Swapnil Tirthakar – Linux Hint https://linuxhint.com Exploring and Master Linux Ecosystem Wed, 10 Mar 2021 03:23:20 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.6.2 Best Secure Free Mail Service Providers https://linuxhint.com/best-secure-free-mail-service-providers/ Sun, 07 Mar 2021 14:15:55 +0000 https://linuxhint.com/?p=93120 Privacy means everything to today’s tech-savvy generation. Also, organizations need a mail service that is reliable and secure at the same time for the smooth running of the business. With an increased focus on privacy and keeping the data secure, secure mail service providers have emerged and covering the market rapidly.

The mail services we use, like Gmail from Google, Yahoo Mail from Yahoo, and Outlook from Microsoft, are not secure mail service providers. As in recent years, they have been accused of scanning user’s emails for advertising data.

Incidents like these make you wonder about your privacy in this world of the internet, where almost everything is done online. From ordering groceries to connecting with your friends and family in another corner of the world, everything is done with the help of the world wide web.

Hence, you need a mail service that is secure and reliable at the same time. With security being your top priority, you may have to compromise with things like storage. So, today in this article, I’m going to introduce you to the best secure free mail services you can use in 2021.

1. ProtonMail

ProtonMail is the most popular secure mail service provided out there. It is an open-source project and comes in two variants, i.e., free and premium ones. It comes with 500MB of free storage, and all its servers are based in Switzerland. Its user interface is quite modern and interactive, which makes it very easy to use.

It offers end-to-end encryption, and they cannot share your data with third parties. Hence you can focus on your important work without worrying about your important data being compromised.

Its inbox is optimized for higher productivity. It is modern and very easy to use. Even though it is one of the most secure mail service providers out there, it hasn’t compromised with the end-user experience.

In the premium version, you get custom domain support, while in the free version, you can get access to this feature with some limitations. You can also send self-destructing emails for more privacy.

Get ProtonMail Here

2. Mailfence

Its name Mailfence somewhere gives the hint of security, isn’t it? Well, it is a secure mail service provider based in Belgium. It offers 1GB of free storage space, of which 500MB for emails and the rest 500MB for document storage.

It is not restricted to just sending and receiving secure emails. It also offers other services like calendars where you can put all your appointments, share them securely, store your documents safely, edit them online, import your contacts from other accounts, and create groups for secure data sharing.

This mail service gives you the flexibility to encrypt whichever mail you want, no third-party access to your data, and it is easy to use browser-based mail service. It comes in four versions, free, entry, pro, and ultra, each having its own set of features.

Get Mailfence Here

3. Tutanota

Tutanota is a cross-platform mail service provider which helps you keep your information secure with end-to-end email encryption. Nobody can decrypt or read your data. It gives you free storage space of up to 1GB, and you can access it on various platforms such as Windows, Android, Linux, Mac, and iOS.

It also has no ads so that you can focus on your actual work. Emails, calendars, contacts, everything are encrypted. An encrypted calendar is integrated seamlessly with this mail service, and you can access your calendar from any device with end-to-end encrypted event notifications.

Tutanota is based in Hanover, Germany, and all its free encrypted emails are stored in highly secure data centers in Germany.

Get Tutanota Here

4. Disroot

Disroot is a secure email accounts provider for desktops through a web interface. You can use any of the thunderbird, evolution, email, clawsmail, or mailpile to setup your Disroot mail account.

It is a free secure mail service provider based in the Netherlands. It offers 1GB of free storage space, which is upgradeable. In its office-style web service, it has various productivity and communication tools.

However, this mail service is not highly recommended even though they have a great cause behind the project. Emails are not end-to-end encrypted unless you have manually encrypted them. You can only access your account through a web client as there are no mobile or desktop applications.

Get Disroot Here

5. Hushmail

Hushmail is one of the most secure free mail service providers out there. It is based in Canada, offers services like secure email, web forms, and e-signatures. It is ideal for personal as well as enterprise users as it is designed for teams of all sizes.

It offers free storage of 15MB and comes with a dedicated app for iPhone users.

It works like a regular email account but with additional security and features. Secure webforms offer features like drag-and-drop, have your own customized template, and built-in secure web hosting.

E-signatures, instant online signing for the most important digital forms help speed up your business’s whole process. A feature like clients can sign forms from any device, activity record with details, and ESIGN and UETA compliant.

