THIS GUIDE IS NOT FOR MINI 9/10v & VOSTRO A90 Users
These machines are 32-bit only and the following is not needed.
This guide is for other 64-bit users (my desktop run Ubuntu 9.10 64-bit) who are running into problems playing/clicking YouTube Videos using the nspluginwrapper and 32-bit Flash plugin.
Firefox is a netbook's best friend. This is a collection of my favorite Firefox Add-ons. They help free up screen space; stop ads, flash and scripts; add functionality; and make Firefox a secure browsing experience. Firefox > Chromium.
Get Back Your Screen More tweaks for freeing up screen space. Unless you like squinting and scrolling.
Compact Menu 2 This extension adds the CompactMenu icon to the Navigation Toolbar, and hides the Menubar. To press the icon or Alt-key then "Menu" open.
autoHideStatusbar Hides the statusbar. The statusbar is shown back when hovering a "sensitive zone" with the mouse and can be shown back when a page loads or when hovering a link, according to the preferences. Additionally, a statusbar icon and/or a toolbar button can be used to quick enable/disable. hotkey: CTRL-ALT-U (show back the statusbar until a click is made)
Autohide Tabbar 2.0 Auto-hides the tab bar. By moving the mouse to the edge of where the tab bar was, you can make the tab bar show up again.Tab bar can be relocated to the bottom of the main window by the setting in the Options page. So the page you are viewing would not jump up and down when the tab bar is toggled.
Stop Ads, Flash & Scripts No more wasted bandwidth and slowing down your netbook with ads, flash and scripts you don't want to run/see.
Adblock Plus Once installed, it's a snap to filter elements at their source-address. Just right-click: Adblock. Filters use either the wildcard character or full Regular Expression syntax. Hit the status-element and see what has or hasn't been blocked. This plugin is important because loading ads slows down your netbook and takes up screen space.
Adblock Plus: Element Hiding Helper This is a companion extension to Adblock or Adblock Plus and should be used in conjunction with it. This extension automatically downloads the latest version of Filterset.G every 4-7 days. Filterset.G is an excellent set of filters maintained by G for Adblock that blocks most ads on the internet. In addition, this extension allows you to define your own set of filters that you can add along with Filterset.G during an update. To report missed ads or problems with the extension visit the support forums.
BetterPrivacy Flash-cookies (Local Shared Objects, LSO) are pieces of information placed on your computer by a Flash plugin. Those Super-Cookies are placed in central system folders and so protected from deletion. They are frequently used like standard browser cookies. Although their thread potential is much higher as of conventional cookies, only few users began to take notice of them. It is of frequent occurrence that -after a time- hundreds of those Flash-cookies reside in special folders. And they won't be deleted - never.
Flash Block Flashblock is an extension for the Mozilla, Firefox, and Netscape browsers that takes a pessimistic approach to dealing with Macromedia Flash content on a webpage and blocks ALL Flash content from loading. It then leaves place-holders on the webpage that allow you to click to download and then view the Flash content. This one is key, I don't want flash objects loading and making noise when I'm mobile/in a meeting. Flashblock speeds up Firefox by not downloading videos you don't plan on watching.
NoScript It allows JavaScript, Java and other executable content to run only from trusted domains of your choice, e.g. your home-banking web site, guarding your "trust boundaries" against cross-site scripting attacks (XSS) and Clickjacking attempts, thanks to its unique ClearClick technology.Such a preemptive approach prevents exploitation of security vulnerabilities (known and even unknown!) with no loss of functionality.
YesScript Unlike NoScript, YesScript does absolutely nothing to improve your security. YesScript strives to remove hassles from your browsing experience, rather than add them. Use YesScript on sites that annoy you or hog your system resources. One click to the icon in the status bar turns scripts on or off for the current site.
Add Functionality to Firefox You'll wonder how you ever lived without these extensions. I don't remember how I did. The web was a dark, dark, place back then...
Xmarks Bookmark Synchronizer If you use Firefox on more than one computer, you'll want Xmarks. Install Xmarks on each computer, and it will work silently in the background to keep your bookmarks synchronized. You can also log in to my.xmarks.com to manage your bookmarks from any computer.
Mozilla Weave Free browser add-on from Mozilla Labs that keeps your bookmarks, saved passwords, browsing history and open tabs backed up and synchronized, with end-to-end encryption for your privacy and security.
Undo Closed Tabs Button Tired of going to History -> Recently Closed Tabs just to undo a closed tab? Then this extension is for you! This extension allows you to undo closed tabs via a toolbar and/or tab bar button or the right-click context menu.
Tabs Open Relative Tabs Open Relative makes all new tabs open to the right of the current tab, rather than at the far right of the tab bar. I don't know how I used tabs before this plugin came along.
Open Image In New Tab Adds right-click context menu item for opening images in new tabs.
Context Search Expands the context menu's 'Search for' item into a list of installed search engines. Hold Ctrl or middle-click to open results in a new tab, Shift to open a new window.
