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Introduction - Unofficial Kubuntu 7.04 (Feisty Fawn) Starter Guide

Kubuntu 7.04 (codenamed Feisty Fawn) was released on April 19, 2007. Screenshots are available from LinuxQuestions Kubuntu Screenshots.

See Default Applications for a text listing of KDE and other applications included in the current release.

You can download Kubuntu from the official Kubuntu downloads page.

To edit pages you need to register

If you have any questions about the wiki, send us an e-mail to kubuntuguide -at- kubuntuguide.org

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General Notes

1. Kubuntuguide is unofficial and is not associated with Canonical Ltd. 

2. Text inside the grey dotted box like this should be put into a Konsole Terminal (K > System > Konsole).

3. 'sudo' elevates Administrator level rights (i.e. when installing programs or making changes to the system). Example 

sudo bash

4. 'kdesu' should be used instead of 'sudo' when opening a Graphical Application through the "Run Command" dialog box. Example: 

kdesu kate /etc/apt/sources.list

5. "man" command can be used to find help manual for a command. E.g. "man sudo" will display the manual page for the "sudo" command. Example: 

man sudo

6. While "apt-get" and "aptitude" are faster ways of installing programs, you may also consider the Adept Package Manager (K > System > Adept Manager), a GUI method for installing programs.

7. "K" means the bottom-left button, akin to the Start button in Microsoft Windows®.

8. If you are using 64-bit version, replace any "i386" with "amd64"

Installing Kubuntu

Fresh Installation

Upgrading Edgy to Feisty

If you are using an older version of Kubuntu, you should consider upgrading to Feisty. Instructions on upgrading can be found here: Kubuntu Feisty Upgrade

Kubuntu Resources

KDE Eye-Candy Resources

Kubuntu Screenshots and Screencasts

New Applications Resources

Other *buntu guides

Contents


Requests

If you have Kubuntu requests that you would like to be part of this guide, put them here.

  • How to install Compiz Fusion
  • How to manually mount an external drive (fat 32)
  • How to set up software RAID prior to fresh Feisty installation
  • How to make bluetooth work
  • How to make Kubuntu look like OSX
  • How to setup a network printer
  • How to enable scanner in Kubuntu Feisty
  • How to install Nvu
  • How to change default applications in System Settings
  • How to fix Mplayer showing video extremely bright
  • How to reverse engineer PDF into DOC format
  • How to add group for user in kcontrol
  • How to configure Kubuntu Startup programs
  • How to add NTFS
  • VMware Server
  • Win4Lin (Installation of Windows 9X/ME/2000/XP
  • Crossover Linux
  • Maple 11 Statistics Tool
  • How to install PaX, ProPolice, and DigSig
  • How to install a driver for the Canon PIXMA IP1600 printer

Add Extra Kubuntu Repositories

  • Read #General Notes
  • You can use Adept Package Manager to add extra repositories (go to K > System > Adept Manager > Manage Repositories). Here you can enable the repositories for Kubuntu Software and Third Party Software. For Third Party Software select Add > enter the repositories address and click OK > Close.

The above is the recommended way to add extra repositories.

Another way to add extra repositories is to use following steps (do this at your own risk):

1. Create a backup of your current list of sources. 

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

Command Explained: sudo - runs the command with elevated privileges. cp - copy. -p - prompt to overwrite if a file already exists.

2. Open the list of sources in a text editor...

using a graphical editor: 
kdesu kate /etc/apt/sources.list
or using a non-graphical editor: 
sudo nano /etc/apt/sources.list

3. Use the following lines as a template to guide you in editing the repositories in sources.list:

You can try replacing the current contents of sources.list with the following lines
To use your local mirror you can add "xx." before archive.ubuntu.com, where xx = your country code
e.g. deb http://gb.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu feisty main restricted universe multiverse is for repositories for Great Britain. 
## See http://help.ubuntu.com/community/UpgradeNotes for how to upgrade to
## newer versions of the distribution.

## Add comments (##) in front of any line to remove it from being checked.   
## Use the following sources.list at your own risk.  

## Uncomment deb-src if you wish to download the source packages

## If you have a install CD you can add it to the repository using 'apt-cdrom add'
## which will add a line similar to the following:
#deb cdrom:[Ubuntu 7.04 _Feisty Fawn_ - Beta i386 (20070322.1)]/ feisty main restricted
deb http://gb.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/ feisty main restricted
#deb-src http://gb.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/ feisty main restricted

## Major bug fix updates produced after the final release of the
## distribution.
deb http://gb.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/ feisty-updates main restricted
#deb-src http://gb.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/ feisty-updates main restricted

## N.B. software from this repository is ENTIRELY UNSUPPORTED by the Ubuntu
## team, and may not be under a free licence. Please satisfy yourself as to
## your rights to use the software. Also, please note that software in
## universe WILL NOT receive any review or updates from the Ubuntu security
## team.
deb http://gb.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/ feisty universe
#deb-src http://gb.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/ feisty universe

## N.B. software from this repository is ENTIRELY UNSUPPORTED by the Ubuntu
## team, and may not be under a free licence. Please satisfy yourself as to
## your rights to use the software. Also, please note that software in
## multiverse WILL NOT receive any review or updates from the Ubuntu
## security team.
deb http://gb.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/ feisty multiverse
#deb-src http://gb.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/ feisty multiverse

