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Free Score Writer MuseScore 3.1 Released (How to Install)

Last updated: May 28, 2019

The open-source music notation software MuseScore 3.1 was released today with new features and significant improvements. Here’s how to install it in Ubuntu.

MuseScore 3.1 release highlights:

  • Single-note dynamics.
  • Ignificant improvements to automatic placement and layout
  • Automatic placement no longer prevent user from moving elements
  • Fretboard diagrams improvements including:
    • Multiple dots per string
    • Partial and multiple barres
    • Different dot shapes (especially useful for Ted Greene diagrams)
    • Ability to not show nut
    • Customizable distance between strings and frets
    • Chord symbols for diagrams
  • New commands Edit > Paste Half Duration and Edit > Paste Double Duration
  • New command Tools > Unroll Repeats

How to Install MuseScore 3.1 in Ubuntu:

Appimage:

For non-install, single executable appimage, it’s available at the link below:

MuseScore Appimage (64-bit)

Right-click the Appimage, go to Properties -> Permissions -> tick the box says ‘Allow executing file as program’, finally run it to launch MuseScore 3.1:

Install MuseScore via PPA:

The official MuseScore3 PPA maintains the latest packages for Ubuntu 18.04, Ubuntu 18.10, Ubuntu 19.04, and derivatives.

The 3.1 release package will usually available in 2 or 3 days.

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

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:mscore-ubuntu/mscore3-stable

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

2. Then install MuseScore 3 via command:

sudo apt install musescore3

Linux Mint 19 may need to refresh package cache by running command sudo apt update first.

Once installed, launch the software from application menu and enjoy!

Uninstall:

To remove the software, run command in terminal:

sudo apt remove --autoremove musescore3

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

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How to Install uGet Download Manager 2.2.2 in Ubuntu 18.04, 19.04

Last updated: May 27, 2019

uGet download manager

uGet download manager 2.2.2 was released a few days ago. Here’s how to install it in Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 18.04, Ubuntu 18.10, and Ubuntu 19.04.

It has been one year and two months since the last release, though version 2.2.2 is a small release with following changes:

  • use quicksort to sort downloads.
  • backup torrent and metalink files.
  • curl plug-in: handle duplicate files with double extensions.

How to Install uGet 2.2.2 in Ubuntu:

The new release package has been made into uGet Stable PPA, available for Ubuntu 14.04, Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 18.04, Ubuntu 18.10, and Ubuntu 19.04.

1. Open terminal via Ctrl+Alt+T or from app launcher, and then run command to add the PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:plushuang-tw/uget-stable

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

uGet Stable PPA

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

or you can run following 2 commands to check updates and install / upgrade uGet:

sudo apt-get update 

sudo apt-get install uget

How to Remove:

Run following command in terminal will remove the PPA and also downgrade to the stock version of uGet in your Ubuntu system:

sudo apt-get install ppa-purge && sudo ppa-purge ppa:plushuang-tw/uget-stable

If you want to remove uGet download manager, simply search for and remove it via “Ubuntu Software” utility.

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KTorrent Available to Install via Snap in Ubuntu

Last updated: May 26, 2019

KTorrent, full-featured BitTorrent application by KDE, now is officially available as Snap package. Which means you can now easily install the latest KTorrent in Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 18.04, and higher, and keep it always updated.

KTorrent features:

  • Queuing of torrents
  • Previewing of certain file types, build in (video and audio)
  • Importing of partially or fully downloaded files
  • File prioritization for multi-file torrents
  • Selective downloading for multi-file torrents
  • Kick/ban peers with an additional IP Filter dialog for list/edit purposes
  • UDP tracker support
  • Support for private trackers and torrents
  • Support for µTorrent’s peer exchange
  • Support for protocol encryption (compatible with Azureus)
  • Support for creating trackerless torrents
  • Support for distributed hash tables (DHT, the Mainline version)
  • Support for UPnP to automatically forward ports on a LAN with dynamic assigned hosts
  • Support for webseeds
  • Scripting support via Kross, and interprocess control via D-Bus interface
  • Tracker authentication support
  • Connection through a proxy

How to Install KTorrent Snap in Ubuntu 18.04 & Higher:

Open Ubuntu Software and search for ktorrent. There will be two packages available:

  • KTorrent snap maintained by KDE.
  • Stock KTorrent package offered by Ubuntu.