Get Hushmail Here

6. CounterMail

CounterMail is another free secure mail service provider; it helps you keep your online communication private and secure. Every mail is uniquely encrypted and made sure there is no third-party interference.

OpenPGP end-to-end encryption is the key highlight of this mail service and supports all the widely used platforms like Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X.

On top of that, it lets you have your own domain and create web forms; it is irrelevant to the subscription you have. For extra storage, you have to pay extra in addition to the normal subscription.

Get CounterMail Here

7. Posteo

Posteo is a green, secure, and ad-free email service provider with 2GB of free storage space, which is upgradeable. In addition to a secure email service, it also offers a secure calendar and address book. All the saved data on the Posteo server can be encrypted with just one click.

The payments and the sign-up process is performed anonymously without fetching your personal information. This service provider is based in Berlin, focusing on sustainability, security, privacy, and usability.

Posteo is popular for its modern and innovative encryption model and focuses on user data privacy.

Get Posteo Here

So, these are the most secure free mail service providers you can use in 2021. There are others on the list, but these seven are standouts when it comes to reliability and overall user experience. Feel free to share your views with us at @linuxhint and @SwapTirthakar.

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Top 9 Best Ubuntu-Based Linux Distros https://linuxhint.com/top-9-best-ubuntu-based-linux-distros/ Tue, 02 Mar 2021 12:50:17 +0000 https://linuxhint.com/?p=92405 In recent years, Ubuntu has become the default operating system of personal and professional users alike. Due to the popularity of the Ubuntu distribution, many Ubuntu-based Linux distros are now available on the Internet, each developed to fulfill special needs. In fact, there are so many unique Ubuntu distributions that it is impossible to count an exact number.

One major reason behind the popularity of Ubuntu-based distros is that these distributions are easy to work with even for novice users. Ubuntu is also backed by a large community of open-source developers who actively work to keep Ubuntu up-to-date and bug-free.

Many of these distros will be the same in terms of features and usages, but some distros have very specific features and functions. Some are built for programming and system administration, while others are specially developed for gaming or use by children.

It would be difficult to cover every distribution in this article, as there are too many to count. So, this article covers the top nine best Ubuntu-based Linux distros out there with each being dedicated to special. This will surely help you select the Linux distro you need.

1. Linux Mint

Linux Mint is one of the oldest Ubuntu-based Linux distros out there, and it is one of the most popular distros, too. Linux Mint is used by millions of users around the world. One of the top reasons behind its popularity is the clean and easy-to-navigate user interface of Linux Mint.

Linux Mint ships in with a suite of popular apps, such as the Firefox Internet browser, the LibreOffice suite, VLC, Thunderbird, and more. This distro is well-liked by beginners, as it is very easy to use and makes the transition from Windows quite easier.

2. Pop!_OS

Pop!_OS is a free and open-source Ubuntu-based Linux distribution. This distro is specially developed for System 76 computers and laptops. This operating system is designed and developed keeping software developers, administrators, and computer science professionals in mind. Pop!_OS is a modern Linux distro with a clean user interface, which makes it very easy to use.

For gaming or multitasking, Pop!_OS could be an ideal distribution, as it supports AMD and NVIDIA GPUs out-of-the-box. GPU support means smoother workflow and faster navigation. Pop!_OS also offers keyboard shortcuts and window tiling for a better end-user experience.

3. Lubuntu

Lubuntu is a fast and lightweight Ubuntu-based Linux distro. This distro has a clean and easy-to-use interface that makes every new user feel at home. Lubuntu is backed by the LXDE/LXQT environment and ships in with a suite of widely-used applications.

This distro is ideal for machines with low-end hardware and memory, as it requires minimal resources to run smoothly. The latest release of this distro is Lubuntu 20.10, which is based on Ubuntu 20.10. For more stability and long-term support, you can go with Lubuntu 20.04 LTS, which is based on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS. Lubuntu 21.04 is scheduled to be released in April this year.

4. KDE Neon

KDE Neon is the latest release from the KDE community, and it is based on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS. This distro features the latest tools that every modern-day computer user requires. KDE Neon ships in with default settings, but it is also highly configurable.

No matter what hardware version you have, this distribution works effortlessly on every older machine, as well as any modern machine. The user interface and look of this distro will give you a breath of fresh air when you first use it. It has a beautiful, modern-looking user interface, which is very easy to use and makes you feel comfortable even at first use.

