Monday, December 15, 2014

Upgrade to Linux Mint 17.1 Cinnamon from LM 14

Notes on my Upgrade from Linux Mint 14 Cinnamon to
Linux Mint 17.1 Cinnamon

Backup 
first needed to backup my Linux Mint 14 files for a final time.  Having hardware probs with my dedicated file server, so decided to create a new one as a VM on my ProxMox server I setup several months ago. It has 3Gig of Raid protected storage on high quality NAS/SAN drives, so it's perfect really and has been underutilized with VMs to serve Minecraft (mineOS), WinXP for running tax software, and a few other test OS's.

Install
Get the install image, burn to DVD, put the new drive in the computer and complete the install process.
  • Grab the Linux Mint 17.1 Cinnamon 64 bit image from here: http://linuxmint.com/
  • burn to DVD, install fresh hard drive (preference, not required of course), complete install steps
Restore Files
Return the files I know I want to my computer.  I don't want to dump the complete home directory since desktop settings and many other files not needed reside there, so I'll restore in parts as shown below.
  • rsync -az --progress [user]@[serverIP]:/mnt/ChenStorage2/[user]/[user]bak20141028/[user]/Documents/ /home/[user]/Documents/
    • Documents folder already exists of course, so put slash (/) after folder
  • rsync -avzhP [user]@[serverIP]:/mnt/ChenStorage2/[user]/[user]bak20141028/[user]/Music-Inbox /home/[user]/Music-Inbox
  • rsync -avzh --progress  [user]@[serverIP]:/mnt/ChenStorage2/[user]/[user]bak20141028/[user]/Music/ /home/[user]/Music/
  • rsync -avzh --progress  [user]@[serverIP]:/mnt/ChenStorage2/[user]/[user]bak20141028/[user]/Video/ /home/[user]/Video/


Customization

Drivers and Updates
Whenever I suggest adding a package via terminal, one could use either of the graphical tools 'Software Manager' or 'Synaptic package manager' instead.
  • Instal the nVidia Graphics card proprietary driver (Administration/Driver Manager) 
  • Install all updates via update manager including those listed as higher risk
  • Get my printers working


  • Install the following packages to get proprietary multimedia working (via software manager, terminal, or synaptic package manager)
    • in terminal run the following
      • sudo apt-get install ubuntu-restricted-extras
      • sudo apt-get install libdvdread4
  • Enable DVD reading (enable patented components) so you can play Movie DVDs
    • in terminal run the following
      • sudo /usr/share/doc/libdvdread4/install-css.sh
  • set Gmail as default mail application so 'mailto:' web links work properly
    • Install the following package via terminal as follows
      • sudo apt-get install gnome-gmail
    • run gnome-gmail to setup your gmail account
  • get Amazon instant Video and Hulu Working:  
  • Oracle Java Packages
    • Not needed at this time - previously I had needed Oracle Java for ProxMox VM server functionality, however, at this point OpenJDK IcedTea 2.5.3 seems to be performing all the required ProxMox functions.
    • http://www.techsupportalert.com/content/tips-and-tricks-linux-mint-after-installation-mint-17-cinnamon-edition.htm
  • Google Drive via Grive Tools

 User Tweaks
Further tweaks to help things run to my liking
  • Guake start automatically: (first install)
    • in Startup Applications Preferences
    • click add, select the program /usr/bin/guake
    • the program path above was found using command: which guake
  • Date format: change the lower right panel date format to the following %b %e - %I:%M %p to make it more informative and readable
  • Terminate unresponsive programs via xkill using ctrl+alt+x
    • open Preferences/Keyboard
    • add 'custom keyboard shortcut' via button in 'keyboard shortcuts' tab
      • enter xkill in both name and command boxes, then click Add
      • assign shortcut key by selecting xkill, then clicking an unassigned keyboard binding, press key combination ctrl+alt+x when prompted
  • Re-start without rebooting (if frozen) -- functionality built in, just a reminder
    • ctrl+alt+delete  -- might work, brings you to a menu to logout
    • ctrl+alt+backspace  -- brings you back to login screen (ends windows session)

Install the following Programs
  • Accessories
    • grsync - another backup manager, front end for rsync, can connect to network drives
    • Guake - drop down terminal, my favorite!
    • Keepassx - password manager
    • LuckyBackup - rsync front end, backup manager
    • Shutter - screen capture with advanced features
  • Games
    • Steam-launcher Steam Games Launcher
  • Graphics
    • Darktable - virtual lighttable and darkroom for photographers
    • Hugin - panorama photo stitching program
    • Phatch - batch photo processor
    • Photoprint - Better print quality for printing photos!
    • rapid-photo-downloader - allows pulling and renaming of photos and videos from cameras with a single click
    • Pre-installed
      • Gimp
      • gThumb
      • ImageViewer
      • SimpleScan
  • Internet
    • Chrome - Google Chrome web browser
    • Etherape - graphical network monitor
    • Filezilla - full featured graphical ftp/ftps/ssh client
    • Gnome-gmail - to direct mailto: links to gmail
    • pre-installed
      • Firefox
      • Hexchat
      • Pidgin
      • Thunderbird Mail
      • Transmission
  • Office
    • Pre-installed
      • LibreOffice Suite
  • Sound and Video
    • avidemux - free video editor
    • gtk-recordmydesktop - screencast tool
    • K3b - CD/DVD burning application
    • pre-installed
      • Banshee
      • Brasero
      • Videos
      • VLC Media Player
  • Administration
    • hardinfo - System Information - shows detailed info on hardware
Program Tweaks

Further program specific tweaks to help things run to my liking.
  • K3b - add capability to convert mp3 to audio for burning audio disks
    • sudo apt-get install libk3b6-extracodecs
  • Rapid Photo Downloader
    • setup desired file renaming and folders where photos and videos should go
  • PhotoPrint - printer setup for Epson WF-3520
    • Output tab
      • Print Queue: WF-3520-Series
      • Printer Model: Epson   Epson WorkForce 645  (there is no WF-3520 listed, but this uses same ink)\
    • General
      • Print Quality: Photo
      • Media Type: Photo Quyality Inkjet Paper
    • Colour(Basic)
      • Brightness: 1.30
      • Saturation: 0.80
      • Image Type: Photograph
  • install firmware package that may or may not be used by computer
    • sudo apt-get install linux-firmware-nonfree

Further references:

still implementing some tweaks using prior upgrade as a guide: http://techtips-tom.blogspot.com/2013/03/my-switch-linux-mint-11-gnome-mint-14.html


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    Monday, June 2, 2014

    Mensaje acerca de las computadoras

    Saludos!   
    Me gustaría decir algunas cosas acerca de las computadoras que envió recientemente.  

    Sistema y programas
    Les envié con un sistema operativo completo y muchos juegos y programas educativos, incluyendo el idioma español completa Wikipedia (descarga de 2013).  Utilizan un formulario de Linux que se parece un poco como Winows XP. Sin embargo, no van a ejecutar programas de Windows. En cambio, hay muchos programas gratuitos alternativos. Ellos también son inmunes a la mayoría de los virus y son bastante estables.  Hay muchos otros programas y juegos que pueden instalarse libremente en estos sistemas.

    Usuarios
    The primary user is 'listo' with a password of 'listo1'
    Otros más potentes a los usuarios, el sistema se 'itadmin', 'maestra', y 'adelante' 
    Si usted necesita y aún no tiene la contraseña para los otros usuarios, envíeme un correo electrónico o una de las otras el personal de TI de NPH.

