Prepare the machine (HP Envy 17 J1Y81EA j162no)
Update the firmware of the Samsung SSD 840 Evo (which I bought separately).
For this, install Samsung Magician on Windows and download the latest firmware:
AnandTech | Firmware Update to Fix the Samsung SSD 840 EVO Read Performance Bug Coming on October 15th
How to Upgrade Samsung SSD Firmware | StorageReview.com - Storage Reviews
http://www.storagereview.com/how_to_upgrade_samsung_ssd_firmware
Solid State Drive Downloads | Samsung SSD US
http://www.samsung.com/global/business/semiconductor/minisite/SSD/us/html/support/downloads.html
Remove the SSDHD disk where Windows 8.1 is installed (which also contains the recovery partition for Windows).
Install the new SSD and start installing Ubuntu on it.
If having any problem in the future with the boot loader, use this:
Boot-Repair - Community Help Wiki
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Boot-Repair
Installing Ubuntu 14.04 (Trusty Tahr) 64-bits
Install Ubuntu, preferably via a USB stick. Then you can start customizing it… but change the root password right away!
Truecypt
Install version 7.1 from https://truecrypt.ch/downloads/
Maybe consider Veracrypt for next time
https://forum.truecrypt.ch/t/why-not-veracrypt/133
http://sourceforge.net/projects/veracrypt/files/
Software sources:
Add missing PPAs
Change default Ubuntu server to download from
Video driver:
By default, ubuntu will use the Intel Graphics.
But if you want to use the GeForce 840M from nVidia (by default it is unclaimed, cf lshw):
http://ubuntuhandbook.org/index.php/2014/06/nvidia-driver-337-25/
http://www.howopensource.com/2012/10/install-nvidia-geforce-driver-in-ubuntu-12-10-12-04-using-ppa/
http://www.nvidia.com/Download/index.aspx
More info:
http://askubuntu.com/questions/412452/getting-hybrid-graphics-to-work-nvidia-prime-gt650m
http://xmodulo.com/install-configure-nvidia-optimus-driver-ubuntu.html
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=2195410
http://askubuntu.com/questions/366325/problems-while-installing-ubuntu-on-hp-envy-17-j050
You might need to install Bumblebee since the computer has Nvidia Optimus technology inside it:
sudo apt-get install bumblebee
Locale:
Open /etc/default/locale and set LC_TIME="en_GB.UTF-8"
Removing Guest Session at login in Ubuntu 14.04
http://askubuntu.com/questions/451526/removing-guest-session-at-login-in-ubuntu-14-04
Upgrade from Trusty (14.04) to Utopic (14.10)
7 Things to Do After Installing Ubuntu 14.10 Utopic Unicorn - OMG! Ubuntu!
http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2014/10/7-things-to-do-after-installing-ubuntu-14-10-utopic-unicorn
14 Things to Do After Installing Ubuntu 14.10 (Utopic Unicorn)
http://www.tecmint.com/things-to-do-after-installing-ubuntu-14-10/
Add missing PPAs:
wget -O - http://deb.opera.com/archive.key | sudo apt-key add -
sudo sh -c 'echo "deb http://deb.opera.com/opera/ stable non-free" >> /etc/apt/sources.list’
sudo apt-get install dkms
wget -q http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian/oracle_vbox.asc -O- | sudo apt-key add -
sudo sh -c 'echo "deb http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian trusty contrib" >> /etc/apt/sources.list’
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:pidgin-developers/ppa
wget -q -O - https://dl-ssl.google.com/linux/linux_signing_key.pub | sudo apt-key add -
sudo sh -c 'echo "deb http://dl.google.com/linux/talkplugin/deb/ stable main" >> /etc/apt/sources.list'
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:diesch/testing
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install classicmenu-indicator
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:webupd8team/sublime-text-2
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:jwigley/window-list
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:danielrichter2007/grub-customizer
Disable Guake tab renaming each time you change folder:
vim ~/.gconf/apps/guake/general/%gconf.xml
There should be an entry something like this:
<entry name="use_vte_titles" mtime="1404143215" type="bool" value="true"/>
Just change it to:
<entry name="use_vte_titles" mtime="1404143215" type="bool" value="false"/>
Save the file and restart guake.
