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How to Install RedNotebook 2.12 in Ubuntu 19.10, 18.04

Last updated: November 2, 2019

RedNotebook, desktop diary and personal journaling tool, released version 2.12 today. Here’s how to install it in all current Ubuntu releases.

RedNotebook is a free daily journal lets you format, tag and search your entries. You can also add pictures, links and customizable templates, spell check your notes, and export to plain text, HTML or LaTeX.

RedNotebook 2.12 was released today as the latest version that features:

  • Allow linking between days with dates like 2019-02-14 and ‘[named links 2019-02-14]’
  • Allow opening statistics dialog multiple times in one session.
  • Warn about outdated backups every week by default.
  • Increase default width of left panel to ensure that the calendar is fully visible.

RedNotebook official PPA contains the latest packages for Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 18.04, Ubuntu 19.04, Ubuntu 19.10, Linux Mint 18.x, 19.x, and even Ubuntu 20.04.

1. Open terminal either via Ctrl+Alt+T keyboard shortcuts or by searching for ‘terminal’ from application menu.

2. Copy and paste following command into terminal and hit run to add the RedNotebook PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:rednotebook/stable

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

3. Finally check updates and install the desktop journal software by running following 2 commands one by one:

sudo apt update 

sudo apt install rednotebook

Ubuntu 18.04 and higher can skip sudo apt update command since it’s already done while adding PPA.

Uninstall:

To remove RedNotebook desktop journal, open terminal and run command:

sudo apt remove --autoremove rednotebook

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

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MuseScore 3.3 Released with Complete Palettes Redesign

Last updated: November 1, 2019

MuseScore, free music composition and notation software, released version 3.3 a day ago with new feature, many improvements and bug-fixes.

MuseScore 3.3 release highlights according to the release note:

  • Complete palettes redesign
  • Note Input workflow improvements
  • Native support for Roman numeral analysis and Nashville notation
  • Multiple improvements to the Plugin API
  • And various bug-fixes.

How to Install MuseScore 3.3 in Ubuntu:

APPIMAGE:

You can now download the Appimage (non-install single executable) package while Ubuntu PPA and snap packages are not updated at the moment.

Right-click the Appimage, go to Properties -> Permissions -> tick the box says ‘Allow executing file as program’, finally run it to launch MuseScore 3.3:

Native Ubuntu .deb package:

There’s a community maintained PPA repository contains most recent MuseScore .deb packages for Ubuntu 18.04, Ubuntu 19.04, and Ubuntu 19.10.

NOTE: The PPA is not updated at the moment, check the previous PPA link before getting started.

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

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

2. Then install the scorewriter via command:

sudo apt install musescore3

Snap package (Official):

MuseScore offers official Snap package (runs in sandbox), though it’s not updated at the moment.

Open Ubuntu Software, search for and install musescore package. And it will be updated automatically once the developer team published the 3.3 package into the snap store.

Note there are 2 or 3 MuseScore packages in Ubuntu Software. Select install the one from Snap Store.

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Vivaldi 2.9 Released with Global Control Site Permissions

Last updated: October 31, 2019

Vivaldi web browser 2.9 was released today with enhanced Vivaldi menu, globally block site permissions, and other changes.

Vivaldi 2.9 release highlights:

  • Access custom Web panels through Menu -> View.
  • Add ‘Show Tab Bar’ in View menu.
  • Ability to right-click Bookmark menu items to access a context menu
  • Report a bug from Help menu.
  • Set global default site permissions (sound, geolocation, camera, microphone, Pop-ups, etc.) in Settings -> Webpage.
  • HTML5 video playback fixes on old machines with macOS.
  • Add F10 support for Vivaldi menu
  • And many more other changes, see the release note for details.

Download / Install Vivaldi in Ubuntu:

The official Ubuntu .DEB packages are available for download at the link below:

Grab the deb matches your OS, then install it via Ubuntu Software or Gdebi package manager. Or run command in terminal:

sudo dpkg -i ~/Downloads/vivaldi-stable_2.9*.deb

For those who want to receive future Vivaldi updates via Software Updater utility, the browser has an official apt repository for Ubuntu / Debian based system.

Open terminal either via Ctrl+Alt+T keyboard shortcut or by searching for terminal from application menu. When it opens, run following commands one by one:

1. Download and install the repository keyring:

wget -qO- https://repo.vivaldi.com/archive/linux_signing_key.pub | sudo apt-key add -

Typer user password when it prompts and hit Enter to continue.

2. Add Vivaldi repository via command:

sudo add-apt-repository 'deb https://repo.vivaldi.com/archive/deb/ stable main'

3. Finally check updates and install the web browser via command:

sudo apt update && sudo apt install vivaldi-stable

Or upgrade from an old version via Software Updater utility.