    Fijar el escritorio
    Uno de los problemas que hemos tenido es cuando los usuarios cambien la configuración del escritorio o eliminar partes del escritorio, haciendo que el sistema inutilizable.  Por esta razón, en la última versión, hemos añadido elementos de menú para solucionar estos problemas.  
    El usuario 'listo' puede ejecutar el programa    REPARAR DESKTOP
    El usuario 'itadmin' puede ejecutar los programas  REPARAR DESKTOP y GUARDAR DESKTOP
    REPARAR DESKTOP - configuración de copias de escritorio desde una ubicación guardada, restablecerlo a la original.  Es mejor usar 'listo' usuario.  Si el menú no está visible, haga un clic derecho en el ratón o Alt-F2.
    GUARDAR DESKTOP - copia la configuración actual de escritorio de los usuarios Listo a una ubicación guardada. Advertencia, no utilice a menos que esté satisfecho con la configuración del escritorio de los usuarios de Listo y ha realizado cambios que desea conservar. Para ver exactamente lo que hace cada programa, usted puede ver mi página de blog detallada que aparece a continuación.

    Información detallada
    Aquí está la información detallada sobre el sistema y los programas instalados.
    http://techtips-tom.blogspot.com/2012/06/xfce-desktop-for-spanish-education.html


    Instalar desde cero
    Si usted necesita para instalar el sistema desde cero, tengo un archivo de imagen completo se puede descargar. Puede utilizar un programa llamado Clonezilla para hacer una nueva instalación de la imagen de una unidad de red compartida. 

    No es demasiado duro y voy a escribir instrucciones. Preguntarme si usted los necesita. Las instrucciones están también en línea en Inglés:  http://clonezilla.org/clonezilla-live.php

    Usted puede obtener el programa Clonezilla aquí: 
    CPU architecture = i486     file type = iso

    Aquí está el archivo de imagen más reciente para descarga:

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    Saturday, March 2, 2013

    My switch Linux Mint 11 Gnome -> Mint 14 Cinnamon x64

    Here are my notes on my switch over for my main desktop OS....

    To Linux Mint 14 Cinnamon x64
    from Linux Mint 11 Gnome 64 bit.   I had tried Linux Mint Debian XFCE, but decided I wanted the added ease of use, stability and packages afforded by Ubuntu base and did not need so much the bleeding edge afforded by Debian testing base.  I then tried Linux Mint 13 XFCE x64, but after installing Mint 14 Cinnamon on my daughter's computer I was hooked!

    Nifty Help from Others
    Tips and tricks on Mint 13 Cinnamon: http://www.techsupportalert.com/content/tips-and-tricks-mint-after-installation-mint-13-cinnamon-edition.htm

    Video Driver and Updates
    Installed the nVidia Graphics card proprietary driver (now via tab in software sources program) and performed all other system updates

    Netflix and Amazon Prime Setup
    Netflix setup is available using ehoover's repository.  Setup from there as follows:
    http://www.ubuntuupdates.org/ppa/ehoover_compholio_netflix   http://www.iheartubuntu.com/2012/11/ppa-for-netflix-desktop-app.html
    • sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ehoover/compholio
    • sudo apt-get update
    • sudo apt-get install netflix-desktop
    Amazon Prime was working correctly in Firefox for a while, then in Dec 2012 suddenly quit working for some videos.  After some search, I discovered the solution.  The package 'hal' needed to be installed.  Once installed from Software manager, Amazon prime movies began working again.

    Java 7 from Oracle
    ProxMox Server administration would not work properly under OpenJDK (unfortunately), so I needed to install Oracle Java 7.  My instructions for doing so are here: http://techtips-tom.blogspot.com/2013/01/getting-java-working-in-linux-mint-14.html

    • sudo add-apt-repository ppa:webupd8team/java
    • sudo apt-get update
    • sudo apt-get install oracle-java7-installer
    • java -version
      • this verifies the oracle java 7 is installed (if not link to tutorial)
    • update-java-alternatives -l
      • this lists the installed alternatives - note the openjdk java listed
    • sudo update-java-alternatives -s [name of openjdk]
      • this switches back to primary java use of openjdk, but keeps links to Oracle Java 7 intact for functions not supported in openjdk
      • will show some errors because of the missing alternatives in openjdk
    • java -version
      • this should show the openjdk java
    Create Menu Item or Launcher
    At first I could not figure out how to Create a menu item or modify the menu, a bit tricky, though simple and logical...
    • To Create menu item or modify Menu
      • Right click on "Menu" on the panel and choose "Edit menu"
      • Add menu item or modify menu as desired
    • To create Launcher
      • right click anywhere on desktop and choose "create launcher"
    • Move Menu item to Panel (quick launch), desktop, or favorites (left in Menu)
      • simply right click the desired program in Menu and choose the desired location
    Minecraft Launcher
    The suggested sample launcher script given on Minecraft.net does not work.  Following is what works for me:
    • command:  java -jar /home/user/.minecraft/minecraft.jar
    • downloaded image file for menu icon and placed in .minecraft folder
    • Created menu item as described above with the command given here

    Pithos - Pandora Music Player
    This nifty program allows me to use Pandora service in a true aplication/program so my keyboard media buttons work.  http://kevinmehall.net/p/pithos/
    • sudo add-apt-repository ppa:kevin-mehall/pithos-daily
    • sudo apt-get update
    • sudo apt-get install pithos

    Rapid Photo Downloader - The best for getting images off your devices, renaming and ordering
    To get the latest version, added the following ppa repository.  Followed this help: http://damonlynch.net/rapid/ubuntu.html  and performed the following in console.

    • sudo add-apt-repository ppa:dlynch3
    • sudo apt-get update
    • sudo apt-get install rapid-photo-downloader


    Steam Games and Flash Player within steam
    Installed Steam for buying and installing games.  (I'm not much of a gamer, but want to support the the industry as they consider porting games for Linux.)  One of the issues is that the flash player within steam does not work.  Found this workaround: http://www.webupd8.org/2013/01/how-to-get-flash-player-to-work-with.html  It entails doing the following:

    • download Adobe Flash Player 32 bit from here (even though my system is 64 bit - yes):  http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/completion/?installer=Flash_Player_11.2_for_Ubuntu_(apt)
    • unzip in the download directory
    • Make a directory for the new flash plugin
      • mkdir -p ~/.local/share/Steam/ubuntu12_32/plugins
    • Move the file .../install_flash_player_11_linux.i386/libflashplayer.so into the folder you made ~/.local/share/Steam/ubuntu12_32/plugins
    • you can now delete the downloaded and unzipped files
    • made sure the libxt6:i386 was installed on my computer:  it was
      • sudo apt-get install libxt6:i386
    GRIVE - Google Drive Configuration
    Because Google does not have an official Google Drive client for Linux yet (to automatically sync Google drive to a spot on your local hard drive), can use an open source alternative.  One is available via a WebUpd8 PPA.  See this page for details: http://www.webupd8.org/2012/05/grive-open-source-google-drive-client.html  Problems are that it is command line only, no auto sync, doesn't download google docs.

    Another Google drive setup available is via a .deb package.  Found here with instructions:  http://www.thefanclub.co.za/how-to/ubuntu-google-drive-client-grive-and-grive-tools
    Problems with the above are: no downloading of Google docs, no auto-sync.

    I'm skipping this setup for now... think I will wait for official client.

    SpiderOak Backup
    SpiderOak.com has a good online backup solution and has had a stable Linux client for much time.  Allows you to share files with others, file encryption, etc.  Download client install file from https://spideroak.com/opendownload/

    Printer Configuration
    Because gnome-control-center has a broken or useless link to printer setup options, I added a launcher to system-config-printer, which seems to be awol from the menu.
    • To Create desktop launcher
      • Right click desktop and select "create launcher"
      • Write system-config-printer in the command box.
    • To create Menu Item
      • Right click on Menu and select "Edit menu"
      • Fill out options the same as when creating a launcher

    Cinnamon Nightly Build
    Maybe a bit risky, but because Cinnamon is new enough, decided to add repository to update to nightly builds.
    mySQL or MariaDB
    I am looking at MariaDB as a replacement for mySQL.  Seems like the way to go, but for now, going to install mySQL, then play with MariaDB on the side.  I've been installing mySQL right on my desktop computer and running it in the background for my business accounting database back end without any issues.  Following are the packages installed.

