Category Archives: System Configuration for Ubuntu

I2P a real versatile anonymizing network for Linux and Windows

This week for our Freeware Page, we tested I2P a freeware which let you to surf internet without revealing your IP and encrypt your data. As described on the I2P Homepage, this freeware is a “anonymizing network, offering a simple layer that identity-sensitive applications can use to securely communicate. All data is wrapped with several layers of encryption, and the network is both distributed and dynamic, with no trusted parties”. During out test we used bothXP and Ubuntu because I2P is a java file even is it seems to be a exe file and it could be used on all the Linux OS. On Windows XP it is very simple to use I2P but at the beginning it is really slow and for this reason we suggest to keep it run for about twelve hours because this freeware needs to build its own network and for this it takes some hours. When ready you have to setup all the software you want to filter through it. For this reason, we setted Firefox (Preferences-> Advanced -> Network -> Settings) Manual Proxy Configuration to HTTP Proxy as localhost, port 4444. Then we put a tick on “Use this proxy server for all protocols” and we finished indicating “No proxy for” as localhost, 127.0.0.1. After some seconds we discovered that our IP was now in the northern part of the France (far away from our real location). To setup I2P it is necessary to point Firefox on http://localhost:7657/index.jsp because, by default, I2P tries to launch Internet Explorer also when it works on Linux. After a week of tests we can say that I2P is a little bit slower than TOR but it can easily be integrated on your browser, mail client, chat and others programs. For our (limited) experience I2P is the most complete anonymizing network we know. To conclude, as already discussed also on this post none or nothing can create a perfectly anonymous software but I2P can help to better improve our privacy. Recommended! AddThis mp3 link

How to easily add a cool “MAC OS X” dock in your Linux: Cairo-Dock!

cairo-dockToday, in our Linux Page (in Spanish) we have had a complete review about Cairo-Dock: a nice dock for Linux. Cairo-Doc is very easy to install and it has sophisticated graphic effects and it runs without installing compiz. The new Cairo-Dock version (1.5.5.4) has been released few weeks ago and it seems to have more features of the original MAC OS X dock. Personally I recommend the installation of Cairo-Dock to all that people who want to integrate a MAC OS X stylish dock in Linux without spending much time; in fact the .deb package allow you to install it in few minutes. I like this dock but, in my opinion, Cairo-Dock represents the best “second choice” after AWN (for more information about AWN, please, feel free to read our dedicated previous post). AddThis mp3 link

How to add a cool “MAC OS X” dock in your Ubuntu: Avant Window Navigator (AWN)!

AWN LogoLinux is Linux but the MAC OS X dock has always fascinated us. For this reason, in our Linux Page, we posted few notes explaining how to insert a “MAC OS X” dock in the Linux desktops. Last May we posted a previous review about KSmoothDock, KoolDock, Superkaramba (and its nice Tuxbar) but now we think that the best -state of the art- dock is represented by AWN. This program can be installed very quickly ant it is fast to configure. To use AWN is necessary to go to System – Preferences – Appearance and select the Normal or the Extra options. Then, following our simple notes, you can start using AWN with just few lines in the Terminal. For AWN customization you can add some themes from http://www.gnome-look.org/. Beware: before installing AWN, read very carefully the information contained in AWN installation notes because, if something goes wrong, it is not simple to reverse to your original dock configuration! AWN is not for everyone but, we are sure, it is worth the risk for many. AddThis mp3 link

Gnome Sensors Applet (GSA): a -must have- applet for your hardware security in Gnome OS!

Gnome Sensors AppletToday, in our Linux Page (in Spanish) we strongly suggest a very useful applet for every Gnome OS: GSA. The Gnome Sensors Applet let you constantly check the hardware sensors, including CPU temperature, fan speeds and voltage. GSA is very easy to install and manage; its intuitive graphical interface allow you to decide what alarms you prefer to display in case of emergency. GSA is recommended for all the Linux users who constantly push the limits of their pc. AddThis

Two interesting sites for IT news and a nice proposal to personalize your desktop: Perfect Fantasy

Perfect FantasyPerfect Fantasy is a nice, well shaped collection of blue and/or pink icon. This collection is very attractive and contains 62 icons in three different formats (PNG, ICO and ICNS). From the website it is possible to download also two wallpapers (blue and pink) for a perfect customization of your desktop. Last but not least, today, in our hi tech news and tips Page, we posted new links about two very interesting websites. AddThis

Security package for Ubuntu: antivirus, firewall and P2P stealth

Link to Linux Page Linux is the safer OS you can use today: specific Linux viruses are few and malware is rare but with the increasing of users some threads are becoming real. For this reason, I strongly believe that nowadays a simple firewall is not enough we all need also a good antivirus. Today, in our Linux Page we’ve posted a short manual where we explain how to install a firewall (Firestarter), an antivirus (Avast) and a P2P stealth (Peer Guardian). We have tested all this software on a Ubuntu 7.04 without relevant problems; the combined use of this triplet is strongly recommended for people who desire to preserve their data and privacy. AddThis

How to add a cool “MAC OS X” dock in your Linux: two different solutions for Kubuntu.

KoolDockLinux is Linux but the MAC OS X dock has always fascinated us. For this reason, in our Linux Page, we posted few notes explaining how to insert a “MAC OS X” dock in the Linux desktops. In the recent past there were some bugs in using these docks but now these two solutions – KSmoothDock and KoolDock – seem to be more stable and fast also in Linux. In particular we tested the three docks and we didn’t find any problem. Last but not least, between the best docks for Linux, we cannot forget to mention an “evergreen” like Superkaramba and its nice Tuxbar. AddThis

BUM (Boot-UP Manager): the boot configuration utility for Ubuntu

Boot-Up ManagerToday, in our Linux page we post a review about BUM a powerful, graphic Boot-up Manager for Ubuntu. Using this light software you can modify and decide what programs run at startup. BUM is a very useful tool, precious especially when you notice that your Ubuntu boot is becoming slower than in the past. Initializing the Boot-up Manager is very simple and fast: recommended for the Linux beginners (like us)! AddThis