Ubuntu

From

Unofficial Ubuntu 5.10 (Breezy Badger) Starter Guide

This guide http://ubuntuguide.org/ was started by Chua Wen Kiat (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia). It is now being maintained by the Linux Center of University of Latvia, and everyone else who is willing to contribute.

Contributors: orvils, Cargo, Quash, Byte, krampo, Simos ...


Ubuntu 6.06 (Dapper Drake) guide: in progress...


Translations: Latviešu Русский Polski Traditional Chinese ItalianoPersian Português do Brasil Português


Contents

[hide]
1 Unofficial Ubuntu 5.10 (Breezy Badger) Starter Guide
2 General Notes
3 Getting Started
3.1 What is Ubuntu
3.2 Where to view Ubuntu screenshots
3.3 Where to find a list of all the programs/libraries that comes with Ubuntu
3.4 Where to download Ubuntu
3.5 Where to order Ubuntu CDs for absolutely FREE
3.6 Where to find help for Ubuntu
3.7 Where to look for new programs
3.8 Where to look for style elements for your desktop
4 Repositories
4.1 How to add extra repositories
5 Ubuntu Updates
5.1 How to manually update Ubuntu
6 Installing additional software (Automatix)
6.1 How to get Automatix
7 Add-On Applications
7.1 How to install Menu Editor for GNOME
7.2 How to install Clipboard Daemon for GNOME
7.3 How to install J2SE Runtime Environment (JRE) with Plug-in for Mozilla Firefox
7.4 How to install Flash Player (Macromedia Flash) Plug-in for Mozilla Firefox
7.5 How to install PDF Reader (Adobe Reader) with Plug-in for Mozilla Firefox
7.6 How to install Download Manager (Downloader for X)
7.7 How to install FTP Client (gFTP)
7.8 How to install File share utility (DC++)
7.9 How to install P2P BitTorrent Client (Azureus)
7.10 How to install P2P eMule Client (aMule)
7.11 How to install P2P Gnutella Client (LimeWire)
7.12 How to install Messenger (Skype)
7.13 How to install WinPopup (LinPopUp)
7.14 How to install Multimedia Codecs
7.15 How to install DVD playback capability
7.16 How to install Multimedia Player (xine-ui)
7.17 How to install Multimedia Player (MPlayer) with Plug-in for Mozilla Firefox
7.18 How to install VLC Multimedia player
7.19 How to install Multimedia Player (XMMS)
7.20 How to install Multimedia Player (amaroK)
7.21 How to install Multimedia Player (RealPlayer 10)
7.22 How to install Stream Directory Browser (streamtuner)
7.23 How to install Music Organizer (Cowbell)
7.24 How to install ID3 Tag Editor (EasyTAG)
7.25 How to install Video Editor (Kino)
7.26 How to install Audio Editor (Audacity)
7.27 How to install DVD Ripper (dvd::rip)
7.28 How to install CD Ripper (Goobox)
7.29 How to install Image Viewer (digiKam)
7.30 How to install Email Client (Mozilla Thunderbird)
7.31 How to install Newsreader (Pan)
7.32 How to install RSS/RDF/Atom Newsreader (RSSOwl)
7.33 How to install Web Authoring System (Nvu)
7.34 How to install Web Development Environment (quanta plus)
7.35 How to install Project Management Application (Planner)
7.36 How to install Accounting Application (GnuCash)
7.37 How to install Desktop Publishing Application (Scribus)
7.38 How to install Diagram Editor (Dia)
7.39 How to install Compiled HTML Help (CHM) Viewer (xCHM)
7.40 How to install CD/DVD Burning Application (GnomeBaker)
7.41 How to install CD/DVD Burning Application (K3b)
7.42 How to install Dialup PPP Client (GNOME PPP)
7.43 How to install Broadband ADSL/PPPoE Client (RP-PPPoE)
7.44 How to install Boot-Up Manager (BUM)
7.45 How to install Partition Editor (GParted)
7.46 How to install Firewall (Firestarter)
7.47 How to install network traffic analyzer (Ethereal)
7.48 How to install Vulnerability Scanner (Nessus)
7.49 How to install RAR Archiver (rar)
7.50 How to install Extra Fonts
7.51 How to install Chinese Input Method (SCIM)
7.52 How to install Desktop Applets (gDesklets)
7.53 How to install Basic Compilers (build-essential)
7.54 How to install Integrated Development Environment (Anjuta)
7.55 How to install 3D modeling tool (Blender 3d)
7.56 How to install game Tuxracer
7.57 How to install game Frozen-Bubble
7.58 How to install game Scorched3D
7.59 How to install virtual planetarium (Stellarium)
7.60 How to install KDE Edutainment applications
8 Other Desktop Environments
8.1 How to install KDE
8.2 How to install XFCE
9 Commercial Applications
9.1 How to install Windows 9X/ME/2000/XP (Win4Lin)
9.2 How to install Windows Applications (CrossOver Office)
9.3 How to install Windows Games (Cedega)
10 User Administration
10.1 How to set/change/enable root user password
10.2 How to disable root user account
10.3 How to allow root user to login into GNOME
10.4 How to switch to root user in Console mode
10.5 How to add/edit/delete system users
10.6 How to add/edit/delete system groups
10.7 How to automatic login into GNOME (not secure)
10.8 How to allow more sudoers
10.9 How to use "sudo" without prompt for password (not secure)
10.10 How to explicitly destroy the "sudo" session
10.11 How to change files/folders permissions
10.12 How to change files/folders ownership
10.13 How to change files/folders group ownership
11 Hardware
11.1 How to install Graphics Driver (NVIDIA)
11.2 How to load NVIDIA Settings in the background on GNOME Startup
11.3 How to disable NVIDIA graphics logo on GNOME startup
11.4 How to install Graphics Driver (ATI)
11.5 How to identify Modem chipset
11.6 How to install Modem Driver (SmartLink)
11.7 How to configure PalmOS Devices
11.8 How to list partition tables
11.9 How to list filesystem disk space usage
11.10 How to list mounted devices
11.11 How to list PCI devices
11.12 How to list USB devices
11.13 How to speed up CD/DVD-ROM
11.14 How to mount/unmount CD/DVD-ROM manually, and show all hidden and associated files/folders
11.15 How to forcefully unmount CD/DVD-ROM manually
11.16 How to remount /etc/fstab without rebooting
12 CD/DVD Burning
12.1 How to blank CD-RW/DVD-RW
12.2 How to burn files/folders into CD/DVD
12.3 How to burn Image (ISO) files into CD/DVD
12.4 How to duplicate CD/DVD
12.5 How to create Image (ISO) files from CD/DVD
12.6 How to create Image (ISO) files from folders
12.7 How to generate MD5 checksum files
12.8 How to check MD5 checksum of files
12.9 How to mount/unmount Image (ISO) files without burning
12.10 How to set/change the burn speed for CD/DVD Burner
12.11 How to enable burnproof for CD/DVD Burner
12.12 How to enable overburn for CD/DVD Burner
13 Networking
13.1 How to configure Google Talk
13.2 How to activate/deactivate network connections
13.3 How to configure network connections
13.4 How to configure dialup connections
13.5 How to configure broadband connections
13.6 How to change computer name
13.7 How to change computer descriptions
13.8 How to change computer Domain/Workgroup
13.9 How to assign Hostname to local machine with dynamic IP using free DynDNS service
13.10 How to share folders the easy way
13.11 How to browse network computers
13.12 How to access network folders without mounting
13.13 How to mount/unmount network folders manually, and allow all users to read
13.14 How to mount/unmount network folders manually, and allow all users to read/write
13.15 How to mount network folders on boot-up, and allow all users to read
13.16 How to mount network folders on boot-up, and allow all users to read/write
13.17 How to get ipw2200 and wpa to work
13.18 How to Configure and start PPTP tunnels (VPN)
14 Remote Desktop
14.1 How to configure remote desktop (not secure)
14.2 How to connect into remote Ubuntu desktop
14.3 How to connect into remote Ubuntu desktop via Windows machine
15 Windows
15.1 How to mount/unmount Windows partitions (NTFS) manually, and allow all users to read only
15.2 How to mount/unmount Windows partitions (FAT) manually, and allow all users to read/write
15.3 How to mount Windows partitions (NTFS) on boot-up, and allow all users to read only
15.4 How to mount Windows partitions (FAT) on boot-up, and allow all users to read/write
16 Security
16.1 What are the basic things I need to know about securing my Ubuntu
16.2 How to disable all interactive editing control for GRUB menu
16.3 How to disable history listing in Console mode
16.4 How to disable Ctrl-Alt-Del from restarting computer in Console mode
16.5 How to enable prompt before removal/overwritten of files/folders in Console mode
17 Rescue Mode
17.1 How to gain root user access without login
17.2 How to modify kernel boot-up arguments, to gain root user access
17.3 How to use Ubuntu Installation CD, to gain root user access
17.4 How to change root user/main user password if forgotten
17.5 How to change GRUB menu password if forgotten
17.6 How to restore GRUB menu after Windows installation
17.7 How to add Windows entry into GRUB menu
17.8 How to read Linux partitions (ext2, ext3) in Windows machine
18 Tips & Tricks
18.1 How to install .deb files via right click menu
18.2 How to restart GNOME without rebooting computer
18.3 How to turn on Num Lock on GNOME startup
18.4 How to run programs on startup when login into GNOME
18.5 How to switch to Console mode in GNOME
18.6 How to disable Ctrl+Alt+Backspace from restarting X in GNOME
18.7 How to enable Ctrl+Alt+Del to open System Monitor in GNOME
18.8 How to refresh GNOME desktop
18.9 How to refresh GNOME panel
18.10 How to open each folder in the same window in Nautilus
18.11 How to enable autosave in Gedit and disable creation of some_file~ files
18.12 How to show all hidden files/folders in Nautilus
18.13 How to browse files/folders as root user in Nautilus
18.14 How to show Desktop Icons (Computer, Home, Trash)
18.15 How to change default file type "Open with" program
18.16 How to change preferred email client to Mozilla Thunderbird
18.17 How to open files as root user via right click
18.18 How to disable beep sound in Terminal mode
18.19 How to load Web site faster in Mozilla Firefox
18.20 How to disable beep sound for link find function in Mozilla Firefox
18.21 How to apt-get the easy way (Synaptic)
18.22 What packages do the extra repositories provide
18.23 How to install/uninstall .deb files
18.24 How to convert .rpm files to .deb files
18.25 How to rename all files in directory at once
18.26 How to manipulate all image files in directory at once
18.27 How to set System-wide Environment Variables
18.28 How to save "man" outputs into files
18.29 How to hide GRUB menu on boot-up
18.30 How to change the timeout seconds for GRUB menu on boot-up
18.31 How to change default Operating System boot-up for GRUB menu
18.32 How to display Splash Image for GRUB menu on boot-up
18.33 How to convert Wallpaper to Splash Image for GRUB menu
18.34 How to temporary skip boot-up services
18.35 How to permanently disable/enable boot-up services
18.36 How to clean /tmp/ folder contents on shutdown
18.37 How to scroll up and down to view previous outputs in Console mode
18.38 How to find out which version of Ubuntu I am using
18.39 How to set up automatic background change (GNOME)
18.40 How to set up automatic background change (KDE)
18.41 How to add keyboard layouts for other languages
18.42 How to add the Keyboard (Layout) Indicator applet
18.43 How to type extended characters
19 AntiVirus Server
19.1 How to install ClamAV AntiVirus Server
19.2 How to manually update virus databases
19.3 How to manually scan files/folders for viruses
19.4 How to automatically scan files/folders for viruses
20 Samba Server
20.1 How to install Samba Server for files/folders sharing service
20.2 How to add/edit/delete network users
20.3 How to share home folders with read only permission (Authentication=Yes)
20.4 How to share home folders with read/write permissions (Authentication=Yes)
20.5 How to share group folders with read only permission (Authentication=Yes)
20.6 How to share group folders with read/write permissions (Authentication=Yes)
20.7 How to share public folders with read only permission (Authentication=Yes)
20.8 How to share public folders with read/write permissions (Authentication=Yes)
20.9 How to share public folders with read only permission (Authentication=No)
20.10 How to share public folders with read/write permissions (Authentication=No)
21 SSH Server
21.1 How to install SSH Server for remote administration service
21.2 How to SSH into remote Ubuntu machine
21.3 How to copy files/folders from remote Ubuntu machine into local machine (scp)
21.4 How to copy files/folders from local machine into remote Ubuntu machine (scp)
21.5 How to copy files/folders from remote Ubuntu machine into local machine (rsync)
21.6 How to copy files/folders from local machine into remote Ubuntu machine (rsync)
21.7 How to SSH into remote Ubuntu machine via Windows machine
21.8 How to copy files/folders from/into remote Ubuntu machine via Windows machine
21.9 How to limit the user accounts that can connect through ssh remotely
22 DHCP Server
22.1 How to install DHCP Server for automatic IP addresses assignment
23 Database Server
23.1 How to install MYSQL Database Server
23.2 How to install MYSQL Administrator
24 Apache HTTP Server
24.1 How to install Apache HTTP Server for HTTP (Web) Server service
24.2 How to install PHP for Apache HTTP Server
24.3 How to install MYSQL for Apache HTTP Server
24.4 How to map URLs to folders outside /var/www/
24.5 How to change the default port number for Apache HTTP Server
24.6 How to parse RSS into PHP for Apache HTTP Server
25 FTP Server
25.1 How to install FTP Server for File Transfer service
25.2 How to configure FTP user to be "jailed" (chrooted) into their home directory
25.3 How to configure FTP Server to allow anonymous FTP user to read only
25.4 How to configure FTP Server to allow anonymous FTP user to read/write
25.5 How to map anonymous FTP user to folders outside /home/ftp/
25.6 How to change the default port number for FTP Server
25.7 How to ftp into remote Ubuntu machine via Windows machine
26 Streaming Media Server
26.1 How to install GNUMP3d for Streaming Media Server service
26.2 How to change the default directory containing multimedia files for GNUMP3d
26.3 How to change the default port number for GNUMP3d
27 Image Gallery Server
27.1 How to install Gallery for Image Gallery Server service
27.2 How to configure Gallery to be accessible via Internet (Hostname or fix IP) or LAN (fix IP)
27.3 How to configure Gallery to be accessible via LAN (dynamic IP)
27.4 How to backup/restore Gallery data
28 Subversion Server
28.1 How to install Subersion client/server
28.2 How to server Subversion through Apache
29 Troubleshooting
29.1 Configuring network interfaces... (taking too long to load)
29.2 Synchronizing clock to ntp.ubuntulinux.org... (taking too long to load)
29.3 How to disable system time/date from being reset to UTC (GMT)
29.4 How to configure sound to work properly in GNOME
29.5 How to forcefully empty Trash in GNOME
29.6 How to remove duplicate menu/menu items in GNOME
29.7 How to refresh Places menu in GNOME (if mounts to /media/ in /etc/fstab does not show up)
30 Upgrading Ubuntu
30.1 How to upgrade from Breezy Badger to Dapper Drake (experimental)
31 Removed Topics


