Upgrading GNOME on Debian

The stable version of Debian often comes with an old GNOME version due to its focus on stability. For example, GNOME Debian 12 latest update comes with GNOME 43. The newest version of GNOME, as of writing this post, is 46. The latest versions of GNOME loaded so many innovative features. Debian 12 users can't simply update to GNOME 46. Here are the steps to update to GNOME's latest version. Debian 12 is used to demonstrate the update process. I request that the process be tried in a Debian 12 installed in Virtualbox for learning purposes and later tried on the production computer. Take the data backup before the update attempt.

Two ways we can do the GNOME update. Install the Debian 12 without any desktop. While software selection, uncheck the Debian Desktop environment and GNOME to get desktopless Debian.

Start the installation directly if you are using the Debian stable version with a desktop. Anyway, start the update process from here.

How to update Linux kernel in Debian

Debian is a Linux-based operating system. The Linux kernel is the core component of any Linux-based operating system, acting as a bridge between the hardware and the software. It manages critical tasks such as memory allocation, process scheduling, device drivers, and file system interactions. Linux kernel development is an active process. The Linux kernel may be old if you use the stable version of Debian. Updating your Linux kernel is crucial for security, performance, and hardware compatibility. For example, the Debian 12 stable version consists of Linux kernel version 6.1. Debian repository contains the latest Linux kernel version and can be installed in the system. The following are the procedures for updating the kernel from the stable version of Debian to the new one.

Check the current kernel version

Apply the following command in the terminal to see the kernel version.

uname -r

Install GNOME Core for slim desktop experience

GNOME is an excellent and modern desktop in terms of features and size. It is packed with so many apps and packages. Bulky-size GNOME desktops occupy a good amount of storage and memory. Linux distros are available with a complete package of the GNOME desktop. Users who want to try a lean GNOME desktop can install GNOME Core. The GNOME Core package contains the core components of the GNOME Desktop. Here, I select the Debian desktop to install GNOME Core installation. Debian Linux OS is flexible in the selection of desired desktops during the installation process. The GNOME desktop in Debian Linux comes without many modifications and is very fast.

Easy way to remove GNOME games

A group of games install along with GNOME desktop in Linux-based operating systems like Debian and Ubuntu. If you are not a game lover, it's possible to remove them.

Here is the command to remove the whole game;

sudo apt purge iagno lightsoff four-in-a-row gnome-robots pegsolitaire gnome-2048 hitori gnome-klotski gnome-mines gnome-mahjongg gnome-sudoku quadrapassel swell-foop gnome-tetravex gnome-taquin aisleriot gnome-chess five-or-more gnome-nibbles tali

sudo apt autoremove

Ubuntu without Snap: finding Freedom in alternative distros

Since Ubuntu introduced Snap, people using Linux have been arguing about it. Snap is supposed to make installing and updating software easier, but it also has some problems. These problems make some people think about switching to other Linux versions based on Ubuntu.

Snap packages are like self-sufficient boxes. They have everything they need to work inside them, so installing and updating them is simple. This makes things easier for people who are new to Linux. Also, because they're isolated, they're less likely to mess up other programs on your computer.

Snap is controlled by the company that makes Ubuntu. This means they have a lot of power over what software is available. Some people don't like this because they feel it limits their choices.

Snap packages can be slower than the older way of installing software (.deb packages). This is because they are isolated and need extra resources to run. Snap can also make Ubuntu take up more space on your computer and slow it down.

Because of Snap's problems and the fact that one company controls it, some people are switching to other versions of Linux that are based on Ubuntu but don't use Snap. These other versions are a good way to experience Linux in a more basic way, with popular desktop environments like GNOME, XFCE, and Cinnamon. Here is a hand-picked list of Ubuntu-based systems without Snap:

Pop!_OS: Developed by System76, Pop!_OS is known for its polished GNOME desktop. It offers a good user experience, focuses on productivity, and has excellent hardware compatibility, making it a popular choice for developers and creators.

