How to Make Ubuntu 12.04 Run Faster on Netbook

Right now I install Ubuntu 12.04 LTS on my netbook and totally I work on it, it means that I use my netbook for doing almost my job, such as blogging, multimedia, chatting, and many more.

Before I install Ubuntu 12.04 LTS (Precise Pangolin) on my netbook, I have tried Ubuntu 10.04 LTS and it run fast enough but Ubuntu 10.04 consumes too much battery power so it make my netbook short life in battery power.

But with Ubuntu 12.04 LTS my netbook can life for long time because Ubuntu 12.04 consume less battery power or resources even it enable 3D effect and that's why I like this ubuntu version.

About the speed, for me Ubuntu 12.04 runs fast enough on my netbook with 1GB RAM and CPU Intel Atom N450 (1.66 GHz) but with some tweaks, it can make your Ubuntu 12.04 run faster in netbook.

These are some ways to make Ubuntu 12.04 run faster on netbook.

Tips 1 - Install cleaning tool and run it to clean up your Ubuntu machine from junk files at least once a week - they are Ubuntu-Tweak and BleachBit. 

Ubuntu tweak is a great tool to configure your Ubuntu system and has many great functions such as to set Ubuntu theme, application and many more, but with Janitor in Ubuntu Tweak can be used to clean up your Ubuntu system from junk files and increase Ubuntu speed. 

Copy following commands in terminal to install latest Ubuntu-Tweak.

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:tualatrix/ppa

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install ubuntu-tweak

BleachBit is great cleaner too, like CCleaner in windows Operating System, BleachBit clean Ubuntu system deeper and need longer time to cleanup your Ubuntu while Ubuntu-Tweak only clean around applications junk files.

Tips 2 - Try install lightweight Desktop Environment for Ubuntu such as XFCE or LXDE, and for me LXDE is faster than XFCE. Optional you can also try to install lightweight applications and install package or applications only you need.

Tips 3 - Upgrade RAM 1GB to 2GB for netbook will increase Ubuntu speed.

That's it some tips how to make ubuntu run faster on my netbook. Try the best for your Ubuntu netbook.

How to Install Firefox 15 on Ubuntu

Firefox 15 almost release, it still in beta version at the moment, but it will bring new features such as initial native support for PDF files, support for SPDY networking protocol v3, better memory usage for add-ons, and much more.

Canonical will most likely update ubuntu to firefox 15 as soon as Mozilla release at the end of the month, but if you want try it now just install it by following steps.

Mozilla firefox 15 can be installed in ubuntu 12.04 LTS (Precise Pangolin), ubuntu 11.10 (Oneiric Ocelot), ubuntu 11.04 (Natty Narwhal), ubuntu 10.04 LTS (Lucid Lynx).

Add the firefox 15.0 repository

Open the terminal in ubuntu, then type following command

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:mozillateam/firefox-next

Hit the enter key and type your password when asked then hit enter again.

Install firefox 15.0 on ubuntu

Now paste the following command in the terminal again

sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install -y firefox

Wait the installation process until finish, now firefox 15.0 is now fully installed in yaour ubuntu machine. You'll need to restart firefox for the change to take effect.

Ubuntu vs Lightweight Linux

For long time I have been using ubuntu as my primary Operating System because I install some OS in my computer beside ubuntu, but I use ubuntu most in my computing activities.

Here I will tell you about my experience about using ubuntu than other lightweight linux distributions.

Some times ago I tried some lightweight linux based on JWM, LXDE, XFCE etc, my focus and my purpose is about the speed. Yes, I try them in order to use my computer in fast computing such as applications and performance, they are really fast enough to doing some my jobs such as: just need a second to open application, fast booting, run applications etc.

But some things that I dislike is about feature and performance. I often find some problems such as not stable enough, find some crashes in my computer, no full of application support because some times it difficult to me to find some applications in lightweight linux distro, it different when I use ubuntu - almost every software and application I need, I can find and install it.

For me, ubuntu is rich of feature that support everything my job from applications and stability and ubuntu is ready for use.

It just my personal opinion how about you?

