Click here to read about this handy tool that you can install to save time finding things you've copied recently. Normally things are just held in memory temporarily and can be lost when you copy something else and it overwrites the first thing you copied.
13/04/2020 : #wip PROBLEMS WITH DEPENDENCIES WHEN TRYING TO INSTALL UNDER 20.04
Click here to read a [regularly updated] list of some of the best, and widely used, desktop applications.
Click here to learn how to "Install All Essential Media Codecs in Ubuntu With This Single Command."
This week I spent a considerable time writing a detailed guide about PPA.
PPA is widely popular among Debian and Ubuntu -based distributions for installing software. I have tried to explain the mechanism and I hope it answers most common questions about using PPA.
I also wrote a quick piece about installing Putty on Linux. Surprisingly, some people prefer Putty over the default terminal in Linux.
The Necuno Linux mobile device generated lots of interest among Linux users. However, Necuno's CMO confided in me that it is aiming for corporate clients rather than the general public in the initial release.
I also wrote another article for beginners that revolves around updating an Ubuntu system.
These are contributions from users at ItsFOSS proclaiming their preferences :-
obsproject : Simply the best for most use-cases.
shotcut : For adding effects
Kdenlive : A few say this is also quite good
Openshot : Mentioned by some but they say it has got worse with poor synchronisation and should be avoided.
When you install a Linux distribution alongside another OS like Windows you will find that when you power on your computer that you get a Grub Menu which gives options for which OS is to be loaded.
By default the Linux OS will show at the top of the list and if you do nothing it will load after a couple of seconds.
Selecting any option [using up down arrow keys] then pressing the return key will cause that selection to start loading straight away.
Click here for an article from ItsFOSS called "What is Grub in Linux? What is it Used for?"
Click here for an article from ItsFOSS called "How to Update Grub on Ubuntu and Other Linux Distributions" that gives more background on the use of Grub and the tools that support it.
Click here for a guide called "How to Install Grub Customizer in Ubuntu" that is a useful tool that lets you edit the entries in your Grub Menu.
Click here for a LinuxConfig.org article called "How to install Grub Customizer on Linux (all major distros)" to learn how to use the tool.
Click here for a HowToGeek article dated 10th May 2023 to learn how to use this utility.
Click here to see an article from OpenSource called "How to create a bootable USB drive for Linux"tells you how to create your own USB Drive with a Linux distribution of your choice.
Click here to see an article from MakeTechEasier called "How to Repair a Corrupted USB [Flash] Drive in Linux"
Click here to see an article from LinuxHandBook that explains a bit about Linux Terminal Commands. You can also find out more from these Cheat sheets that are free to download and you be used for quick reference.
Click here for an article by OnlineMicTest that explains how you can check / control your microphone settings.
Click here to read an article by VoxForge that explains GNOME microphone settings.
There is an option during the OS installation process that lets you to turn off the default of having to provide logon on id and password every time you boot up.
If you don't take the above option you need to log on each time, which in a safe {secure home} situation can become a pain. There is however a way of configuring this option afterwards if you require. For more details read this LinuxConfig article with instructions.
Open the terminal application by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T.
To change a password for any user [say tom] in Ubuntu, type: sudo passwd tom.
To change a password for root user on Ubuntu Linux, run: sudo passwd root.
To change your own password for Ubuntu, execute: passw
Click here to see a HowToGeek article from Feb 2025 with these [linked] options ...
Linux distributions are made up of many individual files. These files are continually updated as bugs are fixed or enhancements added. To help bring some control to managing [literally hundreds if not thousands] of files they are grouped together in logical libraries that are called "Repositories".
Click here for an ITsFoss guide on how repositories work and what you need to know about them for maintaining your system.
Linux distributions can run some remarkable Apps that are made available in 'repositories' or other trustworthy places, where they can be downloaded [usually free] and used to provide you with all kinds of additional functionality and fun.
If you would like to record elements from whatever is running on your desktop, with optional audio, then use the application on your OS [e.g. Ubuntu Software] to search for SimpleScreenRecorder [UNOFFICIAL] and follow on screen instructions to download and install.
Click here to read an article by Opensource that tells you how to look after your SSD [using fstrim] to extend it's life and keep it working properly.
N.B. Some OS's now have this capabilities built in to work automatically which is handy as it saves you from needing to remember to run it regularly.
Here are some Linux terminal tricks that will help you save time. They were written some time ago but are still relevant.
Click here for a HowToGeek article "Fix: Why Isn’t Linux Detecting My Wi-Fi Adapter?" from June 2022 that goes into common problems on Linux systems.