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Jabber/XMPP Client ‘Kaidan’ 0.7.0 Released with New Features

Last updated: February 2, 2021

Kaidan, free and open-source Jabber / XMPP client, released version 0.7.0 with enhancements and bug-fixes.

Kaidan is a user-friendly and modern chat app uses the open communication protocol XMPP (Jabber). Unlike other chat apps, you are not dependent on one specific service provider.

The new version 0.7.0 was released today adds more information in contact profile including nickname, software version, and operation system.

The favorite emojis now is showing by default, and you can search emoji by typeing :<name>.

Other changes in Kaidan 0.7.0 include:

  • drag’n’drop support for sending files
  • Paste images from clipboard (Ctrl+Shift+V) into the chat
  • Insert newline with Shift + Enter
  • Custom hostname and port.
  • Improved design of media preview sheets
  • Restructure message sending bar
  • And bug-fixes.

How to Install Kaidan in Ubuntu:

The software offers non-install Appimage available to download at its website.

It also available as Flatpak package, which runs in sandbox. Open terminal from system app launcher and run following commands one by one to install it:

1. Run command to install flatpak daemon if you don’t have it:

sudo apt install flatpak

2. Add the flathub repository which hosts the software package:

flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

3. Finally install Kaidan package via command:

flatpak install flathub im.kaidan.kaidan

Once installed, open it either from app launcher or by running command flatpak run im.kaidan.kaidan

Uninstall Kaidan:

To remove the flatpak package, simply run command in terminal:

flatpak uninstall im.kaidan.kaidan
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Kid3 Audio Tag Editor 3.8.5 Released, How to Install via Ubuntu PPA

Last updated: January 31, 2021

The Kid3 audio tagger 3.8.5 was released today as a new bug-fix release which however includes also some minor new features.

Kid3 3.8.5 adds ability to change the language via Settings -> Appearance, though app needs a restart to apply change.

It also brings “Invert Selection” option under Edit menu, command option “config” to query and set configuration options, and script to rewrite all tags of the selected files.

Other changes include:

  • Import multiple genres from Discogs and MusicBrainz.
  • Support import from Discogs JSON API when token is provided.
  • Allow code signing for Mac OS
  • Fix crash issue when adding Chapter frame.
  • Fix support for ID3v2 Podcast Category (TCAT) and Podcast Keywords (TKWD).
  • Fix support for multiple genres with ID3v2.3.0.
  • Fix support for MP4 values with multiple strings with TagLib.

How to Install Kid3 3.8.5 in Ubuntu via PPA:

The official Kid3 PPA has made the new packages for Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 18.04, Ubuntu 20.04, Ubuntu 20.10, Linux Mint 20, and derivatives.

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

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ufleisch/kid3

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

2. If an old version was installed, upgrade Kid3 using Software Updater:

upgrade kid3 via software updater

or run commands one by one in terminal to install or upgrade to the latest tag editor:

sudo apt update

sudo apt install kid3-qt

You may replace kid3-qt with kid3 in the code for KDE integration, and/or with kid3-cli for the command-line interface.

Uninstall

To remove the PPA repository, either open Software & Updates -> Other Software tab and remove the relevant line, or run command:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:ufleisch/kid3

To remove the audio tag editor, either use your system package manager or run command:

sudo apt remove --auto-remove kid3 kid3-*
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Mozilla Firefox 85 Released with Enhanced Privacy Protection

Last updated: January 26, 2021

Firefox 55

Mozilla Firefox 85.0 was officially released today with improvements to privacy protection, bookmarks, and password manager.

Firefox 85 introduces a fundamental change in the network architecture. It now partitions network connections and caches, including HTTP cache, image cache, favicon cache, HSTS cache, OCSP cache, style sheet cache, font cache, DNS cache, HTTP Authentication cache, Alt-Svc cache, and TLS certificate cache. So it protects you from supercookies.

Since this release Adobe Flash is no longer supported, and there is no setting available to re-enable Flash support.

Other changes in Firefox 85 include:

  • Remember user preferred location for saved bookmarks
  • Display bookmarks toolbar by default in new tab.
  • Easy access to all of your bookmarks via a toolbar folder.
  • An option to remove all of saved logins.
  • Various security fixes.