5. Zorin OS

Zorin is a fast and secure Ubuntu-based Linux distro that comes with a sleek user interface, making it easy to use for most users. Many say that Zorin is an ideal alternative to Windows, and rightly so, making it easier to port from Windows even for first-time users. The look of Zorin is also quite similar to Windows, as well as Mac OS, which makes it an ideal alternative to these operating systems.

The Zorin Appearance app lets you change the appearance of Zorin and make the UI look like Windows or Mac OS. Zorin is a reliable distro that can be used for both personal and professional use. This distro is also one of the most secure Ubuntu-based Linux distributions out there. There is also a Lite version available that you can use on older machines.

Download Here

6. Elementary OS

Elementary OS is an open-source Linux distribution based on Ubuntu LTS. This is a fast and reliable distro focused on providing a great end-user experience and tight system security.

The recent Elementary update, Elementary OS 5.1 Hera, comes with a lot of changes. The new update features a completely redesigned login and lock screen, new ways to sideload and install apps, improvements to core apps, desktop tweaks, and system settings updates. Elementary also has an AppCenter, where you can get free and paid apps.

Elementary supports a multitasking view, picture-in-picture mode, and do not disturb mode. Parental controls are provided to control screen time, monitor Internet use, and manage apps.

Download Here

7. Ubuntu Budgie

Ubuntu Budgie is an integration of the Budgie Desktop Environment and Ubuntu. Budgie is a community-developed distribution that works with any computer. Porting from Mac OS X to Ubuntu Budgie is now much smoother, thanks to similar functions and features.

Budgie has a very beautiful user interface that is easy to navigate. The look is quite elegant, and the distro works effortlessly on old and new computers alike. The latest 20.04 LTS release of Ubuntu Budgie comes with support through April 2023.

Download Here

8. Feren OS

Feren OS is a free and open-source Ubuntu-based operating system. It is a stable, powerful, and secure Linux distro, ideal for any type of user. The desktop of Feren OS is quite unique in its own way, but at the same time, it is still very easy to use.

Feren OS is powered by KDE Plasma Desktop, which makes it one of the most lightweight and responsive Linux distros out there. This distro ships in with all the necessary apps pre-installed, and if need be, you can install whichever apps you want from its app store.

Download Here

9. Nitrux

Nitrux is a Linux distribution that is entirely based on Ubuntu. It is powered by the KDE Plasma Desktop 5 environment, and to top it off, Nitrux even includes the NX Desktop and Firewall.

Some necessary apps, like the office suite, media player, and Internet browser, come pre-installed out-of-the-box. The overall end-user experience is very good with this distro, thanks to the easy-to-use UI.

Download Here

Conclusion

So, this concludes our list of the best Ubuntu-based Linux distros that you can use in 2021. There are others, including Kubuntu, Xubuntu, and LXLE, that you can try out, as well. Feel free to let us know if you have any queries or suggestions at @linuxhint and @SwapTirthakar. ]]> Best Messaging and Communications Apps for Ubuntu https://linuxhint.com/best-messaging-apps-ubuntu/ Wed, 24 Feb 2021 05:28:13 +0000 https://linuxhint.com/?p=91193 The popularity of Linux has been able to replace Windows at many workplaces, and the same scenario was also reported for personal users. Hence many popular apps from various platforms such as Android and Windows are being integrated into Linux and its distros.

Business emails/chats are also being replaced by instant messaging and communication apps as they provide more options to share files, photos, and videos, making the whole process easier. It would be great to use messaging apps on the Linux desktop that we use on our mobile devices. According to your mood, apps like these give you the flexibility to use the messaging app wherever you want.

This pandemic also taught us the importance of messaging and communication apps because these apps made it possible for many businesses to run smoothly in the time of crisis. So, in this article, we’re going to have a look at the best messaging and communication apps for Ubuntu.

1. Telegram

Telegram is one of my favorite instant messaging and communication apps out there. It is an open-source app that can be used on a mobile device as well as desktop. Cloud-based technology makes it easy to access from anywhere and several devices at once.

It is a cross-platform application that works on Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android operating systems. The best thing about this messenger is that there is no size limit to share files and messages. Hence you can share as much as messages, images, and videos you want no matter what file size is.

