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Mesa 18.2.2 Available to Install in Ubuntu 18.04 via PPA

Last updated: October 12, 2018

The latest Mesa graphics driver 18.2.2 is finally available to install in Ubuntu 18.04 via Ubuntu-X PPA.

Mesa 18.2.2 was released a week ago with following changes:

  • Better GTA V support with the RADV Vulkan driver.
  • RADV fix to address a GPU hang encountered by Radeon RX Vega hardware with SteamVR.
  • vkAcquireNextImage2 support within the ANV and RADV Vulkan drivers.
  • ANV now has support for protected memory properties via GetPhysicalDeviceProperties2().
  • The Gallium3D Nine “D3D9” state tracker has increased the number of temp registers as well as other improvements.
  • A new PCI ID added for a Polaris part: 0x6FDF.
  • And various bug-fixes.

How to Install Mesa 18.2.2 in Ubuntu 18.04:

To install the latest Mesa driver, e.g., for gaming, open terminal and do following steps one by one

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

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntu-x-swat/updates

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

2. After adding the PPA, do system update via command:

sudo apt-get dist-upgrade

apt-get update is not required any more in Ubuntu 18.04 since adding PPA automatically refreshes system repositories.

3. Finally check your driver version via command:

glxinfo | grep "OpenGL version"

Uninstall:

To restore changes and downgrade to the default drives shipped in Ubuntu 18.04, run command:

sudo apt-get install ppa-purge && sudo ppa-purge ppa:ubuntu-x-swat/updates
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Guvcview 2.0.6 Released, How to Install it in Ubuntu

Last updated: October 7, 2018

Guvcview (GTK UVC Viewer), a simple tool for capturing & viewing video from webcams and other v4l2 devices, reached 2.0.6 release earlier today.

Guvcview 2.0.6 is a small release with following changes:

  • Add support for resizing the render window from the command line
  • Update to new libavcodec API
  • And some bug fixes.

How to Install Guvcview 2.0.6 in Ubuntu 18.04:

The developer’s PPA so far contains the latest packages for Ubuntu 18.04, Ubuntu 18.10, Linux Mint 19.

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

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:pj-assis/ppa

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

2. If you’ve installed an old version from Ubuntu Software, remove it via command:

sudo apt-get remove --autoremove guvcview

3. Finally install the 2.0.6 packages from the PPA repository via command:

sudo apt-get install guvcview

Once installed, launch the UVC viewer from application menu. To check the software version, run guvcview -v command in terminal.

Uninstall:

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

sudo apt-get remove --autoremove guvcview

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

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Pragha Music Player 1.4 RC Released (How to Install)

Last updated: October 6, 2018

Pragha 1.4 Release Candidate, a lightweight continuation of the Consonance music player, was released a few days ago with new features, performance improvements and some fixes.

After 4 beta releases, Pragha 1.4 RC (1.3.99) may be the last before the 1.4 stable release. The new 1.4 RC features:

  • First implementation of Favorites as a playlist.
  • Sync favorites with Koel and Last.Fm.
  • New Visualizer plugin.
  • Use Alt+Return shortcut to edit the selected song.
  • Add progress indicator to the search entry while it works.
  • Remember last pane used on song info plugin.
  • Allows to customize the styles to the distro packagers.

How to Install Pragha RC in Ubuntu:

There’s an unofficial PPA that contains the latest Pragha packages for Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 18.04, Ubuntu 18.10, and Linux Mint 18.x/19.

1. Open terminal either via Ctrl+Alt+T or by searching for “terminal” from app launcher. When it opens, run command to add the PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntuhandbook1/pragha

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

2. Then install the music player either via Synaptic Package Manager or by running commands:

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install pragha

Uninstall Pragha:

To remove the music player, either use Synaptic Package Manager or run command in terminal:

sudo apt-get remove --autoremove pragha

And you can remove the PPA via Software & Updates utility under ‘Other Software’ tab.

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MuPDF 1.14.0 Released, How to Install it in Ubuntu

Last updated: October 5, 2018

MuPDF Ubuntu 16.04

MuPDF 1.14.0, a lightweight PDF, XPS, and E-book viewer, was released today with new features, UI improvements and other changes.

Changes in MuPDF 1.14.0 include:

  • Added “Source Han Serif” CJK fallback font.
  • Added more scripts to the Noto fallback fonts.
  • Multi-page PNM support.
  • “mutool show” now supports a path syntax for selecting objects to show.
  • New annotation editing mode in mupdf-gl.
  • Can create, edit, and delete most annotation types.
  • Can create appearance streams for most annotation types, Tx form fields, Ch form fields.
  • And UI improvements, API changes, and other more.

