Slim Down and Speed Up Linux

While Linux is pretty efficient with a computer's resources out of the box, there are still ways you can make it run leaner and meaner on your desktop. Using a little bit of know-how, a willingness to run a few terminal commands, and a mind for efficiency, you can get every last bit of power from your Linux box, or get more life from an older system. Read on for a roundup of ways to slim down and speed up Linux that any level of user can implement.

One quick note: Many of these tweaks require altering system files, disabling processes or otherwise changing how your system runs. Whenever you alter a system file, back it up. The easiest way is to open a terminal and create a ".backup" version of it. For instance, to back up the /etc/hosts file, open a terminal and type:

sudo cp /etc/hosts /etc/hosts.backup

More importantly, if you're unsure of anything, don't do it!

Prune your processes

The easiest and safest way to free up memory in any Linux system is to stop unnecessary programs and background processes from running, and then get your system to remember how you like it. Most Linux distributions have a tool in their "System" or "Administration" menus that let you see what's going on and halt things, if necessary—in Ubuntu, there are two of them: System->Preferences->Sessions, and System->Administration->Services. On every computer I've loaded Linux onto, there are a few startup programs I almost always disable from the "Sessions" menu. I don't sync my phone to my computer and use Thunderbird instead of the built-in Evolution, so the Bluetooth Manager and Evolution Alarm Notifier are first to go. Before touching anything in the "Services" window, consult this ExtremeTech guide for pointers on what is and isn't safe to turn off. As mentioned in the guide, Ubuntu (like most distro GUIs) only sees a few of the many services your computer is running. If you really want to fine-tune your system, you can install the sysv-rc-conf package found in many distros and surgically remove unnecessary background programs—but I'll reiterate that point made above about backing up and making only a few changes at a time.

Install Lighter, Faster Applications

Full-featured, well-rounded programs like Firefox, OpenOffice.org, and Amarok are a big part of the growth in Linux users. For computers running tight on memory, however, they can make Linux feel less like the streamlined system it's meant to be. For users who only need the basics, there are lighter-weight alternative applications that take up less memory and move a little swifter.

• Office programs: AbiWord, Gnumeric, KOffice—OpenOffice, like its proprietary adversary, Microsoft Office, has more features, settings and tools than any one user is likely ever going to need. For those who just want to be able to type documents and make basic spreadsheet edits, AbiWord and Gnumeric are a nice compromise between speed and features. KOffice is a bit more full-featured and KDE-oriented, but seems to run faster than OpenOffice.
• File browsing: Thunar, PCMan—Both are fast, streamlined file browsers that don't try to offer up all the multimedia extras and graphical niceties that can bog down the default Nautilus (GNOME) and Konquerer (KDE) browsers. The PsychoCats site has a helpful guide for switching from Nautilus to Thunar; KDE users can also install Thunar or look into installing Dolphin from repositories, and any user can check out Google Docs, Zoho or other online office suites.
• Web browsing: Opera, Konquerer—There are extremely light browsers that use far less memory than Firefox (Dillo, Epiphany, and the like), but the convenience and ease of use are hardly comparable. Opera, however, offers a small memory savings, and KDE's built-in browser is extensible and noticeably lighter.

Remove extra virtual terminals

Virtual terminals are a good tool to have—they offer a last-ditch escape to command line for a chance to fix things in a crashing system. But many Linux systems come with six of them enabled, which isn't usually necessary. You can usually disable five of them with few consequences. If you're using Gutsy, open a terminal and type in the following commands:

cd /etc/event.d
sudo mv tty3 tty3.bak
sudo mv tty4 tty4.bak

... and so on, through the tty6 file. If you're still on Feisty or other Linux distros, you'll likely have to edit the file in /etc/inittab and add a # character in front of the lines ending with tty3, tty4 and the like.

Reduce swappiness

If your system generally has enough memory to handle what you throw at it, your use of swap space should be minimal, but your system doesn't know that. To temporarily lower your swappiness, type the following command into a terminal (replacing "sudo" with "su" in some systems):

sudo sysctl -w vm.swappiness=10

To make that fix permanent, enter the following command (trading "gedit" for "kate" in KDE systems, or "nano" or "vi" if you have neither):

sudo gedit /etc/sysctl.conf

In the file that comes up, look for the line vm.swappiness=x and change the value to 10, or add the line if it doesn't exist.

