By Liz Lavender

Linux Mint is a upcoming and popular distribution of Linux. There are many common questions about Linux Mint that people want to know the answers to.

How do you install Linux Mint?

Download the distribution and burn it to a CD as an image and not a data file. You can put this CD into your computer and boot up from it. You have the option of previewing the operating system and not installing it if you wish. If you want to install it, simply click on the install icon on the desktop and follow the prompts. This process will take about 5 minutes to fill out basic information about about 20 to install.

How do you install the flash player to Linux Mint?

One version of Mint does not come with Flash. Simply search the repositories with the Mint Install tool and find Flash. This will install it to your system.

Is Ubuntu or Linux Mint Better?

Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu. The core system is basically the same. Mint comes with a different look and feel and a few additional tools. Neither one is really better than the other. There are differences that just come down to user preference.

How do you run EXE files in Mint?

You need to install a program called Wine. This will let you run EXE files and other Windows programs on your Linux system. It won’t run everything, but will do a fairly good job.

Where is the Thunderbird profile in Mint?

Your application settings are going to be in your home folder. Most of the time these folders start with a period meaning they are hidden from you. You need to select the option to see your hidden folders. For every Thunderbird folder to find your stored mail and profiles. This is the same for just about any program installed to your system.

Liz has been a freelance writer for over four years. Come visit her latest website over at http://walkietalkie-radios.com/ which helps people find the best deals on all types of walkie talkie radios.

By Laura Ging

There are hundreds of versions of Linux to choose from with about five or six that are actually competitive with a large number of users. The most popular version today is Ubuntu. While this is a great distribution for any user of Linux, there is one that is gaining ground called Linux Mint. This is a great distribution to consider using on your computer.

One good reason to use this distribution is because it is based on Ubuntu. Everything that Ubuntu provides Mint also has. The one huge thing that stands out over Ubuntu is that Mint has a much better look and feel. The browns and oranges of Ubuntu are the most common thing to be criticized. Mint has a sleek and polished green and black look that many consider to be the nicest looking Linux distribution.

It takes advantages of all of Debian’s and Ubuntu’s packages. This means that there are tens of thousands of pieces of software that are available with one click installs that are going to work on your system. Using the package manager, simply search and click to install applications that you want on your machine. There are so many open source programs today that in most cases you can find a free piece of software to replace something you used on a different operating system.

One huge advantage of Linux Mint is that most of the plugins and codecs that you will need to play media and use your browser are already installed. For some users, they aren’t completely sure how to get certain things to play on their machine or to get their browser to function properly. Mint takes care of this for you so that you don’t have to do it.

Since it’s free, you may as well give Mint a try and boot up a Live CD to see how this version of Linux runs.

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By Herb Leibacher

Linux has a history of being difficult for beginners. For many years Linux really was for experts as doing anything in the operating system was pretty difficult and not too user friendly. As the years have moved on Linux has changed drastically. Every year it becomes easier and easier to use. The complicated expert functions are changed to simple point and click interfaces that most average users prefer.

Ubuntu has been known as one of the easiest distributions to learn for beginners since it is so simple. There is another distribution that might be easier than Ubuntu and that one is Linux Mint. Before this looks like another distribution war, it is not. Linux Mint is actually build on top of Ubuntu and uses the same packages and repositories. Ubuntu is in Linux Mint.

What makes Mint different is that many of the basic set up processes and plugins are included in the distribution. Flash automatically works without have to go to Adobe and select the debian package and install it. Some beginner users might not understand that they need to download the DEB package as opposed to the setup or EXE like they are used to. Things like Java are already installed. While this isn’t too difficult to get setup in Ubuntu, it could be for a new user. Mint typically takes these things that a new user might find a bit difficult and does it for you.

Another reason that this might be the best distribution to consider using is because it’s set up much like Windows users are used to using. There is a taskbar on the bottom of the screen. The “start” button, open programs, and similar icons are all in the same place as one is used to seeing them.

If you have started to get into Linux or have had some problems, download Linux Mint and give it a try.

Herb likes to write about technology issues. Please check out his website that contains bathroom floor cabinets information as well as small bathroom sink information.

By Rana Imran Yousuf

Review:

Linux Mint 9, codename “Isadora” has been released yesterday. The distribution based on Ubuntu with much Peppermint taste has just arrived. Linux Mint is a Linux distribution and its mission is to produce elegant, updated and comfortable desktop GNU/Linux. Based on Ubuntu 10.04 includes Gnome 2.30 as Desktop Manager and Thunderbird 3 to manage your email.