FirefoxNotify Provides for integration between Firefox and the Galago project's specification for notifications. This allows for Firefox to integrate better into Linux desktops which support a Galago compatible notification server.
GreaseMonkey Allows you to customize the way a webpage displays using small bits of JavaScript. Hundreds of scripts, for a wide variety of popular sites, are already available at http://userscripts.org. You can write your own scripts, too. Check out http://wiki.greasespot.net/ to get started. This extension does some amazing things, check out for more at http://userscripts.org.
Easy Youtube Video Downloader Add buttons to download YouTube videos in FLV, 3GP, MP3, MP4 and 720p HD and 1080p Full-HD qualities. Supports all new 1080p FULL-HD video downloading and works with new Youtube video layout.
Don't Forget to Check Out: Customizing Firefox for Netbooks. This guide helps you get the most out of Firefox on your netbook. These tweaks are so easy even a Windows user can do them! Zing!
What is Ubuntu?
Ubuntu is an operating system built by a worldwide team of expert developers. It contains all the applications you need: a web browser, office suite, media apps, instant messaging and much more. Ubuntu is an open-source alternative to Windows and Microsoft Office.
Why Ubuntu?
There are many different reasons to install Ubuntu, the three main reasons that made me switch are:
Free and open source software allows me to be in control of my system and data.
Ubuntu is free, as in cost, and allows me to have a powerful operating system for very little money.
Ubuntu runs faster, looks prettier and fits my lifestyle more than any other operating system I've used.
This site and its articles are not intended to convert people to using Ubuntu. Rather, it's designed to help people that have already decided to switch in running Ubuntu on their Dell Mini/Vostro and other similar netbooks.
Why might Ubuntu not be right for me?
Ubuntu has its share of features, as well as faults. Ubuntu is a GNU/Linux system and it is not an Windows clone or replacement. Using Ubuntu will require you to learn a new operating system. It will take time, effort and possibly having to deal with a few failures. If you are unwilling or don't have time to learn a new operating system, Ubuntu may not be right for you.
Microsoft products like Internet Explorer and Office are not designed to work in Ubuntu. Ubuntu offers full featured alternatives, but if you need the functionality of a Windows-specific program, Ubuntu may not be right for you.
Adobe's Flash Player does not work in Ubuntu as well as it does in other operating systems. This is not Ubuntu's fault; Adobe continually releases updates to its Flash Linux Player, but it has its problems. If playing Flash games, watching fullscreen Flash video and other flash intensive web applications are a necessity, Ubuntu may not be right for you.
Which version of Ubuntu should I install?
I always recommend installing the current version of Ubuntu. Every April and October, Ubuntu releases an updated version of their operating system and the site switches its focus to that version.
- a video detailing the Ubuntu release schedule
Installing older versions of Ubuntu is not discouraged. If you would like to install an older version of Ubuntu, there are guides that detail installation, setup, workarounds, and release-specific articles for past versions of Ubuntu's operating system. Ubuntu 8.10 Intrepid Ibex Ubuntu 9.04 Jaunty Jackalope Ubuntu 10.4 Karmic Koala
Should I install Ubuntu Netbook Remix or the Standard Ubuntu Desktop?
Ubuntu released a version of its operating system with a special user interface designed for netbooks called Ubuntu Netbook Remix. It is a beautiful and intelligently designed interface that helps compensate for the smaller screen size on a netbook. Its clutter-based launcher makes finding and starting programs intuitive and easy. It draws windows maximized for easy reading/usability and utilizes a specially-designed window switching applet to manage these maximized windows. Personally, I have been a fan of UNR since it was first released.
- a brief overview of Ubuntu Netbook Remix
The standard Ubuntu desktop works perfectly on netbooks. I personally use the standard Ubuntu desktop and enjoying having a more conventional desktop experience on my netbook. The small screen size is not an issue and windows can be manually maximized for easier readability and usability.
Ubuntu Netbook Remix and the standard Ubuntu desktop are 100% compatible with one other. Just because you have chosen to install one does not mean you cannot easily switch install/use the other and you do not have to reinstall Ubuntu to switch.
How do I install Ubuntu?
First you will need to download a disc image of Ubuntu. This comes in the form of an "ISO" file, which most CD/DVD burners will burn to a blank CD or DVD. You can download the latest version of Ubuntu from www.ubuntu.com. Once you can downloaded an Ubuntu image, you can either burn it to a CD and use an external DVD/CD drive to install Ubuntu, or use a USB flash drive to install Ubuntu. You can find help for putting the Ubuntu disc image onto a USB flash drive here.
Once you have downloaded and prepared your install medium you can reference the above Ubuntu user guides for help installing Ubuntu.
I need help with Dell's default Mini 0S Ubuntu 8.04 version of Ubuntu.
