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Free open-source software updates and Linux news

LiVES 2.10.0, free and open-source video editor and VJ tool, was released earlier today. Here’s how to install it in Ubuntu 18.04, Ubuntu 16.04.

Changes in the LiVES 2.10.0 according to the changelog file:

  • Fix regression issues with youtube download.
  • Ensure audio waveform is redrawn after running fade audio.
  • Fix crash when adjusting cross-linked real time effect parameters (e.g LADSPA effects).
  • Fix an instability caused by NULL messages in the message cache (regression).
  • Fix possible crash when the real time effect parameters window is open during rendering.
  • Fix hang when clearing matches in the MIDI / JS learner window (GUI issue).
  • Improve the MIDI / JS tab in Preferences.
  • Add pref for creating a dummy alsa MIDI output port.
  • Add “OMC notify” to MIDI / JS mapper (MIDI -> OSC, sends USER1 notify event to all listeners).
  • Code cleanup. Standard checkbuttons and check menuitems now have their state set in the creation function.
  • Remove “use_mnemonic” parameter for widget functions. Use widget_opts.mnemonic_labels instead.
  • Amend the autolives toy so it can be triggered via OSC (and move to vj menu, add startup options).
  • MIDI channel can now used as a filter instead of a parameter to be matched.
  • Device mappings can now be shipped with builds.
  • Improved a/v synch with pulse audio.
  • Correct some minor GUI issues.
  • -noset startup option now has a permanent effect.
  • Add -asource [internal | external] startup option.
  • Fix bug in setting loop mode via OSC.
  • Fix broken framerate after pause / unpause during realtime playback.
  • Updated translation to Czech.

How to Install LiVES 2.10.0 in Ubuntu:

For Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 18.04, Linux Mint 18.x and 19, you can easily install the latest packages from the unofficial PPA.

1. Open terminal via Ctrl+Alt+T shortcut key and then run command to add the PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntuhandbook1/lives

Type in your password (no visual feedback while typing due to security reason) when it asks and hit Enter.

LiVES PPA

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

or simply run commands in terminal to install or upgrade LiVES:

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install lives lives-plugins

Uninstall:

To remove the software, simply run commands:

sudo apt-get remove --autoremove lives lives-plugins

The PPA can be removed via Software & Updates utility under Other Software tab.

VLC media player 3.0.4 was released with support for decoding AV1 streams and various bug-fixes.

According to the changelog file, VLC 3.0.4 contains following changes:

  • Decode AV1 streams
  • Fix playback of low-fps files
  • Fix seeking with streams containing WebVTT subtitles
  • Fix decoding some CC-608 streams with roll-up
  • Fix crashes with LPCM streams
  • Fix colorspace of JPEG, PNG and screen inputs
  • Fix MediaCodec rotation handling
  • Fixes for ogg, flac, MKV, AVI, MP4, and incomplete RAR streams.
  • Support 44.1kHz DTS passthrough
  • Fix crashes on DirectSound output
  • Fix some crash in Direct3D11/Direct3D9 because of sensors
  • Fix some broken DVD subtitles rendering (OpenGL, notably)
  • Fix misc display in Direct3D11 due to broken drivers
  • Some text rendering fixes.
  • Fix ChromeCast compatibility with web interface
  • Fix detection SAT>IP servers
  • Fix tooltip display when using Wayland
  • Various fixes for Mac OS, and other more.

How to Install The Latest VLC in Ubuntu

For Ubuntu 18.04 Bionic Beaver, Ubuntu as usual will publish VLC 3.0.4 packages via security & updates repository.

At that time you can upgrade VLC via Software Updater (check the building page, The Bionic Beaver section).

For Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 18.04 and higher, the VideoLan team offers the official Snap package, containerised software package designed to work securely within most Linux desktop.

You can simply install the snap (3.0.3 at the moment) via Ubuntu Software, and it will auto-updates to the latest VLC 3.0.4 once it’s published.

Note for Ubuntu 16.04 users who never installed a snap package, make sure if snapd daemon is installed via command:

sudo apt install snapd snapd-xdg-open

wireshark

The open-source network packet analyzer Wireshark 2.6.3 was released a few days ago with various bug-fixes and updated protocol support.