(Optional): To remove Vivaldi apt repository from you system, launch Software & Updates and navigate to Other Software tab.

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HPLIP 3.19.10 Released with 64-bit Ubuntu 19.10 Support

Last updated: October 30, 2019

HPLIP 3.19.10, HP developed printer and scanner drivers for Linux, was released today with new devices and 64-bit Ubuntu 19.10 support.

HPLIP 3.19.10 added following new devices support:

  • HP Color LaserJet MFP M776dn
  • HP Color LaserJet Flow MFP M776z
  • HP Color LaserJet Flow MFP M776zs
  • HP Color LaserJet M856dn
  • HP Color LaserJet M856x
  • HP Color LaserJet E85055dn

Also 64-bit of Manjaro 18.1.0, Ubuntu 19.10, and Fedora 31 are supported in the release.

HPLIP 3.19.10 also added supported for “hp-uiscan” to scan only backside of a page, added Job Accounting Support for the following devices:

  • HP LaserJet Managed Flow MFP E77822-28-30 Printer
  • HP LaserJet Managed MFP E77822-28-30 Printer
  • HP LaserJet Managed Flow MFP E87640-50-60 Printer
  • HP LaserJet Managed MFP E87640-50-60 Printer
  • HP LaserJet Managed Flow MFP E82540-50-60 Printer
  • HP LaserJet Managed MFP E82540-50-60 Printer
  • HP LaserJet Managed Flow MFP E72525-30-35 Printer
  • HP LaserJet Managed MFP E72525-30-35 Printer

1. To install the software, download the package “hplip-3.19.10.run” from the link below:

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

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-3.19.10.run

4. 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!

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How to Install MPV 0.30 in Ubuntu 18.04/19.10

Last updated: October 28, 2019

MPV video player 0.30.0 was released a few days ago with many new features and improvements. Here’s how to install it in Ubuntu 18.04, Linux Mint 19.x, and Ubuntu 19.10.

MPV 0.30.0 release highlights:

  • Vulkan interoperability with CUDA hardware decoding support as well as VA-API + Vulkan interop support.
  • replace Vulkan implementation with one based upon libplacebo
  • resentation feedback support with the DRM EGL code
  • support for direct mode of 4:4:4 content with VDPAU decoding
  • 30bpp support for the DRM output back-end
  • support for 10-bit OpenGL rendering on macOS
  • add gamepad support through SDL2
  • add presentation time support for wayland.

How to Install MPV 0.30.0 in Ubuntu:

There’s an Ubuntu PPA contains most recent MPV packages for Ubuntu 18.04 and Ubuntu 19.10.

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:mc3man/mpv-tests

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

2.) If a previous version of MPV was installed, launch Software Updater and you’ll see new MPV package available to upgrade.

Or run command one by one in terminal to install (upgrade) MPV:

sudo apt install mpv

Uninstall:

To downgrade MPV to the stock version in Ubuntu main repositories, run command to purge the PPA:

sudo apt install ppa-purge && sudo ppa-purge ppa:mc3man/mpv-tests

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

To simply remove MPV media player, either use Ubuntu Software or run command in terminal:

sudo apt remove --autoremove mpv
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KeepassXC 2.5.0 Adds ‘Export to HTML’ & 1Password OpVault Support

Last updated: October 27, 2019

KeePassXC, KeePass cross-platform community edition, released version 2.5.0 today with a large number of new features and improvements.

KeePassXC 2.5.0 release highlights:

  • Add paper backup support (Export to HTML).
  • Add database statistics panel
  • Offline user manual.
  • Import 1Password OpVault files
  • Add support for OnlyKey as an alternative to YubiKeys

The new release also brings a redesigned unlock dialog, a reworked entry panel, a function to download favicons for all your entries at once, and many CLI improvements. See the release note for more details.

How to Install KeePassXC 2.5.0 in Ubuntu:

For Ubuntu 18.04 and higher, the easiest way is to install the Snap package (runs in sandbox) via Ubuntu Software:

For those prefer native Ubuntu .deb package, open terminal from application menu or press Ctrl+Alt+T on keyboard, and run following commands one by one:

1.) Run command to add the official PPA, which so far supports for Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 18.04, Ubuntu 19.04, and Ubuntu 19.10.

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:phoerious/keepassxc

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

2. Then upgrade KeePassXC from previous release via Software Updater:

or run commands one by one in terminal to install the password manager:

sudo apt update

sudo apt install keepassxc

Uninstall:

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

To remove KeePassXC .deb package, run command in terminal:

sudo apt-get remove --autoremove keepassxc
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QQ for Linux is Back, 10 Years After Discontinued!

Last updated: January 9, 2023

Tencent QQ, one of the most favorite instant messaging apps for Chinese users, now is back to Linux. And, it’s now in 3.0 release.

