Full Circle LINUX LABS: THE INDEPENDENT MAGAZINE FOR THE UBUNTU LINUX COMMUNITY Pivos XIOS DS ISSUE #66 - October 2012 Media Play

RREEVVIIEEWWSS OOFF:: NEXUS 7 & PEPPERMINT THREE

full circle magazine #66 1 Full Circle Magazine is neither affiliated with, nor endorsed by, Canonical Ltd. contents ^ HowTo Full Circle Opinions THE INDEPENDENT MAGAZINE FOR THE UBUNTU LINUX COMMUNITY My Story p.38 Learning LaTeX p.06 Columns

LibreOffice - Part 18 p.08 Command & Conquer p.04 Ubuntu Game News p.56 What Is... p.40

Do Backups p.11 Ask The New Guy p.27 Ubuntu Games p.57 Review p.43

Letters p.49 Kdenlive - Part 3 p.18 Linux Labs p.30 Q&A p.52

Inkscape - Part 6 p.20 Ubuntu Women p.54 Closing Windows p.34 Web Dev p.23 Graphics Web Dev

The articles contained in this magazine are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license. This means you can adapt, copy, distribute and transmit the articles but only under the following conditions: you must attribute the work to the original author in some way (at least a name, email or URL) and to this magazine by name ('Full Circle Magazine') and the URL www.fullcirclemagazine.org (but not attribute the article(s) in any way that suggests that they endorse you or your use of the work). If you alter, transform, or build upon this work, you must distribute the resulting work under the same, similar or a compatible license. Full Circle magazine is entirely independent of Canonical, the sponsor of the Ubuntu projects, and the views and opinions in the magazine should in no way be assumed tfoulhl acivrecleCamnaognaiczainlee#nd6o6rseme2nt. contents ^ EEDDIITTOORRIIAALL

This magazine was created using :

Welcome to another issue of Full Circle!

couple of changes this month. Firstly, Greg has had to take the month off, so no Python this month, but he'll be back next issue. I've created a new 'What Is' column where, after receiving a few emails about it, I've explained (as best I can) A what UEFI is, what it does, and where it came from. Please, join in and tell us 'What Is [fill in the blank]'. Details are on page 40. Also, please welcome Pensador Louco who is drawing the Tuxidermy cartoon especially for FCM. The first strip is on page 51.

LibreOffice continues with a brief explanation of its Base (database) component. We also have a quick tutorial on using LaTex, and a lengthy piece on restoring your system – Full Circle Podcast using either a backup or a reinstall. If you're thinking of buying a media player for your Released monthly, each episode covers all the latest Ubuntu news, mancave, you might want to take a look at Charles's Linux Labs column this month where he opinions, reviews, interviews and explains the Pivos XIOS DS media player. At half the size of a DVD case, it's certainly small! listener feedback. The Side-Pod is Speaking of hardware, I've included a review of my Google Nexus 7 tablet, and Art has a new addition, it's an extra reviewed Peppermint Three (OS) which certainly looks interesting. Oh, and if you've ever (irregular) short-form podcast which is intended to be a branch had the problem of a PC that won't boot from USB (I certainly have), then you'll want to of the main podcast. It's read Gord's Q&A Tips and Tricks piece on using the Plop boot manager. somewhere to put all the general technology and non-Ubuntu stuff that doesn’t fit in the main podcast. All the best, and keep in touch! Ronnie Hosts: [email protected] • Les Pounder • Tony Hughes • Jon Chamberlain • Oliver Clark

http://fullcirclemagazine.org

full circle magazine #66 3 contents ^ CCOOMMMMAANNDD && CCOONNQQUUEERR Written by Lucas Westermann WWuunnddeerrlliisstt && AAiirrDDrrooiidd

his month, instead of my (without extra coding), and, unless Other options are: Today, Overdue, to mobile devices, and, possibly, usual command-line I plan ahead and Starred, Done, Tomorrow, Next 7 lightweight/minimized views, or ramblings, I've decided to favourite/download the files on my Days, Later, No Due Date. You can widgets, for normal PCs. If, T share with you two very phone, unavailable to me without configure notifications for your however, you have no issue useful pieces of software I've Internet access. Beside that, not important tasks, and forgo it on unlocking your phone to check the started using: Wunderlist, which is everyone wants to piece together any less important (or time- widget, or opening the program on cross-platform, and AirDroid, a system like this. sensitive) tasks. The only feature your PC/laptop (or leaving it open which is an Android app. For those I'd like to see implemented is the constantly), you'll find this to be a of you wondering whether this Enter Wunderlist. It's a program ability to see your tasks for today great little tool to better organize article is worth reading, I leave available for everything from iOS on your lock screen when it comes your (work) life. that up to you. To save you reading and Android to Linux and Windows. the entire article though, I will It requires you to create a free explain that Wunderlist is a To-Do account, after which you can sync list application that offers syncing your lists amongst any and all among most any commonly found systems that you are logged into. It OS, and AirDroid is a web-based also offers a web-based login, so interface for managing your you can check it from computers android device. This is especially outside of your usual circulation useful for tablets like the Asus (library, public area, work, Transformer (TF101), which borrowed computer, etc). The doesn't play nicely with Linux due astute amongst my readers may to it using MTP. If you have no want to point out that Dropbox need for either, feel free to move allows similar access to files, onto the next article. however, I've found formatting issues abundant when using In the recent few months, I've Windows or OS X text editors, due looked for a method of managing to them using different formats for To-Do lists on the go. My usual non-printing characters. system of Dropbox, a text file, and conky/geekTool (on OS X) is The main menu will drop you lightweight, but doesn't offer the into an area called “Inbox”—this is ability of actual reminders where all of your tasks are listed.

full circle magazine #66 4 contents ^ COMMAND & CONQUER

An alternative to Wunderlist is, as anything else you do online. recommend giving AirDroid a shot. possibly desperately needed) of course, Remember The Milk. The Transfer rates, of course, depend However, if you're a stickler for alternatives/solutions. If you have upside to Remember The Milk is upon the LAN you're using on security (or have alternatives), I any comments, questions, or the plethora of third-party, and either end of the line would suggest using something suggestions, feel free to email me command-line, software available (sending/receiving), but will else. As always, if you want the at lswest34@gmail.com. If you for it. That being said, I do find the generally be slower than USB. That best transfer speeds, using a wired decide to do so, please include interface on Wunderlist to be a being said, I was able to put a 4 GB option will serve you best. Lastly, I FCM or C&C in the subject line, so little nicer. If, after continued trial movie on my tablet via a regular ol' should note that quitting the app that I don't overlook it. of both options, I make a distinct 802.11g network in about 5-15 (and killing the server) is done by decision, I will make a note of it in minutes, depending on whether hitting the back button when at Command & Conquer. If anyone my source device was connected the main window. I, at least, has a preference (or another via ethernet or wirelessly. needed a minute to figure that one out. Lucas has learned all he knows from option I haven't named), feel free repeatedly breaking his system, then to email me about it—see the If you're unable to connect your having no other option but to concluding paragraph for my email. tablet to Linux, or the trade-off of As always, I hope you've found discover how to fix it. You can email security for ease (no cables) is my opinions useful—and that I've Lucas at: [email protected]. The other piece of software I worth it to you, I highly introduced you to some new (and want to tell you about today is AirDroid. It's a web-based interface for Android, which allows managing of all multimedia, files and apps on a device. For those of you having a mini heart-attack at the thought of all that information being available on a network—relax, at least a little. AirDroid requires a QR Code to be scanned, or the password from the device to be entered at the login screen. Now, this doesn't mean I would use the program in a publicly accessible network, but for home use, so long as your network is encrypted/password protected, it should be just as safe

full circle magazine #66 5 contents ^ HHOOWW--TTOO Written by Victor Moisey LLeeaarrnniinngg LLaaTTeeXX

example: "\title{Learning Don't kernel panic Python fans. \LaTeX\@}" but without the Greg will return next month. quotation marks. Don't forget the space between the "g" of "Learning" and the backslash next aTeX is a document to "LaTeX”; also don't forget the preparation system for “@”. high-quality typesetting. Type the name of the author. \usepackage[T1]{fontenc} L command-line, using apt-get. If you For example: “\author{Tex Ryter}”. do not know how to install \usepackage[utf8]{inputenc} \usepackage{lmodern} Omit the quotation marks. Although it is mainly used in the programs on Ubuntu, ask a geek technical or scientific fields, it is for help, or hunt around on the \title{} Type a few words between suitable for almost any form of internet. \author{} publishing. "\begin{abstract}" and \begin{document} "\end{abstract}." Such as: "A I have chosen LaTeXila simply This short article will take you wonderful way to write good because I am most familiar with it, \maketitle looking documents." Again, leaving from program-installation to the \tableofcontents and it includes everything you out the quotation marks. production of a typeset document. need to follow this article. There is \begin{abstract} also Lyx, Winefish LaTeX Editor, The intention is to help those \end{abstract} "\section{}" is where you type and Texmaker, to name others. the title of the first section of your who are unfamiliar with LaTeX to Stick with LaTeXila for now. \section{} make a start on this interesting document. "\section{The First Step \end{document} To Learning \LaTeX\@}" journey. Old hands are unlikely to Now that LaTeXila is installed, learn anything new here. open it and do the following: LaTeXila initialises the new Then, between \section{} and article by including the basic \end{document}, let's paste some First, you need some way of File, New, Article, Ok. processing your documents. I instructions required for text. Use Lorem Ipsum. It is simply would recommend an editor. Begin typesetting. Now you can add text. dummy text used by the printing You should see this in the edit and typesetting industry. See by installing LaTeXila. I use window: Synaptic, but the Ubuntu Software Put the cursor between the http://www.lipsum.com/ for further details. Here is a small Center should also suffice. Hard- \documentclass[a4paper,11pt]{ curly brackets in the title line and core Ubuntu users may prefer the article} give the document a title. For sample: "Lorem ipsum dolor sit

full circle magazine #66 6 contents ^ HOWTO - LEARNING LATEX amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vestibulum id erat sodales sem laoreet euismod." You can use whatever plain text you like, just make sure it is letters, numbers and punctuation like commas and full stops only. Paste about five paragraphs.

Now you want to process your document. First save it. Use a file name without spaces, followed Now you will want to see your typesetting. with the extension tex. Have patience, persevere, and document in all its glory. Press F8. (filename.tex) make LaTeX your friend. Document Viewer should open, This is but a small beginning to showing title, author, date, what could be a happy working Then press F7. The document Further information: abstract, section 1, and the text – relationship between yourself and should be processed quickly with covering about two pages. LaTeX. Apart from the rubbery details appearing at the bottom of http://www.latex- things, there is plenty of the screen, as shown above right. project.org/intro.html You will notice that the text is information on LaTeX available on arranged as if a typesetter had the internet. As a colleague once The warnings are just to let you http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LaTeX done the work. This is the essence said, "IfI can't get something to know that you must compile again. of LaTeX. You concentrate on your work in LaTeX, I Google the LaTeX needs two passes to process writing, LaTeX does the problem." the Table of Contents. (TOC)

What happened to LaTeXila? Let's just say, it's all part of the LaTeX system and LaTeXila is a front-end.

Press F7 again and you should see something like the image shown below right.

A successful compilation.

full circle magazine #66 7 contents ^ HHOOWW--TTOO Written by Elmer Perry LLiibbrreeOOffffiiccee PPtt1199:: BBaassee

any people collect When creating a database, you Before we get into the actual Think of a database table as a things like sports get better results by sitting down planning of a database, let's talk spreadsheet in Calc. Across the cards, books, comic and taking some time to plan out about the parts making up a top, you have columns. The M books, or butterflies. how your database will look and database. The smallest element of columns are the fields. Down the Sometimes, it is helpful to catalog behave. You map out the a database is the field. Think of a side, you have rows. The rows are these collections, so you create a characteristics you want to track, field as a single characteristic of records. The entire spreadsheet, catalog. You decide which determine the common the object we are defining in the containing all the data, is the table. characteristic about the items you relationships, and create a unique database. A collection of fields is a want to track, you determine that way to identify each of the items in record. A record defines all the Planning Our Example some items share some of these the collection. Taking the time to characteristics of a single object Database characteristics in common, and you plan will save you time and effort we are collecting. We create tables create a system for identifying later in the process when you to hold records. Tables define the Through this series of articles each item uniquely. Finally, you begin to build reports and searches fields for each record and contains on Base, we will use a database I begin to build your catalog. You for your database. the datum for each field in the created for tracking my book can think of a database as a records. collection. I kept the database catalog of similar items. You have fairly simple, but including many something you want to track, and What Makes a Database elements to show the nature and what better way to track it than aspects of relational databases, through your computer. mostly the relational part. In this part, we will track the steps I took Base is the database module for for planning the creation of the LibreOffice. Base is not a database database. We will use the steps I engine, but a front end for have mentioned. interacting with databases. By default, Base uses the HSQL database engine, which is an open What Characteristics to source engine, but you can connect Include to other engines like MySQL or Oracle. You can even use a When I began planning my spreadsheet as the basis for a Books database, I knew I didn't database, as we did in part 7 of this want a big complicated thing with series (see Full Circle issue 52). information I would never use. I

full circle magazine #66 8 contents ^ HOWTO - LIBREOFFICE Pt19 knew I needed the basics, title and multiple authors in one field, but multiple authors. (UML) module designed just for author. However, I decided on that would make searching for Many to Many – For many programming diagrams. Dia is including the year of publication, books by a single author difficult. characteristics, you have many available in the Ubuntu too. With all the different ways to We could create multiple fields for matching characteristics. As an repositories. You don't need to “read” books today, I decided I multiple authors, but how many do example, in a school, you have know a lot about UML to lay out a needed to track the different you create? If it is an anthology, many students who have many database. I will walk you through types of media as well. So, in the the book could have many authors. different teachers. the process in this section. end, I decided on these The same is true for the media characteristics: types. For our database, we have two The main table for our database • Title one-to-many relationships. For is the Books table. We know we • Author The answer is relationships. every one book, we can have need the fields Title and Published, • Publication year Relationships help us link data in multiple authors, and for every but we also need a unique field to • Media type different tables to each other. one book, we can have multiple identify each record. Since two • Relationships There are three different media types. We will take these books could potentially have the relationships defined for relational relationships into consideration as same title, we will create an auto Relationships put the databases. we begin to map our database. generated field named BookID. “relational” in relational databases. One to One – For every one When we first look at our characteristic, you have one Mapping the Database For the Authors table, we need characteristics list, we might think matching characteristic. As an a field for the author's name we just need a table with four example, for every one person, you It is a good idea to lay out your (Name) and a unique auto fields. However, we would run into can have one spouse. database on paper, or using a generated field (AuthorID). Two trouble when we have a book that One to Many – For every one diagram program, before you fields for the Media table, too: has more than one author, or we characteristic, you have many begin to work in Base. I used the MediaID and Type. own a book in more than one matching characteristics. In our open source program Dia, because format. We could just stuff case, for every book, you can have it has a Unified Modeling Language Now that we have our three

