1. Home/
    2. Archives /
  2. News

Archives For News

Free open-source software updates and Linux news

How to Install Parole Media Player 1.0.3 in Ubuntu 18.04, 19.04

Last updated: July 27, 2019

Xfce’s lightweight Parole media player released the third bug-fix update for the 1.0 series today. Here’s how how to install it in Ubuntu 18.04, Ubuntu 19.04, and their derivatives.

Parole 1.0.3 release highlights:

  • Drop deprecated OnlyShowIn keys in desktop actions
  • Ensure the time divider is shown/hidden correctly
  • Fix closing of Parole process with Ctrl-Q
  • Fix Gtk-CRITICAL when closing main window
  • Change text ‘…’ to ‘…’ for consistency with other Xfce apps
  • Change text ’60 seconds’ to ‘1 minute’
  • Move appdata to metainfo

How to Install Parole 1.0.3 in Ubuntu 18.04, 19.04:

The unofficial PPA has made the new release package for Ubuntu 18.04 and Ubuntu 19.04.

1. Open terminal either via Ctrl+Alt+T or by searching for “Terminal” from application menu. When it opens, run command:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntuhandbook1/apps

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

2. Then upgrade the media player via Software Updater utility:

or run following commands to install / upgrade it:

sudo apt update

sudo apt install parole

For those who don’t want to add PPA, grab the .deb package from HERE.

Uninstall:

Run following command to purge the PPA repository which also downgrade installed packages to the stock version in your Ubuntu:

sudo apt-get install ppa-purge && sudo ppa-purge ppa:ubuntuhandbook1/apps
In Howtos, News ,
 

How to Install Linux Kernel 5.2.2 in Ubuntu / Linux Mint

Last updated: July 25, 2019

Ubuntu mainline kernel packages for Linux 5.2 finally available to download & install in 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems.

Due to build failure, Ubuntu mainline kernel packages for Linux 5.2 missed 32-bit & 64-bit packages for a few weeks.

Linux Kernel 5.2 release highlights:

  • Nouveau suppport for GeForce GTX 1650.
  • Intel Icelake graphics considered production-ready.
  • Intel Comet Lake support
  • Improved AMD Ryzen laptop support.
  • Better Logitech wireless device support.
  • New “RTW88” 802.11ac WiFi driver.
  • Various other improvements and updated drivers.

At the moment, Linux 5.2 series is at the second 5.2.2 maintenance release. And here’s how to install it in Ubuntu, Linux Mint.

How to Install Linux Kernel 5.2.2 in Ubuntu:

The mainline kernel packages for Linux 5.2.2 are available for download at the link below:

Depends on your OS type, download and install the packages in turns:

  1. linux-headers-5.2.2-xxxxxx_all.deb
  2. linux-headers-5.2.2-xxx-generic(/lowlatency)_xxx_amd64(/i386).deb
  3. linux-modules-5.2.2-xxx-generic(/lowlatency)_xxx_amd64(/i386).deb
  4. linux-image-xxx-5.2.2-xxx-generic(/lowlatency)_xxx_amd64(/i386).deb

Select generic for common system, and lowlatency for a low latency system (e.g. for recording audio), amd64 for 64bit system, i386 for 32bit system, or armhf, arm64, etc for other OS types.

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

For 64-bit OS:

cd /tmp/

wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v5.2.2/linux-headers-5.2.2-050202_5.2.2-050202.201907231250_all.deb

wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v5.2.2/linux-headers-5.2.2-050202-generic_5.2.2-050202.201907231250_amd64.deb

wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v5.2.2/linux-image-unsigned-5.2.2-050202-generic_5.2.2-050202.201907231250_amd64.deb

wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v5.2.2/linux-modules-5.2.2-050202-generic_5.2.2-050202.201907231250_amd64.deb

sudo dpkg -i *.deb

for 32-bit OS:

cd /tmp/

wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v5.2.2/linux-headers-5.2.2-050202_5.2.2-050202.201907231250_all.deb

wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v5.2.2/linux-headers-5.2.2-050202-generic_5.2.2-050202.201907231250_i386.deb

wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v5.2.2/linux-image-5.2.2-050202-generic_5.2.2-050202.201907231250_i386.deb

wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v5.2.2/linux-modules-5.2.2-050202-generic_5.2.2-050202.201907231250_i386.deb

sudo dpkg -i *.deb

Once installed, restart your computer and enjoy!

Uninstall Linux Kernel 5.2.2:

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 5.2.2:

sudo dpkg --purge linux-image-5.2.2-050202-generic linux-image-unsigned-5.2.2-050202-generic
In Howtos, News
 

PyCharm 2019.2 Released with Initial Python 3.8 Support

Last updated: July 24, 2019

PyCharm 2019.2 was released today with exciting new features, initial Python 3.8 support, improved Jupyter Notebook experience, and many more other changes.

PyCharm 2019.2 release highlights:

  • Improved Jupyter Notebook integration. Some of the most requested features have been implemented.
  • Syntax highlight support for many other languages, C#, C++, Groovy, Lua, Makefiles, and more.
  • cURL format is now supported for HTTP requests.
  • Add support for some major Python 3.8 features.
  • Full-text search across multiple data sources
  • Improved debugging and variable refactoring experiences.
  • For more details, see the release note.

