Tutorial of the Week

[K.Mandla]

Ubuntuforums.org hosts literally thousands of howtos and tutorials, covering everything from randomizing your wallpaper (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=329164) to patching and rebuilding the kernel from source (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=311158). It is an immense repository of Linux know-how for beginners and experts alike.

Some of the tutorials are very good -- and some aren't that great. But for every tutorial that was accepted into this section, two or three were rejected.

The forum staff would like to highlight some of the best ones on a weekly basis. The hope is that by drawing attention to well-written, well-supported tutorials, the overall quality of this section will improve. It also gives you the opportunity to learn about new software, new tricks or just new ideas.

If you'd like to see the criteria for threads that appear in this section, a description is here (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=677396).

The tutorials listed here are chosen on the basis of presentation and support -- not technical accuracy. It's impossible for us to screen each tutorial to see if they work as described; we just don't have the time, equipment or manpower to do that. So it's possible that there are technical points that need clarification. In those cases, you should tack a reply on to the tutorial, and seek help directly from the author, not the staff.

This post is closed to comments so you can subscribe to it (through your user control panel), and receive a weekly update of the best written tutorials in this section. If you have a tutorial you feel is worthy, you're free to contact a staff member and suggest it, or you could mention it in the 'Cafe, in the discussion thread:

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=655209

Enjoy!
Forum staff

[K.Mandla]

The first Tutorial of the Week -- for the week of December 31, 2007 (the first week of 2008) -- is "[Howto] Compile & Install Osmo Organizer" by Onyros (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=105345):

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=616116

Osmo is an all-in-one calendar, task and contact manager. Learn more about it, and how to compile and install it, in the tutorial. Enjoy!

[K.Mandla]

The tutorial of the week for Jan. 7, 2008 is PmDematagoda (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=361835)'s explanation of the Magic SysRq keys -- and how to use them to recover your system, if it becomes unresponsive.

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=617349

Learn about the key sequences, and how to safely use them, in the tutorial. Cheers!

[K.Mandla]

The tutorial of the week for January 14, 2008, is "HOWTO: RT2500, etc. wireless cards [Gutsy Gibbon]", by wieman01 (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=113534).

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=563547

While that thread is specific to a particular range of hardware, it stands out as a tutorial that's well written, concise, clearly documented and constantly maintained.

If you have a Ralink-based wireless adapter, you'll want to look it over; if you don't, it's still worth reading as an excellent example of a how-to. Cheers!

[K.Mandla]

For the week of January 21, 2008, the staff pick is "btnx: Send keyboard and mouse combination events with mouse buttons", by daou (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=129565).

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=455656

If you have a mouse with multiple buttons, or if you'd like to hard-wire your mouse to do certain things on special clicks, this could be of interest to you. daou's tutorial is clean, well-organized and constantly maintained too.

Enjoy!

[K.Mandla]

A pair of advanced tutorials are spotlighted for the week of January 28, 2008: andrew.46 (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=208550)'s "HOWTO: Setup slrn, the CLI newsreader" and "[Howto] Setup and use Leafnode-2 with the newsreader slrn".

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=676837
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=475246

As you can see by reading over those threads, they're quite complicated. However, they are also an excellent illustration of how to break down complicated tasks into step-by-step instructions for others to follow.

And should you run into problems, both threads are actively tended by the author.

Cheers!

[K.Mandla]

Anyone interested in alternative or lightweight window managers will enjoy this week's highlighted tutorial: urukrama (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=141479)'s "Howto: Install and configure Pekwm".

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=662204

urukrama does a fantastic job explaining how to install, configure and use Pekwm, and how to make it beautiful. If you're in the market for a new window manager -- or even if you just like to experiment with your desktop -- you'll enjoy this howto.

See you next week! :)

[K.Mandla]

The tutorial of the week for Feb. 11, 2008, is a bonus for laptop users -- "HowTo: Disable Synaptics Touchpad While Typing" by Mais (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=27038).

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=271052

For anyone who has ever cursed their touchpad for triggering while they were typing, Mais has a possible solution. The tutorial has clean instructions and illustrations as well, so you won't get lost setting it up. Enjoy!

