sudo apt-get install rar unrar


Sometimes I get authenticaton failures using sudo god knows why.

If that happens, go Super-User, and then write the previous command.

This happened to me after updating Ubuntu.

I don’t know exactly what or how it happened specifically, but I solved it like this:

Go to Applications > Accessories > Terminal

First, go Super-User! Then, write:

chmod 777 /etc/init.d/vboxdrv

to change the file’s permissions. Then:

/etc/init.d/vboxdrv setup

And that’s it. Haha weird huh? I have no idea how this works, but it did solve my problem.

For a full explanation, I visited these two pages (the last post of the first link, which says “Fixed”, links to the second link ):

http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-software-2/virtualbox-error-kernel-driver-not-installed-rc-1908-761657/

http://www.derekhildreth.com/blog/how-to-install-virtualbox-on-fedora-11-tutorial/

http://ubuntusite.com/fix-get-best-firefox-font-linux/

…followed by this font configuration on Firefox:

http://www.pbase.com/jcockfield/image/63125755/original.jpg

This is the amazing feature that will allow you to keep the Windows needle on for some time, i.e. use that software that you can’t really seem to let go of when you switch to another OS.

For me, those are MS Office 2007 and Adobe Photoshop, and although Wine would probably make those work, I find it satisfying to have a Windows environment.

Actually you can pretty much use this as a sandbox for OS tryouts. Try Mac OS or Windows 7 or another Linux distro in a clean and simple way.

Installing this is easy since you can get the .deb here:

http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Linux_Downloads

Once installed, you’ll need to logout and login, or just restart if you wish, for the program to appear under:

Applications > System Tools > Sun VirtualBox

The first time you run it, VBox will guide you through the process of creating a virtual hard drive for your guest OS. Choose the settings that best apply to you. I selected Windows XP in a 30GB drive (I have 200GB) and I gave it 2GB RAM, because I have 4GB and I’ll use Photoshop.

Then you’ll need an .iso file of the OS you want to install. Mount it on your newly created machine and you’re good to go. From there it’s just reliving the good old memories of countless Windows installations after some sort of fatal breakdown.

If you have problems with su authentication, say, can’t seem to get in root mode on the terminal, read this quick post:

http://linux.derkeiler.com/Mailing-Lists/Ubuntu/2008-06/msg02021.html

Very useful.

In summary…

To set a root password:

go to Applications > Accessories > Terminal

and write:

sudo passwd

To re-lock the root password write:

sudo passwd -l root

This is due to the fact that I don’t really know how to install some of the things, or which would be the best way to do it (.deb? .tar.gz? .ppa?), and also that you have to go through the whole process manually.

A sticky point that I ran into was when I tried to install the latest version of Vuze (at the time of writing 4.2) and for some reason some packages couldn’t be downloaded using the .deb file. So I decided to conform and install the Vuze that’s available on Synaptic (at this time 3.1). Ironically it now reminds me to update every time I run it, and it always fails Something similar happened when I tried to get Firefox 3.5 and ended up with the 3.0 version available on the repositories. Oh well…

Something I have to solve at some point, but not a major inconvenience.

I still get those torrents after all.

This can be found on:

System > Preferences > Appearance > Visual Effects

When this is set to Extra and working, you’ll need to install the compizconfig-settings-manager, which can be found on the Synaptic Package Manager.

Go to System > Administration > Synaptic Package Manager

Once there, search for compizconfig-settings-manager. Mark for installation and click apply. All necessary dependencies will be automatically marked for installation. Accept.

Voilá.

You’ll find the new options under:

System > Preferences > CompizConfig Settings Manager

There, go to Desktop, and activate Desktop Cube and Rotate Cube. You’ll be asked to deactivate Desktop Wall. Accept. You’ll be able to change this later in case you’re tired of the cube (which woudn’t make any sense, but adds reasurance ).

If you like, there’s another neat option to activate: 3D Windows. This can be found the Effects tab, also on the CompizConfig Settings Manager.

Now your windows should pop up when you rotate like this:

]]> http://ubuntuquest.wordpress.com/2009/10/21/3d-desktop-cube/feed/ 0 windextor 3D Windows http://ubuntuquest.wordpress.com/2009/10/21/video-ubuntu/ http://ubuntuquest.wordpress.com/2009/10/21/video-ubuntu/#comments Wed, 21 Oct 2009 06:58:34 +0000 windextor http://ubuntuquest.wordpress.com/?p=14 ]]>

Finally got it running.

You’ll soon realize that just like in Windows, you need a lot of different codecs for different video file types.

Thankfully, using VLC media player will solve all your problems. Unfortunately, like most software that’s not on your repositories, it’s not as easy to install as it is on Windows.

Took me a while but I found this excellent tutorial:

http://tuxarena.blogspot.com/2009/07/how-to-compile-and-install-vlc-10-in.html

If you get an error message on the “make install” command, input “make clean” first, and then retry to “make install”, as described on this wesite:

http://www.jbkempf.com/blog/post/2008/03/28/Build-VLC-media-player-under-Ubuntu-Hardy-804

UPDATE: Using the PPA is the correct method of installation.

I say this because the second time around I tried installing VLC only following the tutorial on the first link and I couldn’t get past the “make install” command.

Getting the PPA’s is (poorly) described on this link:

https://launchpad.net/~c-korn/+archive/vlc

Add the Software Sources, provide the Authentication Key in the terminal, update the system (also in the terminal, as described), and VLC will be available to install on Synpatic (just search for vlc, it’ll be the first. If you select it, all the needed dependencies will be automatically selected too).

Go to System > Administration > Synaptic Package Manager

Password will be asked.

No driver problems whatsoever, and instant Internet connection, provided these simple steps are followed right on the first startup:

1. Connect to the Internet

This is surprisingly easier than on Windows.

If you have a wireless or Ethernet connection, the setup is a easy as inserting the network password and a keyring password.

2. Update your Ubuntu

As soon as you have Internet connection, it’s time to update your system.

Go to System > Administration > Update Manager

An administrator password will be asked. This will automatically download and install all available updates to your entire system, including software, provided your Ubuntu knows the required sources for them.

3. Activate your hardware in Ubuntu

Sometimes your computer will have some hardware which requires activation.

Why? beats me Something to do with proprietary drivers. As stated on the blog description, I’m also a noob. I’m happy with just the solutions.

Go to System > Administration > Hardware Drivers

Activate whatever is there that needs activation. Normally video cards, which you’ll need for the amazing Desktop Cube effect.

So, Ubuntu is ready to roll in three simple steps. Let’s how it behaves in the future.