How to Install PyCharm 2019.2 in Ubuntu:

Jetbrains offers official Snap package for Linux desktop, which keeps the IDE always up-to-date.

For Ubuntu 18.04 and higher, simply open Ubuntu Software, search for and install pycharm packages:

For Ubuntu 16.04, open terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) and install snapd daemon via command:

sudo apt install snapd snapd-xdg-open

Then install PyCharm snap package via command:

sudo snap install pycharm-community --classic

In the command replace pycharm-community with pycharm-professional for the professional edition.

Uninstall:

To remove the PyCharm snap package, either use Ubuntu Software or run command in terminal:

sudo snap remove pycharm-professional pycharm-community
In Howtos, News ,
 

Gscan2PDF 2.5.5 Released! How to Install it in Ubuntu

Last updated: July 20, 2019

Gscan2pdf 2.5.5, GTK tool to produce PDF / DjVu from scanned document, was released yesterday with bug-fixes, some improvements, and updated translations.

Gscan2PDF 2.5.5 changelog:

  • Fix occasional error messages when clearing all pages
  • Only set paper to Manual if not applying profile
  • Update OCR view switching between pages with and without OCR output
  • xz compress log file if xz available
  • Fix bug applying paper after profile set SANE_INFO_INEXACT
  • When saving current settings as new profile, actually set the profile
  • If a device throws an error when opening it, add it to a session blacklist
  • option tolerance to cover buggy backends that return inexact options without setting SANE_INFO_INEXACT
  • Update translations.

How to Install gscan2pdf 2.5.5 in Ubuntu:

The official Ubuntu PPA has made the new release packages for Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 18.04, Ubuntu 18.10, Ubuntu 19.04 and their derivatives.

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

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:jeffreyratcliffe/ppa

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

2. For those who have a previous release installed, upgrade it through Software Updater:

For the first time, you can either install it via Synaptic Package Manager or by running following commands in terminal:

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install gscan2pdf

How to Remove:

To remove gscan2pdf, either use your system package manager or run command:

sudo apt-get remove --autoremove gscan2pdf

And the PPA can be removed via Software & Updates utility, under Other Software tab.

In Howtos, News ,
 

Xsnow – Snow on Your Desktop in Ubuntu 18.04 / Higher

Last updated: July 19, 2019

Xsnow, let it snow on your desktop, now is working on Gnome, KDE, FVWM desktop in Ubuntu 18.04 and higher.

Xsnow is a handy command tool that brings Christmas to your desktop. However, it does not work properly in Ubuntu since Ubuntu 12.04 Precise.

Now a brand new Xsnow based on the original xsnow-1.42 is available to work on many desktop environments, and a simple graphical interface is available for those who are not familiar with command line.

Finally, a working xsnow for Gnome, KDE, etc. Based on the original xsnow-1.42 created by Rick Jansen, after the xsnow-2019 conference in Antas (Spain) we now have available a xsnow that works on many desktop environments, even Raspian. By request of many beta-testers, a graphical front end has been created as well.

For Ubuntu 18.04, Ubuntu 18.10, Ubuntu 19.04, and higher, download the package from the link below:

Select download i386.deb for 32-bit OS, amd64.deb for 64-bit OS, or armhf.deb for Raspberry pi.

Then double-click to install via Ubuntu Software, or run command in terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T):

sudo dpkg -i ~/Downloads/xsnow_*.deb

Once installed, launch the tool from your application menu and enjoy!

(Optional) To remove the tool, simply run command in terminal:

sudo apt remove xsnow
In App Review, News , ,
 

VirtualBox 6.0.10 Released with UEFI Secure Boot Support

Last updated: July 16, 2019

Oracle Virtualbox 6.0.10 was released today with many improvements and fixes to Linux hosts and guests.

Virtualbox 6.0.10 release highlights:

  • Fix guest display resolution resize issue with recent Linux hosts.
  • Fixed guru meditation when raw mode is enabled
  • Fixed possible VM crash under certain circumstances
  • Fixed “unrecoverable error” problems in OHCI emulation.
  • USB: improve captured device identification
  • Support UEFI secure boot driver signing on Ubuntu and Debian hosts
  • Fix focus grabbing problems with recent Qt versions.
  • Share folder fixes for Windows hosts and guests.
  • Linux kernel module build fixes for various kernels
  • Remember Linux guest screen size after a guest reboot

How to Install Virtualbox 6.0.10 in Ubuntu:

For all current Ubuntu releases, you can either download the official .deb binary from the link below:

or install VBox from its official apt repository:

1. Open terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T), paste below command and run to add the repository:

sudo sh -c 'echo "deb [arch=amd64] http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian $(lsb_release -sc) contrib" >> /etc/apt/sources.list.d/virtualbox.list'

For Linux Mint, you HAVE to replace $(lsb_release -sc) in the command with bionic for Mint 19.x, or xenial for Mint 18.x.

