Latest Tips & Tricks, Softwares

Linux Mint Debian released

The Linux Mint developers have announced the arrival of a Debian edition of their Linux Mint operating system, replacing the distribution's standard Ubuntu base with Debian's testing branch. Discussing the announcement, the developers say that, "Today is very important for Linux Mint. It's one day to remember in the history of our project as we are about to maintain a new distribution, a rolling one, which promises to be faster, more responsive and on which we are less reliant on upstream components."

Work on the Debian-based edition of Linux Mint began approximately three years ago and, following the release of Linux Mint 9 LTS earlier this year, the development team decided to set aside more time for the LMDE project, which they consider to be an experiment. While other versions and variants, such as the KDE, LXDE or Xfce editions, of Linux Mint are usually based on the latest version of Canonical's Ubuntu operating system, Linux Mint Debian Edition (LMDE) is based on the latest Debian testing branch and includes a brand new installer.

The rolling-release edition of Linux Mint features a GNOME desktop environment and the typical standard packages, including Mozilla's Firefox web browser, the Thunderbird email client, Pidgin IM application and the Rhythmbox music player. The project's goal is to keep the LMDE release as identical as possible to the main edition and to provide the same overall functionality, while being fully compatible with Debian.

In some aspects, LMDE is a bit rougher around the edges and not nearly as user-friendly as the other standard editions, but the team have faith that it will rapidly improve with future releases. The developers also note that, due to the differences in the code base between other editions of Linux Mint, a full re-install is the "only viable option to switch to the Debian edition".

More details about the Linux Mint Debian release can be found in the release notes and on the What's new page. Linux Mint Debian 201009 is available to download as a 32-bit DVD ISO image from one of the project's mirrors and a user guide is provided.

Super OS 10.04 released

Super OS (formerly: Super Ubuntu) is just a modified version of Ubuntu 10.04 (see: Super OS and Ubuntu) with the goal of making it more usable and remaining compatible with Ubuntu.

Features compared to Ubuntu:

* Includes with more than 200 updates released for Ubuntu 10.04
* Additional Multimedia Support: VLC, support for DVD-playback, MP3 support and for other formats, like QuickTime video, Real video, Windows Media Video, Flash Video, DivX, Xvid, (.mov, .wmv, .flv, .avi, etc...) etc...
* Internet software: aMSN, Skype, Opera 10.61, Google Chrome 6 and Firefox 3.6.8 (all browsers with Flash)
* Portable Applications available (RUNZ included)
* Programs are easier to run: App Runner is included
* Mount tar.gz/.zip/.rar/.iso files with File mounter
* Other software: OpenJDK (open-source implementation of the Java platform), Ubuntu Tweak, GParted
* Super OS has its own repository, in addition to the official Ubuntu repositories
* Live USB creator (cd2usb) right from the DVD menu
* Improved compatibility with 32-bits application, by including ia32-libs (64-bits version)
* Wubi has been fixed and is again included on the DVD
* Computer Janitor disabled, since many new users might mistakingly remove packages they may want (the program is confusing)
* Focus on making it very usable offline

Download ISO-DVD

32 bits
*whiteoakhomecare.com

*cramit.in

*Torrent


64 bits
*whiteoakhomecare.com

*cramit.in

*Torrent

MicroXP - A Smaller Windows Operating System for Free Download

Microsoft Windows Micro XP SP3 2009

MicroXP v0.82

With a WINDOWS folder that is only 199Mb and a CD size of just 81 Mb.

This has to be one of the smallest Windows XP installations out there.
Whats more - you can use 99% of the programs you always use and up to.
Now there is not one single report of any game not working in MicroXP.
This installation takes only 5 Minutes 30 seconds.
This install includes default XP drivers for Ethernet/Sound/SCSI/RAID
It has all languages kept, except Chinese/Japanese/Korean.
It has all keyboard layout choices kept.
It also has Service Pack 3 final slipstreamed into it.
LAN Networking is now possible - Use 039;Map Network Drive039; and just put
the computer name of the computer you want to network with.
Digital Cameras and Scanners can also now be used.
The ISO file size is the same as in the previous release - 99.9Mb

[Statistics]
Installation time, in VMware, from
ISO file, from end of formatting .......... 5 Mins 30 Secs
RAM Usage On First Installation ........... 39 Mb
Handles .................... ............... 2229
Threads .................... ............... 157
Processes .................... ............. 15
Entire Install Size .................... ... 205Mb
Documents and settings folder size ........ 3.19 Mb
Program Files folder size ................. 2.79 Mb
WINDOWS folder size .................... ... 199 Mb
Files In System32 .................... ..... 815
ISO File Size .................... ......... 99.9 Mb

Following the release of MicroXP v0.82, this new version fixes an issue with Wireless LAN where it was not able to automatically find networks around you without knowing the SSID identification code of the network. This problem only appeared with Service Pack 3. The fix was simple, just replace three DLL files in this SP3 version with the older SP2 versions of the files - problem is fixed and you can use wireless just the same as you could in previous (SP2) releases of MicroXP.