    • mysql-server 
    • automysqlbackup - for automatic backups
    • libreoffice-mysql-connector - for moving data between mySQL database and spreadsheets
    • Install MySQL Workbench.  This replaces MySQL Administrator and MySQL browser
      • Download from here; http://dev.mysql.com/downloads/workbench/ tried the 12.04 download as no 12.10 listed.
      • try to install the 64bit deb package, has depency problem: libctemplate0 not installed
      • Add PPA repository someone created as follows:
        • sudo add-apt-repository ppa:olivier-berten/misc
        • sudo apt-get update
        • sudo apt-get install mysql-workbench
        • to start the application 
          • type in terminal:  "mysql-workbench &"
          • or select MySQL Workbench from menu
        • reference 1  Reference 2
    • Other Admin front ends to try
    • Help on SQL
    • MySQL Workbench
      • First go through the "New Server Instance" setup to connect to local SQL Server
      • Now I can "Manage Import/Export" to add in my SQL dump file from my old computer
    • Connecting to SQL database from LibreOffice Base
      • /Edit/Database/Properties
        • Database name = GVaccounts
        • Server  = localhost
        • Port = 3306
        • User name = []
        • select password required
      • /Edit/Database/Connection Type
        • Database type = MySQL (Native)
    SimpleScreenRecorder
    This program is a good screen recording program which overcomes some of the problems of other options.  Enter the following in a terminal.  Thanks to Jim Lynch for the heads up.
    • sudo add-apt-repository ppa:maarten-baert/simplescreenrecorder
    • sudo apt-get update
    • sudo apt-get install simplescreenrecorder


    Sony Music Player - flash player woes
    I have 2 Sony mp3 players.  Both stopped working in recent versions of Linux in terms of being able to transfer music files on or off the player.  I had given up on this, deciding to not buy this brand again, and keeping my music stagnant on it, occasionally updating from someone else's computer.
    WORK AROUND is now working again.  Just installed jsymphonic from the software manager and now able to access these players again.  jsymphonic - file manager for sony's mp3 players.

    Add my Favorite Programs
    • Accessories
      • KeypassX - password vault
      • Lucky Backup - full featured front end for rsync
      • grsync - another rsync front end, connects to network drives
      • Guake - my favorite terminal app
      • Shutter - screen saver that lets you edit screen shots before saving them to custom location
      • SpiderOak Backup - computer back up service front end
      • optional:
        • ClamTK - antivirus front end
        • jSymphonic - allows access to Sony music players
        • f.lux - night time screen dimmer
        • USB Image writer (LM 17 has USB writer)
    • Administration
      • optional
        • APTonCE
        • GParted - disk format utility  (LM 17 has USB formatter & Disks)
        • hardinfo - System Information - shows detailed info on hardwqare
    • ChromeApps - installs automatically with Chrome apps
    • Education
      • BibleTime - bible study program

    • Games
      • Steam - I am not a gamer, but I appreciate the Linux support of the Steam community (same reasoning for purchasing Humble Indy Bundles).  I signed up and bought a couple titles... works great, even in Beta!  http://store.steampowered.com/about/
      • Neverball
    • Graphics
      • darktable - professional grade negative and image editor
      • Fotowall - very nice and easy collages and photo arrangements
      • gThumb - quick photo cropping and simple editing
      • Inkscape - vector graphics creator
      • Openshot - easy to use video editor
      • PhotoPrint - simple but powerfull photo printing program, better photo printing results
      • rapid-photo-downloader - Great for automatic downloading, renaming, then deleting of photos and videos off of device digital camera or other devices 
      • Optional
        • Document Viewer - if PDFs are not displaying correctly in default viewer
        • pdfmod - edit pdf docs
        • pdf shuffler - rearrange, merge, etc
        • Shape collage - powerful java based program to make photo collages from many photos, needs to be downloaded from web site http://www.shapecollage.com/online/  
        • Inkscape - vector graphics program
    • Internet
      • Chrome Browser (Download .deb from Internet)
      • EtherApe - graphical view of network traffic and more
      • FileZilla - Easy file browsing and transfer over sftp, ftp, ssh, etc
      • Google Music Manager - allows me to upload titles to/from Google account (both for purchasing from Play and for downloading my other music onto my Android devices)
      • Pidgin - My favorite (for now) IM client
      • Transmission - simple, stable bitTorrent client
      • Optional
        • Chromium Browser
        • Google Earth
        • Skype
    • Office
      • ePDFviewer - worked to print a few PDF docs when the default viewer had misplaced numberical dataap
      • Optional
        • GNUCash - Personal finance
        • Gnumeric - light weight spreadsheet
        • KeepNote - simple note taking
        • PDF Shuffler - working with PDFs
    • Programming (optional)
      • Emma - SQL front end, simple
      • Meld
    • Sound & Video
      • Audio Tag Tool - fixing mp3 tags
      • Pithos - Pandora music player
      • K3B - awesome disk writer
      • Netflix desktop - from PPA, see above, but maybe obsolete soon!
      • Openshot video editor - video projects
      • VLC media player
      • Optional
        • simple screen Recorder
        • Sound Recorder
    • System
      • Lucky Backup - fav backup program
      • Guake - (my favorite quick command line access) via F12
      • VirtualBox  Non-free
      • Optional
        • Unet Boot  (LM 17 has USB writer)
        • Wine
    Other packages to install:
    • ubuntu-restricted-extras  This package allows playing of mp3s, etc. Perhaps unnecessary with Linux Mint.  Actually, thsi uninstalled libavcodec53 and libavutil51 and replaced them with libavcodedc-extra-53 and libavutil-extra51.  It also installed various other packages..


    Programs I am testing




    Other Resources
    • Web Upd8 PPA repository source for adding tweaks and content to Ubuntu via repositories:  http://www.webupd8.org/


     Side Launch Bar Setup


    NOT DONE - TO DO OR INVESTIGATE  --  BELOW

     Database
    Maria Database vs MySql
    Database backup: http://www.percona.com/doc/percona-xtrabackup/intro.html

     Programs to try
    SM Player - reviewed as the best video player for all media including DVDs
    PeaZip - all inclusive and fast
    Splash Top - Remote viewer, proprietary, up to 10x faster, access computer from pad even
    Pitivi - video editing
    Devede - for creating video dvds, different focus from above
    Firestarter or GUFW - graphical front end to UFW firewall
    Crashplan - alternate backup to LuckyBackup
    XBMC - home theater software for turning your pc into a home theater
    Tomahawk - music center combining local and online music sources
    Okular - nice pdf (, etc) reader, but best with KDE desktop


    Notes, Other Resources

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    Wednesday, January 9, 2013

    MineOS Turnkey on ProxMox VM server

    MineOS on ProxMox VM server

    Using MineOS Turnkey!
    Will, the developer of MineOS and MineOS Crux is at it again with the upcoming release of MineOS Turnkey.  The great news here is stable, kept up to date OS core behind Will's great Minecraft front end.   https://groups.google.com/forum/?hl=en#!topic/mineos/zGloo4J0vnc

    I had been using MineOS Crux, MineOS+, and MineOS at times before, but on reinstalling a server found the 64 bit versions buggy at best and not working at worst.  Plus the install procedures were difficult.

    On the VM architecture I had previously used Ubuntu based KVM, Oracle VirtualBox and VMWare Vsphere.  This is my first OS install on ProxMox VM server, so thought I would take time and document both ProxMox utilization as well as my MineOS install and preferred settings.