## Uncomment the following two lines to add software from the 'backports'
## repository.
## N.B. software from this repository may not have been tested as
## extensively as that contained in the main release, although it includes
## newer versions of some applications which may provide useful features.
## Also, please note that software in backports WILL NOT receive any review
## or updates from the Ubuntu security team.
deb http://gb.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/ feisty-backports main restricted universe multiverse
#deb-src http://gb.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/ feisty-backports main restricted universe multiverse

deb http://security.ubuntu.com/ubuntu feisty-security main restricted
#deb-src http://security.ubuntu.com/ubuntu feisty-security main restricted
deb http://security.ubuntu.com/ubuntu feisty-security universe
#deb-src http://security.ubuntu.com/ubuntu feisty-security universe
deb http://security.ubuntu.com/ubuntu feisty-security multiverse
#deb-src http://security.ubuntu.com/ubuntu feisty-security multiverse

## PLF REPOSITORY (Unsupported.  May contain illegal packages.  Use at own risk.)
## Medibuntu - Ubuntu 7.04 "feisty fawn"
## Please report any bug on https://launchpad.net/products/medibuntu/+bugs
deb http://packages.medibuntu.org/ feisty free non-free
#deb-src http://medibuntu.sos-sts.com/repo/ feisty free non-free

## CANONICAL COMMERCIAL REPOSITORY (Hosted on Canonical servers, not Ubuntu
## servers. RealPlayer10, Opera, DesktopSecure and more to come.) 
deb http://archive.canonical.com/ubuntu feisty-commercial main

## enlightenment e17 beta, use at your own risk
## E17 is in Beta and may break or break your system
#deb http://edevelop.org/pkg-e/ubuntu feisty e17
#deb http://e17.dunnewind.net/ubuntu feisty e17
#deb-src http://edevelop.org/pkg-e/ubuntu feisty e17

4. Save the edited file...

using graphical-editor (kate) - clicking File > Save
or non-graphical editor (nano): pressing CTRL+X then Y

5. Download needed gpg keys; e.g., use the following command for the PLF repository's gpg key: 

wget -q http://packages.medibuntu.org/medibuntu-key.gpg -O- | sudo apt-key add -

Command Explained: wget - retrieves a file from a network location. -q - quiet (no output). -O- - Output downloaded item to terminal.

This command then completes. the | (pipe symbol) is used to capture the output from the previous command (in our case the screen) and use it as an input for the command piped.

"sudo apt-key add -" could actually be read as "sudo apt-key add - mQGiBEVmMkE...=QrqU" which is (shortened) the output of the previous command. If you type the previous command without the section after the pipe you will see the full key.

If you wish to try out the E17 beta, you will also need to download it's gpg key: 
wget -q http://lut1n.ifrance.com/repo_key.asc -O- | sudo apt-key add -

6. Refresh packages list: 

sudo apt-get update


You may also generate your own sources.list and find other repositories at: http://www.ubuntulinux.nl/source-o-matic
You may also replace (or integrate) your sources.list with the complete sources.list for Feisty Fawn by Treviño - USE AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Modify the default Kubuntu sources.list only if you understand what you're doing. Mixing repositories can break your system.

Kubuntu Updates

Apt and Package Basics

Here is some basic information on how to use the APT package management tools from a terminal. The functionality of these tools is also provided in Adept Manager's GUI, but many people prefer to use the terminal to save time or for other reasons.

Open up a Konsole terminal (Go to K > System > Konsole)

  • Installing packages 
sudo apt-get install <packagename>
    • Examples: 
sudo apt-get install mpd sbackup
  • Removing packages 
sudo apt-get remove <packagename>
    • To remove all dependencies type 
sudo apt-get autoremove
    • Examples: 
sudo apt-get remove mpd sbackup
  • Searching for packages 
sudo apt-cache search <keywords>
    • Examples: 
sudo apt-cache search Music MP3
sudo apt-cache search "Text Editor"
  • Updating Apt database (used after adding/removing Apt repositories) 
sudo apt-get update
  • Upgrading packages 
sudo apt-get upgrade
  • Upgrade entire distribution 
sudo apt-get dist-upgrade
  • Install downloaded Ubuntu/Kubuntu (Debian) package (.deb) 
sudo dpkg -i package.deb
  • Remove Kubuntu/Ubuntu (Debian) package 
sudo dpkg -r package
  • Reconfigure/Repair installed package 
sudo dpkg-reconfigure package
    • Examples: 
sudo dpkg-reconfigure mpd
  • Handling ".tar.gz" (Tar/GZip) Archives
    • To extract: 
tar xvzf package.tar.gz

Command explained: tar is an application which can extract files from and archive. It cannot decompress them. -x means extract. -v means verbose (list what it is extracting). -z means filter through gzip. gzip is what compresses the archive (tar cannot compress them remember?). -f specifies the file to use. (You could extract this package by first using the command gzip, then you would be left with a .tar file. You would then not have to specify the -z switch as it would no longer be compressed.)

    • To create: 
tar cvfz package.tar.gz folder
  • Handling ".tar.bz" (Tar/BZip) Archives
    • To extract: 
tar xvjf package.tar.bz
    • To create: 
tar cvjf package.tar.bz folder
  • Extracting ".bz" Archives 
bunzip2 file.bz
  • Extracting ".gz" Archives 
gunzip file.gz
  • Building from Source

Make sure you have all the necessary development tools (i.e. libraries, compilers, headers) 

sudo apt-get install build-essential
sudo apt-get install linux-headers-`uname -r`

"uname -r" lists the current kernel you are using.

