Section: How To

Discover an eclectic mix of tutorials covering everything from ways to install neat apps, or enable new features, to workarounds for known issues, and configuring your Ubuntu system.

Font issue fixed in Google Earth on Ubuntu

How to Fix Google Earth’s Font Issue on Ubuntu

Google Earth 6.2 released with improved imagery and faster search. One thing wasn't improved: font issues on Linux. So here's how to solve it – very easily!

31 January 2012

[How To] Change The Unity Dash Color in Ubuntu 11.10

Ubuntu 12.04 adds a (much longed for) option to choose your own custom color for the Unity Dash. In Ubuntu 11.10 however the Dash colour is not configurable and relies solely on the 'Chameleon' approach (unless you've braved the upgrade to Unity 5.0). So what to do if you really wish your Dash was another colour, but don't fancy switching through reams of wallpapers to try and 'get it'? Reader Guillaume mailed in with a trick so simple you'll kick yourself as to why you didn't know about it sooner.

25 January 2012
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[How To] Install Unity’s HUD Feature in Ubuntu 12.04

Reading about a new feature is all well and good - but there's nothing quite like playing with it, right? HUD, Ubuntu's new modern approach to using application menus, will land in Unity on Ubuntu 12.04 over the next month or so. But chances are you can't wait that long so, assuming you're using Ubuntu 12.04, a HUD-enabled version of Unity can be installed from the Unity Team HUD PPA.

24 January 2012
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[How To] Change Computer Name in Ubuntu 11.10

The hostname of the Ubuntu install on my netbook reads more like a barcode than a 'computer name'. Thankfully changing it to something more memorable is a snap. Read on for instructions...

23 January 2012
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Give Ubuntu a New Look with the ‘Edgebound Desktop’

Want your desktop to look totally different to others? Meet the 'Edgebound' desktop set-up. This marvellous-looking mash-up combines elements of Unity-2D and GNOME 3 with the Avant Window Navigator into a slick , easy to use desktop.

22 January 2012
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[How To] Make Unity’s Launcher GNOME-Shell Friendly

The expression ‘Have your cake and eat it‘ springs to mind when looking at the following GNOME-Shell tweak put together by Tobias Mann. ‘Unitary GNOME’ lets you run a modified version of the Unity 2D […]

15 January 2012

[How to] Install Unity 5.0 in Ubuntu 11.10

Unity 5.0 hit Ubuntu 12.04 last night, but Ubuntu 11.10 users don't need to miss out: Unity 5.0 is also available to install in Oneiric.

14 January 2012
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[How to] Install Ubuntu TV via PPA

There’s a good chance that following all of the screenshots and videos of Ubuntu TV you’d like nothing more than to play with it yourself. The good news is that you can – but there […]

10 January 2012
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New Flickr/Shotwell Photo Lens Seeks Testers

A new photo-orientated Lens for Unity that lets you browse through your Shotwell library and online Flickr collection is seeking testers. The 'Photo Lens' adds an easy-to-access photo-centric pane to your Unity Dash that's powered by two 'Scopes' (search backends) - one for Ubuntu's default photo app Shotwell, and the other for popular online photo service Flickr.

8 January 2012
Deepin Software Centre in Ubuntu

[How to] Run the Linux Deepin Software Centre in Ubuntu 11.10

Were it an actual physical place then the Linux Deepin Software Centre would surely take the form of a high-end department store. With a custom look, an easy to navigate layout, and a number of intuitive features the Deepin Software Centre makes Ubuntu's default store look a bit... last season. So keep up with the trends: here's how to run the Deepin Software Centre in Ubuntu 11.10...

4 January 2012
Blue Mic in Ubuntu

How To Set Up Blue Yeti Microphone on Ubuntu

I asked Santa Claus for a new microphone so I can improve the quality of voice-overs in OMG! Ubuntu YouTube videos. And whaddya know: the famous white-bearded one (no, not Gandalf!) kindly obliged, stuffing a […]

27 December 2011
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[How to] Install Empathy with MSN XMPP Support in Ubuntu 11.10

We've blogged about it endlessly of late - but now Ubuntu 11.10 users can finally try it out for themselves. What am I jabbering about? Empathy with Microsoft's newly-implemented MSN XMPP support...

23 December 2011