[K.Mandla]

This week's offering is short and sweet, and explains a nifty trick that can be performed on dual-boot systems -- "HowTo: Fix Corrupted Windows Registry from Ubuntu partition", by kernoPanic (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=441108).

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=624943

With a little creativity, you could adapt this howto to a live environment, and use it for rescuing a damaged Windows-only system. Keep it in mind the next time your Windows friends call for help! :D

Cheers!

[K.Mandla]

The tutorial of the week for February 25, 2008, is Heliode (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=10871)'s nearly immortal "Howto: Backup and restore your system!"

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=35087

First posted in May 2005, you might consider its longevity to be a testimonial to its effectiveness. If you need a time-tested method for backing up your system, give it a try.

Enjoy!

[K.Mandla]

For the first week of March, 2008, the tutorial of the week is the encyclopedic "Installing Kubuntu 7.10 on Software RAID5" by LNK (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=494846).

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=699075

This is a howto on an immense scale, beautifully arranged and cataloged to the tiniest detail. Even if you don't work with this hardware configuration, it's worth skimming this tutorial just to admire its presentation. Well done.

See you next week! :D

[K.Mandla]

This week's tutorial might not be one you need right away, but it might be one you want to keep in mind for the future: OldPink (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=161322)'s "HowTo: Transfer your bootable Ubuntu installation between hard drives."

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=599599

Aside from being exceptionally useful, this is another tutorial that's well-designed and easy to follow. Be sure to thank OldPink if it comes in handy, in the future.

Cheers!

[K.Mandla]

The tutorial of the week for March 17, 2008, is a simple collection of settings called "HOWTO: Customize terminal header" by PurposeOfReason (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=292725).

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=674446

If you'd like to make your terminal a little more attractive, or if you prefer life at the command line, this howto will get you started toward something other than monochrome. Enjoy!

[K.Mandla]

This week's pick from the Tutorials and Tips forum ... actually isn't in Tutorials and Tips. This week's top dog is kevdog (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=257393), who wrote the massive, comprehensive and amazing "How To: Manual Network Configuration without the need for Network Manager."

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=684495

It's a tutorial that's so good and so well composed that it lives as a sticky in the Networking and Wireless (http://ubuntuforums.org/forumdisplay.php?f=136) section. This is a tutorial that everybody should look at at least once, even if you never need to look at it again.

See you next week!

[K.Mandla]

Offline users or systems with weak Internet access might find this week's Tutorial of the Week helpful -- it's epimeteo (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=54113)'s "Howto: NoNetDebs - upgrade Ubuntu without Internet (or with low-bandwidth connection)".

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=572819

If you've ever been stranded offline with an Ubuntu machine and wanted to install or upgrade your system, this tutorial might be useful to you.

Cheers!

[K.Mandla]

The Tutorial of the Week for April 7, 2008, is a true classic -- seldon77 (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=50543)'s "Howto: Get a beautiful Conky 1.4.2 setup".

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=205865

Dating all the way back to summer of 2006, this one is well crafted and quite comprehensive, and comes with sample codes and screenshots for setting up conky (http://packages.ubuntu.com/conky) with style. With over 600 comments and creeping up on 200,000 views, this thread is a forum standby ... and probably will be for a long time to come.

P.S.: As a side note, check out this equally venerable 'Cafe thread, for more examples of what you can do with conky.

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=281865

Have fun!

[K.Mandla]

This week's tutorial of note is the massive and detailed "How to make a live CD/DVD from your harddisk installation" by capink (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=200206).

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=688872

If you've ever wanted a customized version of Ubuntu, or if you just want a portable mimic of the system you use at home, this tutorial might be of interest.

Enjoy!

[K.Mandla]

For April 21, 2008, the tutorial of the week is Stormbringer (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=56737)'s voluminous "HOWTO: Setup Samba peer-to-peer with Windows".

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=202605

This one has lots of step-by-step instructions, code boxes and sample configuration files, and should give you a big boost if you need to network machines with different operating systems. It also has a lot of links, in case you need more information about Samba and how it works.