Wireshark 2.6.3 fixed following bugs:

  • Bluetooth AVDTP dissector crash.
  • Bluetooth Attribute Protocol dissector crash.
  • Radiotap dissector crash.
  • Wireshark Hangs on startup initializing external capture plugins.
  • Qt: SCTP Analyse Association Dialog: Segmentation fault when clicking twice the Filter Association button.
  • Incorrect presentation of dissected data item (NETMASK) in ISAKMP dissector.
  • Decode NFAPI: CONFIG.request Error.
  • udpdump frame too long error.
  • ISDN – LAPD dissector broken since version 2.5.0.
  • ASTERIX Category 062 / 135 Altitude has wrong value.
  • Wireshark cannot decrypt SSL/TLS session if it was proxied over HTTP tunnel.
  • TLS records in a HTTP tunnel are displayed as “Encrypted Handshake Message”.
  • BTATT Dissector: Temperature Measurement: Celsius and Fahrenheit swapped.
  • Diameter AVP User Location Info, Mobile Network Code decoded not correctly.
  • Heartbeat message “Info” displayed without comma separator. Bug 15079.

Install The Latest Wireshark via PPA in Ubuntu:

As the PPA packages are always a few days late than the release date, check the PPA link before getting started.

Wireshark stable PPA contains most recent packages for Ubuntu 18.04, Ubuntu 16.04, and Ubuntu 14.04.

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

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:wireshark-dev/stable

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

2. If you’ve the previous Wireshark 2.4.x installed on your system, remove it first via command:

sudo apt-get remove --autoremove wireshark

3. Finally run following commands one by one in terminal to install Wireshark 2.6.x:

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install wireshark

Uninstall:

To remove the software, open terminal and run command:

sudo apt-get remove --autoremove wireshark wireshark-*

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

MKVToolNix 26.0.0, free and open-source Matroska software, was released a day ago with new features, enhancements, and various bug-fixes.

MKVToolNix 26.0.0 release highlights:

  • mkvmerge: chapter generation: if the name template given by
    --generate-chapters-name-template is empty, no names (ChapterDisplay
    master elements with ChapterString/ChapterLanguage children) will be
    generated for the chapter atoms.
  • mkvmerge: chapters: chapter names generated from MPLS files will now use the
    name template if one is set via --generate-chapters-name-template.
  • mkvmerge: mkvmerge will no longer abort with an error message if no audio,
    video and subtitle tracks should be multiplexed. This allows copying of
    chapters from non-chapter source files (e.g. Matroska or MP4 files).
  • MKVToolNix GUI: the font size in the tool selector on the left will scale
    with the font size the user selects in the preferences.
  • MKVToolNix GUI: the GUI will no longer automatically resize the columns in
    tree and list views to match the content size. Instead it remembers and
    restores the widths set by the user.
  • MKVToolNix GUI: multiplexer: the chapter name template will now be set
    automatically to the name template in the preferences’ “chapter editor”
    section. Additionally the option --generate-chapters-name-template … will
    be passed to mkvmerge in situations when mkvmerge will generate chapters
    (either because automatic generation is enabled or if chapters are generated
    for MPLS playlists).
  • MKVToolNix GUI: chapter editor: if the chapter name template is empty,
    chapters will be generated without names.
  • MKVToolNix GUI: chapter editor: added an option to remove all chapter names
    to the “additional modifications” dialog.

How to Install MKVToolNix 26.0.0 in Ubuntu:

The official apt repository offers the latest packages for Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 18.04, Linux Mint 19/18, and their derivatives.

Open terminal via Ctrl+Alt+T or by searching it from app launcher. When it opens, do following steps:

1. Run command to add the repository:

sudo sh -c 'echo "deb https://mkvtoolnix.download/ubuntu/ $(lsb_release -sc) main" >> /etc/apt/sources.list.d/bunkus.org.list'

Replace $(lsb_release -sc) with bionic for Linux Mint 19, or xenial for Linux Mint 18.x. And input your password (no asterisks while typing) when it prompts and hit Enter.

2. Then install the key:

wget -q -O - https://mkvtoolnix.download/gpg-pub-moritzbunkus.txt | sudo apt-key add -

3. Finally either upgrade the software via Software Updater (Update Manager):

or run command to install the software packages:

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install mkvtoolnix mkvtoolnix-gui

Uninstall:

To remove the repository, launch Software & Updates utility and navigate to Other Software tab.

To remove MKVToolNix, use Synaptic Package Manager or run following command:

sudo apt-get remove --autoremove mkvtoolnix mkvtoolnix-gui

A new bug-fix release for the Kid3 audio tag editor 3.6 series was released earlier today. Here’s how to install it in Ubuntu 18.04, Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 14.04, Linux Mint 19/18, and their derivatives.

