Make your Linux OS beautiful with Cairo dock

Give your Linux OS MAC touch with Cairo dock

Without looking at the title of this post you might have thought that the above screen shot is from a MAC !!

Many people still think that Linux is hard to use, ugly and not user friendly. But the truth is 'Linux gives you the chance to configure what ever you want'.

If you are a beginner in Linux I would like you to suggest Linux Mint (or Ubuntu) as your first Linux trail.It is simple and easy to use for everyone. Know more about Linux Mint OS here.

Now assuming you are reading this post through Linux OS, I will write some tips to make the Linux OS beautiful with Cairo dock.

Which Linux Flavour is best for you

Linux is a free and open source Operating system with powerful features.
There are many Linux distributions to choose, Choose a best one as per your requirements.This article will help you to choose a best Linux distribution for your computer.

welcome to Linux

1.Linux Mint: If you want to use a Simple Linux distribution with pre-installed softwares which are useful for your daily computing needs then go for Linux Mint.

Linux mint is the beautiful Operating system I have ever used. With the hot corner effect you can easily switch between different workspaces and multiple windows. This is why I use Linux mint over other operating systems.
Read More about Linux Mint operating system here 

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2.Ubuntu: Rich at graphical interface and makes your computer look lite with very less clutter. Ubuntu gives me a tablet like interface on my laptop too. I love the color combinations and simple user interface in Ubuntu
You can experience Ubuntu on your computer without installing it. How ? Ubuntu Website gives you an option to feel the Ubuntu OS on you browser itself.
Try this at Ubuntu Website
You can install Ubuntu along with Windows OS using WUBI installer

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  3.Zorin Os : Based on Ubuntu, Zorin OS is a multi-functional operating system designed specifically for Windows users who want to switch to Linux.

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4.Puppy Linux:Do you have an old computer with really bad specifications ?? Linux will save you . Here is puppy Linux which can sit on your computer without taking a big room on it.With this you can use your old computer to run basic applications like multimedia, web browsing etc.

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5.Arch Linux: If you want to learn completely about Linux go for this. This gives you complete freedom to choose whatever components you want to install on your Linux OS.
Go for this if you are seriously interested in computers and operating systems.

 If you are still in a confusion to choose an appropriate Linux distribution then choose your preferences and select a linux distribution easily.  This is a best place to solve your question "How to choose a best Linux Operating system ?"

Try FIREFOX mobile OS in your browser

Firefox OS running on Firefox web browser

The mobile operating system competition is at its peak. Currently iOS,Android, Windows are ruling the market. Where as Ubuntu is on its way to join the race in this October.In between Firefox has made a simple OS which is built on web technologies[HTML5].
With Firefox Users and developers aren’t locked in to one platform, so they can access their info and use applications across multiple devices.
With FireFox OS, Mozilla is trying to bring the Open web into mobile devices too.
Most importantly the Firefox OS will reduce the price of mobile device as it is an open source OS.

you can now try FIREFOX mobile OS right inside your FireFox browser.
Watch this video to install and use Firefox OS simulator in your web browser.



I have tried this OS on my browser. It is not a revolutionary interface but still the point is its usability with minimum hardware requirements. As a web based platform it will be much easier for developers to make apps. Also Firefox OS doesn't take much memory.

So lets hope for a good mobile OS from the maker of best web browser :)

Linux Mint-the best Linux operating system

Most of the people don't use Linux as they feel it is hard to use. Initially even i felt the same but now i am in love with Linux.
I have used different flavors of Linux operating systems including Ubuntu,Fedora,Linux Mint. After  testing all of these operating systems I felt very comfortable with Linux Mint.

ADVANTAGES OF LINUX MINT : 

    1.Ready to use operating system : With built in softwares and plug-ins we can directly use  the operating system once it is installed.

•     Usually no other Linux operating system gives built in media players where as Mint gives some good options like VLC media player,Banshee media player,Rhythm Box,Gnome Media player, Brasero media player etc and some more media players.

•   There is Firefox browser integrated with in the mint Operating system so you don't need to download any other browser as Firefox is the most secured web browser to browse the web.

•     No need of installing any drivers for audio and wireless as they all work fine with Linux environments. The advantage of Mint is Wireless connectivity is very fast compared to any other OS including Windows and other Linux OS.So You can start browsing from the next second you log into your OS. Also there is an advantage of Firefox browser in Mint. It starts without any delay in MINT.

•     You will get some useful set of softwares along with the OS. The list includes GIMP image editor, Libre Office suit, ThunderBird e-Mail client, Bit torrent client etc

Ubuntu for mobile

Here comes the Ubuntu Mobile.

Yes! you just read "Ubuntu Mobile" not Ubuntu laptop.
After seeing iOS, Android, Windows Mobile OS you might have feel that a mobile device is different from a computer. Keeping this in mind the Ubuntu team has done a great job. Look at the smooth and fluid navigation of Ubuntu mobile. I am just loving it. 

