The popular open source multi-platform media player VLC will let you increase volume up to 200%, if you are using the volume slider. This applies even if you are increasing the volume by placing the cursor above the volume bar and using a scroll wheel or a touch pad to control volume output.

If you scroll the wheel or touch pad outside the volume bar while the VLC window is active, it will allow you to increase the volume till 400%, double the limit of the volume bar. So if you are a music freak and like it loud, you know what to do.

Have you ever had that "oh no" moment after accidentally deleting some file permanently? Quite probably yes. We all face such moments. Recuva (pronounced recover) will recover that file for you, including those which have been deleted from the recycle bin.

Recuva is a free utility for Windows platform, used for restoring accidentally deleted files and folders. It starts a wizard that takes you through the recovery process. Recuva can also be made to restore deleted files manually.

This free application is from the makers of famous CCleaner, which deletes all the crap from your computer permanently. And Recuva won't be able to recover something after you have run CCleaner to get rid of unnecessary garbage, cookies and other traces (of crime).

Screen Recorder is a free Windows application that allows you to record computer screen along with your voice. It is a really simple application with just three button--start, pause and stop. It can record the entire desktop or any particular application window, as specified by you.

Screen Recorder is a handy tool to create videos explaining how to use an application or solve an issue. Instead of writing long emails or making efforts to explain correct strps over the phone, you can show how to go about the things.

The extracter for Screen Recoder can be downloaded from Microsoft TechNet site. Extract it to its default location in C:/ drive. There you will find one folder of the same name as the extracter--UtilityOnlineMarch092009_03. In this folder, go to Win32 folder if your computer is a 32-bit computer or even if you aren't sure. If you are sure your's is a 64-bit, go to the corresponding folder. Here you will find three installer. First, install Windows Media encoder by clicking on WMEncoder file. After that click on the installer that's called Screen Recorder.

Now start the application. You will be asked to choose the output to be recorded--the entire screen or just an open window. You also need to tick the audio option if you wish to record your voice as well.

Enjoy the screencast that I have created, with lot of fumbles :)

Backups are always advisable. But it can be a tedious job to back up all of your files and folders each time you make a change. What if it could be automated? Here's a solution that will allow you to back up your critical data in a single click, if not automatically.

Microsoft's SyncToy 2.0 is a small tool that allows you to synchronize folders or backup one folder to a destination folder, locally on your computer or on a USB drive or over the network. This easy-to-use application for Windows XP and Vista helps you copy, move, rename, and delete files between folders and computers.

If you want to backup a folder on your hard disk to another on a USB drive, you just need to create a folder pair--the source folder in the left and destination folder on the USB drive on the right. You will have to choose "Echo" when it asks you what you want to do. This option will make all the changes that take place in the source folder to the destination folder, and not vice versa--creating exact image of the source folder. Whenever you make some changes to your source folder, start SyncToy and hit backup.

If you want to synchronize two folders, say one on your computer and the other on your USB drive or on another computer on the network, choose synchronize.

SyncToy requires .NET framework 3.5 for installation and functioning. You can download both .NET framework and SyncToy 2.0 from Microsoft Download Center. NET framework is a large file (more than 60MB) but worth downloading for enabling folder back ups and synchronization in a ziffy.

If you have ever designed a website or blog, you must have faced the tantrums of Internet Explorer 6 (IE6), the version that shipped with Windows XP and earlier versions.

Several Norwegian websites started a spring cleaning on the Web--getting rid of IE6 and make the tubes clog-free for a better future. They are using a code to display a message and persuade visitors switch to a newer, improved version of IE or other alternative browsers.

Several websites across the world have joined the campaign to get rid of this horrendous dinosaur. One such campaign is called Bring Down IE6, an initiative by .net magazine. A wiki has also come up for spreading the campaign. This is what it says on why we should dump IE6.

Internet Explorer are currently stalling innovation and stopping web developers from creating solutions that we don't even understand ourselves before it's gone. As an example we can imagine how highways was being built, but not before steam powered cars had gone extinct.

Why does IE6 still exists? A large number of people still use Windows XP or older versions that ships with IE6. Many of them use pirated Windows, forcing them to stick to their clunky, default browser. If they try to download and install latest version of IE, they are dettered by Microsoft's authenticity check. [However, Internet Exlorer 7 gets downloaded and installed even on pirated versions of Windows XP.]

Many of them have switched to latest version of other browsers, but a significant number of them haven't even experienced the improved versions of IE, Firefox or other browsers. Had they experienced a newer browser, they would have surely shifted to Firefox, Opera or Safari.

Some unfortunate people, as Download Squad pointed out, are tied to IE6 due to Windows 2000. Some information technology departments are dumb enoough to continue with the Web designer's nightmare.

But the kind of success being garnered by these ant-IE6 website, I sincirely believe that soon there will be no IE6, expect for on a freshly installed Windows XP or older versions.

Another free Wordpress theme from Nyutech. Rainbow Fairy is my second Wordpress theme that's available under GNU licence. (I had released Undedicated, a minimal Wordpress theme, last month.)

However, Rainbow Fairy uses some images that were available under Creative Commons licence. The main illustrations (two cute girls) are by Alison B.


Rainbow Fairy has a beautiful comment form that will ask more readers to leave their comments. You can download the theme from Box.net or preview the theme before downloading it.

Download Rainbow Fairy Wordpress theme
Demo of Rainbow Fairy Wordpress theme

Often we want to keep some files and folders safe, away from prying eyes of others. This is required even more if we are sharing the computer with some other people--family, friends or roommates. In this tutorial, we will learn how to use TrueCrypt to create a hidden, encrypted folder/volume on your local drive and also on your USB removable drive. It will also explain how you can encrypt the entire USB drive, which will make it appear as if it's an unformatted drive.

TrueCrypt is a free, open source disk-encryption application that works with both Windows and Linux. It is a handy tool for safekeeping your data. Download the latest version of TrueCrypt and install it.


How to create an encrypted disk? After installing the application, we need to create an encrypted drive to serve as our document vault. Run the application and click on "Create Volume". Now choose "Create an encrypted file container" for creating an encrypted folder. If you do not have any risk of being forced to reveal the password of the encrypted folder, choose to create a standard TrueCrypt volume; else a hidden one.

Now, click on the "Select file" option and navigate to the location where you want to create your encrypted folder. Now choose a name, say, SafeVault, for the encrypted folder and save.


TrueCrypt will now ask you to specify an encryption algorithm. If you aren't sure about the options, leave the default options. Specify the size of the folder or volume. You should be generous while deciding the size unless you are comfortable with the option of creating another encrypted volume later to meet increased requirement.

Choose the password for your encrypted folder. Goes without saying that you will have to keep it strong enough if you want it to be secure.

You may want to choose the format option for the volume. Next, click on format. This shouldn't be confused with formatting the drive. It's just the small space that you have allocated to TrueCrypt volume that it's talking about. You won't loose any of your documents.

Using the encrypted disk: After you have created the disk, it has to be mounted before you can use it to store your files and folders. Select a volume label from the list, say Z:, that you want to be used for loading the encrypted volume.