Unfortunately, Dell Mini OS based on Ubuntu 8.04 is not supported on www.ubuntumini.com. I replaced Dell's version with Ubuntu proper within minutes of receiving my machines. Dell's version of Ubuntu uses a different architecture and software repositories. Many of www.ubuntumini.com guides and fixes will not work on machines running Dell's Mini OS. If you need support for Dell's Mini OS you can try contacting Dell or posting your questions on the Ubuntu Mini Google Group. Some group members still run Mini OS and might be able to answer your questions.
I installed Ubuntu what should I do next?
Use it. Learning a new operating system takes a lot of work. It's like learning to walk, you're going to stumble, fall, and maybe break something. The guides and the Ubuntu Mini Google Group are there to help if you have any questions.
Also, try the General Ubuntu User Guide article. It spotlights great software, tweaks and other helpful how-tos for customizing your netbook.
Help! Why I can't play MP3's or a video?
Ubuntu does not come with non-free codec support out of the box for many common, but non-free codecs. These include MP3, H.264 (currently used on Youtube), and AAC (iTune's music format). To enable non-free codec support you must install the codec packages individually or install the metapackage ubuntu-restricted-extras.
Help! Why can't I play Flash or Java?
Ubuntu does not come with support for Flash or Java out of the box. To enable flash or Java support you must install the packages individually or install the metapackage ubuntu-restricted-extras.
Your guide says to use the terminal. What's a terminal?
A terminal is a program that can access Ubuntu's command-line interface (CLI), a tool for interacting with the operating system or software by typing commands to perform specific tasks. In Ubuntu, the default terminal is called "gnome-terminal". You can find it under Application>Accessories>Terminal.
Help, I'm having a problem not covered in this FAQ or on the www.ubuntu.com site.
This is why we have the Ubuntu Mini Google Group. It has over 600 members that can answer your Ubuntu-related questions that aren't covered on the site.
I love the site, how can I help?
Leave comments, join the Google Group or donate.
Skype is a software application that allows users to make voice calls over the Internet. Calls to Skype users and to free-of-charge numbers are free, while calls to other landlines and mobile phones can be made for a fee. Skype also features instant messaging, file transfer and video conferencing.
This guide will show you how to add the official Skype repository to your apt-get source list and allow you to download the newest version of Skype as they become available.
In a terminal type:
sudo gedit /etc/apt/sources.list
- this will allow you to edit your source list
Add this line to the bottom of that file:
deb http://download.skype.com/linux/repos/debian/ stable non-free
Kupfer is a launcher inspired by quicksilver. It allows you to use keystrokes to rapidly perform tasks such as launching applications, manipulating files and data and running scripts. Kupfer's philosophy is simplicity, speed and usability. It is written in Python and has a flexible plugin architecture.
Unlike the most popular Open Source quicksilver clone, Gnome-Do, kupfer uses less resources, runs faster, is less prone to crash when not running Compiz, doesn't depend on mono, and can properly access the home directory.
- within 4 to 5 quick keystrokes I can access my applications and documents
This is only a small portion of what Kupfer can do. Kupfer can also search the web, your recent documents, bookmarks, and clipboard entries. It can look up words in a dictionary, manipulate and locate files, volumes and disks. It also has a built in Rhythmbox plugin to search your music library to play specific songs, artists or albums.
Kupfer has changed how I use my netbook. I love the Ubuntu Netbook interface, the UNR team has done an awesome job on make Linux look and feel intuitive but it's overhead and screen encompassing design make it difficult to multi-task or use multiple desktops.
- My current desktop, no panels or icons. Clean, efficient and quick. I don't have to wade through menus to get to my applications or files. Kupfer puts my whole desktop at my finger tips and everything I need can be accessed with a few keystrokes. I can use every pixel of my desktop and get the most out of my netbook.
I Recommend Installing Kupfer from the Kupfer's Hope Launchpad Repository. It contains the latest release and will automatically update as new releases become available.
In a terminal type: sudo apt-get-repository ppa:kupfer-team/ppa sudo apt-get update sudo apt-get install kupfer
Or in Karmic or Newer Ubuntu Releases You can install the Ubuntu repository version of Kupfer. In a terminal type:
- point your terminal into the kupfer source folder
./waf configure --prefix=$PREFIX
./waf
./waf install
- this will complete the installation
Once installed you can find Kupfer under Applications>Accessories>Kupfer - kupfer's default keybinding is Ctrl+space - to set Kupfer to start automatically on login, start Kupfer, call up Kupfer search window and type in kupfer - scroll down to preferences
- From here you can set Kupfer to start automatically on login.
Medibuntu (Multimedia, Entertainment & Distractions In Ubuntu) is a repository of packages that cannot be included into the Ubuntu distribution for legal reasons like copyright, license or patent restrictions. It also includes many popular .debs for w32codes, Skype and Google earth in both i386 and lpia architectures. You can find the full list of available software here.
Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala can not play encrypted DVDs or use certain Windows codecs out of the box. This guide will show you how to install the Medibuntu repository and these codecs.
To add the Medibuntu Repository: In a terminal type:
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