After that, run command to update package cache, though it’s done automatically in Ubuntu 20.04 and higher:

sudo apt update

3.) You can finally either upgrade the tool from existing release via Software Updater, or install it via command:

sudo apt install converseen

How to Remove Converseen:

To remove the software, simply run command in terminal:

sudo apt remove --autoremove converseen

As well, you can remove the PPA either via command:

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

or by removing relevant line from “Software & Updates -> Other Software”:

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Free DJ Software Mixxx 2.3.0 Released as New Major Update [PPA]

Last updated: July 1, 2021

After more than two years of development, free open-source DJ software Mixxx 2.3.0 released as the big stable release with a total of 7477 changes over 1 million lines of code since the last release.

The new release introduced hotcue colors and custom labels. Hotcues can now have individual colors to make them visually distinguishable. And it’s now possible to see the hotcue labels on the overview waveforms, as well edit them by right-clicking.

For Rekordbox or Serato users, switching to Mixxx is easier. And it can now play tracks directly from USB drives that contain Rekordbox and Serato libraries.

The 2.3.0 also added Opus and HE-AAC streaming and recording support, as well as out-of-the-box support for:

  • Pioneer DDJ-200 and DDJ-400
  • Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S3
  • Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 and Jogvision
  • Roland DJ-505
  • Behringer B-Control BCR2000 and DDM4000
  • ION Discover DJ Pro and the Numark iDJ Live II.

Other changes in Mixxx 2.3.0 include:

  • Add deck cloning (aka “instant doubles”) by dragging and dropping between decks
  • Add laptop battery widget to skins
  • New default skin “LateNight”
  • Multithreaded analysis for multicore CPUs
  • Remove VAMP plugin support and use Queen Mary DSP library directly.
  • Add FFmpeg audio decoder, bringing support for ALAC files
  • And much more.

How to Install Mixxx 2.3.0 in Ubuntu via PPA:

For Ubuntu 18.04, Ubuntu 20.04, Ubuntu 21.04, Linux Mint 20, you can install the release package from its official PPA.

1. Open terminal either from app launcher or by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T on keyboard. When it opens, run command to add the PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:mixxx/mixxx

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

2. If an old Mixxx package exist 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 update

sudo apt install mixxx

Uninstall:

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

sudo apt remove --autoremove mixxx

And remove the PPA repository via Software & Updates, by removing relevant line utility under Other Software tab.

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Audacity Finally Adds Official Binary for Linux via Appimage

Last updated: July 4, 2021

By releasing version 3.0.3 RC1, Audacity digital audio editor finally adds official Linux binary support!

It’s the 64-bit Appimage package that runs in most Linux Distributions. Without installing, it’s a single executable that launches the software via double-click.

Other changes in Audacity 3.0.3 so far includes:

  • switch to 64-bit Windows binary, and drop Windows XP support.
  • Improved default spectrogram colors
  • Fix user interface display issue on HiDPI display in Linux.
  • Fix that font size scales incorrectly.
  • Fix crashes with Macros on files when the macro-output folder is in an unwriteable location
  • No error message when attempting to save to SMB drive
  • Fix Macros running on files can’t be cancelled

To get the Audacity Appimage, go to:

Download Audacity (Appimage)

Once you get it, add executable permission in file Properties dialog. Then click run to open the editor:

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Linux Kernel 5.13 Released! How to Install in Ubuntu 21.04

Last updated: June 28, 2021

Linux Kernel 5.13 was officially released. Linus Torvalds wrote on lkml:

So we had quite the calm week since rc7, and I see no reason to delay 5.13. The shortlog for the week is tiny, with just 88 non-merge commits (and a few of those are just reverts). It’s a fairly random mix of fixes, and being so small I’d just suggest people scan the appended shortlog for what happened.

Kernel 5.13 features include:

  • Initial and early support for Apple M1.
  • New “Landlock” Linux security module.
  • Initial graphics support for Alder Lake S.
  • AMD FreeSync HDMI support.
  • New Intel cooling driver
  • Realtek RTL8156 and RTL8153D support
  • New drivers support for Amazon’s Luna game controller.
  • Touchpad & keyboard support for recent Microsoft Surface laptops.

How to Install Linux Kernel 5.13:

The Ubuntu Mainline Kernel Archive provides the new kernel packages via DEB files.

For those prefer using a graphical tool, see this tool to install the latest Kernel.

To manually download the mainline kernel packages for Linux 5.13, go to the link button:

Select generic for common system, and lowlatency for a low latency system (e.g. for recording audio):

  1. linux-headers-5.13.0-xxxxxx_all.deb
  2. linux-headers-5.13.0-xxx-generic(/lowlatency)_xxx_amd64.deb
  3. linux-modules-5.13.0-xxx-generic(/lowlatency)_xxx_amd64.deb
  4. linux-image-xxx-5.13.0-xxx-generic(/lowlatency)_xxx_amd64.deb

Alternatively you can download and install the kernel binaries via terminal commands ( open terminal via Ctrl+Alt+T):

cd /tmp/

wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v5.13/amd64/linux-headers-5.13.0-051300_5.13.0-051300.202106272333_all.deb

wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v5.13/amd64/linux-headers-5.13.0-051300-generic_5.13.0-051300.202106272333_amd64.deb

wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v5.13/amd64/linux-image-unsigned-5.13.0-051300-generic_5.13.0-051300.202106272333_amd64.deb

wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v5.13/amd64/linux-modules-5.13.0-051300-generic_5.13.0-051300.202106272333_amd64.deb

sudo dpkg -i *.deb

Once installed, restart your computer and enjoy!

