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.

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How to control Skype from Docky

Managing your Skype chats and controlling you Skype status with Dock application 'Docky' is simple.

27 March 2011

How to create your own QR Codes in Ubuntu (updated)

QR Codes are nifty time-saving shortcuts; sort of like hyperlinks for the real world. Qrencode is a small command-line utitlity that allows you to create your own QR codes (saved as .png image file) for whatever you like - a blog, a secret message - whatever!

25 March 2011
Putting a curve on Workspaces.

Unity personalization: how much can you really do?

In such a short time of development, improvements in speed, aesthetics, usability and more have come to life in the Compiz version of Unity. But what about customization?

25 March 2011

[How To] Record Audio Streams to MP3 in Ubuntu

If you want - nay need - to record something from a radio station, a live web-cast performance or some other 'audio' event playing on your computer in Ubuntu how can you do so?

22 March 2011
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How to install Nouveau graphics drivers for NVidia in Ubuntu

Longing to install and try out the open-source accelerated 'Nouveau' driver in Ubuntu 10.04 or 10.10? There's a guide that just might help... Nouveau is a project tasked with creating Open Source 3D drivers for NVidia cards. Whilst they don't (yet) provide anywhere near the same level of performance as the proprietary drivers most folks use they are a free and capable drop-in.

18 March 2011

How to Enable System Tray Applets in Ubuntu 11.04

Can't live without Shutter/Dropbox/Opera/insert-other-app-here sitting in Natty's system panel? Quick fix ahoy.

15 March 2011
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Help Test Shotwell 0.9.0 Before Release

We love Yorba here at OMG! Ubuntu! and no-doubt many of you do to. Share some of that love by getting your coding digits dirty and compiling the latest Shotwell from trunk to hunt down bugs ahead of Shotwell's next release...

15 March 2011
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Quick tip: Enable full screen Dash in Ubuntu 11.04 desktop

This tip is solely for Ubuntu 11.04 testers, but it's a dozy worth sharing.

9 March 2011
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Follow this Customization Guide for a slick Ubuntu desktop

It was chosen as one of our top 5 readers desktops and  now it’s owner, Joakim Wahlgren, has put together a slick how-to letting you in on how to get the same slick look on […]

3 March 2011
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Ambiance theme for Windows XP makes virtualization almost seamless

As a hostage of ancient hardware I'm forced to keep a copy of Windows XP close to hand. If there's one thing I hate more than the need to run virtualization software at all it's the lack of harmony it creates in my daily workflow. That's why I use an Ambiance theme for Windows XP.

2 March 2011
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15 sleek Gnome panel backgrounds (and how to fix non-transparent applet issues)

GNOME Panel looking dull? Try one of these 15 slick backgrounds - plus how to fix annoying panel applet background issues.

26 February 2011
Battery status indicator

How to add a detailed battery indicator to Ubuntu

For as long as I am able to remember the Battery indicator in Ubuntu has, for me, been just shy of useless. Whilst it pictorially displays my battery charge it hasn't been able to provide me with anything more: all I get for enquiring further is a never-changing 'estimating...' menu entry. Thankfully an alternative indicator-shaped solution is available...

25 February 2011