full circle magazine #66 9 contents ^ HOWTO - LIBREOFFICE Pt19 tables, we need to link them appears at the top of the box. end, because we have actually put together. Linking is done by what is Underneath, we list all the fields in thought into how we will construct known as foreign keys. A foreign the table and their types. We will our database and how it will work. key is a field used to create a discuss types in the next part of relationship with a record in this tutorial. The lines between the Next time, we will build our another table. Since both of our boxes show the relationships from tables and create the The Ubuntu Podcast covers all relationships are one-to-many, we one table to the next. The notation relationships in LibreOffice Base. the latest news and issues facing can't just stick a field in the Books 1..1 shows that field has a one-to- Because of our planning, the Ubuntu Linux users and Free table to reference authors and one relationship with the field in process is quick and easy. Software fans in general. The media types. We will use the other table. The notation 1..n show appeals to the newest user intermediate tables to shows that field has a and the oldest coder. Our link the authors and one-to-many discussions cover the media types together. relationship with the development of Ubuntu but These intermediate field in the other table. aren’t overly technical. We are tables will contain For example, BookID in lucky enough to have some foreign keys for the IDs the Books table is great guests on the show, telling to create the link. connected to the us first hand about the latest BookID in the exciting developments they are We will need two BooksAuthors tables. working on, in a way that we can intermediate tables. We On the Books table all understand! We also talk will name them BookID, the notation is about the Ubuntu community BooksAuthors and 1..n, meaning this book and what it gets up to. BooksMedia. BooksAuthors will can reference more than one have two fields named the BookID record in the BooksAuthors table. The show is presented by and the AuthorID, which link back On the booksAuthors, BookID has members of the UK’s Ubuntu the the ID fields in the Books and a notation of 1..1, meaning this is a Linux community. Because it is Authors tables. We do the same reference to one specific record in covered by the Ubuntu Code of with the BooksMedia table. Two Books. Conduct it is suitable for all. fields named BookID and MediaID, linking to the IDs in Books and With all this planning, we can The show is broadcast live every Media. easily create our database without Elmer Perry's history of working, fortnight on a Tuesday evening having to make many changes. We and programming, computers (British time) and is available for I created a UML diagram know what tables we need and involves an Apple IIE, adding some download the following day. Amiga, a generous helping of DOS showing the relationships between how they will relate to each other. and Windows, a dash of Unix, and our five tables. Each box contains a While this may seem like a lot of blend well with Linux and Ubuntu. podcast.ubuntu-uk.org table. The name of the table work, it saves us a lot of time in the

full circle magazine #66 10 contents ^ HHOOWW--TTOO Written by David Remelts DDoo PPaaiinnlleessss RReeiinnssttaallllss

n this article I want to explain originate with me. The great thing an update, then you know that this Fresh Install Pros: how, with a little preparation about this community – of which is not a viable option. Maybe you • everything is nice and fresh and and planning, you can reliably we are a part – is that there are so can skip an upgrade, or two, but clean I and painlessly perform many tremendously talented and eventually you will have to • install only the apps you complete system reinstalls while, intelligent people who are willing upgrade. want/use at the same time, retaining all of to share their expertise with us • avoids potential upgrade your data, apps and settings in the common folk. We just have to On the other hand, the new problems process. recognize our need, research the version may have some fixes and available solutions, select the enhancements that you have been Fresh Install Cons: In the past, I have had problems solutions that fit our requirements, looking forward to, so you • all apps and personal data must when doing in-place upgrades... it maybe adapt them to our situation, definitely do want to upgrade your be reinstalled/restored seems that something always got and then implement them. Sure, system. If you do decide to • more time-consuming broken in the process, and I ended this involves some work on our upgrade, now you are faced with up having to go the reinstall route part, but the real work has already another decision: do you do an in- As I mentioned above, I have anyway. Plus, I like the idea of been done by those talented and place upgrade of the current already made the decision to just everything being fresh and clean. intelligent people I mentioned, and version, or a fresh install? When always go for the fresh install, and, With a fresh install, your hard drive we get to reap the benefits of their you weigh the pros and cons of if they are honest with themselves, is wiped clean and it's as if your work. these two options, you come up I think most people would really drive has been defragged. Also, it with something like this: prefer a fresh install. But, then you gives me a chance to do some Every six months a new version fire up the live CD, and select the housecleaning by eliminating apps of *buntu comes out, and you are Upgrade Pros: option to Erase Ubuntu 11.10 and that I no longer want or use. faced with making a choice about • simple and quick (if all goes well) reinstall, and you see the dire Therefore, I have made the what to do. First of all: do you even • existing personal files and folders warning that says: This will delete decision to forgo in-place want to upgrade to this version? remain intact all your Ubuntu 11.10 programs, upgrades, and just go for the Maybe you have the current • existing programs and settings documents, photos, music, and any reinstall from the get go. To this version tweaked pretty much to remain intact other files, and your mind screams end I have developed a process your liking, and everything is NO!!!, I don't want to delete all my that allows me to do this relatively running great, so, maybe you don't Upgrade Cons: stuff! painlessly. really need the new version. • doesn't always work properly However, unless your system is a • old obsolete apps keep getting So, how do you get past this The methods and processes single-application machine that carried over (bloat) mental roadblock? The answer, of that I use certainly did not just runs and runs and never needs course, is reliable backups and a

full circle magazine #66 11 contents ^ HOWTO - DO PAINLESS REINSTALLS safe, consistent method of getting But, let me give you a quick directory dir1, that file name is not destination is called dest-1, and we all your stuff (applications, data overview. Rsync is a very efficient the actual file; file1 is a hard link have just rsynced our entire local and settings) back to the way it *nix utility for keeping the files in a pointing to some location on your file system to dest-1. Dest-1 now is was before the reinstall. destination location synchronized hard drive where the actual file is an exact replica of our current with the files in a source location. stored. Using your GUI file local file system. The next time we BACKUPS As with all such utilities, it has a manager, if you select file1 and do do an rsync, the script will first whole bunch of options and a ctrl-c (copy), then ctrl-v (paste) in execute the command: The first key to the process is settings. Suffice to say, for our another directory, dir2, and give it cp ­al dest­1 dest­2 having reliable backups. Now, I do purposes, it has the ability to the same name, file1, what you not intend for this to be a tutorial maintain all of the file properties have just done is told the file As a result, dest-2 (our “backup” on how to make reliable backups; (timestamps, owner, group, manager to go to the disk location of dest-1) will have hard links to an Internet search will provide you permissions, etc). If a source file is pointed to by file1, copy that the same disk locations as dest-1. with any number of methods and modified, it will be synced to the information and duplicate it in a We now apparently have two strategies to accomplish this. You destination; if a source file is new location, and use a new name, complete copies of the backup must decide for yourself what deleted, it will be deleted from the dir2/file1, as a link/pointer to this without taking up any more disk works best for you and what you destination. And, of course, if a new location. space than the original used. This are comfortable with. new source file is created, it will be not only saves a tremendous synced to the destination. But, if a However, if you use the amount of disk space, it is much If, however, you have been source file is the same as the command line: quicker too. At this point, the files looking for a good backup process destination file, no action is taken, cp ­al dir1/file1 dir2/file1 in dest-1 and dest-2 are identical. I would like to direct you to this they are already in sync. In a very You can access a file in either excellent article by Mike Rubel: real sense, once the initial rsync is This is telling the system to location and you will actually be http://www.mikerubel.org/comput done, all subsequent rsyncs are create a new filename, dir2/file1, accessing the same file because ers/rsync_snapshots/ just incremental and you can then but have it point to the same disk the file names in both locations are rsync your entire file system in a location as dir1/file1. While it just links/pointers to the same file. Mike Rubel's article describes a matter of minutes. appears that there are now two Any modifications that you make backup method using rsync that files, in reality, there are simply to a file in one location will appear also keeps multiple copies of the Now we come to the real two filenames that both point to when you open the same file in the backup so you can go back three or beauty of Mike Rubel's method: the same information on the disk. other location. four (or more) versions. I am not the way it makes multiple copies of And this is how Mike Rubel's script going to go into a complete the backup without consuming creates multiple copies of the You may wonder what happens description of Mike's tons of disk space. Before going backup without using gobs of disk then when the next rsync methodology; you really need to into that, though, we need just a space. encounters a source file that is read and study his article to fully brief explanation about hard links modified or deleted. If we modify grasp the concept. to files. If you have a file, file1, in For example: let's say our main file1 on our system, and then rsync

full circle magazine #66 12 contents ^ HOWTO - DO PAINLESS REINSTALLS those changes to dest-1, aren't the files that have not been insist on compiling all their apps dconf­tools devede dvdrip those changes also going to modified or deleted. So, in from source code, but, the package easytag filelight fldiff gconf­editor geany geany­ appear in the hard linked file that essence, dest-2, dest-3, dest-4, etc, manager has made life in *buntu plugin­macro gftp gimp gnome­ is in dest-2? Not to worry. Rsync are each a complete snapshot of land simple, quick, and easy for the rdp gnucash growisofs will UNlink the dest-1 file before the entire file system as of the rest of us. imagemagick imagination overwriting or deleting it. Now, the time that they were originally keepassx lame libgtk2.0­dev libmysql­java libreoffice lsb dest-2 location still contains a created. It's pretty cool and, once Many, if not most, folks are mysql­server mysql­workbench link/pointer to the original file and you grasp the concept, it just content to simply use the GUI tools nfs­common ntfsprogs openssh­ dest-1 now contains a link/pointer makes perfect sense. for installing apps (Software server openssh­client pdfedit to the new file. Center or Synaptic Package php5 phpmyadmin psutils putty shutter vinagre winff xsane APPLICATIONS Manager), but the real power and That brings up another point flexibility is in using the command Sometimes, there are glitches about Mike Rubel's system that is line (apt-get). I confess to using the As mentioned; the second key with this method; if I'm switching different from the way most folks GUI myself to browse or search for ingredient is a safe and consistent from one *buntu to another, I may traditionally think of full and apps, but then I always use the method of restoring all your apps find that I am missing an important incremental backups and may command line to actually install and settings. app because it used to be part of appear, at first, to be somewhat them. The reason I install with the the distro in the previous version counterintuitive. Traditionally, you command line is because I want to One of the absolutely awesome but it is not part of the distro in would do a weekly full backup and make sure I have the package things about *buntu is the package the new version. No problem... I daily incrementals. If you needed name spelled correctly because, management system for installing just sudo apt-get install it, and to do a restore, you would first when a new package is installed, I apps. I know, I know; *buntu is not then add it to my list. Sometimes, have to restore the last full backup immediately add the package the only Linux distro that uses a though, a package gets dropped and then restore each incremental name to my "list." My list contains package manager, but I get excited from the official package backup in sequence, in order to all the apps that I currently have about it when I think of the repository. In this case, I have to ensure that all files are restored to installed above and beyond the environment that I escaped from either find an alternative app, or the latest version. Not so with apps that are included as part of several years ago. Yeah, you know find someone who has a PPA for Mike Rubel's system. You always, the distro. It's not just a list the one I'm talking about, the one the app. always, always rsync to dest-1. with registry settings, dynamic though, it is in the form of an apt- Dest-1 is always the full backup get command line. As you may linked libraries that are always In spite of the occasional minor and it's always up-to-date. No know, the apt-get command can be stepping on each other, frequent glitch, though, this method will more incremental restores! Dest-2, used to install multiple apps in one crashes and reboots, and where a generally get all of your apps back. dest-3, dest-4, etc, will contain fell swoop. Here is what my list package management system and But... it takes personal discipline to links/pointers to any files prior to looks like: an official package repository are keep your list up-to-date whenever when they were either modified or completely foreign concepts. To be you add or remove apps on your deleted and, additionally, they will sudo apt­get install asunder sure, there are Linux purists who system. also still contain links/pointers to apache2 audacity bum calibre

full circle magazine #66 13 contents ^ HOWTO - DO PAINLESS REINSTALLS

I should also note that the file Many folks, when doing a partition, you may run out of space Use the remaining space for where I keep my list is where I also reinstall as opposed to an in-place and might even crash the system. /home. make notes about special cases. upgrade, simply tell the *buntu For example: if I need to install an installer to use their entire hard If you want to establish a The following will help app from a PPA, as mentioned drive for the installation. It's the starting point for your partition illustrate this. Note that I am using above, I will have the command easy way, and does have the sizes, use a disk space analyzer VirtualBox running on my laptop so lines in this file so that, later, all I advantage of not forcing you to such as Filelight to see how much that I can get screenshots of some have to do is cut and paste them in decide how you want to partition your current /home directory is of these steps. The partition sizes a terminal session. your hard drive or how big each using. Use the df command to see shown are not meant to be partition should be, etc. how much total space you are recommendations. I am using a using. The difference is how much relatively small 16 GB virtual disk, A SHORTCUT Designating too much space for a partition means that there will be space everything else is using. Add and simply split it into three unused, wasted, space that might a comfortable margin to this and partitions to use for this However, it is possible to use this as the root partition size. illustration. completely eliminate having to be needed by another partition. On the other hand, if you don't You also need a swap partition restore your data and application equal to the amount of physical Select the Something else settings in situations where you designate enough space for a partition, especially the root RAM you have in your computer. option when asked about which are simply upgrading or refreshing installation type you want. This will your system. This is a HUGE time allow you to create separate saving because your data is usually partitions for root, swap, and far and away the biggest slice of /home. your disk space, so restoring it from backup takes a long time. The If you currently have everything way you eliminate having to on a single partition then the next restore it is by NOT deleting it screen is where you will add your during the system reinstall. And partitions. the way you accomplish this is by partitioning your hard drive so that Highlight the device, /dev/sda, the /home directory is on a and click Add... In the next screen separate partition. specify the file system type and select / as the mount point for If you are performing a disaster root. Add another partition for recovery or migrating to a new swap. Then add another partition hard drive or computer, then you and select /home for the mount will, of course, still have to do a full point restore, as explained later.