Get good with the terminal

You've heard us evangelize about the efficiency of terminals before, but it's especially true in Linux. Give your terminal a handy keyboard shortcut, keep a list of basic commands handy, and learn to write bash scripts, create command shortcuts and find anything from one no-nonsense interface.

Five more tips and guides to speeding up your system

• Speed up GNOME menu—A simple but noticeable tweak, especially on older computers.
• Speed up OpenOffice—Also applies to Windows and Mac versions.
• Speed up Ubuntu Boot and Shutdown Process—This guide applies mainly to Ubuntu 7.04, "Feisty Fawn," and earlier versions.
• Give Ubuntu a speed boost—Note that some of the tweaks in the linked article could, if done improperly, leave a system unbootable, so proceed with caution.
• Change GNOME Menus to Use PCMan File Manager—If you don't want to make a complete PCMan transition, this trick launches the browser from GNOME's top bar menu.

How do you optimize your Linux desktop? Let us know in the comments.
Kevin Purdy, Lifehacker's newest Associate Editor, digs finding optimization tips. His weekly feature will appear every Friday on Lifehacker.

5 Reasons to Try OpenSUSE 11.4

5 Reasons to Try OpenSUSE 11.4

With hundreds of Linux distributions to choose from, users of the open source operating system face what may almost be called an embarrassment of riches, so numerous are their options.

Of course there's Ubuntu--by far the most frequently downloaded and popular version of Linux, according to Distrowatch. Then there's Linux Mint--my second favorite--along with Debian, Puppy Linux, Zorin OS and Splashtop Linux, to name just a few.

Another very popular distro is openSUSE, which currently holds Distrowatch's No. 5 spot. Version 11.4 of the Novell-backed software was just released last week, and it features a number of compelling additions and updates that could make it the right choice for your business. Here's a small taste of what you can expect.

1. Stability and Power

Stability is a key focus of the openSUSE project, and the base system of this latest release is no exception. In addition, however, it adds better scalability and performance and an enhanced boot process, among other improvements.

Based on version 2.6.37 of the Linux kernel, the software takes advantage of numerous enhancements in that version, including better scalability of virtual memory management and separation of terminal users' tasks. The new kernel also brings additional hardware support, as I've noted before, including open Broadcom wireless drivers and improved Wacom support.

Better 2D and 3D acceleration, meanwhile, result from the inclusion of improved graphics drivers, the

openSUSE

project says.

With the ability to download simultaneously from multiple servers and to fetch only the parts of files that have changed,openSUSE now also offers much faster repository refreshments along with package installations and updates. A newly bolstered boot process, meanwhile, supports VirtualBox and the SELinux security framework.

2. Integrated Software Choices

OpenSUSE

features the KDE Plasma Desktop 4.6 along with GNOME 2.32, Xfce 4.8 and LXDE 0.5 as alternatives. Also included is GNOME Shell, which will be part of the forthcoming GNOME 3.

OpenOffice.org has been replaced with LibreOffice 3.3.1--making OpenSUSE the first major distribution to ship the Document Foundation's new contender, the project says--and bothFirefox 4 and Scribus 1.4 are included as well.

All such software is deeply integrated for consistent functionality even in lighter-weight desktops such as Xfce and LXDE, the openSUSE project says. Keyboard shortcuts are set, for example, while menu layouts are tweaked and file associations are user-friendly.

For improved integration of LibreOffice and Firefox into KDE Plasma, the operating system uses native file dialogs and oxygen styling, and it respects the user's mail client and browser choices.

3. Continuous Updates

Whereas traditionally users have had to rely on a set release cycle for updates to their software, openSUSE 11.4 introduces the new Tumbleweed rolling release repository as an option. Tumbleweed contains the latest stable versions of software such as Firefox and Thunderbird, making it easier for users to stay up to date.

4. Administrative Tools

Targeting administrators and developers, OpenSUSE 11.4 ships the latest virtualization and Web server stacks along with "all the major development languages, platforms and associated IDEs," the project says. Included among the additions, for example, are Xen 4.0.2, VirtualBox 4.0.4 and KVM 0.14 for virtualization and Apache 2.2.17, Lighttpd 1.4.26 and Ngninx 0.8.54 on the Web server side.

Version 9.0.3 of PostgreSQL, the MySQL 5.1.53 community edition and the MariaDB 5.1 fork are also included.