Cheers!

[K.Mandla]

The Tutorial of the Week for April 28, 2008, is an unusual one, but also a quick and easy one -- "HOWTO: Replace Nautilus with PCMan (4 Steps, No Fuss)."

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=692238

PCManFM is an exceptionally lightweight file manager that does a lot of the same work as Nautilus. You might find it preferable to the Gnome default, if only because it's usually easier on system resources. Try it out and see.

See you next week!

[K.Mandla]

For this week's tutorial pick, we step outside the Tutorials and Tips forum again, for something a little more timely and a lot more complex: The joint effort of forestpixie (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=288995) and starcraft.man (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=250927) on the comprehensive "Complete Guide to Installation in Ubuntu".

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=781352

It's a thread so huge it takes up four or five posts, just to cover every topic. Don't tackle this one on your lunch hour, because it will take that long just to work your way through the table of contents (yes, there is a table of contents -- it's that big).

In any case, it's a huge endeavor originally presented (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=500020) by starcraft.man and updated for Ubuntu 8.04 by forestpixie. A big thanks to both members, for creating and updating such an impressive guide.

See you in a week!

[K.Mandla]

For May 12, 2008, the tutorial of the week is a contribution by one of the biggest proponents of 64-bit Ubuntu on the forums: Kilz (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=78588), who wrote the impressive "Howto Install 32 bit Firefox with Flash w/sound and Java for AMD64."

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=202537

It's a thread that began almost two years ago, has received updates through four releases and has even been adjusted within days of this post. It's unusual to see a tutorial receive so much attention, but when you read through it, it's clear that this is a labor of love. If you use 64-bit Ubuntu and want to get a fully functional Firefox, Kilz has made it easy for you.

See you in a week!

[K.Mandla]

Home-networked Ubuntu users and administrators of multiple machines might be interested in this week's tutorial pick: coolen (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=177530)'s "HOWTO: Share updates across multiple machines".

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=564301

This is a well-built and well-designed howto that gives plenty of information about the apt-cacher tool and how to set it up right. It also makes mention of how to reverse the changes, and coolen is updating his instructions quite frequently -- both hallmarks of a superior howto. If you manage an Ubuntu lab, or even if you just have a few machines scattered through the house, this might be something you want to try.

Enjoy!

[K.Mandla]

This week's tutorial is a nifty little trick for laptop owners: "HOWTO: Led notifcation for new mail/messages/calls," by Pedric (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=33130).

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=539425

With this tutorial, you might be able to flash your laptop LED when you get an incoming Skype call, or an e-mail arrives.

See you next week!

[K.Mandla]

Laptop owners (and some desktop users, perhaps) might be interested in this week's tutorial standout: "HowTo: Undervolt your notebook CPU for longer battery life," by Ares Drake (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=139239).

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=786402

The tutorial is geared toward newer machines, and walks you gently through the process of testing an undervolt and setting up your system properly. On top of that it's a clean and easy-to-follow thread, and one that's visually appealing as well. Nice work!

See you in a week!

[K.Mandla]

This week's highlighted thread is a long-running emergency tip called "How to install Grub from a live Ubuntu cd.", by catlett (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=79105).

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=224351

This is another tutorial that you hope you never have to use, but in the case that your MBR is damaged or you misbuild a dual-boot system, you'll want to know how to restore Grub. This thread -- which was first posted in 2006 -- can probably help, and all you'll need is a live CD and a little patience.

Have fun!

[K.Mandla]

For this, the 25th tutorial of the week, the pick is another long-standing classic -- "Howto : GfxBoot ( Grub like suse )" by PingunZ (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=37394).

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=208855

While somewhat dated, it still gets attention quite frequently, and might be something you're interested in. A prettier Grub boot is an embellishment commonly sought after by Ubuntu users. Take a peek, and see you next week for No. 26!

[K.Mandla]

This week's tutorial pick is aimed at the housekeeper in all of us -- WackToMack (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=61505)'s nifty "HOWTO: Cleaning up all those unnecessary junk files..."