How to Install MuPDF 1.14.0 in Ubuntu:

The unofficial PPA contains the most recent MuPDF packages for Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 18.04, Linux Mint 18/19 so far.

MuPDF 1.14.0 package is delayed due to a building issue. I’ll update the PPA once a patch for the issue published.

UPDATE: The new release package now is ready to install via following steps in Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 18.04, Ubuntu 18.10, and their derivatives.

1. Open terminal by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T or searching for “Terminal” from start menu. When it opens, run command to add the PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntuhandbook1/apps

Type in password (no asterisks feedback due to security reason) when it asks and hit Enter.

2. Then install mupdf and mupdf-tools packages either via Synaptic Package Manager or by running following commands in terminal:

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install mupdf mupdf-tools

If you have a previous release installed, simply launch Software Updater to upgrade the tool after checking for updates.

To use the PDF/XPS viewer, right-click on your file and select open with MuPDF. You can also set MuPDF as default in the Properties window.

Uninstall:

To restore MuPDF to the stock version available in your Ubuntu’s main archive, run command in terminal to purge the PPA:

sudo apt-get install ppa-purge && sudo ppa-purge ppa:ubuntuhandbook1/apps
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Audacity 2.3.0 Released! How to Install it in Ubuntu 18.10, 18.04

Last updated: October 8, 2018

Audacity audio editor and recorder 2.3.0 was released one day ago. Here’s how to install it in Ubuntu 18.10, Ubuntu 18.04, Ubuntu 16.04, Linux Mint 18 and 19.

New features in Audacity 2.3.0 according to the release note:

  • New feature – “Punch and Roll Recording”
  • Pinned-play-head can now be repositioned by dragging
  • Play-at-speed now can be adjusted whilst playing.
  • Toolbars controlling volume and speed can now be resized for greater precision
  • Macros (formerly ‘Chains’) substantially extended
    • New Macro palette
    • Macros can be bound to keyboard keys
  • New commands: New ‘Tools’ menu, and new ‘Scriptables’ commands
  • Nyquist gains AUD-DO command
  • Nyquist effects are now translatable and translated
  • More dialogs have help buttons now
  • Increased legibility of trackname display
  • Half-wave option for collapsed tracks
  • Sliding Stretch
  • Dialog (option) for entering labels
  • And numerous bug-fixes.

Audacity 2.3.0

How to Install Audacity 2.3.0 in Ubuntu:

Audacity 2.3.0 for Linux is considered ‘experimental’ and may crash. I’ve revert the PPA package to Audacity 2.2.2.

For Ubuntu 16.04 and higher, the new release package can be easily installed from this third-party PPA.

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

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntuhandbook1/audacity

Type your password (no asterisks feedback while typing) when it prompts and hit Enter to add the PPA.

2. If you have a previous version installed, you can upgrade Audacity via Software Updater after adding the PPA.

upgrade audacity

or run following commands one by one to check updates and install (or upgrade) audacity 2.3.0:

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install audacity

Uninstall:

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

To remove Audacity audio software, either use system package manager or run command in terminal:

sudo apt-get remove --autoremove audacity audacity-data
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HPLIP 3.18.9 Released with Linux Mint 19, Debian 9.5 Support

Last updated: September 26, 2018

HP Linux Imaging and Printing

HPLIP 3.18.9, HP developed Linux drivers for HP inkjet and laser based printers, was released today with new Linux Distros and new printers support.

HPLIP 3.18.9 added support for Linux Mint 19 and Debian 9.5. Also there are new supported printers:

  • HP PageWide 755dn
  • HP PageWide MFP 774dns
  • HP PageWide MFP 774dn
  • HP PageWide MFP 779dns
  • HP PageWide MFP 779dn
  • HP LaserJet Pro MFP M148dw
  • HP LaserJet Pro MFP M149dw
  • HP LaserJet Pro MFP M148fdw
  • HP LaserJet Pro MFP M149fdw
  • HP LaserJet Pro M118dw
  • HP LaserJet Pro M119dw
  • HP Scanjet Ent Flow 7500

Download / Install HPLIP 3.18.9 in Ubuntu:

To install the software, download the package “hplip-3.18.9.run” from the link below:

HPLIP Download Page

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

cd ~/Downloads/ && chmod +x hplip-3.18.9.run && ./hplip-3.18.9.run

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

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!

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Opera 56 Released! How to Install it in Ubuntu

Last updated: September 25, 2018

opera web browser

Opera web browser 56 stable was released today multitask improvements and more customizable browsing experience.

Opera 56 release highlights:

  • Add volume control for video pop out.
  • Hover over the title of pop out video and click back to tab.
  • Add new option in Settings > Advanced > Browser > User interface for the scroll to the top of the page feature
  • Add a page zoom indicator in the address and search bar when the zoom level for a page changed.
  • Easy bug reporting via O menu > Help > Report an issue.
  • Redesigned about page, and tidied up the settings.