General Notes


  1. This is an Unofficial Ubuntu 5.10 (Breezy Badger) Starter Guide. It is not associated with Ubuntu and Canonical Ltd.
  2. Guide is tested on a full installation of the Ubuntu 5.10 x86 Install CD (Breezy Badger)
  3. If you see a bluish box, this means you have to execute the commands in Terminal mode (Applications -> System Tools -> Terminal) or use the content of that box as mentioned in some other instructions.
  4. To reduce typo mistakes, copy and paste the commands into Terminal mode (right click on the commands -> "Copy" or "Paste". You can also use Ctrl+C to copy and Shift+Insert to paste it)
  5. "sudo" means superuser do. "sudo" will prompt for "Password:". Please specify user password
  6. If you want more information about any command, simply look at the manual page for it using the "man" command. For example, "man sudo" will display the manual page for the "sudo" command.
  7. If you are tired of typing "apt-get" all the time, Read #How to apt-get the easy way (Synaptic)
  8. "apt-get" and "wget" requires Internet connection to install/update/download programs
  9. To download file, right click on the link -> Select "Save Link As..." -> Make sure file name and extension are correct
  10. If you wish to help translating Ubuntu to your native language or to help Ubuntu otherwise visit https://launchpad.net/
  11. May the "humanity to others" spirit be with you always...


If you are using Kubuntu you need to install Gedit
sudo apt-get install gedit
Or replace 'gedit' with 'kwrite', for example, instead of writing
 sudo gedit /etc/apt/sources.list
Write
 sudo kwrite /etc/apt/sources.list
If you are using 64-bit version replace "i386" with "amd64"

Getting Started

What is Ubuntu

http://www.ubuntulinux.org/ubuntu

Where to view Ubuntu screenshots

http://shots.osdir.com/slideshows/slideshow.php?release=469&slide=3

Where to find a list of all the programs/libraries that comes with Ubuntu

Result of dpkg -l: Here
http://packages.ubuntu.com/breezy
http://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=ubuntu

Where to download Ubuntu

http://www.ubuntulinux.org/download

Where to order Ubuntu CDs for absolutely FREE

http://shipit.ubuntulinux.org

Where to find help for Ubuntu

See: System -> Help
Official Documentation website
Official User Documentation (wiki)
Ubuntu Document Storage Facility
Mailing Lists
Web Forums
IRC Channel

Where to look for new programs

http://gnomefiles.org/
http://www.kde-apps.org/
http://freshmeat.net
http://sourceforge.net/

Where to look for style elements for your desktop

http://gnome-look.org/
http://art.gnome.org/

Repositories

How to add extra repositories

Read #General Notes
You can also add extra repositories using the Synaptic Package Manager. New users may find it more user-friendly to add extra repositories through the Package Manager. If you follow the link above, you do not have follow the rest of this tip.
sudo cp /etc/apt/sources.list /etc/apt/sources.list_backup
sudo gedit /etc/apt/sources.list
Replace everything with the following lines
## Add comments (##) in front of any line to remove it from being checked.   
## Use the following sources.list at your own risk.  
## You may replace "us" with your country code to get the closest mirror.

deb http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu breezy main restricted
deb-src http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu breezy main restricted

## MAJOR BUG FIX UPDATES produced after the final release
deb http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu breezy-updates main restricted
deb-src http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu breezy-updates main restricted

## UBUNTU SECURITY UPDATES
deb http://security.ubuntu.com/ubuntu breezy-security main restricted
deb-src http://security.ubuntu.com/ubuntu breezy-security main restricted

deb http://security.ubuntu.com/ubuntu breezy-security universe
deb-src http://security.ubuntu.com/ubuntu breezy-security universe

## UNIVERSE AND MULTIVERSE REPOSITORY (Unsupported by Ubuntu.  Use at own risk.)
deb http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu breezy universe multiverse
deb-src http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu breezy universe multiverse

## BACKPORTS REPOSITORY (Unsupported.  May contain illegal packages.  Use at own risk.)
deb http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu breezy-backports main restricted universe multiverse
deb-src http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu breezy-backports main restricted universe multiverse

## PLF REPOSITORY (Unsupported.  May contain illegal packages.  Use at own risk.)
deb http://packages.freecontrib.org/ubuntu/plf breezy free non-free
deb-src http://packages.freecontrib.org/ubuntu/plf breezy free non-free 
Save the edited file
sudo apt-get update
You may also generate your own sources.list: http://www.ubuntulinux.nl/source-o-matic
Use your own sources.list file only if you understand what you're doing

Ubuntu Updates

How to manually update Ubuntu

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get upgrade

Installing additional software (Automatix)

This is a graphical interface for installation of a lot of apps on Ubuntu/Kubuntu/Xubuntu BREEZY and DAPPER (DOES NOT WORK ON Warty or Hoary).
Automatix will help you to install Multimedia codecs; all Firefox plugins (java, flash, etc); RAR, ACE and UNRAR archive support; skype; Acrobat reader 7; Gnomebaker; gftp; DC++ and amule; Frostwire; Audacity; Kino; EasyTag; Mplayer; totem-xine; VLC; Beep Media Player; Opera; Bittornado; Azureus; Enables Numlock on; Programming Tools (Anjuta (C/C++ IDE), Bluefish (HTML editor), (Web Dev)); GnomePPP; MS true type fonts; Streamtuner; NON-FREE audio and dvd codecs; ndisgtk (WiFi configurator Graphical user interface); SUN'S JAVA JRE v1.5; SUN'S JAVA JDK v1.5; wine; gdesklets; Detect Nvidia cards and install drivers and do some other usefull thinks.
For more info see: GetAutomatix.com
If you are in The United States of America DO NOT install NON-FREE audio and dvd codecs. IT IS ILLEGAL TO DO SO.

How to get Automatix

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
To install Automatix in Ubuntu
sudo apt-get install xterm
wget http://beerorkid.com/automatix/automatix_5.8-3_i386.deb
sudo dpkg -i automatix_5.8-3_i386.deb
Applications -> System Tools -> Automatix
To install Automatix in Kubuntu/Xubuntu
sudo apt-get install xterm libglade2-0 libgnomecanvas2-0
wget http://kambing.vlsm.org/ubuntu/pool/main/z/zenity/zenity_2.12.1-0ubuntu1_i386.deb
sudo dpkg -i zenity_2.12.1-0ubuntu1_i386.deb
wget http://beerorkid.com/automatix/automatix_5.8-3_i386.deb
sudo dpkg -i automatix_5.8-3_i386.deb
Main Menu -> System -> Automatix

Add-On Applications

How to install Menu Editor for GNOME

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
sudo apt-get install smeg
Read #How to refresh GNOME panel
Applications -> System Tools -> Smeg Menu Editor

How to install Clipboard Daemon for GNOME

Read #General Notes
wget -c http://easylinux.info/uploads/gnome-clipboard-daemon-1.0.bin.tar.bz2
sudo tar jxvf gnome-clipboard-daemon-1.0.bin.tar.bz2 -C /usr/bin/
sudo chown root:root /usr/bin/gnome-clipboard-daemon
sudo chmod 755 /usr/bin/gnome-clipboard-daemon
sudo gnome-clipboard-daemon &
export EDITOR=gedit && crontab -e
Add the following line at the end of file
@reboot gnome-clipboard-daemon
Save the edited file

How to install J2SE Runtime Environment (JRE) with Plug-in for Mozilla Firefox

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
sudo apt-get install sun-j2re1.5
echo 3 | sudo update-alternatives --config java
Restart Mozilla Firefox

How to install Flash Player (Macromedia Flash) Plug-in for Mozilla Firefox

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
sudo apt-get install flashplayer-mozilla
Restart Mozilla Firefox