    Resources:
    1. My ProxMox Setup Blog: http://techtips-tom.blogspot.com/2012/12/proxmox-21-my-first-trial.html
    2. Pull the latest Mineos_turnkey.iso from Will's MineOS download page: http://minecraft.codeemo.com/crux/ 
    3. see other links below

    PROXMOX

    Upload ISO OS image
    • Pull the latest Mineos_turnkey.iso from Will's MineOS download page: http://minecraft.codeemo.com/crux/ 
    • Select a storage device by clicking on it (e.g. "local") in the left column
    • Choose the "content" tab in in the main (right) window
    • Click on the "Upload" link on the top of the main content window
    • Select the MineOS Crux iso from the local hard drive

    Setup VM Characteristics
    • In the ProxMox Web Interface, select the Desired Server, then in upper right hand corner click on the "Create VM" button.
    • VM settings
      • General: 
        • select the server node and leave the default VMID of 100
        • Name it "MineOSCruxTurnkey"
        • leave the Resource Pool Blank as I have none defined yet
      • OS: Select LInux 3.x/2.6 Kernel
      • CD/DVD: Use image file, and select the iso image I had uploaded
      • Hard Disk:  IDE 8 to 16 GB raw disk image
      • CPU: 1 socket, 2 core, qemu64 type
      • Memory: 3072 MB
      • Network: Bridged Mode with all defaults
      • Confirm and finish
    Install MineOS Turnkey
    • Pull the latest Mineos_turnkey.iso from Will's MineOS download page: http://minecraft.codeemo.com/crux/ 
    • Follow the install screen, self explanitory
    • I had problems with MineOS web GUI username not being accepted, but understand this is not a normal problem... If by chance you get the same error see my problem and resolution here
    MineOS Additions
    • Added Bukketbeta by "create new profile" button on Overview screen.  This added entries to the mineos.config file as follows 
      • [downloads] 
        • bukkitbeta_jar=http://dl.bukkit.org/latest-beta/craftbukkit-beta.jar
      • [bukkitbeta]
        • ignore =
        • jar_file = craftbukkit-beta.jar
        • jar_args =

    Webmin Tweaks
    • Change timezone, so my cronjobs work when expected
      • http://www.turnkeylinux.org/blog/configuring-timezone
      • Log into webmin https://[serverip]:12321
      • Navigate to system/software packages
      • select Package from APT, type in webmin-time and click install
      • Navigate to system/system time, click on change timezone, select your and apply
    (Update: this section no longer needed as Turnkey MineOS now is complete)
    Install Missing things Using Will's Ubuntu Guide

    PLUGIN MODS



    OTHER INFO
    Minecraft Server Problems
    • I had significant problems with the 64 bit versions of MineOS Crux and MineOS +, so abandoned trying to get them to work for now.

    Java Problems:
    I updated java on my local computer to get proxmox server functionality working, but now am having problems with Minecraft and other java programs on my computer.

    • Right click the new VM located under the server in the left pane, then select start
    • Next select Console... and find out we have a java problem
    • follow this advice: http://community.linuxmint.com/tutorial/view/1091
    • Now java works after I tell it to trust the content... and I can start the install


    MineOS Crux can be found here: http://minecraft.codeemo.com/
    ProxMox can be found here: http://www.proxmox.com/
    ProxMox Installation tips here: http://pve.proxmox.com/wiki/Installation
    ProxMox HOW TOs: http://pve.proxmox.com/wiki/Category:HOWTO



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    Tuesday, January 8, 2013

    Getting Java working in Linux Mint 14 XFCE and Cinnamon for ProxMox and other apps


    Linux Mint 14 XFCE and Cinnamon
    The following are the Steps which I took to install Oracle Java 7, which I needed for ProxMox functionality, then reverting back to openJDK so other apps I have (don't work on Oracle Java 7) still work.

    What I Actually Did
    • Followed the advice here: http://www.webupd8.org/2012/01/install-oracle-java-jdk-7-in-ubuntu-via.html
      • sudo add-apt-repository ppa:webupd8team/java
      • sudo apt-get update
      • sudo apt-get install oracle-java7-installer
    • This installed Java 7, but not all my java stuff works with Java 7 yet, so for now I switch back to the default Openjdk.  This leaves the new functionality of java 7 needed for ProxMox intact, namely the embedded vncviewer functions.  So after we are left with a mixed setup,  but it works for now, and I can switch back and forth between java versions using the command given below.
      • switch back to the openjdk java
        • java -version
          • this verifies the oracle java 7 is installed (if not link to tutorial)
        • update-java-alternatives -l
          • this lists the installed alternatives
          • note the openjdk java listed
        • sudo update-java-alternatives -s [name of openjdk]
          • this switches back to primary java use of openjdk, but keeps links to Oracle Java 7 intact for functions not supported in openjdk
          • will show some errors because of the missing alternatives in openjdk
        • java -version
          • this should show the openjdk java
    • Various command options:
      • Check the java version installed
        • java -version
      • help on the update-java-alternatives
        • man update-java-alternatives
      • Remove the Oracle Java 7
        • sudo apt-get remove oracle-java7-installer


    How this is setup on Linux Mint 14 XFCE and Cinnamon
    • update-java-alternatives: this is the program setup for 
    • jinfo files: java info files are used to inform the update-java-alternatives program, which is the program that is used to change java alternatives
      • hidden file located in /usr/lib/jvm/ ... example /usr/lib/jvm/.java-1.7.0-openjdk-amd64.jinfo
      • contains information on where to access java sub-programs and plugins
    • Sim links from /usr/bin/[file] to /etc/alternatives/[file] for the following
      • java --> java
      • javaws --> javaws
      • jexec --> jexec
      • missing is a jar link that some help sites reference
    • Sim link from /etc/alternatives/[file] to /usr/lib/jvm/[dir/file] for the following (thus a link of a link is formed)
      • java --> java-7-openjdk-amd64/jre/bin/java
      • javaws --> java-7-openjdk-amd64/jre/bin/javaws
      • jexec --> java-7-openjdk-amd64/jre/lib/jexec
      • keytool --> java-7-openjdk-amd64/jre/bin/keytool
      • itweb-settings --> java-7-openjdk-amd64/jre/bin/itweb-settings
      • Plus the sim links for .1.gz files from and to same directories as above for the following
        • java.1.gz  --> java-7-openjdk-amd64/jre/man/man1/java.1.gz
        • javaws.1.gz --> java-7-openjdk-amd64/jre/man/man1/javaws.1.gz
        • jexec-binfmt --> java-7-openjdk-amd64/jre/lib/jar.binfmt
        • keytool.1.gz --> java-7-openjdk-amd64/jre/man/man1/keytool.1.gz
        • itweb-settings.1.gz --> java-7-openjdk-amd64/jre/bin/itweb-settings.1.gz

    Links to other help resources:

    I had started out on this path, but abandoned it when seeing the easier install method I used above:
    • Download the latest Java from Oracle's Java.com website
    • Open a terminal and do the following
    • Move this file into the right directory for Linux Mint
      • sudo mv ~/Downloads/jre-7* /usr/lib/jvm
    • Unpack in place, then delete the original file.  You will now have a directory in place with the new java runtime file in it. /usr/lib/jvm/jre1.7.0_10
      • cd /usr/lib/jvm
      • sudo tar zxvf jre-7u10-linux-x64.tar.gz
      • sudo rm jre -7u*
    • Create links to new java programs
      (this will be a LOT of work)
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    Thursday, July 26, 2012