Uninstall Linux Kernel 5.13:

Restart your machine and select boot with the previous kernel in boot menu ‘Grub2 -> Advanced Option for Ubuntu’. Then run command to remove Linux Kernel 5.13:

sudo dpkg --purge linux-image-unsigned-5.13.0-051300-generic
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Firefox 89.0 Released with New Elegant UI Design

Last updated: June 2, 2021

Mozilla Firefox 89.0 was officially released today with the focus on redesigned and modernized user interface.

Firefox 89 has a simplified browser chrome and toolbar. It uses floating tab design with rounded corners for active tab. Less toolbar buttons present, and bookmarks, history and downloads are merged into single menu button.

The main menu content has been reorganized and prioritized. Menu items no longer have icons at beginning.

The new release also introduced new ‘Pocket’ icon in left side of the menu button. It allows to save any archive, video or page from Firefox. And it provides buttons to sign in/up pocket, so to view your saved content on any device any time.

Other changes in Firefox 89.0 include:

  • Native context menus on Mac OS with dark mode support.
  • Reduced number of alerts and messages, so you can browse with fewer distractions.
  • Update private browsing mode with even more privacy.
  • Smart Zoom support via double-tap with two fingers, or single finger on your Magic Mouse.
  • Various security and other fixes.
  • Event Timing API Support.

How to Get Firefox 89:

As usual, Ubuntu will publish the Firefox 89 packages through the security & updates repositories in next few days.
You can just wait until it being available to update in Software Updater:

Alternatively, see the release note and download the portable package from Firefox website:

Firefox 89 Release Note & Download
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Inkscape 1.1 Released! How to Install in Ubuntu 20.04 & Higher

Last updated: May 26, 2021

Inkscape, free open-source vector graphics editor, release new major version 1.1 a few days ago. Here’s how to install it in Ubuntu 20.04, Ubuntu 21.04, Linux Mint 20.x.

Inkscape 1.1 features a new welcome screen with ability to choose canvas colors, keyboard shortcut style, and toggle dark mode.

By different tabs, it also shows you how to contribute, and options to open recent files, set size of documents.

The release also introduced a new display mode, outline overlay, made by Jabier Arraiza.

It displays a muted view (opacity) of your drawing behind the object outlines that are click-sensitive, so you can make sure everything is in order.

Other changes in Inkscape 1.1 include:

  • New “Command Palette”, open it by pressing ? on keyboard.
  • Revamped Dialog Docking System
  • Copy, cut and paste a selection of nodes with the Node tool
  • New ‘Export PNG Image’ dialog to export JPG, WebP and TIFF, optimized PNG.
  • New ‘Extension Manager’ in beta.

How to Install Inkscape 1.1 in Ubuntu:

The easiest way to install the editor is using the official Snap package.

Also, non-install Appimage is available in official download page. Download it, make executable via file’s “Properties -> Permissions” dialog, finally click run to launch the program.

For those prefer the classic apt method, Inkscape team has official Ubuntu PPAs.

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

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:inkscape.dev/stable

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

2. Then run command to install or upgrade the vector graphics editor:

sudo apt install inkscape

or upgrade it via Software Updater

Uninstall:

To remove the PPA repository, open Software & Updates and navigate to Other Software tab. Then remove the relevant repository line:

To remove Inkscape, either use Synaptic package manager or run command in terminal:

sudo apt remove --autoremove inkscape
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The Shutter Screenshot Tool Finally Ported to GTK3

Last updated: May 23, 2021

By releasing version 0.96, the feature-rich screenshot application is finally ported to GTK3, making first step to get back to Ubuntu universe repository.

Shutter 0.96 does no longer depends on goocanvas, Gnome wnck, GTK2 version of image viewer widget, unique and appindicator module. Instead, it now requires GTK3 version of image viewer widget, GooCanvas2, and libwnck-3.

The release also remove the option “Captures only a section of the window”. because it didn’t work with the way how modern Qt and Gtk were drawing their windows anyway.

There are also possible issues including:

  • Multiple screens might or might not be broken
  • HiDPI screens might do screenshot of a nested menu in a wrong place

Get Shutter 0.96:

At the moment of writing no binary package is available to install, but only source tarball which is available in the link below:

Shutter in Github

For Ubuntu and Linux Mint users who like this screenshot tool, keep an eye on linuxupring PPA and xtradeb PPA, both maintains most recent Shutter packages.

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