QQ for Linux was discontinued about 10 years ago. Now it’s back with following features:

  • Support x64、ARM64.
  • Offers .rpm, .deb for Fedora, Debian/Ubuntu, and AppImage package for most Linux.
  • Login by scanning QR Code via QQ on mobile.
  • Send texts, files, pictures, and take screenshots.

At the moment it’s QQ Linux 3.0 with modern UI powered by Tencent’s own QQNT framework. Which, is working perfectly in my case except for the video/audio chat support.

QQ for Linux 3.0

If you’re looking for QQ Linux package with full (or most) functionality, I’d recommend Deepin Wine QQ, or community build QQ Flatpak package.

To get the new QQ for Linux client, just go to its official website via the link button below:

Download QQ for Linux

Then, simply double-click the package to install it via Ubuntu Software and enjoy!

(Optional) To remove the IM, simply open terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) and run command:

sudo apt remove linuxqq
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Firefox 70 Released with New App Icon, Faster JavaScript Interpreter

Last updated: October 23, 2019

Mozilla Firefox 70 stable was released with new logo icon, improved page load performance, and other enhancements.

Firefox 70.0 release highlights:

  • New application icon.
  • A faster Javascript Baseline Interpreter
  • WebRender enabled by default on Windows with integrated Intel graphics cards
  • Complex password generation
  • Enhanced Tracking Protection (ETP) enabled by default on all platforms
  • A stand-alone Firefox account menu
  • New ‘What’s New’ menu option.
  • Import passwords from Chrome on macOS
  • More privacy and security protections.

Download / Install Firefox 70:

Firefox 70 packages will be made into Ubuntu security & updates repositories for Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 18.04, Ubuntu 19.04, and Ubuntu 19.10.

It will be usually available in a few days. Check this link.

At that time, you can simply upgrade to Firefox 70 via Software Updater.

Can’t wait? You can now click here to download Firefox for Linux (64-bit), then extract and run the executable to launch Firefox 70.

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Xournal++ 1.0.5 Released! How to Install it in ubuntu

Last updated: October 18, 2019

Xournal++, open-source handwriting notetaking software with PDF annotation support, released 1.0.5 a few days ago. Here’s how to install it in Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 18.04, and higher.

Xournal++ is written in C++ with GTK3. It supports pen input from devices such as Wacom Tablets, and features:

  • Support for annotating PDFs
  • PDF Export (with and without paper style)
  • PNG Export (with and without transparent background)
  • LaTeX support (requires a working LaTeX install)
  • Audio recording and playback alongside with handwritten notes
  • Plugins using LUA Scripting
  • And much more other features.

Xournal++ 1.0.4 was released a week ago, quickly followed by a minor 1.0.15 release. It includes many bugfixes as well as some quality-of-life enhancements and new experimental floating toolbox.

How to Install Xournal++ 1.0.5 in Ubuntu:

For Ubuntu 16.04 and Ubuntu 18.04 64-bit, the official xournalpp-1.0.15-Ubuntu-xenial-x86_64.deb package is available to download at the link below:

Install “Gdebi package installer” from Ubuntu Software, and click install the Xournal++ .deb package via Gdebi.

Other ways:

Git builds of Xournal++ snap package (runs in sandbox) is also available in Ubuntu Software for Ubuntu 18.04 and higher.

Flathub repository offers version 1.0.5 of Xournal++ flatpak package (runs in sandbox) for Ubuntu 18.04 and higher.

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KDE Plasma 5.17 Released! How to Install it in (K)Ubuntu 19.10

Last updated: October 16, 2019

KDE Plasma desktop 5.17 was released yesterday. Now you can install it in (K)Ubuntu 19.10 via KUbuntu Backports PPA.

Plasma 5.17 release highlights:

  • Night Color for X11.
  • Fractional scaling support on Wayland.
  • Faster startup performance.
  • New panel in System Settings for configuring Thunderbolt devices
  • Improved widget resizing, settings panels, and many other small feature additions.
  • For more details, see the release note.

How to Install Plasma 5.17 in (K)Ubuntu 19.10:

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

1. Add Kubuntu Backports PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:kubuntu-ppa/backports

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

2. Install Plasma 5.17 in Kubuntu 19.10:

Either install all system update via Update Manager, or run command in terminal:

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade

3. For non-Kubuntu user:

Run command to install Plasma desktop:

sudo apt update && sudo apt install plasma-desktop

or install full KDE desktop environment via command:

sudo apt update && sudo apt install kubuntu-desktop

Uninstall:

You can purge the Kubuntu Backports PPA, which also downgrade Plasma desktop to the stock version (5.16.5) in Ubuntu 19.10 repository.

sudo apt install ppa-purge && sudo ppa-purge ppa:kubuntu-ppa/backports
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