[Reviews]: Linux Mint 9 Isadora Review

Linux Mint 9 Isadora is one of the best Ubuntu based distributions, a really cool distribution if you used Ubuntu 10.04 LTS you find out it has many things on common with Linux Mint Isadora with extra packages installed on it. before we go any further will list the release announcement and download options for it here

release announcement and download options so far it’s available to download with Gnome desktop on CD, DVD for different CPUs AMD, intel, 32 bit or 64 bit

Download

Using Isadora on virtual machine ” virtual box ” with this hardware specifications:

  • single core processor 2.1
  • 384 MB or RAM
  • 12 MB of Video memory

Same great look for linux Mint with green color, and many new wallpaper we mentioned it on this post

Featured improvements in this release: 30,000 applications catalogued and reviewable both online and in the new software manager, brand new incremental backup tool for both data and software selection, menu transparency and editable items, USB and Windows installers, 3 years support, look & feel improvements.

A lot of new features and software packages integrated with linux mint 9 isadora check this release announcement for more information.

Using live session on the virtual machine, so it’s not expected to know exactly if this good booting time or not. but overall working good.

a really cool backup tool for linux mint some kind like apttocd application, to backup specific packages installed on the machine and you can restore it later.

also improves linux mint main menu with extra look for transparent, and same other features usually see for 3d and cube and fading…

Awesome software manager a really cool organized way to pick your applications you would like to install, and optimized with different categories and subcategories. also you can add your own review on the listed applications there and make a vote for it.

Overall it’s a great distribution working great, and still waiting for FluxBox window manager version that will come from Linux Mint community soon.

That’s it for now  :)

Benchmark platforms with Phoronix Test Suite

Phoronix it’s a cool way to benchmark and test your system, with a lot of different testing suites, also this applications is opensource licensed under the GNU GPLv3.

Different testing suites such as ” disk suite, disk SSD testing, encoding, GUI testing, Ioquake3 game engine testing, software gaming, Database testing, Darwin, Gaming benchmarking,  …….. ”

  1. 130+ Test Profiles
  2. 60+ Test Suites
  3. Extensible Testing Architecture
  4. Optional Linux-based LiveDVD/USB Testing Distribution (PTS Desktop Live)
  5. Automated Test Installation
  6. Dependency Management Support
  7. Module-based Plug-In Architecture
  8. PNG, JPG, GIF, Adobe SWF, SVG Graph Rendering Support
  9. Automated Batch Mode Support
  10. Global Database For Result Uploads, Benchmark Comparisons
  11. Detailed Software, Hardware Detection
  12. System Monitoring Support
  13. GTK2 Graphical User Interface + Command-Line Interface

You can get a great benchmark comparison between different operating system with same hardware specifications, and able to make side by side comparisons. Phoronix working on many platforms ” Linux, Mac OS X, windows 7, BSD, Open Solaris ”

System logs able to achieve system log such as “Xorg.0.log, Ispci, dmesg,… ”

For more information about The Phoronix Test Suite Follow this link , and this application available on ubuntu software center and you can download it from here also for different distributions.

That’s it for now.

How To: Install FluxBox Window Manager on Ubuntu 10.04 LTS

FluxBox window manager is the real simple of X window system you will have ever see, Lightweight window manger, can be modified with a lot of styles and themes, and really easy to use. FluxBox was based on BlackBox 0.61.1

Installations Guide :

1. simply open terminal and type

 sudo apt-get install fluxbox

it will take a while till the installation process done.

and other way to install the FluxBox

2. Visit Download FluxBox site

and download the last stable version there. or if you are interesting in test development release

Download it then simply compile the package

access the directory for the download file then open terminal and type this commands

./configure

make

sudo make install

and here is some screenshots For FluxBox 1.1 after installing it on my Ubuntu 10.04 LTS with different styles

That’s it for now :)

Easier Navigation for Nautilus Gnome 2.30

It’s quite easier to use keyboard instead of the mouse sometimes, some changes comes up with the new release of Gnome GDM 2.30 for Nautilus. we already reviewed how to move “close, minimize, and maximize” button to right hand side of the title bar in this post. This tested on Ubuntu 10.04 LTS, also it’s working on other platforms as long as the gnome GDM 2.30 installed.

