Disable Unnecessary Startup Applications

A simple one, more of a reminder than an instructional.

1. Open Startup Applications from the Unity dashboard.

2. Select the applications you no longer want to run and select Remove.

3. You can also use Boot Up Manager to disable unnecessary services and applications by putting

sudo apt-get install bum

into the terminal.

Solution To A Text-Based Script That Won't Run

So you've downloaded (or created) a script in the form of a text file but you can't seem to run it. Here's a possible solution.

In the folder containing the script:

1. Edit - Preferences
2. Go to the tab Behaviour and check Run executable files when they are opened.

Now go back and try to run your script and it should work.

One Simple, Easy Fix for Smoother HD Videos in VLC

I'm been having problems playing HD videos in VLC player recently, the main ones being tearing lines and flickering.

But I've found a simple fix.

1. Go to Tools then Preferences

2. Change "Show Settings" in the bottom left corner from "Simple" to "All"

3. Open "Input/Codecs" and go to "Video codecs" then x264

4. Enable "Skip loop filter"

And hopefully your HD videos will start playing smoothly.

How To Sync an IPhone in Ubuntu

I've recently switched back to using uBuntu after a long period of Windows Vista. So far I still love it, even the sidebar which I wasn't too keen on to begin with has grown on me. The only real problem I've had has been syncing my beloved iPhone. It was a bit of a struggle but I eventually solved it. If your struggling with it as well hopefully this post will save you the same struggle.

Ways that won't work #1: Media players on uBuntu (Banshee, Rhythmbox...) I saw a few articles sayin you can finally update your iPhone in 12.10 with these players but I haven't managed it. Yes, it connects and yes they recognise the device as containing music. You can play the music from the device, I was even been able to delete some tracks but for some reason you can't sync it. You should probably give this a go anyway. It takes about five minutes and if it works then aren't you lucky. You've made me slightly jealous.

 Ways that won't work #2: iTunes with playonlinux
playonlinux is a program that allows you to run various Windows programs on uBuntu, among which is iTunes. So far so good but the problem is iTunes isn't going to recognise your device. As far as I know there's no way to work around that.  

Here's How I Did It...

So far I've only found one method that works but it's not painless. The good news: you can finally update your iPhone. The bad news: you'll need a Windows OS install CD, a memory stick and a sizeable chunk of free disk space. If you don't have these then sorry, the rest of my post isn't going to be of any use to you.

1. Install VirtualBox from uBuntu software centre. VirtualBox is basically allows you to run Windows within uBuntu. Imagine having a computer running Windows within uBuntu. This is actually a pretty handy application if you need to run Windows programs on a regular basis. Install whichever operating system you want to use with the boot disks.

2. Install the VirtualBox extension from their website. You'll need the extension so that VirtualBox will recognise external devices. This should only take a couple of minutes.

3. Find somewhere to put your music. You can't access your files in uBuntu through VirtualBox which means you have to find a means to transfer them. I've been using a memory stick. The device only connects to one OS at a time so don't load Windows while you're still transferring your files to your memory stick or it'll mess up.

4. Install iTunes, add your music and update. Go online, find and install iTunes (or install it from a device, whatever is easiest for you), transfer your library and now finally you can sync your iPhone. I hope that helps you and if you've read this laughing to yourself because you know a far better way then please do tell me.

How to Block a Website Using the Hosts File in uBuntu

If you’ve ever wanted to block a website more comprehensively than a Firefox add on then this might be for you.

1. Hit Alt + F2 to bring up Run.

2. Type the command:

gksu gedit /etc/hosts

3. To block the website add 127.0.0.1 then the website. Tab to create the space, if you were wondering.

127.0.0.1 facebook.com
127.0.0.1 http://www.facebook.com

4. Save and you’re done. Obviously, you can always go back and remove those lines if you want to use those sites again.