All previous fixes in all previous versions
of MicroXP apply in this new version 0.82.

MicroXP v0.81 to MicroXP v0.82

[REPLACED FILES]

- Replaced SP3 version of wzcdlg.dll with SP2 version (saves 5Kb)

- Replaced SP3 version of wzcsapi.dll with SP2 version (saves 1Kb)

- Replaced SP3 version of wzcsvc.dll with SP2 version (saves 121Kb)

[REMOVED FILES]

- Removed all .XSD files.

- Removed L2Schemas folder from the WINDOWS folder.

- Removed Provisioning folder from the WINDOWS folder.


[Services Remaining In Windows]

Cryptographic Services
DCOM Server Process Launcher
DHCP Client
Event Log
Logical Disk Manager
Logical Disk Manager Administrative Service
Network Connections
Plug and Play
Print Spooler
Remote Access Auto Connection Manager
Remote Access Connection Manager
Remote Procedure Call
Server
TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper
Telephony
Windows Audio
Windows Image Acquisition (WIA)
Windows Installer
Wireless Zero Configuration
Workstation

All these services are enabled on installation,
so you can start using Windows straight away.

[WHAT YOU CAN DO]

- PROGRAMS -

You can still install and run just about all the programs and games that you can run on a normal installation of XP. There is a text file in the eXPerience folder on the desktop that has a list of programs that work and includes some that do not work (not many). Even Office 2007 installs on this version of Windows

- GAMES -

Up to now, there has not been one single report of any game not working on MicroXP. Gaming is what this edition of Windows is all about, it gives better benchmarks than any other version of Windows I have ever tested.

- LAN NETWORKING -

At last - MicroXP now has the ability to browse your local network.
All you need to know is the computer name of the computer you want to connect to and thats about it, just right click My Computer and choose Map Network Drive. All computers can see each other even if every computer in the network is running this MicroXP.

- CAMERAS AND SCANNERS

Now in MicroXP it is possible to use a digital camera (USB only, no Firewire) or a scanner. Tested and working with a Fuji FinePix 6MP camera. The Photo Printing Wizard is not included, neither is the wizard to download photos from the internet, but the rest of the functionality for cameras and scanners is as complete as
in full Windows. My favourite saying: whats missing, you are not gonna miss! Print photos with Photoshop or maybe even Irfanview.
Ctrl+P to print works in every single program that supports it, so its not like we ever needed the photo printing wizard, which only ever made all images I fed through it A4, even small images, so it actually did not even work, unless I skipped a button but there really are no buttons to skip in that wizard, its useless.

- DIAL-UP CONNECTION -

You can still use a Dial-Up connection (Broadband or old 56k modem).
This is the one major flaw in other stripped out operating systems, a lot of UK users still use a modem with broadband... in this edition, RAS Dial-Up/PPPoE/DSL/ADSL connectivity is OK as well as old 56k modems. Yes, try this install on a Pentium II or even an old 486 might run it! They had 75Mhz processors and 8Mb RAM
with 4Mb graphics cards.

- WEB BROWSER -

This installation already includes a basic web browser called Browzar that uses a few core files left from Internet Explorer. No, Internet Explorer is not included, but select files included in this installation that come from Internet Explorer are vital to running Windows. Its also Internet Explorer related files that allow you to open CHM files, which you can do in this edition of Windows. This Browzar web browser is only here so you can at least get online and download Firefox, Opera, Netscape or whatever browser you want. This not only saves space on this CD, but you get to choose what web browser you want to use and you get the latest version not an old and possibly insecure version. Flash v9.0.124.0 for Firefox and Opera is included, so Google Video and YouTube work straight away in whichever browser you install.

- PASSES WGA CHECKS

If you go to download for example, Windows Media Player 11 from Microsofts downloads section, you will need to validate windows by running the GenuineCheck***** file that Microsoft asks you to download as part of the Windows Genuine Advantage checks. Its fine to do this, do not be scared of your key being blacklisted.

- FLASH -

If you install Opera or Firefox web browser(s) in this special MicroXP edition of Windows, you can go visit YouTube or Google Video without even having to install Flash Player. You can just
watch the videos right away.

Download:
* Depostfiles

* Easy-Share

* Torrent

Password Dragon - Free, Easy, Secure and Multi-Platform Password Manager

Password Dragon is a Password Manager that works on Windows, Linux and Mac OS. Can be launched from USB Flash Drive. Best of all, it is FREE!. View the screenshot.