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=140920

If you ever get an itch to throw out all the old, unused files on your system, WackToMack can show you how to do it safely and comprehensively. Software experimenters will be pleased to learn how to clean up after themselves, and long-running systems can win back a little space too.

Cheers!

[K.Mandla]

The highlighted tutorial this week will interest Hotmail users, and Evolution users too. As if you didn't see it coming, it's "HOWTO: Send and Receive Hotmail through Evolution" by Indras (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=126305).

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=200408

Following the steps in Indras' thread will get Evolution hooked up to your Hotmail account, and let you read your e-mail without needing the browser interface.

And even though the thread dates back to 2006, recent replies suggest it works just as well now as it did then. And it's well-formatted, with easy-to-read code boxes and highlighted steps. It's a good example of a nicely built tutorial.

See you in a week!

[K.Mandla]

This week's tutorial pick is a crowd-pleaser ... probably. It's "HowTo: Install skype and sms with skype in ubuntu 8.04", by grobar (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=351182).

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=778691

If you're a Skype fan and want to install it, grobar has links and easy steps for putting it in place, with the added SMS package as a bonus. If you've never used it (like me), this will probably be a good way to try it out.

Enjoy!

[K.Mandla]

Hello again! This week's selection is a nifty trick for anyone who may want to access an FTP site from within a directory structure -- "[HOWTO] mount an FTP host as a filesystem using CurlFtpFS", by geco (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=132585).

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=441126

The guide includes help for versions all the way back to Edgy, so anyone still using an earlier version of Ubuntu can give this a spin too. And recent replies suggest the instructions work on version 8.04 as well. If it sounds like something you might be interested in, geco's instructions are clear and well presented, and easy to follow.

See you in a week!

[K.Mandla]

This week's star is another oldie-but-goodie -- tseliot (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=19388)'s "HOWTO: Kernel Compilation for Newbies."

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=56835

This is one of the longest-running kernel compilation threads in the forum, and it comes from a highly repuatable and knowledgable member. It's a great place to start learning about the core element of your Ubuntu system, and how to modify it to your liking.

Thanks to alloftheabove (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=477296) for nominating it (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=655209).

Cheers!

[K.Mandla]

This week's selection is a massive treatise on what seems like the simplest of topics -- the Fluxbox right-click menu. But as RedSquirrel (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=209540) shows in "HOWTO: get a Fluxbox menu (and customization)," there's a lot more to a good Fluxbox menu than just a single click.

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=371144

This is a particularly useful howto, with lots of code boxes, screenshots, colored-text subsections and step-by-step instructions. If you've ever wanted to use Fluxbox, or just wanted a better menu, you'll like this tutorial.

See you in a week!

[K.Mandla]

This week's tutorial dives straight to the core of your Ubuntu system in the cryptically-yet-aptly-named tutorial "HowTO Ubuntu System," pieced together by ajmorris (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=171134).

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=842307

In what is quite possibly the longest post in the forum (that doesn't involve nesting quote tags, of course ;) ), ajmorris describes a horde of common terminal commands and what they'll do for you in your Ubuntu system.

This is definitely one of those tutorials you'll want to skim through, then bookmark for later. It's also something that newcomers and gurus will appreciate, since chances are it has some new-to-you stuff in it. Take a look, and then punch the thank-you button. Putting the list together was a saintly act in and of itself.

See you next week.

[K.Mandla]

This week's tutorial pick is another attempt to lure you away from run-of-the-mill desktop environments. ~LoKe (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=60289)'s "HOWTO: Set up AwesomeWM 2.1" is a great tutorial on setting up a tiled window manager, and how to adjust it to your personal style.

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=678902

Tiling window managers aren't for everyone, but they do have an appeal to the space-conscious, and to fans of desktop efficiency. And as ~LoKe's screenshots show, it's far from boring. Try it out and see if it tickles your fancy. :)

Cheers!

[K.Mandla]

This week's highlighted tutorial is definitely in the cool-stuff-you-can-do-with-Ubuntu category: easybake (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=563284)'s "HOWTO: Use your webcam feed as a wallpaper using Xwinwrap."