So here you can find many shortcuts will help you to easily navigate and use your file browser.

F3 : Extra pane    ” This options is new with Gnome 2.30 ”

Ctrl+S : Select Pattern [enter pattern]

Alt+ENTER : File/Folder Properties

Shift+Ctrl+N : Create New Folder

Ctrl+1 : Toggle View As Icons

Ctrl+2 : Toggle View As List

Shift+Right Arrow : Open Directory (List View)

Shift+Left Arrow : Close Directory (List View)

F2 : Rename File

Ctrl+A : Select All

Ctrl+T : Delete (to Trash)

Ctrl+W : Close Window

Ctrl+Shift+W : Close All Nautilus Windows

Ctrl+R : Reload Nautilus Window

Alt+Up Arrow : Open Parent

Alt+Left Arrow : Back

Alt+Right Arrow : Forward

Alt+Home : Home Folder

Ctrl+L : Location Bar

F9 : Toggle Sidepane

Ctrl+H : Show Hidden Files

Ctrl++ : Zoom In

Ctrl+- : Zoom Out

Ctrl+0 : Normal Size

7 Distributions based on Ubuntu 10.04 LTS Released

Ubuntu fans every where, now you can choose your flavor for Ubuntu 10.04 LTS distributions, with more new distributions releases based on ubuntu 10.04 LTS for your Desktop, Netbook, light wight distribution with simple desktop interface like Xfce, Gnome, or with extra options for glassy windows and fading wobbly for that you will need a decent machine. Studio release, educational release.

With the main Distribution: Ubuntu 10.04 LTS

it’s a Debian based distribution with Gnome Desktop, you can download the “desktop, laptop” version, Netbook version, server version.

check the Ubuntu 10.04 LTS tour here

7 Distribution based on Ubuntu 10.04 LTS released so far. so here we go

1. Xubuntu

really good distribution with Xfce desktop, light wight distribution work great on laptop, desktop, also check the Xubuntu tour here

Download Xubuntu 10.04

2. Edubuntu 10.04

Is really good choice for children, kids, teacher, school, comes with a lot of installed educational applications.

Edubuntu is an educational operating system that is a part of the Ubuntu family. It aims to make Ubuntu, the popular Linux-based operating system, a great choice for the computing needs of children, students, parents, teachers, and schools.

Download Edubuntu

3. Mythbuntu

Using Xfce desktop, and myth open source software digital video recorder (DVR)

Mythbuntu is a community supported add-on for Ubuntu focused upon setting up a standalone MythTV based PVR system. It can be used to prepare a standalone system or for integration with an existing MythTV network. Unlike similar projects, Mythbuntu keeps close ties with Ubuntu and all development is given back to Ubuntu. This architecture allows simple conversions from a standard desktop to a Mythbuntu machine and vice versa. The development cycle of Mythbuntu closely follows that of Ubuntu, releasing every six months along side Ubuntu releases.

Download Mythbuntu

4. kubuntu

One of the most popular distribution based on ubuntu with KDE 4.4.2 desktop, also comes with two version for desktop and netbook

Download Kubuntu

5. Ubuntu Rescue Remix

Version 10.04 (Lucid Lynx) of the very best Free-Libre Open-Source data recovery software toolkit based on Ubuntu is out.

This release of Ubuntu-Rescue-Remix features a full command-line environment with up-to-date versions of the most powerful free/libre open-source data recovery software including GNU ddrescue, Photorec, The Sleuth Kit and Gnu-fdisk. Packages new to the Rescue Remix include aoetools, array-info, ext3-grep, gptsync, kpartx, and scrounge-ntfs.

Download Ubuntu Rescue Remix

6. Lubuntu

This is still beta version last release so far 10.04 beta 3, using LXDE desktop, you can use this distribution on old machines, with really low hardware specifications.