How to install PDF Reader (Adobe Reader) with Plug-in for Mozilla Firefox

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
sudo apt-get install acroread
sudo apt-get install mozilla-acroread
sudo apt-get install acroread-plugins
Read #How to refresh GNOME panel
Applications -> Office -> Adobe Reader
Restart Mozilla Firefox

How to install Download Manager (Downloader for X)

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
sudo apt-get install d4x
Read #How to refresh GNOME panel
Applications -> Internet -> Downloader for X

How to install FTP Client (gFTP)

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
sudo apt-get install gftp
Read #How to refresh GNOME panel
Applications -> Internet -> gFTP

How to install File share utility (DC++)

Read #General Notes
wget -c http://easylinux.info/uploads/linuxdcpp.tar.gz 
sudo tar zxvf linuxdcpp.tar.gz -C /opt
sudo gedit /usr/share/applications/dcpp.desktop
Insert the following lines into the new file
[Desktop Entry]
Encoding=UTF-8
Name=DC++
Exec=/opt/linuxdcpp/ldcpp
Terminal=false
Type=Application
StartupNotify=true
Icon=/opt/linuxdcpp/pixmaps/linuxdcpp.svg
Categories=Application;Network;
Save the edited file
Applications -> Internet -> DC++

How to install P2P BitTorrent Client (Azureus)

Read #General Notes
Read #How to install J2SE Runtime Environment (JRE) with Plug-in for Mozilla Firefox
wget -c http://kent.dl.sourceforge.net/sourceforge/azureus/Azureus_2.4.0.2_linux.tar.bz2
sudo tar jxvf Azureus_2.4.0.2_linux.tar.bz2 -C /opt
sudo gedit /usr/share/applications/azureus.desktop 
Add the following to the new file:
[Desktop Entry] 
Name=Azureus
Comment=A Bittorrent client
Exec=/opt/azureus/azureus
Icon=/opt/azureus/Azureus.png
Terminal=false
Type=Application
Categories=Application;Network;
Save the edited file
Applications -> Internet -> Azureus

How to install P2P eMule Client (aMule)

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
sudo apt-get install amule
Read #How to refresh GNOME panel
Applications -> Internet -> aMule

How to install P2P Gnutella Client (LimeWire)

Read #General Notes
Read #How to install J2SE Runtime Environment (JRE) with Plug-in for Mozilla Firefox
wget -c http://easylinux.info/uploads/LimeWireOther.zip
sudo unzip -u LimeWireOther.zip -d /opt/
sudo chown -R root:root /opt/LimeWire/
sudo gedit /usr/bin/runLime.sh
Insert the following lines into the new file
cd /opt/LimeWire/
./runLime.sh
Save the edited file
sudo chmod +x /usr/bin/runLime.sh
sudo gedit /usr/share/applications/LimeWire.desktop
Insert the following lines into the new file
[Desktop Entry]
Name=LimeWire
Comment=LimeWire
Exec=runLime.sh
Icon=/opt/LimeWire/LimeWire.ico
Terminal=false
Type=Application
Categories=Application;Network;
Save the edited file
Read #How to refresh GNOME panel
Applications -> Internet -> LimeWire

How to install Messenger (Skype)

Read #General Notes
wget -c http://download.skype.com/linux/skype_staticQT-1.2.0.18.tar.bz2
sudo tar jxvf skype_staticQT-1.2.0.18.tar.bz2 -C /opt/
sudo ln -s /opt/skype-1.2.0.18/skype /usr/bin/skype
sudo cp /opt/skype-1.2.0.18/skype.desktop /usr/share/applications/skype.desktop
sudo cp /opt/skype-1.2.0.18/icons/skype_32_32.png /usr/share/icons/hicolor/32x32/apps/skype.png
rm skype_staticQT-1.2.0.18.tar.bz2
Read #How to refresh GNOME panel
Applications -> Internet -> Skype

How to install WinPopup (LinPopUp)

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
Read #How to install Samba Server for files/folders sharing service
sudo apt-get install linpopup
sudo gedit /usr/share/applications/linpopup.desktop
Insert the following lines into the new file
[Desktop Entry]
Name=LinPopUp
Comment=LinPopUp
Exec=linpopup
Icon=/usr/share/pixmaps/linpopup.xpm
Terminal=false
Type=Application
Categories=Application;Utility;
Save the edited file
Read #How to refresh GNOME panel
Applications -> Accessories -> LinPopUp

How to install Multimedia Codecs

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
sudo apt-get install gstreamer0.8-plugins
sudo apt-get install gstreamer0.8-lame
sudo apt-get install gstreamer0.8-ffmpeg
sudo apt-get install lame
sudo apt-get install sox
sudo apt-get install ffmpeg
sudo apt-get install mjpegtools
sudo apt-get install vorbis-tools
sudo apt-get install w32codecs
gst-register-0.8

How to install DVD playback capability

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
sudo apt-get install libdvdcss2

How to install Multimedia Player (xine-ui)

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
Read #How to install Multimedia Codecs
Read #How to install DVD playback capability
sudo apt-get install xine-ui
Associate xine-ui to play multimedia files
gconftool-2 --type string --set /desktop/gnome/volume_manager/autoplay_dvd_command "xine dvd://"
sudo rm -f /usr/share/applnk/Multimedia/xine.desktop
sudo ln -fs /usr/share/xine/desktop/xine.desktop /usr/share/applications/
sudo cp /usr/share/applications/defaults.list /usr/share/applications/defaults.list_backup
sudo sed -e 's/totem.desktop/xine.desktop/g' /usr/share/applications/defaults.list_backup > /tmp/defaults.list
sudo mv /tmp/defaults.list /usr/share/applications/defaults.list
Read #How to refresh GNOME panel
Read #How to refresh GNOME desktop
Applications -> Sound & Video -> xine

How to install Multimedia Player (MPlayer) with Plug-in for Mozilla Firefox

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
Read #How to install Multimedia Codecs
Read #How to install DVD playback capability
sudo apt-get install mplayer-386
sudo apt-get install mplayer-fonts
sudo apt-get install mozilla-mplayer
sudo cp /etc/mplayer/mplayer.conf /etc/mplayer/mplayer.conf_backup
sudo gedit /etc/mplayer/mplayer.conf
Find this line
...
vo=x11,         # To specify default video driver (see -vo help for
...
Replace with the following line
vo=xv,         # To specify default video driver (see -vo help for
Save the edited file
Read #How to refresh GNOME panel
Applications -> Sound & Video -> MPlayer
Restart Mozilla Firefox

How to install VLC Multimedia player

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
Read #How to install Multimedia Codecs
sudo apt-get install vlc
sudo apt-get install vlc-plugin-*

How to install Multimedia Player (XMMS)

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
Read #How to install Multimedia Codecs
sudo apt-get install xmms
sudo apt-get install xmms-skins
wget -c http://easylinux.info/uploads/xmms-wma_1.0.4-2_i386.deb
sudo dpkg -i xmms-wma_1.0.4-2_i386.deb
Associate XMMS to play MP3/M3U/WAV files
sudo cp /usr/share/applications/defaults.list /usr/share/applications/defaults.list_backup
sudo cp /usr/share/applications/defaults.list /tmp/defaults.list_tmp
sudo sed -e 's/audio\/mpeg=.*/audio\/mpeg=XMMS.desktop/g' /tmp/defaults.list_tmp > /tmp/defaults.mp3
sudo sed -e 's/audio\/x-mpegurl=.*/audio\/x-mpegurl=XMMS.desktop/g' /tmp/defaults.mp3 > /tmp/defaults.m3u
sudo sed -e 's/audio\/x-wav=.*/audio\/x-wav=XMMS.desktop/g' /tmp/defaults.m3u > /tmp/defaults.list
sudo mv /tmp/defaults.list /usr/share/applications/defaults.list
sudo rm -f /tmp/defaults.*
Read #How to refresh GNOME panel
Read #How to refresh GNOME desktop
Applications -> Sound & Video -> XMMS

How to install Multimedia Player (amaroK)

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
Read #How to install Multimedia Codecs
sudo apt-get install amarok
Applications -> Sound & Video -> amaroK

How to install Multimedia Player (RealPlayer 10)

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
sudo apt-get install realplay
Note: 'realplay' installs RealPlayer 10 from PLF repo. 'realplayer' installs RealPlayer 8 from multiverse.
Read #How to refresh GNOME panel
Applications -> Sound & Video -> RealPlayer 10

How to install Stream Directory Browser (streamtuner)

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
sudo apt-get install streamtuner
sudo apt-get install streamripper
Read #How to refresh GNOME panel
Applications -> Sound & Video -> streamtuner

How to install Music Organizer (Cowbell)

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
sudo apt-get install cowbell
Applications -> Sound & Video -> Cowbell Music Organizer

How to install ID3 Tag Editor (EasyTAG)

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
sudo apt-get install easytag
Read #How to refresh GNOME panel
Applications -> Sound & Video -> EasyTAG

How to install Video Editor (Kino)

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
Read #How to install Multimedia Codecs
sudo apt-get install kino
sudo apt-get install kinoplus
sudo apt-get install kino-timfx
sudo apt-get install kino-dvtitler
Read #How to refresh GNOME panel
Applications -> Sound & Video -> Kino Video Editor

How to install Audio Editor (Audacity)

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
Read #How to install Multimedia Codecs
sudo apt-get install audacity
Read #How to refresh GNOME panel
Applications -> Sound & Video -> Audacity

How to install DVD Ripper (dvd::rip)

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
Read #How to install Multimedia Codecs
Read #How to install DVD playback capability
Read #How to install Multimedia Player (MPlayer) with Plug-in for Mozilla Firefox
Read #How to install RAR Archiver (rar)
sudo apt-get install dvdrip
sudo apt-get install vcdimager
sudo apt-get install cdrdao
sudo apt-get install subtitleripper
sudo ln -fs /usr/bin/rar /usr/bin/rar-2.80
sudo gedit /usr/share/applications/dvdrip.desktop
Insert the following lines into the new file
[Desktop Entry]
Name=dvd::rip 
Comment=dvd::rip
Exec=dvdrip
Icon=/usr/share/perl5/Video/DVDRip/icon.xpm
Terminal=false
Type=Application
Categories=Application;AudioVideo;
Save the edited file
Read #How to refresh GNOME panel
Applications -> Sound & Video -> dvd::rip

How to install CD Ripper (Goobox)

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
Read #How to install Multimedia Codecs
sudo apt-get install goobox
sudo rm -f /usr/share/applications/goobox.desktop
sudo gedit /usr/share/applications/goobox.desktop
Insert the following lines into the new file
[Desktop Entry]
Name=CD Player & Ripper
Comment=Play and extract CDs
Exec=goobox
Icon=goobox.png
Terminal=false
Type=Application
Categories=Application;AudioVideo;
Save the edited file
Read #How to refresh GNOME panel
Applications -> Sound & Video -> CD Player & Ripper

How to install Image Viewer (digiKam)

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
sudo apt-get install digikam
Applications -> Graphics -> digikam

How to install Email Client (Mozilla Thunderbird)

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
sudo apt-get install mozilla-thunderbird
Read #How to refresh GNOME panel
Applications -> Internet -> Thunderbird Mail Client

How to install Newsreader (Pan)

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
sudo apt-get install pan
Read #How to refresh GNOME panel
Applications -> Internet -> Pan Newsreader

How to install RSS/RDF/Atom Newsreader (RSSOwl)