    Como creer disco de instalacion y installar por otra computadoras


    • connectar al Internet
    • iniciar la sessió com itadmin
    • Arreglar algunos cosas
      • Eror con Origen Kiwix
        • Menu/Preferencias/Origenes del software
        • Abrir "Other Software"
        • anule la seleccion de ... ppa...kiwixteam
        • cerrar y recargar
    • Actualizar
      • sigue menu/preferencias/Gestor de actualizaciones
      • has click por "instalar actualizaciones"
      • (hay un error con kiwix, pero no importa)
    • Remastersys
      • sigue menu/preferencias/Remastersys Backup
      • selecionar "Modify", despues "OK"
        • click "e" despues "OK" para no incluir algunos archivos
          • verificar que dice esso, si no, escribe:
          • /share/wiki/wikipedia_es_all_09_2010_beta1.zim /home/itadmin/.www.kiwix.org/* /home/maestra/.www.kiwix.org/*
          • esta dice que no incluya wikipedia ni index por 2 usarios (si incluya, es mas grande que disco DVD
        • click "c", despues "OK" a modificar nombre de archivo
          • creer una nombre, como 
          • lm9lxdenowiki.iso
          •  ... o algo que termina con .iso y no tiene spaces
      • selecionar "Backup", despues "OK", despues OK en nuevo ventana
        • esperar mucho tiempo!
        • (y no hacer nada más en el equipo)
    • quemar DVD o USB
      • DVD
        • conectar disco DVD con disco vacio
        • selecionar /home/remastersys/remastersys/lm9lxdenowiki.iso
        • empuje boton derecho del raton
        • selecionar "abrir con Xfburn"
      • USB
        • Formatear USB con ext4
        • instalar Unetbootin
        • Abrir UNetbootin: menu/Herramientas del sistema/UNetbootin
        • Selecionar "DiscoImagen" con ISO y archivo /home/remastersys/remastersys/[nombredeISO].iso
        • Selecionar Mostrar Todas las Unidades y selecionar su USB (talves /dev/sdb1)
        • Empuje Aceptar ... y esperar
        • si formatear USB con ntfs, tiene mensaje bootmgr is missing... es problema con ntfs
          • formatear USB con ext4 o ext3
      • con USB, si tiene sufficiente grande, se puede creer al iso de remastersys con todos archivos incluido al wikipedia

    Termino con instruciones otra dia cuando esta proceso terminas!
    pero es algo asi::::


    Create Disk and Test
    • by default remastersys creates an iso file in the /home/remastersys/remastersys directory named custombackup.iso
    • I copied this over to another machine to burn it using
    • [scp /home/remastersys/remastersys/custombackup.iso maestra@[ipofmachine]:/home/maestra/Downloads]



    Installing From DVD & followup steps

    After burning the DVD, you can live boot another computer.  The menu option for directly installing from disk was not working.  Once the system is booted in live mode, you need to log off and log on as another user with admin privelages (auto boot set to boot into listo user with no privelages). 
    • switch users to Maestra user
    • open home folder
    • double click on the Install shortcut
    • language and time zone choices are not important as the system installs the options in the remastered image instead of what is chosen here.
    • Reboot after installation, removing install disk when prompted
    • Log off and back on as Maestra (need privelaged user)
    • Install any updates
    • Remove the following broken programs
      • gltron
      • gplanarity
    • Add the following programs (last minute addition - games that work well on older computers)
      • slingshot
      • pyracerz (Py Racerz)
      • tomatoes (I have no tomatoes)
    • Copy Wikipedia image from other computer
      • I saved this on a particular computer in directory /home/username/share
      • sudo scp [user]@[ipaddres]:/home/[user]/share/wikipedia_es_all_09_2010_beta1.zim /share/wiki/  --this copies from other computer to correct directory
      • sudo chown /share/wiki/wi.... itadmin
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    Friday, June 29, 2012

    Nino Mint - XFCE Desktop for Spanish Education

    Nino Mint Project     Learn - Play - Do - Build - Grow

    Linux for Install on Older Computers for Educational use in Central America and Carribian

    (work in progress)  
    Based on the success of my last build (see this link) plus enhancements like locking down some settings (aka partial Kiosk mode) and including a reset script.

    I decided for my current build to utilize Linux Mint Debian (LMDE) 32 bit with XFCE windows manager.  This will hopefully allow me in months and years ahead to update the build without starting from scratch.  XFCE will also allow some nice features like Kiosk Mode.  I am planning to implement some of Kiosk mode features combined with a RESET script to restore desktop areas which I do not lock.  Another idea is to setup a pre-configured server with PXE boot support and Clonezilla loaded with an original image, so they can completely reformat the computers when needed.

    Without further ado, below are the steps I took to create a full featured, ready to use system for distribution on refurbished computers.

    Tale of Contents
    OS Install
    Programs Installed - Basic
    Users and Groups
    Directories for Shared Files
    Additional Program Setup Steps
    System Tweaks - only once
    System Tweaks - each user
    Hide and Uninstall Programs
    Kiosk Mode and Reset Script


    OS Install
    Installed LMDE XFCE 32 bit with 1 gig swap, otherwise remaining disk partitioned with ext4, no LVM.  Install all updates.


    Programs Installed
    The easiest way to install these is in terminal using command "sudo apt-get install" followed by a list of the programs listed below separated by a space (first letter of program is not normally capitalized and capitalization matters).

     Accessories
    • Guake - nice f12 terminal application - I will use this if no one else (favorite)
    • Xournal - note taking program for mixing drawn and typed notes
    • Programs included with Linux Mint: (will hide or delete those in Red for listo user)
      • This list is too long to type here, so I will only include those we desire to hide or delete
      • Terminal de Root
    Graphics
    • Darktable - professional quality photo program
    • Dia - Diagram editor
    • Inkscape - vector graphics program
      • ink-generator - to make pdfs and more
    • LibreCAD - CAD program
    • Picasa - Photo program
    • Pinta - simple, but flexible image editor
    • Gimp (Programa de maipulacion de imagenes de GNU)- powerfull and complicated image editor
      • abr2gbr - photoshop brush converter for importing custom brushes
      • gimp-data-extras - extra brushes, palates, etc for Gimp (installed by default)
      • gimp-gap - adds video editing to Gimp
      • gimp-help-es - help files for Gimp (installed by default)
      • gimp-plugin-registry - various add on tools
      • gimp-resynthesizer - makes large textures from small samples (add on)
    • Scribus - desktop publishing program
      • Scribus-doc - documentation (documentation English only)
      • scribus-ng-doc - additional documentation
      • scribus-template - more templates
    • Programs included with Linux Mint: (will hide or delete those in Red for listo user)
      • gThumb - photo thumbnail viewer
      • LibreOffice Draw - drawing program
      • Simple Scan - scanner interface
      • Visor de documentos - pdf viewer
      • Visor de imagenes - image viewer
    Internet
    • Chromium-browser - fully opensource browser
      • chromium-browser-l10n - language packs
      • chromium-inspector - page inspector (lmde edition only)
      • chromium-codecs-ffmpeg and chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-extra (LM13 only)
    • Filezilla - gui FTP client
    • Programs included with Linux Mint: (will hide or delete those in Red for listo user)
      • client Thunderbird - email client
      • Client Pidgin - instant message client
      • GNOME PPP - dial up  modem configuration tool
      • Darktable - professional quality photo programNavegador web Firefox - web browser
      • Transmission - download manager
      • XChat IRC - instant message client
    Education
    • Basic256 - for learning basic programming language
    • BibleTime - Bible Study Program
    • Childsplay - education program for small children
      • childsplay-alphabet-sounds-es
    • El Pequeno Mago (littlewizard) - Learn basics of programing
    • GChemPaint - Chemistry Molecule Builder
    • GeoGebra - Geometry learning application
    • GNU Solfege (Solfege) - music education program
      • solfege-doc
    • GPeriodic - simple periodic table
    • JFractionLab - learning fractions
    • Kalzium - Periodic table of elements
      • KHelpCenter4 - Help center used for this and other KDE designed applications
    • Kbruch -- fraction learning application    (not yet in Spanish language)
    • Kiwix - (see below how to install)
    • Klavaro - Typing tutor
    • KmPlot - Plotting program
    • KStars - Star map program
      • kstars-data-extra-tycho2 -- extra starmap info
    • KTurtle - Programming learning program   (not yet in Spanish language)
    • Marble - Globe and map program
      • marble-plugins -- enables the shared libraries
      • libmarblewidget13 - shared libraries for Marble
    • MathWar - a math memorization game
    • Suite educativa GCompris (GCompris) - educational program for small kids
      • gcompris-sound-es  -- Spanish language for gcompris
      • gnucap - electrical circuit plugin for gcompris
    • TuxMath - Math game
    • TuxPaint - painting program for very young kids (80Mb)
    • TuxType - Typing game
    Games
    • Glchess (ajedrez) - faster chess game (3 Mb) 
      • stockfish - computer AI player
    • Atomix - puzzle chemistry game
    • Biloba - strategy board game
    • Bovo - 5 in a row strategy game
    • Ceferino - platform (2Mb disk space)
    • Chromium-bsu - arcade style space shooter
    • ColorCode - like mastermind (1 Mb)
    • Enigma - marble puzzle
    • ExtremeTuxRacer - downhill ski game with penguin
    • Flobopuyo - color matching tetris like game
    • FreeCiv-GTK (freeciv-client-gtk) - turn based strategy game
    • Frogatto - classic platform game
    • Frozen-bubble - bubble matching game
    • gBrainy - puzzle game (automatically installs in Spanish language)
    • GRhino - Go clone (2 Mb)
    • Wesnoth (la batalla por) - turn based strategy game
    • lBreakout2 - like classic breakout
    • lMarbles - game like atomix
    • Mahjongg - classic tile game
    • Minas (gnomine) - clone of Minesweep
    • Neverball - tilting floor marble game
    • Neverputt - mini golf game
    • OpenArena - FPS like Doom
    • Pingus - like lemmings
    • PyRacerz - top down toy car racing game
    • Quadrapassel - tetris clone
    • Ri-li - train game for younger kids
    • Slingshot - physics based space battle
    • Sudoku (gnome-sudoku) - math puzzle game
    • Solitario AisleRoit (aisleroit)- Solitare game with many games in one
    • Suite ecucativa GCompris (gcompris) - also in Education
    • Supertux - Mario clone
    • Tuxfootball - Soccer game
    • Warmux - multiplayer war game
    Multimedia
    • AcetoneISO - disk emulator to mount CD/DVD images
    • Audacity - multi-track audio editor
    • Bombono DVD (bombono-dvd) - DVD authoring program
    • GNU Solfege (solfege) (also above in education)
    • Imagination - Slide show maker
    • Openshot - create and edit videos
      • openshot-doc - documentation files
    • Programs included with Linux Mint: (will hide or delete those in Red for listo user)
      • Brasero - cd burning
      • Gnome MPlayer - media player
      • Grabadora de sonidos - simple sound recorder
      • Mezclador - volume conrol
      • Reproductgor de peliculas
      • VLC - media player (was included)
    Office
    • Freemind - mind mapping program
      • freemind-doc  - help files
      • freemind-browser  - for viewing in web browser
      • freemind-plugins-svg
      • freemind-plugins-script
      • freemind-plugins-help
    • LibreOffice - all programs
      • libreoffice-help-es  -- Spanish help files for LibreOffice
      • libreoffice-l10n-es -- Spanish language
      • openclipart-libreoffice -- clip art files
      • libreoffice-pdfimport -- pdf import filter
      • libreoffice-evolution  - email plugin
      • libreoffice-filter-binfilter  - legacy file filters
      • docvert-libreoffice  - publish to pdf and other formats
      • Programs included with Linux Mint: (will hide or delete those in Red for listo user)
        • Diccionario - dictionary which requires online access
        • LibreOffice Base, Calc, Draw, Impress, Math, and Writer
      System
      • Aptoncd - program to create backups, transfer packages to non-connected machines, etc  I use this for burning a DVD of my full build for installing directly on another computer.
      • Virtualbox-nonfree - virtualization program
      Other
      • OpenSSH-server - used for connecting to computer via SSH (for remote maintenance)
        • openssh-blacklist  - know bad openssh keys
        • openssh-blacklist-extra
      • numlockx - turns numlock on automatically at startup
      • gnome-system-tools (LM13 only was missing users and groups plus other apps)