In the lower half of the TrueCrypt interface, you will find a Volume section. Click on the "Select file" option and select the file that was created for holding the encrypted volume, in this case SafeVault. Now, click on "Mount" and enter the password for the volume. This will mount the encrypted disk on your computer and will be available under My Computer in Windows XP or Computer in Windows Vista.

The encrypted disk will now behave like the other ordinary disks available on the system. You can create folders or files, and save any new work on this drive. You can also drag-and-drop or cut-and-paste any file or folder on to this encrypted volume.

Hiding the encrypted disk: After you are done saving your files and folders on this encrypted disk, it's time to hide the entire volume. This hides all the files and folders.

Go to TrueCrypt icon, docked in the system tray, and open the interface. Select the name of the active encrypted volume, in our case Z:, and hit "Dismount". To exit the application, you will have to choose exit from the system tray icon. If you want to save yourself from having to exit the application after unmounting all encrypted drives, you can go to Settings-> Preferences and choose "Exit when there are no mounted drives" option.

Creating an encrypted folder on a USB device: TrueCrypt can be used to create encrypted folders on a USB device, without encrypting the entire removable device. It is a better option for most users as it doesn't require you to have TrueCrypt installed on all the computers where you wish to use the flash drive.

Click on the TrueCrypt installer and choose "Extract" option and not install. Extract the encryption application in any folder in your USB drive. I chose to extract it in a folder called TrueCrypt in my USB drive.

Go to the folder and click on the "TrueCrypt' icon, and not on "TrueCrypt Format". Now choose "Create volume" and choose "Create an encrypted file conatiner". Choose the standard volume option. Now hit "Select file", navigate to a desired folder/place in your your USB drive. Type the name for the encrypted file container and save. You can also choose a desired format. (I chose to save the encrypted file container as "MyVault" in TrueCrypt folder in the USB drive. I left the format as "All files".) Now choose a size for the file and also a password for accessing the encrypted container. Clicking on partition option might take some time to complete the process as things are slower on USB drives.

When you want to access the encrypted volume on your USB, navigate to the folder that contains the extracted files, in my case TrueCrypt in the USB drive. Click on the TrueCrypt icon to start the executable application. Now choose the encrypted file container from the location on the USB where you saved it. In my case, it's MyVault saved in the same TrueCrypt folder that contains the extracted files of TrueCrypt. Also, choose a drive letter to be assigned to the encrypted volume for mounting.

In Windows XP, you will find a new drive listed with the chosen drive letter. In Windows Vista, it will be listed under Computer. Use the encrypted drive like any other drive. Once done, click on the TrueCrypt icon docked in the system tray and "dismount" the encrypted drive. Your secret drive is safely hidden from any threats.

How to encrypt entire USB flash drive? USB drives are vulnerable to loss or theft. You can encrypt a USB drive drive so that it appears to be unformatted space when inserted into a USB port. The user computer needs to have installed TrueCrypt so that the encrypted flash drive can be mounted, though under a different drive letter. First, backup all data on flash drive as it might require to be formatted, at least in Windows XP.

Click on "Create volume" and then select "Encrypt a non-system partition or drive". Now hit "Click device' and choose the flash drive. You can easily identify it with the drive letter.

Now choose to create encrypted volume and format it. You can also choose to encrypt without formatting if you are using Windows Vista. Now choose a password and format (NTFS/FAT) for the encrypted flash drive. It's ready now.

Using the encrypted USB drive: The encrypted USB drive appears as if it is an unformatted drive under the OS. But actually it stores all your data, if any, in encrypted form and can be used with only those systems which have TrueCrupt installed on them.

The encrypted flash drive needs to mounted before we can use it. For this, we need to choose "select device" in the TrueCrypt interface and choose the appropriate removable device. Choose a drive letter and enter your password. This will mount the encrypted USB drive as a separate drive assigned with the specified letter. Use it like any other drive.

Once done, "dismount' using the TrueCrypt interface. Now you can safely remove the device by choosing "Safely remove the device" option in wndows, as you would have done had it not been encrypted.

In the last posts I mentioned how to install XAMPP and create sub domains, or link to directories, and also setting up a Web server on Ubuntu. These requires you to tinker with some codes. Does that make it geeky? But even if you are not a geek, you have to have a server running on your system so that you can set up a local Wordpress blog or wiki.

Here's a server that will be as easy as using your favourite juke box--NetServer. It does not even require you to install anything. It comes as an executable application, making it possible to setup and carry your server on a flash drive. Unfortunately, this server package is available only for Windows NT, 2000, 2003 and XP.

NetServer includes Apache web server with PHP5, MySQL with phpMyAdmin, FileZilla FTP server and a mail server. It comes as a simple executable programme that provides you an intuitive console for installing and managing the servers.

NetServer is perfect for use as a home server or as a server for development purposes. However, this server package is no longer under development since 2004 and might not be perfect thing for those who want a heavy-duty up-to-date server.

Download and extract: Download NetServer exe zip file from Sourceforge. Now, create a directory on your hard drive or flash drive and call it something like MyServer. Create another directory in MyServer directory and call it NetServer. Now extract the NetServer zip file in this directory. It will take some time.

Install servers: Once extracted, click on the NetServer icon to start the console. Go to Manage Servers and instal Apache and MySQL. By default, MySQL gets installed with a username root and no password. Start both Apache and MySQL servers. Now go to Shortcuts -> phpMyAdmin or http://localhost/phpmyadmin. PhpMyAdmin is an easy management tool for MySQL database server. You will have to provide username root and leave the password blank to log in. Now, change the password using the admin page.


Creating aliases: To create aliases or sub domains that link to certain specified directories, go to Servers -> Apache Web Server -> Configure. Under the Alias tab, click on Add and enter the name of alias, say, blog, if you want http://localhost/blog. Also, choose the directory that the alias should point to. If you want to set up your local blog, point the alias to the blog folder. Remeber to save the changes and restart the Apache server to reflect the change.

Uninstall? If you wish to uninstall NetServer, just delete the folders after uninstalling the servers using Manage Servers option. Clear.

Additional resources:
Install XAMPP server, configure Apache to activate sub domains
Easy guide to installing a Web server on Ubuntu

XAMPP is a multi-platform Apache distribution that provides you a Web server, which is pre-configured with PHP, Perl, database, FTP and mail servers. You can install it using the XAMPP installer for Windows. If you are using Linux or Mac or any other operating system, download the appropriate package and follow the instructions on XAMPP site for installation.

Now, start XAMPP control panel and start Apache and MySQL. Open http://localhost in your Web browser to access phpMyAdmin, FileZilla FTP, Mercury Mail and Webalizer statistics page.

Creating sub domains in Apache Web server: If you want to use addresses such as http://localhost/blog (sub domain) to point to a folder, say D:/MyServer/blog, you need to create an "alias" that will redirect the web address to the designated folder on the local computer.