Extract your package (as detailed above) 

tar xvzf package.tar.gz

Commence the build process 

cd /path/to/extracted/package
./configure
make
make install

Note - typing ./ before a filename tells unix to try and execute the file as an application.

If build is successful, consider making an Ubuntu (Debian) package (.deb) for future use:

Install package tools: 

sudo apt-get install checkinstall

Rebuild package using "checkinstall": 

cd /path/to/extracted/package
./configure
make
checkinstall

Keep the resulting ".deb" file for future use. It can be installed using: 

sudo dpkg -i package.deb

Note: These are basic instructions that may not always work. Some packages require additional dependencies and optional parameters to be specified in order to build them successfully.

Aptitude

aptitude is a terminal-based package manager that can be used as a drop-in replacement for apt-get. One of the main features of aptitude is that it marks packages that are automatically installed and removes them when no packages depend on them. This makes it easy to remove applications completely. To use Aptitude, replace apt-get with aptitude in the command line. Examples: 

sudo aptitude install <packagename>
sudo aptitude remove <packagename>
sudo aptitude update
sudo aptitude upgrade

For an ncurses-based user interface, type 

sudo aptitude

For more information, see the aptitude documentation.

Manual Updates

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get upgrade
sudo apt-get dist-upgrade

OR

Use Adept Update Manager: K > System -> Adept Manager -> Fetch Updates > Full Upgrade

Automated Updates

  • Open K menu.
  • In the System menu, open Adept Manager.
  • In the Adept menu, select Manage Repositories.
  • Open the Updates tab at the top of the screen.
  • Make sure Check for Updates has an X in the box.
  • Use the selection box to the right of that to determine how often you'd like to check for updates.
  • Click the close button.
  • Close Adept Manager.

Add/Remove Programs

Using the Add/Remove Programs feature is very easy and it will not damage your Kubuntu installation.

  • Click K > Add/Remove Programs
  • Search for the sort of program you want to add. Example: type MP3 to see a list of mp3 software.
  • Check the box next to the software.
  • Click the "Apply Changes" button.
  • The selected program(s) will be automatically installed.

Automatix2

The use of Automatix2 is NOT RECOMMENDED as it can break your system should you wish to upgrade your system in the future. If you would like to install it anyway, follow the guidelines on the official website: Automatix2 Installation

Kubuntu Addon Applications

Home Automation / Home Theater

Complete Systems

LinuxMCE (Media Center Edition)

LinuxMCE is an integrated home theater/security camera and motion detector/home automation/telephone PBX/intercom system for your home. It is a community project that is a fork of the Linux Pluto commercial endeavour. There is a version that runs on Kubuntu 7.04 (Feisty) and a version for Kubuntu 7.10 (Gutsy). LinuxMCE can run either as a standalone system on a single PC, or as a network of multimedia PCs within the home (one of which runs as a "Core" server). A large number of multimedia devices can be integrated into the system. For more info see the LinuxMCE website.

To install LinuxMCE on a single PC or on a central Core server, the DVD installation is recommended (preferably on an empty computer with an Nvidia graphics card (6000, 7000, or 8000 series)). The disk will install the Kubuntu OS as well as the LinuxMCE system.

LinuxMCE can be installed as an add-on package to an existing Kubuntu system. To do this, the LinuxMCE 2 CD installation is recommended. A Kubuntu LiveCD is also needed for installation, even if you already have a full Kubuntu installation in place. (The LinuxMCE installation uses the Kubuntu LiveCD for additional modules.) The LinuxMCE version must match the Kubuntu version -- i.e. the LinuxMCE 710 version CDs require the Kubuntu 7.10 (Gutsy) Live CD.

With the 2 CD installation, it is possible to run Kubuntu separately from LinuxMCE on the same PC. In a network of multimedia PCs, however, it is recommended to dedicate at least one PC to function as a LinuxMCE core server.

LinuxMCE incorporates MythTV, Pluto home automation, Motion security surveillance, Asterisk PBX, VDR video disk recorder, and other home automation/security/theater packages in an integrated platform.

At this time, the automatic installer for Linux MCE uses the KDE desktop (Kubuntu). There are users that have made Linux MCE work with the Gnome desktop (Ubuntu), but it is recommended to stick with the automatic installation instructions for now.

Commercial Applications

Commercial Applications require a license which can be obtained from the relevant vendor either at a cost or free of charge (such as VMWare server).

Virtualization

VirtualBox

Open your Repositories sources list: 

sudo nano /etc/apt/sources.list

Add the following at the end: 

deb http://www.virtualbox.org/debian feisty non-free

Press CTRL+X then Y

Install the required apt-key: 

wget http://www.virtualbox.org/debian/innotek.asc 
sudo apt-key add innotek.asc

Update and Install: 

sudo aptitude update 
sudo aptitude install virtualbox

Accept the license: navigate to OK by using the Tab key and press Enter. Use right arrow key to highlight Yes and press Enter.

Create vboxusers group (if it doesn't exit) and add user to it: 

sudo groupadd vboxusers 
sudo usermod -G vboxusers -a user

replace "user" with your username.