On top of all this, it comes with end-to-end encryption, which helps you keep all your messages secure. Recently they have released a patch that helps users switching to Telegram can bring their chat history, including media files, to Telegram from their older messaging apps like WhatsApp.

Telegram

2. Skype

Skype is one of the oldest messaging and communication apps for desktops out there, but it is still one of the best for video conferencing. Right from college lectures to business meets, everything is being done on Skype for almost a decade, and its worth has soared up even more in a recent pandemic situation.

Linux and its distros like Ubuntu have their own dedicated Skype client, even before Microsoft has officially released it. Skype integrates well with Ubuntu and makes it very easy to use for a new user.

As I mentioned above, it allows you to make audio and video calls, send text messages and share media files.

Skype

3. Slack

Slack is a powerful messaging app specially developed for business use as it offers a lot of options and configurations. It is one of the best out there but comes with a price tag.

It lets you chat and have a conversation with your colleagues in real-time, just what every business needs for smooth functioning. It comes with a modern user interface which makes it very easy to use, even for a newbie.

Many business users love slack as it offers the features and options that no other messaging app has on offer to date. It recently came up with a bunch of updates that include interface changes and the Compose button that lets you write messages in a large editor, making it more comfortable for you. So, it’s one of the best in business.

Slack

4. Wire

The wire is another modern desktop messaging platform ideal for business use. It provides quite a competition to Slack in terms of features offered. These messaging apps are voice, video, conference calls, file sharing, and external collaboration. Everything is secured by end-to-end encryption.

It is an open-source application; hence you don’t need to be worried about transparency. Of course, it comes with a price tag and has two versions on offer pro and enterprise version, with both having their own set of features and offerings.

Wire

5. Viber

Viber is a cross-platform VOIP and instant messaging app managed by Rakuten, a Japanese multinational company. It is a feature-rich communication app that is ideal for personal as well as professional use. Like other top messaging apps, you can send texts, images, videos, files, and you can even send voice and video messages.

You can also make voice and video calls. Apart from that, you can share stickers and GIFs, and also, you can make your own stickers. Viber also offers group chats and calls, which makes it ideal for business meets. You can also send disappearing messages which self-destruct themselves after a particular time, which adds extra privacy.

Viber

6. Signal

This messaging app has made a buzz recently as a privacy-friendly alternative to the popular app WhatsApp. Increased reliance on the internet as a medium of communication has raised serious personal privacy issues. Hence you need a reliable medium to connect with your friends, family, and work colleagues without worrying about privacy.

Well, the signal is the app for you. It is an open-source app that is available for mobile phones as well as desktop platforms. Talking about features, you can choose unique backgrounds for individual chats, an incognito keyboard on some devices, and message details with a timestamp.

Like any other messaging apps, you can also send text, voice messages, photos, videos, GIFs, and all this is for completely free.

Signal

7. Wickr

Wickr is a cross-platform instant messaging app specially built for enterprise use. It is a highly secure messaging and communication platform with end-to-end encryption and some very advanced security features.

Individual, group messaging, voice and video conferencing, and file sharing are bundled in this app. As I said earlier, it is developed for enterprise use, but it can also be useful for individuals for personal use.

Wickr

So, these are the best messaging and communication apps for Linux and its distros like Ubuntu. All the apps listed above are ideal for business as well as personal use. Let us know if you have used any of the above applications and your experience with them. Share your thoughts with us at @linuxhint and @SwapTirthakar. ]]> Best GUI Clients for PostgreSQL on Ubuntu https://linuxhint.com/best_gui_clients_postgresql_ubuntu/ Tue, 09 Feb 2021 08:56:31 +0000 https://linuxhint.com/?p=53744 Written in C, PostgreSQL which is also known as Postgres is one of the most popular relational database management systems. macOS server has it as default database and is also available for other operating systems such as Windows, FreeBCD, OpenBCD and Linux. As PostgreSQL is one of the most used database management systems in the world, it is used as the backbone of many small to large applications and software’s.


Even though I feel working in command-line is best way to learn anything in the world of application and software development, there are some limitations while working with databases in command-line. It requires great experience of working in command-line or it could get really messy for newbies as well as for professionals.

  • Coding can be messy and confusing through command-line.
  • Managing and browsing through databases and tables could be difficult to handle.
  • Not everyone likes command-line window and finds it difficult to work on.