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=883176

In the tutorial, easybake gives (wait for it ...) easy instructions #-o\\:D/ on how to pipe your webcam input into MPlayer, through Xwinwrap and display the results on your Compiz-enabled desktop. Threads like this are the reasons you use Linux!

easybake's instructions are also neatly presented with code boxes and step-by-step instructions, which means setup should be a breeze for newbies and veterans alike.

Enjoy!

[K.Mandla]

This week's pick is a fantastic collection of customization tips -- LinuxIsInnovation (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=480363)'s "HOWTO: Customize Ubuntu A-Z."

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=856190

Aside from that, the thread needs no further explanation -- just take a look at the screenshots. If you want your desktop to truly express your individuality, get started with some of the ideas LinuxIsInnovation shares. There will be something there you like. ;)

Cheers!

[K.Mandla]

Better late than never, this week's tutorial pick is an unusual one, and one that requires specific hardware. Specifically, it's "HOWTO: Wii remote in Ubuntu 8.04," by Rhubarb (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=152122).

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=836231

In a very clean and organized tutorial, Rhubarb explains how to set up a Wii remote as a mouse or pointer for an Ubuntu Hardy system. Provided you own a Wii (or perhaps just a remote), it should be fun to set this up, and maybe even useful at times. Either way, it's a good example of a proper tutorial.

Enjoy!

[K.Mandla]

The tutorial of the week for Sept. 15, 2008, is a cool trick that allows networked machines to share a scanner -- PhrankDaChickenGeek (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=66569)'s "How To: Share a Scanner over the network":

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=679028

Phrank's instructions for setup are easy to follow, and the thread is receiving regular updates. If you have a networked machine with a scanner to share, this might be just the thing you were looking for.

Cheers!

[K.Mandla]

This week's tutorial selection is very fresh -- it's memorygap (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=173478)'s "HOWTO: Animated .gif as a background."

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=926519

It's a simple trick that will require a little elbow grease to work, but it's another nifty thing you can do with your desktop. And memorygap's instructions are clean and easy to follow, with plenty of code boxes and steps to help newcomers and experienced users get it installed.

Enjoy!

[K.Mandla]

If you like dark themes, and you're a Firefox user, you'll enjoy the tutorial of the week for Sept. 29, 2008. It's element_G (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=255822)'s "HOW TO: Firefox 3 and dark themes":

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=873486

This is another good example of a brief but useful tutorial that is neatly arranged and easy to follow. If you don't care for whiter, brighter Firefox themes, or if you want something to build your own theme from, this thread might be useful to you.

See you next week!

[K.Mandla]

Hello again. This week we step outside the Tutorials and Tips section once more, for a look at a tutorial that's stickied in another section. This time it's the gargantuan "Comprehensive Multimedia & Video Howto," by ubuntu-freak (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=314581).

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=766683

This is a thread of unnatural proportions, intending to tackle every audio and video alternative for every available Ubuntu release, and it does an amazing job. Everything from ripping DVDs to tinkering with your xorg.conf to the Adobe Flash Player are included, and in meticulous detail. If you haven't been through this thread at least once, you're missing a gold mine of information and instruction. Take the time to digest this one properly.

Cheers!

[K.Mandla]

The tutorial of the week for Oct. 13, 2008, is another exceptionally helpful post from a staff member -- bodhi.zazen (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=89054)'s "How to fstab":

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=283131

Your fstab file is a critical part of your system, and to learn its proper care and feeding, it's worth looking over bodhi's introduction and explanation. What looks like a mild-mannered system file can be either a massive headache or a magical tool ... and that's directly proportional to your understanding of it. Take a second and check it out. You won't regret it. :)

See you in a week!

[K.Mandla]

The tutorial of the week for 20 October, 2008, is a short-and-sweet walkthrough for creating custom usplash images -- Bodsda (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=448461)'s "HOW-TO make custom usplash art".

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=771410

The hardest, and probably most time-consuming part of this tutorial will probably be coming up with the image you want. After that, Bodsda's post makes it a simple step-by-step process to get your image implanted into your system.