Make Ubuntu Look Like Mac

Make Ubuntu look like mac os x in your ubuntu is easy. There are some ways to make ubuntu look like mac such as Macbuntu and Mac4lin.

But here I will show you about my way to make my ubuntu look like mac os x lion and it look great. I take this method from noobslab blog and it works.

All you need only download mac os x lion wallpapers, install cairo dock, and install ubuntu-tweak (to change themes, icons and cursors).

1. Download Mac OS X Lion Wallpaper or you can download your own mac wallpaper by searching in google image.

2. Install Cairo Dock by execute following commands in terminal

• sudo add-apt-repository ppa:cairo-dock-team/ppa
• sudo apt-get update
• sudo apt-get install cairo-dock cairo-dock-plug-ins

After you run cairo dock, right click on cairo dock > selsect Launch Cairo-Dock on startup.

3. Install Apple logo in Unity-Launcher (optional) but if you prefer ubuntu logo skip this step.

Execute or copy following commands in terminal

• wget -O apple-logo.zip http://dl.dropbox.com/u/53319850/NoobsLab.com/apple-logo.zip
• sudo unzip apple-logo.zip -d /usr/share/unity/5/

Press "A" on keyboard to confirm then press enter.
If you want ubuntu logo back just copy following commands in terminal

• wget -O ubuntu-logo.zip http://dl.dropbox.com/u/53319850/NoobsLab.com/ubuntu-logo.zip
• sudo unzip ubuntu-logo.zip -d /usr/share/unity/5/

It will ask to replace file, just type "A" then press enter.

4. Now Install the theme to make ubuntu look like mac os x (icons and theme)

Execute following commands in the terminal

• sudo add-apt-repository ppa:noobslab/themes
• sudo apt-get update
• sudo apt-get install mac-os-lion-icons-v2
• sudo apt-get install mac-os-lion-theme-v2

To install mac cursor, enter following commands

• wget -O mac-cursors.zip http://dl.dropbox.com/u/53319850/NoobsLab.com/mac-cursors.zip
• sudo unzip mac-cursors.zip -d /usr/share/icons/
• sudo rm mac-cursors.zip
• cd /usr/share/icons/mac-cursors
• sudo chmod +x install-mac-cursors.sh uninstall-mac-cursors.sh
• ./install-mac-cursors.sh

Enter following comands to uninstall mac cursor

• cd /usr/share/icons/mac-cursors
• ./uninstall-mac-cursors.sh

5. Install Ubuntu-Tweak to change Theme, Icons, and Cursor

• sudo add-apt-repository ppa:tualatrix/ppa 
• sudo apt-get update
• sudo apt-get install ubuntu-tweak

That's all I do in my ubuntu, look at your own result.

Learn More about Ubuntu 12.04 with Ubuntu manual

There are many free resources online to learn more about Ubuntu, How to use Ubuntu, How to configure it, Learn more about Unity, etc. One of the best resource is ubuntu forums.

Another way to learn more about Ubuntu is with ubuntu manual, a free ubuntu e-book that can help new user to find out more about ubuntu. It is free to download, read and modify and share.

Ubuntu manual will help us become familiar with ubuntu daily task such as browse the web, listen to the music and play the movie, and office task like printing and scanning documents. It is suitable for all level of experience with easy to follow instructions.

"Getting Started with Ubuntu 12.04" is available to download for free from Ubuntu Manual website. We can also order printed copy of manual with for a small fee.

Learn Type Fast in Ubuntu with Tux Typing

Learn type fast in ubuntu is very possible with Tux typing - a free Ubuntu education software.

Tux typing is a great way to learn how to type fast. With the letter and word appear in different beautiful graphical and learn accuracy in typing with keyboard.

Tux typing is great because beside we can learn how to type fast we also feel like playing game, so it can keep you no boring in learning typing in Ubuntu.

This game consist of some levels and we can chose which level we want to try, so just chose the level you want - you are free. In tux typing also include some lessons that can guide user how to type with right fingers position an it is easy to remember the fingers position.

I think tux typing is great education game that great for adults as well as kids.