First, locate "httpd.conf" file in the Apache folder in Xampp directory. If the xampp directory is located on C:\ drive (default location), you can find the configuration file in C:\xampp\apache\conf. Open httpd.conf with a text editor such as Notepad or Notepad++. Now, find the following in the file:


We will add our alias below this tag but above the tag ends. The following format is used to add an alias:


We also need to add options directive for granting specific permissions to the particular directory. By default, it grants all rights to the directory. You can get details about various options available for configuring access to directories in Apache documentation.

For creating the alias "/blog", we will have to make our httpd.conf look like this. You can copy and paste it to your http.conf file. Modify the comment line to reflect your notes. Change the alias to your desired one and also the address of the folder. Do not put a "/" after your alias as this will make the alias effective only with a terminating "/".



Now, if we want to add another alias, say, http://localhost/images (or http://your-server-address/images) that points to D:/images, your httpd.conf file should look like this.


Changing the root folder of your server: In a XAMPP installation, by default, http://localhost (or http://your-server-address) points to "C:/xampp/htdocs" folder. If you want http://localhost to point to some other folder, you can do this by replacing "C:/xampp/htdocs" with the address of your own folder. Let's make "MyServer" folder on D:/ drive to be the root folder of our server. Before we move ahead, let me make it clear that this tutorial assumes that your XAMPP is installed on C:/ drive. If it's not, adapt the instructions according to your settings.

Find the default entry for "DocumentRoot" in httpd.conf file that exists in "C:/xampp/apache/conf".



Change the address of the root folder to the new one. In our example, it will be D:/MyServer. Thus, the entry will look like:


Now find the following:



Change the address of the directory to our new root directory's address.


Restart (stop and then start) your Apache server to reflect the changed root directory. Now you can start saving all your web pages, blogs, etc., in this folder.

Fixing broken links after moving root folder: Since the default root folder (C:/xampp/htdocs) provided easy access to phpMyAdmin, FileZilla Server, Mercury Mail and Webalizer, it would be nice if you create an alias, say, admin for C:/xampp/htdocs folder. Follow the procedure explained above. But even now if you point your browser to this alias, say, http://localhost/admin, it will redirect you to the default location which no longer exists.

To fix this, open the index.php file in the htdocs folder in a text editor such as Notepad or Notepad++. Now find the following:



Replace it with the following:


Now when you point to http://localhost/admin, it will take you to the default page that gives you easy access to several important control pages.

Adding your own favicon to the server: When a page is requested, the XAMPP server looks for a favicon icon (favicon.ico) in the root folder, which, by default, is "C:/xampp/htdocs" . We need to replace the favicon.ico in the root folder with our own.

Create the favicon using any image or from scratch and save it as a Microsoft Windows Icon (.ico) format. Open source image editor GIMP allows you to save icons in .ico format. Replace the favicon icon in the "XAMPP/htdocs" folder with your own. Now, clear the cache by deleting private data in your browser and go to http://localhost. You will find your favicon.

Additional resources:
Easy guide to installing a Web server on Ubuntu

The first video game that I played on a console was Mario. The adventures of this short Italian plumber fascinated so much that I would end up losing a few one-rupee coins every day. One rupee was that the video parlours charged for one game, and I was never able to go beyond the fire dragon stage. Today, all of sudden, I tried to recall my favourite video games--Super Mario was the first followed by Pacman and Prince of Persia (older versions). I played the latter two on old IBM machines that accepted large-format, thin floppies.

I tried to search Mario so that I could get back into those good old days when all that I cared for was games and fun. The most immediate way of getting to listen to the ever-so-familiar music of the video game is to play it 0n the Web.

If you are also a fan of Mario, you can download various Mario remakes for installing on your Windows PC. One of them is Super Mario Forever.


Secret Maryo: This cousin of Mario is an multi-platform open source reincarnation of the popular video game character. Secret Maryo is available for download for Windows, Ubuntu, Gentoo, Fedora, Open Suse, Debian and lot more.


Super Tux: Even if you are not a fan of Tux, you are bound to like this Mario-like game. Like Secret Maryo, Super Tux is available for multiple platforms including Windows, Ubuntu and various other Linux distributions and Mac.


Keep Mario on your desktop: You can also plaster your desktop with a Super Mario Brothers wallpaper that will always remind you of the good old days that you enjoyed with Mario and your other friends. If you wish to enjoy Pacman, you can do that online at Free Pacman.

How to set up a Web server on your Ubuntu (Lucid Lynx and others) system? This tutorial will help you install an Apache server with MySQL and PHP. We will also have phpMyadmin for easy control over database, and Webmin to have access to the server via your Web browser. Execute the following commands in Applications -> Accessories -> Terminal.

If any command refuses to execute due to limited privileges, add sudo before it. E.g., sudo command.

Install Apache


Install PHP5


Restart Apache to activate PHP


Enable mod rewrite: Mod-Rewrite is required to be enabled some functions such as beautiful URLs in Wordpress. Run the following command to enable.


If problem exists, edit the Apache file.


Now find the following and change AllowOverride None to AllowOverride All.


Install MySQL: Run the command given below and set the password for "root" user on prompt.


Edit the "Bind Address" This is required only if you have to access the server on network. It's not required if the server will work only on the local computer.


Change the IP address (127.0.0.1) to your IP address in the following line.


Install phpMyadmin: This provides an easy web-based access to MySQl control. Run the following command.


It will lead you to a screen asking you to select the Web server that needs to be automatically configure with phpMyadmin. Use <Tab> key to highlight the Apache option and select it by pressing the <Space> bar. Make sure that the Apache option has been selected; you will see an asterisk [*] mark by its side. Now use the <Tab> key to highlight the OK option and press <Enter> key.

It will take you to another screen providing some details. Continue the process by pressing the <Enter> key.

A screen will appear asking if you want to configure a new database called dbconfig-common. As we are installing the a fresh server, use the key to select Yes and press <Enter>.

Now you will be prompted to enter the password for the administrator user "root". Type the password that you had given while installing MySQL. Use <Tab> key to highlight the OK option and press <Enter> key.

Now you will asked to set a password for phpMyAdmin. For sake of ease, enter  the password same as that for MySQL. Retype the password on prompt and hit <Enter>.

Restart Apache


Now your Apache server and MySQL are ready. You can access your server by typing http://localhost/. To access phpMyadmin page use the following URL: http://localhost/phpmyadmin. Use "root" as the user name and the password set in the above process for getting access.

If there's any problem in the phpMyadmin, you may have to edit php.ini file to make PHP work with MySQL.


Now, find this line:


Remove the semicolon to make it active.


Restart Apache.


Access phpMyadmin page by using the following URL: http://localhost/phpmyadmin.

Install Webmin (optional): Webmin allows you to control your server from a Web browser. It will allow you to stop or restrart Apache, create aliases (used to point URLs to a folder on the local computer) and lot more.

Download the latest version (.deb) of Webmin and install the application by running it. Now log in to Webmin using the following URL: http://localhost:10000, or http://ipaddress:10000.

By default, http://localhost/ points to Home/var/www/. To create new domains or aliases, say http://localhost/blog, using Webmin, go to Servers -> Apache webserver ->Default Server. Now click on the "Aliases" icon. In the page that opens, under "Document directory aliases" section, enter "/blog" under "From" list and "/var/www/blog/" under the "To" list. This means that whenever we will type http://localhost/blog, we will be redirected to /var/www/blog folder. But right now there is no folder called blog in var/www/ folder. Let's create it.