5. The Freedom of Linux

Last but definitely not least are all the myriad benefits you get when you use most any version of Linux, including the freedom to modify the software to suit your business, the freedom from vendor lock-in, the freedom from rampant malware and the freedom from exorbitant costs.

Did I mention that openSUSE is free? It's now available for download at no cost, but can also be purchased for $71.50 as a retail version with 90-day installation support, physical media and a printed Getting Started guide. Whichever route you take, there's no better time to take openSUSE for a test drive.

openSUSE Linux 11.4 Countdown Timer

TeamViewer 5 for Linux released!

TeamViewer extends its multiplatform solution to Linux .

This allows cross-compatibility between Windows, Mac OS, iPhone / iPod Touch and Linux for desktop sharing, remote support and online-presentations.

If you are already familiar with Teamviewer and would like to download it for Linux, use the link below:

TeamViewer for Linux

If you are not familiar with Teamviewer and would like to know more about it, read on...

What is TeamViewer?

TeamViewer is our solution for easy and friendly desktop sharing. You can remote control a partner’s desktop to give online assistance, or you can show your screen to a customer - all without worrying about firewalls, IP addresses and NAT.

• One solution for everything:
  While most competitors offer different packages for remote support, remote administration, training and sales (and also charge for them...) TeamViewer is the one-stop solution for everything you need: TeamViewer includes all modules in one simple and very affordable package.
  
• Remote support without installation:
  With TeamViewer you can remotely control any PC anywhere on the Internet. No installation is required, just run the application on both sides and connect - even through tight firewalls.
  
• Remote administration of unattended servers:
  TeamViewer can also be used to control unattended computers and servers. System service installations even allow remote reboot and reconnect.
  
• Remote presentation of products, solutions and services:
  TeamViewer allows you to present your desktop to a partner. Share live demos, products, and presentations over the Internet within seconds.
  
• File transfer:
  TeamViewer comes with integrated file transfer that allows you to copy files and folders to and from a remote partner - which also works behind firewalls.
  
• Works behind firewalls:
  The major difficulties in using remote control software are firewalls and blocked ports, as well as NAT routing for local IP addresses.If you use TeamViewer you don't have to worry about firewalls: TeamViewer will find a route to your partner.
  
• Highest security standard:
  TeamViewer is a very secure solution. All versions feature completely secure data channels with key exchange and AES (256 Bit) session encoding, the same security standard used by https/SSL.
  
• Browser based access:
  On the road and need to control a remote computer? Why don't you use TeamViewer Web Connector? The purely html and flash based solution can be used from nearly any browser and operating system.
  
• Online status display:
  Are your team members in many different locations? Need to present your desktop or collaborate on a document? In the TeamViewer partner list you can see who is available and connect with them in one mouse click.
  
• Very competitively priced, free versions available:
  TeamViewer offers great value for low prices. TeamViewer even offers a free version for non-commercial use.
  
• Optimized performance:
  Whether you have a LAN or dial-up connection, TeamViewer optimizes display quality and speed depending on your network connection.

Once again, you can download Teamviewer for Linux from:

TeamViewer for Linux

Ubuntu Linux 10.04 Lucid Lynx

CANONICAL'S UBUNTU has a lot of hype to live up to. First released in 2004, Ubuntu has established itself as one of the most intuitive and accessible Linux distributions and has never shied away from giving both Microsoft and Apple a run for their money. Ubuntu 10.04, dubbed Lucid Lynx, builds on previous iterations by integrating social networking and cloud services directly into a slick looking and responsive desktop.

Slick and responsive doesn't however preclude some questionable choices visually. There was much rejoicing upon the announcement Canonical would be updating Ubuntu's design from the earthy tones that had featured on previous releases. Unfortunately, as if to provide further proof of their all-inclusive nature, Ubuntu's apparently daltonic design team came up with a violet theme unlikely to be everyone's cup of tea, unless the tea is laced with hallucinogens.

Surrounding the purple haze are dark taskbars and window frames, which make the desktop feel noticeably smaller. In a polemic move that further exacerbates this claustrophobic feel, buttons have been moved to the top left corner, opening up vast amounts of unused space on the right hand side.

Canonical has said the change is a preemptive move, and that the resulting no-app's land will be filled with innovative features in future releases, but it all sounds a bit like selling a car with no wheels in the hope future models will fly.