More info: http://askubuntu.com/questions/254566/annoying-autorenaming-in-guake
Disable the 2nd HDD after x minutes:
Use info from here: http://info4admins.com/tips-to-spindown-your-hard-disk-in-debian-or-ubuntu/
Added info in /etc/hdparm.conf like this
/dev/sdb {
spindown_time = 240 # 20 min
}
Install openconnect VPN support
Then go to the network manager->VPN connections->Configure VPN. Then add, choose Cisco Anyconnect for the connection type, then choose a name for the connection and use "vpn.osl.basefarm.net" for the gateway. Then Save.
If you do not see the Cisco Anyconnect choice of connection type in the network-manager applet, you might want to try this:
Geany:
Get a whole bunch of schemes from github
Once you have copied all the conf files in ~/.config/geany/colorschemes, you can just your theme from View->Editor-Color Scheme.
Also select everything in View->Editor, except Line Endings
Install the prettyprinter for Geany to properly format XML files easily (remember to enable the plugin afterwards!):
Shortcuts:
CCSM:
Tools:
Bluetooth setting for XUbuntu:
Run this command if no sound going to the bluetooth device: pactl load-module module-bluetooth-discover
SSH-agent, ssh-add, gnome-keyring
Already for some releases, ubuntu uses the gnome-keyring to store the ssh keys. Here is some info if you want to be able to control them via ssh-add again:
Bug #1387303 “regression: gnome-keyring components can't be disa...” : Bugs : gnome-keyring package
https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/gnome-keyring/+bug/1387303
Ubuntu: disable Gnome Keyring SSH Agent (make Ubuntu NOT remember SSH private key passwords)
Projects/GnomeKeyring/Ssh - GNOME Wiki!
https://wiki.gnome.org/Projects/GnomeKeyring/Ssh
Later
Unity launcher for Intellij duplicate after application loading - Ask Ubuntu
Install IntelliJ 13.1 in Ubuntu 14.04 - Sysads Gazette
http://www.sysads.co.uk/2014/06/install-intellij-13-1-ubuntu-14-04/
Custom Launcher for IntelliJ IDEA in Ubuntu Unity | nuf said
http://nufailm.blogspot.no/2012/05/custom-launcher-for-intellij-idea-in.html
Upgrade from Utopic (14.10) to Vivid (15.04)
Guake 0.7.0 Released - A Drop-Down Terminal for Gnome Desktops
http://www.tecmint.com/install-guake-terminal-ubuntu-mint-fedora/
mp3gain has been removed from Ubuntu since 15.04.
Install manually from here:
https://launchpad.net/ubuntu/vivid/+package/mp3gain
https://launchpad.net/ubuntu/vivid/amd64/mp3gain/1.5.2-r2-6
How can I edit a picture into an existing PDF file?
http://askubuntu.com/questions/167274/how-can-i-edit-a-picture-into-an-existing-pdf-file
In Ubuntu you might need to install LibreOffice Extension for Importing PDF Files which you can do by running:
“sudo apt-get install libreoffice-pdfimport”
Then open the PDF in Draw and insert the image file with your signature
How to get 1080p in Youtube's HTML5 player in Firefox
http://www.linuxveda.com/2015/06/29/get-1080p-youtubes-html5-player-firefox-linux/
How to get access to Facebook Messenger via Pidgin
More info:
https://jgeboski.github.io/#package-repositories
https://github.com/jgeboski/purple-facebook/wiki
Upgrade from Vivid (15.04) to Wily (15.10)
Ubuntu 15.10 Available to Download, This Is What's New
http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2015/10/ubuntu-15-10-download-review-new-features
10 Things To Do After Installing Ubuntu 15.10 - OMG! Ubuntu!
http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2015/10/10-things-to-do-after-installing-ubuntu-15-10
Guake: how to change the default label to “term”
Go to /usr/lib/python2.7/dist-packages/guake and open guake_app.py
Around line 1570, change Terminal to term
How to change the default title of your terminals so it does not say “Terminal”. Add this line to your .bashrc:
PROMPT_COMMAND='echo -ne "\033]0;term\007"'
How to install autojump (https://github.com/wting/autojump):
sudo apt-get install autojump
sudo ln -s /usr/share/autojump/autojump.sh /etc/profile.d/
And add this to your ~/.bashrc:
export PROMPT_COMMAND="${PROMPT_COMMAND:+$PROMPT_COMMAND ;} history -a"
Upgrade from Wily (15.10) to Xenial (16.04)
Ubuntu 16.04 LTS Is Now Available to Download
http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2016/04/ubuntu-16-04-download-new-features
16 Things To Do After Installing Ubuntu 16.04 LTS - OMG! Ubuntu!
http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2016/04/10-things-to-do-after-installing-ubuntu-16-04-lts
See What's New in Ubuntu 16.04 LTS Flavors - OMG! Ubuntu!