Voyager Linux: Voyager, hailing from France, is based on GNOME and features a beautiful, modern design. It emphasizes simplicity and ease of use, making it suitable for both newcomers and experienced Linux users.

Linux Mint: One of the most user-friendly Linux distributions based on Cinnamon desktop. Linux Mint provides a familiar Windows-like interface and a focus on stability. It's a great option for those transitioning from Windows or seeking a hassle-free experience.

Xubuntu: A lightweight Ubuntu flavour using the XFCE desktop environment, Xubuntu is ideal for older hardware or systems with limited resources. It offers both full and minimal desktop editions.

Rhino Linux: A relatively new distribution based on Ubuntu with XFCE desktop, Rhino Linux focuses on providing a clean, modern, and user-friendly experience.

Linux Lite: Designed specifically for older hardware and users transitioning from Windows, Linux Lite offers a lightweight and intuitive experience. It prioritizes simplicity, ease of use, and compatibility.

Elementary OS: A visually appealing and user-friendly distro inspired by macOS. It focuses on simplicity and a cohesive design language.

Some of these Linux versions might let you use Snap if you want, but they usually use the usual .deb way of installing software. This list is a good place to start if you want to try Ubuntu-based systems that don't depend too much on Snap.

Import Mendeley library into Zotero

Zotero is an Open Source reference management software, and Mendeley is a proprietary alternative. An existing Mendeley reference management software user can connect to Zotero and import it into the entire collection. This feature works only with Zotero version 6. Here are the steps to import Mendeley collections into the Zotero:

Zotero > File > Import, and follow follow the screenshots below;

Reference

https://www.zotero.org/support/kb/mendeley_import

Install Zotero on Ubuntu / Debian

Zotero can be installed on Ubuntu / Debian Linux-based operating systems using Debian packages. Apply the following commands one by one.  

Check SMS on computer: pair Android phone with PC

It's an excellent idea to pair your Android phone with a personal computer and manage SMS fast and easily. Managing SMS and messages on a big computer screen is convenient for individuals and institutions to check the updates frequently. Here are the steps to pair an Android phone with a PC.

1. Make sure that your messaging app is Messages by Google. Otherwise, install the Google Messaging app from the Play Store and make it default.

2. Open the browser on the computer and load the URL https://messages.google.com/web . Where we can see the QR Code.

3. Open the Google Messages app and click on More options. Select the option Device Pairing. Click on the QR code scanner button.

4. Scan the QR Code on the browser using the mobile. The messages interface will load on the browser.

Reference

Check your messages on your computer or Android tablet
https://support.google.com/messages/answer/7611075?hl=en

Install VirtualBox 7 on Debian 12 (Bookworm)

Debian 12 recently rolled out, and many dependencies for the installation of VirtualBox must borrow from the previous version of Debian. We need to add the Debian 11 repository first.

Add the Debian 11 repository.

echo 'deb http://ftp.de.debian.org/debian bullseye main ' | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/debian11.list

sudo apt update

Visit the following URL and download the .deb suitable for Debian,

https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Linux_Downloads

Apply the following command to install the VirtualBox Debian package. I assume that the VirtualBox .deb file in the Download folder,

cd Downloads

sudo dpkg -i virtualbox*

Find the VirtualBox in the application launcher.

Install Telegram messenger in Debian and Ubuntu

Image courtesy: telegram.org

Telegram is a messaging app focusing on speed and security, and it is super-fast, simple and free. You can simultaneously use Telegram on all your devices. Messages sync seamlessly across any number of your phones, tablets or computers. 

Telegram has an app for desktop pc use. It supports popular Linux-based operating systems like Debian and Ubuntu. 