full circle magazine #66 14 contents ^ HOWTO - DO PAINLESS REINSTALLS home partitions will be formatted, the installer does not know what MAKE SURE THAT THE FORMAT as indicated by the check marks. you want to do with them until you BOX IS UN-CHECKED. give it specific instructions. Continue with the rest of the Now continue with the installation. Because this is the Select the partition that you reinstallation. Because this time first time you have split your drive had originally set up as the / (root) we did NOT format the /home into multiple partitions, you will be partition, /dev/sda1 in my case, and partition, all of our data and required to fully restore everything click change... Here you will have to application settings remain intact, to your /home partition because it tell it, again, what kind of file giving us most of the advantages has been newly formatted. system to put on the partition and of doing an in-place upgrade since none of our /home stuff has to be Now your Installation Type where you want it mounted. Also, But, in the future, when you get restored from backup. screen looks something like the make sure the format box is to this step, here is what your one shown below left. checked. Installation Type screen will look THE PROCESS like the one shown below right. Since this was a single partition Then select the partition that disk that we are splitting into you had originally set up for Okay, let's assume that you It has found all your partitions three partitions, both the / and the /home. Specify the type of file have been faithful in your backups that were set up previously, but / system and the mount point, but and in keeping your “list” up-to-

full circle magazine #66 15 contents ^ HOWTO - DO PAINLESS REINSTALLS date, and it is now time to reinstall things at once. your system, whether it be an upgrade to a new version, or a new I like to reboot again at this distro, or a disaster recovery, or point just to make sure that my you simply want to refresh your login is now using all the system system. Here is the process: settings that I had previously defined. Make a note of your computer name – generally, you will want the Run your sudo apt-get install new system to have the same command to reinstall all your apps. probably need a network patches for your new install. name as the old system. However, Now is the time to review your list connection before your installation If necessary, restore your home changing the computer name to eliminate any apps that you no is complete, so don't take a chance, directory from the backup. You should not cause any problems. longer use or want. Since all of just plug it in now. need to do this step only if you are Usually, you can just open a your application settings (hidden migrating to a new hard drive or to terminal and the computer name files) are already in your /home Pop the live CD in, and reboot a new computer, or performing a will be displayed at the command directory, the package installer will from the CD, and select the disaster recovery. If you are simply prompt. Mine looks like the image find those settings and use them. ‘Something else’ option described reinstalling the operating system, shown above right. In most cases, the reinstalled app above to either set up your and have your drive partitioned as will be configured just as it was partitions, or to format just the explained above, then all of your So, Lubuntu-D620 is my before. If you do decide to root partition while leaving the data and application settings are computer name. As you can see, I eliminate apps from your list, the /home partition intact. Here is still in your /home partition, and am running Lubuntu on a Dell configuration settings files will still where you will have to enter your you do NOT need to restore D620. The D620 is not the most up- reside in your home directory. computer name and your anything. In either case, whether to-date hardware and I was looking Don't be concerned about that; username. You definitely want to you restore your home directory or for something “lighter” than they don't take up much space, and use the same username that you use the existing /home partition, Ubuntu, and have settled on later, if you decide you want that had in the old system so that the your home directory will contain all Lubuntu... for now. app back again, you can sudo apt- installation will use your existing the hidden files that have the get install it and the settings will home directory rather than configuration settings for all your If you normally use a wireless still be there. creating a new user directory in apps. In my case there are also network connection, you might /home, and so that the permissions some other files that I restore want to instead use a wired At this point I usually reboot for all your data remain intact. Let outside of my home directory: network connection for the install. one more time. The system should it run, and reboot when complete. /var/www (for my local web sites), In my case at least, the wireless now be fully operational and and /lib/firmware/b43 (for my always gets broken when I reinstall should look and feel pretty much After the reboot, run Update wireless). I have another rsync because the Broadcom drivers are as before, but you may have to do Manager to get all the updates and script that I run to restore all these not included in the distro. You will some minor tweaking. For

full circle magazine #66 16 contents ^ HOWTO - DO PAINLESS REINSTALLS instance, I always have to manually purposes, it does have the reinstall my printer since there is advantage of being able to quickly no official package for my Epson undo a mistake if you make 1166xx1166 SSUUDDOOKKUU Artisan 730 printer drivers in the snapshots of the VM at critical repository. I have a .deb package stages of the process. Numbers 0 to 9 and letters A to F are to be filled into the that is in my Downloads folder, so I 16x16 grid so that every row, every column, and every just have to manually install that CONCLUSION 4x4 box contains 0 to 9 and A - F. and then go into CUPS to add the printer. I also use MySql and have My goal in this article is to show to manually import all my that it is possible to have the databases from backup. These are perceived advantages of an in- the kinds of things that you will place upgrade and the very real want to keep track of in your notes advantages of a reinstall. Once you in the file where your “list” is kept. are familiar with the entire process, and confident in your CAVEATS ability to perform it, you can have peace of mind in knowing that if No process is foolproof; do not your computer is lost, stolen or just dive into this without damaged, you can quickly and thoroughly testing everything. easily recover from any Hard drive prices being what they catastrophe. are, it is relatively inexpensive to have a spare drive on hand for Hopefully, this article will testing this. Just remove your stimulate you into doing some system drive and pop in a spare. If planning and preparation for your things don't work as they should, next upgrade so that you will have you have not jeopardized your the tools and expertise in place system in the least. when you need it.

Alternatively, you could set up VirtualBox on your computer and create a VM for testing the Solutions are on the second last page. process. Admittedly, this is not as fast because the IO of a VM is not Puzzles are copyright, and kindly provided by, as efficient, but, for testing The Puzzle Club - www.thepuzzleclub.com

full circle magazine #66 17 contents ^ HHOOWW--TTOO Written by Ronnie Tucker VViiddeeoo EEddiittiinngg WWiitthh KKddeennlliivvee -- PPaarrtt 33

his month we’ll talk about on. Below that are options to adding intro/ending choose/change font properties. credits to your videos. Vertically down the right side are T options to change the duration (of this title), then rotation/alignment If you right click in the clips options. Finally, you have two tabs slider. I’ll keep the ‘Duration’ at You can’t treat the title clip just holding area, you’ll see the option to edit the background or animate 00:05:00 (five seconds) and click like you would any other clip, so no to ‘Add Title Clip’. items. OK. effects/transitions are allowed. We’ll keep it simple for now – I’ll But, as you can see below the title add an image, then some text – The title clip I’ve just created is clip in the ‘Video 1’ track, there is a using the buttons at the top left of listed in my clips storage area ‘Composite’ box. Click that to edit the window (shown below right), (shown above) ready for dragging the properties of how the title clip and put a black background using into my video: behaves. First, overlap a video with the ‘Background’ tab and opacity the title clip. I’ll go for a two

Clicking that will give you a new window (shown right) with a blank title ready for editing.

At the top left of the window (below the menu) are icons that let you move items, add text and so

full circle magazine #66 18 contents ^ HOWTO - KDENLIVE Pt 3 second overlap. and leave those settings as is. Now, drag the pointer to the end CCOODDEEWWOORRDD of the line, and create another Every number in the grid is 'code' for a letter of the alphabet. keyframe. This time drag the Thus the number '2' may correspond to the letter 'L', for instance. opacity of that keyframe to zero: All - except the difficult codeword puzzles - come with a few letters to start you off

Voila! Our title clip fade-out begins at the three second mark, and lasts for two seconds.

You have many options under If there’s anything you’d like to the ‘Type’ drop-down menu (top see covered in this series, please right), but just change the ‘with drop me an email at: track’ drop-down to say ‘Video 2’ [email protected]. (in my case). Now drag the small black up-arrow along the Next month, we’ll look into horizontal line to where you want a more advanced uses for effects. dissolve to begin (three seconds in, and lasting for two seconds). Click the ‘Add keyframe’ button:

Ronnie is the founder, and editor, of Full Circle, an official Ubuntu member, and part-time artist whose Solutions are on the second last page. work can be seen at: Puzzles are copyright, and kindly provided by, http://ronnietucker.co.uk The Puzzle Club - www.thepuzzleclub.com

full circle magazine #66 19 contents ^ HHOOWW--TTOO Written by Mark Crutch IInnkkssccaappee -- PPaarrtt 66

his instalment is going to would expect. Double-click on the back at your starting point, you'll is what we'll use to manipulate introduce the most line to switch to the editing mode create a 'closed' path. The them. powerful of Inkscape's and you'll notice something a little difference between them becomes T drawing primitives: Paths. out of the ordinary: whereas a apparent when you add a fill – and Try dragging I say 'introduce' because paths can double-click on a rectangle, ellipse it should remind you of the effect one of the be created, used and manipulated or star will switch to the we got when creating arcs back at nodes around in many different ways, so we'll appropriate tool, double-clicking the start of this series. with the mouse. come back to them time and time on a path switches Now hold down again as these tutorials progress. instead to the Node tool As you can see, if you apply a fill SHIFT as you (shown left) . to an open path it will be drawn as click on several But, this month, we'll though there's a straight line that nodes to select keep it simple and start You'll become familiar with the closes the path. That can them – they are colored yellow with the Line tool Node tool soon enough, but, for sometimes be a handy feature, when they're selected – and drag (SHIFT+F6, or “b”). now, just select the Line tool again. however it works only when all of them around as one. Do you This time, click in several places on there's a single break in the path – want to move the nodes at either Select the tool, click once on the canvas before finishing off as soon as you introduce another end of a segment? Simply click on the canvas, then move the cursor with a double-click. You've just (we'll see how to do that next the line that joins them. Hold down to another part of the canvas created a path with multiple line month), the fill disappears entirely. SHIFT as you do so to add both before double-clicking to finish segments. The chances are that nodes to an existing selection. You your path. you've got an 'open' path – one in Let's return to the Node tool by can also press “!” (SHIFT-1 on my which the two ends are separate. double-clicking on one of the keyboard) to invert the selection, You've just created the simplest paths, or by pressing the F2 or “n” which can be especially useful type of path there is: a straight keys. The double-click will switch when dealing with very complex line. Try giving the stroke a color tools and select your path; if you paths. Finally, try dragging a and thickness using the Fill and opted for the keyboard shortcut, 'rubber band' selection box over Stroke dialog or the tools on the you might have to click on your some of your nodes by clicking on status bar that we've covered path to ensure it's selected. You the canvas and, keeping the mouse previously. Now, switch to the should see a small diamond- button pressed, dragging out a Selection tool (remember you can shaped handle marking each rectangle that covers some of your just hit SPACE as a fast shortcut), transition between line segments. nodes. Release the mouse button and confirm that you can resize, If you draw another multi- These are called 'nodes' and, as and the nodes within the box will rotate and shear it just as you segment path, but double-click you might imagine, the Node tool be selected (or added to your

full circle magazine #66 20 contents ^ HOWTO - INKSCAPE Pt6 selection, if you also held SHIFT). the path. If you want it exactly SHIFT-L or use the button Corner – Allows the line segments halfway along a segment, then on the tool control bar to meet at an angle Of course there's more that you select the nodes at either end (shown left). There's an Smooth – Ensures that the can do with nodes than just move (remember, a click on the segment adjacent button (or SHIFT-U) for gradient remains constant from them around. Select a few then itself will do that), and press the converting a straight line to a one segment to the next enable the 'Show INSERT key or click on the button curve, but most of the time it's Symmetric – Like Smooth, but also Transformation Handles' on the tool control bar. The new more useful to just drag the line ensures that the two handles are button (shown left) on node will automatically be added segment to get the approximate the same length the tool control bar. You'll see the to your selection, so you can shape you want, then fine tune it Auto-smooth – Moving this node, familiar move/resize handles repeatedly press INSERT or click with the Bézier handles. or its neighbours, will keep the line around your nodes; clicking on one the button, shown left, to smooth. If you adjust the handles of the selected nodes will switch add several nodes to a line The little diamond-shaped on this node, however, it will revert to the rotate/skew handles segment. nodes that we've played with so far to a simple Smooth node. instead. These operate in the same are just one of four types of nodes way as the handles you get with Let's get a little more curvy. that can be used in paths. These Of course the best way to the Selection tool, but the Click and drag the middle of one of nodes allow the path segments on understand the differences transformations are applied to the your line segments to quickly turn either side to extend in any between these four types is to selected nodes rather than the it into a 'Bézier curve'. The nodes direction, allowing you to create simply draw a line with a handful whole object. at each end of your curve should corners in your paths. Sometimes, of nodes and play around with have circular handles attached to however, sharp corners are the last them. them via thin lines. Rough curves thing you want, so, for those can just be dragged out from occasions, there are three other Drawing a series of segments straight line segments, but you can node types: smooth, symmetric from scratch using the Line tool is fine tune them by moving these and auto-smooth. You can cycle just one way to create a path, but circular handles around. through the various node types by Inkscape has several others. One of CTRL-clicking on a node, or you can the most common approaches is to directly change to the type you convert another object into a path. want by selecting the node(s) and This lets you easily transform a Think back to the previous then using the buttons on the tool rectangle, ellipse or polygon into a article when you were editing control bar: path whose nodes can be moved gradients directly on the canvas. and modified freely. The downside Adding a new gradient stop was as to this freedom is that the object simple as double-clicking on the If you decide that you want to loses its original identity – you line where you wanted it to change your Bézier curve back into won't be able to use the Rectangle appear. Adding a new node to a a straight line, you first need to Here's a quick summary of the tool to change the corner radius path is similar: just double-click on select the end nodes, then press four node types: once its been converted into a