For Ubuntu 16.04, run following command in terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) to install snapd first.

sudo apt-get install snapd

Then install the KTorrent snap package via command (it’s in --candidate channel at the moment):

snap install ktorrent --candidate

The snap package co-exists with stock Ubuntu package, you’ll see two KTorrent icons in application menu if both installed.

(Optional) To remove the snap package, run command in terminal:

sudo snap remove ktorrent
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Arronax – Graphical Tool to Create Desktop Launcher for Your Apps in Ubuntu

Last updated: October 25, 2023

Many popular applications (e.g., PyCharm, Blender and even Firefox) provide Linux tarball that include executable files can be run directly to launch the apps.

However, we need to manually create app launcher, to make it possible to launch them by searching the apps from start menu (‘Activities‘ overview). And, ‘Arronax’ is the app to do the job easily.

The .desktop files

App launchers in Linux are handled by files via .desktop extension. Each app you can see in system start menu has an associated .desktop file in either ‘/usr/share/applications‘ or ‘.local/share/applications‘ directory.

For portable Linux tarball, or appimage that does not have an app launcher, user may manually create a .desktop file in either directory to link app into system start menu.

Arronax:

KDE, Cinnamon, and XFCE now have built-in utility to create desktop app launcher. But, GNOME does not!

Arronax is the simple tool started almost 10 years ago, with ability to create and edit .desktop file.

With it, user may either right-click on the executable file and select ‘Create a Starter’, or open the app by searching from start menu (‘Activities’ overview):

For basic function, just type name to display in start menu, select executable file for ‘Command’ box, and choose an icon! Save it to the right location, and that’s all!!

All other options are optional! Though, you may move cursor over an option to get tool-tip tells what it does, and enable it as need.

Finally, click on “Save” button. In the bottom of file save dialog, user may choose the standard location to save the .desktop file.

  • “User app folder” – stores app launcher files for current user only.
  • “System app folder” – stores app launcher files for all system user.
  • “User / System Autostart folder” – store app launchers start automatically on start up.

NOTE: save to system folder needs to run Arronax as root (run sudo arronax in terminal).

How to Install Arronax in Ubuntu:

The app is available to install via an official PPA for all current Ubuntu releases, including Ubuntu 18.04, Ubuntu 20.04, Ubuntu 21.10, and Ubuntu 22.04.

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

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:diesch/stable

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

UPDATE for Ubuntu 23.10: the app seems to be no longer updated! If you do need it, run command to add this unofficial PPA instead of 23.10.

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntuhandbook1/arronax

2. Then install the tool as well as file manager integration via command:

sudo apt update

sudo apt install arronax arronax-nautilus

You may replace arronax-nautilus with arronax-nemo, arronax-caja for other file manager integration.

Once installed, either launch Arronax via system application menu, or by right-clicking on executable file in file browser.

Uninstall:

To remove the software, open terminal and run command:

sudo apt remove --auto-remove arronax

And remove the PPA via Software & Updates -> Other Software tab.

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ICQ Messenger Available to Install via Snap in Ubuntu 18.04/Higher

Last updated: May 22, 2019

ICQ, the popular chat application, is available for Linux as an official Snap package.

ICQ is a cross-platform instant messaging and VoIP client that features:

  • securely encrypted calls
  • high-quality video calls
  • speech-to-text for voice messages
  • ability to create your own stickers
  • animated 3D masks and video calls
  • groups and channels
  • chat synchronization across all devices

Image via twitter.com/snapcraftio

To install ICQ Snap in Ubuntu 18.04 and higher:

Simply open Ubuntu Software, search for and install the ICQ package (it’s beta at the moment):

To install ICQ snap in Ubuntu 16.04:

Ubuntu 16.04 can install the snap package after installed the snapd daemon.

