My Free Software Resolution

*The Resolution*

/I, threethirty, do resolve to use free software more in 2009 than in
any year before and if possible, to implement new systems, features, and
capabilities with 100% free software./

That means if you're looking for a new web browser, you'll consider Firefox.
If you need to open one of those weird .docx Word Documents, you're going to
use Open Office. And finally, you're going to try GNU/Linux. There are so
many ways to try it that one of these has got to be for you.

*Start 2009 out right*

1. Order a free Ubuntu Live CD from http://shipit.ubuntu.com [1] and boot up
your computer with it. Voila! You're trying GNU/Linux.

2. Ask your nearest techie to download and burn Ubuntu or Fedora to a CD for
you. Pop it in your CD drive and reboot. Some would call that trying
GNU/Linux.

3. Ask your nearest techie to install GNU/Linux for you and see the world of
computers with fresh eyes as you try GNU/Linux.

4. Download the source code to Azureus, configure and build the package, then
use it to download Arch, CrunchBang, or SlackWare and run that baby in a
virtual machine using VirtualBox OSE.

5. Finally, if you need help with any of the above submit a support request
at http://trygnulinux.com/getsupport.php [2] and we'll do our best to help
you with the next step.

With this New Year's resolution, 2009 can be a spectacular year for free
software so try to stick with it. Next New Year, we're hoping to find a
fitter, healthier, more-free-software-using you. Happy New Year from everyone
at TryGNULinux.com.


[1] http://shipit.ubuntu.com
[2] http://trygnulinux.com/getsupport.php

gwibber = win

I have just installed gwibber in ubuntu hardy and I have a how-to, its running a little wonky now, but hey its not even release yet.

##how to install gwibber in ubuntu hardy ##

#install simplejson
easy way is to go here : http://packages.ubuntu.com/hardy/i386/python-simplejson/download choose a mirror and let it open in Gdebi

#install baazaar
$ sudo apt-get (or aptitude) install bzr

#Checkout the baazaar repo
$ bzr checkout https://code.launchpad.net/~segphault/gwibber/main

#Change to the gwibber directory
$ cd gwibber/

#install gwibber
$ sudo python setup.py install

#Run gwibber

you can typw gwibber in a terminal or just open it from the menus

How to install Ubuntu into an Encrypted LVM

Hi again folks, here is a great video from the LinuxResonance Podcast. It is a step by step walk through on how to keep the data on you laptop safe if it is ever stolen. I know some governments of the world who could use this one. So without further adu...

How to turn RPM packages into DEB packages with Alien

Companies are funny. Most of them think that there is only on type of Linux package, and for some reason that tends to be .rpm. Now .rpm are fine if you run OpenSUSE, Fedora, etc. But this is the Ubuntu Help Blog, Ubuntu is based on Debian and Debian uses .deb packages. So what can we do we use alien. Now this will look kinda scary at the begining because this is a command line tool, but I promise this is easy.

Step 1:
First you will have to apt-get alien



















and type "y" you need those packages





















Step 2:
Run alien the easy way to do this is to use:

sudo alien {and then just drag the file into the terminal}




Step 3:
After it tells you that the deb has been created, or you get a prompt where you can run a different command (e.g. three@Condor:~$), go to your home folder and double click your new deb

Fixing video playback with beryl enabled

This is something that I run into all the time. Every time I reinstall in my laptop, I forget to set this little thing.

The Problem:

There is a bug in either Gstreamer or Beryl (not sure which) that does not allow you you watch video. I know that is worded horribly but what happens is you open a video and you get audio but no video (black screen).

The Solution:

(1) Open a Termial (Applications -> Accessories -> Terminal)

(2) type

gstreamer-properties

(3) click the Video tab

(4) change the Output Plugin to X Window System (No Xv)

if you want you can click test and you should get color bars like on your tv

The definitive dual-booting guide: Linux, Vista and XP step-by-step

Ok for you people who absolutely must dual boot Windows and Linux here is what I'm thinking is the best how to on running any combination of Windows XP, Vista, and Linux

http://apcmag.com/node/5162/

Using the Linux Console

I came across this nice little intro while chatting in #ubuntu-offtopic on IRC. A guy named therealnanotube popped in to ask if there were any glaring inaccuracies. I found none so I decided to pass this along.

http://ubuntuzilla.wiki.sourceforge.net/Using_The_Linux_Console

If anyone has any questions or would like to discuss this wiki further please post in the comments