Restart KDE using CTRL+ALT+BACKSPACE and re-login. Navigate to VirtualBox by K > System > innotek VirtualBox Virtual Machine

For more help on creating and managing visit ubuntugeek


Transgaming Cedega

Cedega is a semi-commercial application, similar to Wine, wherein you may install some Windows applications. Cedega, however, is designed specifically for games, containing 3D support, software acceleration support, and a high level of DirectX support. It is available at http://www.cedega.com or through the main site for TransGaming at http://www.transgaming.com. After purchasing a license (Cedega has some proprietary components, though it is largely based off of Wine), you are entitled to download it from the website, as often as desired, if you have a subscription ($5.00 USD per month). This subscription also entitles you to the updates that are offered by TransGaming.

To install Cedega, after downloading it, simply open the .deb package. The installation will be straightforward from there. After installing it, open the program and follow through the configuration options. From there, once the program is open, you simply click "install", and select the setup/installation file (typically, autorun.exe or setup.exe). Further information (including FAQs, installation instructions, and a troubleshooting guide) is available at Cedega's support page.

Be aware, that, although Cedega is largely based off of GPL'ed components, which are free (open source), as a whole the product is -not- free software, and that downloading it without purchasing a subscription is piracy.

Edutainment Applications

Edutainment Applications make learning easier and faster.

KDE Edutainment Suite

This is a collection of edutainment software from the official KDE release. Package: kdeedu 

sudo apt-get install kdeedu

Bibletime (Holy Bible)

Bibletime is a Bible study tool for KDE. It ships with the King James Bible with Strong's Numbers. Although, it has many extra bible versions, books, dictionaries and commentaries, in many languages, available for download from it's built in library. 

sudo apt-get install bibletime

Zekr (Quran)

Non-free Applications

Non-free Applications help you make use of proprietary software in order to maximize your Internet experience. The software available include Multimedia Codecs, Java Runtime Environment, as well as plug-ins for Firefox and Konqueror.

Firefox Plug-ins

Adobe Acrobat Reader with Firefox Plug-in

sudo apt-get install acroread mozilla-acroread acroread-plugins

Adobe Flash Player v.9 Firefox Plug-in

To install the official Adobe Flash plugin for Firefox, install the flashplugin-nonfree package: 

sudo apt-get install flashplugin-nonfree

Adobe Flash Player v.9 Konqueror Plug-in

To install the official Adobe Flash plugin for Konqueror, go to any Flash-based website. KDE will offer to install the plugin automatically for you.

Java Runtime Environment (JRE) v6.0 with Firefox plug-in

sudo apt-get install sun-java6-jre sun-java6-plugin

Kaffeine Plug-in for Firefox

sudo aptitude install kaffeine-mozilla

MPlayer plug-in for Firefox

sudo apt-get install mozilla-mplayer

VLC Plug-in for Firefox

Multimedia Codecs Installation

The Ubuntu Restricted Extras will install Adobe Flash Player, Java Runtime Environment with Firefox and Konqueror plug-ins, a set of Microsoft Fonts as well as media codecs. This is a single command approach. 

sudo apt-get install ubuntu-restricted-extras

You will see a blue dialogue for confimation, use tab to highlight "OK", then press Enter. On the next screen use left-right arrows to select "Yes" and agree to License, then press Enter.

For amarok and kaffeine, you need codecs for xine backend: 

sudo apt-get install libxine-extracodecs

Eye Candy Applications

Eye Candy Applications refer to the decoration of the Interface. These can be added on icons, themes, wallpapers etc. As well as the 3D effects that are available with the use Compiz Fusion.

Compiz Fusion

Kicker-Applets (Extra Applets for the Panels)

sudo apt-get install kicker-applets

Use by right clicking a panel > Add Applet To Panel

Kicker-Kickoff (Suse Style K Menu)

wget http://3v1n0.tuxfamily.org/pool/feisty/3v1n0/kicker-kickoff_1_i386.deb
sudo dpkg -i kicker-kickoff_1_i386.deb

Restart KDE by pressing CTRL+ALT+Backspace You can also switch back to old style menu by right clicking the K Menu and selecting Switch To KDE Menu Style

SuperKaramba Desktop Widgets / Gadgets

sudo apt-get install superkaramba

Webilder (Automatic Flickr/Webshots Wallpaper Changer)

Edit the Repositories: 

sudo nano /etc/apt/sources.list

Add the Repositories: 

deb http://debian.websterwood.com/ feisty main
deb-src http://debian.websterwood.com/ feisty main

Update: 

sudo apt-get update

Install Webilder: 

sudo apt-get install webilder webilder-kde

Usage: Start KWebilder by going to K > Graphics > KWebilder. Go to the preferences Window, to the Advanced Tab, and select KDE wallpapers settings.

Yakuake drop down Konsole

sudo apt-get install yakuake

Enable it by going to K > System > Yakuake

Use it by pressing F12

Games Applications

There are hundreds of games available under Linux. The following is a selected list of the best games.

Collections

KDE Games

A collection of games from the official KDE release is available from the Ubuntu repositories.
Package: kdegames 

sudo apt-get install kdegames

GNOME Games

These are the games included with the GNOME desktop enviroment. They will also run on KDE.
Package: gnome-games 

sudo apt-get install gnome-games

Action

Tremulous - a halo like multiplayer only game. 

sudo apt-get install tremulous

Arcade

Frozen-Bubble

Similar to Bust-a-Move, this gave has the player launching bubbles to match colors.
Package: frozen-bubble 

sudo apt-get install frozen-bubble

Penguin Racer

Fast (well, if you have a 3D accelerator card) and addicting race game.
Package: planetpenguin-racer 

sudo apt-get install planetpenguin-racer planetpenguin-racer-extras

Board Games

MahJongg

Classic Mahjongg game
Package: kmahjongg 

sudo apt-get install kmahjongg

Chess

Play chess against computer
Package: pouetchess 

sudo apt-get install pouetchess pouetchess-data

Emulators

Puzzles

Strategy

Graphics Manipulation Applications

Graphics Manipulation Applications allow you to edit your favourite photos or create stunning 3D drawings.