Read #General Notes
Read #How to install J2SE Runtime Environment (JRE) with Plug-in for Mozilla Firefox
wget -c http://easylinux.info/uploads/rssowl_linux_1_1_3_bin.tar.gz
sudo tar zxvf rssowl_linux_1_1_3_bin.tar.gz -C /opt/
sudo chown -R root:root /opt/rssowl_linux_1_1_3_bin/
sudo gedit /usr/bin/runRSSOwl.sh
Insert the following lines into the new file
export MOZILLA_FIVE_HOME=/usr/lib/mozilla-firefox
export LD_LIBRARY_PATH=$LD_LIBRARY_PATH:${MOZILLA_FIVE_HOME}:${LD_LIBRARY_PATH}
cd /opt/rssowl_linux_1_1_3_bin/
./run.sh
Save the edited file
sudo chmod +x /usr/bin/runRSSOwl.sh
sudo gedit /usr/share/applications/RSSOwl.desktop
Insert the following lines into the new file
[Desktop Entry]
Name=RSSOwl
Comment=RSSOwl
Exec=runRSSOwl.sh
Icon=/opt/rssowl_linux_1_1_3_bin/rssowl.xpm
Terminal=false
Type=Application
Categories=Application;Network;
Save the edited file
Applications -> Internet -> RSSOwl

How to install Web Authoring System (Nvu)

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
sudo apt-get install nvu
sudo rm -f /usr/share/applications/nvu.desktop
sudo gedit /usr/share/applications/nvu.desktop
Insert the following lines into the new file
[Desktop Entry]
Name=Nvu
Comment=Web Development Editor
Exec=nvu
Icon=nvu.xpm
Terminal=false
Type=Application
Categories=Application;Network;
Save the edited file
Read #How to refresh GNOME panel
Applications -> Internet -> Nvu

How to install Web Development Environment (quanta plus)

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
sudo apt-get install quanta
Applications -> Programming -> Quanta Plus

How to install Project Management Application (Planner)

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
sudo apt-get install planner
Read #How to refresh GNOME panel
Applications -> Office -> Project Management

How to install Accounting Application (GnuCash)

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
sudo apt-get install gnucash
sudo rm -fr /usr/share/gnome/apps/Applications/
sudo gedit /usr/share/applications/GnuCash.desktop
Insert the following lines into the new file
[Desktop Entry]
Name=GnuCash
Comment=GnuCash Personal Finance
Exec=gnucash
Icon=/usr/share/pixmaps/gnucash/gnucash-icon.png
Terminal=false
Type=Application
Categories=Application;Office;
Save the edited file
Read #How to refresh GNOME panel
Applications -> Office -> GnuCash

How to install Desktop Publishing Application (Scribus)

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
sudo apt-get install scribus
Read #How to refresh GNOME panel
Applications -> Office -> Scribus

How to install Diagram Editor (Dia)

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
sudo apt-get install dia-gnome
Read #How to refresh GNOME panel
Applications -> Graphics -> Dia

How to install Compiled HTML Help (CHM) Viewer (xCHM)

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
sudo apt-get install xchm
Read #How to refresh GNOME panel
Applications -> Graphics -> xCHM

How to install CD/DVD Burning Application (GnomeBaker)

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
sudo apt-get install gnomebaker
Read #How to refresh GNOME panel
Applications -> Accessories -> GnomeBaker CD/DVD Creator

How to install CD/DVD Burning Application (K3b)

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
sudo apt-get install k3b k3b-mp3
Applications -> Sound & Video -> K3b

How to install Dialup PPP Client (GNOME PPP)

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
sudo apt-get install gnome-ppp
Read #How to refresh GNOME panel
Applications -> Internet -> GNOME PPP

How to install Broadband ADSL/PPPoE Client (RP-PPPoE)

Read #General Notes
Read #How to install Basic Compilers (build-essential)
wget -c http://easylinux.info/uploads/rp-pppoe-3.6.tar.gz
sudo tar zxvf rp-pppoe-3.6.tar.gz -C /opt/
sudo chown -R root:root /opt/rp-pppoe-3.6/
sudo gedit /usr/share/applications/RP-PPPoE.desktop
Insert the following lines into the new file
[Desktop Entry]
Name=RP-PPPoE
Comment=RP-PPPoE
Exec=gksudo /opt/rp-pppoe-3.6/go-gui
Icon=
Terminal=false
Type=Application
Categories=Application;Network;
Save the edited file
Read #How to refresh GNOME panel
Applications -> Internet -> RP-PPPoE

How to install Boot-Up Manager (BUM)

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
sudo apt-get install bum
Read #How to refresh GNOME panel
System -> Administration -> Boot-Up Manager

How to install Partition Editor (GParted)

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
sudo apt-get install gparted
Read #How to refresh GNOME panel
Applications -> System Tools -> GParted

How to install Firewall (Firestarter)

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
sudo apt-get install firestarter
Read #How to refresh GNOME panel
Applications -> System Tools -> Firestarter

How to install network traffic analyzer (Ethereal)

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
sudo apt-get install ethereal
Applications -> Internet -> Ethereal

How to install Vulnerability Scanner (Nessus)

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
sudo apt-get install nessus
sudo apt-get install nessusd
sudo nessus-adduser
sudo ln -fs /etc/init.d/nessusd /etc/rc2.d/S20nessusd
sudo /etc/init.d/nessusd start
sudo gedit /usr/share/applications/Nessus.desktop
Insert the following lines into the new file
[Desktop Entry]
Name=Nessus
Comment=Nessus
Exec=nessus
Icon=/usr/share/pixmaps/nessus.xpm
Terminal=false
Type=Application
Categories=Application;System;
Save the edited file
Read #How to refresh GNOME panel
Applications -> System Tools -> Nessus

How to install RAR Archiver (rar)

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
sudo apt-get install rar
sudo ln -fs /usr/bin/rar /usr/bin/unrar
Applications -> Accessories -> Archive Manager

How to install Extra Fonts

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
sudo apt-get install xfonts-intl-arabic
sudo apt-get install xfonts-intl-asian
sudo apt-get install xfonts-intl-chinese
sudo apt-get install xfonts-intl-chinese-big
sudo apt-get install xfonts-intl-european
sudo apt-get install xfonts-intl-japanese
sudo apt-get install xfonts-intl-japanese-big
sudo apt-get install xfonts-intl-phonetic
sudo apt-get install gsfonts-x11
sudo apt-get install msttcorefonts
sudo fc-cache -f -v
Save the edited file
Read #How to restart GNOME without rebooting computer

How to install Chinese Input Method (SCIM)

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
Read #How to install Extra Fonts
sudo apt-get install scim
sudo apt-get install scim-chinese
sudo apt-get install scim-config-socket
sudo apt-get install scim-gtk2-immodule
sudo apt-get install scim-tables-zh
wget -c http://easylinux.info/uploads/fireflysung-1.3.0.tar.gz
sudo tar zxvf fireflysung-1.3.0.tar.gz -C /usr/share/fonts/truetype/
sudo chown -R root:root /usr/share/fonts/truetype/fireflysung-1.3.0/ 
sudo fc-cache -f -v
System -> Preferences -> SCIM Input Method Setup
To activate SCIM
Press 'Ctrl + Space'

How to install Desktop Applets (gDesklets)

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
sudo apt-get install gdesklets
sudo apt-get install gdesklets-data
Read #How to refresh GNOME panel
Applications -> Accessories -> gDesklets
For more info see: http://gdesklets.gnomedesktop.org/

How to install Basic Compilers (build-essential)

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
sudo apt-get install build-essential

How to install Integrated Development Environment (Anjuta)

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
sudo apt-get install anjuta
Applications -> Programming -> Anjuta IDE

How to install 3D modeling tool (Blender 3d)

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
sudo apt-get install blender
Applications -> Graphics -> Blender 3D modeller

How to install game Tuxracer

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
sudo apt-get install planetpenguin-racer planetpenguin-racer-data planetpenguin-racer-extras
Applications -> Games -> planetpenguin-racer

How to install game Frozen-Bubble

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
sudo apt-get install frozen-bubble
Applications -> Games -> Frozen-Bubble

How to install game Scorched3D

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
sudo apt-get install scorched3d
sudo gedit /usr/share/applications/scorched3d.desktop
Insert the following lines into the new file
[Desktop Entry]
Name=Scorched 3D
Comment=A 3D Remake Of Scorched Earth
Exec=scorched3d
Icon=
Terminal=false
Type=Application
Categories=Application;Game;ArcadeGame;
Save the edited file
Read #How to refresh GNOME panel
Applications -> Games -> Scorched 3D

How to install virtual planetarium (Stellarium)

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
sudo apt-get install stellarium
sudo gedit /usr/share/applications/stellarium.desktop
Insert the following lines into the new file
[Desktop Entry]
Name=Stellarium
Comment=Virtual planetarium
Exec=stellarium
Terminal=false
Type=Application
Categories=Application;Education;
Applications -> Education -> Stellarium

How to install KDE Edutainment applications

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
sudo apt-get install kdeedu
Applications -> Education -> ...

Other Desktop Environments

How to install KDE

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
You may also look at some KDE Screenshots
sudo apt-get install kubuntu-desktop
Note: This installation will require ~400MB of disk space
System -> Log Out -> Log Out
To log in to KDE click on Sessions and choose KDE

How to install XFCE

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
You may also look at some XFCE Screenshots
sudo apt-get install xubuntu-desktop
System -> Log Out -> Log Out
To log in to XFCE click on Sessions and choose XFCE

Commercial Applications

How to install Windows 9X/ME/2000/XP (Win4Lin)

http://www.win4lin.com

How to install Windows Applications (CrossOver Office)

http://www.codeweavers.com

How to install Windows Games (Cedega)

http://www.transgaming.com

User Administration

How to set/change/enable root user password

Read #General Notes
sudo passwd root

How to disable root user account

Read #General Notes
sudo passwd -l root

How to allow root user to login into GNOME

Read #General Notes
Read #How to set/change/enable root user password
System -> Administration -> Login Screen Setup
Login Screen Setup
Security Tab -> Options -> Allow root to login with GDM (Checked)

How to switch to root user in Console mode

Read #General Notes
sudo -s -H
Password: <specify user password>

How to add/edit/delete system users

Read #General Notes
System -> Administration -> Users and Groups
Users and Groups
Users Tab -> Add User.../Properties/Delete
or
sudo useradd jim
sudo userdel jim
For more info read
man usermod

How to add/edit/delete system groups

Read #General Notes
System -> Administration -> Users and Groups
Users and Groups
Groups Tab -> Add Group.../Properties/Delete

How to automatic login into GNOME (not secure)

Read #General Notes
System -> Administration -> Login Screen Setup
Login Screen Setup
General Tab -> Automatic Login ->
Login a user automatically on first bootup (Checked)
Automatic login username: Select "system_username"

How to allow more sudoers

Read #General Notes
export EDITOR=gedit && sudo visudo
Append the following line at the end of file
system_username	ALL=(ALL) ALL
Save the edited file

How to use "sudo" without prompt for password (not secure)

Read #General Notes
export EDITOR=gedit && sudo visudo
Find this line
...
system_username	ALL=(ALL) ALL
...
Replace with the following line
system_username	ALL=(ALL) NOPASSWD: ALL
Save the edited file