Since only root has the right to make changes to var/www/ folder, we will log in as "root".


Now create the folder.


Now you can save the files that you want to appear under this domain. If you wish a Wordpress blog to be set up here, just move the entire content of Wordpress folder here. Make the necessary changes in database, etc., to get your Wordpress blog at http://localhost/blog/. Learn about installing Wordpress in this post.

PS: This is the last in a series on switching to Ubuntu from Windows, for non-geeks. Hope you are now comfortable with your Ubuntu system. This doesn't stop me from writing more about my primary OS -- Ubuntu.

Ubuntu series:
Part1: Easy guide to getting started with Ubuntu
Part2: Dual-boot Ubuntu and Windows with common storage drives
Part3: Make Ubuntu mount partitions and drives automatically at startup
Part4: Activating restricted music formats, Java and Flash on Ubuntu
Part5: Installing some basic applications on your Ubuntu system
Part6: How to install and completely remove Wine?
Part7: Easily tweak Ubuntu with Ubuntu Tweak
Part8: Tasque manages to-do list locally or integrates with Remember The Milk
Part9: AllTray: Dock every application in tray
Part10: Install a Web server on Ubuntu home computer

Open source application for Linux, AllTray docks other applications into the system tray (“notification area”) of a desktop environment such as GNOME, KDE, or XFCE. This can be quite convenient for handling some frequently used applications and also keep your desktop less cluttered. The docking lasts till you undock it by right-clicking on the tray icon and choose undock, or till you shut down your system.

How to install AllTray? Use the following command-line in Applications -> Accessories -> Terminal.


Alternatively, you can download the source code from Launchpad site and install.

Access AllTray by going to Applications -> Accessories -> AllTray. Click on the window to be docked. Simple. To undock, right-click on the application's icon in tray and choose undock.

PS: This is the ninth in a series on switching to Ubuntu from Windows, for non-geeks. At the end of the Ubuntu series, you will be a proud owner of a fantastic Linux system.

Ubuntu series:
Part1: Easy guide to getting started with Ubuntu
Part2: Dual-boot Ubuntu and Windows with common storage drives
Part3: Make Ubuntu mount partitions and drives automatically at startup
Part4: Activating restricted music formats, Java and Flash on Ubuntu
Part5: Installing some basic applications on your Ubuntu system
Part6: How to install and completely remove Wine?
Part7: Easily tweak Ubuntu with Ubuntu Tweak
Part8: Tasque manages to-do list locally or integrates with Remember The Milk
Part9: AllTray: Dock every application in tray
Part10: Install a Web server on Ubuntu home computer

Tasque (pronounced task) is a distraction-free simple to-do list manager that allow you to save your tasks locally on your computer or integrates with your Remember The Milk account.

How to install? There is no stable release of this app, and also its development seems to have stalled, but nonetheless its quite good at its job. One way of installing Tasque is to download the source code and then compile it into a software app.


Else, install Ubuntu Tweak. Under the Applications -> Add/Remove tab of Ubuntu Tweak, you will find Tasque listed. Select it and click on "Apply" to install. Now you will have it under Applications -> Office -> Tasque.

On starting Tasque for the first time, a configuration window will appear asking you if you want to use it for storing tasks locally or want t0 integrate it with your account on online to-do list manager Remember The Milk (RTM). When you choose to integrate it with your RTM account, it will forward youto RTM for authorization. Once you authorize it by typing your username and password, you will be ready after one final click on a Tasque window, which has to be clicked to begin the integration process.

Changing the Remeber The Milk account integrated with tasque: Now, if yu ever need to change configuration of Tasque, right-click on the green Tasque icon in Ubuntu tray. Tasque does not allow you to switch between different Remember the Milk accounts. If you need to change the account to be shown in Tasque, log in to your RTM acount, and remove the for Tasque. For this, go to Settings -> Services. You will find an entry called API Application. Delete this entry by clicking on the delete icon, which appears in the last column. Now start Tasque afresh and configure it with desired account.

PS: This is the eighth in a series on switching to Ubuntu from Windows, for non-geeks. At the end of the Ubuntu series, you will be a proud owner of a fantastic Linux system.

Ubuntu series:
Part1: Easy guide to getting started with Ubuntu
Part2: Dual-boot Ubuntu and Windows with common storage drives
Part3: Make Ubuntu mount partitions and drives automatically at startup
Part4: Activating restricted music formats, Java and Flash on Ubuntu
Part5: Installing some basic applications on your Ubuntu system
Part6: How to install and completely remove Wine?
Part7: Easily tweak Ubuntu with Ubuntu Tweak
Part8: Tasque manages to-do list locally or integrates with Remember The Milk
Part9: AllTray: Dock every application in tray
Part10: Install a Web server on Ubuntu home computer

Ubuntu Tweak, as the name suggests, tweaks the settings of Ubuntu in a very easy way. It give you access to all the settings through one simple interface that is very intuitive.

How to install Ubuntu Tweak? Download Ubuntu Tweak ".deb" package and open it with GDebi Package Installer. GDebi comes as a default application to handle ".deb" files which are equivalent to executable files in Windows. Choose install.


Now, go to Applications -> System Tools -> Ubuntu Tweak and make the desired settings.

Using command line to install Ubuntu Tweak: Alternatively, you can use command line to download and install the latest version of Ubuntu Tweak. Before you proceed, just copy the URL of the ".deb" package of the latest stable version of Ubuntu Tweak. As of today, it is "http://ubuntu-tweak.googlecode.com/files/ubuntu-tweak_0.4.6-1~intrepid1_all.deb". Please make sure that when you copy the link, the special character in the URL "~" is not change to something else. Execute the following commands in Terminal (Applications -> Accessories -> Terminal).


You can change also save the ".deb installer" in your Home folder and then install it by using the "sudo dpkg -i ubuntu-tweak_XXXXXX.deb" command in Terminal, where the ubuntu-tweak part in the command is the name of the ".deb" package. If the package is not saved in the Home folder, you will have to change the director to that folder in Terminal before using the "dpkg" command.

Most of the settings are very intuitive but be careful not to change something that you don't understand. Why invite trouble? Also, don't try to change the name of the computer or something in the same tab.

You can use Ubuntu Tweak to install applications, Ubuntu restricted extras that enable restricted media formats, etc. It allows you to customize the look of your Desktop and windows. It also has several features for more comprehensive settings.

Removing Ubuntu Tweak: If you wish to uninstall Ubuntu Tweak, run this command in Terminal.


PS: This is the seventh in a series on switching to Ubuntu from Windows, for non-geeks. At the end of the Ubuntu series, you will be a proud owner of a fantastic Linux system.