GIMP Image Manipulator

sudo apt-get install gimp

Inkscape Vector Illustrator

Internet Applications

Internet applications enable you to make full use of your Internet connection. You can get hold of Web Browsers, Email Clients, Instant Messengers and many more applications here.

Filesharing / P2P

KTorrent

This application is included with Kubuntu.

Azureus

sudo apt-get install azureus

Email Clients

KMail

This application is included with Kubuntu. Access it by clicking on the Kontact icon on your panel.

Evolution

sudo apt-get install evolution

Thunderbird

To install Mozilla Thunderbird, simply type in a console (e,g, Konsole) 

sudo apt-get install mozilla-thunderbird



Mozilla New Mail Icon for Thunderbird (minimise Thunderbird to tray)

In order to minimise Thunderbird to the tray, you can install the extension "Mozilla New Mail Icon"

On the website, right click "mozTrayBiff-1.2.3-tb2.0.0.0.xpi" and save the file to a destination you may use.

Then do in Thunderbird:

Tools -> Extensions -> Install

Browse to the location where you saved mozTrayBiff-1.2.3-tb2.0.0.0.xpi to. Select the file.

Instant Messengers

Kopete

This application is included with Kubuntu.

aMSN

sudo apt-get install amsn

Pidgin

Until Pidgin is in the Repositories, you can get it by the following method:

Install all the dependencies: 

sudo apt-get install libgtkspell0 tcl8.4 tk8.4

Retrieve the .deb package: 

wget http://download.ubuntu.pl/_Feisty_Fawn/pidgin/2.0.1/pidgin_2.0.1-1_i386.deb

Install Pidgin by running: 

sudo dpkg -i pidgin_2.0.1-1_i386.deb

FTP Clients

Although Konqueror can use FTP via kioslaves, you might wish to ue a dedicated FTP client.

Filezilla

sudo apt-get install filezilla

Newsreaders

Akregator

This application is included with Kubuntu.

RSSOwl

This application is a in Java written RSS | RDF | Atom Newsfeed Reader.

In order to use the internal browser, install first the packages xulrunner and firefox , either via Adept Manager or by typing this command into Konsole: 

sudo apt-get install firefox xulrunner

Change to your "opt" directory by typing this command into Konsole: 

cd /opt

Download the tar.gz-archive into your opt directory by typing this command into Konsole: 

sudo wget http://belnet.dl.sourceforge.net/sourceforge/rssowl/rssowl_1_2_3_linux_bin.tar.gz

Extract the archive and remove the extracted file by typing this command into Konsole: 

sudo tar zxvf ./rssowl_1_2_3_linux_bin.tar.gz && sudo rm ./rssowl_1_2_3_linux_bin.tar.gz

Make a startscript by typing this command into Konsole: 

sudo vim /usr/bin/runRSSOwl.sh

and add the following lines to your starter-script file /usr/bin/runRSSOwl.sh 

    export MOZILLA_FIVE_HOME=/usr/lib/xulrunner
    export LD_LIBRARY_PATH=$LD_LIBRARY_PATH:${MOZILLA_FIVE_HOME}:${LD_LIBRARY_PATH}
    cd /opt/rssowl_1_2_3_linux_bin
    ./run.sh


Make the startscript executable by typing this command into Konsole: 

sudo chmod u+x /usr/bin/runRSSOwl.sh

Now you always can start RSSOwl by typing this command into Konsole: 

runRSSOwl.sh

After having started the application "RSSOwl":

Go to --> View and enable "View Newstext in Browser".

Then go to --> Tools --> Preferences... --> General and enable in misc-section "Open any news automatically in browser".

Go to --> Tools --> Preferences... --> Browser and enter the path to the executable (my path was /usr/lib/firefox/firefox). Finally enable “use external browser” at the bottom.

Videoconferencing

Web Browsers

Konqueror

This application is included with Kubuntu.

Mozilla Firefox

Install the package firefox, either via Adept Manager or by typing this command into Konsole: 

sudo apt-get install firefox
Firefox Widgets

Opera

sudo apt-get install opera

Download Managers

KGet

Package: kget 

sudo apt-get install kget

KGet can be easily configured to work with Konqueror.

Multimedia Applications

Multimedia Applications enable you to make full use of your Linux system. There is a vast variety of Applications available for Multimedia under Linux, and most of them are very stable.

CDs and DVDs

Install MP3 support for K3b

Install the libk3b2-mp3 package: 

sudo apt-get install libk3b2-mp3

K9copy DVD-Ripper

sudo apt-get install k9copy

DVD Playback Capability

sudo aptitude install libdvdcss2

Internet TV

Democracy TV Player

Democracy Player allows you to watch user-generated content via the Internet.