How to get Firefox 85 in Ubuntu:

For all current Ubuntu releases, simply wait! The new Firefox package will be published in Ubuntu security & updates repositories in next a few days.

At that time, you can easily update the browser through Software Updater (Update Manager)

For those can’t wait, go to the release page which also includes a download button:

Firefox 85 Release Note

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VLC Media Player 3.0.12 Released with Apple Silicon Support

Last updated: January 20, 2021

The VideoLAN team announced the release of VLC 3.0.12 as the thirteenth version of the “Vetinari” branch.

The new release features native support for Apple Silicon hardware, the M1 processor in new versions of the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini.

Other changes in VLC 3.0.12 include:

  • Fix audio distortion when starting playback on macOS
  • Fix crashes with Direct3D video filters
  • Fix adaptive streaming resolution settings handling
  • Add support for RIST protocol
  • Visual improvements on macOS Big Sur
  • Several web interface fixes
  • YouTube &Vocaroo scripts updates
  • And some security issues

How to Install VLC in Ubuntu:

VLC offers official Ubuntu binary via Snap package, which can be installed directly through Ubuntu Software.

Just install the package which will update automatically to the latest though it’s still 3.0.11 at the moment of writing.

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Scorewriter MuseScore 3.6 Released with New Fonts, Improvements

Last updated: January 16, 2021

MuseScore, free open-source sheet music player and editor, released the new major version 3.6 with many new features, improvements and bug-fixes.

New features in MuseScore 3.6 include:

  • New default notation fonts “Leland”
  • New default text font “Edwin”
  • New dialog suggests trying out the new engraving defaults
  • Automatic score ordering and bracketing
  • Automatic vertical justification of staves
  • Added Mountain Dulcimer instrument and 3-string tab presets
  • Added portamento for FLUID synthesiser
  • Added Petaluma notation font
  • Added mnemonics for “Save”, “Save As” and “Resource Manager”

The new release also features many UI and performance improvements including:

  • Improved the vertical staff justification algorithm
  • Improved functionality and appearance of ‘Add Palettes’ button
  • Implemented a new “Export” dialog
  • Added extended fermata symbols to MusicXML I/O
  • Added heavy, reverse end and heavy double barlines
  • Added a harmony duration interpretation
  • Added support for triple sharp and triple flat

And much more other improvements, tons of bug-fixes. For details, see the link below.

How to Get MuseScore 3.6 in Ubuntu Linux:

For Linux users MuseScore 3.6 is only available as Appimage package so far.

MuseScore in Github (Appimage)

Just grab the package, right-click and go to its Properties. Under ‘Permissions’ tab check the box which says ‘Allow executing file as program‘. Finally click run the Appimage to launch the scorewriter.

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KeePassXC 2.6.3 Released with Argon2id, XML2 Support [PPA]

Last updated: January 15, 2021

KeePassX 2 YubiKey support

KeePassXC, cross-platform community fork of KeePass password manager, release version 2.6.3 a few days ago with new features and improvements.

KeePassXC 2.6.3 features Argon2id KDF and version 2 XML key files support. Other changes include:

  • Improve CSV Import/Export
  • Support empty area dragging of app window.
  • Display default Auto-Type sequence in preview pane.
  • Remove strict length limit on generated passwords
  • Hide key file path by default when unlocking database
  • Document support for managed Microsoft Edge
  • Prevent clipboard history and cloud sync.
  • Various bug-fixes.

How to Install KeePassXC 2.6.3 in Ubuntu:

The Latest KeePassXC is available in Ubuntu Software via Snap package. The official download page also offers non-install Appimage package.

For those prefer the classic apt method, the official upstream PPA has made the new release packages for Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 18.04, Ubuntu 20.04, and Ubuntu 20.10.

1.) Open terminal either by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T on keyboard, or by searching for ‘terminal’ from system application launcher.