Ubuntu series:
Part1: Easy guide to getting started with Ubuntu
Part2: Dual-boot Ubuntu and Windows with common storage drives
Part3: Make Ubuntu mount partitions and drives automatically at startup
Part4: Activating restricted music formats, Java and Flash on Ubuntu
Part5: Installing some basic applications on your Ubuntu system
Part6: How to install and completely remove Wine?
Part7: Easily tweak Ubuntu with Ubuntu Tweak
Part8: Tasque manages to-do list locally or integrates with Remember The Milk
Part9: AllTray: Dock every application in tray
Part10: Install a Web server on Ubuntu home computer

If you are following Ubuntu, you must be Wine familiar with Wine. Wine is an application that allows you to run Windows-based programs in Ubuntu. You install Wine by executing the following command in the Terminal (Applications -> Accessories -> Terminal).


Now, you need to install the Windows-only application that you wish to use. Go to Appliactions -> Wine -> Configure Wine, and install the application. A simpler approach will be to just click on the Windows installer of the application. It will be installed inside Wine and a can be accessed under Applications -> Wine. To uninstall, use the Uninstall Wine Software option or do it from Configure Wine option.

Completely removing Wine: In case you want to completely remove Wine, the ususal uninstall command would leave you wondering what went wrong. It will uninstall Wine but leave the folders under the Applications menu. If you want a complete uninstall, execute the following commands in Terminal in the following order.


PS: This is the sixth in a series on switching to Ubuntu from Windows, for non-geeks. At the end of the Ubuntu series, you will be a proud owner of a fantastic Linux system.

Ubuntu series:
Part1: Easy guide to getting started with Ubuntu
Part2: Dual-boot Ubuntu and Windows with common storage drives
Part3: Make Ubuntu mount partitions and drives automatically at startup
Part4: Activating restricted music formats, Java and Flash on Ubuntu
Part5: Installing some basic applications on your Ubuntu system
Part6: How to install and completely remove Wine?
Part7: Easily tweak Ubuntu with Ubuntu Tweak
Part8: Tasque manages to-do list locally or integrates with Remember The Milk
Part9: AllTray: Dock every application in tray
Part10: Install a Web server on Ubuntu home computer

If you have enabled all restricted media formats as given in the previous post of the Ubuntu series, you are ready to install some applications for an enhanced experience with your Linux machine. You can go to Applications -> Add/Remove... and install the required applications available in the list. Some suggestion are below. Copy and paste (Ctrl+Shift+V) the command in (Terminal (Applications -> Accessories -> Terminl) and hit enter.

Startup Manager: In a dual-boot system with Ubuntu, you must have seen the message "Starting Grub" and the message that says loading this OS in "X"seconds. Grub controls which OS to load by default and other boot-up settings. Startup Manager allows you to make your own choice for start-up. You may use it to set the default operating system to boot or the wait time before booting into the default system.


Now go to System -> Administration -> Startup Manager and make the desired changes. Its comes handy if you wish to set Windows as default OS. Beware of making other changes.

Advanced desktop effects: If you wish to have advanced desktop effects, install Compiz Fusion and its settings manager.


You can alternatively go to Add/Remove applications and install "Advanced Desktop Effects Settings" to make your choices. Go to System -> Preferences -> CompizConfig Settings Manager, and make your choice.

Install download manager: Download managers are very convenient for downloading huge files that cannot be downloaded in one go. Downloader for X is one download manager for Ubuntu.


Image editing application: Gimp is a powerful, open source graphics and image editor, similar to Adobe Photoshop. It is also available for Windows.


You can also install an extra set of brushes, palettes, and gradients for GIMP.


Inkscape Vector Illustrator: Inkscape Vector Illustrator is an open source drawing program similar to Illustrator and CorelDraw.


Record my desktop: recordMyDesktop is a desktop recording utility.


Another desktop recorder: Istanbul is a desktop recorder for the Gnome desktop.


Managing webcam: If you have noticed, you cannot activate you webcam as a standalone in Ubuntu. The only way you can acctivate it is by using Ekiga Softphone that comes with Ubuntu as default. Camorama is a simple GTK-based (i.e. Gnome-based) interface for webcams using the v4l (video for linux) drivers. The application will be available under Applications -> Graphics.


Firefox plug-ins: Firefox is highly extensible web browser. It also supports lot of formats using plugins.

Adobe Acrobat Reader for Firefox

Adobe Flash Player for Firefox

Open source Flash Player Gnash: Gnash is available in a 64-bit version as well as a 32-bit version. It is the open source replacement for Adobe Flash player.


Java Runtime Environment (JRE) for Firefox


Opera: Opera is a nice Web browser and many people prefer it over other browsers.


Thunderbird: Mozilla Thunderbird is a free email client.


Pidgin: Pidgin is an open source IM application. It is the default in the Ubuntu (Gnome) desktop. You can access multiple messaging serices, including GTalk and Yahoo.


Skype: Skype is a proprietary VOIP and video conferencing application similar to open source Ekiga that comes with .


Filezilla: Filezilla is the ubiquitous free open source FTP client and server for all platforms.


Mozilla Sunbird (Calendar): Sunbird is a calendaring application.


PS: This is the fifth in a series on switching to Ubuntu from Windows, for non-geeks. At the end of the Ubuntu series, you will be a proud owner of a fantastic Linux system.

Ubuntu series:
Part1: Easy guide to getting started with Ubuntu
Part2: Dual-boot Ubuntu and Windows with common storage drives
Part3: Make Ubuntu mount partitions and drives automatically at startup
Part4: Activating restricted music formats, Java and Flash on Ubuntu
Part5: Installing some basic applications on your Ubuntu system
Part6: How to install and completely remove Wine?
Part7: Easily tweak Ubuntu with Ubuntu Tweak
Part8: Tasque manages to-do list locally or integrates with Remember The Milk
Part9: AllTray: Dock every application in tray
Part10: Install a Web server on Ubuntu home computer

After installing Ubuntu, there are certain modifications and applications that need to be done so that you get to enjoy your open source operating system. Here is a list of some of the important ones. Please follow the order to avoid any error. Many of the instructions are for GUI option (Applications -> Add/Remove...) but some use command-line. Copy and paste (Ctrl+Shift+V) the commands in Terminal (Applications -> Accessories -> Terminal) and press enter. Type your password on prompt.

Enable application and source code repositories: In order to get all the updates regarding new or upgraded applications, you need to enable Ubuntu to connect to the Internet and search its repositories by going to System -> Adminstration -> Software sources.Select all the options (main, universe, restricted and multiverse) under Ubuntu software and Third-party software tabs. You can get more details about Ubuntu repositories on Ubuntu site.

You can also activate Medibuntu repository for packages that are not included in the Ubuntu distribution for legal reasons. For Intrepid Ibex, type the following command in Terminal. You can get the code for other versions on Medibuntu page on community site, or replace intrepid with the first name of your version.


Enabling restricted music formats: Ubuntu doesn't come with support for many Windows-based music and video formats. After enabling all repositories, including Medibuntu, you can go to Applications -> Add/Remove and select the desired applications and codecs that you need from the comprehensive list.

Also, whenever you try to play some unsupported format, it will automatically scan its repositories and prompt you to download the required sources. Just say yes.

GStreamer plugins: In Add/remove applications, find and install GStreamer ffmpeg video plugin. This will allow you to play about 30 video and audio formats. Also install GStreamer extra plugins. Choose other desired options.