      Users and Groups
      • Setup the following users via system/users and groups/add user
        • maestra: Installed with this user, will be utilized by instructors
        • listo: User for general use by students
        • itadmin: Reserved for IT admins only
        • adelante: Rarely used by students or staff with laptops
          (change password for each separate machine)
      • Advanced User Settings
        • Under system/users and groups, then advanced settings/user privileges 
        • All users should have all priveleges checked 
        • EXCEPT listo user should NOT have "administer the system", "monitor system registries", or "configure printers" checked
      • Groups - Select Manage groups (from the users Settings app) and make the following changes
        • adm - select all users EXCEPT listo
        • admin - create and select select all users EXCEPT listo
        • sambashare - select all users EXCEPT listo
        • ssh - select itadmin only
        • staff - select maestra and itadmin only
        • sudo group - select all users EXCEPT listo
        • users group - select all users
        • vboxuser - select all users
          • must be done after installation of virtualbox
      Directories for Shared Files
      Make the following directories for shared file location
      • /share  -- used to hold shared information via the following subdirectories
        • sudo mkdir /share
      • /share/basic
        • sudo mkdir /share/basic
      • /share/biblia
        • sudo mkdir /share/biblia
      • /share/foto
        • sudo mkdir /share/foto
      • /share/musica
        • sudo mkdir /share/musica
      • /share/wiki
        • sudo mkdir /share/wiki
      • /share/admin
        • sudo mkdir /share/admin
      Now modify rights on these directories
      • /share rights - I want itadmin as owner with associated group as users (-R command makes it recursive to all subdirectories)
        • sudo chown -R itadmin.users /share
      • change rights so all users can read, write and execute files in these directories
        • sudo chmod -R a+rwx /share
      • Add sticky bit on these directories which disallows different users from renaming or deleting another users's files or directories.  That way we can add content as itadmin or maestra that all users can access, but cannot delete or modify (e.g. bible and wiki files).
        • sudo chmod -R +t /share
      • Verify the directory structure... should be as follows
        • sudo ls -l /share
      • change rights on /admin directory .....
      drwxr-xr-x  2  itadmin itadmin..... admin
      drwxrwxrwt 2 itadmin users ....... basic
      drwxrwxrwt 2 itadmin users ....... biblia
      drwxrwxrwt 2 itadmin users ....... foto
      drwxrwxrwt 2 itadmin users ....... musica
      drwxrwxrwt 2 itadmin users ....... wiki


      Additional Program Setup Steps 
      Programs that need additional setup to work perfectly

      • Basic256 - help files not fully included by default, plus add examples to share directory
        • go to basic256.org and download the latest program file
        • unpack download file into Descargas/basic directoy
        • Copy the 'help' folder to /usr/share/basic256/ and check correct ownership and permissions... after first removing the broken help files
          • sudo rm -R /usr/share/basic256/help
          • cd ~/Descargas/basic
          • sudo cp -R ./help /usr/share/basic256/  
            (this may not work in later version of the program)
          • ls -l /usr/share/basic
        • Copy the Examples directory into /share/basic/examples
          • sudo cp -R ./Examples /share/basic/
        • Copy the program icons
          • sudo cp ./resources/images/basic256.png /usr/share/basic256/
          • sudo cp ./resources/images/basic256.ico /usr/share/basic256/
        • Change menu to use the icon
          • gksudo gedit /usr/share/applications/basic256.desktop
            • change Icon= line to read
            • Icon=/usr/share/basic256/basic256.ico
          • save file
      • Kiwix - the latest Kiwix does not readily install, here are the steps I needed to take
        • log in as itadmin 
        • Download Latest GNU/Linux version if Kiwix program from here: http://www.kiwix.org/index.php/Main_Page/en
        • From the same site, also download the Spanish language zim file (10Gb for March 2012 build)
          • test file with md5:
          • md5sum /home/itadmin/Descargas/wikipedia_es_all_03_2012.zim
          • checks out equal to sum listed on web site
        • move to share directory (in terminal)
          • mv /home/itadmin/Descargas/kiwix[.....] /share/wiki
        • move zim file to share directory
          • mv /home/itadmin/Descargas/wiki[...] /share/wiki
        • unpack program
          • tar xvjf /share/wiki/kiwix[...].tar.bz2 -C /share/wiki
        • remove original tar file
          • rm /share/wiki/kiwix[...].tar.bz2
        • tested kiwix program by navigating to /share/wiki/kiwix/kiwix and double clicking on it (it is executable)... success
        • Add a menu item for kiwix for all users
          • in terminal go to /usr/share/applications directory
            • cd /usr/share/applications
          • copy klavaro.desktop as kiwix.desktop
            • sudo cp klavaro.desktop kiwix.desktop
          • edit file
            • sudo nano kiwix.desktop
            • change the following lines
              • Name=Wikipedia_Kiwix
              • Comment=Offline Encycolpedia Browser
              • Comment(es)=Encyclopedia Wikipedia Local
              • Exec=/share/wiki/kiwix/kiwix
              • Icon=/share/wiki/kiwix/xulrunner/chrome/icons/default/default16.png
            • ctrl-o to save, then ctrl-x to exit
          • Try running program from menu.... Fails with permission issue (also icon did not show up
            • look at directory permissions... 
            • cd /share/wiki
            • ls -l
              • shows kiwix owned by itadmin with owner permissions, but no permissions for group or other users....
              • of course this is because of sticky bit.... tricky
          • Correct permission issues by applying different permissions
            • sudo chmod a+rx -R /share/wiki/kiwix
            • Check permissions with ls -l on this directory
            • Shows read and execute permissions for all users
          • Try to launch from menu again -- success
          • Log out and try to launch from menu as listo user -- success
        • Build the index for listo user
      User Specific Changes
      Do each of the following steps while logged on as Listo user, and maybe other users as desired.