The Lubuntu Lucid Beta 3 is now available released by Julien Lavergne. We are now close to the final release, this beta should be the last one before final release. The status of this final release is not determined yet (“beta stable”, “rc final” …), that’s why its a beta and not a rc like other *buntu. However, final release is still planned for the end of this month, or in very early May.

Download Lubuntu

7. Ubuntu Studio

Gnome desktop with a lot of really good applications for editing and modifying multimedia files.

Ubuntu Studio. A multimedia creation flavor of Ubuntu.

Ubuntu Studio is aimed at the GNU/Linux audio, video and graphic enthusiast as well as professional.

We provide a suite of the best open-source applications available for multimedia creation. Completely free to use, modify and redistribute. Your only limitation is your imagination.

Download Ubuntu Studio

That’s it for now. will keep you up to date :)

[Books Directory]: 10 free Linux Administration Books

10 free GNU/Linux Administration Books

Linux based distributions have a lot of different administration options and privilege options, Books listed here will help you with administrations privilege for different distributions debian, fedora, redhat, ubuntu, gentoo, opensuse, mandriva, …..

Also other books for security administrations, and files system directory hierarchy, software help you to secure you system, securing VPN servers,…

## so here we go…

1. Linux Administration Made Easy

This documentation will attempt to summarize the installation and configuration, as well as the day-to-day administrative and maintenance procedures that should be followed to keep a Linux-based server or desktop system up and running. It is geared to an audience of both corporate as well as home users. It is not intended to be a full overview of Unix operations, as there are several good texts available as well as on-line documentation which can be referred to in cases where more detailed information is required.

2. The Linux System Administrator’s Guide

The Linux System Administrator’s Guide, describes the system administration aspects of using Linux. It is intended for people who know next to nothing about system administration (those saying “what is it?”), but who have already mastered at least the basics of normal usage. This manual doesn’t tell you how to install Linux; that is described in the Installation and Getting Started document. See below for more information about Linux manuals.

3. Filesystem Hierarchy Standard

The filesystem standard has been designed to be used by Unix distribution developers, package developers, and system implementors. However, it is primarily intended to be a reference and is not a tutorial on how to manage a Unix filesystem or directory hierarchy.

4. Linux Administrator’s Security Guide

There are numerous definitions for “computer security”, and most of them are correct. Essentially computer security means enforcement of usage policies, this must be done since people and software have flaws that can result in accidents, but also because someone may want to steal your information, use your resources inappropriately or simply deny you the use of your resources.

5. Debian GNU/Linux System Administrator’s Manual (Obsolete Documentation)

This manual assumes the reader is familiar with using a Unix system and/or understands Debian User Reference Manual. Additional reading for System Administrator is Debian GNU/Linux Network Administrator’s Manual. Both of these are available from the Debian Documentation Project. Another useful book is “Linux System Administrator’s Guide” by Lars Wirzenius, available from Linux Documentation Project, http://metalab.unc.edu/LDP/ .

6. Forensic Discovery

The target audience of the book is anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of how computer systems work, as well as anyone who is likely to become involved with the technical aspects of computer intrusion or system analysis. These are not only system administrators, incident responders, other computer security professionals, or forensic analysts, but also anyone who is concerned about the impact of computer forensics on privacy.

7. Best Practices for Managing Linux and UNIX Servers

Call it the Linux fallacy. It’s the conventional wisdom that says Linux/UNIX gives you lots of power and reliability in exchange for far more complex and costly systems management. But in fact Linux/UNIX shouldn’t be a tradeoff–as long as you also implement a set of proven best practices.

8. GNU/Linux Advanced Administration

The GNU/Linux systems have reached an important level of maturity, allowing to integrate them in almost any kind of work environment, from a desktop PC to the sever facilities of a big company.

9. COIT13146 Systems Administration

In the course Systems Administration.  It is an attempt to give you an overview of the course and more importantly of computing, Linux and Systems Administration.

Many students commented that they felt lost in the detail of Linux without having an overall picture of how it fits together.  Hopefully this chapter will go some way towards solving this problem, and will provide some sort of small map and compass so you have an idea of where you are and where you are going.