Multimedia codecs: This package is available in Medibuntu repository, so it needs to be activated before using the following commands.

For i386 (32-bit) computers (Most computers are 32-bit):


For 64-bit computers:


Install DVD decoder: Go to System -> Administration -> Synaptic Package Manager, and search for "libdvdread3". Mark it for installation.

Install media swiss knife: VLC is undoubtedly one cursor: pointer;of the most versatile music players. It will play almost anything.


To install VLC plug-in for Firefox, use the following command.


Install Realplayer: Some sites such as BBC will have content in Realplayer-supported formats. Use the following code to install Realplayer.


Install Amarok: Though Ubuntu comes with Rhythmbox Music Player, many people (including me) prefer Amarok as a music player and media manager.


Installing Adobe Flash player: You can install Flash player directly from Adobe site. Go to Flash download page and select .deb package to download. On prompt, open with GDebi Package Installer. The application will be automatically installed.

Alternatively, go to Applications -> Add/Remove and search for "Flash".You can choose to install Adobe's Flash plug-in or any other open source alternative such as gnash.

Installing Java: First check if you really need to install Java. Visit some site that uses Java such as BSE India. If you cannot see some content, go to Add/remove applications and search for Java. Install the desired versions--Sun Java 6 Runtime and Icedtea Java Plugin.

Install Microsoft True Type Fonts: The following command will install Microsoft fonts in Ubuntu. Beware. It may change the look of most web pages (to my chagrin).


All in one: The Ubuntu restricted extras will install Adobe Flash Player, Java Runtime Environment (JRE) (sun-java-jre) with Firefox plug-ins (icedtea), a set of Microsoft Fonts (msttcorefonts), multimedia codecs (w32codecs or w64codecs), mp3-compatible encoding (lame), FFMpeg, extra Gstreamer codecs, the package for DVD decoding (libdvdread3), and the unrar archiver. I won't suggest this because it will install unnecessary Microsoft Fonts. If you also want Microsoft Fonts, use this.


PS: This is the fourth in a series on switching to Ubuntu from Windows, for non-geeks. At the end of the Ubuntu series, you will be a proud owner of a fantastic Linux system.

Ubuntu series:
Part1: Easy guide to getting started with Ubuntu
Part2: Dual-boot Ubuntu and Windows with common storage drives
Part3: Make Ubuntu mount partitions and drives automatically at startup
Part4: Activating restricted music formats, Java and Flash on Ubuntu
Part5: Installing some basic applications on your Ubuntu system
Part6: How to install and completely remove Wine?
Part7: Easily tweak Ubuntu with Ubuntu Tweak
Part8: Tasque manages to-do list locally or integrates with Remember The Milk
Part9: AllTray: Dock every application in tray
Part10: Install a Web server on Ubuntu home computer

If you have dual-booted Ubuntu with Windows, your disks that are used by Windows are not mounted (made ready for use) on booting. This is done only when you click on that disk. If you have more than one disk that Ubuntu mounts when you try to access them, it can be a big problem.

Identity-crisis problem: Ubuntu doesn't assign permanent letters to drives, as done by Windows. Instead, it calls disks as "Disk", "Disk1", and so on depending on the order which they were mounted. This means your 90GB music partition can be "Disk1" during one session and "Disk2" in the other if you accessed any other disk first. Now, with the changing names, comes the problem of locating files by various applications such as music players and word processors. A change in disk name will make you reload all the music files in your player or you can close the player. Unmount the drives by going to Places>>Computer and then right-clicking on the drives and unmounting them to remount them in the same order as was the last time when you had loaded those file in your player.

Mount the drives in pre-defined order: Another dumb solution can be to go to the top panel (the bar which contains a all menus), right-click and add "Disk mounter" to the panel. To make it look a bit slicker, you can first add a drawer to the panel and then add the disk mounter to the drawer. Now, as soon as you boot Ubuntu you will have to mount the drives in one defined order so that the addresses of files and folders remain the same all the time.

Automate the process of mounting drives: In order to get rid of this mundane chore, we will automate the entire process in few simple steps. For this, we need to use command-line through a terminal.

Unlike Windows where you get all the rights, unless you are a restricted user, Ubuntu reserves the full rights for "root", a user which is automatically created at the time of installation. Root is the user who owns the computer and your user account gets a limited set of privileges that suffice day to day requirements. But whenever you need to make some changes to the system, it is root who does this. If you want to login as root, you won't be able to do this. Users have to borrow rights from root and execute the functions by giving Ubuntu commands. Whenever you need to execute a command that is the privilege of "root" user, type "sudo", followed by space and then the command in its correct format.

Unmount all the drives: Before you set to fix the automated mounting of drives, unmount all the removable drives, other than CD/DVD. This can be done by navigating to Places>> Computer and then right-clicking on all mounted drives and select unmount.

Open the terminal: Command-line instructions are executed in Terminal. Go to Applications>> Accessories>> Terminal.

Ubuntu mounts or loads all removable drives, including other hard disks, partitions, CD/DVD and flash drives, in separate spaces by creating temporary folders for each removable media. You can find a folder for each mounted removable media device, in the "media" folder that exists in the root folder.

Since we want to create permanent mounts for our partitions and disk we will also have to create folders for each drive or partition, and mount them in that space.

Identify the drives and partitions: Before we can mount the devices, we need to have their complete identification. Type the following command in the terminal and press enter to output the details of existing drives and partitions. You can alternatively copy (Ctrl+V) and paste the command in terminal, using Ctrl+Shift+V.


Note the details of all the drives or partitions that you want to be mounted at startup. You can identify the devices by the order they are listed--first partition first--the size of the partition and the format of the partition.


Ideally, you should automate mounting of all the storage devices where you have documents and other stuff. In my computer, I have two partitions other than one for Windows and a swap partition and a root partition for Ubuntu. They are called /dev/sda2 and /dev/sda3. I will automate the mounting process of these two storage partitions. I will call the first partition "disk" and the other partition "disk1". If you have more disks or partitions, continue naming them "disk2", "disk3", and so on.


Create folders for mounting drives: Now we will create folders in "media" folder for mounting the drives. I will first create a folder called "disk" and then another called "disk1". If you have more drives, create folders for all of them. For this, I will execute the following commands one by one.



Edit mount table: After creating space for mounting the drives, we need to tell Ubuntu what drives have to be mounted at startup. Type the following command and press enter.


Fstab file that contains details of drives to be mounted will open up. Add the details of the drives that you want to be mounted at startup. Use the following format for adding the drives.

Name of the drive -- /dev/sda2
Location of mount -- /media/disk
Format of disk -- ntfs [or fat32 or whatever the list says]
Options -- defaults
Dump -- 0
Pass -- 0

For me, it will be something like this. All values have been separated and put in place under appropriate head by use of Tab key. Use only lowercase for format types such as ntfs and fat32, not NTFS.



Save and close the file as well as the window. With this all your drives are ready to be mounted automatically at startup. The process assigns the rights to mount and unmount these drives to the "root" user. So you will need to use commands to mount or unmount them manually.