Just browse in Software Center to install it, or with terminal to install it just type

sudo apt-get install tuxtype

Ubuntu 12.04 LTS for Netbook

For long time I have been a Ubuntu user and almost all my time I used Ubuntu in my daily activities for computing.

I like Ubuntu LTS version begin from Ubuntu 10.04 LTS and now I use Ubuntu 12.04 LTS. Because for me Ubuntu LTS is more stable and it is supported for long time - 5 years for Ubuntu 12.04 LTS.

Ubuntu 12.04 is good for Netbook

I download Ubuntu 12.04 and install it in my Netbook Acer Aspire One 1 G of RAM, Processor 1.66 GHz, I install Ubuntu 12.04 from USB drive and just about some minutes to complete (it really fast).

Ubuntu 12.04 is saving power on my Netbook. It means getting a longer battery life on my Netbook. In my Netbook ubuntu 12.04 is longer life than Ubuntu 10.04 and my Netbook life almost same when I use Windows 7 in battery life. That is why I love Ubuntu 12.04 LTS.

Ubuntu 12.04 also fast in my Netbook and I can run all my job from blogging, watching movies, doing graphic with gimp and Inkscape, Office with LibreOffice etc.

With Unity as default Desktop Environment (DE) make Ubuntu 12.04 is good for Desktop PC, Laptop and Netbook so we do not need Ubuntu Netbook Remix any more.

And personally I like Unity interfaces because besides its look modern Unity also easier to use and faster.

I like default interfaces in Ubuntu 12.04 like themes etc, because for me the default setting is the best for user that the Developer design. But if we don't like the default, we are free to customise the appearance as we want. We can make Ubuntu looks like Mac OS etc.

What do you like from Ubuntu 12.04?

Display Movie Subtitle in Ubuntu with Totem Movie Player

I like to watch Movie very much, beside I can enjoy the movie I also sometimes get a good motivation or positive values that I can learn from the movie.

I usually enjoy the movie with subtitle include in my own language to help me understand the story.

But for some occasions I can't see subtitle in movie I watch in Ubuntu, so I have to display the subtitle manually. How to display subtitle in Ubuntu with Totem Movie Player is simple.

How to display movie subtitle in Ubuntu with Totem Movie Player

1. Download the subtitle use Google and save in the same folder with your movie location. Extract it first if the file still in compressed file (.zip, .rar, etc) and make sure the movie file and the subtitle file have the same name (rename it). If we have had subtitle file, usually in '.srt' extension we have not to download it.

2. Play the movie with Totem Movie Player. In the Totem Menu click on View > Subtitles > Select Text Subtitles. Select .txt file.

Now you can see the subtitle when play the movie.

You can also automatically show subtitle when play movie in Totem Movie Player.

In the Top Menu click Edit > Preferences. Check Load subtitle file when movie is loaded 

You can also try another another better the most popular movie player like VLC Player that is very good in displaying subtitle movie in Ubuntu.

Install Software/application in Ubuntu

Installing software or applications in ubuntu is usual thing to do if we need some additional applications in order to do some specific task.

To do this in ubuntu is quiet easy.

Here are some ways that I usually do when I want to add some applications in my lovely ubuntu machine.

Ubuntu Software Center

This is my favorite way to install aplication in ubuntu, because I think this is the easier way to do and also there are many kind of applications there.

Just go to Application - Ubuntu Software Center then choose an Application from the list or type in the search box to search the Application then click Install then type your password required.

Synaptic Package Manager

When I can't find software I need in Ubuntu Software Center, I use Synaptic Package Manager as second alternate. In here the software list is very complex and has uncommon name so I use Search Box to find the software and do Install.

Terminal

My third choice to install software is Terminal (console) we can find it under Application - Accessories - Terminal. This is based in text so to do some actions we have to type the command manually.

First when terminal open, just type sudo su

Then we have to type the password

Then I usually type sudo apt-get install firefox (for example if I want to install firefox browser, then you can change the firefox with your favorite application you want to install.

Use .deb file

The other choice usually I download manually the software in .deb extension  from internet then save in my computer and to install it just double click the .deb file.

