Author: Jay Forrest

Jay Forrest is a long‑time Linux enthusiast who switched to Ubuntu in 2008 after a Windows XP virus convinced him to embrace open‑source software. A former host of the Linux User Podcast, Jay has worked in technical support for AOL, EarthLink, and Route 66 Casino, built his first 486 in the 90s, and has provided web design for businesses and nonprofits. He works with HTML, JavaScript, CSS, and basic PHP, and enjoys exploring open‑source software. As a former Fedora Ambassador, Jay is dedicated to sharing why Linux—secure, stable, and open—remains his platform of choice.

Linux Music Player for Large Media Collections

Recently I upgraded to the latest Linux Mint. Afterword, I had continual trouble with the Banshee Music Player freezing when I went to re-scan my music collection. I began an Internet search to try to solve this. I did all the suggestions, but nothing worked.

I refuse to use Rhythmbox because it does not have an equalizer built it. You have to install a third-party EQ. And good luck finding a Ubuntu deb file.

It was then that I decided to try the Clementine Music Player. After selecting my music folder under Preferences > Music Library, I went to tools and clicked “Do a full library rescan.” It scanned all my music file and was done fairly quickly. I was impressed.

The other thing I like about the Clementine Music Player is that it comes with a 10 band equalizer built it. You will find it under tools. I still like the interface in Banshee better, but too many music files make it unworkable. It literally takes up to two minutes just to appear. And then freezes when I navigate around.

So if you have problems with Banshee, try the Clementine Music Player, it is in the Linux Mint repositories.

https://www.clementine-player.org

Linux Blocked from Checking Gmail

I am a Linux Mint user. I have set up Thunderbird to check my Gmail account and download new messages via POP.

Then I made a mistake. I changed my setting is Google and “Turned Off” access for less secure apps. Well guess what, Google considers Thunderbird on Linux a “less secure app.”

When I fired up Thunderbird, it couldn’t login to my Gmail account. When I went and checked Gmail in Chrome I had gotten an mail saying “Sign-in attempt prevented.” The email explained that “Someone”, which was me, “just tried to sign in to your Google Account… from an app that doesn’t meet modern security standards.” I am sure it is just the Linux version of Thunderbird that “doesn’t meet modern security standards.”

Anyway, the way to fix it is to go back into your security settings and “Turn On” access for less secure apps. Below is the link to do that.

Link
https://www.google.com/settings/security/lesssecureapps

WordPress Visual Editor Not Working – FIXED

I noticed a lot of people reporting that the visual editor in WordPress is not working. It happened to me when I upgraded to 4.4.2. I search high and low and could not find an answer.

So I messed around and discovered that if I went into screen options, unchecked “Enable full-height editor and distraction-free functionality” my visual editor returned. Try it and see if it works for you.

Invalid Filename Extension

I am using Linux Mint 17 Cinnamon 64 bit and recently got this error,

“Ignoring file ‘getdeb.list.bck’ in directory ‘/etc/apt/sources.list.d/’ as it has an invalid filename extension”

So fix this I used this simple command. It moves all the files ended with .bck in /etc/apt/sources.list.d directory to your ~/Desktop directory.

sudo find /etc/apt/sources.list.d/ -type f -name "*.bck" -exec mv {} ~/Desktop \;

Remove Google+ Birthdays from Calendar

To modify this on desktop, do the following:

Turn off Google+ birthdays
Open Google Calendar.
In the top right, click the settings gear
Select Settings.
Click Calendars at the top.
Click Birthdays, and find the Show birthdays from section.
Choose Contacts only to see birthdays from Google Contacts but not Google+.

Facebook Chat Not Working in Ubuntu or Linux Mint

The Facebook XMPP API is being turned off. Trying to connect to Facebook Chat using an application like Pidgin or Empathy will no longer work and will throw a connection error. A replacement API for accessing Facebook Chat has not been announced.

This does not affect the ability to chat on the Facebook website or using Messenger. But you won’t be able to use unofficial apps such as Empathy, Pidgin and Kopete.

Disabling Chrome’s New Bookmark Manager

Have you noticed the new and improved bookmark manager for Chrome? Yup, it sucks. If you are like me, you want your old bookmark manager back. Here’s how to do that.

  1. Open a New Tab in Google Chrome
  2. In the address bar go to: chrome://flags/#enhanced-bookmarks-experiment
  3. Using the dropdown menu, switch from ‘default’ to ‘disabled’
  4. Relaunch Google Chrome when prompted

LINK
http://www.omgchrome.com/disable-chromes-new-bookmark-manager/

Happy with Linux Mint 17

I have been using Linux Mint 17 now for a while. I have to confess it is the best Linux distro I have used so far. The stability has had an unfortunate side effect – little or no posts. Most of my pasts posts have been about problems that I was having with some Linux distro or program.

I originally posted my Linux stuff on jay4rest.wordpress.com and then moved it to JayForrest.org. I have finally moved it again today to LinuxTechGuy.wordpress.com. All this moving has had the sad consequences of losing most of my readers. I am hoping many will re-find me.

But that doesn’t help the fact that I am posting much less and don’t see that changing. I am currently working what amounts to two full time jobs. That will limit my time for writing on Linux related topics. I hope you understand.

 

Installing Linux Mint on a Netbook

I just installed Linux Mint 17 Mate edition on a friend’s Netbook. The first issue is that it doesn’t have a CD drive. You have to install it from a USB stick.

So I first downloaded the Mate edition of Linux Mint 17, 32 bit version. The next step is to get it on a USB flash drive. I used a program called “Startup Disk Creator.” In it I selected the Source Image Disk (iso file I downloaded). I then chose the USB flash drive as the Disk to Use. Then I clicked Make Startup Disk. It then copied it to the USB stick.

Before you try installing it, you need to first make sure it boots from the USB first. You can change that in the BIOS settings. To get to that you usually have to press f2 or del. Different computers are different.

Once you have the order changed, then power off the machine and insert the USB Startup stick you created. Start it up and install the system.

If you find Linux Mint 17 too much of a drain on your system, try Xubuntu 14.04 or Lubuntu 14.04. As a last resort, try Puppy Linux. It is one of the smallest Linux distrobutions out there. If you can’t run Puppy Linux, you need to get a new computer.

LINKS
http://www.linuxmint.com/download.php
http://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop/create-a-usb-stick-on-ubuntu
http://help.ubuntu.com/community/Installation/FromUSBStick

Watch and Listen to iTunes Podcasts on the Roku

The iTunes Podcasts channel allows you to browse, search, listen, and watch podcasts from the entire iTunes Podcast library on your Roku Digital Video Player.

Features include:

  • Browse by top podcasts, genres and providers

  • Choose to filter by video, audio, or all

  • Search the entire iTunes Podcast library

  • Mark a podcast as a favorite for quick access later

  • Resume previously unfinished video and audio podcasts (only video podcasts on Roku 1 devices)

  • Quickly determine viewed podcasts from episode browser

  • Revisit the last 15 viewed podcasts via the favorites screen

It is a private channel, but you can add the channel via this link: https://owner.roku.com/Account/ChannelCode/?code=ITPC