How to explicitly destroy the "sudo" session

Read #General Notes
sudo -K

How to change files/folders permissions

Read #General Notes
Right click on files/folders -> Properties
Permissions Tab -> Read/Write/Execute (Checked the permissions for Owner/Group/Others)

How to change files/folders ownership

Read #General Notes
sudo chown system_username /location_of_files_or_folders

How to change files/folders group ownership

Read #General Notes
sudo chgrp system_groupname /location_of_files_or_folders

Hardware

How to install Graphics Driver (NVIDIA)

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
sudo apt-get install nvidia-glx
sudo apt-get install nvidia-settings
sudo cp /etc/X11/xorg.conf /etc/X11/xorg.conf_backup
sudo nvidia-glx-config enable
sudo gedit /usr/share/applications/NVIDIA-Settings.desktop
Insert the following lines into the new file
[Desktop Entry]
Name=NVIDIA Settings
Comment=NVIDIA Settings
Exec=nvidia-settings
Icon=
Terminal=false
Type=Application
Categories=Application;System;
Save the edited file
Read #How to restart GNOME without rebooting computer
Applications -> System Tools -> NVIDIA Settings

How to load NVIDIA Settings in the background on GNOME Startup

Read #General Notes
Read #How to install Graphics Driver (NVIDIA)
System -> Preferences -> Sessions
Click on the Startup Programs tab
Click on +ADD
Enter this line in the Startup Command field
nvidia-settings --load-config-only
Assign Order no. one higher than the last entry (if any) in Startup Programs. (Default is 50)
Read #How to restart GNOME without rebooting computer

How to disable NVIDIA graphics logo on GNOME startup

Read #General Notes
Read #How to install Graphics Driver (NVIDIA)
sudo cp /etc/X11/xorg.conf /etc/X11/xorg.conf_backup
sudo gedit /etc/X11/xorg.conf
Find this section
...
Section "Device"
	Identifier	"NVIDIA Corporation NV11 [GeForce2 MX/MX 400]"
	Driver		"nvidia"
	BusID		"PCI:1:0:0"
...
Add the following line below it
   Option		"NoLogo"
Save the edited file
Read #How to restart GNOME without rebooting computer

How to install Graphics Driver (ATI)

See Unofficial ATI Linux driver wiki
Or Ubuntuforums.org

How to identify Modem chipset

Read #General Notes
To install Modem chipset identifier
Read #How to install Basic Compilers (build-essential)
wget -c http://easylinux.info/uploads/scanModem.gz
gunzip -c scanModem.gz > scanModem
chmod +x scanModem
sudo cp scanModem /usr/bin/
To identify Modem chipset
sudo scanModem
gedit Modem/ModemData.txt

How to install Modem Driver (SmartLink)

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
uname -r (must be 2.6.10-5-386)
wget -c http://easylinux.info/uploads/sl-modem-modules-2.6.10-5-386_2.9.9a-1ubuntu2+2.6.10-34_i386.deb
sudo dpkg -i sl-modem-modules-*.deb
sudo apt-get install sl-modem-daemon

How to configure PalmOS Devices

Read #General Notes
sudo gedit /etc/udev/rules.d/10-custom.rules
Insert the following line into the new file
BUS="usb", SYSFS{product}="Palm Handheld*", KERNEL="ttyUSB*", NAME{ignore_remove}="pilot", MODE="666"
Save the edited file
System -> Preferences -> PalmOS Devices
Follow the instructions on screen

How to list partition tables

Read #General Notes
sudo fdisk -l
You can also use System -> Administration -> Disks

How to list filesystem disk space usage

Read #General Notes
df -T -h
You can also use System -> Administration -> Disks

How to list mounted devices

Read #General Notes
mount

How to list PCI devices

Read #General Notes
lspci

How to list USB devices

Read #General Notes
lsusb

How to speed up CD/DVD-ROM

Read #General Notes
e.g. Assumed that /dev/cdrom is the location of CD/DVD-ROM
sudo hdparm -d1 /dev/cdrom
sudo cp /etc/hdparm.conf /etc/hdparm.conf_backup
sudo gedit /etc/hdparm.conf
Append the following lines at the end of file
/dev/cdrom {
    dma = on
}
Save the edited file

How to mount/unmount CD/DVD-ROM manually, and show all hidden and associated files/folders

Read #General Notes
e.g. Assumed that /media/cdrom0/ is the location of CD/DVD-ROM
To mount CD/DVD-ROM
sudo mount /media/cdrom0/ -o unhide
To unmount CD/DVD-ROM
sudo umount /media/cdrom0/

How to forcefully unmount CD/DVD-ROM manually

Read #General Notes
e.g. Assumed that /media/cdrom0/ is the location of CD/DVD-ROM
sudo umount /media/cdrom0/ -l

How to remount /etc/fstab without rebooting

Read #General Notes
sudo mount -a


CD/DVD Burning

How to blank CD-RW/DVD-RW

Read #General Notes
e.g. Assumed that /dev/cdrom is the location of CD/DVD-ROM
sudo umount /dev/cdrom
cdrecord dev=/dev/cdrom blank=fast

How to burn files/folders into CD/DVD

Read #General Notes
nautilus burn:///
File Browser: CD/DVD Creator
Drag files/folders into window
File Menu -> Write to Disc... -> Write

How to burn Image (ISO) files into CD/DVD

Read #General Notes
Right click on Image (ISO) file -> Write to Disc... -> Write

How to duplicate CD/DVD

Read #General Notes
Read #How to create Image (ISO) files from CD/DVD
Read #How to burn Image (ISO) files into CD/DVD

How to create Image (ISO) files from CD/DVD

Read #General Notes
e.g. Assumed that /dev/cdrom is the location of CD/DVD-ROM
sudo umount /dev/cdrom
dd if=/dev/cdrom of=file.iso bs=1024

How to create Image (ISO) files from folders

Read #General Notes
mkisofs -o file.iso /location_of_folder/

How to generate MD5 checksum files

Read #General Notes
md5sum file.iso > file.iso.md5

How to check MD5 checksum of files

Read #General Notes
e.g. Assumed that file.iso and file.iso.md5 are in the same folder
md5sum -c file.iso.md5

How to mount/unmount Image (ISO) files without burning

Read #General Notes
To mount Image (ISO) file
sudo mkdir /media/iso
sudo modprobe loop
sudo mount file.iso /media/iso/ -t iso9660 -o loop
To unmount Image (ISO) file
sudo umount /media/iso/

How to set/change the burn speed for CD/DVD Burner

Read #General Notes
Applications -> System Tools -> Configuration Editor
Configuration Editor
/ -> apps -> nautilus-cd-burner -> default_speed (set/change the burn speed)

How to enable burnproof for CD/DVD Burner

Read #General Notes
Applications -> System Tools -> Configuration Editor
Configuration Editor
/ -> apps -> nautilus-cd-burner -> burnproof (Checked)

How to enable overburn for CD/DVD Burner

Read #General Notes
Applications -> System Tools -> Configuration Editor
Configuration Editor
/ -> apps -> nautilus-cd-burner -> overburn (Checked)

Networking

How to configure Google Talk

See the answer at Google Talk Help Center

How to activate/deactivate network connections

Read #General Notes
System -> Administration -> Networking
Network settings
Connections Tab -> Select "Ethernet connection" -> Activate/Deactivate

How to configure network connections

Read #General Notes
System -> Administration -> Networking
Network settings
Connections Tab -> Select "Ethernet connection" -> Properties
Connection -> Enable this connection (Checked)
Connection Settings -> Configuration: Select "DHCP/Static IP address"
DNS Tab -> DNS Servers -> Add/Delete
Read #How to activate/deactivate network connections

How to configure dialup connections

Read #General Notes
To configure dialup
sudo pppconfig
To connect dialup
sudo pon provider_name
To disconnect dialup
sudo poff

How to configure broadband connections

Read #General Notes
sudo pppoeconf

How to change computer name

Read #General Notes
System -> Administration -> Networking
Network settings
General Tab -> Host Settings -> Hostname: Specify the computer name 
Save and close all opened applications, Reboot computer

How to change computer descriptions

Read #General Notes
Read #How to install Samba Server for files/folders sharing service
sudo cp /etc/samba/smb.conf /etc/samba/smb.conf_backup
sudo gedit /etc/samba/smb.conf
Find this line
...
  server string = %h server (Samba, Ubuntu)
...
Replace with the following line
  server string = new_computer_descriptions
Save the edited file
sudo testparm
sudo /etc/init.d/samba restart

How to change computer Domain/Workgroup

Read #General Notes
Read #How to install Samba Server for files/folders sharing service
sudo cp /etc/samba/smb.conf /etc/samba/smb.conf_backup
sudo gedit /etc/samba/smb.conf
Find this line
...
  workgroup = MSHOME
...
Replace with the following line
  workgroup = new_domain_or_workgroup
Save the edited file
sudo testparm
sudo /etc/init.d/samba restart

How to assign Hostname to local machine with dynamic IP using free DynDNS service

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
Register free Dynamic DNS at http://www.dyndns.com/services/dns/dyndns
sudo apt-get install ipcheck
sudo gedit /etc/ppp/ip-up.d/dyndns_update.sh
Insert the following lines into the new file
 #!/bin/sh

 USERNAME=myusername
 PASSWORD=mypassword
 HOSTNAME=myhostname.dyndns.org

 cd /root/
 if [ -f /root/ipcheck.dat ]; then
  ipcheck -r checkip.dyndns.org:8245 $USERNAME $PASSWORD $HOSTNAME
 else
  ipcheck --makedat -r checkip.dyndns.org:8245 $USERNAME $PASSWORD $HOSTNAME
 fi
Save the edited file
sudo chmod 700 /etc/ppp/ip-up.d/dyndns_update.sh
sudo sh /etc/ppp/ip-up.d/dyndns_update.sh

How to share folders the easy way

Read #General Notes
Read #How to install Samba Server for files/folders sharing service
Right click on folder -> Share folder
Shared folder -> Share with: Select "SMB"
Share properties -> Name: Specify the share name

How to browse network computers

Read #General Notes
e.g. Assumed that network connections have been configured properly
If computers or network folders could not be found, try access them directly
Read #How to access network folders without mounting
Places -> Network Servers

How to access network folders without mounting

Read #General Notes
e.g. Assumed that network connections have been configured properly
Network computer's IP: 192.168.0.1
Shared folder's name: linux
Applications -> Run Application...
Run Application
smb://192.168.0.1/linux

How to mount/unmount network folders manually, and allow all users to read

Read #General Notes
Read #How to install Samba Server for files/folders sharing service
e.g. Assumed that network connections have been configured properly
Network computer's IP: 192.168.0.1
Network computer's Username: myusername
Network computer's Password: mypassword
Shared folder's name: linux
Local mount folder: /media/sharename
To mount network folder
sudo mkdir /media/sharename
sudo mount //192.168.0.1/linux /media/sharename/ -o username=myusername,password=mypassword
To unmount network folder
sudo umount /media/sharename/

How to mount/unmount network folders manually, and allow all users to read/write

Read #General Notes
Read #How to install Samba Server for files/folders sharing service
e.g. Assumed that network connections have been configured properly
Network computer's IP: 192.168.0.1
Network computer's Username: myusername
Network computer's Password: mypassword
Shared folder's name: linux
Local mount folder: /media/sharename
To mount network folder
sudo mkdir /media/sharename
sudo mount //192.168.0.1/linux /media/sharename/ -o username=myusername,password=mypassword,dmask=777,fmask=777
To unmount network folder
sudo umount /media/sharename/