This bug-fix release fixes the use of free form MP4 atoms, import from CSV with DOS line endings, the application icon in KDE wayland sessions and other bugs. The generation of file names from tags is improved by supporting conditional text around a value from the tags, which is only inserted when the corresponding value exists.

Changes in Kid3 3.6.2 include:

  • Format from tags with custom strings prepended / appended when replaced format code is not empty %{“t1″code”t2”}.
  • Fix MP4 free form names longer than 4 characters with TagLib.
  • Support DOS line endings with “Import CSV”.
  • Set CTOC and CHAP element ID from values in the frame table.
  • Correctly add frame when “Edit” is clicked on non existing frame.
  • Show correct icon in Wayland session.
  • Improve editing of ISO date/time values with validation enabled.
  • Bundle OpenSSL libraries with self-contained Linux package.

How to Install Kid3 3.6.2 in Ubuntu:

The developer maintains a PPA repository with the software packages for all current Ubuntu releases.

Open terminal either via Ctrl+Alt+T shortcut key or by searching for ‘terminal’ from software launcher. When it opens, do following steps one by one.

1. Copy and paste following command in terminal and hit run to add the PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ufleisch/kid3

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

2. Then you can upgrade Kid3 from a previous version via 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

For KUbuntu, you may replace kid3-qt with kid3 in the last command for KDE integration.

Uninstall

To remove the PPA repository, either open Software & Updates -> Other Software tab, 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 --autoremove kid3 kid3-*

KeePassX 2 YubiKey support

KeePassXC 2.3.4, community driven port of the windows application “Keepass Password Safe”, was released a day ago with various bug-fixes and improvements.

Changes in KeePassXC 2.3.4 include:

  • Show all URL schemes in entry view
  • Disable merge when database is locked
  • Fix intermittent crashes with favorite icon downloads
  • Provide potential crash warning to Qt 5.5.x users
  • Disable apply button when creating new entry/group to prevent data loss
  • Allow for 12 hour timeout to lock idle database
  • Multiple SSH Agent fixes
  • Multiple Browser Integration enhancements
  • Fix browser proxy application not closing properly
  • Add real names and Patreon supporters to about dialog
  • Add settings button to toolbar, Donate button, and Report a Bug button to help menu
  • Enhancements to release-tool to appsign intermediate build products

How to Install KeePassXC 2.3.4 in Ubuntu via Snap:

The official snap package (runs in sandbox and auto-updates itself) has been updated to version 2.3.4 for Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 18.04, and higher.

The snap can be easily installed via Ubuntu Software:

Or run command in terminal to install the snap package:

snap install keepassxc

How to Install KeePassXC in Ubuntu via PPA:

The official KeePassXC PPA contains the most recent .deb packages for Ubuntu 14.04, Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 18.04. With it, you can receive future updates via Software Updater.

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

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:phoerious/keepassxc

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

2. Then upgrade KeePassXC via Software Updater:

or run commands one by one in terminal to install the latest package:

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

To remove the snap package, simply click uninstall button in Ubuntu Software utility.

Rednotebook 2.6, a GTK+3 desktop journal software, was released recently with date format improvements and few other changes.

RedNotebook is a modern 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, Latex or PDF.

The latest Rednotebook 2.6 features:

  • Move date format option to preferences dialog.
  • Use date format option for date in titlebar.
  • Remember selected date format for exports between sessions.
  • Check remote info.py file for latest version number.
  • Check for latest version in separate thread.

How to Install Rednotebook 2.6 in Ubuntu:

The official PPA contains the latest packages for Ubuntu 18.04, Ubuntu 16.04, and derivatives.

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

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

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:rednotebook/stable

Type your password (no asterisks 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 users 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.

GIMP, the popular cross-platform image editor, reached 2.10.6 release a day ago with new features, optimizations, and bug-fixes.

GIMP 2.10.6 release highlights:

  • Add support for vertical text (top-to-bottom writing)
  • New filter: Little Planet to create “little planets” from 360×180° equirectangular panorama images.
  • New filter: Long Shadow simplifies creating long shadows in several visual styles.
  • Add vertical straightening support in the Measure tool
  • Rendering most drawable previews asynchronously.
  • Option to disable rendering layer group previews completely (Preferences > Interface > respective checkbox).
  • For more details, see the release note.

