How to import PPA repository keys to Ubuntu

Sometime, one needs to add additional software repositories to the exisiting Ubuntu installion. I recently had to add “cinnamon” reposity to Ubuntu from the launchpad. Everthing worked well excet the software packages from the cinnamon repository did not get listed in the Ubuntu software list. It showed an error message that the key is not found. If you are not a techie or a geek then adding the key to validate softwares downloaded from a particular repository is tricky. I spent some time learing how add it and many methods failed, so I detail the best winning method here.

There is a script to add all the missing key of the PPA repositories of Ubuntu. Copy the following commands and paste in the terminal and press enter. When prompted, give the password.

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Enable Arrow tool in Gimp in Ubuntu

I use GIMP frequently to edit images from my phone and camera. I do not use Photoshop for two reasons 1) I use Linux and there is no native port for Photoshop in Linux. Though I can use it through WINE, I prefer not to do so. 2) GIMP is free and Photoshop is a paid software. Though Photoshop comes with advanced features, I prefer to go with GIMP. Sadly GIMP does not come with the “Arrow brush”. This brush is extremely useful if you plan to illustrate something with the help of images. An imprinted arrow in the photo will tell the audience the message that one exactly intents to convey. As this 'arrow' feature is missing from the default installation of GIMP, you need to draw it by using draw tools. Even then the resulting arrow will not be that good. But, you can download the “draw arrow” plug-in from the GIMP Extension center. Read the following guide to understand how to do it.

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Enable VirtualBox USB support in Ubuntu 12.10 Quantal Quetzal

The next big version of Ubuntu is now out. I downloaded the image file and made my 4 GB pendive bootable with the help of Image Writer. I am impressed with the overall look and feel of the new Ubuntu. I erased Windows 7 and used the complete hard disk for Ubuntu. But, the problem is I cannot use Itunes to sync application in and out from my Iphone in Ubuntu. Itunes simply does not work in WINE software also. So, I brooded over how to upgrade applications in Iphone through Linux and VirtualBox is the answer.

I installed VirtualBox from Ubuntu software center. But, I could not access any of the devices plugged into the USB port of the laptop. Later I found out the solution. It is simple. Follow the simple steps detailed below.

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NEC TOKIN OE907 Problem: Toshiba Satellite L300 random shutdown when plugged in AC power.

NEC TOKIN OE907 Problem: Toshiba Satellite L300 random shutdown when plugged in AC power.

This is my first post in Litlighter. I recently experienced some problems with my Toshiba Satellite L300 laptop which I bought about 4 years ago. The interesting thing is that I still use this Toshiba laptop as my primary computer, largely because of my emotional attachment to it. I typed and learned a lot from this Intel dual-core laptop that makes it still hard for me to part with it. A curious problem happened to it. The laptop began to freeze or giving blank screens or frequently shuts itself down in between some work. This random shutdown continued for sometime and gave me constant headache. Curiously, sometimes the laptop worked very well without any hitches. Soon I found that my Toshiba laptop works in battery without any problems but when I put the plug into the socket to charge it while laptop is running, all the afore mentioned problems occur. It either gets shutdown or freezes. So, I surmised there are some hardware problems with charging part of the computer.

I formatted the laptop to check if the problem happens due to some software error. I experienced this random shutdown/freezing of laptop in the newly installed Windows 7 and also in Ubuntu 12.04. I called Toshiba service center and they said this is a common problem with the Satellite series of Toshiba laptops produced during 2008-2009 period. As the one year Toshiba warranty is long over, they informed me that nearly 4500 Rupees will be needed to replace some faulty“chips”on the motherboard, though they did not specify the exact parts in need of replacement.

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