full circle magazine #66 21 contents ^ HOWTO - INKSCAPE Pt6 path, or the Star tool to adjust the from corner to smooth and back, time. Inkscape's shapes into paths it's number of sides to your polygon. drag the line segments, and adjust time to make your snowman look a You also won't be able to convert the Bézier handles. Add some On the whole, Inkscape is a little less pristine. Convert his your path back to the original nodes with a double-click or by fairly stable program, but it will elliptical head and body, then add object type, even if you haven't selecting a segment and pressing occasionally crash. In my a few nodes and move them made any changes to the nodes: INSERT. Of course you can also experience, this happens most slightly to produce the lumps, conversion is a strictly one-way delete nodes by selecting them when you're editing paths, and bumps and asymmetry of a typical affair. and pressing DELETE (or clicking usually when you try to use the snowman. You can also add a bit the button, shown left, in Undo facility. Fortunately, it also more character to his carrot nose With those warnings in mind, the tool control bar), but does a pretty good job of saving by drawing cuts and marks and by let's draw some objects and there's a bit of a catch to your work to a backup file if it can. making it a little wonky in parts. convert them to paths. To start that: Inkscape will try to preserve If Inkscape presents you with a The horizon benefits from a little with, you just need to create a few the original shape of the path as dialog to tell you that it's crashed waviness to imply drifting snow. shapes, following the instructions best it can, even though there are then usually that will show the Although you could create more in the earlier instalments of this now fewer nodes. If you want it to path and name of the backup file. twiggy arms and crush his hat, I'm series. An ellipse, rectangle, just delete the node Generally, the file is in the same going to leave those alone for now rounded rectangle, and a star, for without trying to directory as your drawing – or in and deal with example. Then select each object preserve the shape your home directory if you haven't them next and use the Path > Object to Path then you need to saved your drawing yet – and will month when command at the top of the menu press CTRL-DELETE. have a name that's based on your I'll cover some (or CTRL-SHIFT-C if you prefer). The difference file's name but with a numeric date methods for Double-click on each path so that becomes clear when and time string appended to it. creating and you can see where Inkscape has you want to just Usually you can just open the manipulating created corner nodes, and where remove one corner backup file, save it with a different complex paths it's created smooth nodes. from a rectangle: name, and carry on working as quickly and though nothing had happened. As easily. If you go too far with your node with all computer files, however, it editing (or with anything else in pays to backup regularly – I usually Inkscape), you can always use the start each of my Inkscape sessions Edit > Undo menu (CTRL-Z) to roll by using File > Save As… to create back your changes. Inkscape a copy of my image with a slightly Mark has been using Linux since maintains a history of all the edits different name so that I can never 1994, and uses Inkscape to create you make in a session, so you can lose too much work to an Inkscape two webcomics, 'The Greys' and Undo repeatedly if you want to. crash. 'Monsters, Inked' which can both be found at: Try manipulating these paths: Take a look at Edit > Undo History http://www.peppertop.com/ move some nodes, change them if you really want to travel back in Now that you can convert

full circle magazine #66 22 contents ^ HHOOWW--TTOO Written by Michael R. Youngblood WWeebb DDeevv -- CCRRUUDD PPtt22

ast month we started our var answer = 42; var swVersion = 1.3432 on the swVersion declaration and a yar imageType = "jpg"; yar instead of var in the imageType CRUD off strong. We var message = "This is a didn't go into details by Declaring variables is a pretty longer string message"; declaration. Debugging your code L design. I am very fond of simple idea. The above shows an is very important, and, later on, teaching by example, and example of the variable "answer" Now as you can imagine, this you’re going to appreciate learning everything in part 1 will start being declared and set to the can get really repetitive and this skill. As for the cleaned up making complete sense now that number 42. The text 'var' is telling somewhat annoying. It also allows example, we start off the we are starting to get into JavaScript (JS) that this is a for more room for typos. I declaration with a var as normal, JavaScript/JQuery and CSS. variable declaration happening purposely left two mistakes in the but instead of ending it on the first here, and that the next word is the above example and want you to line, we have a comma ",". the I strongly suggest you learn as name of the variable which we are look closely at finding them. comma tells JS that there are more much as you can about JavaScript. declaring. The equal '=' sign here is Notice that each of these lines declarations coming. When using It is a very powerful language, and very important. The following ends with a semi-colon. Each line is the comma, you may (but are not I guarantee you cannot get away sentence should be read a few a statement, and therefore it required to) have the next with being a web developer hundred times until it is pounded needs to be ended. JS allows us to declaration on a new line. without a strong understanding of into your head. The single equal clean up our variables by declaring However, you may not make the it. I am going to give you what I sign '=' is a setting operator. them all at once in one var new line after anything other than can, but your learning of this Anything to right of the '=' statement, with one end. Let's the comma. For example, the language cannot involve just me. operator, is now being stored in clean up this code (shown below) following code will not work: the variable declared on the left and declare these same variables, Just about everything we do side of it. The last character of this var answer = 42, connection then go over what is going on. = true; inside programs involves data. line, and by far one of the most Different types of data have important things to learn, is the If you didn't catch the two Declaring variables this way different declarations. For semi-colon ";". The semi-colon is an typos, it was a missing semi-colon example: 42 is a number, "answer identifier for JS that this is the end to life" is a string of text, and of the line. At this point, we have "TRUE" is a boolean. These types just been talking about a number, var answer = 42, of data will normally be seen in what if we want to declare other connection = true, swVersion = 1.3432, something we call variables. You things? imageType = "jpg", can think of variables like your old message = "This is a longer string message" pre-algebra math classes. x = 42, y var answer = 42; ; = 13, solve for z (x + y = z). var connection = true;

full circle magazine #66 23 contents ^ HOWTO - WEBDEV makes JS interpret each line as the alert(answer); the next one or move forward with watching what happens in the first example when we only console.log(answer); your program. However, the console. Be sure to do your declared one variable. Therefore, it console.log function will run your homework; next month we will be allows us to put the semi colon on Both of the lines above are code, throwing anything in that using variables pretty hard core in a new line as well so we can clean displaying information to you. Even function right to a JS Console. The comparisons, if's, and loops. up and see that the declaration of though they are doing two very JS console can be found in most of variables has clearly ended. This different things to give you the the major browsers. In Chrome, If you have any questions also allows us to not worry about information, they are both giving simply press the wrench button, regarding variables, alert, or where the semi-colon is when you that information nonetheless. I click on tools, and then click on console.log, feel free to send it to adding more variables. know a lot of developers who JavaScript console. me via twitter: @aliendev2. prefer the alert route. However, I The next thing I want to go over believe it is better practice if you The console.log function can is how to make sure your variables use console.log. Both of these take just about anything in its are set. This will also help in functions are native to JS, and parameter and display all sorts of debugging, and just making sure both of them are acceptable data in a variety of different ways. I your code is doing what you expect means of checking your code. want you to use your main.js script it does. I am going to show you two Whichever one works for you, stick to add variables, and console.log Michael Youngblood has been in the industry of web design and ways you can go about this, but the with it. From here on out, I will be the answers to the JS Console. Play using console.log and will be development for 13 years. He has end goal is displaying your with the alert function as well to been working for a world wide information so you can "fact showing you how to use it. give yourself the freedom of wireless tech corp for six years and is check" as your program moves choice. So, you will be adding working on his bachelor’s of science in mobile development. along. The alert function will bring up variables to main.js, and opening a dialog box for your attention, your HTML file in a browser, while requiring you to press "ok" to see

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full circle magazine #66 24 contents ^ ED! HHOOWW--TTOO UPDAT Written by Ronnie Tucker WWrriittee FFoorr FFuullll CCiirrccllee MMaaggaazziinnee

Guidelines image in the ODT (Open Office) REVIEWS document. he single rule for an • Images should be JPG, no wider Games/Applications article is that it must When reviewing games/applications please state clearly: somehow be linked to than 800 pixels, and use low compression. T Ubuntu or one of the • title of the game many derivatives of Ubuntu • who makes the game • Do not use tables or any type of (Kubuntu, Xubuntu, Lubuntu, etc). • is it free, or a paid download? bold or italic formatting. • where to get it from (give download/homepage URL) Rules • is it Linux native, or did you use Wine? • your marks out of five If you are writing a review, • a summary with positive and negative points • There is no word limit for articles, please follow these guidelines : but be advised that long articles may be split across several issues. Hardware When you are ready to submit When reviewing hardware please state clearly: • For advice, please refer to the your article please email it to: Official Full Circle Style Guide: [email protected] • make and model of the hardware http://url.fullcirclemagazine.org/7 • what category would you put this hardware into? 5d471 Translations • any glitches that you may have had while using the hardware? • easy to get the hardware working in Linux? • Write your article in whichever • did you have to use Windows drivers? If you would like to translate software you choose, I would • marks out of five Full Circle into your native recommend LibreOffice, but most • a summary with positive and negative points importantly - PLEASE SPELL AND language please send an email to GRAMMAR CHECK IT! [email protected] and we will either put you in touch with • In your article, please indicate an existing team, or give you You don't need to be an expert to write an where you would like a particular access to the raw text to translate image to be placed by indicating from. With a completed PDF, you article - write about the games, applications the image name in a new will be able to upload your file to and hardware that you use every day. paragraph or by embedding the the main Full Circle site.

full circle magazine #66 25 contents ^ https://spideroak.com Get 25% off any SpiderOak package with the code: FullcirclemagFans

full circle magazine #66 26 contents ^ AASSKK TTHHEE NNEEWW GGUUYY Written by Copil Yáňez

i, everyone! Welcome Sure, it doesn't have the same ugly process so you can see for to install a program, there are back to Ask the New dramatic oomph, but you get the yourself. usually a bunch of files and Guy! idea. A process that should be programs that are necessary to H straightforward is LITERALLY like I warned you, Joe, you're make it run. skiing through a revolving door. It playing with fire, you're walking Today’s question comes to us can't be done! It's simply into the mouth of madness, you're So, why aren't those files from Joe P. who asks: impossible to understand, Joe, and buying discount condoms at the already included in a typical you shouldn't even try. Do what I Dollar Store. This won't be pretty. Ubuntu install? Because if you Q: How do I update programs in do. Throw your hands in the air and included the universe of programs Ubuntu? put on an episode of Here Comes WHAT'S A PACKAGE? and files needed to make ALL Honey Boo-Boo. You'll software run (even stuff you'll A: Good question, Joe! feel better, trust me. Let's start by never, ever use), Ubuntu would be defining terms. For as bloated as my Aunt Gertrude Any thorough discussion of this I mean, if it's some insane after burrito night at her Canasta topic begins, as it should, with the really reason, Ubuntu club. final scene in Chinatown. important to refers to you, I guess programs as Instead, Linux programs are Jake Gittes spends the entire you could packages. “packaged” with all the bits you movie trying to figure out how the simply burn a Leave it to the need to run them. If homebuilt world works – only to meet with new .iso, and evil cabal guillotine kits worked this way, misery. While trying to give Gittes re-install behind Linux you'd get a free Front-of-the-Line some perspective on his woes, his Ubuntu every to rename pass for the emergency room. So I partner Walsh delivers one of the time you need everything. I guess this is kinda smart if you most famous lines in movie history: to update some mean, do these think about it. Probably just an minor solitaire people go around anomaly, though. Don't worry, Joe, “Forget it, Jake, it's Chinatown.” game. Easy peasy, calling their ears the rest of this will be lemon squeezy. “hearing eyes?” Well, they unintelligible, I promise. That's how I feel about shouldn't. software updates. Oh, fine, Joe, if you're going to ADD PACKAGES USING be such a defeatist, and say my Hey, I just looked this up and it “Forget it, Copil, it's package UBUNTU SOFTWARE solution seems unreasonable, then turns out Linux talks about management.” I'm forced to take you through the packages because, when you want CENTER

full circle magazine #66 27 contents ^ ASK THE NEW GUY

Okay, so let's look at adding a even downloaded all the extra bits package (then we'll move on to I needed to run the program updating it). First, find the Ubuntu without me lifting a finger. Software Center. In Ubuntu 12.04 you can type Software in the Dash Well, the fun ends here because field. keeping that bad boy up-to-date is like wearing sandpaper contact lenses (which I used to do until Type the name or description of they upgraded my health plan at The Update Manager alerts you Well, it’s all uphill from here what you're looking for (eg: text work). when there are updates for your because it's time to try doing this editor) in the top-right search field. installed packages. To apply the stuff at the command line. Hide Choose the software you want UPDATE PACKAGES changes, you click the INSTALL the children and the elderly, it’s from the results, and click INSTALL. USING UPDATE UPDATES button. I mean, c'mon, about to go Human Centipede up Once you give it your root what am I, a brain surgeon?! in this hizzy. password, the program installs. MANAGER Again, there must be a step STEP 1: UPDATE THE Hmm, I must be doing See, packages added from the missing because that wasn't so something wrong because that Software Center get updated using bad. PACKAGE INDEX was completely painless. And it the Update Manager. So get this. Before you go

full circle magazine #66 28 contents ^ ASK THE NEW GUY installing programs, Linux suggests PACKAGE update the package to the latest To Install/Update Packages using you update something called the version. Even I have to admit, that’s a Mouse: Package Index. Da Hell?! Let's say you want to install a pretty cool! 1. Find and install the packages you program called ProgramName want from the Ubuntu Software Well, we know what packages (original, huh?). Take a look at this No, NO! FOCUS! This is NOT Center are. But an index of packages is horrible stew of rancid commands: easy, don't get distracted by 2. Update all installed packages probably some kind of Ubuntu's shiny ways and charming using Update Manager compendium of cray-cray. Right? sudo apt­get install demeanor. It will kill you in your ProgramName sleep! To Install/Update Packages using Wait. No, I just checked and it's the Command Line: just an index. Of packages. My bad. Wait. . .this just seemed so Here’s a scenario Ubuntu can’t 1. Update the list of packages: complicated in my mind, you know? fake its way out of. Let's say you sudo apt-get update So the Package Index simply installed a package a while back. 2. Install the desired program (or lists all the packages I can choose STEP 3: UPDATE THE But you forgot its name. All you update it if it's already installed): from? When you put it that way, I PACKAGE remember is that you wanted to sudo apt-get install ProgramName guess it makes sense to update it update to the newest version. I 3. Upgrade all installed packages from time to time so I have the DON'T KNOW, maybe someone hit to latest versions: sudo apt-get The only thing left to do now is most current list of packages. you on the head with a cricket bat upgrade update the program you just and you got selective amnesia! installed. Leave it to Linux to give Fine, here's what you type: Work with me, people! Whoa. That all looks pretty us, like, a bajillion ways to do it. I easy! But I thought Linux was picked one at random, and you sudo apt­get update In this completely plausible HARD! Are you as confused as I won’t believe how complicated it scenario, here's what you type: am? Sudo gives you root access, apt- is. Have a hankie ready in case your eyes bleed: get is the command that sudo apt­get upgrade Forget it, Joe, it's Ubuntu. installs/updates packages, and sudo apt­get install update tells the apt-get tool to ProgramName Wait, what? And you say it also update the Package Index. upgrades ALL YOUR PACKAGES, Thanks to Joe P. for That's the command line entry not just the one you couldn’t hi s question! f you have a Now that we have a current list for INSTALLING a package! Do you remember? Oh. si mple question and want of available programs, our luck has Copil is an Aztec name that roughly think I’m stupid, Ubuntu?! antraansslwatesr ttoh“aytoduoneesdn’mt yrehqeauritrfeor come to an end. It's time to install Let's recap. grwahdastcahgaoion?l”, cHoisnlotavectomf weomaten’s a package. Ah, I see now. Running this [email protected]. yaconfidential.blogspot.com. You command when the program is Packages are programs plus all the bits you need to run them. can also watch him embarrass STEP 2: INSTALL A already installed causes Linux to himself on Twitter (@copil).