As major developments in this version we can highlight the following:

• New Software Manager that has been rewritten and now contains about 30,000 packages available to users, 10 times more than the previous version. Also have ordered software by popularity and give the opportunity to users to add comments about the applications that appear on the Software Manager.
• New Backup tool which has also been rewritten, allows you to backup data, as well as selection of installed softwares. This option is very useful for installing on multiple computers, this way we make installation on one of them and restore in others.
• Menu improvements where we now have more options to set the different entries in the menus, as well as define the level of transparency. We need to enable desktop effects to enjoy it. In addition the initial menu allows adding favorite applications to have better visibility, as well as create shortcut menu as the desktop.
• Installation options allow you to install the distribution as if it was a windows program as it was not available in the earlier versions. Similarly, the option is added by default to create a boot disk on a USB stick.

There are more new features, not few but we tend that install Linux Mint to discover them all. And if we have any questions, we have the ability to download a manual with all the details to begin using Linux Mint Isadora.

By Scott Graves

Quite a few people have a tendency to dabble in Linux. This means that from time to time, they might download a distribution, burn it to a Live CD, and try it out on their computer without actually installing it to their machine. If you are a Windows user who is doing this, you need to try Linux Mint.

Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu which is the most popular distribution. This is a pretty big deal since Ubuntu which is based on Debian have thousands of packages of software already available from a simple point and click interface. If you have a need for software, Mint will allow you to easily install it. What else is an operating system good for if it can’t install and run applications easily?

Mint tends to have familiar Windows controls. This means that there is a panel, aka the taskbar, at the bottom of the screen. On the left is the “start” button, followed by shortcuts, and followed by open programs. The look and feel is similar to Windows making new users already feel somewhat comfortable with the system. If you are used to a certain configuration, having something very similar makes it easier to use.

Mint has a menu system that is fairly logical. There is favorites tab and an applications tab. This will let you get to all your software. New users find the menu system easy. There is more than enough software for the average computer user with a browser, editors, and an office suite.

The best part about Mint is that the music codec, Java, and Flash are preinstalled. This means that your media and browser will just work like you expect them to do. You will be able to open all your documents and media just like you are used to without having to install these manually.

Scott has been writing articles online on a number of interesting topics since 2007. In addition to his writing, Scott also operates a number of informative web sites. You can check out his latest website here: Hydraulic Lift Table which offers information on the Hydraulic Lift Table

By Robert Fanning

Linux Mint KDE is another quality KDE distribution that you can choose from. It’s actually based on Ubuntu which will still give you access to those repositories giving you easy access to installing software that you need. It’s what’s called a community edition meaning that volunteers actually put this distribution together. Generally it’s a version behind the main version of Mint but still has everything you need.

Linux Mint KDE has a basic desktop that is already customized. It’s comes with a fresh blue look to it with the default KDE grey title bars. It’s set up quite a bit like Windows with the “start” button the bottom left, a basic taskbar, notification icons, and a clock. It’s your standard KDE layout for those who know what this look like.

It uses the new KDE 4 with the plasma desktop. If you are using the KDE edition of Mint, then you probably love the new plasma and don’t mind the extra resources that this uses over the old KDE 3. There are many who are split on the differences between the two but users have gradually accepted version four’s changes.

Some wonder why to use Mint’s KDE edition over something like Kubuntu since both are based on Ubuntu. Linux Mint comes with proprietary drivers installed to play music, dvd, flash, and java. These do not have to be installed by you at all unlike Kubuntu. By default it also uses Firefox and Thunderbird instead of the traditional KDE browser and mail programs. Mint also has some features like MintInstall and MintUpdate. These will help you get new applications installed and updated really easily.

If you don’t like the KDE edition, there are also Fluxbox, XFCE, and Gnome editions of Mint to try out as well as other distributions that use KDE.

Robert is an author who specializes in niche markets. Come visit his latest website http://www.dragonvoicerecognition.org for product information regarding voice recognition software.

By Richard Hove

One huge advantage of Linux is it’s flexibility. Different pieces of open source software can be put together in order to make it work on certain types of hardware. One graphical user interface that is good for older hardware is Fluxbox. It uses so little resources that even a machine that is nearly 10 years old can run it well. The problem is that very few distributions actually have a Fluxbox edition. Linux Mint 8 has now come out with their Fluxbox edition meaning it’s one of the most modern and up to date versions of Linux that is using Fluxbox.

Linux Mint is a distribution that is based on Ubuntu. There are a few differences. First, it looks better than Ubuntu. Instead of the brown and orange colors, it uses greens and blacks to create a pretty slick looking desktop. It also comes with proprietary plugins already installed like Flash and Java as well as the codex that you will need to play certain music formats on your computer. While you can install these manually with Ubuntu, Mint has it done when you install the distribution.