http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2016/04/see-whats-new-ubuntu-16-04-flavors-screenshot
Temporarily Disable Notifications In Ubuntu (w/ Unity 7) With NoNotifications Indicator
http://www.webupd8.org/2016/05/temporarily-disable-notifications-in.html
And more info at https://askubuntu.com/questions/769948/is-there-a-dont-disturb-option-to-temporarily-hide-notifications-like-on-mac
Startup command: /bin/bash -c "sleep 15 && /opt/nonotifs/nonotifs/run_nn"
Use mpv instead for mplayer.
And install the latest smplayer for proper mpv support (http://smplayer.sourceforge.net/en/downloads)
Chat With Your Skype Friends From Pidgin With SkypeWeb Plugin (Ubuntu PPA)
http://www.webupd8.org/2016/07/chat-with-your-skype-friends-from.html
gContactSync :: Add-ons for Thunderbird
"Synchronizes contacts & groups between Thunderbird or SeaMonkey and Google Contacts"
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/thunderbird/addon/gcontactsync/
Install Redshift/F-Lux for less blue light at night:
2 Handy 'Places' Indicators for the Ubuntu Unity Desktop
http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2016/11/places-indicator-applet-ubuntu-unity-desktop
Startup command: /bin/bash -c "sleep 18 && /opt/placesfiles/code/placesfiles"
Upgrade from Xenial (16.04) to Yakkety (16.10)
Ubuntu 16.10 Released, Ready to Download
http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2016/10/download-ubuntu-16-10-new-features
16 Things To Do After Installing Ubuntu 16.10
http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2016/10/things-to-do-after-installing-ubuntu-16-10
Got stuck during upgrade. More info here:
[SOLVED] Upgrading to 16.10 stuck during install
https://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=2344225
New syntax for Conky config file:
Convert to new 1.10 syntax · brndnmtthws/conky Wiki
https://github.com/brndnmtthws/conky/wiki/Convert-to-new-1.10-syntax
Conky configuration new setting syntax
https://tunwinnaing.wordpress.com/2015/10/04/conky-configuration-new-setting-syntax/
Problem with network manager not managing ethernet device:
More info: http://askubuntu.com/questions/698725/i-cant-connect-to-ethernet-in-ubuntu-15-10
Configure Static IP Address and Set DNS in Ubuntu 15.10 Desktop and Server http://www.tecmint.com/set-static-ip-address-in-ubuntu-15-10-server/
Might also need to disable IPv6, by adding this to /etc/sysctl.conf
net.ipv6.conf.all.disable_ipv6=1
net.ipv6.conf.default.disable_ipv6=1
net.ipv6.conf.lo.disable_ipv6=1
Install ACE Player:
Acestream on Ubuntu 16.04
https://lisakov.com/en/blog/acestream-ubuntu-16.04/
Upgrade from Yakkety (16.10) to Zesty (17.04)
17 Things To Do After Installing Ubuntu 17.04
http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2017/04/things-to-do-after-installing-ubuntu-17-04
The Skype Redesign Everyone Hates Is Now Available on Linux - OMG! Ubuntu!
"Download Skype for Linux Preview"
http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2017/08/skype-redesign-everyone-hates-now-available-linux
How to Install Pale Moon Web Browser in Ubuntu 16.04 - Tips on Ubuntu
http://tipsonubuntu.com/2016/07/16/install-pale-moon-ubuntu-16-04/
sudo sh -c "echo 'deb http://download.opensuse.org/repositories/home:/stevenpusser/xUbuntu_17.04/ /' >> /etc/apt/sources.list.d/palemoon.list"
wget -q http://download.opensuse.org/repositories/home:/stevenpusser/xUbuntu_17.04/Release.key -O- | sudo apt-key add -
sudo apt update
sudo apt install palemoon
How to install Waterfox via repo
It is all here: https://github.com/hawkeye116477/waterfox-deb
echo "deb https://dl.bintray.com/hawkeye116477/waterfox-deb release main" | sudo tee -a /etc/apt/sources.list
curl https://bintray.com/user/downloadSubjectPublicKey?username=hawkeye116477 | sudo apt-key add -
sudo apt update
sudo apt install waterfox
How to install Brave Browser via repo
- curl https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/brave-apt/keys.asc | sudo apt-key add -
- echo "deb [arch=amd64] https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/brave-apt `lsb_release -sc` main" | sudo tee -a /etc/apt/sources.list.d/brave-`lsb_release -sc`.list
- sudo apt update
- sudo apt upgrade
New extensions for Firefox 57+
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/copy-linktab-name-and-url/
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/tab-session-manager/
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/ip-address-and-domain-info/
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/print-friendly-pdf/
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/privacy-badger17/
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/ublock-origin/
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/dictionary-anywhere/
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/cookie-autodelete/
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/text-linky-tool/
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/web-developer/
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/foxytab/
Shorter man pages in bash:
If you're tired of reading long man-pages: https://tldr.sh/
$ sudo wget -qO ~/bin/tldr https://4e4.win/tldr
$ sudo chmod +x ~/bin/tldr
$ tldr less
Upgrade from Zesty (17.04) to Artful (17.10)
Why Ubuntu MATE 17.10 Could Be Your New Favorite Linux Distro?