GIMP 2.10 Splash

How to Install GIMP 2.10.6 in Ubuntu:

The otto06217’s PPA contains the most recent packages for Ubuntu 18.04 and higher, as usual GIMP 2.10.6 will be available a few days later.

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

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:otto-kesselgulasch/gimp

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

2. After added the PPA, you can upgrade to GIMP 2.10.6 once it’s published via Software Updater (Update Manager):

Or run following commands one by one in terminal to install or upgrade GIMP image editor:

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install gimp

How to Restore:

For any reason, you can downgrade to the stock version of GIMP by running following command in terminal to purge the PPA:

sudo apt-get install ppa-purge && sudo ppa-purge ppa:otto-kesselgulasch/gimp

Install GIMP 2.10.6 flatpak in Ubuntu 16.04 & Higher

For Ubuntu 16.04 and higher, the latest GIMP is also available as flatpak (runs in sandbox) package.

1. Run commands to install Flatpak framework in Ubuntu 16.04 via PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:alexlarsson/flatpak

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install flatpak

Ubuntu 18.04 and higher can skip the first 2 commands since flatpak is available in the universe repository.

2. Install GIMP flatpak application via command:

flatpak install https://flathub.org/repo/appstream/org.gimp.GIMP.flatpakref

Once installed, it will be made available exactly the same way as other applications.

3. (optional) To remove the GIMP flatpak, run command:

flatpak uninstall org.gimp.GIMP

opera web browser

Opera web browser reached the new stable 55 release a day ago with a new settings page, better page control, and easier Chrome extension installation.

Opera 55 release highlights:

  • New layout of settings page options for the start page, the user interface, dark theme support, languages, downloads, system, shortcuts and for reset settings.
  • Better control of the pages you visit with an expanded badge pop-up menu
  • Add install button when visiting Chrome extensions web store.
  • Bookmarks bar now is enabled by default. Click the heart icon on the right side to add new bookmarks.

How to Install Opera 55 in Ubuntu:

The Opera team offers snap package (containerised software package), which is always up-to-date (auto-updates itself). And you can simply install it in Ubuntu Software:

Also traditional Opera binary package for Ubuntu is available for download at the link below:

Download Opera for Linux

You can make Software Updater receive future updates for the traditional Opera package by adding its official apt repository:

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

sudo sh -c 'echo "deb http://deb.opera.com/opera-stable/ stable non-free" >> /etc/apt/sources.list.d/opera.list'

2. Get the key:

wget -O - http://deb.opera.com/archive.key | sudo apt-key add -

Finally either install Opera via following command or upgrade the browser via Software Updater:

sudo apt update

sudo apt install opera-stable

Uninstall:

For the Opera snap package, simply remove it from Ubuntu Software.

For the Opera apt repository, launch Software & Updates and navigate to Other Software tab.

To remove traditional opera package, either use your system package manager or run command in terminal:

sudo apt remove --autoremove opera

Free and open-source planetarium software Stellarium 0.18.2 was released a day ago with enhancements, various bug-fixes and translation updates.

Stellarium 0.18.2 release highlights:

  • Improvements and fixes for AstroCalc tool and plugins
  • Added support Abell Catalog of Planetary Nebulae and ESO/Uppsala Survey of the ESO(B) Atlas
  • Added filters for enlisted objects in Search Tool/Lists tool
  • Added new textures for moons
  • Added support Milkyway saturation effect
  • Added possibility to select all constellations through scripts and hotkeys
  • Added artwork for some Maori constellations
  • Added distances for some planetary nebulae
  • Added Lokono sky culture
  • Added a few new scripts
  • Updated code and data, and fixed various bugs.

How to Install Stellarium 0.18.2 in Ubuntu:

The software has an official PPA repository that contains the latest Stellarium packages for Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 18.04, Ubuntu 18.10, and their derivatives.

1. Open terminal either via Ctrl+Alt+T or by searching ‘terminal’ from app launcher. When it opens, run command to add the PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:stellarium/stellarium-releases

Input your password (no visual asterisks feedback while typing) when it prompts and hit Enter.

2. Then upgrade Stellarium from an existing release with Software Updater utility:

Or run following commands to install the software for the first time:

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install stellarium

Uninstall:

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

sudo apt-get remove --autoremove stellarium

And remove the PPA via “Software & Updates” utility under Other Software tab.