To install it: 

sudo nano /etc/apt/sources.list

Add the following at the bottom: 

deb http://ftp.osuosl.org/pub/pculture.org/democracy/linux/repositories/ubuntu feisty/

Exit nano by CTRL+X and then Y

Install Democracy Player: 

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install democracyplayer

Run program by: 

democracyplayer

Sopcast Internet TV

Sopcast is a live stream program. Here is how to install it:

Retrieve the package by running: 

wget http://sopcast.fuerzw.de/download/1.1.0/sp-sc.tgz

Untar the package: 

tar -xvf sp-sc.tgz

Move sopcast base application to /usr/bin/ 

sudo mv sp-sc/sp-sc /usr/bin/

Now you have two options to run the program:

Command Line: 

sp-sc sop://broker.sopcast.com:3912/6098 3908 8908 > /dev/null &

replace sop://broker.sopcast.com:3912/6098 with the stream address given to you.

Open the Stream in Mplayer or VLC player 

mplayer http://localhost:8908/tv.asf

or 

vlc http://localhost:8908/tv.asf

GUI version:

Multimedia Players

Banshee Music Player

sudo apt-get install banshee

Elisa Multimedia Player

Follow this guide to install

Exaile Music Manager and Player

Read the article Add Extra Repositories 

sudo apt-get install exaile

Listen Music Manager and Player

MPlayer Multimedia Player

sudo apt-get install mplayer

RealPlayer 10 Multimedia Player

The Linux Realplayer is actually based on the open-source Helix player. Helix itself can be installed as a package easily (see below) and used instead of Realplayer. These instructions are to install the proprietary version of Realplayer only.

Download Real Player official linux player

Open a terminal and cd to the directory you have downloaded realplayer's .bin file. Then issue the following commands 

chmod +x RealPlayer10GOLD.bin
sudo ./RealPlayer10GOLD.bin

When it asks for installation path enter /usr/local/RealPlayer

For all other questions just choose default by pressing enter.

If you have installed mozilla-mplayer package you will need to delete the mplayer firefox plugin for real player videos. Other wise all real player files will open with mplayer. For that please do this 

cd /usr/lib/firefox/plugins
sudo rm mplayerplug-in-rm.*

Please remember to restart firefox and when ever you click on a real player video choose the option open with and use /usr/bin/realplay.

SMPlayer Multimedia Player

Songbird Music Player

Follow the guide from psychocats.net. Songbird is still in development, you should only use it for testing purposes.

StreamTuner Stream Directory Browser

Xine-UI Multimedia Player

sudo apt-get install xine-ui

VLC Multimedia Player

sudo apt-get install vlc

XMMS Music Player

sudo apt-get install xmms

Multimedia Servers

MPD Multimedia Playing Server

Timidity++ MIDI Sound Server

Productivity Applications

Office Suites

KOffice

Install the KOffice suite by installing the koffice package: 

sudo apt-get install koffice

Web Development

BlueFish Web Development Editor

sudo apt-get install bluefish

Kompozer Web Development Editor

sudo apt-get install kompozer

Science & Maths Applications

Science & Maths Applications are the e-Learning programs available under Linux.

Utilities

Utilities are meant to facilitate every day tasks that are performed such as a front-end to the IP Tables (Firewall), keeping clock up to date, zipping utilities and many more.

Archiving Utilities

BChunk

BChunk is a command-line utility that allows you to convert .cue and .bin file into .iso so they become useful on Kubuntu and you can open them. Warning: If the bin/cue image has audio tracks, they will be lost.

Get BChunk 

sudo apt-get install bchunk

To convert .cue and .bin files navigate to the folder and run this command (replacing filenames with your own ones): 

bchunk inputfilename.bin inputfilename.cue outputfilename.iso

After the file is converted into ISO; you can easily mount it using: 

sudo mount -o loop outputfilename.iso /media/output

Navigate to /media/output and you should see all the content there, you can copy it to anywhere you want.

To unmount: 

sudo umount /media/output

HJSplit Files Joiner/Splitter

HJSplit for Linux (Java version) Make sure you have Java Runtime Environment installed 

sudo apt-get install sun-java6-jre

Download the HJSplit JAR file 

wget http://www.freebyte.com/download/hjsplit/hjsplit_g.jar

Create the directory for HJSplit 

sudo mkdir /opt/hjsplit

Move the file to an appropriate directory 

sudo mv hjsplit_g.jar /opt/hjsplit/

Run by: 

cd /opt/hjsplit/ && java -jar hjsplit_g.jar

You can also make a terminal shortcut to the above in K Menu Editor.

Rar

sudo apt-get install rar

This application is a 40-day trial.

Unrar

sudo apt-get install unrar

This application is free for noncommercial use.

7-Zip

sudo apt-get install p7zip-full

The open-source 7-Zip archive format was originally designed for Windows (and, to a lesser extent, DOS) but is also available for Ubuntu. The GNU/Linux version of 7-Zip does not come with a GUI, but Ark can hook into 7-Zip to handle 7z archives.

Firestarter (Firewall)

sudo apt-get install firestarter

NTP (Clock Synchronizer)

sudo apt-get install ntp

Windows Applications

The Windows Applications allow you to install most of the applications available for Windows on Linux.

Wine

Package: wine 

sudo apt-get install wine

Also consider installing Microsoft's TrueType fonts. In this case, enter: 

sudo apt-get install wine msttcorefonts

µTorrent

Kubuntu System Administration

Automating Tasks

Boot Menu

Default Applications

Hardware

CPU

Digital Cameras

Graphics Card

Install Latest nvidia/ATI drivers
sudo apt-get install nvidia-glx

//Note: This can break your installation. If you have newer hardware or are using Tribe 4 or newer, it is recommended to install nvidia-glx-new instead. If by chance you realize that you messed up after the fact, use 'dpkg-reconfigure xserver-xorg' and change your graphics card to 'nv' and then install the newer package after the jump. 

sudo nvidia-xconfig --add-argb-glx-visuals
Fix Intel 915 resolution problem
sudo apt-get install 915resolution
Reconfigure xserver-xorg
  sudo dpkg-reconfigure xserver-xorg

Hard Drives and USB Storage

Mice

Activate side-mouse-buttons in FireFox

Just add two lines to xorg.conf will activate side-mouse-buttons in FireFox. This should work with most 5-button mouse. Here is a list of mice that worked with this instruction. 