Enjoy!

[K.Mandla]

October 27th's tutorial of the week is a winner for Nautilus users: Milk & Toast & Honey (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=352493)'s "[SCRIPT] Easily (un)mounting ISO images without sudo."

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=704350

Mounting ISO files is ordinarily a bit of a hassle, but this tutorial makes it as easy as a right-click. And Milk & Toast & Honey's thread is beautifully arranged and easy to follow, with more screenshots than you can shake a stick at. Nicely done!

Cheers!

[K.Mandla]

Hello again, and happy November! The first tutorial of the week for this month is dentaku65 (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=48938)'s explanation of "HowTo set OpenDNS as DNS in DHCP env".

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=872500

Security and speed are at issue here: DNS attacks in the past have made some services untrustworthy, and at the same time you may see an improvement in network speed by changing to the OpenDNS addresses (and that note comes from firsthand reports).

Regardless, dentaku65's tutorial is easy to follow and involves very little effort. Give it a try and see what happens.

Cheers!

[K.Mandla]

The tutorial of the week for Nov. 10, 2008, comes at the suggestion of FakeOutdoorsman (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=162846), who pitched a vote for ciscosurfer (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=122263)'s long-running and constantly updated "HOWTO: Flash BIOS, The Ubuntu Way."

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=318789

For some people, flashing their BIOS means a trip back to Windows. But ciscosurfer's thread, which dates back to the end of 2006, might mean you can get the job done without relying on a program written just for Microsoft platforms.

It's also an excellent example of a well written and well designed tutorial, with plenty of links, all the formatting and coding in place, and plenty of tips to help newcomers.

Cheers!

[K.Mandla]

This week's tutorial pick comes at the suggestions of forum moderators bodhi.zazen (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=89054) and Rocket2DMan (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=310232), who, when asked, both immediately pounced on "Solving .dmrc and $HOME Permission Errors", by drs305 (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=223945).

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=976610

That tutorial may apply to only a slim audience, but that doesn't mean it isn't a fine example of how a tutorial should look and feel. Not only is there a fantastic amount of background information along with the solution, but it's presented in a way that's easy to follow, understand and manage. A big gold star for drs305: :KS

See you in a week!

[K.Mandla]

The tutorial of the week for Nov. 24, 2008, comes from master_kernel (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=201430), whose contribution is "HOWTO: Fingerprint reading in Ubuntu with fprint."

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=760018

If you have a machine with a fingerprint reader and you'd like to put it to work, you might find that thread helpful. Check the list of supported devices and see if yours is included. After that, master_kernel's instructions make it easy to set up and start using.

Enjoy!

[K.Mandla]

This week's tutorial highlight comes at the suggestion of ajmorris (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=171134), who nominated another thread by forum moderator bodhi.zazen (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=89054) -- this time it's "The Virtualization Mega-Thread", wherein every facet of virtual computing is introduced and explained.

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=973756

I'll let ajmorris explain why it was recommended.
(It) is a masterpiece. Although it is not a single tutorial, it has a horde of good information on virtualization, that i think newbies and gurus alike will benefit from, which bodhi also constantly adds too.
And I'd agree. And thanks to ajmorris for suggesting it! ;)

Cheers!

[K.Mandla]

The tutorial of the week for December 8, 2008, is one intended for Hardy and Intrepid users: psyke83 (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=50843)'s "HOWTO: PulseAudio Fixes & System-Wide Equalizer Support".

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=789578

If you installed Hardy or Intrepid, you have PulseAudio installed by default, and psyke83 can show you how to optimally adjust it. Visually this is a beautiful tutorial, with extensive color-coding and large code sections divided neatly with boxes and inset text. If you need an example of how to make a picture-perfect tutorial, this is the one.

Enjoy!

[Technoviking]

The Tutorials of the Week will restart soon. Same Bat Time, Same Bat Channel!!!

[bapoumba]

The tutorial of the week for May 11, 2009, is HowTo: Install the very latest MPlayer under Jaunty Jackalope (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1081070) from andrew.46 (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=208550).