Open terminal either via Ctrl+Alt+T keyboard shortcut or by searching for ‘terminal’ from application menu. When it opens, run command to install snapd:

sudo apt-get install snapd

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

Then install ICQ snap package via command:

sudo snap install icq-im --beta

(Optional) To uninstall the snap package, run command:

sudo snap remove icq-im
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Firefox 67.0 Released, Upgrading to Dav1d AV1 Decoder

Last updated: May 21, 2019

Firefox 55

Mozilla Firefox 67.0 was released today with performance improvements and some new features.

Firefox 67.0 release highlights according to the release note:

  • Page load and start up improvements.
  • Suspend unused tabs when memory is running low (400M).
  • Toolbar and toolbar overflow menu are both fully keyboard accessible.
  • Ability to run different Firefox installs side by side by default
  • Usability and security improvements for private browsing.
  • Firefox will protect you against running older versions of the browser.
  • Upgrading to AV1 decoder known as ‘dav1d’
  • Enable FIDO U2F API, and permit registrations for Google Accounts

Upgrade to Firefox 67 in Ubuntu:

Firefox 67 will be made into Ubuntu universe repositories in 2 or 3 days. Check HERE, and do following to upgrade it once available.

For all current Ubuntu releases, simply open Software Updater and install the updates after checking for updates.

If you don’t see the Firefox updates, go to Software & Updates and make sure the security and updates repositories are enabled in Updates tab.

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TexStudio 2.12.16 Released, How to Install it in Ubuntu

Last updated: May 19, 2019

Full featured LaTeX editor TexStudio 2.12.16 was released a few hours ago. Here’s how to install it in Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 18.04, Ubuntu 18.10, Ubuntu 19.04, and their derivatives.

TexStudio 2.12.16 is a small release with only bug-fixex, including some fixes for tool-tip preview by MeanSquaredError.

How to Install TexStudio 2.12.16 in Ubuntu:

There’s a PPA repository that contains the latest packages for all current Ubuntu releases and derivatives.

1. Open terminal either via Ctrl+Alt+T keyboard shortcut or by searching for ‘terminal’ from software launcher. When it opens, run command:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:sunderme/texstudio

Type user password (no asterisk feedback) from sudo prompt and hit Enter to add the PPA.

2. If an old version was installed in your system, remove the texstudio-doc, texstudio-l10n (if any) package before upgrading the software:

sudo apt-get remove texstudio-doc texstudio-l10n

3. After adding the PPA, you can either upgrade the editor via Software Updater:

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

sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install texstudio

Uninstall:

To remove the LaTeX editor, run command in terminal:

sudo apt-get remove --autoremove texstudio

And go to Software & Updates -> Other Software to remove PPA repositories.

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Fix Slow Boot “A start job is running …” in Ubuntu 18.04

Last updated: May 19, 2019

gnome shell

Ubuntu 18.04 is quite slow to boot up in my laptop in the last few days. It was stuck at the purple screen with Ubuntu logo in center for more than 1 minute before booting into the login screen.

When it was booting into the purple screen, press F2 to show the white and black text screen. There it told me that it was stuck at:

“A start job is running for dev-disk-by\x2uuid …(35s \ 1min 30s)”

To fix the problem, do following steps one by one:

UPDATE: First make a back up of /etc/fstab before editing the file by running command:

sudo cp /etc/fstab /etc/fstab-backup

1. Open terminal from application menu or by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T on keyboard. When it opens, run command:

sudo -H gedit /etc/fstab

Type user password (no asterisk feedback) when it prompts. It will open fstab (file system table) configuration file with gedit text editor.

2. When the file opens, you’ll see something look like this:

As the top picture shows, “UUID=1cdb9a5b-01a7-4b7b-a0ad-ce73676bb7c1”, mounting the Swap partition takes 1 minute and 30 seconds to boot up Ubuntu.