https://fossbytes.com/ubuntu-mate-17-10-linux-distro/
Ubuntu 17.10: Back to a GNOME Future
https://www.linux.com/learn/intro-to-linux/2017/7/ubuntu-1710-back-gnome-future
My Ubuntu Gnome Customisation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuvqdLNCMJM
Update to Sublime Text 3
Linux Package Manager Repositories – Sublime Text 3 Documentation
https://www.sublimetext.com/docs/3/linux_repositories.html
Download - Sublime Text
Ubuntu 17.10 Now Available to Download, This Is What's New - OMG! Ubuntu!
http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2017/10/ubuntu-17-10-release-features
10 Things To Do After Installing Ubuntu 17.10 - OMG! Ubuntu!
http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2017/10/things-to-do-after-installing-ubuntu-17-10
How to Enable Night Light on Ubuntu 17.10 - OMG! Ubuntu!
http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2017/10/enable-night-light-mode-on-ubuntu
How To Install Vanilla GNOME Shell on Ubuntu 17.10 - OMG! Ubuntu!
http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2017/10/install-vanilla-gnome-shell-ubuntu-17-10
How To Remove the Unity Desktop from Ubuntu 17.10 - OMG! Ubuntu!
http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2017/10/remove-unity-desktop-ubuntu-17-10
Shortcuts (some) not working anymore in Unity:
$ unity-settings-daemon --debug -r
More info: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/unity/+bug/1727842
Or
$ compiz --replace
Or
$ sudo apt-get install gdm
$ sudo dpkg-reconfigure gdm
More info: http://www.webupd8.org/2011/07/how-to-switch-between-gdm-lightdm-or.html
Upgrade from Artful (17.10) to Bionic (18.04)
Ubuntu 18.04 LTS Released, This is What's New - OMG! Ubuntu! https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2018/04/ubuntu-18-04-download-release-features
11 Things To Do After Installing Ubuntu 18.04 LTS - OMG! Ubuntu! https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2018/04/things-to-do-after-installing-ubuntu-18-04
Ubuntu MATE 18.04 - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6kth-4M62o
How to Connect Your Android Phone to Ubuntu Wirelessly
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2018/11/connect-android-ubuntu-gsconnect
Upgrade from Bionic (18.04) to Cosmic (18.10)
18 Things To Do After Installing Ubuntu 18.10 - OMG! Ubuntu! https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2018/10/things-to-do-after-installing-ubuntu-18-10
Ubuntu 18.10 released, but is it worth downloading? - OMG! Ubuntu! https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2018/10/ubuntu-18-10-released-review
Upgrade from Cosmic (18.10) to Disco (19.04) Mate
UPDATE THE BIOS TO AVOID SUSPEND PROBLEMS!!
