Ubuntu 15.04 Released, This Is What’s New (OMG Ubuntu)

Main features:

• Change to systemd
• Unity 7.3
• Compiz 0.9.12
• Linux kernel 3.19 (4.0 didn't make the cut)

Application updates:

• LibreOffice 4.3.2.2
• Firefox 37
• Thunderbird 31.6
• Shotwell 0.20.2
• Nautilus 3.14.2
• Evince 3.14.2
• Rhythmbox 3.1
• Totem 3.14.1
• GNOME Terminal 3.14

http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2015/04/ubuntu-15-04-download-new-features

If you do fancy shoving kernel 4.0 into it: http://news.softpedia.com/news/How-to-Install-Linux-Kernel-4-0-on-Ubuntu-15-04-478288.shtml

Ubuntu's next test release dates and 14.10 release date.

GeoIP lookup from the CLI in Ubuntu

rich@rich:~$ sudo apt-get install geoip-bin

rich@rich:~$ geoiplookup 212.159.177.252
GeoIP Country Edition: GB, United Kingdom

reference:

http://pleasefeedthegeek.wordpress.com/2012/05/09/geolocation-lookups-in-linux-ubuntu/

Ubuntu 14.04 LTS desktop arrives this week as Windows XP alternative

Good timing. The OS as a whole could do with a fair amount of polish for the mainstream but it's still an awesome alternative.

The alternative versions are better if your constrained but older hardware though. Try Xubuntu for that.

http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2340343/ubuntu-1404-lts-desktop-arrives-this-week-as-windows-xp-alternative

I'm quite excited about this given the vision Canonical had with their failed crowd source attempt. A desktop replacement you carry around in your pocket. This is going to be tempting to anyone looking for average computation power in a small form factor. If it's seemless it could be a real game changer. It'd have to allow for a multitude of different setups (bluetooth keyboard / mice, wireless monitor connectors as well as HDMi (mini HDMI) etc etc... 

http://www.engadget.com/2014/02/19/ubuntu-phones-meizu-and-bq-mobile/

April 8 - Don't even think about using Windows XP anymore...

You really do need to kill off that XP machine! It's going to be a prime target for malicious attackers. Either move to Windows 8.1 or get a Linux distro as they're dead easy to use these days. Try Ubuntu, or for older machines: Xubuntu.). You'll be more secure and supported for software updates.

The only downside as stated in the link below is there is no easy upgrade direct from XP to Windows 8.1. You need to backup all date and do a clean install. Then reinstall all your programs and drivers.

http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2014/02/microsoft-belatedly-attempts-to-use-friends-and-family-to-get-rid-of-windows-xp/

Ubuntu 14.04 Looks to Improve Support For Hi-Res Screens

Kinda of expected really. Windows 8.1. still has a way to go when dealing with legacy apps.

http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2014/02/ubuntu-14-04-high-resolution-retina-screen

Ubuntu scores highest in UK Gov security assessment

UK Gov Report Summary

http://insights.ubuntu.com/resources/article/ubuntu-scores-highest-in-uk-gov-security-assessment/

Ubuntu gets its first smartphone deal, comes to high-end devices in 2014

The Edge may have failed on Indiegogo but the OS is still around! 

http://www.engadget.com/2013/12/10/ubuntu-gets-its-first-smartphone-deal/

Cisco Packet Tracer 6.0.1

I'm a little behind with this. With Cisco's whole move to the new NetSpace portal it looks like there was a new version of Packet Tracer. 6.0.1 offers new features but has the same look and feel to it.

Straight from the FAQ:

Packet Tracer 6.0.1 is a major release that includes the following functionality:

● Supports IOS 15.2 and its licensing methodology
● Enhanced IPv6 support
● Supports new devices such as ISR 1941, ISR 2901, ISR 2911, terminal server interface, and servers with 2 network interface cards
● Supports Hot Standby Router Protocol (HSRP) and ACL sequence numbers
● Provides new capability with PT LAN and WAN Multiuser Servers to create multiuser games and activities
● Provides new capability with PT Bridge to connect real network equipment to Packet Tracer environment

Its disappointing to see they have missed OS X once more, it can't be a world away from the Ubuntu install. I haven't tried it on Ubuntu yet but I wonder if you still need to install the dependencies that come with programs like Wine in order for it to work still or if they have started including them like they should!