3. Launch Disks utility from application menu.

4. When it opens, check the Swap partition, and it obviously that the UUID value does not match the one in /etc/fstab.

5. So what I need to do here is to replace the UUID value with the correct one copied from Disks utility.

Finally, save the file and reboot.

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HPLIP 3.19.5 Released with Ubuntu 19.04 64-bit Support

Last updated: May 17, 2019

HP Linux Imaging and Printing

HP developed open-source Linux drivers, HPLIP 3.19.5, was released with new printers and most recent Linux Distro’s support.

HPLIP 3.19.5 added support for 64-bit version of Ubuntu 19.04, Fedora 30, and Debian 9.8.

Also following new devices were supported in the release:

  • HP LaserJet Enterprise M507n, M507dn, M507x, M507dng
  • HP LaserJet Managed E50145dn, E50145x
  • HP LaserJet Enterprise MFP M528dn
  • HP LaserJet Enterprise MFP M528f
  • HP LaserJet Enterprise Flow MFP M528c
  • HP LaserJet Enterprise Flow MFP M528z
  • HP LaserJet Managed MFP E52645dn
  • HP LaserJet Managed Flow MFP E52645c
  • HP Color LaserJet Managed E75245dn
  • HP Color LaserJet Enterprise M751n, M751dn
  • HP PageWide XL 3900PS MFP
  • HP OfficeJet Pro 8030 and 8020 All-in-One Printer series
  • HP OfficeJet 8020 and 8010 All-in-One Printer Series

1. To install the software, download the package “hplip-3.19.5.run” from the link below:

HPLIP Download Page

2. Then make the downloaded file executable from its Properties dialog:

3. Finally open terminal either via Ctrl+Alt+T or search for “terminal” from app launcher. When it opens, run command to start installing it:

./Downloads/hplip-3.19.5.run

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

4. Then follow the terminal prompts, answer some questions to build and install HPLIP on your system. When everything is done, plug/re-plug your printers and enjoy!

NOTE: During hp-setup, automatic PPD selection path for some PS devices is wrong on Ubuntu 18.04. Work around is to select the PPD for the devices manually from “/usr/share/ppd/HP” path through browse option or reinstall cups.

Below are the commands to reinstall the cups filters.

sudo apt-get remove --purge cups

sudo apt-get install cups

sudo apt install --reinstall cups-filters.
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Wine 4.0.1 Stable Released with Various Fixes (How to Install)

Last updated: May 16, 2019

Wine Stable

For those sticking to the Wine stable 4.0 series, the first bug-fix release Wine 4.0.1 was released a day ago with numerous bug-fixes.

Wine 4.0.1 brings a total of 44 bug-fixes, including fixes to Theatre of War 3, Windows Media Player, League of Legends, Warcraft 3, Visual Studio 2015, and more.

How to Install Wine 4.0.1 in Ubuntu:

The official apt repository has made the new release package for Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 18.04, Ubuntu 18.10, Ubuntu 19.04, and their derivatives.

Open terminal either via Ctrl+Alt+T or by searching ‘terminal’ from app launcher. When it opens, run following commands one by one to and the repository and install Wine:

1. Add the official wine apt repository for Ubuntu 19.04 via command:

sudo apt-add-repository 'deb https://dl.winehq.org/wine-builds/ubuntu/ disco main'

For other Ubuntu releases, replace disco in the code with

  • bionic for Ubuntu 18.04, Linux Mint 19.x
  • xenial for Ubuntu 16.04, Linux Mint 18.x
  • cosmic for Ubuntu 18.10.

2. Download and install the GPG keyring via command:

wget -nc https://dl.winehq.org/wine-builds/winehq.key && sudo apt-key add winehq.key

3. Finally refresh system package cache and install the latest Wine development package via commands:

sudo apt update

sudo apt install --install-recommends winehq-stable

Note that installing the stable release package will automatically remove the devel release package if any.

Uninstall:

To remove wine dev release, simply run command in terminal:

sudo apt-get remove --autoremove winehq-stable

And you can remove the repository via Software & Updates utility under Other Software tab.

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