full circle magazine #66 29 contents ^ LLIINNUUXX LLAABB Written by Charles McColm PPiivvooss XXIIOOSS DDSS MMeeddiiaa PPllaayy

easuring just 4 inches Below the XIOS DS are the remote, 512MB of DDR2 RAM. Onboard, kind of wheel remote that’s by 4 inches, the Pivos an HDMI cable, and the power the XIOS DS has 2GB of Nand flash, currently popular. The standard XIOS DS Media Play adapter. Other than the sides of but the microSD port and the 3 remote uses a standard round 3 M packs a lot of the box, both inside and out, there USB ports on the side allow for a volt lithium battery (CR2025) that hardware into a tiny Android-based is no paper documentation for the lot of extra storage. Both wired you find on motherboards. The box. The XIOS DS supports a large XIOS DS, and this is one of the (10/100MB/s ethernet) and optional sense remote is charged number of audio and video codecs, main shortcomings of the device, a wireless (802.11 b/g/n) are via a micro-USB cable. Both the HDMI out, a microSD slot that lack of usable documentation. supported, but, oddly, not turned Pivos forums and a number of supports a microSD card up to on by default. Youtube videos recommend 32GB, and 3 USB 2.0 ports. Best of The XIOS DS has an ARM Cortex buying the optional sense remote, all, the cost with the standard A9 CPU, a Mali-400 graphics The remote control that comes and I agree that it’s almost remote control is just over $100 processor unit capable of 2D and with the XIOS DS, and the optional necessary. One of the stumbling U.S. Unfortunately, the XIOS DS is 3D acceleration at 1080p, and sense remote, both resemble the blocks I ran into is the fact that the not as user-friendly as it could be, included remote control isn’t and doesn’t beat a dedicated PC enough to control all the options running Ubuntu + XBMC as a media of the XIOS DS. The optional sense center. However, for the cost and remote control moves the cursor features, the XIOS DS is a hard when you move your arm, much value to beat. like the Nintendo Wii. Unlike the standard remote, there are no The XIOS DS is packed in a 6.25 navigation buttons on the sense inch by 6.25 inch box. The Android remote, nor is there a power off roots of the XIOS DS are clearly button, something that makes it obvious with the Android droid necessary to have both remotes. appearing on the top and 3 of the The fact that the Android user 4 sides of the box. Interestingly, interface is touch oriented is one of the sides shows the XIOS DS painfully obvious when you try to measuring 3.3 inches by 3.3 inches navigate the interface using only when in fact it measures slightly the included remote. larger, 4 inches by 4 inches. Inside, I mentioned the lack of usable the XIOS DS is packed snugly in a documentation earlier. The XIOS form-fitting piece of styrofoam. DS does in fact come with

full circle magazine #66 30 contents ^ LINUX LAB documentation, online or support requests. one through the Android interface firmware upgrade also has a group documentation available on the (using the sense remote, click on of additional applications available device itself. However this I couldn’t figure out where all the tiny squares in the top right, that can be added through the documentation is extremely slow the applications were until I used then click the Upgrade same interface, but forum to load, and difficult to read the sense remote to navigate to application), and one through the consensus is it’s better to add because it doesn’t parse smoothly. the top right corner. None of the hole on the bottom of the XIOS DS. applications one by one through The documentation was so slow to standard remote control buttons the Google Play store. Initially, I load that I just gave up reading it could be used to bring up the added the extra applications but and attempted to learn by doing. applications until they were added To upgrade to Ice Cream found I preferred navigating fewer On a positive note, Pivos maintains to the virtual desktops. My XIOS Sandwich you need to download applications. a knowledge-base and forums to DS came with Android 2.3 and unrar the firmware to a support the XIOS DS. The Pivos Gingerbread, but I quickly found microSD card, then use either the The default set of applications forums are actively maintained, the Android 4.0 Ice cream Gingerbread interface or upgrade included with the Ice Cream and information about the latest sandwich firmware on the Pivos through the button on the bottom Sandwich firmware includes: firmware appears first on the site, and upgraded through the of the box. I had a couple of AppInstaller, for installing apks forums. Pivos also maintains an Gingerbread interface. The XIOS microSD cards from my phone. (Android Packages) from disk, online support ticket system DS has a couple of ways to Browser, a Google Chrome-ish web where you can send in bug reports upgrade/downgrade the firmware, The Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) browser, Calculator, an almost

full circle magazine #66 31 contents ^ LINUX LAB windows 8ish-looking calculator, consider the XIOS DS is Linux- wireless scanner, accessed through or a widget, click and hold on the Calendar, based on Google based and Linux always has more settings/wireless, works much widget. Hold for a second and the Calendar, a Clock, Downloads, an choice of applications. However, better. Other applications, like the virtual desktops will appear. Drop Email application, a file browser, a this is where other platforms shine Movie Player, work very well. The the icon anywhere you want on the gallery application, a perhaps by making little things like the Media Player played almost desktop. Dropping applications on misnamed messaging program default apps less complicated. everything I threw at it. top of one another stacks them in that’s really only good for sending Some applications didn’t work a folder. Folders are symbolized by email (a moot point since there’s correctly. The included calendar Applications and widgets (much a black circle in the background already an email application), a refused to display any of my the same type you might see in a and stacking of icons. To remove movie player, a music playing Google Public Calendar items. KDE desktop) can be dropped on an application, hold the OK button application, a network application, Both the email and calendar any one of 4 virtual desktops. down while hovering over the the Google Play Store, a search applications also crash from time Navigating the interface is much application, and drag it to the application, settings controls, and to time with no apparent reason. easier with icons on the virtual Remove section that appears at an upgrade application. The network application I couldn’t desktops; however you’ll need the the top. To remove an application get to display anything other than sense remote to drag applications from a folder, or access it within I tested all of the included “Searching... waiting” after waiting and widgets to the desktop. Using the folder, simply click once on the applications and found minor 5 minutes. It seemed to be the sense remote, click the folder; the folder opens and you annoyances, like having to refill my populating a device list. My guess applications button (the six tiny can click on any of the applications Google Account information. This is that it searches for wireless boxes) in the top right corner of within the folder. is understandable when you access points, but the built-in the screen. To drag an application

full circle magazine #66 32 contents ^ LINUX LAB Additional applications can be Magazine, Issue #56, but it has to added to the XIOS DS either locally be one of the smallest XBMC- off a disk from an apk, Android capable devices I’ve ever seen. As Package, or via the included an entertainment system, it’s well Google Play Store. If you installed worth the money. Yes, you could the Ice Cream Sandwich extra buy a Raspberry Pi, but then you’d applications apk, then you’ll also have to hack together a case, get have the Amazon store to install XBMC working on it, buy a remote applications from. The choice of control (or make one), but with the applications is actually pretty XIOS DS Media Play you can get all good, there are a number of great these things plus the entire Google applications and games in the and Amazon markets. Ultimately, Android store. From the free part it’s a good little box for the money. of the Play Store, I downloaded It takes some getting used to, but Angry Birds (which proved to be once you’ve customized the XIOS great fun for some clients who DS the way you want, it’s a fun came over), Google Currents (for little box. reading Full Circle Magazine), a Terminal Emulator, and SSH Server. Some familiar apps like Frozen Bubble are also in the Google Play Store. than it does on the custom Linux custom XBMC Linux kernel and if firmware, but you don’t lose any you want Android back, you can One application which applications. The custom-Linux just reflash the device using the surprisingly isn’t present is XBMC, XBMC firmware loads fast, taking upgrade hole on the bottom of the XBMC Media Centre. There is good only about 15 seconds to load, device and the Ice Cream Sandwich and bad news around running compared to about a minute and a firmware on a microSD card. XBMC XBMC on the Pivos XIOS DS. The half for Android 4.0 Ice Cream in either state is considered beta, good news is there is both XBMC Sandwich. the main reason why it wasn’t put for Android and a custom Linux- up on the Google Play Store. As Charles is a step-father, husband, based firmware for the box. The Playback of video under both is with a lot of Linux beta software, it and Linux fan, who hosts a not-for- first bit of good news means that smooth, though the scrolling works quite well. It isn’t quite as profit computer refurbishing you don’t have to give up your between videos is much smoother nice an XBMC solution as the project. When not breaking hardware/servers, he maintains a other Android applications to run with the custom Linux kernel. The custom Linux-based solution I blog at: XBMC on the XIOS DS. XBMC runs great thing is you can try the wrote about in Full Circle http://www.charlesmccolm.com/ a bit more sluggish under Android

full circle magazine #66 33 contents ^ CCLLOOSSIINNGG WWIINNDDOOWWSS FFiillee AAssssoocciiaattiioonnss ((OOppeenn WWiitthh)) be made permanent. Alternatively, Written by: you can right-click a file and choose Ronnie Tucker (KDE) which application it should open in. Jan Mussche (Gnome) This is especially true if one file can Elizabeth Krumbach (XFCE) be opened in a variety of Mark Boyajian (LXDE) applications. For example, an MP3 file. You may want to open it, this time, in an audio editing application instead of playing it like you normally would. You can also right click a file and manually add/edit file types. Kubuntu choose ‘Open With...’ from the menu. Often an application will These settings are also helpful in that you can have an order of As with Windows, when you install and associate itself with a preference. So, for example in the double click a file, and Kubuntu has file type. This will show when you screen shown, I have the file type no idea what type of file it is, you’ll right-click a file and choose ‘Open ‘jpeg’ set to open in Gwenview be presented with a window asking With’ and you see several options. first. Should that fail, Kubuntu will you which application you want to try and load it in GIMP and so on try and load the file with. Sometimes human error occurs ouble clicking a file will, and you associate a file type with down the list. This is the list of usually, open it in the the wrong application. This can be options that I mentioned appropriate corrected in System Settings > File previously. D application. So, double Associations. Here you can clicking a Word document will load up the Word application which will, in turn, open the chosen Word document. This is called ‘file association’. If a file does not have an application associated with it, then you will be asked which application should be associated with this file type and if it should

full circle magazine #66 34 contents ^ CLOSING WINDOWS Gnome Shell Xubuntu In Gnome Shell a few Just like many other Desktop applications are mentioned as Environments, in Xfce and Xubuntu default for some operations, like you have a selector accessible web-browsing, e-mail, etc. These within the file manager that allows programs can be selected in you select an application per file Activities > Applications > System type. Settings > Details > Default Applications. First, open the file manager by going to the mouse menu at the Other files, like a simple text top left > Accessories > File file, can be attached to a default Manager, and then go to a program by means of right-clicking directory that has files you wish to the file in the file-manager. A open. menu appears showing the Depending on the file-type you Open with, choose the right possible options. will see some programs listed. program, select the button Set as Double-clicking on a file will Should you still not find the default. From now on, when you open it in the default application program you want to use here, double-click the file, the newly associated with it. A single right- chose Other Application. A new chosen program will open it. click will bring you to a menu that window is opened with the list of allows you to open with the programs. When even this list is default application associated with not enough to choose from, select it, or with other applications which the button Show other may be associated with that file applications at the bottom of the type. window. Now all installed programs are listed. Should your You also have the option of The default setting for this type desired program not be in this list, “Open With Another Application...” of file is gedit, so, when you then I suggest to install it first. which will bring up an “Open With” double-click the file, gedit will run window that allows you to select and it will open the text file. A small variation to this all any application for association, or a Should you want to open the makes it possible to change the custom command, and also gives file with a program other than default program to open a certain you a checkbox for “Use as default gedit, choose the second option: file-type. Right-click the file, for this kind of file” – so it Open With Other Application. choose Properties, select the tab remembers it as your default

full circle magazine #66 35 contents ^ CLOSING WINDOWS

preference. Just like with Gnome Finally, there are limited default Shell, you can also set the application associations under the application you wish to open the mouse menu > Settings > Settings file with by opening the Manager > Preferred Applications. “Properties” dialog for the file and This settings menu will allow you defaults are Chromium and changing the “Open With” setting, to select the default Web Browser, Lubuntu Sylpheed, respectively; however, if which will change the default Mail Reader, Terminal Emulator, you have other applications application for that and other files and File Manager. Even in the minimalist LXDE installed, then you can select them of the same type. environment, there are options to from the provided dropdown lists. control file associations, and the process is very similar to those As with the other window already described above. Let’s managers described above, start with the “Preferred double-clicking a file in LXDE will Applications” window: from the open that file in the default main menu, select Preferences > preferred application. If, however, Preferred Applications. you would like to open that file with a different application, you This window allows you to set can right-click the file and the pop- system applications, but only two up menu will list any other options are presented: Web applications with which that file Browser and Mail Client. (NOTE: I type is compatible. am using Lubuntu version 11.04; your mileage may vary.) The Select (i.e. left-click) the desired

full circle magazine #66 36 contents ^ CLOSING WINDOWS

application from the pop-up menu, options to control it. In both cases, and the file will open in that you can choose to make your application. selection the default application/action for this type of If the application with which file by putting a “check” in the you want to open the file is not check-box at the bottom of the listed in the pop-up menu, then window. If you do, your choice will you can select “Open With...” from be saved and it will become the the menu to select any application default action every time you open you have installed on your system a file of this type; otherwise, your from the Choose an Application choice will be valid for only this window. one selection, and all future attempts to open a file of this type From the Choose an Application will revert to the saved default. window, you are, by default, placed on the “Installed Application” tab; Selecting the “File Properties” from here, you can can expand for a file provides you with an each category to browse for the “Open with...” option that is application you want. There is also identical in function to the “Open a “Custom Command Line” tab with...” option from the file’s pop- which allows you to create a up menu, as described above. custom command to launch the application of your choice using the power of command line

full circle magazine #66 37 contents ^ MMYY SSTTOORRYY Written by Theo van Oosten