       Program Changes (user specific)
      • Set language to Spanish for the following programs
        • TuxTyping
        • Scribus -- via File/Preferences/General/Language
        • LibreCAD -- via startup dialog
      • GlChess
        • select stockfish as the computer user
      • Marble educational program - install extra maps
        • Open application and install a couple of additional maps
        • Natural Earth III, Historical 1570, Historical 1786, all other Historical maps, climate zones, one of each planet
      • Libreoffice
        • After installed add Spanish Language for Spell check, and other extensions
          Extensions:  Espanol, PDF Import, Export as Images, 
          • Tools/Extensions...
          • click on link to download more extensions
          • in web site click on Extensions sections, then type in Spanish and search
          • Download Spanish Dictionary from LibreOffice 
          • Go back to Extension tool and add Dictionary from Descargas folder
        • Add the other Writer extensions in the same manner
      • Chromium preferences
        • select settings under the lined "customize and control" icon in upper right of browser app
        • Basics
          • Click on "Make Chromium My default browser"
        • Advanced settings
          • Passwords and forms
            • deselect "enable autofill"
            • deselect "offer to save passwords"
        • Privacy - Content settings
          • Cookies
            • select "keep local data only until I quit my browser"
          • Location
            • select "do not allow any site to track physical location"
          • Notifications
            • select "Do not allow any site to show desktop notifications"
      • Firefox preferences
        • Edit/Preferences/Privacy
          • Tracking
            • select "tell websites I do not want to be tracked"
          • History
            • Select "Use custom setting for History" then 
            • deselect "remember search and form history"
            • Keep cookies until "I close Firefox"
            • select "clear history when Firefox closes"
        • Security
          • deselect "remember passwords for sites
      System Tweaks (user specific)
      • Add "Places" to panel (start bar)
        • right click on bottom panel and open panel preferences
        • on items tab, click add a new item, then select "Places" and close
        • in item list move places up to right after first separator then close
      • Audio Controls - add those needed
        • click on speaker icon on lower right
        • Select audio card "Playback: internal audio.."
        • Click on "select controls" button and add master control
        • now un-mute audio... and can adjust level as needed
      • "share" directory Link
        • Open file manager and navigate to the root directory
        • drag the /share directory onto the bottom of the left side of the file manager to create a permanent link  (could have used symlink, but this works well)
      • Application AutoStart - remove unwanted program auto starts 
        • settings/session and startup/Application Autostart (each user except adelante - may be often used on laptops for college students)
        • deselect the following
          • Blueman Applet
          • Guake (keep on for ITadmin)
          • mintUPdate (keep on for ITadmin)
          • mintUPload
          • mintWelcome (keep on for ITadmin)
      • Number of desktops = 1 (multiple desktops is confusing to windows users, maybe this will change over time, but too often someone tells me; "all my stuff suddenly disappeared")
        • Settings/Workspaces
        • Set # down to 1 (2 for itadmin)

      System Tweaks  - Which only need to be done once
      • Auto log-in for principle user
        • system/login window/security
          • check "Enable automatic login"
          • select listo user
          • check "Enable Timed Login"
          • select listo user
          • select 15 second pause
      • No font changes for login window
        • system/login window/accessibility
          • deselect "allow users to change...."
      • Turn numbers lock on automatically (seems to be no way to select it in a menu, so install a little program to run at start) - only done once
        • in terminal
          • sudo apt-get install numlockx (or use software manager)
      • Remove Unnecessary Grub Boot Menu Options - after several kernel options propogate in the boot menu, it may get busy.  The easiest way to clean this up is to remove the older, associated packages linux-header-[kernel version & architecture] and linux-image-[kernel version & arc.].  This removes the older kernels and grub, stops listing them as boot options.
        • open synaptic package manager
        • search for older linux-image and linux-header packages (3 for each kernel version)
        • mark for complete removal

      Move or Hide Menu Items for Programs
      Hide the following programs as shown below:


      Hide these by copying the .desktop file into local directory, then changing this file so it doesn't show the program in the menu.  This does not remove the program, just hides it.  Alternately, the program can be disallowed.



      Add Kiosk Mode and Reset Script Functionality
      Add functionality so it is hard to modify desktop beyond point of usable... and ability to reset for listo user.  Possibly make desktop reset automatic on start-up (would be very useful in classroom setting).  Also hide some menu items for some users.

      Regarding a startup script which would reset the panel and other desktop settings, there seem to be a couple good suggestions (see additional resources below).  Namely Cron jobs and a special start-up script.  Since Cron jobs are ubiquitous across just about all Linux distros, this seems like a good method.  Also, one can create a script which can be potentially run at another time and from a directory that itadmin user has rights to making it easy for modifying or replacing the script or adding other maintenance scripts with different functionality.

      Scripts desired

      - desktopsave -- will be used to save desktop configuration for user listo
      • Will need to be run as itadmin user, otherwise will not be able to write to config backup directory
      - desktopreset -- will be used to reset desktop configuration for user listo
      • Should be allowed to run as any user
      Script Setup Steps
      • Create Directory (from terminal as itadmin user)
        • sudo mkdir /share/admin
        • cd /share
        • ls -l  (to see what it looks like)
        • sudo chown itadmin:itadmin /share/admin
        • ls -l (gives output like this which is good)
          • drwxr-xr-x 2 itadmin  itadmin  4096 date time admin
      • Create save to directory (as itadmin user)
        • cd /share/admin
        • mkdir homesave
      • Create desktopsave script file
        • cd /share/admin
        • touch desktopsave
        • ls -l
        • chmod u+x desktopsave
        • ls -l
          • this gives... -rwxr--r-- l itadmin itadmin date time desktopsave
          • file is writable and executable by itadmin user only but readable by all.  This way other users cannot execute this program and save a bad configuration.
      • desktopsave script... edit in your favorite browser and add the following lines
        • #!/bin/bash
        • # desktop save script, used to save listo user configuration
          • this first line is standard for scritps, second line is a comment
        • cd /share/admin/homesave
        • # delete the previous backup
        • rm -r /share/admin/homesave/listobak
        • # make a copy of the current backup
        • cp -r /share/admin/homesave/listo /share/admin/homesave/listobak
        • # delete the current backup
        • rm -r /share/admin/homesave/listo
        • # copy listo home directory (.config and .local only for now)
        • mkdir /share/admin/homesave/listo
        • cp -r /home/listo/.config /share/admin/homesave/
        • cp -r /home/listo/.local /share/admin/homesave/
        • # make readable to all users
        • chmod -R a+r /share/admin/homesave/listo
          • this is not really necessary based on permissions on the homesave directory, but I include it in case these permissions get changed
      • Create desktopfix script file
        • cd /share/admin
        • touch desktopfix
        • chmod a+x desktopfix
        • ls -l
          • this shows file is readable and executable by anyone, but only itadmin can write to it, so any user has the rights to run this script to reset the listo user desktop
      • desktopfix script... edit in your favorite browser and add the following lines
        • #! /bin/bash
        • # desktop reset script
        • # just copy configuration and local directories (for now) other files can be manually copied if needed
        • rsync -r --delete /share/admin/homesave/listo/.config /home/listo/
        • rsync -r --delete /share/admin/homesave/listo/.local /home/listo/
        • # the following restarts the bottom panel if it was closed
        • #xfce4-panel         commented out - doesn't work well in script
        • # the following only applies to older xfce 4.2, starts taskbar if stoppped
        • #xftaskbar4           commented out - for older xfce
        • # the following only for xfce 4.4 lus, reloads windows manager (if borders missing on programs)
        • xfdesktop
      • desktopfixlistomenu script... edit in your favorite browser and add the following lines
        • similar to the above script, except rsync lines are commented out and the xfce4-panel is not
      Create Menu items for desktopfix and desktopsave scripts  
      The following menu items are desired:
      For listo user - REPARAR DESKTOP