Add entries in the launcher: Add the desktop files in /usr/share/applications or ~/.local/share/applications/
Enable HUD: Mate tweaks -> Panel -> Enable HUD
Disable Caps Lock: Use xmodmap or one of the other commands
https://askubuntu.com/questions/574208/deactivate-caps-lock-in-14-04
=> The tweak tools do not work with Mate
Suspend: Screen doesn't lock on resume if I "Suspend" from the Menu "Suspend". Works from Fn+F1 keyboard shortcut
https://ubuntu-mate.community/t/how-to-lock-screen-on-suspend/16836
Only 1GB of swap by default with LVM and full disk encryption
Bug #1767299 “Ubuntu 18.04 Installer creates swap partition too small”
https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/partman-auto/+bug/1767299
How To Add Swap Space on Ubuntu 18.04
https://linuxize.com/post/how-to-add-swap-space-on-ubuntu-18-04/
Change/increase swap file size
https://bogdancornianu.com/change-swap-size-in-ubuntu/
SwapFaq - Community Help Wiki
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/SwapFaq
Upgrade from Disco (19.04) to Eoan (19.10)
Remove locales you do not need:
Wallpaper pictures: Add them in a folder in /usr/share/backgrounds
Upgrade from Eoan (19.10) to Focal (20.04)
It's Here: Ubuntu 20.04 is Now Available to Download! - OMG! Ubuntu! https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2020/04/download-ubuntu-20-04
TLS 1.0 support
Out of the box, 20.04 does not allow TLS lower than v1.2 for the clients. Here is how to re-enable it all the way down to 1.0.
Upgrade from Focal (20.04) to Groovy (20.10)
Ubuntu 20.10 Released, Now Available to Download - OMG! Ubuntu!
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2020/10/download-ubuntu-20-10
Ubuntu 20.10 Flavours Released, This is What's (Mostly) New - OMG! Ubuntu! https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2020/10/ubuntu-20-10-flavours-released
Thunderbird is now at version 78.
Gcontactsync is not working anymore :(
Possible replacements/workarounds:
CardBook :: Add-ons for Thunderbird https://addons.thunderbird.net/en-US/thunderbird/addon/cardbook/
TbSync :: Add-ons for Thunderbird https://addons.thunderbird.net/en-us/thunderbird/addon/tbsync/
More info, GContactSync and Thunderbird 78 : Thunderbird https://www.reddit.com/r/Thunderbird/comments/jrdpwt/gcontactsync_and_thunderbird_78/
Palemoon
If problems with Steven Pusser Ubuntu repo keys, delete the key and fetch it again (example commands):
$ sudo apt-key list
$ sudo apt-key del "F961 1EC6 ADCF DD30 3362 217A 0FAD 31CA 8719 FCE4"
$ curl -fsSL https://download.opensuse.org/repositories/home:stevenpusser/xUbuntu_20.10/Release.key | gpg --dearmor | sudo tee /etc/apt/trusted.gpg.d/home_stevenpusser.gpg > /dev/null
Upgrade from Groovy (20.10) to Hirsute (21.04)
Top 10 Features of Ubuntu 21.04 Hirsute Hippo: https://www.debugpoint.com/2021/04/ubuntu-21-04-top-10-features/
Ubuntu 21.04 Released, Available to Download - OMG! Ubuntu!
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2021/04/its-here-ubuntu-21-04-is-now-available-to-download
Ubuntu 21.04 Flavours Released, This is What's New - OMG! Ubuntu! https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2021/04/ubuntu-21-04-flavours-released
Don't Like Firefox 89's New Look? Try These Tweaks - OMG! Ubuntu!
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2021/06/dont-like-firefoxs-new-look-try-one-of-these-tweaks
Upgrade from Hirsute (21.04) to Impish (21.10)
How to Create a Bootable Windows 10 USB on Ubuntu - OMG! Ubuntu! https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2017/06/create-bootable-windows-10-usb-ubuntu
Geany: Fix for underscores not showing
The line_height setting can be found in "Tools" > "Configuration Files" > "filetypes.common"
The only uncommented lines in my filetypes.common are now:
[styling]
line_height=0;2;
Alt shortcut key for Firefox menus in v111
In about:config, set ui.key.menuAccessKey to 25 and ui.key.menuAccessKeyFocuses to true
More info at: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/1354763
Upgrade from Hirsute (22.10) to Impish (23.04)
Ubuntu 23.04 Flavors: What's New? - OMG! Ubuntu https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2023/04/ubuntu-23-04-flavors-released
10 Things To Do After Installing Ubuntu 23.04 - OMG! Ubuntu https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2023/04/things-to-do-after-installing-ubuntu-23-04
Upgrade from Impish (23.04) to Mantic (23.10)
NA.
Upgrade from Mantic (23.10) to Noble (24.04)
Impossible to boot with the new kernel (6.8) from 24.04. It does not see the encrypted LUKS partition where the OS is.
Works fine from the old kernel (6.5) from 23.10.
Solution: Add the missing crypto packages that have been removed during the upgrade by mistake by the installed, as explained here: https://askubuntu.com/a/1487481
Basically this:
sudo apt install cryptsetup-initramfs
sudo update-initramfs -u -k <your-kernel-version>