'm a not so young computer interfaces, they were not as fan from Italy. I started using advanced as Ubuntu is today, them in 1983, when my father almost 20 years later. This gave me I gave me my first one: a a chance to become used to the Sinclair ZX Spectrum 16KB. Since command line interface (CLI). then, I've always loved playing When I found Ubuntu, it quickly and/or working with some kind of became my distro of choice, machine (Amiga 500, and then PC). because it supported most of my hardware. In late 2006, it was time I discovered the world of open to get a new computer, and I source when I still did not know decided to buy a laptop for the anything about free OS, such as first time (I was always using *buntu and stuff like that. Still desktop computers). Back then, I working with Windows (XP), I first was still unsure of the hardware started using open source supported by Linux, especially for software; then, speaking with IT the wireless. So I decided to face colleagues at work, they told me the problem right in the store, and about Ubuntu and Open Suse and, “close Windows,” even if for some committed people. I have rarely I brought with me the live CD of after trying both of them, in 2007 I little things I still need to have met the same professional concern Ubuntu 6.06. Some store workers made my first partition on my Windows on my home PC, for my in a work environment), and the were not ready to let me try it on home PC, choosing Ubuntu... phone, for some applications, or story goes on... waiting for 12.10. their machines. Others told me for Photography. I am even trying "Sure, go ahead", and others were Meanwhile, I discovered your GIMP with some satisfaction, and, Luca Masini ignorant of Linux. My main criteria beautiful and useful magazine last month, I saw an issue of a new to buy a machine was that the (even for people who aren't so free PDF magazine about this sound, the wireless, and the able to manage a terminal, or a powerful software. display had to work off a live boot. programming language, as I am). verything started in the I found one, and I was very happy In 2012, I started collaborating mid 90s with Linux. I was with it. The first thing I did with it Since then, I have tried some with the FCM-IT Team (they rock so struggling with the earlier was boot from the Ubuntu CD and different flavours of the same much and you know: I read your E versions of Linux, where reformat the hard disk. tree: Linux Mint, Lubuntu, MoonOS article about them, and I can the Command Line was standard. and others. I am always trying to confirm that they are beautiful, Although there were graphical Fast forward to 2012, almost six

full circle magazine #66 38 contents ^ MY STORY years later. This laptop is still running, with Ubuntu 12.04 now. I upgraded the RAM to 4GB, and the hard disk from 120GB to 500GB. I IT HAS RETURNED! bought a faster computer that is now my workstation. It runs The Full Circle Ubuntu in different flavors, and I have one partition with the latest Podcast Returns! alpha/beta/testing version out there. The laptop is now a file It may be a new team of server, and an SSH server that I use podcasters, but the format remotely. Linux has been running will be the same. my laptop for almost 6 years now, and I can foresee another 5 years We'll be talking about Full of good use of this computer. Circle Magazine, news, reviews and interviews. What made me choose Ubuntu was the large range of applications Your new team is: and systems that are available. I • Les Pounder am also happy to see that new • Tony Hughes applications, programs and utilities • Jon Chamberlain now come first with Ubuntu-based prefer to let others make these have to adapt to. The computer • Oliver Clark scripts and repository files, so, choices, I like the freedom to should adapt to the user, not the under Ubuntu, we can always be decide how I use my computer and other way around. Ubuntu gives All are members of the the first to try them. I still use (and my hardware. I prefer to spend a me this freedom. Blackpool (UK) LUG need) the CLI, as this is what I grew bit more time on my system and http://blackpool.lug.org.uk up with. But the evolution of the have something that is tailored for Jean-Francois Messier Ubuntu graphical environment has me, rather than something that I Debut episode is made it one of the best systems I available from the see today. FCM homepage.

Linux provides us with the possibility to choose our office suite, our graphical environment, and our type of operating system. Although a lot of users would

full circle magazine #66 39 contents ^ WWHHAATT IISS...... UEFI Written by Ronnie Tucker UEFI

command-line prompt. Being a I hope this is the first of a new mini-OS in storage somewhere column. I’d like to use this space to means that this new look BIOS will show articles that take a single be multi-language, and potentially subject and explain (briefly, and remove the need for the old morse simply) the history, some behind- code beeps. It all sounds great so the-scenes information, and how far, so why the outrage? the software we use interacts with the chosen subject. Send your Secure Boot articles to [email protected] UEFI has a feature called ‘secure boot’ that will disable Here are some ideas to help get hardware, drivers and other you creative: newsgroups, IRC, loaders that do not have a digital BitTorrent, email, the web, video signature. Think of a digital codecs, PGP encryption, the kernel, signature as being a certificate graphics tablets... is plugged and in good working Since the BIOS system has been from the manufacturer to say that order. Should anything be out of around (in one form or another) this is genuine hardware/software. place, you will hear beeps from the since the mid-70s, it’s definitely Booting is a bit complicated, but computer’s built-in speaker. These time for it to be replaced. UEFI will simply put: when secure boot is efore we delve into what beeps, similar to morse code, tell be that replacement. Well, sort of. enabled, it requires that UEFI (Unified Extensible you what is wrong. The BIOS does hardware/software show some Firmware Interface) is, have a user interface to allow UEFI form of ID, and if the ID matches B let’s take a step back and configuration. This is usually seen known legitimate ID’s in a review what we have at the database, then everything moves by pressing Del, F1, or something Many tout UEFI as a moment. along swiftly. But this is where the similar. replacement, but potential arguments arise. really it works with the BIOS in When your computer is Once your BIOS is happy that booting the computer. The idea powered up, your BIOS (Basic Input the system is OK, it will begin behind it is that UEFI is a mini-OS Finger Pointing Output System) kicks in and does a loading the operating system. which will be mouse driven (with a quick check of your hardware to GUI), and even have its own Before blaming Microsoft, ensure everything that is required

full circle magazine #66 40 contents ^ WHAT IS which everyone seems to do, Oh, and I should mention that remember that secure boot is part Left Vulnerable there is one other company of UEFI, it just happens that enforcing secure boot on machines Windows 8 will use it. The problem As I write this (late September 2012), Italian security consultants pre-loaded with their OS. is that Microsoft has demanded ITSEC have discovered a way to defeat the Windows 8 Kernel Patch Canonical. Oh, the irony... that all hardware marked as being Protection and Driver Signature Enforcement policy by overwriting for Windows 8 should have secure the Windows 8 bootloader. They maintain that UEFI is just as boot enabled by default. This vulnerable to attack as the old BIOS system. means that Linux would not be able to boot, or dual-boot, since it doesn’t have a valid form of ID. The valid ID would need to be kept • Disabling secure boot leaves Hardware vendors who aren’t a closely guarded secret which Windows 8 vulnerable aligned with Microsoft will have would cause problems when • Secure boot keys must be kept the ability to tweak UEFI and releasing source code, as doing so secure secure boot as they see fit, but, as would reveal that distro’s unique • UEFI does not replace the BIOS, I’m sure you can imagine, they’ll be digital signature. Initially the same but works with it few and far between. was thought of GRUB 2 (the Ubuntu boot loader), but this has Microsoft has specified that on now been resolved and Ubuntu X86 (Intel or AMD) machines with 12.10+ will continue using GRUB 2. the Windows 8 logo, you will be able to disable secure boot (i.e.: Another way is: if you can’t beat enter custom mode) which will them, join them. Fedora has forged allow Linux to boot. The problem is an alliance with Microsoft and paid that most users really won’t want the $99 (€77) to obtain a secure to make their shiny new Windows 8 boot key. machine potentially vulnerable. And for good reason. Summation

Credentials In summing up: • UEFI is not Microsoft So wait, what if Linux was to • Windows 8 logo machines must get a valid ID. Well, that might have secure boot enabled conflict with the GPL (GNU Public • Users can, if they wish, disable License) that Linux conforms to. secure boot

full circle magazine #66 41 contents ^ full circle magazine #66 42 contents ^ RREEVVIIEEWW Written by Ronnie Tucker GGooooggllee NNeexxuuss 77

phone, but, with a 4” screen, it’s the OK ones. But, should you have not the most pleasant of tasks. an Android mobile phone, then, in most cases (not all!), you should be I needed a tablet. A pocket- able to make your phone a wifi sized tablet. hotspot. Tethering it’s called. I’ve done this a few times with my Initially, I looked at a Kindle. Nexus 7 and it works great. Black and white screen, does only text, and must buy from Amazon. Free Stuff! There is that Kindle Fire thing. Ditto. After logging into the Nexus, 7 you’ll receive an email from Google There must be something telling you that your Play account better. has £15 of credit. The way this works is that you go through the Enter the Nexus 7. Made by usual process of buying an app ASUS and using Google’s Android (quite simple and painless), and, 4.1 (Jelly Bean), it has a seven inch when you’re on the last step, you’ll (full color) touch screen, 8 or 16 GB see a menu letting you choose of storage, and comes with (in between your registered credit most cases) £15 of Google Play fter one long journey card or your Play credit. credit. too many on public through a lists of ‘Top Paid’, ‘Top transport, I decided that The Google Play shop is where Free’, ‘Top Grossing’, ‘Top New Surely it must have a down side? I needed some sort of you get all your installables from. Paid’, ‘Top New Free’, and A Well, there is one minor niggle: it The first screen will present you pocket-sized entertainment. Yes, I ‘Trending’. Any item you choose uses only wifi, there’s no 3G option could listen to an audio device with some suggestions but also will also suggest other apps based to give you data everywhere and while staring blankly out of the three options: ‘Apps’, ‘Movies’, and on this choice, and list more apps anywhere. Living where I am in the window. Yes, I could check my ‘Books’. Chose one of those and (if any) by the creator. You can, of UK means that I am usually without email every five minutes on my you’ll be given some featured course, search titles. Pressing the 3G and wifi, and survive reasonably mobile phone. Yes, in theory, I suggestions. Swiping left will give down arrow beside the search box well. Come the inevitable zombie could read books on my mobile you a list of categories to browse will list all currently installed apps. apocalypse, I reckon I’ll be one of through. Swiping right will go

full circle magazine #66 43 contents ^ REVIEW Choosing one will give you its Holmes’: (which comes pre-installed). Handy If you’ve got wifi access, and normal description, and with the for reading FCM on the move. you’re in need of some option to uninstall it. This is also entertainment, you could install where app updates are listed. one of the many radio apps, or even Netflix. Movies in HD played All in all, the Play shop is very flawlessly on the Nexus, even with well designed and very easy to use, my pretty slow Internet so there should be no real connection. Google Music is problems installing/removing included (but called Google Play – apps. which is a bit confusing), and works great showing your album covers Best Of Both Worlds as nice big icons.

Speaking of apps, not only can I Android no longer uses the old read books from Google Play on ‘USB Storage’ method for this, but I can also install the sending/receiving files which has Amazon Kindle app and read been a problem for Linux in the Kindle books on there too. Best of past. Thankfully, this seems to be both worlds! Within both the improving, but what I’ve been Kindle app and Google Play you doing is either using an app like can download the books to the ‘WiFi File Explorer’ (WFE), ‘ES File device, so you can read your books Explorer’ (ESFE), or ‘AirDroid’ to offline. Google have helpfully move files back and forth. With included a widget (a little ‘app’ you WFE, you can wirelessly connect can drag onto the desktop which Installing Adobe Reader from your PC and Nexus using your can be thought of as being a Google Play will allow you to read Battery life on the Nexus 7 is browser as a controller. You start shortcut) which can display your and annotate PDF files. Text can excellent. With some light reading, the WFE app and it will connect to Play books right on your desktop! vary between PDFs though. Some and no wifi, I went three days your wifi network and it will give A widget can be downloaded from use large margins and small text, without a charge. Obviously you an address such as the Play store which will display but most PDF books should be turning on wifi and/or doing more http://192.168.0.23:8000. For more links to your Kindle books on the easily readable without zooming intensive tasks will drain the on AirDroid, see this month’s desktop too. Here’s my current and scrolling, which is something I battery much faster. Command and Conquer column. desktop with ‘MY BOOKS’ (Google hate. Play) and a link to the Kindle Audio/Video Type that into your browser and edition of ‘The Complete Sherlock If RSS is more your thing, then you’ll be able to access your Nexus you can use Google Currents to send/receive files.

full circle magazine #66 44 contents ^ REVIEW slowing down at all.

One new addition to the Android box of tricks is Google Now. With this app you can use text/voice searches, and, based on those searches, it will, over time, build up a series of ‘cards’ that it will display. These cards will give you everything from traffic advice, weather, even public transport timetables. Google is pretty much trying to predict your searches before you even do them!

KDE) which gave me a folder in added the images from my At £199 ($199) the Nexus 7 is an /home called ‘Ubuntu One’, and DropBox folder. Cable free! absolute bargain. It’s fast, has a anything I dropped in there would really nice responsive screen, and Android 4.1 is indeed buttery show in the cloud on the Ubuntu Say Cheese! One website and in the Ubuntu smooth (as Google has been saying). It One Android app. Adding a file For a camera – the Nexus 7 has ESFE is a similar idea, but you from the Nexus 7 was as simple as fits nicely a front facing camera which is into the connect directly to the PC to pressing the ‘+’ button in the top quite low resolution, but it’s more send/receive files from shared right of the screen, selecting the palm of the than adequate for the facial hand, it’s directories. It all sounds type of file to send, then selecting recognition in Android 4.1 (a cool complicated just to shuffle files the file itself. After a few seconds, not too unlocking feature) and for use in heavy, and, back and forth, but it’s a lot the file was in the cloud. DropBox Google+ hangouts. quicker than plugging in the cable works flawlessly, and in the same more and such like. way as Ubuntu One. DropBox came importantly, I haven’t tried many games on fits in my in handy with this review. I took my the Nexus, but Minecraft ran screenshots of the Nexus screen jacket Head In The Clouds smooth as silk as did Broken Sword pocket! (hold the power and volume down (Android remake of the old PC Ubuntu One works dandy with keys), and sent them to my classic), and Pinball HD looked the Nexus 7. I simply installed DropBox account. When writing mighty impressive, and, again, ubuntuone-control-panel-qt (I use this review in Google Docs, I simply smooth as silk. No glitches or

full circle magazine #66 45 contents ^ RREEVVIIEEWW Written by Art Schreckengost PPeeppppeerrmmiinntt TThhrreeee

eppermint Three (the number is always spelled out) has been out for P roughly 6 months – One and Two have been in use for nearly a year before that – and has managed to remain in the Distrowatch top 50, so I decided to give the 64-bit version a try.