When terminal opens, run command to add the PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:phoerious/keepassxc

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

2.) Then either update the software package using Software Updater

or run command to install the software:

sudo apt update && sudo apt install keepassxc

Uninstall:

You can run the PPA repository simply by running command in terminal:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:phoerious/keepassxc

And if you want, remove keepassxc password manger via command:

sudo apt remove --autoremove keepassxc
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KeePass 2.47 Released! How to Install in Ubuntu 20.04, 20.10

Last updated: April 24, 2024

KeePass2

KeePass password manager 2.47 was released user interface and integration enhancements and minor new features and improvements.

KeePass 2.47 release highlights:

  • Save search parameters as profiles, access via menu ‘Find’->’Search Profiles’.
  • Add ‘XPath expression’ search mode.
  • Add ‘Histop’ option in Find dialog.
  • Add ‘Help’ button in Find dialog.
  • Add auto-type matching option ‘Consider similar dashes as identical’.
  • Add commands ‘Copy Group (Encrypted)’, ‘Copy Group (Unencrypted)’ and ‘Paste Group’.
  • Added {TIMEOTP} placeholder, generates a time-based one-time password.
  • Enhanced XML key file format.
  • Add command ‘Print Key File Backup’.
  • Add command ‘Create Key File’.
  • Add Argon2id key derivation function.
  • Add support for importing Dashlane 6.2039.0 JSON files.
  • Add a few more options in the import/export dialog.
  • Plugins can now disable/enable specific Mono workarounds.

How to Install KeePass 2.47 in Ubuntu via PPA:

Although there’s a Linux native community fork KeePassXC available, KeePass2 is still available to install via an Ubuntu PPA. So far, the PPA supports for Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 18.04, Ubuntu 20.04, and Ubuntu 20.04.

1.) Open terminal and run command to add the PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntuhandbook1/keepass2

2.) Then refresh system package cache via command:

sudo apt update

3.) Finally install the mono based password safe package:

sudo apt install keepass2

Uninstall KeePass2:

To remove the software package, run command in terminal:

sudo apt remove --autoremove keepass2

And remove the Ubuntu PPA via command:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:ubuntuhandbook1/keepass2
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Linux Mint 20.1 “Ulyssa” Officially Released [How to Upgrade]

Last updated: January 9, 2021

Linux Mint 20.1, code-name “Ulyssa”, was officially released. It includes Linux Kernel 5.4, based on Ubuntu 20.04, and features Xfce 4.14, Cinnamon 4.8, and MATE 1.24 for each desktop edition.

Linux Mint 20.1 is a long term support release which will be supported until 2025. New features in the release include:

  • Web App manager to turn any web page into desktop application.
  • A new IPTV Player, Hypnotix
  • Favorites support in Nemo file manager, Xed, Xreader, Xviewer, Pix and Warpinator.
  • Removed ippusbxd, printing and scanning work the same way as in Linux Mint 19.x.
  • Updated to HPLIP 3.20.11.
  • Hardware video acceleration enabled by default in Celluloid.
  • The driver manager was migrated to PackageKit.
  • Added Chromium browser package to the repository.
  • Clock format in the login screen is configurable.
  • A unified filesystem layout, superb collection of backgrounds, and more.

Linux Mint 20.1 system requirements:

  • 1GB RAM (2GB recommended for a comfortable usage).
  • 15GB of disk space (20GB recommended).
  • 1024×768 resolution (on lower resolutions, press ALT to drag windows with the mouse if they don’t fit in the screen).

Download / Upgrade to Linux Mint 20.01:

For the official announcements as well as iso images download link, simply go to LinuxMint.com.

To upgrade from Linux Mint 20 to Linux Mint 20.1:

1. Use TimeShift to create a system snapshot, so you can easily restore your system if anything goes wrong.

2. Disable your screensaver, and upgrade installed Cinnamon spices (applets, desklets, extensions, themes) from System Settings.

3. Open Update Manager and click on the Refresh button. If there are updates for mintupdate or mint-upgrade-info, apply them.

Then go to menu “Edit->Upgrade to Linux Mint 20.1 Ulyssa” to launch system upgrade.

Follow the wizard and reboot once the upgrade is finished.