Tips: Just install software only you need, and remove or uninstall the software that you don't need. Because in my experience too many software can make my ubuntu run little slow but that's no problem if you like some software installed in your ubuntu.

Applications in ubuntu

Ubuntu is a complete Linux operating system. It is easy to use, and come with many of common application that can handle my daily job from office, multimedia, graphic, online activities like browsing, blogging, etc.

There are thousands of free applications we can use in ubuntu, but my suggestion is just use application that we use only, because in my experience too many applications can make my ubuntu run slow. So I just install some that I use only.

These are some application that I install or I use in my ubuntu

OpenOffice - OpenOffice is very familiar with Ms Office, it easy to use & can handle almost my job in office activities, this application is most popular with linux user. To make OpenOffice more comfortable I install Windows fonts so when we open Ms Office word documents the result is good.

Firefox - Firefox is the browser I use often when I do online activities (like browsing, blogging etc.) although I install some browsers like Chrome & Opera. I also add some adds-on to make firefox usable like Youtube Downloader that I use it to download video from Youtube, I also add Google translate add-ons that I use it to translate some difficult word directly to my own language so I don't need to go to Google Translate page.

Pidgin - Pidgin is multi-protocol instant messaging that support many IM account. This is my favorite application that I use for chatting with my friend around the world.

Gimp - The graphic application to manipulate picture or photo like Photoshop. This application is the most complete graphic application I think because we can do many thing with Gimp.

Inkscape -  I also install this application in my Ubuntu I usually use this application to make logo and some jobs base on vector.

GNOME MPlayer - Although there is default movie player in my Ubuntu, I also install GNOME MPlayer because some times I need movie player that more complete like to show subtitle, etc.

That's just some application that I use in my Ubuntu and there are many good and free application just try it.

Mail merge in OpenOffice

I have tried some methods to make mail merge in OpenOffice but it failed and I think also that the step is too long.


This what I can do to make mail merge that works and very simple I think 

• Make sure that OpenOffice Database have been installed
• We have made two documents (main document in OpenOffice Word, second document in OpenOffice Spreadsheet) then Close and save our Spreadsheet document
• From OpenOffice Word, choose Insert - Fields - Other. Choose Database - Mail merge fields - Browse (choose our spreadsheet document)
• Then we will see our Spreadsheet file in Database selection
• Then double click our Spreadsheet file, Sheet, then choose which column you want to insert. Then click insert. We will find the link in our OpenOffice Word document and then close fields window.
• The last step we will combine the document. Still in OpenOffice Word, click Tools - Mail Merge Wizard - Next ... Next ... & Next again until at last step Save, print, or send.
• Then click Save merged documents - save as single document - Save Documents - Finish
  It also work when I do in LibreOffice.

How to Install Windows Fonts in Ubuntu?

Although we use linux and use OpenOffice or LibreOffice, some times we need windows fonts to some important things. Like Times New Roman, Arial, and the other windows fonts.

To do it, just open terminal then type,

sudo apt-get install msttcorefonts

Then restart your Office (OpenOffice or LibreOffice) / close and run again your office. Then you will see new fonts in your office.

Other way you can install windows fonts manually,

Copy windows fonts from windows (usually in C:\Windows\fonts directory)

Then paste to your Ubuntu (usually in File System – usr – share – fonts)

If you can not paste it, you can open your file manager (nautilus) from terminal

sudo nautilus

How to switch to Gnome in Ubuntu 11.04

New version of Ubuntu have been released on 28 April 2011, this is the big new change especially in interface of desktop environment, its Unity.

When first time I try it, that's right very different from previous version.

Some people said that they don't like with unity maybe because it's new, different etc, but I thing every body have their own taste.

But if you have tried and you feel don't confortable with unity, don't worry because you can still use Gnome again. To do this is quite easy you just need to log out and then in the welcome screen before you sign in, you choose "Ubuntu classic".

Then you can work with gnome in ubuntu 11.04.

Creat an "Ubuntu Install" USB stick

Beside use CD Live Ubuntu to install Ubuntu we can also use USB / Flash Disk to install Ubuntu.

