Tag Archives: Linux

XBMC: the best multiplatform, open source media-player on the web.

Today, in our Linux Page (in Spanish) we added a brief post about XBMC, the best open source (GPL), free entertainment hub you can find on internet. XBMC is really easy to install (for Linux users, especially in Ubuntu) and its features are very intuitive and simple to configure. Moreover the graphics themes are very attractive and it is able to manage many multimedia formats, “playlists, audio visualizations, slideshow and weather forecast functions”. It is also possible to add many interesting third-party plugins that you can find through a simple google query (XBMC plugin). Last, but not least, XBMC is a multiplatform software, in fact the download page contains four different versions for Windows, XBox, Linux and MAC OSX. When we compared XBMC to the Windows Media Center we did not notice any loss in this open-source media center and, honestly, we were positively impressed by all the XBMC featured we tested. Recommended!

How to fix the number of kernels during the Ubuntu boot up!

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We are sorry for the delay in uploading this new post but we had some technical problems. It happens! This week, in our Linux Page (in Spanish) we have posted a couple of simple but effective tips to choose how many Kernels you want you see when starting up your Ubuntu 8.04. Using Add/Remove Programs it is possible to install the “StartUp Manager” program which allows you to easily choose the number of kernels you prefer. Moreover we have suggested an alternative command line “delete” and “save” solution for the people who prefer to solve this inconvenience without installing new software. Good work!

How to test a new OS without installing it: VirtualBox

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This week in our Linux Page (in Spanish) we have tested VirtualBox: a multiplatform virtual machine for x86 machines which allows you to test an OS from a simple .iso image. VirtualBox is easy to install and, just following the instructions contained in its interactive menus, you can setup your virtual OS in few minutes. We strongly recommend to be careful when you decide the quantity of RAM for your virtual OS. It is better to well balance it with the total RAM of your PC. When configuring the virtual HD for your OS it is better to select the “Dynamically Expanding Image” option. By doing this, your virtual OS will use all the hard disk it needs when in use. Last but not least, VirtualBox has a specific virtual USB controller which allows you to connect any USB devices to your virtual machines without installing specific drivers. Strongly recommended for all that people who like to test new OS without formatting their HD each time!

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

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Today, 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).

LinTube.com: a video mine for Linux videos and tutorials!

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LinTube is a new website whose purpose is to find and collect videos about Linux and all its distributions. LinTube webpage is very essential and full of Google Ads but it is very well structured and with just few clicks is possible to find the topics you are looking for and the related videos. At the moment, the main categories are: Commercials,Compiz, Distributions (Ubuntu, Fedora, Mandriva, Slackware), Fun Stuff, GNOME, HowTo, KDE, Linux Events, Linux Gadgets, Mediacenter, Misc, Security. LinTube is always updated and on the video linked are very well selected, the majority of them are very interesting and you will discover yourself spending much time on this website. For more, brief information, please, feel free to visit our Linux Page (in Spanish).

BitNami Stacks: a multiplatform opensource program to install your favourite applications and all the dependencies necessary to run them!

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This week, in our Linux Page (in Spanish) we have posted a short description about some features regarding BitNami when you decide to install CMS under Linux. Anyway, BitNami is a powerful application which allows you to easily install your favorite software and all the necessary dependencies to run it. BitNami Stacks is a multiplatform software and all its stacks are available for Linux, Windows, and Mac OS X. Using BitNami you will fastly able to install software for:

-Infrastructure (DjangoStack, JRubyStack, LAMPStack, MAMPStack, RubyStack, SAMPStack, WAMPStack)
-Blog (Roller, WordPress)
-Bug-Tracking (Mantis, Redmine, Trac)
-CMS (Alfresco, Drupal, Joomla, KnowledgeTree)
-ECM (Alfresco, KnowledgeTree)
-Forum (phpBB)
-Planning (Tracks)
-Poll Management (Opina)
-Portal Server (Liferay)
-Version Control (Subversion)
-Wiki (DokuWiki, MediaWiki)
-eLearning (Moodle)

Moreover, BitNami Stacks do not need any virtual machine to run and they do not interfere with programs already installed on your PC. Last but not least, all the software installed by BitNamiStacks are free to use under the terms of the Apache License 2.0, so… try BitNami and enjoy the freedom!

XAMPP: how to easy install an Apache server with MySQL, PHP and Perl.

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Today, in our Linux Page (in Spanish) we have added a brief review about XAMPP: an Apache distribution which allows you to configure and add all the necessary software on your server with just few clicks. Installation is very easy and well supported and a portable version of XAMPP can be installed also on a USB key. XAMPP, available in four different version (Windows, MAC OS X, Linux and Solaris), allows you to easily install MySQL, PHP and PERL on your server. Last month more than 535,000 people decided to download and use this free software which represents one of the most interesting solution in the market at the moment. Moreover, the XAMPP has a very simple and efficient user interface and with just few days of practise you will really be able to create and serve your website. Something to try!

The best way to always have your favourite mind-mapping with you: FreeMind and WiseMapping!

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During the past two years I have tested some different solutions for mind-mapping (VYM, for example, is one of my favourite because it has a very enjoyable graphics) but the most efficient formula I have discovered is composed by the addition of FreeMind – a multiplatform (Windows -also portable -, Linux and MAC OS X)- mind mapping java software for desktop and WiseMapping -an online free service to create-store-share my mind-maps. For this reason, this week, in our Freeware Page we have posted a brief manual about FreeMind and WiseMapping. FreeMind is a very intuitive software which allows you to create complex mind -maps after just few clicks. Its side menu contains all the graphics elements you need to create your maps and all the main commands can be easily activated with the mouse right button. On the other hand,WiseMapping contains a very simple but efficient menu bar which allows its user also to import FreeMind Files and to export mind-maps to SVG, PDF, FreeMind or PNG formats. This last PNG option, for example, is very useful if you want to insert a mind-map into a website. Try them and you will be very satisfied with the results you get!

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

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Linux 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.

Security package (Rev. 1.2) for Ubuntu: antivirus, firewall and P2P stealth

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Last May, in our Linux Page (in Spanish), we posted some suggestions about a basic security package for Linux. After less than one year we are back on this topic also because more than something has changed. As you know, 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 firewall, like Firestarter, is not enough and we all need also a good antivirus and Moblock: the program which allows to use the Peer Guardian lists on Ubuntu protecting your privacy. Today, in our Linux package we’ve posted a short updated manual where we explain how to install a firewall (Firestarter), an antivirus (ClamAV) and a P2P stealth (Moblock). We have tested all this software on a Ubuntu 7.10 without relevant problems; the combined use of this triplet is strongly recommended for people who desire to preserve their data and privacy. Read us!