How to Install Opera 56 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

To receive future updates through Software Updater, add the official Opera apt repository via following steps:

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-stable
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OpenShot 2.4.3 Released, How to Install it in Ubuntu

Last updated: March 23, 2019

OpenShot Video Editor

OpenShot video editor 2.4.3 was released a few days ago with animated Masks, nudge, zoom fixes, improved stability, and more.

OpenShot 2.4.3 release highlights:

  • Masks and transitions can now be modified at any time, and can now use an image or video! This utilizes the grayscale of each frame and converts it into a mask, and can be used to create some really amazing effects.
  • Threading improvements help prevent crashing around effects (including masks and transitions), and improve performance on many systems.
  • Save frame button for quickly saving the current preview frame
  • Huge improvement to language translations (Thanks to Frank Dana – ferdnyc)
  • Animated Masks: New “reader” property type, initially used by the Mask effect to change the image/video used by transitions and the Mask effect
  • Add Save Current Frame button.
  • New translation & language infrastructure and logic.
  • And many other changes. See the release note.

How to Install OpenShot 2.4.3 in Ubuntu:

The Ubuntu binary packages now is in testing stage. It will be published in the stable PPA (check the link before getting started) in 2 or 3 days.

At that time, you can install OpenShot 2.4.3 in Ubuntu 18.04, Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 14.04, and Linux Mint 19/18 via following steps:

1. Open terminal from software launcher (or press Ctrl+Alt+T), when it opens, run command to add the PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:openshot.developers/ppa

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

2. Then run following commands one by one to refresh repository cache and install OpenShot:

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install openshot-qt

Uninstall:

To uninstall openshot video editor, run following command in terminal:

sudo apt-get remove --autoremove openshot-qt

And remove the PPA by launching “Software & Updates” and navigating to Other Software tab.

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Clipboard Manager CopyQ 3.6.0 Released with Animated App Icon

Last updated: September 23, 2018

CopyQ clipboard manager 3.6.0 was released today with some new features, performance improvements, and various bug-fixes.

CopyQ 3.6.0 release highlights:

  • Invoking search with a shortcut reuses last search expression
  • Exiting from search (ESC) doesn’t unselect found item
  • COPYQ_SETTINGS_PATH environment variable overrides default config path
  • Merge top item with same new clipboard text
  • Check clipboard after start
  • Animate app icon when a clipboard changes or a client calls some functions
  • Use gpg for encryption if gpg2 is unavailable
  • Faster tray and context menu updates
  • Close dialog() after client process exits
  • Display system, arch and compiler info when using version()
  • Tests are about 2x faster
  • Updated icons (Font Awesome 5.3.1)
  • And various bug-fixes.

Install Copyq 3.6.0 in Ubuntu:

The official PPA repository has made the latest packages for Ubuntu 14.04, Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 18.04, and their derivatives..

1. To add the PPA, open terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) from application launcher and run command:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:hluk/copyq

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

2. After added the PPA repository, install CopyQ either via Synaptic package manager or by running commands in terminal:

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install copyq

Once installed, start the clipboard manager from application launcher and you’ll see the icon in system tray area.

Uninstall:

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

sudo apt-get remove --autoremove copyq

To remove PPA repositories, launch Software & Updates and navigate to Other Software tab.

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Qt-based Audio Player Qmmp 1.2.4 Released (Howto Install)

Last updated: September 22, 2018

Qmmp Qt-based multimedia player

Qmmp 1.2.4, qt-based audio player with winamp or xmms look like user interface, and Qmmp 0.11.3 for Qt4 were released earlier today.

The new releases added equalizer optimization, improved PCM WAVE support, updated translation list, and fixed following bugs:

  • fixed segmentation fault
  • fixed tag reading in the archive plugin
  • fixed seeking in the archive plugin
  • fixed issue with multiscreen configuration

Qmmp

How to Install Qmmp 1.2.4 in Ubuntu 18.04/16.04:

The PPA repository has made the new releases packages for Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 18.10, and Ubuntu 18.04.

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

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:forkotov02/ppa

Input your password (no asterisks feedback while typing) and hit Enter to continue.

2. If a previous version exists, upgrade Qmmp using Software Updater:

Or run commands to install or upgrade Qmmp and its plugins:

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install qmmp qmmp-plugin-pack

For qt4 version, use qmmp-qt4 and qmmp-plugin-pack-qt4 instead in the last command.

Uninstall:

You can manage the PPA repository via Software & Updates utility, under Other Software tab.

To remove Qmmp music player, either use your system package manager or run command:

sudo apt-get remove --autoremove qmmp qmmp-*
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