Maybe some reasons we have to use USB media to install Ubuntu because of our netbook or laptop there is not CD/DVD ROM inside, or maybe we want more practical to bring out Ubuntu OS in our packet, etc.

Some adventages from USB stick installation, we can use one media to have many OS inside we can switch one disto to other distro or older version of Ubuntu to newer version. To do this we can remove one disto inside USB stick then we can make it bootable again.

To make Ubuntu USB stick installation or make our USB bootable as follow:

First, make sure we have Ubuntu ISO file we can download directly from ubuntu website or copy from our friend. Then prepare USB stick at least 1 GB bigger is better.

Thenn chose System - Administration - Startup Disk Creator then browse your ISO file of Ubuntu and chose your USB stick then click Make startup disk then wait until it complete.

Now you can boot your computer from your USB or you can try some version of new Ubuntu like from live CD.

Have ubuntu speak to you

Have you ever think that your computer can speak? It's amazing just type some words or sentences then your ubuntu will say to you. It's quite simple we can use espeak.

Actually espeak work in partnership with Orca but we can call it directly from terminal or command-line, as follow:

$ espeak "Hello. I am new in here"

You can change "hello. I am new here" with other words up to you. By simply typing espeak, and then hitting Enter, whatever you type after this will be spoken. To quit, type Ctrl + d.

To switch voices, use the -v command option, but first you’ll need to find out the available voices, which can be done by typing: 

$ espeak --voices=en

For example, to speak “Welcome to Ubuntu Operating System” spoken in a Jamaican voice, you could type:

$ espeak -s 140 -v en-westindies "Welcome to Ubuntu Operating System"

In the above example we also added the -s command option, by which you can specify the speech speed in words per minute. The default value of 170 tends to be a little fast, especially when it comes to longer sentences.

How to print F4 or Folio Landscape in Ubuntu

Some days ago when I was doing my job to print some documents with format of the paper is F4 or I call it Folio (height 33 cm) with the Position of the paper or the orientation is Landscape I get the result that my document is cut from right side. Usually its okay when I print in Portrait orientation but not when I print in Landscape.

When I try some experiment, Finally I get the solution that is just to edit the Format of the Paper.

First, I chose Format Paper use Legal (height 35.5 cm) and then I edit the margin of the paper, that is I add some centimeters from left margins about 2.5 cm (35.5 cm - 33 cm).

For example when I want to print with each margin 1 cm, then I edit the margin of my paper:

Left = 3.5 cm (2.5 cm + 1 cm)

Right = 1 cm

Top = 1 cm

Bottom = 1 cm

When I want to print with each margin 2 cm, I edit my paper:

Left = 4.5 cm (2.5 cm + 2 cm)

Right = 2 cm

Top = 2 cm

Bottom = 2 cm

Next I just add 2.5 cm from left margin.

Write Arabic in Ubuntu

To write many kinds of letter in Ubuntu we can set the key baoard layout and in Ubuntu is very complete we can write many kinds of letter not only Arabic.

To do that is just use Key board Indicator

1. Right click on panel chose Add to panel

2. Chose Keyboard Accessibility Status then click Add

3. Then in your panel there is new icon

4. Just click in new icon to chose new keyboard layout

5. Then chose your own layout

To switch from USA to Arabic just click keyboard picture in the panel. Now you can write in Arabic.

How to Install Smart c700 on Ubuntu ?

In this post I will share with you that want to install smart modem haier c700 on your lovely Ubuntu.

When I do it I use Ubuntu 10.10 and I also success install it on Ubuntu 10.04. Here are what I do :

1. Before we setting our modem haier c700, first we have to download and install Wvdial package :

• if your PC have connected to internet, to install wvdial just Open your console/terminal Application - Accessories - Terminal, then type sudo apt-get install wvdial
• if you don't have internet connection yet, you can install wvdial package manually by download the package in here http://www.kambing.ui.ed

libxplc0.3.13_0.3.13-1build1_i386.deb

libwvstreams4.4-base_4.4.1-0.2ubuntu2_i386.deb

libwvstreams4.4-extras_4.4.1-0.2ubuntu2_i386.deb

libuniconf4.4_4.4.1-0.2ubuntu2_i386.deb

wvdial_1.60.1_i386.deb

Double click in order each package one by one.