At just over 550MB (a 32-bit version is just slightly lighter), this is an OS that still manages to fit on a CD or small flash drive – which is somewhat unusual given that its parent OS, Lubuntu, is nearly 150MB larger. Base and recommended specs include 192MB RAM (512MB recommended), Intel x86 processor (user forums indicate AMD chipsets are no problem but the website makes specific mention of Intel), and 2GB HDD space (4GB recommended). Many Linux bin. It does have the Lubuntu Chromebook? Yes, Google's connection, you've got a $300 to included programs require active LXDE desktop, menu structure and answer to tablet users desiring a $500 paperweight. Internet capability, so keep this in Software Center but it borrows laptop instead. Utilizing the limited mind. Mint's Update Manager, some bits Chrome OS, that design has Being light has advantages, and of underlying code from Debian Google's Chrome browser doing Peppermint has a brisk installation Although based upon Lubuntu Wheezy and Sid, and, finally, pieces double duty as the desktop, too. time of just under 15 minutes. And 12.04, Peppermint is really a from the Chromebook engineering All the programs are Cloud based, my version had updates of just hodgepodge of parts from the perspective. so, without an Internet or cellular over 60MB (as opposed to my

full circle magazine #66 46 contents ^ REVIEW previous review of openArtist in exclusively Cloud based, and no which the updates were nearly 10 Internet or cellular connection times larger than Peppermint's). means you've got a serious problem; however, Peppermint Another advantage is that boot developers opted for a hybrid times, including BIOS, POST, and design – some of the programs are the obligatory password, averaged Cloud based, but users can add all less than 30 seconds. the standard HDD based programs they desire. Some of this speed is attributable to the LXDE However, Chrome OS and underpinnings, but another part of Peppermint differ greatly in their the equation involves what this OS flummox some. LibreOffice or for a treat. There are three custom approach. The Chrome OS utilizes doesn't have. Seekers of glitz and Abiword are nowhere to be seen; designed web applications tailored (obviously) the Google Chrome glamor best look elsewhere as you instead they’re replaced by Google for the manipulators in us all – browser. It acts as a gateway for get just a simple panel at the Web Office, aka GWoffice. Firefox Editor by Pixlr, Express by Pixlr, and the included programs (such as bottom with the usual indicators is a no-show for Google Chromium, pixlr-o-matic. Without getting Google Docs), and also acts as the and a desktop of peppermint white Gmail assumes email duties, overly elaborate, let's say you desktop. If, for some reason, you and red. Guayadeque substitutes for the should have enough with these to cripple Chrome, then you've also usual music players, and Gnome- keep your image hacking satisfied. crippled the computer. That's it folks; no desktop icons MPlayer is there to play other Although it's tough to describe and just a few alternate wallpapers media that Guayadeque won't or them in great detail here, I'll just What makes Peppermint unique you can access by right-clicking the can't. Games are non-existent, as is say they are all well designed and is Ice, their SSB (site specific desktop; however, as bare as this Wine. rival just about anything the browser) that acts as a middle-man may seem, it's no worse than base software managers offer. or conduit for certain programs. Lubuntu, and actually looks crisper Other programs include Without being too geeky about it, and better designed. Keep in mind Dropbox (nice addition), Ice (a At this point it should be Ice works by piggybacking the that LXDE was designed to work custom browser I'll delve into evident that some of these Chromium browser. For example, quickly in lower powered later), Transmission, Google programs are definitely Cloud opening GWoffice (Google Docs by computers, and it doesn't fail here. Reader, and Google Calendar. oriented, especially the office and any other name) opens Ice in a Those desiring to add additional image suites. As stated before, separate window. You're online at Clicking on the main menu programs will find Software Center Peppermint took a cue from the Google Docs but what you see is in button (a circular red and white and Synaptic Package Manager. Chromebook, but didn't go quite as a window separate from peppermint) will bring forth a far as that design. The Chrome OS Chromium. If you check your rather eclectic mix of programs, Photo and image techies are in used for those laptops is almost program manager, you'll notice no but it's the substitutes that may entry for Ice but you will see

full circle magazine #66 47 contents ^ REVIEW multiple Chromium entries, if you computer users show up. Already are just as quick (provided your had this happen in Mint and other already had Chromium open. crippled by running Peppermint off connection is good). This is the Ubuntu variants that used the my optical drive, the weak wireless main selling point of LXDE and Update Manager, so I won't blame And what if you close signal eventually made most of the Lubuntu. it on Peppermint’s developers. Chromium while Ice is working? Cloud programs unstable and Nothing will happen and Ice will useless. The real (and shocking) Overall, I'd rate Peppermint as a keep on working since it can still difference was in battery life. With good beginner's introduction to go through Chromium even if it is This is exactly what happened Ubuntu 12.04 Unity, I averaged 2.5 Ubuntu based variants, especially closed. In theory, even if Chromium with a Chromebook I tested for an to 3 hours on my laptop, but users defecting from limited crashes or freezes, it shouldn't acquaintance a few months ago. Peppermint's average was nearly 4 tablets or previous Cloud adversely impact Ice (I never got to That person was piggybacking off a hours. That is a substantial experiences that didn't pan out. test that since Chromium wouldn't weak wireless signal and couldn't improvement and not one easily However, more experienced users cooperate by crashing for me). figure out why it wouldn't work. brushed off. may find it a little light (although starting from scratch and adding But here is where it does get Fortunately, Peppermint has an There was one failure, though. what you want isn't always bad – geeky. Although Ice may work out. Whereas Chromebooks often Guayadeque (the music player) just Ubuntu has made a living off of independently of Chromium, it still come with puny flash drives and an refused to cooperate and kept that). relies on it and, therefore, you OS that makes adding programs a telling me my system lacked the can't uninstall Chromium. Go chore, Peppermint can be installed proper mp3 drivers. However, As a final grade, I'd give ahead and install Firefox, Midori, on nearly every computer, and has Gnome-MPlayer and other music Peppermint Three 3½ out of 5. Konqueror, or any other browser the capability of adding any players I tried had no such you like, but Chromium must stay program currently found in problem. No matter what I added As an installed system, it's or your online programs may not Software Center or Synaptic or tweaked, it wouldn't work, and I great, but, in live mode or areas work. Package Manager. eventually had to uninstall it. where Internet Weird thing is, this program is one connectivity is Although it may sound a little As one might expect, of the highest rated in Software an issue, the buggy, it really isn't, and the whole Peppermint shines on the Center for the audio category so it Cloud based affair works surprisingly well as performance front. RAM (with could just be a quirk. programs long as you have a strong Internet 4GB) generally idled around 10% can be a connection. and rarely ventured above 15%, Peppermint was very stable in bear to live while my dual-core CPU usage general operation with just one with. This became readily apparent hovered below 10%. Overstressed system freeze – which I'll blame on when I tested live mode at my local this isn't. Sluggish opening Mint's Update Manager since it was library, a place notorious for its programs like Gimp and in the middle of operations when it mediocre wireless signal that LibreOffice snap to attention gave up the ghost and locked me slows to a crawl if more than 20 quickly, and web-based offerings out (but recovered on reboot). I've

full circle magazine #66 48 contents ^ Every month we like to publish some of the emails we receive. If you would like to submit a letter for publication, compliment or complaint, please email it to: LLEETTTTEERRSS [email protected]. PLEASE NOTE: some letters may be edited for space.

Zorin OS Some People... For years, I had been using a famous financial package on my Join us on: 'm a long time feel so sad. The day before Windows machine without any Linux user; in yesterday, I removed the problems. It also gave me all the goo.gl/FRTMl fact, my first preloaded Ubuntu from a financial reports I needed. Linux friend’s Dell laptop and facebook.com/fullcircle I I Then I loaded Ubuntu on the magazine distribution was installed Windows 7 Ultimate on it. same machine using the dual-boot Yggdrasil. Then A few months back, when I bought twitter.com/#!/fullcirclemag came Redhat. my Dell laptop, much to my method (after listening to all the surprise it also came with much-vaunted hype about linkedin.com/company/full- Sadly enough, I can't use Linux preloaded Ubuntu 10.04 on it. But Ubuntu). I then switched to circle-magazine Gnucash, saving the data to a at work as the applications I work there were no official Ubuntu logo. ubuntuforums.org/forum mysql database from where I used with (Pro/E, Creo) are available on When I saw my friend’s laptop with display.php?f=270 the Windows platform only. I've the Ubuntu logo alongside Intel’s, I LibreOffice Base to produce the used Ubuntu at home, but got was overwhelmed. But the sad desired reports. Everything worked dissatisfied with it when they thing is that I could not persuade fine until 12.04 came. All of a problem. Other advice will also be introduced Unity. that friend of mine to use Ubuntu. sudden one can not produce any appreciated. He just won’t give it a try. report in Base at all. Please have a So I started searching for look at Surely this is no advert for alternatives. A very interesting one Uttam https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubunt LibreOffice or Ubuntu. that is perhaps eligible for an u/+source/libreoffice/+bug/99223 article in your magazine is Zorin 2, which might give you a better Jose OS: http://zorin-os.com/ picture of the problem. One of the last comments on this post is Gord notes: a fix was postedto Office Base that bug report in June, but I don’t John Bijnens surely very valid: "What good is a database that can't produce know ifit will solve Jose’s specific his is a last ditch attempt reports?" problem. to get something done about LibreOffice Base My question: what can I do? T before I completely wipe Ideally in kicking somebody's Ubuntu from my dual-boot backside as apparently nobody is machine. doing anything to solve the

full circle magazine #66 49 contents ^ LETTERS More Bugs Viruses years ago) I had an antivirus, but I 10 clips and audio, then decide never felt that I needed it on Linux. that one of the clips in the middle he rant concerning bug egarding the security Has that just changed? What are must be trimmed. Trimming the reporting (for Evolution in issues of attacks from the best anti-virus programmes for clip using the scissors is no sweat. his case) is pretty close to Viruses, Mal-ware and Ubuntu? An article on this might be However, I now have an open space bang on for bug reporting Spy-ware are "unheard" useful. in my presentation and all the T R other clips must be moved in general. I guess that just of. However, as I still access because a program uses Bugzilla it Windows' machines with a USB Chris Burmajster manually to close that opening. doesn't mean that Bugzilla is a memory stick, I installed Clam Av generic term—it’s unique to a to my Linux machines as a Ronnie says: Any antivirus gurus Closing that space is fairly given program. Even more precaution. out there who’dlike to give us a straightforward on a single track deceptive is the more or less quick run through on how to protect video but can be a royal pain in the automatic bug reporting that I run Clam Av on a regular basis ourmachines from native viruses, butt if one is using multiple video pops-up now and then. and recently got a warning of a but also in keeping a dual-boot safe? and audio tracks. Removing a virus on scanning my machine, not photo from the middle of photo I guess that developers really a USB memory stick. So Linux is Gord adds: See the Q&A in slideshow movie, where each do want feedback, but the tools susceptible to attacks. The FCM#64. I showedhow to scan a photo lasts 3-4 seconds, is arduous they offer are “less than intuitive”! contamination came from another Windows partition, but a tiny in the extreme. Indeed they seem designed for the source. simplification ofthe procedure developers – not the users. wouldscan yourUbuntu system. Is there a utility that I might be Can you give us readers of FCM unaware of that could make this A generic article on how to some more information as to this process simpler? Would others report a bug would be a security issue? have the same issue? winner—wish I was smart enough Kdenlive Help to write it! Allan Hambidge Jeff Boulden 'm an intermittent reader of That's a good Dave Rowell FCM who enjoyed your piece Ronnie says: question. I don't think there is a way just read FCM issue 64, and in issue 65 about editing clips to automatically rearrange clips Ronnie says: Any developers, or I'm worried! The news item on in Kdenlive. I use Kdenlive at smart cookies, out there want to I aftera trim, but I'm no expert. Any the Linux trojan caught my home and at work. teach us users how to use bug eye, and the question Kdenlive experts out there got a reporting sites/tools such as I solution forthis one? uppermost in my mind is: how do I The manual nature of Bugzilla? check if my computer has been repositioning clips has always infected and how to I get rid of it? bothered me. Let's say that I put In the Windows world (last used 6 together a 3 minute video with 7 to

full circle magazine #66 50 contents ^ full circle magazine #66 51 contents ^ If you have Ubuntu-related questions, email them to: Q&A [email protected], and Gord will answer them in a future Q&A Please include as much information as you can about your problem. Compiled by Gord Campbell issue.

I close the laptop lid and After I log out, the Magazine. Google also finds I'm trying to open 2 it suspends. If I leave it system gets to a full several tutorials, including this gvims at the same time, Q for a long while, when I Q screen terminal and stays one: Q but 12.04 does not do it. open the lid, it comes out that way. Only way to http://www.wikihow.com/Install- When I click on the quick- of suspend okay, but I can only just escape it is power button to shut Windows-XP-on-Ubuntu-with- launch icon the second time, it just see the desktop enough to get to down. VirtualBox brings in front the first window the LogOut button, log out and log opened before. back in, then all is good again. You might try one of Xubuntu 12.04, Radeon graphics. these commands: I tried to start the new (Thanks to David D. in Sigil from the terminal the Ubuntu Forums) (Thanks to brainwash in A Q and got "illegal Hold down the shift key the Ubuntu Forums) instruction error". My while clicking on the sudo poweroff A Navigate to Settings computer is based on an AMD icon. A Manager > Screensaver sudo shutdown now Duron CPU. > Advanced > Fading and Colormaps, and untick Fade to In Ubuntu 10.04, I used Black when Blanking, or similar I installed Ubuntu as the The Duron is a 32-bit the utility under the wording in Xubuntu. only OS on my computer, processor, with support Q Places menu to connect taking up the entire hard for MMX, 3DNow and via SSH to my shell Q SSE. (Each of those is a account on a remote server. That drive. Now I discover that A How can I stop my screen I must run a Windows program, set of instructions which the CPU allowed me to simply transfer files from going dark after it is and it doesn't work with WINE. I can run, in addition to what a from one computer to the other, Q inactive for a few have a Windows DVD. What's my standard Intel 486 can run.) It the tool automatically doing the minutes? easiest option? sounds like Sigil requires some SFTP stuff etc. Is there an additional instructions which were equivalent in 12.04? Run System Settings, Assuming you have a not implemented in older CPUs. Brightness and Lock. Set fairly modern, The only way to fix this would be (Thanks to "Turn off screen" to reasonably powerful to get the source code and compile cryptotheslow in the A never. computer, the easiest it with the options appropriate to Ubuntu Forums.) On A your CPU. 12.04, Nautilus (the thing is to install VirtualBox, then A install Windows inside VirtualBox. default file manager) has a See issue 49 of Full Circle "Connect to Server..." entry in its

full circle magazine #66 52 contents ^ Q & A File menu that gives the option to http://www.plop.at use SSH to connect to a remote /en/bootmanagers. server. html