How to mount network folders on boot-up, and allow all users to read

Read #General Notes
Read #How to install Samba Server for files/folders sharing service
e.g. Assumed that network connections have been configured properly
Network computer's IP: 192.168.0.1
Network computer's Username: myusername
Network computer's Password: mypassword
Shared folder's name: linux
Local mount folder: /media/sharename
sudo mkdir /media/sharename
sudo gedit /root/.smbcredentials
Insert the following lines into the new file
username=myusername
password=mypassword 
Save the edited file
sudo chmod 700 /root/.smbcredentials
sudo cp /etc/fstab /etc/fstab_backup
sudo gedit /etc/fstab
Append the following line at the end of file
//192.168.0.1/linux    /media/sharename smbfs  credentials=/root/.smbcredentials    0    0
Save the edited file
Read #How to remount /etc/fstab without rebooting

How to mount network folders on boot-up, and allow all users to read/write

Read #General Notes
Read #How to install Samba Server for files/folders sharing service
e.g. Assumed that network connections have been configured properly
Network computer's IP: 192.168.0.1
Network computer's Username: myusername
Network computer's Password: mypassword
Shared folder's name: linux
Local mount folder: /media/sharename
sudo mkdir /media/sharename
sudo gedit /root/.smbcredentials
Insert the following lines into the new file
username=myusername
password=mypassword
Save the edited file
sudo chmod 700 /root/.smbcredentials
sudo cp /etc/fstab /etc/fstab_backup
sudo gedit /etc/fstab
Append the following line at the end of file
//192.168.0.1/linux    /media/sharename smbfs  credentials=/root/.smbcredentials,dmask=777,fmask=777  0    0
Save the edited file
Read #How to remount /etc/fstab without rebooting

How to get ipw2200 and wpa to work

See Ubuntuforuns.org how-tos

How to Configure and start PPTP tunnels (VPN)

Read #General Notes
Use these instructions to automatically install PPTP Client
OR
Install manually
wget -c http://linux.edu.lv/uploads/content/pptp.tar.gz
tar zxvf pptp.tar.gz
sudo sh ./pptp/install
To configure PPTP Client
sudo gedit /usr/share/applications/pptpconfig.desktop
Replace content of this file with the following lines
[Desktop Entry]
Name=PPTP Client
Comment=Configure and start PPTP tunnels (VPN)
Categories=Application;Network
Encoding=UTF-8
Exec=gksudo pptpconfig
Icon=gnome-remote-desktop.png
StartupNotify=true
Terminal=false
Type=Application
The above lines change the default file in three ways: the application is placed in the Application/Internet category, gksudo will make the application run as superuser and we put a nice icon that appears in the menu.
Start the client with Applications -> Internet -> PPTP Client

Remote Desktop

How to configure remote desktop (not secure)

Read #General Notes
Warning! Remote Desktop will only work if there's a GNOME login session
Leaving computer with an unattended GNOME login session is not secure
Use (System -> Lock Screen) and switch off the monitor when computer is left unattended
System -> Preferences -> Remote Desktop
Remote Desktop Preferences
Sharing ->
Allow other users to view your desktop (Checked)
Allow other users to control your desktop (Checked)
Security ->
Ask you for confirmation (Un-Checked)
Require the user to enter this password: (Checked)
Password: Specify the password

How to connect into remote Ubuntu desktop

Read #General Notes
e.g. Assumed that remote Ubuntu machine have configured Remote Desktop
Read #How to configure remote desktop (not secure)
Remote Ubuntu machine: 192.168.0.1
vncviewer -fullscreen 192.168.0.1:0
To quit vncviewer
Press 'F8' -> Quit viewer

How to connect into remote Ubuntu desktop via Windows machine

Read #General Notes
e.g. Assumed that remote Ubuntu machine have configured Remote Desktop
Read #How to configure remote desktop (not secure)
Remote Ubuntu machine: 192.168.0.1
Download VNC Viewer: Here


Windows

How to mount/unmount Windows partitions (NTFS) manually, and allow all users to read only

Read #General Notes
Read #How to list partition tables


e.g. Assumed that /dev/hda1 is the location of Windows partition (NTFS)
Local mount folder: /media/windows
To mount Windows partition
sudo mkdir /media/windows
sudo mount /dev/hda1 /media/windows/ -t ntfs -o nls=utf8,umask=0222
To unmount Windows partition
sudo umount /media/windows/

How to mount/unmount Windows partitions (FAT) manually, and allow all users to read/write

Read #General Notes
Read #How to list partition tables
e.g. Assumed that /dev/hda1 is the location of Windows partition (FAT)
Local mount folder: /media/windows
To mount Windows partition
sudo mkdir /media/windows
sudo mount /dev/hda1 /media/windows/ -t vfat -o iocharset=utf8,umask=000
To unmount Windows partition
sudo umount /media/windows/

How to mount Windows partitions (NTFS) on boot-up, and allow all users to read only

Read #General Notes
Read #How to list partition tables
e.g. Assumed that /dev/hda1 is the location of Windows partition (NTFS)
Local mount folder: /media/windows
sudo mkdir /media/windows
sudo cp /etc/fstab /etc/fstab_backup
sudo gedit /etc/fstab
Append the following line at the end of file
/dev/hda1    /media/windows ntfs  nls=utf8,umask=0222 0    0
Save the edited file
Read #How to remount /etc/fstab without rebooting

How to mount Windows partitions (FAT) on boot-up, and allow all users to read/write

Read #General Notes
Read #How to list partition tables
e.g. Assumed that /dev/hda1 is the location of Windows partition (FAT)
Local mount folder: /media/windows
sudo mkdir /media/windows
sudo cp /etc/fstab /etc/fstab_backup
sudo gedit /etc/fstab
Append the following line at the end of file
/dev/hda1    /media/windows vfat  iocharset=utf8,umask=000  0    0
Save the edited file
Read #How to remount /etc/fstab without rebooting


Security

What are the basic things I need to know about securing my Ubuntu

Read #General Notes
Ensure hard drive is first in BIOS boot-up sequence
To prevent trespassers from using Linux Installation CD which allows them to gain root user access
To prevent trespassers from using Linux Live CD (e.g. UBUNTU/KNOPPIX/MEPIS) which allows them to destroy/browse/share the entire hard drive
To prevent trespassers from installing another Operating System
Ensure a password is set for BIOS
To prevent trespassers from changing the BIOS boot-up sequence
Ensure computer is located at a secured place
To prevent trespassers from removing computer's hard drive which allows them to destroy/browse/share the entire hard drive from a different computer
To prevent trespassers from removing computer's on-board battery which resets the BIOS password
Ensure passwords used on the system cannot be easily guessed
To prevent trespassers from cracking password file using brute force attacks (e.g. John the Ripper)
Create password with minimum length of 8 characters
Create password with mixture of characters/numbers, and upper/lower case
Ensure interactive editing control for GRUB menu is disabled
To prevent trespassers from modifying kernel boot-up arguments which allows them to have root user access
Read #How to disable all interactive editing control for GRUB menu
Ensure history listing is disabled in Console mode
To prevent trespassers from seeing previously issued commands
Read #How to disable history listing in Console mode
Ensure Ctrl+Alt+Del is disabled in Console mode
To prevent trespassers from restarting the system without permission in Console mode
Read #How to disable Ctrl-Alt-Del from restarting computer in Console mode
Ensure interactive option is set for remove, copy and move of files/folders in Console mode
To prevent accidental removal/overwritten of files/folders
Read #How to enable prompt before removal/overwritten of files/folders in Console mode
For day to day usage, login as a normal user
To prevent accidental deletion/modification of system files/folders
Read #How to add/edit/delete system users
Disable root user account, use "sudo" instead
To reduce the amount of time spent with root privileges, and thus the risk of inadvertently executing a command as root
"sudo" provides a more useful audit trail (/var/log/auth.log)
Read #How to disable root user account
Install a Firewall
A firewall does not guarantee security but it is in most environments the first line of defense against network based attacks
Read #How to install Firewall (Firestarter)
Perform vulnerability test
Nessus is a great tool designed to automate the testing and discovery of known security problems
Read #How to install Vulnerability Scanner (Nessus)

How to disable all interactive editing control for GRUB menu

Read #General Notes
grub
grub> md5crypt
Password: ****** (ubuntu)
Encrypted: $1$ZWnke0$1fzDBVjUcT1Mpdd4u/T961 (encrypted password)
grub> quit
sudo cp /boot/grub/menu.lst /boot/grub/menu.lst_backup
sudo gedit /boot/grub/menu.lst
Find this section
...
## password ['--md5'] passwd
# If used in the first section of a menu file, disable all interactive editing
# control (menu entry editor and command-line) and entries protected by the
# command 'lock'
# e.g. password topsecret
#   password --md5 $1$gLhU0/$aW78kHK1QfV3P2b2znUoe/
# password topsecret
...
Add the following line below it
password --md5 $1$ZWnke0$1fzDBVjUcT1Mpdd4u/T961 (encrypted password above)
Find this section
...
title		Ubuntu, kernel 2.6.10-5-386 (recovery mode)
root		(hd0,1)
kernel		/boot/vmlinuz-2.6.10-5-386 root=/dev/hda2 ro single
initrd		/boot/initrd.img-2.6.10-5-386
savedefault
boot
...
Replace with the following lines
#title		Ubuntu, kernel 2.6.10-5-386 (recovery mode)
#root		(hd0,1)
#kernel		/boot/vmlinuz-2.6.10-5-386 root=/dev/hda2 ro single
#initrd		/boot/initrd.img-2.6.10-5-386
#savedefault
#boot
Save the edited file

How to disable history listing in Console mode

Read #General Notes
rm -f $HOME/.bash_history
touch $HOME/.bash_history
chmod 000 $HOME/.bash_history

How to disable Ctrl-Alt-Del from restarting computer in Console mode

Read #General Notes
sudo cp /etc/inittab /etc/inittab_backup
sudo gedit /etc/inittab
Find this line
...
ca:12345:ctrlaltdel:/sbin/shutdown -t1 -a -r now
...
Replace with the following line
#ca:12345:ctrlaltdel:/sbin/shutdown -t1 -a -r now
Save the edited file
sudo telinit q

How to enable prompt before removal/overwritten of files/folders in Console mode

Read #General Notes
sudo cp /etc/bash.bashrc /etc/bash.bashrc_backup
sudo gedit /etc/bash.bashrc
Append the following lines at the end of file
alias rm='rm -i'
alias cp='cp -i'
alias mv='mv -i'
Save the edited file


Rescue Mode

How to gain root user access without login

Read #General Notes
Easiest method (will not work if GRUB menu password is set)
Boot-up computer
If GRUB menu is hidden, press 'Esc' to enter the GRUB menu
Select
Ubuntu, kernel 2.6.10-5-386 (recovery mode)
Press 'Enter' to boot
Other methods
Read #How to modify kernel boot-up arguments, to gain root user access
Read #How to use Ubuntu Installation CD, to gain root user access

How to modify kernel boot-up arguments, to gain root user access

Read #General Notes
Boot-up computer
If GRUB menu is hidden, press 'Esc' to enter the GRUB menu
If GRUB password is set, press 'p' to unlock the GRUB menu
Select
Ubuntu, kernel 2.6.10-5-386
Press 'e' to edit the commands before booting
Select
kernel /boot/vmlinuz-2.6.10-5-386 root=/dev/hda2 ro quiet splash
Press 'e' to edit the selected command in the boot sequence
Add "rw init=/bin/bash" to the end of the arguments
grub edit> kernel /boot/vmlinuz-2.6.10-5-386 root=/dev/hda2 ro quiet splash rw init=/bin/bash
Press 'b' to boot