2. Next step is plug in your data cable to your PC to detect your modem, open terminal and type

sudo lsusb

3. Then type again

sudo gedit /etc/wvdial.conf

then new window will appear, and make sure the content must be like this

[Dialer smart]

Modem = /dev/ttyUSB1

Init1 = ATZ

Init2 = ATQ0 V1 E1 S0=0 &C1 &D2 +FCLASS=0

Init3 = AT+CRM=1

Stupid Mode = yes

Modem Type = USB Modem

Phone = #777

New PPPD = yes

ISDN = 0

Username = smart

Password = smart

Baud = 9600

then save and exit

4. Then identify your modem to ubuntu just type in terminal

sudo modprobe usbserial vendor=0x05c6 product=0x9004

5. The last step begin to connect to internet by typing

sudo wvdial smart

Success to connect, then you can try to open your browser and try to browsing.

To Disconnect it, just use Ctrl + C shortcut in your key board.

To connect again next time, you just type

sudo modprobe usbserial vendor=0x05c6 product=0x9004

then

sudo wvdial smart

If you find your modem error to connect after disconnect, just restart your modem to off and on again, then try again.

Thats all maybe,

Why use ubuntu OS ?

The term ubuntu is getting popular nowadays maybe we've often heard the Ubuntu from the internet, from friends or others.

Yes, ubuntu is a family of Linux operating system the function is essential for manage our PC, without the OS our computer can not work. Just as with windows (my old friend), there are also MAC OS, FREE BSD, and many more.

The example above is some kind of OS and of course from every OS has its advantages and disadvantages of each. Maybe the most popular OS is Windows and you also perhaps are windows user.

Below are few things why I use ubuntu from other OS, and I suggest you can also try it without leaving your old OS, because ubuntu can install side by side with other OS, you can even try it without installing on your Hard Disk because ubuntu can be run directly from CD or USB.

Some advantages that I feel of Ubuntu are:

1. It is Beautiful

Ubuntu can look very beautiful and elegant with its 3D effects. One of them is with Compiz effects, if you want to know you can search it on youtube with the keyword Compiz ubuntu or the other. Even we could tweak as we want.

2. No Viruses

We have not to worry about virus in ubuntu because in ubuntu or other linux distro I have never find the virus. We know if our computers infected with viruses. Because life is too short if you only think about the virus. This occurs because Ubuntu is famous for its security.

3. Stable

Ubuntu Linux is very stable system so I rarely encounter any hangs. We know what happens if your computer is experiencing such a case. Certainly makes us dizzy.

4. Developed by programmers of the world

Unlike the other OS that only developed by the owner while the linux OS itself was developed by the programmers of the world because of its open source (so anyone can come and develop it, including you)

5. Its Free!

Yes Ubuntu is free, without having to pay to use it. You can download it from internet. And its free to use it, redistribute it, even to modify it.

6. Can make us smarter

Yes it's true, with using ubuntu we can be smarter because we'll get used to thinking of my experience, I know a lot about computer when using ubuntu. You can try for yourself to be able to prove it.

Yes, maybe just a few that I can tell based on my experiences. And still many others, there may be added based on your experience? let's discuss and share each other, more share more life ...

How to install printer driver Canon iP1980 in Ubuntu

One day I want to install Canon iP1980, after searching in Google, and finely I can do it.

First install the package libcupsys2 before installing the driver. Libcupsys2 package can be downloaded from here

http://security.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/pool/universe/c/cups/

then download this file:

libcupsys2_1.3.9-17ubuntu3.9_all.deb

then install as usual through the debian installer (double click)

Then download the driver from the Canon here

http://software.canon-europe.com/products/0010647.asp

then choose your o.s linux

after that:

1. put iP1900_debian_printer.tar on home folders
2. right click extract here
3. open terminal, type
4. $ cd iP1900_debian_printer/
5. continue to type anymore
6. sudo dpkg-i *.deb
7. wait until complete, then type sudo apt-get-f install
8. completed

Continue to next step to turn on the printer, all right ... the printer is ready to be used to print.