[HOW TO] Create QR Codes in Xubuntu 12.04

A QR code is a type of barcode that consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background. It's a compact way of providing information and a smartphone can be used for reading that information.

Qreator is an application that can create QR codes for URL, Text, Location and Wifi Settings. The QR code can be saved as a PNG image file or copied to the clipboard.

Install

Open a terminal window and run:

sudo apt-get install qreator -y

OR

Click here to install Qreator

Usage

Qreator is available at Applications Menu > Accessories > Qreator.

It can also be accessed with the command /opt/extras.ubuntu.com/qreator/bin/qreator, supplying it one of the following options:

Usage: qreator [options]

Options:
  --version       show program's version number and exit
  -h, --help      show this help message and exit
  -v, --verbose   Show debug messages (-vv debugs qreator_lib also)
  -u, --url       Create a QR code for a URL
  -t, --text      Create a QR code from text
  -l, --location  Create a QR code for a location
  -w, --wifi      Create a QR code for WiFi settings

Tip: this website can be used to read information from QR code images (and create codes as well).

Here's a nice video (from ubuntued.info) that exemplifies Qreator usage:

References

Qreator PPA
Qreator: crie códigos QR no Ubuntu!
‘Qreator’ Offers Fast Creation of Qr Codes in Ubuntu

[HOW TO] Install Inkscape in Xubuntu (ppa)

Inkscape is an Open Source vector graphics editor, with capabilities similar to Illustrator, CorelDraw, or Xara X, using the W3C standard Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) file format.

Inkscape supports many advanced SVG features (markers, clones, alpha blending, etc.) and great care is taken in designing a streamlined interface. It is very easy to edit nodes, perform complex path operations, trace bitmaps and much more. We also aim to maintain a thriving user and developer community by using open, community-oriented development.

Some great Inkscape tutorials can be found: here. At FlossManuals there's a Inkscape manual that introduces the program basics. And there's also a "Getting Started Guide" available here, written by Bethany Hiitola.

Install

Open a terminal window and run:

sudo apt-get install inkscape -y

References

Inkscape. Draw Freely

[HOW TO] Use Xfce4 Dictionary as RSVP program

RSVP stands for Rapid Serial Visual Pepresentation and is a method of displaying information in which the text is displayed word-by-word. It's meant to help increase reading speed and can also help individuals suffering from dyslexia because it helps maintaining the correct word order.

To use Xfce4 Dictionary as a RSVP program just click on the 'Speed Reader' button, paste some text in the big input box (or load the text from a plain text file) and after adjusting the settings click 'Start'.

Xfce4 Dictionary can be accessed with the command xfce4-dict or clicking on the Applications Menu > Office > Dictionary item.

References

Speed reading
Rapid SerialVisual Representation (RSVP)

[HOW TO] Native look-and-feel for JDownloader in Xubuntu

To make JDownloader look like the rest of your desktop applications in Xubuntu, choose the Settings tabs in the JDownloader interface. Then under Basics > User Interface section choose the Light(GTK) style.

After restarting JDownloader (File > Restore JD), it'll have native look-and-feel.

[HOW TO] Install JDownloader in Xubuntu (ppa)

JDownloader simplifies downloading files from One-Click-Hosters like Rapidshare.com or Megaupload.com - not only for users with a premium account but also for users who don't pay. It offers downloading in multiple paralell streams, captcha recognition, automatical file extraction and much more. Of course, JDownloader is absolutely free of charge. Additionally, many "link encryption" sites are supported - so you just paste the "encrypted" links and JD does the rest. JDownloader can import CCF, RSDF and the new DLC files.

Install

Open a terminal window and run:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:jd-team/jdownloader -y && sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install jdownloader -y

Actually, this package performs a pseudo-installation. When JDownloader is run for the first time (Applications Menu > Internet > JDownloader), it'll be installed in your $HOME, under ~/.jdownloader.

After downloading and installing, JDownloader will ask you to select your language, choose a destination for your downloads and whether you'd like to install the FlashGot Firefox extension.

And that's it. JDownloader is now installed.

References

JDownloader.org - Official Homepage
JDownloader PPA

[HOW TO] Install mcomix in Xubuntu (ppa)

MComix is a comic book viewer that can read images from plain image files and from compressed image archives (cbr, cbz, zip, 7z, ...).

MComix is a fork of the Comix project, and aims to add bug fixes and stability improvements after Comix development came to a halt in late 2009.

Install

Open a terminal window and run:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:blca/ppa -y && sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install mcomix -y

Once installed MComix is available under the Graphics section of Xubuntu's Applications Menu.

References

MComix Website

[HOW TO] Change window title bar theme (xfwm4) in Xubuntu

Click on the "Applications Menu" then select:

• Settings > Window Manager, if you're running Xfce 4.10
• Settings > Settings Manager > Window Manager, if you're running Xfce 4.8

In either case, on the 'Style' tab choose one the of available themes in your system.