   * Logitech MX310
   * Logitech MX510
   * Logitech MX518
   * Logitech MX700
   * Logitech MX Revolution
   * Intellimouse Explorer (first edition)
   * Razer Copperhead

Backup X.org configuration file 

sudo cp /etc/X11/xorg.conf /etc/X11/xorg.conf.bak

Modify the X.org configuration file 

kdesu kate& /etc/X11/xorg.conf

Find the Input Device section for your mouse and add two lines as shown below. You may also increase the number of buttons if your mouse has more than 7, just fix the rest of the section based upon the number of buttons (remember back/forward, wheel click & tilt left/right all count as buttons)

Change: 

Section "InputDevice"
 Identifier "Configured Mouse"
 Driver "mouse"
 Option "CorePointer"
 Option "Device" "/dev/input/mice"
 Option "Protocol" "ExplorerPS/2"
 Option "ZAxisMapping" "4 5" 
 Option "Emulate3Buttons"       "true"
EndSection

to: 

Section "InputDevice"
 Identifier "Configured Mouse"
 Driver "mouse"
 Option "CorePointer"
 Option "Device" "/dev/input/mice"
 Option "Protocol" "ExplorerPS/2"
 Option "ZAxisMapping" "4 5"
 Option "Emulate3Buttons" "true"
 Option "Buttons" "7"
 Option "ButtonMapping" "1 2 3 6 7"
EndSection

Monitors / Displays

Configure Dual Monitors with nVidia

Please make sure that the nVidia driver has been installed and is functioning properly on your first screen. Also, make sure both monitors are connected.

We will use the NVIDIA X Server Settings application to do all of the work. This can be found in K->System Settings. However, we will need to be root to make the configuration stick. So we will launch it from a terminal. Open Konsole and type: 

sudo nvidia-settings

Then select "X Server Display Configuration". You should see 3 boxes (2 if your card doesn't have an S-Video out). From here you can configure all of your card's outputs. Select the "(Disabled)" box and hit "Configure..." below. The most common choice is TwinView. Select it and hit OK.

Now, take the time to setup the desired screen resolutions and positions of your two active displays. The new display will likely have resolution set to "Auto" to match your first. Feel free to change this if you wish. Leave the first screen's position as "Absolute" and set your second display's position relative to that. "Clone" means the same output on both.

Once you are satisfied with your settings, hit Apply to test them. Note: if your displays are side-by-side, the kicker may extend across both screens as well as any maximized applications. This will be corrected when the X server is restarted. If everything else is ok, hit "Save to X Configuration File". Now hit Ctrl+Alt+Backspace to restart X. You now have 2 screens!

Troubleshooting: if the X server fails to reload you can recover your old X configuration. In a terminal: 

sudo cp /etc/X11/xorg.conf.backup /etc/X11/xorg.conf

Optical Drives

Palm

Printers & Scanners

Fix Scanner in Kubuntu Feisty

Follow guidelines here: ubuntugeek

Sound

Touchpad

USB

Other

Networking

Bluetooth

Filesharing

Try the guide at http://littlergirl.googlepages.com/NFSForIdiots.html

Voice Over IP (VOIP)

Configure Google Talk

See Google's instructions at http://www.google.com/support/talk/bin/answer.py?answer=57557

Samba File Sharing

Enable File Sharing Server With User Login (Very Reliable Method)

Do the following on the machine that has the files to be shared:

Install Samba 

sudo apt-get install samba

Add current user to Samba: 

sudo smbpasswd username

(replacing username with your login username)

Open the samba config file: 

sudo nano /etc/samba/smb.conf

Add the directories to be added (right at the end) in the following format: 

[Pictures]
path = /home/username/FOLDER_TO_BE_SHARED

(Replace username with your username and FOLDER_TO_BE_SHARED with the folder you want to share)

Press CTRL+X and then Y to save.

Restart Samba

sudo /etc/init.d/samba restart

On Windows access the folder in the following format in Windows Explorer: 

\\192.168.x.x

(replacing 192.168.x.x with your actual IP address of the server serving the folder)

On Linux type the following in Konqueror or Nautilus: 

smb://192.168.x.x

(replacing 192.168.x.x with your actual IP address of the server serving the folder)

Note: If you use Sharing in KDE's System Settings panel, be aware there's a small bug, reported here: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/kdenetwork/+bug/95452 To summarize, you need to comment out/delete any instances of these two lines in /etc/smb.conf : 

case sensitive
msdfs proxy

Local Area Network

Modems / Dial-up

Wireless

There are two applications you might try: 

sudo apt-get install knetworkmanager

or 

sudo apt-get install kwifimanager

KWifiManager only supports WEP encryption.