10. GNU/Linux Desktop Survival Guide

The aim of this book is to get you up to speed with GNU/Linux and to deliver a fun and productive environment. It guides you through the many different regions of a GNU/Linux system with a focus on getting your desktop environment to do what you want it to do. It is comprehensive with basic support for the user who installs and maintains the system themselves (whether in the home, office, club, or school). It provides insights and step-by-step procedures that deal with specific tasks in setting your system up and maintaining it. The book covers many of the core features of a GNU/Linux system and you will gain the knowledge to enjoy and use one of the most comprehensive and useful developments in the history of computing.

[Download] : 30 Default Backgrounds for Ubuntu 10.04 LTS

A really cool collection of 30 backgrounds comes with the new release of ubuntu 10.04 LTS .

Dark background I liked the most, awesome collection of dark wallpaper. also comes with many bright wallpaper.

These wallpaper for who aren’t using ubuntu 10.04 LTS

you can download the whole pack in .zip file.

enjoy it

Mobile : 10 free Android Applications

Android operating system become really popular, a lot of new applications released everyday, android market place contain many free applications, and other paid applications.

Many applications will list it here  will help you a lot with multimedia files, system files, internet, Browser, phone book, PDF reader, Ringtones, Twitter app, IM messenger,……..

10 free android applications

so here we go,

1. Documents To Go

really good applications to open document files, excel files, PDF, and a lot of other formats (doc, docx, xls, xlsx, ppt, pptx & pdf)

also you easily edit files formated for microsoft office 2007

really easy to access this application don’t take a lot of time, also really easy to use for regular day use.

More information and Download options

2. mVideoPlayer v1.6.2

This is really good application for playing multimedia files and the good thing multimedia files support mp4, m4v and 3gp

The good part about this application it’s support subtitles .srt extension.

other features with version 1.6.2

- Playlist
- Full screen
- Auto rotate

- IMDb info scraper to view movie information from Imdb.com

-On screen information: Time, Battery Status, Elapsed Time

More information and Download options

3. ASTRO File Manager 2.3.1


simple applications to access your files with really good interface, can read zip, tgz files.also backup, restore files, searching inside for specific file or folder

More information and download options

4. Steel version 0.1.9

Simple web browser application, light and quick access, work really good if you are on the run and you want a quick access for website

More information and download options

5. Phonebook 2.0


Inspired by instant messaging, social networks and life streaming applications, Voxmobili combined them into an all-in-one, easy to use application, Phonebook 2.0. It secures contacts, notifies end-users when they are online, displays birthday reminders and helps centralize all communications.
Phonebook 2.0 is a white label product for mobile operators. They can customize it, brand it as they wish and create a mobile social network from their subscriber base. This application is ideally suited to teenagers who always want to be in touch with their friends and businesses to help their employees keep valuable contacts secure and up-to-date.

More information and download options

6. Ringdroid 2.2


Awesome applications for modifying media files for making quick ringtones.

Features:

  • Open an existing audio file
  • View a scrollable waveform representation of the audio file at 5 zoom levels
  • Set starting and ending points for a clip within the audio file, using an optional touch interface
  • Play the selected portion of the audio, including an indicator cursor and autoscrolling of the waveform
  • Play anywhere else by tapping the screen
  • Save the clipped audio as a new audio file and mark it as Music, Ringtone, Alarm, or Notification.
  • Record a new audio clip to edit
  • Delete audio (with confirmation alert)
  • Launches automatically in response to the GET_CONTENT intent with a mime type of audio/ if any other application wants to pick an audio file – for example the “Rings Extended”application.
  • Assign a ringtone directly to a contact.
  • Supported file formats:

    • MP3
    • AAC/MP4 (including unprotected iTunes music)
    • WAV
    • 3GPP/AMR (this is the format used when you record sounds directly on the handset)

    More information and download options

    7. Opera mini 5

    Popular applications for internet web browser, really quick access for websites, working in full screen browsing.

    great access for bookmark, zooming features,  manage download for files through opera mini

    More information and download options

    8.  twidroid

    Awesome Twitter client, easy to access your last twittes, your followers twittes, posting photos to twittes, access lists maded by you or or other friends.

    video posting inside twittes, this applications comes with two version free version and other one paid with extra features

    More information and download options

    9. meebo

    one of the most popular IM messenger applications , really good interface, and awesome way to chat with your friends all the time.