Installation
Telegram app is available in the software repository of Debian and Ubuntu Linux. Apply the following command to install Telegram;

sudo apt install telegram-desktop

Debian 12 Bookworm repository information

Here are the steps to add the main repository address to Debian 12.
Add to sources.list
Open the sources.list using your favourite text editor (e.g. Mousepad),

su
mousepad /etc/apt/sources.list

Copy and paste the following lines into the file,

deb https://deb.debian.org/debian/ bookworm main contrib non-free-firmware non-free
deb-src https://deb.debian.org/debian/ bookworm main contrib non-free-firmware non-free

Save and close the file. Update the repository list and upgrade the packages by applying following commands;

apt update
apt upgrade

Change PHPMyAdmin port number from 80 to another

Add a new port number to Apache

Port 80 is the default number of PHPMyAdmin. On certain occasions, we need to change the port number to another. Here are the steps to accommodate PHPMyAdmin to a new port number. 

Open ports.conf file, 

sudo mousepad /etc/apache2/ports.conf

Add a new port number (e.g. 8001). Add the following line, save and close the file.

Listen 8001

Open a new Apache virtual host. Open the following file,

sudo mousepad /etc/apache2/sites-available/phpmyadmin.conf

Copy the following piece of code into the file,

<VirtualHost *:8001>
        ServerName localhost
        <Directory /usr/share/phpmyadmin>
                AllowOverride None
                Require all granted
        </Directory>
        DocumentRoot /usr/share/phpmyadmin
        Include /etc/phpmyadmin/apache.conf
        ErrorLog ${APACHE_LOG_DIR}/phpmyadmin.error.log
        CustomLog ${APACHE_LOG_DIR}/phpmyadmin.access.log combined
</VirtualHost>

Save and close the file. Apply the following commands one by one.

sudo a2disconf phpmyadmin
sudo a2ensite phpmyadmin
sudo systemctl restart apache2.service
sudo service apache2 restart

Open PHPMyAdmin in the browser, localhost:8001

Reference

https://askubuntu.com/questions/896988/change-phpmyadmin-port-from-80-to-another-number

Install startup disk creator on Ubuntu

Startup disk creator helpful to burning operating system ISO files to flash drive (pen drive). Earlier versions of Ubuntu were preloaded with a Startup disk creator. Startup disk creator is not available with the latest versions of Ubuntu Linux. To install the tool, apply the following command on the terminal,

sudo apt-get install usb-creator-gtk

Startup disk creator icon visible at Application launcher after the installation.

Installation of LAMP stack on Debian/Ubuntu

Popular enterprises applications run on the LAMP stack; Linux, Apache, MySQL/MariaDB, and PHP. WordPress, Drupal, Moodle, and similar application software run on LAMP. Installation of a LAMP stack on Linux-based operating systems like Debian/Ubuntu is comparatively easier than before.

Install the latest stable version of Debian/Ubuntu first. I prefer to use lightweight Ubuntu flavour Xubuntu for this purpose. Here are the steps and commands to install LAMP infrastructure.

Update the Debian/Ubuntu
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

Install complete collection of Google fonts on Debian/Ubuntu

Google Fonts is an extensive collection of Free and Open Source fonts. The collection includes more than one thousand fonts and releases under Open licenses (SIL Open Font License and Apache License). Google fonts can make use with word processors (LibreOffice, Abiword) after the installation on Linux based operating systems.

Users have to visit the Google Fonts website to download and install the font one by one, and it's a time-consuming process. The font collection maintains through the GitHub repository, where all font files can be download directly. Users can download the entire font collection and put it in the font directory of Linux based operating systems. Then the fonts become available for the entire system.

Download font collection

Visit https://github.com/google/fonts and download the fonts package.

Installation of fonts

A compressed file with the name fonts-main.zip download to the Download folder. Extract the zip file. A folder will appear with the name fonts-main. Rename the fonts-main folder to gfonts and copy the folder to home.

Move the gfonts folder to /usr/share/fonts, where fonts are located in Ubuntu. Apply the following command to move the fonts to the Ubuntu font folder.

sudo mv gfonts /usr/share/fonts

Refresh the cache of the font directory to take effect the changes.

sudo fc-cache -f -v

Check the new fonts available.

Open LibreOffice Writer and check the font, EB Garamond available.