One of the big calling cards for Lucid Lynx is the integration of social applications into the desktop's new Me Menu. This essentially comprises three apps - Empathy, Evolution and Gwibber for chat, email and microblogging respectively. All three blend in nicely with the desktop and share an indicator applet in the taskbar, removing much of the clutter of running the processes individually.

While integrating application suites has many benefits, problems arise when any one of the provided services is just not good enough. Empathy seems like a solid alternative to Pidgin. Evolution is unlikely to be a very popular choice among a userbase most likely using Thunderbird, Claws or Mutt already. Gwibber feels slow, and might seem overly simplistic when compared to other microblogging clients. Changing any of these applications as your default messaging client will immediately render your desktop a little less pleasant to use.

Hopefully with time applications might be integrated interchangeably in Gnome, but for now you're stuck following online hacks which might or might not be of use six months down the line. Fortunately, unlike using Outlook on Windows or Mail.app on Mac OS X, there is no reason competing applications cannot work as seamlessly as those provided by Ubuntu.

In parallel, Ubuntu 10.04 provides tighter integration with Canonical's cloud-based efforts. Despite having a multimillionaire benefactor, Canonical has no doubt heeded Yahoo's warnings on the need for diversification by developing Ubuntu One, a service which provides both 2GB of free Dropbox-like storage and an online music store.

Alas the online music store, while potentially providing some much needed revenue for Canonical, will likely remain unused by most users. To distance itself from the many anonymous online music stores, Canonical provides the same limited catalogue in the same proprietary format.

Furthermore with Jamendo, Magnatune and now Ubuntu One, Rhythmbox is quickly becoming more cluttered with stores than many local high streets. Disabling any of them is a case of unloading the appropriate plugin, but you can't help but think Canonical is needlessly investing time and effort on a feature likely to be met by resounding silence.

Where Ubuntu should shine is in providing access to Linux's endless software repositories. The Ubuntu Software Centre provides a visually attractive front-end for aptitude, which does all the heavy lifting interfacing with the APT package manager, but chip away at the veneer and you'll find Canonical has done very little beyond providing basic functionality. User ratings, ranking by popularity or suggesting similar packages to replace currently installed duds are all notably absent, making sifting through the immense catalogue cumbersome unless you know what you are looking for.

Admittedly, no other package management system provides all of these, but Ubuntu is squarely focused on the inexperienced. Furthermore, Canonical plans on providing paid apps through the Ubuntu Software Centre in the near future, in which case feedback on an application's quality will be essential.

Ubuntu evolved at a blistering speed. When you experienced the wealth of improvement from Breezy Badger to Feisty Fawn, it was hard not to wonder whether a Linux-based OS might finally usurp its commercial rivals as the ultimate desktop experience in the near future. Canonical has put a lot of effort into catching up with both Windows and Mac OSX and on many fronts has largely succeeded. However, as in Zeno's paradox of Achilles and the tortoise, merely closing the gap on each iteration is insufficient to overtake your rivals entirely.

Canonical has largely focused on toning down bleeding-edge applications to run smoothly in a stable, hassle-free operating system. The challenge facing Ubuntu is no longer merely attracting users from commercial rivals, but also to stem the loss of users to rival Linux distributions. The Me Menu is a good indicator of how Ubuntu can evolve, innovate and differentiate itself from internal competition such as Archlinux, Debian, Fedora, Suse, Mandriva and others, despite building on the same open source components.

Whether Ubuntu is the right distribution for you is largely down to personal preference. From the ivory tower of tech journalism most reviewers are quick to point out Linux is a pain to install and use, and Ubuntu has somehow overcome this crippling heritage to become an easy to install and usable OS. Most likely this condescending attitude derives from never actually having used Linux - most distributions now provide Live CDs and easy installers, with access to the same software through their own package management systems.

In Short
Ubuntu's one-size-fits-all nature makes it a good initial introduction to Linux-based operating systems. Visually, it keeps improving, but it is not quite all the way there yet. While many can argue whether Linux is ready for the desktop, there's little doubt that Canonical packages up Ubuntu better than the vast majority of distributions out there. The biggest compliment one can pay to Ubuntu is that it feels like a professional product in its installation, look and feel and above all updates. If nothing else, you should give Ubuntu a try to give you some perspective on how well your own OS suits you.

The Good
Maturity and popularity aid in usability, integration with cloud services, long-term support (LTS) release, painless update from previous version.

The Bad
Might be too Mickey Mouse for hardcore Linux users, strong branding and colour scheme.

The Ugly
Nothing.