    Log into all your IM accounts and send messages for free! With Meebo for Android, you’ll never miss a message. Available now from the Android Market for all Android devices.

    More information and download options

    10. Quick Settings v1.8.5

    Really handy applications to get a quick access to many settings and easily to change this options such as Brightness, Ringer type, Volume control, WiFi, Network data (on/off & 2G/3G setting shortcut), Bluetooth, GPS (shortcut), Screen Timeout, Airplane mode, Auto-sync, Auto rotation, and Lock pattern

    More information and download options

    will post more soon

    That’s it for now.

    How to add repositories on Ubuntu 9.10

    Common applications installed using synaptic package manager already installed by referring from default repositories added on ubuntu 9.10 or any other version it’s the same way to add extra repositories for other distributions such as ubuntu 10.04 LTS beta 1

    Default repositories on ubuntu monitored by ubuntu community, so in this post i will show you how to add extra repositories for ubuntu 9.10 and 10.04 LTS beta 1 as well.

    1. Adding repositories

    you can get access to it using:

    a.  synaptic package manger

    System menu  —> Administration —> Synaptic —> Settings —> Repositories

    b.  System menu —> Administration —> Software Sources

    Common repositories already added on software sources by ubuntu and kubuntu. some application need to add extra repositories to be able to install it in your machine, will use this as example

    deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/moovida-packagers/ppa/ubuntu karmic main

    access the software sources, will ask you for root password then go to other software and press add button and paste the apt line like this one up there

    If you want to backup all repositories you already have type this command on terminal

    sudo cp -i /etc/apt/sources.list /etc/apt/sources.list_backup

    This will copy you repositories list to this folder “./etc/apt/ ” with name called sources.list_backup

    2. adding repositories key

    some application need repositories key to get rid of so warning massages during the installations

    so you will find more instructions on the website for installing this package and it will mention repositories key you can add it directly from the terminal.

    That’s it for now. :)

    Ubuntu 10.04 beta 1 Review

    Hello guys,

    Already reviewed ubuntu 10.04 alpha 3 here, as you will see in this post a big difference between ubuntu 10.04 alpha 3 and beta 1 version, New default theme that mentioned on ubuntu fresh look post ….

    Release notes & Download Release announcement

    Hardware specification:

    this is the hardware specification used to run this version of ubuntu 10.04

    • 1 core processor 2.1 Ghz
    • 1 GB of ram
    • 12 Mb of video memory

    with this hardware spec it was working great guys, so i believe if you have a decent machine it will work better.

    Installation process :

    Installed on Virtual machine “sun virtualbox”

    First Boot after completing the installation

    “Close, minimize, maximize” button in the left side of the title bar

    More option added to right click menu for sharing to ubuntu one, moving to and copy to even it’s  a file or folder

    Pitivi default video editor

    New look for Ubuntu software center

    Yahoo is the default search engine for firefox 3.6, but it’s up to you can change it later to any other search engine

    Terminal background color looks really good specially with this theme, also it’s up to you can change it later.

    New menu to control your chat account what ever it’s ” pidgin or empathy” , controlling Gwibber, and ubuntu one

    Gwibber works really good here , I faced many problem with using it on ubuntu 10.04 alpha 3 version. but it’s working great now even it’s a development version till now.

    Sound preference with better control access menu.

    Overall after the installation:

    It was working really good, much better than the older version “alpha 3″

    Ubuntu 10.04 beta 2 will release at 8th of April, and the final version will release 29th of  April.

    with first installation on virtualbox with 16 mb of video memory it was working a little bit slower.


    Please guys leave your feedback, try to install it in your machine and report any bugs you faced so the development community able to fix many bugs for next release.

    Thanks guys,