This is a nifty tutorial that will show you how to successfully compile the subversion MPlayer under Jaunty Jackalope. For memory, ubuntu-freak (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=314581)'s "Comprehensive Multimedia & Video Howto (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=766683)" was the Tutorial of the Week for October 06, 2008 and should be used if you do not wish to compile applications.

This tutorial is very well presented, and, most of all, supported. You can even browse a recent tutorial from the same author, "Top 10 Tricks and Tips for the svn MPlayer (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1154431)" that focuses on MPlayer usage. Long hours of fun ahead!

[bapoumba]

May, 18, 2009.
This week's featured tutorial is "Comprehensive ndiswrapper troubleshooting guide (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=885847)" by pytheas22 (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=358340). This tutorial is well written, regularly updated and supported, and has been very popular. If you have troubles configuring ndiswrapper even thought it properly installed, this is the place to look at. Wireless is just a few steps away!

[bapoumba]

June 1st, 2009.

This week, we step again out of the Tutorial & Tips section of the forums, to highlight psyke83 (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=50843)'s gigantic HOWTO: Jaunty Intel Graphics Performance Guide (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1130582). Intel graphic hardware is quite popular and Intel drivers code has been extensively developed. Jaunty has some problems with the latest intel drivers or acceleration method. You can choose one of the three proposed methods, from safe, to optimal and the always risky bleeding edge.

We hope this will help ou with Intel video chips, please feel free to post your questions in the thread, psyke83 is actively supporting his tutorial.

See you next week !

[bapoumba]

June 8, 2009

This week we are highlighting a thread that has been active and supported by frodon (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=23970) since October 20, 2005! This comprehensive "HOWTO : Create a FTP server with user access (proftpd) (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=79588)" is for you if you are willing to share files with friends over FTP protocol with proftpd, with username/password features (so only people you gave access will be able to get the files). Encryption is also detailed. Please do not hesitate to ask questions in the thread, frodon is always around to help people out.

Many thanks, frodon :)

[bapoumba]

July 6, 2009.

This week we would like to highlight FakeOutdoorsman (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=162846)'s well written and nicely presented "HOWTO: Easily enable MP3, MPEG4, AAC, and other restricted encoding in FFmpeg (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1117283)". As pointed out in the thread, this tutorial clears up some confusion linked to legal reasons restricting the abilities of the ubuntu provided FFmpeg package. Several options are provided, along with the steps to follow to revert changes and remove the restricted packages. Well done!

[bapoumba]

July 13, 2009.

tinivole (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=490875) has put together all the instructions to solve problems when using NViDIA video cards of the 8400 series and up. He is actively supporting his tutorial and many people have given input. Debugging steps are suggested if all does not go as per the book, as well as reverting the changes and going back to the ubuntu supported drivers.

The tutorial is located here: HowTo: NViDIA 185.18 Drivers in Ubuntu
(http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1125400)

Enjoy and see you soon :)

[jpeddicord]

July 27, 2009.

Who has never used Firefox? This tutorial from lovinglinux (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=649167), "Firefox optimization and troubleshooting thread (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1193567)" has rapidly gained a lot of attention. So if you are interested in various Firefox optimizations (speed, extensions, Flash, profiles etc.) this tutorial is for you. The thread is well written and organized, steps to revert the changes are presented and lovinglinux will give you support if you have any question.

Enjoy! bapoumba will return next for our next episode of Tutorial of the Week. Stay tuned! ;)

[bapoumba]

August 24, 2009

This is the second ToW from master_kernel (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=201430), a very popular and supported tutorial started in December 2006. Such dedication and popularity had to be recognized. Ever dreamed to compile your kernel? Check the "Master Kernel Thread (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=311158)" and dive! master_kernel will be there to give you a hand. Nice work, see you soon :)

[bapoumba]

August 31, 2009

This week we will explore some basic networking skills, and how to block IP lists from the GUI. uljanow (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=335776) has written a very popular "HOWTO: Graphical IP Blocker (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=530183)" which he's been actively supporting for two years now. The thread is huge and uljanow made it easy for beginners. Please stop by!