After seeing this video I have dropped all my plans to buy any other mobile(Although this device is not coming in this year ). Oh my god ! look at the finger sensitivity of Ubuntu Mobile.Especially the Ubuntu font is attracting my eyes(I am a typography lover )

I love the concept of workspace switching in Ubuntu(in that case, any other Linux distro.) and now Ubuntu has injected this idea into their mobile OS too. This is quite brilliant. 

The best thing you are going to like from Ubuntu OS is the news that you can convert your Android into Ubuntu mobile. This might be like installing Ubuntu OS on your Windows pre installed Laptop !!!

So finally the freedom of choosing Operating systems is coming into Mobiles also.

Let us see whether this idea going to work or not ? Ubuntu team has yet to decide on its hardware counterparts for the devices. Most probably Samsung will grab this deal too. 

For more details visit ubuntu.com/devices/phone

5 things to do after installing ubuntu

Here comes the list of things to do after installing Ubuntu in your PC

1. Install Ubuntu-Tweak : this is an application designed to configure Ubuntu easier for everyone. It provides many useful desktop and system options that the default desktop environment doesn't provide.

Just download it and make your Ubuntu as you wish.You can download themes,set default applications etc.

For the people who converted from Windows to Linux, This app helps to tweak some settings like window settings.

2.Remove Shopping lens from search results : While the Search panel for Ubuntu is a cool option some times you may get irritated with online ads from amazon (they are funding Ubuntu !).

So if you dont want any ads disturbing you then go to settings menu and choose privacy options to disable the shopping lens. 

3.Get all the media codecs : Due to some license problems Ubuntu can't give inbuilt media codecs in the OS image. But later you can install third party media codecs. To get them please refer to Ubuntu restricted extras

4.Install Cairo-Dock to make your Ubuntu beautiful and browse what ever you want very quickly

5. Install XBMC media center for Ubuntu. Learn more about XBMC media center.
Or You can install one of these best open-source media players

forget to tell ! first of all check for updates. 
Get all the drivers: Ubuntu can search for drivers based on your hardware.Go to settings menu and choose additional drivers. It show you the required drivers to activate. 
Then install required software s like Chromium browser, Multiget downloader, Bleachbit system cleaner etc.(Keep reading this blog. I will update a full list soon)

Enjoy Ubunu :)
Why should you use Linux Mint, the best operating system ?
 

Wubi- the best way to try Linux on your Windows PC

Try Ubuntu using Wubi

If you are trying to install Linux on your PC for first time then I suggest you to use Wubi installer. Wubi is a Windows application to install Ubuntu.

Advantages of Wubi installer

1. Works directly from windows just as any other windows application

2.No partitioning required.(Yes ! the installer will take care of it :) )

3.Dual boot of windows and Linux will be activated by Wubi.This means you can choose either windows or Linux while starting your PC.

4.If you don't like it you can simply uninstall it from your windows control panel.

Also as I have mentioned earlier Ubuntu and Mint are two user friendly Linux distributions. So you can try Wubi to install Linux on you PC

Download Wubi from Ubuntu site or click here . Choose your operating system and click download.

Now run the application to see the following screen.

Choose the drive to install ubuntu

Here I have chosen C: drive  but it is better to choose drive (if you have a minimum 18 Gb space on it). Choose a password to start installing Ubuntu.

Now Ubuntu files will be downloaded as shown below.Once the file is downloaded the installer will expand the compressed files and complete installation.

installing Ubuntu through Wubi

 

That's all you are almost ready to use Ubuntu. restart your PC to enjoy Ubuntu :)

Best Windows alternatives in Linux

We are in a digital world where an operating system is synonymous to human brain. Each Human being thinks in his/her own way. Similarly the Operating systems interpret its tasks in different ways. It is important to choose a wise operating system as per your needs.

Some people who have migrated to Linux from Windows initially feels that Linux  is not good as Windows.But this is a wrong perception.The problem is that they will compare Linux with Windows in every aspect.This will finally create a feeling against Linux.

If Windows is the real boss in Operating systems then all the top 10 super computers might have used Windows which is not happening. Linux is leading the super computing field without any competition.

 So what's wrong with desktop mode Linux ?  Nothing ...but the fact is we are lazy to understand some simple things in Linux. Just because of this reason we are paying a lot of bucks for using an Operating system.

Ok . may be you are still a fan of Windows . But let me try to give some alternatives present in Linux which will definitely fulfill your requirements .

1. Internet :
a). Most of the Linux distributions come with a pre installed Mozilla Firefox browser. As I have previously told it is the best secure browser. You also have Chromium browser which is known as chrome browser in Windows.
b). You can use Skype in Linux. Similar to Outlook in Windows Linux have a free e-mail client called Thunderbird mail.This is a simple to use email client with tabbed browsing.

some of the web applications I use in Linux

2.Networking is quite simple in Linux. If you have installed the proper drivers then you can easily create WIFI-Hotspot. Remember in Windows there is a long procedure to create wifi hotspot. Previously I have used Connectify in Windows. But believe me you can simply do this in Linux within 3 steps.