How to use Ubuntu Installation CD, to gain root user access

Read #General Notes
Boot-up computer into Ubuntu Installation CD
At "boot:" prompt, add "rescue" to the argument
boot: rescue
Follow the instructions on screen

How to change root user/main user password if forgotten

Read #General Notes
Read #How to gain root user access without login
To change root user password
# passwd root
To change main user password
# passwd system_main_username

How to change GRUB menu password if forgotten

Read #General Notes
grub
grub> md5crypt
Password: ****** (ubuntu)
Encrypted: $1$ZWnke0$1fzDBVjUcT1Mpdd4u/T961 (encrypted password)
grub> quit
sudo cp /boot/grub/menu.lst /boot/grub/menu.lst_backup
sudo gedit /boot/grub/menu.lst
Find this line
...
password --md5 $1$gLhU0/$aW78kHK1QfV3P2b2znUoe/
...
Replace with the following line
password --md5 $1$ZWnke0$1fzDBVjUcT1Mpdd4u/T961 (encrypted password above)
Save the edited file

How to restore GRUB menu after Windows installation

Read #General Notes
Read #How to use Ubuntu Installation CD, to gain root user access
e.g. Assumed that /dev/hda is the location of /boot partition
# grub-install /dev/hda

How to add Windows entry into GRUB menu

Read #General Notes
Read #How to list partition tables
e.g. Assumed that /dev/hda1 is the location of Windows partition
sudo cp /boot/grub/menu.lst /boot/grub/menu.lst_backup
sudo gedit /boot/grub/menu.lst
Append the following lines at the end of file
title		Microsoft Windows
root		(hd0,0)
savedefault
makeactive
chainloader	+1
Save the edited file

How to read Linux partitions (ext2, ext3) in Windows machine

Read #General Notes
Download Explore2fs: Here
OR
See www.fs-driver.org

Tips & Tricks

How to install .deb files via right click menu

Read #General Notes
wget -c http://easylinux.info/uploads/nautilus-actions_1.0-1_i386.deb
sudo dpkg -ivh nautilus-actions_1.0-1_i386.deb
rm -f nautilus-actions_1.0-1_i386.deb
gedit ~/.installer
Insert the following lines into the new file
#!/bin/bash
# nautilus-deb-installer

package_name=`basename $1`

if zenity --question --title "Alert" --text "Do you wish to install the package $package_name?"
then
foo=`gksudo -u root -m "Please enter your password to install $package_name" /bin/echo "0"`
sudo dpkg -i "$1" | zenity --progress --pulsate --title "Please Wait" --text $"Installing $package_name"
zenity --info --title "Installation Complete" --text "The package $package_name has been installed"
else
zenity --info --title "Installation aborted" --text "The package $package_name was not installed"
exit 1
fi
Save the edited file
sudo chmod +x .installer
nautilus-actions-config
Click on "Add"
Label: Install Package
Tooltip: Install selected package
Path: /home/<your username>/.installer
Parameters: %M
Go to Conditions tab
File Pattern: *.deb
Files only

How to restart GNOME without rebooting computer

Read #General Notes
Save and close all opened applications
Press 'Ctrl + Alt + Backspace'

or
sudo /etc/init.d/gdm restart

How to turn on Num Lock on GNOME startup

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
sudo apt-get install numlockx
sudo cp /etc/X11/gdm/Init/Default /etc/X11/gdm/Init/Default_backup
sudo gedit /etc/X11/gdm/Init/Default
Find this line
...
exit 0
Add the following lines above it
if [ -x /usr/bin/numlockx ]; then
 /usr/bin/numlockx on
fi
Save the edited file
Read #How to restart GNOME without rebooting computer

How to run programs on startup when login into GNOME

Read #General Notes
System -> Preferences -> Sessions
Sessions
Startup Programs Tab -> Add/Edit/Delete

How to switch to Console mode in GNOME

Read #General Notes
To switch to Console mode
Press 'Ctrl + Alt + F1' (F2 - F6)
To switch between consles in Console mode
Press 'Alt + F1' (F2 - F6)
To switch back to GNOME mode
Press 'Alt + F7'

How to disable Ctrl+Alt+Backspace from restarting X in GNOME

Read #General Notes
sudo cp /etc/X11/xorg.conf /etc/X11/xorg.conf_backup
sudo gedit /etc/X11/xorg.conf
Append the following lines at the end of file
Section "ServerFlags"
	Option		"DontZap"		"yes"
EndSection
Save the edited file
Read #How to restart GNOME without rebooting computer

How to enable Ctrl+Alt+Del to open System Monitor in GNOME

Read #General Notes
gconftool-2 -t str --set /apps/metacity/global_keybindings/run_command_9 "<Control><Alt>Delete"
gconftool-2 -t str --set /apps/metacity/keybinding_commands/command_9 "gnome-system-monitor"

How to refresh GNOME desktop

Read #General Notes
killall nautilus

How to refresh GNOME panel

Read #General Notes
killall gnome-panel

How to open each folder in the same window in Nautilus

Read #General Notes
Applications -> System Tools -> Configuration Editor
Configuration Editor
/ -> apps -> nautilus -> preferences -> always_use_browser (Checked)

How to enable autosave in Gedit and disable creation of some_file~ files

Read #General Notes
Applications -> System Tools -> Configuration Editor
Configuration Editor
/ -> apps -> gedit-2 -> preferences -> editor -> save -> create_backup_copy (Unchecked)
/ -> apps -> gedit-2 -> preferences -> editor -> save -> auto_save (Checked)

How to show all hidden files/folders in Nautilus

Read #General Notes
Places -> Home Folder
To temporary show all hidden files/folders in Nautilus
Press 'Ctrl + H'
To permanently show all hidden files/folders in Nautilus
Edit Menu -> Preferences
Views Tab -> Default View -> Show hidden and backup files (Checked)

How to browse files/folders as root user in Nautilus

Read #General Notes
To install File Browser (Root)
sudo gedit /usr/share/applications/Nautilus-root.desktop
Insert the following lines into the new file
[Desktop Entry]
Name=File Browser (Root)
Comment=Browse the filesystem with the file manager
Exec=gksudo "nautilus --browser %U"
Icon=file-manager
Terminal=false
Type=Application
Categories=Application;System;
Save the edited file
Read #How to refresh GNOME panel
To browse files/folders as root user in Nautilus
Applications -> System Tools -> File Browser (Root)

How to show Desktop Icons (Computer, Home, Trash)

Read #General Notes
Applications -> System Tools -> Configuration Editor
Configuration Editor
/ -> apps -> nautilus -> desktop ->
computer_icon_visible (Checked)
home_icon_visible (Checked)
trash_icon_visible (Checked)

How to change default file type "Open with" program

Read #General Notes
Right click on file -> Properties
Open With Tab -> Add
Select "Open with" program
Select "Open with" program (Checked)

How to change preferred email client to Mozilla Thunderbird

Read #General Notes
Read #How to install Email Client (Mozilla Thunderbird)
System -> Preferences -> Preferred Applications
Preferred Applications
Mail Reader Tab -> Default Mail Reader -> Command: mozilla-thunderbird %s

How to open files as root user via right click

Read #General Notes
gedit $HOME/.gnome2/nautilus-scripts/Open\ as\ root
Insert the following lines into the new file
for uri in $NAUTILUS_SCRIPT_SELECTED_URIS; do
	gnome-sudo "gnome-open $uri" &
done
Save the edited file
chmod +x $HOME/.gnome2/nautilus-scripts/Open\ as\ root

Right click on file -> Scripts -> Open as root

How to disable beep sound in Terminal mode

Read #General Notes
Applications -> System Tools -> Terminal
Terminal
Edit Menu -> Current Profile...
General Tab -> General -> Terminal bell (Un-Checked)

How to load Web site faster in Mozilla Firefox

Read #General Notes
Applications -> Internet -> Firefox Web Browser
Mozilla Firefox
Address Bar -> about:config
Filter: ->
network.dns.disableIPv6 -> true
network.http.pipelining -> true
network.http.pipelining.maxrequests -> 8
network.http.proxy.pipelining -> true
Restart Mozilla Firefox

How to disable beep sound for link find function in Mozilla Firefox

Read #General Notes
Applications -> Internet -> Firefox Web Browser
Mozilla Firefox
Address Bar -> about:config
Filter: -> accessibility.typeaheadfind.enablesound -> false
Restart Mozilla Firefox


How to apt-get the easy way (Synaptic)

Read #General Notes
System -> Administration -> Synaptic Package Manager
Synaptic Package Manager
To enable the extra Universe and Multiverse repositories
  1. Settings -> Repositories
  2. Click the Settings button
  3. Tick Show disabled software sources
  4. On the Repositories dialog box click Add. There are three separate repositories; Breezy Badger, Security Updates and Updates. Select each repository and check Officially supported, Restricted copyright, Community maintained (Universe) and Non-free (Multiverse). Ensure you click OK between each repository to save your changes
  5. You should now see checkboxes next to each repository, scroll through the list and ensure they are all checked
To add backports and PLF (new versions of many applications. Unsupported. May contain illegal packages. Use at own risk.)
  1. Settings -> Repositories
  2. Click on Add and then Custom
  3. Paste the following five lines into the box and Click Add Repository, one line at a time:
deb http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu breezy-backports main restricted universe multiverse
deb-src http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu breezy-backports main restricted universe multiverse
deb http://ubuntu-backports.mirrormax.net breezy-extras main restricted universe multiverse
deb http://packages.freecontrib.org/ubuntu/plf breezy free non-free
deb-src http://packages.freecontrib.org/ubuntu/plf breezy free non-free 
To refresh the list of known packages (equivalent to apt-get update)
Edit Menu -> Reload Package Information
To install all possible upgrades (equivalent to apt-get upgrade)
Edit Menu -> Mark All Upgrades... -> Default Upgrade
Edit Menu -> Apply Marked Changes
To search for a package (equivalent to apt-cache search package_name)
Edit Menu -> Search... Specify the package name
To install the selected package (equivalent to apt-get install package_name)
Select "package_name"
Package Menu -> Mark for Installation
Edit Menu -> Apply Marked Changes
To remove installed package (equivalent to apt-get remove package_name)
Select "package_name"
Package Menu -> Mark for Removal
Edit Menu -> Apply Marked Changes

What packages do the extra repositories provide

Read #General Notes
Read #How to apt-get the easy way (Synaptic)
The PLF repository provides
  1. DVD playback support (libdvdcss2)
  2. Skype
  3. Sun Java SDK (Software Development Kit) and JRE (Java Runtime Environment)
  4. Opera Web browser
  5. RealPlayer 10
  6. Win32 binary multimedia codecs

How to install/uninstall .deb files

Read #General Notes
To install .deb file
sudo dpkg -i package_file.deb
To uninstall .deb file
sudo dpkg -r package_name

How to convert .rpm files to .deb files

Read #General Notes
sudo alien package_file.rpm

How to rename all files in directory at once

Read #General Notes
To install "mvb" file name renamer
wget -c http://easylinux.info/uploads/mvb_1.6.tgz
sudo tar zxvf mvb_1.6.tgz -C /usr/share/
sudo chown -R root:root /usr/share/mvb_1.6/
sudo ln -fs /usr/share/mvb_1.6/mvb /usr/bin/mvb