      For itadmin user - REPARAR DESKTOP
                                 - GUARDAR DESKTOP


      • Copy .desktop programs to appropriate users to use as templates and change ownership of files
        • sudo cp /usr/share/applications/gparted.desktop /home/listo/.local/share/applications/reparar.desktop
        • sudo nano /home/listo/.local/share/aplications/reparar.desktop
          • change the following lines
            • Name=FIX DESKTOP
            • Name[es]=REPARAR DESKTOP
            • Name[fr]=FIXER BUREAU
            • GenericName=FIX DESKTOP
            • GenericName[es]=REPARAR DESKTOP
            • GenericName[fr]=FIXER BUREAU
            • X-GNOME-FulName=FIX DESKTOP
            • Comment=FIX LISTO'S DESKTOP
            • Comment[es]=REPARAR DESKTOP DE LISTO
            • Comment[fr]=FIXER BUREAU LISTO
            • Exec=/share/admin/desktopfixlistomenu
            • Icon=gparted
            • Terminal=true
            • Type=Application
            • ....
          • save file
        • sudo chown listo.listo /home/listo/.local/share/applications/reparar.desktop
        • sudo cp /home/listo/.local/share/applications/reparar.desktop /home/itadmin/.local/share/applications/reparar.desktop
        • sudo cp /home/listo/.local/share/applications/reparar.desktop /home/itadmin/.local/share/applications/guardar.desktop
        • sudo nano /home/itadmin/.local/share/applications/reparar.desktop
          • change the following lines
            • Exec=sudo /share/admin/desktopfix
          • save file
        • sudo nano /home/itadmin/.local/shaore/applications/guardar.desktop
          • change the following lines
            • Name=SAVE DESKTOP
            • Name[es]=GUARDAR DESKTOP
            • Name[fr]=SAUVEGARDER BUREAU
            • ...
            • Exec=sudo /share/admin/desktopsave
          • save file
        • sudo chown itadmin.itadmin /home/itadmin/.local/share/applications/guardar.desktop
        • sudo chown itadmin.itadmin /home/itadmin/.local/share/applications/reparar.desktop
        • ls -l /home/itadmin/.local/share/applications
          • shows itadmin as owner on all .desktop files here


      ____________________________________________________________________________
      Problem Resolution - common
      • Disappearing [start] panel, desktop or windows borders
        Because Xfce is modular, each of these can be inadvertently stopped, removed or crashed.  Type the following command into terminal (Alt-F2), depending on the missing item.  You may need to choose "Save session for furue logins when shutting down to make changes permanent.
        • Panel (start bar) missing --> xfce4-panel
        • Taskbar missing --> xftaskbar4  (xfce4.2 only)
        • Windows Manager missing (no borders on programs) -->xfdesktop (xfce 4.4 only)
      • Video not working smoothly - may need to change video drivers

      ____________________________________________________________________________
      TO DO: For future Releases

      • Local update repository... for updating all computer without using Internet bandwidth.  Probably should be added to the Zentyal server, maybe using virtual server
        • found this tip:  install apt-proxy or approx on a server... maybe directly on Zentyal server, then can either configure each computer to point to Zentyal or maybe even configure the Zentyal server to send all update requests to it!  
        • This caches all updates on the apt-proxy or approx server and keeps individual computers from downloading updates from the Internet.
      • Deployment/reinstall system
        • Clonezilla server.. side by side with Zentyal or as a VM under Zentyal (most secure)?
        • Clonezilla on DVD or USB boot?
        • remastersys?  limited to 4GB, I believe
      • Configuration management program on server options include:
        • Puppet - or another auto configuration management program. Need to research and test first
      • Monitoring server program, e.g. Nagios?
      • Other Games Possibilities from http://beebom.com/2015/02/best-linux-games
        • Xonotic (was Nexuiz) -best in breed free fps
        • Voxelands - minecraft clone
        • The Dark Mod - like theif
        • Tales of Maj'Eyal (ToME) - a roguelike RPG
        • 0 A.D. - like Age of Empires II
        • Supertuxcart
        • Hedgewars - like worms
      ____________________________________________________________________________
      Additional Resources

      ____________________________________________________________________________
      Programs to try

      • iTalc
      • DVDstyler, tremulus
      • WorldofGoo


       Stuff Tried, but not Kept
      Games and Programs which were tried, but did not work with either this configuration or the age of computers I am using.
      • Play on Linux: ... There are too many good games being ported to Linux, this is no longer critical to include.
      • Educational: Stellarium (did not open), Celestia (slow), Pysycache (slow kids program)
      • FPShooters: Hedgewars, Nexuiz, Sauerbraten, Alien arena, AssaultCube
      • Board Games: BrutalChess, DreamChess, LondonLaw, Mah-jong (complicated), Pychess, Quarry (complicated), 
      • Strategy Games: rott-Rise of the Triad (fails to start), Warzone 2100, pioneers (complicated), stroq (hard to understand), Widelands (slow),  
      • Archade Games: Blockout II (3d tetris, doesn't load), Zaz (doesn't load), 
      • Platform Games: SMC (campy mario nock off), 
      • Other: Flightgear (very large), Supertuxkart (slow), Titanion (fails to load), Frets on Fire (crashed), Oolite (hangs), Wormux (nice game, but hangs when quitting), rrotage (couldn't figure out how to play)
      • Those which would be worth trying on better hardware:
        • Widelands
        • Liquidwar
      • Dosbox... not installing this program which allows playing of old DOS games since this is no longer relevant, especially for better quality hardware
      • TuxGuitar - unable to figur out midi backend... tried installing Timidity, qmidiarp, qjackctl as options, then selecting in TuxGuitar... hmmm, I don't really understand this midi stuff, giving up for now.
      • Chemestry... Chemtool, EasyChem, GDIS Molecule modeler, ghemical, PyMol, and Viewmol (GChemPaint was chosen instead)
      • Games that were good or decent, but just had too many already
        • Berusky - lazy bug puzzle game
        • Konquest - complex strategy game
        • lTris - tetris clone, but I liked quadrapazzel better
        • Xmoto - 2d motorcross game - still needs just a bit of development work, was missing some levels
      Obsolete Instructions from Previous version - now fixed or not aplicable

      • Childsplay - To get Childsplay to use Spanish alphabet sounds, need to specify at launch by changing the menu launcher as follows.
        • program needs to launch with the following command (caps important)
        • LANGUAGE=es childsplay
        • tested from command line... honestly the Spanish tract is not that great, hmm maybe I should keep it in English... learning English numbers not so bad ?
      • BibleTime
        • Bibletime is crashing when installing bibles and references... 
        • This is a bug in the Sword module... easiest solution may be waiting for bug fix, then installing it
        • currently on libsword8 1.6.2 + dfsg-1 and bibletime 2.8.1-2


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