Ubuntu Linux Help

Over the last few days I’ve received questions about Linux. So… This is a quick post that hopefully will answer most of the ones I thought were helpful.

How do you get the numlock to stay on when booting Linux?

Using Ubuntu (Gutsy), you can do this:

sudo apt-get install numlockx

And read more about that here: Num Lock

How do I get MP3, MOV and WMV files to play? Where can I get the extra codecs?

A guide is here: How to Play Most Restricted Media Formats in Ubuntu

Can I restart GNOME without rebooting computer?

Yes. There are two ways:

1) Use Ctrl + Alt + Backspace or,

2) sudo /etc/init.d/gdm restart

How can I improve my web surfing speed in Firefox?

There’s info about this here: Speed Up Your Internet Connection in Ubuntu Linux - Part 1

How do I get Dual Monitors working?
Response: “Are you using ATI or nVidia?” Answer: “nVidia”

I use nVidia too, here’s the basics of what worked for me (on Feisty):

sudo apt-get install nvidia-glx

(Installs the driver).

sudo cp /etc/X11/xorg.conf /etc/X11/xorg.conf.bak

(Backs up your config in case of errors).

sudo nano /etc/X11/xorg.conf

(To open this file for editing).

Look for the Module area and find nv and change it to say glx

(We’re telling Feisty to use that new driver, if it already does not have that there).

Where the device heading has the driver nvidia add this line:

Option "RenderAccel" "true"

(true means you’re turning it on).

Under screen, add this line:

Option "TwinView"

(We’re turning on nVidea’s dual feature).

And under the “TwinView” add:

Option "MetaModes" "1024×768 1024×768"

(This specifies the monitor resolutions, your’s might be higher or lower).

Restart and you should have dual monitors working.

How do I schedule programs to run?

There’s a good tutorial here: Scheduling for Absolute Beginners

In Windows I use DVD Decrypter/DVD Shrink, what’s the equivalent in Linux?

Umm? K9copy? http://k9copy.sourceforge.net/

Can I run Windows software on Linux?

Yes, try WINE: http://www.winehq.org/

Can I run Linux software on Windows?
Question: “Why?” Answer: “So I can use the same applications on all computers.”

I have this bookmarked, but never used it: http://www.andlinux.org/reqs.php

What’s the equivalent for Photoshop in Linux?

The closest I think is GimpShop but you’ll probably find other usefull applications here too: Top 100 of the Best (Useful) OpenSource Applications

How do I get my wireless cad to work?

This can be a longer answer, so a good starting point might be here: http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?p=1071920&mode=linear

Fonts are fuzzy, how to I get font smoothing?

There a post for this here: How to Enable Font Smoothing in Ubuntu - The fast way

How do I get the same Windows fonts onto my Ubuntu install?

That is posted here: How to Install TTF and CTF Fonts in Ubuntu.

Re: Your post about apt-get moo, what was so funny about that?

??? (blank look at this) Umm… Moo???

Why did you switch to Linux?

Because when I tried it and began using it, I was stunned at the amount of goodies I was missing out on. There was a whole world of interesting tools and improved productivity and things just not available to me as a Windows user. I became increasingly aware of how sheltered my experiences were with Windows, how much I was missing out on that I never knew existed! As a Linux user, my online and computer life is much, much more richer and rewarding!