Now to mount the drives without having to reboot:


PS: This is the third in a series on switching to Ubuntu from Windows, for non-geeks. At the end of the Ubuntu series, you will be a proud owner of a fantastic Linux system.

Ubuntu series:
Part1: Easy guide to getting started with Ubuntu
Part2: Dual-boot Ubuntu and Windows with common storage drives
Part3: Make Ubuntu mount partitions and drives automatically at startup
Part4: Activating restricted music formats, Java and Flash on Ubuntu
Part5: Installing some basic applications on your Ubuntu system
Part6: How to install and completely remove Wine?
Part7: Easily tweak Ubuntu with Ubuntu Tweak
Part8: Tasque manages to-do list locally or integrates with Remember The Milk
Part9: AllTray: Dock every application in tray
Part10: Install a Web server on Ubuntu home computer

In the last post, we discussed about installing Ubuntu on our system. As promised, in this post we will get to know how we can dual-boot Ubuntu with Windows. This way we can boot using either Ubuntu or Windows. Dual-booting can be the practical solution for those who are interested in Ubuntu but cannot afford to completely switch from Windows for lack of confidence or some specialized application which is only available for Windows.

Before you delve deeper into this tutorial, it would be nice if you read the first part of the Ubuntu series, which explains how you can install Ubuntu as a stand alone.

What's dual-boot? A dual-boot system has two operating systems installed on two partitions of a hard drive (or two separate hard drives). Ideally, it should have separate NTFS- or FAT32-formatted partitions, which should be used to store file, folders, music and videos. This way the documents and music, etc. can be accessed from both Windows and Ubuntu.

There can be three scenarios when you opt to dual boot Windows:

• Windows is installed on the entire hard disk.
• Windows is installed on one partition and other partitions are used for storage.
• You want to install both Windows and Ubuntu afresh.

Unless you are in a situation, where you can't install Windows afresh, I would suggest both Windows and Ubuntu be installed from scratch. But let me warn you that you may lose your data and windows installation. So be prepred for something like that. Backup all data, drivers, etc. Also you should be knowing how to install you windows. You can find plenty of tutorials on te Web.

Windows installed on entire disk

If you have a Windows installed on the entire disk, i.e. you have just one drive (C drive) that Windows shares with you, any snag in the operating system or reinstallation will make you lose your data as well. A system should always have a separate partition for operating system and other partitions for storing users' files and data.

Backup and defragment: If you are among one of the unlucky fellows with Windows on the entire disk, we need to create partitions on the disk for Ubuntu. First, back up all your vital data and delete some to create at least 15GB of blank space. If you can delete all files other than Windows, it will be the best. Now defragment your Windows. It may take hours to finish. Once done, insert Ubuntu disc and restart your computer. The computer should boot using the installation disc. If not, restart your computer and access the BIOS of your computer. This can be done by following the instructions that appear when your computer is beginning to start.

Now let the computer boot from Ubuntu disc. It will take a few minutes. Click on install icon on the desktop. Select language, time and keyboard layout to reach disk partitioning stage.

Make room for Ubuntu: Now select the partition and reduce its size to 10GB if you have backed up and deleted all data before starting ubuntu installation. Else, reduce the size by 15GB. Remember to use the same format as it was initially. You can see that in the partition list.


If you have reduced the Windows parition to 10-15GB so that it is dedicated to Windows and installed applications, you have plenty of unpartitioned space. In this, we will first create partitions that will be used for storing our data.

If you have just reduced the disk size by 15GB to create a new partition for Ubuntu, skip the steps that deal with creating storage partitions.

Follow the order: We will arrange the disk to have these partitions in the following order: Windows partition >> Storage partitions >> Ubuntu swap partition >> Ubuntu root partition.

The first partition is Windows partition. Now, create new partitions that will serve as your storage drive, according to your needs. Assuming that we have a 120GB hard disk with 15GB Windows partition, I would create two partitions with for storage, say 30GB partition for documents and 60GB for music and videos. Just click on the unpartitioned space and create the partitions with NTFS or FAT32 format. (NTFS is a Windows-only format but can be read by Ubuntu. FAT32 is common to both Linux and Windows.) Don't select any option for mount, but tick the format option.

Now that we have storage space ready, we will create a 1,000-2,000MB swap partition with "use as" set to "Swap area". Choose the remaining space and use the entire space (should be at least 10GB) to create root partition for Ubuntu. Set "use as" option to "Ext3 journaling file system" and "mount" as "/". You can experiment with these settings as Ubuntu will allow you to go ahead only if everything is alright. So, don't worry. Once done, just confirm and install.

Windows installed on separate partition

If Windows is installed on one partition (say C drive) and you have other drives for storage, we just need to tamper with the last partition of the disk. Backup and move the data to other partitions before starting installation. Now when Ubuntu reaches disk partitioning stage, resize of the last partition so that you have 10-15GB (in the worst scenario 5GB) unpartitioned space left at the end of the disk. Create a swap area and root partition. Install.

Install every thing afresh

Use GParted to create partitions: Pop in the installation CD. On the top-left side of the Live CD desktop, you will find System menu. Go to System >> Administration>> Partition manager. Delete all existing partitions. Now create the partition that will be used to install Windows. Set "create as" to "primary partition" and file system as "NTFS, FAT32 or unformatted". The size will depend on your Windows version. 20GB will be more than enough in all cases. Now create other partitions for storage so that you have 10-20GB unpartitioned space left at the end. Choose NTFS or FAT32 for these storage partitions and they can be primary or logical. Write the changes to the disk.


You can also partition the disk during Windows installation. Remember the following sequence. Windows partition >> Storage partitions >> Unpartitioned space for Ubuntu.

Install Windows: Now install Windows in the first partition. when you want to dual boot, Ubuntu should be the last operating system to be installed. If not, Windows won't let you access Ubuntu.

Install Ubuntu: Now install Ubuntu in the unpartitioned space. Pop in the CD. Click install. Once you reach the installation stage, create a swap area from the unpartitioned space. Use the rest as root partition. Over.

PS: This is the second in a series on switching to Ubuntu from Windows, for non-geeks. At the end of the Ubuntu series, you will be a proud owner of a fantastic Linux system.

Ubuntu series:
Part1: Easy guide to getting started with Ubuntu
Part2: Dual-boot Ubuntu and Windows with common storage drives
Part3: Make Ubuntu mount partitions and drives automatically at startup
Part4: Activating restricted music formats, Java and Flash on Ubuntu
Part5: Installing some basic applications on your Ubuntu system
Part6: How to install and completely remove Wine?
Part7: Easily tweak Ubuntu with Ubuntu Tweak
Part8: Tasque manages to-do list locally or integrates with Remember The Milk
Part9: AllTray: Dock every application in tray
Part10: Install a Web server on Ubuntu home computer

Additional resources:
Ubuntu documentation on dual-booting with Windows

Ubuntu--Linux for human being--is for every one. If you haven't yet tried it, here's a series for non-geeks, at the end of which, you will be a proud owner of a great Ubuntu system. It will cover installing Ubuntu—both as stand alone and as a dual-boot along with Windows—installing necessary codecs and applications so that you can use it happily as you primary PC without facing any problem playing music and movies. It will also list several replacements for popular Windows applications. You will have an easy-to-use Ubuntu system at the end. Here goes the first of the series--installing Ubuntu as a stand alone system. Dual-boot with Windows in the next.