Fluxbox can be added onto any Linux distribution. The problem is that you will have to configure it to work well. While this can be done by expert users, newer users have a hard time knowing all the pieces that you will need to make it work properly. Linux Mint 8 Fluxbox has all this already done for you setting it up so that everything works that way you need it to.

While it is made for older hardware, you might not be a huge fan of interfaces like Gnome and KDE. Fluxbox and XFCE are some popular alternatives to these. The advantage of Fluxbox is that it’s so simple that it doesn’t get in the way like other interfaces tend to do. You can use this edition even on a high power machine if that is something you want.

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By David Childers

The use of the text based command line for running applications or configuring computer systems can be a daunting task. Special commands must be used which may require additional modifiers to invoke the desired computer function. Both Desktop Environments and Windows Mangers provide a graphical method for users to control and configure a Unix operating system, without the need for using text based command line control. Graphical user interfaces eliminate the tedious memorization of text based commands.

Desktop environments are graphic interfaces that provide user control and configuration of a computer operating system in addition to installed applications. The graphic interface generally consist of menus, icons and background desktop images. It also allows users to manipulate items with the drag and drop function or use the point and click function to execute applications on the desktop itself.

The following are Open Source / Free Desktop Environment packages for the Unix operating systems. (Linux, OpenBSD, FreeBSD, NetBSD, and Solaris)

These desktop environments provide users with the ability to utilize software developed with various computer languages, and the ability to utilize the software on different computer hardware configurations.

KDE is based on the Qt 4 programming language and allows applications to be integrated within the desktop. KDE uses the KWin window manager.

GNOME is based on the GTK+ programming language and allows applications to be integrated within the desktop. Gnome uses the Metacity window manager.

XFCE is based on the the GTK+ programming language. Xfce uses the Xfwm window manager.

 
LXDE does not have applications integrated into the desktop. LXDE uses the Openbox window manager.

The X window manager is an application that controls the function of the X Window System. It can be configured to manage the visual appearance of display windows and control panels. The X window manager also controls how users interact with these graphical interfaces.

The X Window System provides the system resources and software components necessary for the creation of graphical user interfaces (Windows Managers and Desktop Environments).

The following are the most common Open Source / Free Window Manager packages for the Unix operating systems : Linux, OpenBSD, FreeBSD, NetBSD, and Solaris.

These window managers provide users with the ability to utilize the software on different computer hardware configurations and provide various visual appearance.

- Blackbox is written in C++. It offers support for multiple workspaces.

- Fluxbox is based on Blackbox 0.61.1. It offers minimal support for graphical icons.

- Openbox was originally based on Blackbox 0.65.0. It allows users to utilize applications without a full desktop environment installed.

- Enlightenment can be used as a substitute for a complete desktop environment.

- IceWM was written in C++. It can be configured to recreate the visual appearance of various desktop environments.

- Window Maker provides drag and drop user control in addition to supporting multiple workspaces.

- Sawfish is written with a scripting language that is similar to Lisp. It provides very basic features.

- Metacity is written in GTK+. It was created for use with the Gnome Desktop Environment.

- MWM is based on the Motif toolkit. It does not support desktop icons or multiple workspaces.

- FVWM is based on TWM. It provides the ability to display a 3D visualization ( similar to MWM ) and supports basic multiple workspace.

- AfterStep was originally based on FVWM and was designed to provide a NextStep themed appearance.

- CTWM is based on TWM. It provides rudimentary GNOME desktop support and multiple workspaces.

Text based command line configuration and control can provide a comprehensive method for daily computer management and operation. Unfortunately, users are required to know the necessary unique commands and their unique structure that must be used. Graphical user interfaces alleviate that requirement and make the use of a computer both simple and effective.

You can find more information about these software applications here: http://www.scenicradio.com/unix.htm

Dave Childers is a freelance Internet broadcast consultant, writer and webmaster of http://www.scvi.net – The Winamp TV, NullSoft Video information website.

By Shamly Faleel

I always run linux applications manually using the terminal during the development stage. This has helped me immensely as I could see all the messages that were printed on to the linux console. I also had the habit of forgetting to start the Java program once the linux machine reboots. Well how many of you have had that experience? Ohh yes, I forgot to mention that I will be using a compiled java program as an example executable file for this tutorial.

Though this is acceptable for a system that is under development, it is not suitable to run an executable program using a terminal in production environment. So I would go about setting up a cron job to check if the process is running and start it up if it is not, using a shell script. This tutorial will give you an understanding of how to check for a running processes and start the process if not running using a shell script in linux.