Download the .zip file, then I'm a new user in Ubuntu extract it to a known location such and I want to install as Downloads. One of the files in Q NS2.33 (Network the plop folder, which might be Simulator) in my Ubuntu called plpbt-5.0.14, is a little tiny 10.04. ISO, less than a megabyte. Insert a blank disc into your CD burner, and Switch to Ubuntu 12.04 press Cancel when Ubuntu asks or one of its variants, what you want to do. Run Brasero and NS2.35 is available or K3b, or whatever program you A from the Software use to burn CDRs. Select "Burn Center. Ubuntu 10.04 will expire in Image". Navigate to the ISO and less than a year, so it's not a great select it. Now you can "Burn". The way to begin using Ubuntu. burn will take just a moment, but "finalizing" the disc will take the older computer will be happier it or Install it, just what I wanted. longer. with one of the lightweight versions of Ubuntu.) If you don't Thanks to Roy in the Yahoo Set your computer to boot from have Unetbootin installed, install Ubuntu Linux Forum for the Tips and Techniques it. See FCM#44 for instructions pointer to Plop. Don't forget to Can't boot from USB? CD and test that Plop comes up when you restart. (I leave my about how to use Unetbootin. You make two good backups before will need a flash drive of at least 1 you install anything! es you can! With the news computers permanently set to boot from CD [and USB], and if I GB. Where I live, you can buy a 4 that future releases of GB flash drive for under $5. Ubuntu will not fit on a happen to restart with a bootable CD, some people will be CD – but that's not what I want – I Y just eject it and restart.) Now, insert the CD with Plop worried about older computers installed, and the flash drive with only a CD drive, which won't containing someUbuntu, version Now you need a flash drive with After a long career in the computer boot from USB — even though 12.10. Restart the computer. I they have USB ports. a Linux distro on it. Ubuntu 12.10 industry, including a stint as editor of and the rest of the family have found that I needed to select HDA Computing Canada and Computer Dealer News, Gord is now more-or- recently been released. Go ahead from the Plop menu, not USB. The solution is the Plop boot When I did, the computer booted less retired. manager: and download Lubuntu 12.10 or Xubuntu 12.10. (I'm assuming that from the flash drive, and I could Try

full circle magazine #66 53 contents ^ UUBBUUNNTTUU WWOOMMEENN Written by Elizabeth Krumbach LLeeaaddeerrss PPrrooffiillee:: SSiillvviiaa aanndd FFllaavviiaa

n the summer of 2012, the Ubuntu Women project grew from a leadership trio to a I leadership quartet with the election of Silvia Bindelli and Flavia Weisghizzi to the team.

We took some time to talk with Silvia and Flavia about their experience in Ubuntu and Ubuntu Women, and to learn some of their goals for the Ubuntu Women project moving forward.

joined the Italian LoCo team and, and helping others as much as I Loco Activity: Encourage at the same time, Flavia and I can. initiatives like the Italian Ubuntu created a local section of Ubuntu Women group: having more or less Women. Since then I've met Silvia’s Goals: explicit groups in the LoCo team wonderful people, both in the who take care of involving more Italian LoCo team and in the Publicity: Try to enhance further women in the Ubuntu community. Silvia Bindelli international community, all willing the visibility of the project on the One activity that proved to be to help, to share, and completely web, and try to promote a good much appreciated is holding I joined the Ubuntu Women enthusiastic about Ubuntu and and welcoming image for it. For sessions on IRC showing briefly project in 2007, but, for several their contributions. This is why I instance, we could give more each specific activity of the LoCo months, I was mainly a passive always try to get myself a bit more vitality to the website via a news team: this kind of tutoring, done in member. My activity started to be involved in the community, and to section and increasing the number the mother language of the more concrete in 2010, when I contribute sharing my enthusiasm of pages linking to it. audience, encourages even those

full circle magazine #66 54 contents ^ UBUNTU WOMEN who are a bit more shy to start community, serving with my contributing actively. For example, communication skills and in QUICK YOUTUBE TIP we could also do sessions on IRC translation and marketing. by Sayan Chattopadhyay sharing our experience in UbuntuWomen-it. At the same time, I was taking a A small BASH script for downloading entire Youtube look at different female playlists/single videos and automatically converting them to MP3. experiences, like Linux Chix, and, finally, I was introduced to the youtube­dl ­o '%(stitle)s.%(ext)s' "$1" inspiring Ubuntu Women list and for file in *.flv; do `ffmpeg ­i $file ­acodec Silvia, and together we gave life to libmp3lame ­ac 2 ­ab 128k ­vn ­y $file.mp3`;done for file in *.mp4; do `ffmpeg ­i $file ­acodec a branch dedicated to Italian- libmp3lame ­ac 2 ­ab 128k ­vn ­y $file.mp3`;done speaking women. rm *.flv rm *.mp4 My work gave me the opportunity to become an Ubuntu or, download from: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/5299195/yt2mp3.sh member and to be elected as former member of the Italian LoCo Usage : team, but I know there's much In terminal: more I can do. Flavia Weisghizzi sudo install yt2mp3.sh /usr/local/bin (for first time installation) The first post I wrote on Flavia’s Goals: Ubuntu-it forum, away back in To use, enter: 2007, was, more or less: “Hi, I'm Publicity. As a journalist, I well Flavia, I'm a 30 years old know the importance of taking yt2mp3.sh "playlist_url/video_url" journalist.” The reply was “Wow, an trace and release activities and alien has landed in this forum!” initiatives. So I'd like to strengthen Points to be noted: the UW communication tools, • Please install youtube-dl, ffmpeg and livavcodec-extra. I felt very different from the toward inner and outer community • Execute the script from a new directory meant for the MP3's of geek-addicted teenagers who were targets. that playlist/video. used to hanging out at that forum. So I asked what could I do for the Mentoring: I'd like to offer my Hope it's useful! Ubuntu-it community and where experience as a speaker to help could I meet some other women people in developing a better Tested for Linux Mint, but should work with all Linux systems. involved in it. Anyway, as time communication strategy for talks went by, I participated in our and conferences.

full circle magazine #66 55 contents ^ UUBBUUNNTTUU GGAAMMEESS Written by Dougn Redhammer NNEEWWSS

Towns, The Black Mesa Project, Cry newly launched Greenlight project. of Fear and Project Zomboid. This You can also vote for games that is just the beginning. Most of these have Linux versions to appear on games also come from Steam's Steam via Greenlight.

he game developer Obsidian has nobody on staff studio, Obsidian familiar with developing games for Entertainment, has Linux. T launched a kickstarter page for the next project simply Find out more at the kickstarter called "Project Eternity". Obsidian page and newly minted site, is responsible for such games as www.kickstarter.com/projects/obsi Star Wars Knights of the Old dian/project-eternity and Republic 2, and, more recently, http://eternity.obsidian.net/ Fallout New Vegas, and is also helping develop the Kickstarter funded game Wasteland that will have a Linux version. Obsidian is asking for 1.1 million dollars which they have already surpassed; if they are able to reach 2.2 million in the next 28 days, they will have a ext up... as we all know, Linux version of the game. Valve is coming to Personally, I am surprised it’s going Linux. They have to require more money for the N announced the ten Linux version of the game than for games that will be released – which the MAC – the MAC requires only include Heroes and Generals, 1.6 million in funding. Perhaps Dream, McPixel, Kenshi, Routine,

full circle magazine #66 56 contents ^ UUBBUUNNTTUU GGAAMMEESS Written by Jennifer Roger TToorrcchhlliigghhtt

unic Games’ single player customizable, and, in the end, each action RPG, Torchlight, is one ends up being on par with the a Diablo-like hack and others. For instance, the Destroyer R slash that brings back can eventually gain the same feelings of nostalgia and warm summon spells as the Alchemist. fuzzies for fans of the genre. It was They are naturally best at their initially released for PC in 2009, given class, but you have the and later for the Xbox 360 in 2011, opportunity to make a well- and, thanks to Humble Indie rounded character who is capable Bundle 6, Torchlight has made its of handling himself in any Linux debut. situation. On the flip side, it can feel a little pointless since they Story end up with essentially the same spells and abilities towards the end of the game. In the world of Torchlight, you must venture down the dungeons One fun feature of Torchlight is in the small town to uncover the the ability to have a pet from the strange events in the mines below. start of the game. They’re Beneath the town is a magical ore Ember, its powers, and what it surprisingly effective and helpful - called Ember that has some pretty There are three character really does. and they won’t interfere while strange effects on the citizens who classes to choose from: Destroyer, you’re trying to finish off an come in contact with it. Alchemist, and Vanquisher. The enemy. They even have their own The story is clever and Destroyer is essentially a warrior, interesting, but the pacing is a bit pack with a variety of armor and When you arrive in Torchlight, capable of great destruction with slow as the plot is uncovered in spells to choose from. And the you meet Syl, who asks you to help melee weapons. The Alchemist has chunks as you progress. The plot is best part of having a furry find her mentor, Master Alric, who a variety of spells in his arsenal and solid enough to give you a reason companion? They don’t really “die” has recently disappeared. Along has the ability to summon minions. to play, but it's easy to get lost in permanently, and will rejoin you the way, you meet people affected The Vanquisher is akin to a ranger the gameplay without feeling when their health is recovered. by the ember, and find the items and uses long range weapons to engaged in the story. that it infuses its powers into. As defeat foes. you go through the story, you Aesthetics discover the secrets behind the Gameplay The characters are pretty

full circle magazine #66 57 contents ^ UBUNTU GAMES Unlike most hack and slash dungeon crawlers, Torchlight has an unique stylized comic book appearance. The art style was intended to be less dark and more light fantasy, and, although I prefer a little grit with my dungeon crawlers, the visuals are still stunning. The soundtrack is nice, but there really isn’t much variation between the tracks, so long sessions can be kind of dull.

Final Thoughts

Torchlight is definitely a polished game that is tons of fun to play. It’s a classic hack and slash to the core, which could bore some casual gamers, but, if you’re a long time fan of the genre, you’ll have no problem with grinding your way through the beautiful world of Torchlight.

Although Humble Indie Bundle 6 is over, you can still get the full game from the Ubuntu Software Center for $14.99.

Pros: fun choice for fans of classic hack and slash, tons of gameplay Jennifer is a fine arts student from Cons: slow story progression, still the Chicagoland area. You can follow small bugs on some systems @missjendie on Twitter or visit her blog at missjendie.com.

full circle magazine #66 58 contents ^ Your chance to show the world your desktop or PC. Email your screenshots and MY DESKTOP photos to: [email protected] and include a brief paragraph about MY DESKTOP your desktop, your PC's specs and any other interesting tidbits about your

Linux Mint 13 Cinnamon Edition 64bit Cinnamon Theme: Minty GTK Theme: OMG-Dark Hi! I'm from Indonesia, and this is my desktop. I am using Ubuntu 12.04 LTS with the desktop environment Cinnamon. On I really just got tired of the default look and feel of my the right side I put linux stickers and sticky notes. desktop, so I decided that I'd customize it in a way that I could enjoy, and have my OS feel more like my own. This is one of Specs: the reasons why I love using Linux Mint. It is easy for me to Processor: Intel ®Core i5-2500 CPU @ 3.30GHz x 4 use, yet it gives me the flexibility and the power I need to Memory : 1.9 GiB completely change it into something that I can say is my own. Graphics: Intel® Sandybridge Desktop x86/MMX/SSE2 32-bit OS Devon Day

Anugrah Bagus Susilo

full circle magazine #66 59 contents ^ MY DESKTOP

I am running Ubuntu 12.04 LTS 32-bit, but I use KDE 4.8.4, and I've customized it to get the best possible use that I can from it. I'm an Ubuntu user from Hungary. This is my desktop. You can see a conky in the right side, and an AWN dock in the The top center consists of a panel, the left top has the Lancelot left side. I found this background on the Internet. The Launcher Widget along with the Running Application Widget. In system theme is default but I use compiz, and the window the top right is the Hard Disk temperature widget. Center left is decorator is emerald. I like this layout and have used it a the Hard Disk Size Status, with the Instant Messaging Widget. long time. In the center right is Bubblemon Widget for CPU clock frequency, and behind it is an analog clock. There is also a Luna System: Widget with Notification Widget. In the bottom left is the Ubuntu 10.10 (Maverick Meerkat) Device notification Widget, and opposite to it is the Battery Intel Pentium 2.8 GHz Notification Widget along with Show Widget Desktop Widget. 1.5 GB ram, 250 GB hard disk At the bottom is my favorite dock Docky... ATI Radeon HD 4600 video card These all work pretty well on my Lenovo G550 with Pentium(R) Conky: http://ubuntu.hu/node/8082?page=1 Dual-Core CPU T4300 @ 2.10GHz- 2GB RAM, 250GB HDD, no graphics card. Nagykéri Ákos Priyesh Vishwakarma

full circle magazine #66 60 contents ^ PUZZLE SOLUTIONS D R O W E D O U C K O D U S

Codeword and 16x16 Suduko puzzles are copyright, and kindly provided by, The Puzzle Club - www.thepuzzleclub.com

full circle magazine #66 61 contents ^ Full Circle Team

HHOOWW TTOO CCOONNTTRRIIBBUUTTEE Editor - Ronnie Tucker [email protected] FCM#67 Webmaster - Rob Kerfia [email protected] FULL CIRCLE NEEDS YOU! Deadline: Podcast - Les Pounder & Co. A magazine isn't a magazine without articles and Full Circle is no Sunday 11th Nov. 2012. [email protected] exception. We need your opinions, desktops, stories, how-to's, Release: reviews, and anything else you want to tell your fellow *buntu users. Friday 30th Nov. 2012. Send your articles to: [email protected] Editing & Proofreading Mike Kennedy, Lucas Westermann, We are always looking for new articles to include in Full Circle. For help and advice Gord Campbell, Robert Orsino, please see the Official Full Circle Style Guide: http://url.fullcirclemagazine.org/75d471 Josh Hertel, Bert Jerred

Send your comments or Linux experiences to: [email protected] Our thanks go to Canonical, the many Hardware/software reviews should be sent to: [email protected] translation teams around the world Questions for Q&A should go to: [email protected] and Thorsten Wilms for the FCM logo. Desktop screens should be emailed to: [email protected] ... or you can visit our forum via: fullcirclemagazine.org Getting Full Circle Magazine:

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full circle magazine #66 62 contents ^