[bapoumba]

September 07, 2009

Many times, users having computers not connected to the internet or on very slow connections come to the forums and ask how they can update/upgrade their setup. BobSongs (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=53299) has written a very useful and well written and supported thread, where other users also came to give input and improve the tutorial. The thread has been live for 2 1/2 years and covers all supported ubuntu releases and major environments (ubuntu, kubuntu and xubuntu). Thank you BobSongs!

How To: Make Your Own Ubuntu Repository DVDs (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=352460)

[bapoumba]

September 21, 2009

DSDT (Differentiated System Description Table) is in the BIOS and this is where the OS looks for hardware and configuration info. It sometimes needs to be adjusted, in particular regarding ACPI. 67GTA (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=231204) has written a comprehensive tutorial for Ubuntu and Linux Mint: "HOWTO Fix A Buggy DSDT File (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1036051)" which currently works only up to Jaunty 9.04 release. I'm not sure I understand all the details, but reading through the thread, members seem to be able to fix a large range of ACPI related issues.

Credits to unutbu (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=518895) who suggested the tutorial. As unutbu puts it: It is kind of amazing (at least to me) that fixing one file can solve such a variety of problems.

[bapoumba]

September 28, 2009

This tutorial from kaivalagi (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=494551) is for conky users and will help you pull Google Calendar events in conky, respecting local date and time with different customizations. All packages are in a PPA, with versions from Hardy up to Karmic. Please make sure that in addition to this "Conky Google Calendar Python Script (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=837385)" tutorial you have a look at "Conky Weather Forecast Python Script (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?p=5452132)" form the same author.

Enjoy!

[bapoumba]

October 05, 2009.

Quite often, there is a delay between latest stable application version from an upstream project and updated version from the Ubuntu repositories. This gap is quite important with ALSA. Here is a tutorial from soundcheck (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=343879) that will help you install the latest official stable ALSA release: "ALSA Upgrade Script (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1046137)". The script should be used with caution as it installs packages itself without going through official repositories. A restore option is provided to reinstall sensitive packages and get them back to their previous Ubuntu version. Many sound issues appear to be solved by this tutorial! Sound should be treated like video via restricted hardware..

Enjoy :)

[bapoumba]

October 12, 2009

Today we'll step out of the Tutorial & Tips section to visit two tutorials, one of them in T&T, the other one in the current Karmic Development section. Both threads will let you know everything you always wanted to know about grub2 (but were afraid to ask). Both are from drs305 (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=223945). grub2 is default with Karmic and can be installed on Jaunty.

The first one, "GRUB 2 Basics" (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1195275) will get you started with grub2, in particular with the /boot/grub/grub.cfg and /etc/default/grub
files. The second one, "Grub 2 Title Tweaks Thread (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1287602)" will help you tweak grub2 titles to your desire. Before upgrading to Karmic, make sure you read both of them!

Special mention to ranch hand (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=647614)'s "Grub2 Introduction (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1285897)" for links to documentation.

[bapoumba]

October 19, 2009

This week we'll make an exception as this thread is not a real Tutorial, and the OP has been MIA for three years.. But the thread in Community Cafe is full of tweaks and tips to customize .conckrc files, nearly 1000 standard pages of them, almost 1000 replies and 1,500,500 views (as I write). This popular thread is where people go for help and others give advice about concky. We all know Ubuntu (and more generally Linux) users love to have a desktop no one else has. This thread is a good place to start. Global congratulations!

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=281865

[bapoumba]

November 9, 2009.

This week, we'll highlight a tutorial from dmizer (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=77219), one of the ubuntuforums moderators. dmizer is contributing to a large and never ending project: having Ubuntu and Windows talk to each other. Really worth noting!

"Howto: Fix Windows share browsing issues (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1169149)" will help you place everyone in the same workgroup, know each other's names, be able to talk though the walls, even the firewalls, share stuff and much more. Last but not least, dmizer will give you personalised support if your computers do not wish to cooperate.

Well, I cannot believe this tutorial had slipped thought the holes, all fixed now :)