Whenever I Forget Google Exists!

If I ever have a problem with my computer I can usually find a solution through Google. I just have to type my problem into the search engine and there is bound to be a website that explains what I need to do. The only problem I have is that I always forget to go to Google when the problem first arises. I seem to do everything else possible before searching the internet. To begin with I'll try to fix the problem myself by searching through the menus for guidance; I might ask a friend if they've had the same problem and see if they know what to do; or I'll restart the computer in the hope that it will just correct itself in the process. It's not until I told my friend Toni(a gadget geek) that I have a problem that he will say to me, 'Just Google it.' It's then that I remember that that's where I've found answers before and so I quickly start searching the internet. When I find the solution I need I kick myself for not going to the search engine at the very beginning.

Acquainted with God

It's always interesting going to someone's house for the very first time. You ring the door bell and wait for someone to invite you in, you offer to take your shoes off at the door, you use your best manners and you are often seated in the nice lounge room with a comfortable sofa. Even though your new friend might say, "Make yourself at home", you still stay on your best behaviour. On the other hand, when you go to a long-time friend's house it is a totally different situation. You'll enter via the back door, just walk straight in after knocking on the door, help yourself to a glass of juice and sit around in the family room. While it's great to make new friends it's always nice to be totally comfortable in someone else's home.

Ubuntu 10.10 Maverick Meerkat Has Been Released

Ubuntu 10.10 Maverick Meerkat final has just been released. I'm taking this opportunity to review the major changes (mostly on the UI) in both Ubuntu 10.10 Desktop and Netbook editions. If you're a regular WebUpd8 reader, you should already know all these changes but even so, read on for a new Unity video (recorded today) as well as a recap of the changes to Ubuntu Software Center, Unity and so on. 

Batch image resize

Its been a hectic few days for me and I couldn't find any time to post anything relevant to Jolicloud's fan experience. But today is the day I get a few moments to myself.

Uploading 4MB photos directly from your camera via Jolicloud to Facebook isn't the fun when your on a 3G modem with bad reception. Don't you fear, Joli's big brother Ubuntu has simple remedy that can be installed. Nautilus-image-converter resizes and rotates images within nautilus... makes since right?

To Install:

Open your Terminal (alt+f1) and paste (ctrl+shift+v): sudo aptitude install nautilus-image-converter 

Restart or logout.

To Use:

Select the image/s that which you would like to manipulate andright click. You will now notice the added options near the bottom of the list. 

Enjoy Joliclouding :-)

Firewall and network stats monitor

Firestarter doesn't sound like a safe program, but it is. Firestarter is a Firewall app for Linux, that can help you monitor your browsing and those who are connecting to you. Not only does it give basic statistics of your connection speed, receiving and set data, but can help you share an internet connection. Great for those who use a USB HSDPA or 3G modem and want to share it via your WIFI card or Ethernet.

So far I'm totally unaware if Jolicloud is thinking of making an application which can tie in with your USB modem so that you can monitor your connection status or even send out SMS. Its on the wish list for me. But Firestarter seems to be the next best thing for monitoring connections.

Installing
Open your Terminal and paste: sudo apt-get install firestarter

Once it is finished installing, you can access it from your classic menu. If you would like to read up more you can read the basic tutorial on Ubuntu Help page. Enjoy!