Installing Ubuntu

Getting an Ubuntu CD Ubuntu is an open source operating system developed and distributed by Mark Shuttleworth's Canonical Ltd. You can download the iso image of the latest version of Ubuntu from the Web and burn it on a CD. Unless you know what you are getting into, choose desktop edition for 32-bit systems. If you are using a Windows system to download the Ubuntu image, install ImgBurn to burn the iso file on to a disc.

If you can not download the large iso file, Canonical will happily send you an Ubuntu installation CD for free. Just register your request at Ubuntu's ShipIt website. It should reach your letter box within a month. Better still, look for a free Ubuntu CD among the discs that are included with technology magazines. You can ask your friends who subscribe to these magazines for a copy of it. Alternatively, you can also buy the installation disc.

Boot with Ubuntu CD: Insert the Ubuntu disc and restart your computer to boot using it. If the system doesn't boot from the disc, you will have to change the boot device order in the BIOS set up. Just choose correct option from the BIOS screen which appears at start-up. Change the boot device order so that the computer tries to start using the disc and then the hard disk. If you have problems, read the detailed instructions at Ubuntu site.

Choose to start Ubuntu without making changes to the system. Ubuntu will take some time to boot from the CD, after which you can test-drive it or double-click on the install option on the desktop.

Test your Internet connection: Before you begin installing Ubuntu on your computer, you should know whether you will be able to access the Internet using Ubuntu or not. Though Ubuntu has good support for DSL, broadband or LAN Internet, it might have issues with your dial-up connections. So be sure you can use your Internet connection with Ubuntu as it is vital for getting all the necessary packages that will allow you to use it as your primary system.

If your wired Internet service provider supports DHCP server, your wired connection should be ready for use the moment you plug it. Else, right-click on the network icon on top-right side. Select “Enable networking” and then “Edit connections”.

Under the "Wired" tab, click on “Add” and then go to “Ipv4” tab in the subsequent interface. Choose “manual” as “method” and then click “add' and enter the details. Enter the IP address under the “address” tab, netmask and gateway under the same-name tabs. Remember to press enter after entering each value i.e. enter ip address and press enter, and so on. Also enter DNS server addresses. Save and try connecting to the Internet.

If you have some other connection such as wireless, mobile internet or DSL, go the appropriate tab and add a configuration. You might need to check with your ISP for appropriate details if you can't figure it out on your own.

Back to installing Ubuntu: Backup all the vital data and then double-click on the install option on the desktop. Choose appropriate language and time zone. Let the keyboard layout be USA-USA. If you are unsure or want to check if you have selected the correct keyboard layout, try typing in the test area.

Prepare your disk: With this, disk partitioner will come into action. If you do not see any option in the partition window, it is because you have some of the drives mounted to the Live CD system. Cancel installation midway. Go to “Places” on the top-left side of the screen and then go to “Computer”. Now right-click on the mounted disks (they will have a pyramid icon beside them) and choose unmount. Start installation afresh.


In the disk partitioner window, choose “Guided—use entire disk” option if you want to install Ubuntu on the entire hard disk.

I would recommend you partition the disk to have the system on one and your data on other partitions. This way you can reinstall your system, if the need be, without losing any data. For this you choose the “manual” option.


If you aren't installing Ubuntu on a new system, you will see some partitions listed. Delete all existing partitions to start fresh. For those who want to make a complete switch from Windows to Ubuntu, and had their Windows installed on one partition and data on other partitions, you are lucky. Just delete the partition that contains Windows. Generally, it will be the first partition i.e. C drive. This way you get to keep all your data. [If you wish to dual-boot Ubuntu with Windows, processes will be the same with some additional steps. More about this in the next post of the Ubuntu series.]

Save the rescue partition: Some computer vendors include a rescue partition which is used for reinstalling the pre-installed operating system in case some snag happens. Stay away from it unless you are very sure you want to get rid of it.


Creating swap partition: Now we will create a Linux swap that Ubuntu will use as extra memory. Choose the unpartitioned space from the partition list and click on “New partition”. Enter a partition size of 2048MB (2GB, or 1024MB if you are short of space), set “use as” to “swap area” and click Ok.

Creating the main partition: Now we need to create a space for installing Ubuntu. Again select the unpartitioned space and create a new partition. Choose the size of the partition (at least 10GB or 10000MB), set “use as” to “Ext3 journaling file system” and “mount point” to “/”.

If you are using a deleted Windows partition which is present along with other active partitions, you might want to allocate the entire space to Ubuntu, given that this was the space that you had dedicated for your Windows installation. Make sure that the partition is not less than 5GB. Making this partition at least 10GB will leave you with plenty of space to install applications in future.

Create a Home partition: If you would like to store lot of data in default Ubuntu folders, you should also create a “Home” partition of adequate size. Set the “use as” option to “Ext3 journaling system” and “mount point” to “/home”. This partition will be used by “Home” folder which is Ubuntu's default location for documents, music, videos and pictures.

Don't want Home partition: If you are like me who doesn't store lot of stuff in default folders, you can instead choose to increase the size of the main partition by the amount that you think would be sufficient. If you think 5GB will be enough for your storage in Home folder, increase the size of the "main" partition by that amount, i.e. make it 15GB.

Create partitions for storage: Now create the desired partitions from the remaining unused space. I generally create two partitions other than the one that holds the operating system—a smaller one for my documents and work-related stuff and a bigger one for storing music and videos. Choose NTFS or Fat32 format from “use as” list.

Trouble? Use GParted: In case of any problem creating partition, you can create them before starting installation afresh. Since you are still booted into the Live CD Ubuntu, go to System >> Administration>> Partition Editor. Create the desired partitions. Restart installation. This time you need to just select the partition for installing Ubuntu.

Now we are ready to move on to the next step and provide our details to Ubuntu, check the confirmation and set installation on. After some time you will be prompted to restart. Remove disc at prompt. Log on to your system with your user name and password that you had given during installation.

PS: This is the first in a series for non-geeks, that will help you switch to Ubuntu from Windows. Keep following the series. At the end of the Ubuntu series, you will be a proud owner of a great Linux system.

Ubuntu series:
Part1: Easy guide to getting started with Ubuntu
Part2: Dual-boot Ubuntu and Windows with common storage drives
Part3: Make Ubuntu mount partitions and drives automatically at startup
Part4: Activating restricted music formats, Java and Flash on Ubuntu
Part5: Installing some basic applications on your Ubuntu system
Part6: How to install and completely remove Wine?
Part7: Easily tweak Ubuntu with Ubuntu Tweak
Part8: Tasque manages to-do list locally or integrates with Remember The Milk
Part9: AllTray: Dock every application in tray
Part10: Install a Web server on Ubuntu home computer

Additional resources:
Ubuntu Help