3.Media players : This is one of the reason people don't like Linux. Windows has their own media player pre-installed inside windows OS. Coming to Linux all the codecs are not pre-installed because of some license issues. But you can download them from Ubuntu software center easily. If you want to install a Linux operating system pre installed with all codecs go for Linux Mint. I am currently using it without any issues.RythmBox is quite good.By the way we have VLC available in Linux platform as well. Of course VLC is an open source project :)

4.User Interface: Most of the people like Windows or Mac as they think they are user friendly. But I love Linux since it is most customizable than any other OS. You can use a number of desktop environments. Desktop environment is just like your theme in Windows OS but with a lot of powerful features.
I am currently using Linux Mint Maya edition. Besides I use Ubuntu desktop environment also. You can even choose a number of desktop environments like Mate,Gnome shell,Xface etc.(this list is big...!)

If you love multi tasking then you will love the concept of workspace in Linux environments.

5. Applications :Ubuntu store is very good place to find most of the apps. For programmers and students Linux is a paradise. It has a lots of free applications in every computer language.

6. Don't you like a virus free operating system? Yes, Linux is almost virus free(but not 100%). You dont need to install any anti virus programs and scan your system frequently. Get the latest updates from Linux repository to protect your PC.

7.Graphics : Linux has a variety of graphics editor applications. The list contains GIMP, Inkscape, Kolour paint, Blender etc.

at last I would like to say that Linux is the only operating system in which you can customize any piece you want.
Unlike in Windows where the OS controls the user, here in Linux the user controls the OS.

If you still don't want to try Linux, Then wait for some more posts from this blog.We will make you try Linux.Keep coming here guys :)


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Introduction to Linux.A powerful Windows alternative

Have you ever got a doubt "what is Linux ?" or "why Linux is better than Windows?" . If you are searching for an alternative to Windows operating system then  read this article on Linux operating system

Are you using a right operating system ?

So which operating system you are using ?

1. Windows Xp
2.Windows 7
3.Windows 8
4.Mac Os X

wait there are more options. Actually there are a lot of options if you have a little time to analyze and configure your system according to you.

If you want to use a free and legal operating system then there comes the open source operating system concept. Personally I am big fan of open source environment.

Linux is one of the leading and powerful operating system which is leading the world in the field of servers and supercomputers. Many people doesn't know the fact that 90% of today's supercomputers run on Linux.Among them the top 10 fastest supercomputers run on Linux. Some of the top companies which uses Linux include Google, Facebook,IBM etc. Linux has such a real time operating distributions which are used by NASA.

Linux is developed by a lot of people in which Linus Torvalds  and Richard Stallman are two key people.The Kernel of the operating system is written by Linus Torvalds and the remaining part of operating system is contributed by Richard Stallman. Actually Richard Stallman started the movement of open source software by starting the GNU project.


To give you an Idea about the power of Linux you can watch this video from Youtube
   

 

There are a lot of Distributions released both officially and unofficially. I have counted the number of distributions as 328 on Distrowatch website which will track all distributions.  

What is the best Linux Operating system ?

The top 5 Linux distributions are listed below.(well ! you may have your own list)

1. Ubuntu 
2. Linux Mint
3. Open Suse
4. Fedora
5. Debian 

Among these 5 distributions Ubuntu is planning well to compete with Windows operating systems. If you see the website of Ubuntu  you can easily fall in love with Ubuntu at first sight itself.  its giving you an opportunity to  feel How Ubuntu works within the website itself.Click here to feel the Ubuntu on your web browser.

Ubuntu has a good graphical interface compared to other Linux operating systems. You can easily replace your windows OS with Ubuntu (again , Its my opinion !)
You can watch this video to know more about the look of Ubuntu

 If you are convinced with Ubuntu you can directly(and legally) download the 750 Mb Ubuntu desktop Operating system and install it. But if you are a hardcore Windows lover then try it by dual-boot method so that you can use both from your PC.

 If you are not a Geek then try Wubi , an easy windows installer. Just download the Wubi installer and run it. It will install Ubuntu just as any other windows program.

There is one backdrop of Ubuntu.It doesn't come with preinsatlled media codecs. of course you can find them easily on Ubuntu Software center.

If you want to use a Linux distribution with preinstalled media codecs then go for Linux Mint.

Mint is a simple yet beautiful distribution. it has awesome features like Hot corner(work space switcher) and many more.
Read the full review of Linux Mint here

personally I have used and satisfied with these 2 distributions of Linux. I have yet to use OpenSuse which I think also a good one.

I have used Fedora sometimes in my college. Fedora is also a good distro.Here also the concept of workspace is awesome.There are so many applications you can enjoy on Fedora.

Finally, If you want to try Linux for first time then go with Ubuntu. Remember to learn some basics of Linux Terminal commands(of course without them also you can use it but whats there in doing a simple thing.Be a geek!) Once you are familiar with Linux environment you can try all other distributions. But remember once you fall in love with Linux you can't switch back to Windows. Thats the charm of Linux :)

INSTALLED UBUNTU. Then read 5 Things to do after installing Ubuntu