Ubuntu 10.04 Beta 1 Released
Beta 1 is finally out after being postponed. I'd recommend you download the torrent version for the fastest download experience, check out the download page here.
What changes would you like to see in Beta 2 if it's not already been changed in this release? (I'm sure a lot of people are going to say, "buttons")
Howto: Install Skype on Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala
Skype hasn't officially released a .deb specifically for 9.10, but in this tutorial I've found that the 8.10+ .deb file works perfectly on Karmic Koala. I've hadn't had to configure anything to get the mic, sounds or camera to work with my laptop (Dell Studio 1535).
Step 1
Go to www.skype.com/download and get the appropriate 8.10+ version for you (32/64-bit).
Step 2
Launch the Skype install .deb file (just double click it) and follow the on screen prompts.
Note: If you have a dependency error or the installer fails, install a missing dependency using the following: sudo apt-get install libqt4-dbus
Step 3
Launch Skype from Applications->Internet menu and press either Ctrl+O or press the Skype symbol at the bottom of the window to open the options menu.
In the menu you'll see a option to Choose style: change that too "Desktop Settings or GTK+. Then apply the changes and next time you open Skype it'll be using you native theme.
Step 4 (Optional)
If you'd like to have Skype startup automatically when your system starts, go to "System -> Preferences -> Startup Application", Click "Add" and enter the following details:
- Name:
Skype - Command:
skype
Click "Save" and you're done! Next time you load up your system Skype will auto-launch.
Note: I only tired this on the 32-bit version of Karmic, but I'm sure if you use the correct .deb it should install fine for you.
Edit: If you're having problems with getting your mic to work check out this post: Quick Tip: Getting Your Mic Working with alsamixer
Please comment if you found this helpful or would like to make a suggestion.
Gmail Finally Out of Beta, Who knew?
I just notice while looking through the Gmail Labs list of features that you can put the "beta" back in the Gmail Logo, but the thing is I didn't even notice it was gone! I suppose Google finally manned up and decided they can't use the excuse that it's still in beta if something goes wrong (This happened 7th July 2009, I'm only noticing now...oops).
Gmail is far from a beta product, it's a rock solid web based email client. It's fast, easy to navigate and search your inbox (or multiple inboxes) and packed with great features - such as being able to download all your email to your local machine using Google Gears and enabling the offline feature in Gmail Labs. I especially like this because it gives me piece of mind that if something happened to Googles servers I still have a copies of my email locally.
Here's a few great Gmail Lab features:
- Offline (manage your email locally)
- Google Calendar gadget
- Undo Send (for those times you spot a mistake just after you've hit send!)
- Authentication icon for verified senders (anti-phishing)
- Multiple Inboxes
- Forgotten Attachment Detector (will make sure if you've said you've attached something in your email it will check for you)
- Mail Goggles (prevents drunk emailing your ex!)
- Navbar drag and drop (lets you organize the gadgets on the left as you like)
Google Labs does say that all these features are experimental so "they may change, break or disappear at any time." I guess there not completely getting ride of there beta life jacket just yet.