Please note that shell script is not the only way to check for a running process or to start a process.

The Shell Script:

So let’s name the file testshellscript.sh

You can use any editor like vi to write shell script.

#!/bin/sh

This is the first line of the shell script. It tells the script which interpreter to refer to. Next let us check for the running process

PROCESSFILE='ExecutableFile.jar'

if ps ax | grep -v grep | grep $PROCESSFILE > /dev/null

I am assigning the jar file name to a variable named PROCESSFILE and then using the linux command ps to check if the process is running.

then

echo "$PROCESSFILE is running, everything is fine"

else

echo "$PROCESSFILE is not running"

#start the process

/usr/local/jdk/bin/java -jar /opt/$PROCESSFILE > /dev/null 2>&1 &

Fi

If there is a running process, we need not do anything to it. So I am simply echoing a message saying that the Java program is running. And if the Java program is not running, I will attempt to start the Java program. The logic of the conditional statement is as follows:

if process running

then

do nothing

else

start the process / java program

end if

As the example executable file is a jar file I am using bin\java to execute the file. This is almost the same command used in a linux terminal. Only difference is the use of full paths. Also all the outputs are directed to the null device which is a special file that discards all data written to it.

Here is the complete code…

#!/bin/sh

PROCESSFILE='ExecutableFile.jar'

if ps ax | grep -v grep | grep $PROCESSFILE > /dev/null

then

echo "$PROESSFILE is running, everything is fine"

else

echo "$PROCESSFILE is not running"

#start the process

/usr/local/jdk/bin/java -jar /opt/$PROCESSFILE > /dev/null 2>&1 &

Fi

Author: Shamly Faleel is a PMP certified IT Consultant, who has over 9 years overall experience in the IT Industry. Check out his blog at http://www.shamly.com/

By Clyde E. Boom

When you are a new user and trying to get Linux training, you need to learn how to use commands.

What you most often need is a clear, detailed example showing you exactly how to use a command.

And you’ll often hear seasoned Linux users say (over and over again) “just see the man page” for a command. This has become a quick and easy way out of really trying to explain how to use the command.

Linux man pages are useful if you already know how to use a command, but extremely frustrating if you are new to the OS (operating system).

Linux Training Tips: Linux man pages are practically useless for someone new. In fact, they’re almost as easy as trying to read hieroglyphics. Great for the ancient Egyptians – lots of really nice pictures, but really hard to read.

Here’s Why Man Pages Don’t Work for Someone New to Linux – And What You Can Do About It

“Man” stands for “manual”, as in “software documentation and you run the Linux man command to display the contents of a help page (file).

So, if you need help on a Linux command (or software program), you just run the man command to get instant online help.

Sounds great – but it’s not great for a new user.

And it would be great if the people that knew how to use Linux, didn’t expect the people that are new to understand man pages!

Linux Training Tips: The Linux System Administration concepts, commands and tasks covered here apply to ALL other Linux distributions, including: Red Hat, Fedora, Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Edubuntu, Slackware, Debian, SUSE and openSUSE.

Here’s how to run the Linux man command and get help on the grep command:

$ man grep

This displays the contents of the help page (file) for the grep command.

Linux Training Tips: There are several options of this command that can be used to display information on multiple pages. But hey, how do I get help on this command? You guessed it – just run: man man

Now, the grep command is pretty amazing in what it can do. It has lots of options and different ways of getting tons of useful information from a Linux system – but you’d never know it from looking at the man page.

The man page for any Linux command just shows you: a vague description of the command, a cryptic statement showing how to run the command, and a long alphabetic listing of the options. There’s no way of knowing which options are the most useful and most commonly used.

And the worst part is that it’s almost impossible to find an example of a command.

In the thousands of man pages, there are almost never any examples of how to use a command. And seeing examples of a command (and then running the command) – is the best way to learn how to use Linux.

Instead of trying to decipher a cryptic man page, imagine watching a clearly narrated Linux training videos. Easy training at it’s best!

With this Linux training method you get to see and hear how to use a command – or learn a new concept.

You see every step in the process – and whenever you need to think about something, or want to try a command you’ve just seen, you just click pause and try it yourself!

And now I would like to offer you free access to my Linux Commands Training Mini-Course, a 7 Lesson, Daily Mini-Course, including the free Linux Commands ebook and Linux audio podcasts – showing you how to get started learning how to use Linux commands.

You can get your instant access at: http://www.LinuxCommandsTrainingCourse.com

From Clyde Boom – The Easy Linux Training Guy – Easy, self-paced Linux training – In Plain English!