* First of all it is free. No strings attached. Password Manager does not contain any spyware or ad-ware.
* The application is very intuitive, user friendly and easy to use. Password Management has never been so secure and easy.
* Files are encrypted with BlowfishJ algorithm. Remember only the master password.
* Works on Windows, Mac and Unix as this is written in Java. Can be launched directly from USB thumb drive.
* Organize all your userid,password,url and notes information in one file
* Store additional information using the 10 additional customizable attributes
* Data files are encrypted with BlowfishJ algorithm
* Command line extension. Ability to view records from the command line without launching GUI.
* Available in Multi Language.
* Built-in random flexible password generator
* Copy UserId and password to clipboard
* Password Strength indicator
* Data files are automatically backed up.
* Application Inactive timeout. i.e Lock the aplication if not used for x minutes
* File Locking Facility
* Launch URL from the application
* Either Choose browser for URL launch or use system default browser.
* Records can be grouped using user defined categories. Very flexible category management.
* Import records from text file
* Export all/selected records to text,HTML and XML file
* Search records on all/specific columns
* Record sorting based on column names.
* Password can be masked in the main table and in the record view.
* Ability to specify the startup sort order and startup category
* Ability to choose the look and feel. (Kunststoff Look and Feel is the default.)

Download

mFatOS - Ubuntu On Steroids (Remastered Ubuntu)

Some of you may not like it, but I for one really love the idea that you can make a custom Ubuntu Live CD, even if you only share it with family and friends. For this reason we like to occasionally post such a custom Ubuntu Live CD on WebUpd8.

mFatOS is an Ubuntu remaster optimized for Persian-speaking users - but do not worry, you do not have to speak Persian to use it. Based on ubuntu Lucid Lynx and SuperOS 10.04, mFatOS is multimedia-ready and loaded with tons of extra applications, themes and icons.

mFatOS has a very interesting approach to what a Linux distribution should look like: it comes with Firefox (with Elementary for Firefox by default), Chrome AND Opera 10.70 - all (well, except Opera) with some basic extensions such as AdBlock installed by default - as well as lots of other applications such as: GIMP with single window mode support, Deadbeef, GnoMenu and Cradapio (so you can choose which one to use), Ubuntu Tweak, Nautilus Elementary, Virtualbox with USB support, Wine & PlayOnLinux, VLC, Avidemux, Audacity, Handbrake, Skype, WinFF, XBMC, Unetbootin, Bleachbit, Goldendict, Pinta, Wally and others as well as most applications which come by default in Ubuntu.

Two default Ubuntu applications have been however removed: Empathy and Gwibber have been replaced by Pidgin and Pino respectively. Also Evolution has been removed from messaging menu in favor of Thunderbird.

Mehdi also wants mFatOS users to have the most beautiful themes available by default, so it comes with all popular themes and icons (Faenza, Elegant Gnome and so on). And of course, Avant Window Navigator with Lucido style also comes by default.

Besides themes and default applications, mFatOS also comes with a lot of tweaks such as F4 shortcut for nautilus-open-terminal and even an offline installer for Nvidia and ATI graphics cards for machines with poor or no connectivity (note that this utility only works before you run apt-get update for the first time).

mFatOS 1.4 64bit was released yesterday. Here is the announcement (including the release notes):


I am pleased to announce the release of mFatOS 1.4 x64, an Ubuntu-based distribution tweaked for maximum usability, with a unique look and feel and tons of extra cherry-picked software applications. mFatOS is for everyone willing to use a polished and fine-tuned linux distributions, however it has a few tweaks for Persian-speaking users, including pre-configured Persian keyboard layout (US English being the default layout). mFatOS makes you productive immediately after installation. Every single detail have been taken care of so that you can focus on your daily tasks instead of spending hours customizing the desktop and installing extra apps. mFatOS 1.4 replaces GNOME panel with Avant Window Navigator, and Gnomenu provides a stylish and modern main menu. DockbarX makes managing open winows the easiest task and you have the maximum screen real-state without clutter or confusion. Only one dock and you have access to everything.

mFatOS comes with multimedia codecs and flash player pre-installed, and VLC, Smplayer, Deadbeef and XBMC cater for a complete multimedia experience. thunderbird replaces Evolution in the messaging menu, and Pidgin and Pino replace Empathy and Gwibber respectively. The popular Nautilus Elementary is used as the file manager with extra extensions (open-terminal, image resizer, gksu, etc) and KDE-style F4 keyboard shortcut for opening a terminal in the current working directory.

Another unique feature is mFatOS proprietary graphics driver installer, which can install restricted drivers for Nvidia and ATI cards without an inter connection. Popular Web-browsers (Firefox, Chrome stable, Chromium and Opera) are all installed. Firefox and Chrome are equpped with a few popular addons, and Firefox comes with the awesome Elementary theme.

Judging from the default application selection, mFatOS seems to be great for someone who does not have an internet connection - you can download the ISO from a friend and after installing it, you will have a lot of applications from which to choose from.

I have only mentioned part of the default applications and tweaks so if you want to see everything mFatOS can do by default, grab a DVD, burn and boot mFatOS and see for yourself.

Note: mFatOS does not work in VirtualBox - you would not be able to login, so you will have to create a bootable USB memory stick or burn it onto a DVD to try it out.

Download mFatOS (both 32bit and 64bit). There is also a torrent file (64bit) for those who prefer to download via bit-torrent.