Comments or thoughts? Leave them below!

Ubuntu 13.04 beta touts search privacy - before it hooks in eBay, IMDb etc

Fair positive review of the beta from Th Register.

I haven't had much use / time for ubuntu since moving primarily to OS X. Most linux based stuff is experimented with on the Raspberry Pi and for anything windows based there is always Parallels.

Still I tend to give it a chance every once in a while. I seemed to get a lot of historic hits on this bog commenting on getting Cisco paket Tracer to work with Ubuntu. It'll probably be the same as usual, Cisco neglect to mention there are some dependancies required for 5.3.3 so you simply need to install something like WINE and packet traceer will start to work natively because the dependancies will then be installed.

I was quite interested with what Ubuntu were doing with their tablet specific features. Those did look impressive in a video a while back.

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2013/03/04/ubuntu_13_04_review/

Ubuntu 12.10 Beta 1 Available for Download

http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2012/09/ubuntu-12-10-beta-1-available-for-download

Steam claim Faster Zombies under Ubuntu linux...

Doesn't really sound like a fair comparisona dn there are way too many variables for a fair test but it's interesting to see they are working with hardware manufactures to improve their drivers overall for the platform. It'll be interesting to see how OpenGL keep up with a AAA grade developer on their back for new feature sets to be included in the API (OpenGL's last release was Aug 2011)... Then again Valve might even end up writing some in!

Blog post here: http://blogs.valvesoftware.com/linux/faster-zombies/

Valve brings steam to Ubuntu Linux

Well the rumours have been going around for months so now we have an official confirmation and blog:

http://blogs.valvesoftware.com/linux/steamd-penguins/

There were also rumours about them going into hardware development so a linux derivative in a custom made console maybe coming our way in years to come. They sure as hell have the right platform for it in steam.

Ubuntu Alpha1 - Quantal Quetzal is out! 12.10

What a crazy name!

Well it's out for the curious and experimental, I've started waiting for the beta's more recently and I think with this, that'll be no different as I don't really contribute.

The big changes are:
Linux kernel 3.4
GCC 4.7
Python 3.0
Link: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/QuantalQuetzal/TechnicalOverview/Alpha1

Project Sputnik: Dell's Ubuntu-based XPS13 laptop for developers

Engadget: http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/08/project-sputnik-dell-ubuntu-developers/

AVG on Ubuntu!

Huh, I didn't know AVG had a version out for ubuntu!

See link

Electronic Arts Attending Ubuntu Developer Summit

Looks like EA are starting to take note of the linux market. Looks like the old OpenGL Vs Direct X (3D) battle might be on for another spot light face-off.

Article (OMG UBuntu):  here

Packet Tracer not opening on Ubuntu (LInux)

I figured it out.

So I tried various versions 5.3.2 / 5.3.3 etc and nothing was working for me.

The program would happily install but would not run when I tried to launch it.

It would seem that the program has some dependencies it requires that it doesn't bother to check for from what I can tell. luckily these are easy to obtain although I've not been able to specifically identify them (lack of time).

The simple fix is to just install something like Wine and this will have packet tracer loading up (not in Wine before you think I'm cheating!) in no time.

I've created a bug report but it looked like there were similar reports for other versions of Linux and also they have some newer revisions of Packet Tracer in the pipeline which will hopefully remedy this.

http://ptbugs.ptnetacad.net/bugzilla/show_bug.cgi?id=10628

Installing Cisco Packet Tracer on Ubuntu 12.04

So I've tried to install Packet tracer as per normal and all seems to go well but the program will not open! Anyone with any ideas?

File: PacketTracer532_i386_installer-deb.bin

(I used chmod +x before running the installer).

I know it's in BETA but there were no issues with the last stable release and i've kept this distro updated.

FIX: Install something like WINE which will include dependencies that Packet Tracer also needs to run. I don't know why Cisco doesn't state the dependencies or include them!

Please tweet / like / +1 this post if you found it helpful! Thanks!

Update on 03 April 2013: Has anyone had a chance to test this on 13.04? I've not had a chance myself and would appreciate anyone commenting below. Thanks!