4. (optinal) To convert the system with usrmerge, simply run command:

sudo apt install usrmerge
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GTK+ Twitter Client ‘Cawbird’ 1.3 Released with Uploading Video Support

Last updated: January 1, 2021

Cawbird, free and open-source GTK+ Twitter Client for Linux, released version 1.3 with many new features, improvements, bug-fixes.

Cawbird 1.3 comes with improved DM (Direct Messages). It adds ability to send media in DMs, delete DMs, load older DMs, and fixes DM load order issue.

The new release includes new Vala implementation API allows to upload videos and larger animated GIFs.

Other changes in Cawbird 1.3 include:

  • Apply filtering across all feeds (including search)
  • Apply changes to filtering, muting, blocking and hiding RTs across all feeds instantly
  • Allow the filtering of mentioned @-handles
  • Load media in DMs and linkify users and hashtags
  • Use HTTPS avatars throughout
  • Allow Compose view to shrink to narrower screens (e.g. for PinePhone)
  • Design changes, stability improvements, and bug-fixes.

How to Install Cawbird in Ubuntu:

The software developer maintains OBS repository with the packages for CentOS, Debian, Fedora, Ubuntu, openSUSE. You can download the deb package directly from the link below:

Download Cawbird

To receive future updates via Software Updater, you can open terminal and run following commands one by one to add the OBS repository:

  • Run command to add the cawbird repository (you may replace xUbuntu_20.04 with xUbuntu_18.04 or xUbuntu_20.10 depends on your system edition): 
    echo 'deb http://download.opensuse.org/repositories/home:/IBBoard:/cawbird/xUbuntu_20.04/ /' | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/home:IBBoard:cawbird.list
  • Then install the keyring via command (also replace xUbuntu_20.04 to your system edition): 
    curl -fsSL https://download.opensuse.org/repositories/home:IBBoard:cawbird/xUbuntu_20.04/Release.key | gpg --dearmor | sudo tee /etc/apt/trusted.gpg.d/home_IBBoard_cawbird.gpg > /dev/null
  • You can finally refresh package cache and install the twitter app via commands: 
    sudo apt update; sudo apt install cawbird

Uninstall Cawbird:

To remove the Twitter client, simply run command in terminal:

sudo apt remove --auto-remove cawbird

To remove the software repository, go to Software & Updates -> Other Software, and remove the relevant line.

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qBittorrent 4.3.2 Adds Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) Support

Last updated: December 29, 2020

qBittorrent

qBittorrent 4.3.2 was released a few days ago. Here’s how to install it in Ubuntu via PPA.

The new release of the Bittorrent client features an option for Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) support, which enable people around the world to use domain names in local languages and scripts.

It now allows to add root folder to torrent content. And “HTTPS tracker validation” option is available on all platforms with latest libtorrent.

Bug-fixes in qBittorrent 4.3.2 include:

  • Fix broken sorting on some columns
  • Fix availability per file value
  • Fix status of torrents without metadata
  • Don’t try to remove folders for a torrent without metadata
  • Lift upper limit of “Max concurrent HTTP announces” option
  • Add links to libtorrent documentation
  • Move “embedded tracker” options to qbt section
  • Properly handle “Append extension” option changing
  • Correctly save paused torrent state
  • Fix bug of “move storage job” can be performed multiple times

There are also a few WEB UI changes, including ability to use ‘shift+delete’ to delete torrents, allow to attach tags while adding torrents.

How to Install qBittorrent via PPA:

The official qBittorrent PPA has built the new release packages for Ubuntu 18.04, Ubuntu 20.04, and derivatives.

1. To add the PPA, open terminal by either pressing Ctrl+Alt+T on keyboard or searching for “Terminal” from application menu. When it opens, run command:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:qbittorrent-team/qbittorrent-stable

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

2. If an old version was installed on your system, upgrade it via Software Updater,

upgrade qBittorrent

or run following commands to install /upgrade qBittorrent in terminal:

sudo apt update

sudo apt install qbittorrent

Uninstall:

To remove qBittorrent PPA, either go to Software & Updates -> Other Software, or run command in terminal:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:qbittorrent-team/qbittorrent-stable

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

sudo apt-get remove --autoremove qbittorrent
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