2. Then download and install the repository key via command:

wget -q https://www.virtualbox.org/download/oracle_vbox_2016.asc -O- | sudo apt-key add -

3. Refresh system package cache via command:

sudo apt update

4. Finally install Virtualbox 6.0:

sudo apt install virtualbox-6.0

Uninstall:

To remove it, simply run command in terminal:

sudo apt remove --autoremove virtualbox-6.0

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

In Howtos, News
 

FireFox 68 Releazed with Improved Dark Mode (How to Upgrade)

Last updated: July 12, 2019

Mozilla Firefox 68.0 was released a few days ago with dark mode improvements, new features, and security fixes. Here’s how to install it in all current Ubuntu releases.

Firefox 68.0 release highlights:

  • Window controls, sidebars and toolbars will be dark with dark mode in reader view.
  • New reporting feature to report security and performance issues with extensions and themes.
  • Redesigned extensions dashboard for easy accessing to information about your extensions
  • Redesigned extensions now displays user count and ratings for each extension.
  • Add cryptomining and fingerprinting protections to strict content blocking settings
  • Windows Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) update download support.
  • Camera and microphone access now require an HTTPS connection.
  • And various security fixes. See release note for details.

Upgrade to Firefox 68 in Ubuntu:

Firefox 68 has been will be made into Ubuntu universe repositories for Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 18.04, and higher in a few 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.

In Howtos, News
 

Syncthing 1.2.0 Released, Adds QUIC Transport Protocol

Last updated: July 10, 2019

Open source continuous file synchronization program syncthing 1.2.0 was released yesterday with new features, various bug-fixes, and enhancements.

Syncthing 1.2.0 release highlights:

  • Add QUIC with NAT traversal as a new transport protocol. TCP remains the preferred way of connection when possible.
  • Adds automatic crash reporting.
  • Make large / variable block size the only available mode of operation
  • Versions are now named with the time of their archiving
  • The new release does not interoperate with Syncthing 0.14.45 or older

Syncthing offers official Snap package. It can be easily installed in Ubuntu 18.04 and higher via Ubuntu Software:

For Ubuntu 16.04, open terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) and run command to install snapd daemon first:

sudo apt-get install snapd

Then install Syncthing via command:

sudo snap install syncthing

Once installed, start it via command syncthing. Then go to localhost:8384 in web browser to setup shared folder, remote devices, and more.

For more, read the getting started guide.

In Howtos, News ,
 

VS Code 1.36 Released! Dropped Linux 32-bit Support

Last updated: July 5, 2019

Code 1.36, the June 2019 release of Visual Studio Code, was released. The new release has updated to Electron 4.x, means it will no longer run on Linux 32-bit.

VS Code 1.36 release highlights:

  • Context menu for the status bar to hide / show individual entries.
  • Indent guides now available in File Explorer, Search view, Debug views, etc.
  • Select Default Shell command for Mac OS and Linux.
  • Control the order of task and subtask execution.
  • New debug command Jump to Cursor
  • New setting controls whether word wrap is enabled in the Debug Console.
  • New Java installer.
  • New extension integrates JS/TS nightly builds.
  • Remote Development (Preview) improvements

How to Install VS Code 1.36 in Ubuntu:

You can either download and click install the Ubuntu .deb from VS code website:

Or install the official Snap (containerized software package) from Ubuntu Software:

For Ubuntu 16.04, the snap package is not integrated into Ubuntu Software.

Open terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) and run command to install snapd first:

sudo apt-get install snapd

Then install the VS Code IDE via command:

sudo snap install code --classic

Uninstall:

Depends on your system edition, remove VS Code either via Software Center or run command in terminal:

sudo snap remove code
In Howtos, News
 

DeaDBeeF 1.8.1 Released! How to Install in Ubuntu 18.04 / Higher

Last updated: July 2, 2019

Deadbeef audio player 1.8.1 was released a few days ago with various bug-fixes and performance improvements for the 1.8 series.

Deadbeef 1.8.1 release highlights:

  • Fixed audio freeze while sorting
  • Fixed error messages when loading PLS playlist with relative paths
  • Removed the unmaintained sndio plugin
  • Added experimental subgrouping support in playlist
  • Added new title formatting functions $stripprefix and $swapprefix
  • Updated Repeat and Shuffle hotkey names to match the menus
  • Fixed rounding bug of total playtime in statusbar
  • Added FLAC plugin option to ignore corrupted stream errors
  • Fixed reloading replaygain info
  • Fixed writing replaygain info to APEv2 tags
  • And many other bug-fixes, see the release note for details.

How to Install DeaDBeeF 1.8.1 in Ubuntu:

The new release package is available to install in Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 18.04, Ubuntu 19.04 via PPA repository.

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:starws-box/deadbeef-player

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

2. Then refresh system package cache and install deadbeef via following 2 commands:

sudo apt update

sudo apt install deadbeef

Once installed, open the player from your system application menu and enjoy!

Uninstall:

To remove the music player, open terminal and run command:

sudo apt remove --auto-remove deadbeef

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

In Howtos, News