Manual configuration

3 steps for WEP: 

sudo iwconfig eth[N] essid [SSID]
sudo iwconfig eth[N] key restricted s:[PASSWORD]
sudo dhclient

WPA is more complicated: 

su
mkdir /etc/wpa_supplicant
cd /etc/wpa_supplicant
echo network = { > wpa_supplicant.conf
echo ssid="SSID" >> wpa_supplicant.conf
echo key_mgmt=WPA-PSK >> wpa_supplicant.conf
echo psk="PRESHAREDKEY" >> wpa_supplicant.conf
echo } >> wpa_supplicant.conf
cd /etc/network
vim interfaces

Now add after "auto eth[N] ..." & "iface eth[N] .." (press 'i'): 

wpa-driver wext # or whatever driver your network card needs
wpa-conf /etc/wpa_supplicant/wpa_supplicant.conf

Save the file ('Esc', ':x', 'Enter') and restart your system.

Remote Access

SSH

Secure Shell or SSH is a network protocol that allows data to be exchanged over a secure channel between two computers. Encryption provides confidentiality and integrity of data. SSH client is installed by default in Feisty so you can connect to another computer running SSH server, while if you want to run an SSH server you have to install it: 

   sudo apt-get install openssh-server

Telnet

XDMCP

VNC

Virtual Network Computing (VNC) is a graphical desktop sharing system which uses the RFB protocol to remotely control another computer. It transmits the keyboard and mouse events from one computer to another, relaying the graphical screen updates back in the other direction, over a network. VNC is platform-independent — a VNC viewer on any operating system can usually connect to a VNC server on any other operating system.

On Kubuntu, a VNC viewer is installed by default under K-Menu -> Internet -> Krdc To connect to a vnc server, simply type vnc:/SERVER_IP_ADDR

You can also install XVNC4Viewer if you prefer it over Krdc using: 

   sudo apt-get install xvnc4viewer

To install a VNC server to share your desktop with other computer, type each of these commands in order: 

   sudo apt-get install x11vnc
   mkdir ~/.vnc && x11vnc -storepasswd YOUR_PASSWORD ~/.vnc/x11vnc.pass
   echo "/usr/bin/x11vnc -rfbauth ~/.vnc/x11vnc.pass -o ~/.vnc/x11vnc.log -loopbg -display :0" > ~/.kde/Autostart/x11vnc.sh
   chmod +x ~/.kde/Autostart/x11vnc.sh

You can test the server by running the shell script (just type ~/.kde/Autostart/x11vnc.sh) and after restarting KDE, the script should start the VNC server automatically. For customization of x11vnc server, edit the commands in the x11vnc.sh file enter after viewing "man:/x11vnc" in konqueror, where a description of parameters for x11vn is given.

Security

System Backup

System Recovery

System Resources

User Administration

Windows Compatibility

Mounting NTFS Partitions(with read/write privilege)

Install NTFS-3G: 

sudo apt-get install ntfs-3g

Edit fstab: 

sudo vi /etc/fstab

When kubuntu installation finished, kubuntu mounted all ntfs partisions automatically with ntfsprogs. Change(maybe slightly different in your machine): 

UUID=8466268666267956 /media/sda1     ntfs    defaults,gid=46 0       1

to: 

UUID=8466268666267956 /media/sda1     ntfs-3g    defaults,nls=utf8,locale=zh_CN.UTF-8,umask=000,gid=46 0       1

In my case, I have a Chinese language windows installed on my first partition. set the locale parameter so that my Chinese documents can display correctly. set umask=0 let me write the partition without sudo.

Mounting FAT32 Partitions

Tips & Tricks

create a symlink from a file to another location

ln -s /path/to/source /path/to/destination

If /path/to/destination require superuser rights do: 

sudo ln -s /path/to/source /path/to/destination


Get a root prompt without assigning a root password

In other GNU/Linux distributions you can switch to a root user prompt with su. However, in Ubuntu no password is set for the root user, and sudo is used instead. You can still get a root prompt in Ubuntu by typing: 

sudo su

You can also get a prompt for any other user on the computer by typing: 

sudo su <username>

Mount and Unmount a device

To mount a device: 

mount /dev/hda

replace /dev/hda with the location of the device.

To unmount a device: 

umount /dev/hda

replace /dev/hda with the location of the device.

Assign a root password

To be able to log in as root directly, you must assign a root password. This can be done with: 

sudo passwd root

Afterwards, you can use 

su

to get a root prompt.

Remove Konqueror thumbnails temporary files

When browsing files locally Konqueror builds up thumbnails of images viewed. To remove those, put this in the Konsole (substituting "user" with your username): 

cd /home/user/.thumbnails/normal
rm -rf *.png
cd /home/user/.thumbnails/large
rm -rf *.png

Eye Candy Tips

Change USplash Boot Screen

Compiz Fusion Installation Configuration

Software Troubleshooting

Amarok Troubleshooting

Amarok permissions error on Amarok startup

If you get a permissions error when launching Amarok, try the following: 

sudo chown -R user /home/user

("user" replaced with the actual username)

Katapult Troubleshooting

Katapult Configurations

Katapult is pre-installed in Kubuntu and gives you easy access to all the programs on your computer. To use it press ALT+SPACE, then enter the first few letters of the program you want to access.

To enable the Calculator in Katapult, press ALT+SPACE followed by CTRL+C > Configure Katapult > Catalogues. Here you can move the Calculator option from the left to the right, and click OK. From now you can access Calculator via ALT+SPACE followed by the number you wish to calculate.

Hardware Troubleshooting

Sound Card Troubleshooting

Refer to the Comprehensive Sound Problems Solutions Guide

Retrieved from "http://kubuntuguide.org/Feisty"