To rename all files in directory at once
mvb NEW_NAME

How to manipulate all image files in directory at once

Read #General Notes
To install bash batch image processing script
Read #How to add extra repositories
sudo apt-get install imagemagick
wget -c http://easylinux.info/uploads/bbips.0.3.2.sh
sudo cp bbips.0.3.2.sh /usr/bin/bbips
sudo chmod 755 /usr/bin/bbips
To manipulate all image files in directory at once
bbips

How to set System-wide Environment Variables

Read #General Notes
sudo cp /etc/bash.bashrc /etc/bash.bashrc_backup
sudo gedit /etc/bash.bashrc
Append the System-wide Environment Variables at the end of file
Save the edited file

How to save "man" outputs into files

Read #General Notes
man command | col -b > file.txt

How to hide GRUB menu on boot-up

Read #General Notes
sudo cp /boot/grub/menu.lst /boot/grub/menu.lst_backup
sudo gedit /boot/grub/menu.lst

Find this line
...
#hiddenmenu
...
Replace with the following line
hiddenmenu
Save the edited file

How to change the timeout seconds for GRUB menu on boot-up

Read #General Notes
sudo cp /boot/grub/menu.lst /boot/grub/menu.lst_backup
sudo gedit /boot/grub/menu.lst
Find this line
...
timeout     3
...
Replace with the following line
timeout     X_seconds
Save the edited file

How to change default Operating System boot-up for GRUB menu

Read #General Notes
sudo cp /boot/grub/menu.lst /boot/grub/menu.lst_backup
sudo gedit /boot/grub/menu.lst
Find this line
...
default     0
...
Replace with the following line
default     X_sequence
Save the edited file

How to display Splash Image for GRUB menu on boot-up

Read #General Notes
e.g. Assumed that hd0,1 is the location of Ubuntu boot partition
wget -c http://easylinux.info/uploads/ubuntu.xpm.gz
chmod 644 ubuntu.xpm.gz
sudo mkdir /boot/grub/images
sudo cp ubuntu.xpm.gz /boot/grub/images/
sudo cp /boot/grub/menu.lst /boot/grub/menu.lst_backup
sudo gedit /boot/grub/menu.lst
Find this section
# menu.lst - See: grub(8), info grub, update-grub(8)
#      grub-install(8), grub-floppy(8),
#      grub-md5-crypt, /usr/share/doc/grub
#      and /usr/share/doc/grub-doc/.
...
Add the following line below it
splashimage (hd0,1)/boot/grub/images/ubuntu.xpm.gz
Save the edited file

How to convert Wallpaper to Splash Image for GRUB menu

Read #General Notes
e.g. Assumed that wallpaper.png is the Wallpaper to be converted to Splash Image
splashimage.xpm.gz is the Splash Image for GRUB menu
convert -resize 640x480 -colors 14 wallpaper.png splashimage.xpm && gzip splashimage.xpm
Read #How to display Splash Image for GRUB menu on boot-up (use splashimage.xpm.gz instead of ubuntu.xpm.gz)

How to temporary skip boot-up services

Read #General Notes
Press 'Ctrl + C'

How to permanently disable/enable boot-up services

Read #General Notes
Read #How to install Boot-Up Manager (BUM)

How to clean /tmp/ folder contents on shutdown

Read #General Notes
sudo cp /etc/init.d/sysklogd /etc/init.d/sysklogd_backup
sudo gedit /etc/init.d/sysklogd
Find this section
...
 stop)
  log_begin_msg "Stopping system log daemon..."
  start-stop-daemon --stop --quiet --oknodo --exec $binpath --pidfile $pidfile
  log_end_msg $?
...
Add the following line below it
  rm -fr /tmp/* /tmp/.??*
Save the edited file

How to scroll up and down to view previous outputs in Console mode

Read #General Notes
To scroll up to view previously outputs
Press 'Shift + Page Up'
To scroll down to view previously outputs
Press 'Shift + Page Down'

How to find out which version of Ubuntu I am using

cat /etc/issue

How to set up automatic background change (GNOME)

Read #General notes
mkdir ~/.backgrounds
cd ~/.backgrounds
wget -c http://easylinux.info/uploads/change_background.py
chmod +x change_background.py
To change desktop background every time you reboot your computer
export EDITOR=gedit && crontab -e
Add the following line at the end of file
@reboot ~/.backgrounds/change_background.py
For more information about periodic processes see
man 5 crontab
~/.backgrounds is hidden directory, see #How to show all hidden files/folders in Nautilus
Copy images you wish to see on your background to ~/.backgrounds directory

How to set up automatic background change (KDE)

Read #General notes
Go to K-menu -> System Settings -> Desktop -> Background
Choose Slide Show
Press Setup...
Press Add... to add pictures you wish to see as desktop background
Set 'Change picture after' to desired picture rotation interval.
Press 'OK'


How to add keyboard layouts for other languages

Read #General notes
Go to System -> Preferences -> Keyboard
Choose Layouts
Press Add... to add the secondary keyboard layout. It is simpler to have two layouts; the maximum is currently four for Xorg.
Choose Layout Options
Expand option Group Shift/Lock behaviour
Choose the key combination that enables you to switch between keyboard layouts. The default is by pressing both Alt keys at the same time. A common alternative is to use Alt+Shift.
Press Close.

See #How to add the Keyboard (Layout) Indicator applet to add the Keyboard Indicator applet.


How to add the Keyboard (Layout) Indicator applet

Read #General notes
Read #How to add keyboard layouts for other languages
Right-click on empty space on the top panel so that you see the pop-up menu.
Click Add to Panel...
Choose Keyboard Indicator (it is under the Utilities section, at the end)

The Keyboard Indicator applet appears on the panel. The default language should be USA for U.S. English. You can either right-click on this applet for more options or see above on how to configure.


How to type extended characters

Read #General notes
Read #How to add keyboard layouts for other languages
Read #How to add the Keyboard (Layout) Indicator applet
Add the keyboard layout US English International (with dead keys)
Make US English International (with dead keys) the default keyboard layout.

The key marked ['"] is now a dead key. When you press it, nothing happens. However if you press a consonant immediately afterwards, the consonant appears with an accent.

' + a = á
' + e = é
and so on for i-í, o-ó, y-ý, c-c', z-z', n-n', l-l', u-ú, r-r'
" + a = ä
" + e = ë
and so on for y-ÿ, u-ü, i-ï, o-ö

Similarly, ` and a consonant generates à, è, ù, ì, ò. Similarly, ~ and a consonant generates ã, u~, i~, õ, ñ.

To type ' and ", press RightAlt+' and RightAlt+" respectively. To type ' and ", you may also press '+<space> and "+<space> respectively.

There are more characters available by keeping RightAlt pressed and typing a character. Therefore,

RightAlt+q = ä
RightAlt+w = å
RightAlt+e = é
RightAlt+r = ®
RightAlt+t = þ
RightAlt+y = ü
RightAlt+u = ú
RightAlt+i = í
RightAlt+o = ó
RightAlt+p = ö
RightAlt+[ and ] for « and » respectively.
RightAlt+a = á
RightAlt+s = ß
RightAlt+d = ð
RightAlt+l = ø
RightAlt+; = ¶
RightAlt+: = °
RightAlt+z = æ
RightAlt+c = ©
RightAlt+n = ñ
RightAlt+m = µ
RightAlt+, = ç
RightAlt+/ = ¿
RightAlt+1 = ¡
RightAlt+2 = ²
RightAlt+3 = ³
RightAlt+4 = ¤
RightAlt+5 = €
RightAlt+6 = ¼
RightAlt+7 = ½
RightAlt+8 = ¾
RightAlt+9 = ‘
RightAlt+0 = ’
RightAlt+- = ¥
RightAlt+= = ×
RightAlt+! = ¹
RightAlt+@, then o = o" (and O").
RightAlt+#, then a = a- (and A-). Similarly for e-E-, u-U-, i-I-, o-O-.
RightAlt+$ = £
RightAlt+% =
RightAlt+^ =
RightAlt+& =
RightAlt+*, then a = a; (and A;). Similarly for e;E;, i;I;.
RightAlt+(, then a = a( (and A()
RightAlt+(, then g = g( (and G()
RightAlt+), then a = å (and Å)
RightAlt+_ =
RightAlt++ = ÷

AntiVirus Server

How to install ClamAV AntiVirus Server

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
sudo apt-get install clamav

How to manually update virus databases

Read #General Notes
Read #How to install ClamAV AntiVirus Server
sudo freshclam

How to manually scan files/folders for viruses

Read #General Notes
Read #How to install ClamAV AntiVirus Server
sudo clamscan -r /location_of_files_or_folders

How to automatically scan files/folders for viruses

Read #General Notes
Read #How to install ClamAV AntiVirus Server
e.g. Automatically scan files/folders for viruses at midnight everyday
* * * * * means minute hour date month year
export EDITOR=gedit &&  sudo crontab -e
Append the following line at the end of file
00 00 * * *  sudo clamscan -r /location_of_files_or_folders
Save the edited file

Samba Server

How to install Samba Server for files/folders sharing service

Read #General Notes
Read #How to add extra repositories
sudo apt-get install samba
sudo apt-get install smbfs

How to add/edit/delete network users

Read #General Notes
Read #How to install Samba Server for files/folders sharing service
To add network user
Read #How to add/edit/delete system users
sudo smbpasswd -a system_username
sudo gedit /etc/samba/smbusers
Insert the following line into the new file
system_username = "network username"
Save the edited file
To edit network user
sudo smbpasswd -a system_username
To delete network user
sudo smbpasswd -x system_username

How to share home folders with read only permission (Authentication=Yes)

Read #General Notes
Read #How to install Samba Server for files/folders sharing service
sudo cp /etc/samba/smb.conf /etc/samba/smb.conf_backup
sudo gedit /etc/samba/smb.conf
Find this line
...
;  security = user
...
Replace with the following lines
  security = user
  username map = /etc/samba/smbusers
Save the edited file
Read #How to add/edit/delete network users
sudo testparm
sudo /etc/init.d/samba restart

How to share home folders with read/write permissions (Authentication=Yes)

Read #General Notes
Read #How to install Samba Server for files/folders sharing service
sudo cp /etc/samba/smb.conf /etc/samba/smb.conf_backup
sudo gedit /etc/samba/smb.conf
Find this line
...
;  security = user
...
Replace with the following lines
  security = user
  username map = /etc/samba/smbusers
Find this section
...
# By default, the home directories are exported read-only. Change next
# parameter to 'yes' if you want to be able to write to them.
  writable = no
...
Replace with the following lines
# By default, the home directories are exported read-only. Change next
# parameter to 'yes' if you want to be able to write to them.
  writable = yes
Save the edited file
Read #How to add/edit/delete network users
sudo testparm
sudo /etc/init.d/samba restart

How to share group folders with read only permission (Authentication=Yes)

Read #General Notes
Read #How to install Samba Server for files/folders sharing service
sudo mkdir /home/group
sudo chmod 777 /home/group/
sudo cp /etc/samba/smb.conf /etc/samba/smb.conf_backup
sudo gedit /etc/samba/smb.conf
Find this line
...
;  security = user
...
Replace with the following lines
 security = user
 username map = /etc/samba/smbusers