But GUI clients overcome these shortcomings of working in command-line and in addition to that offers some really great features which makes whole task of handling databases easier. Easy to use user interface, shortcut keys, easy access to files and databases are one of the key features that make GUI clients popular over command-line methods. So in this article I’m going to give you 5 best GUI clients for PostgreSQL which you can download and install on Ubuntu and other Linux distributions.

pgAdmin

pgAdmin is one of the most popular and feature-rich database administration and development platform especially developed for PostgreSQL. It is free and open-source GUI client and available for Ubuntu including Windows and Mac OS X.

pgAdmin is a feature-rich PostgreSQL client which supports multiple PostgreSQL versions, color syntax highlighting, procedural language debugger,   create, view and edit all most widely used PostgreSQL objects such as database, columns, triggers, indexes and many more.

Apart from that it offers graphical query planning tool, a dashboard to monitor all the activities, highly customizable user interface, and ability to access remotely, etc.

To install pgAdmin on Ubuntu, run the following commands one-by-one in Terminal. Follow the instructions as prompted.

$ wget --quiet -O - https://www.postgresql.org/media/keys/ACCC4CF8.asc |
sudo apt-key add -
sudo sh -c 'echo "deb http://apt.postgresql.org/pub/repos/apt/
`lsb_release -cs`-pgdg main" >> /etc/apt/sources.list.d/pgdg.list'

$ sudo apt-get update
$ sudo apt-get install pgadmin4 pgadmin4-apache2 -y

Navicat

Devloped by PremiumSoft CyberTech Ltd, Navicat is graphical database management and development software for popular database languages like PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, SQLite, Oracle and many more. It is feature-rich database management tool which comes with intuitive user interface.

It is powerful and yet easy to use database management tool which you will definitely love to work on. It is comes with dedicated SQL editor and builder which helps you perform the database programming with ease. Also you can assign the scheduled jobs to navicat and you will get email notification when it performs assigned job.

Yes it is not free unlike others but you can always try its free version and then decide whether to buy it or not. One thing that might lure you to use different PosgreSQL tool is that you need to buy separate license for PosgreSQL and MySQL platforms.

Download Navicat Here

DataGrip

DataGrip is a multi-platform database administration tool developed. Devloped by JetBrains which is popular for producing excellent development tools for software programmers and developers. It ships-in with various popular database management tools such as Amazon Redshift, Apache Hive, Azure SQL Database, Microsoft SQL Server and includes PostgreSQL.

When it comes to features, it sports very friendly user interface which you will find very easy to use, context-sensitive code compilation, automatic bug detection, and version control integration. Apart from that it has powerful text editor which is very smart and advance, light and dark themes, highly customizable interface and import/export support.

DataGrip has everything a database administrator needs, but there is one thing that might lure you to use other clients and i.e. it is not free and slightly on expensive side.

$ sudo snap install datagrip --classic

OmniDB

OmniDB is an open-source web tools which offers graphical environment for Database Management. Till the time of writing this supports PosgreSQL 11 and older versions, Oracle, MySQL, MariaDB, and Firebird. It is a lightweight yet powerful browser based Database Management tool.

Despite not having dedicated interface its browser based user interface is quite responsive and easy to navigate. Smart SQL editor is one of the pros of this database tool which is highly configurable and offers contextual query compilation. As it has multi-user supports, developers have made safety a priority with encrypted personal information support.

This tool makes the task of database management quite easy with interactive and responsive tables. All-in-all it is quite a package of database management tool.

Download OmniDB Here

DBeaver

DBeaver is a free and cross-platform PostgreSQL client and database administration tool. It is developed by open-source community especially for developers, database administrators, and analysts.

Apart from PostgreSQL, it supports other widely used database management tools such as SQL, SQLite, Firebird, Oracle and many others. It comes with simple yet attractive user interface which is very easy to use. Talking about the features, it offers connection to various data sources, visual query builder, metadata browser, ER diagrams, data and metadata search.

Download DBeaver Here

Beekeeper Studio

Beekeeper Studio is an open source database GUI with great PostgreSQL support. It supports a range of other SQL databases, and works well in Linux as the core maintainer is a full-time Linux desktop user.

Beekeeper has a clean and modern UI and lets you execute SQL queries and edit table data across multiple open tabs quickly and easily.

Beekeeper is a no nonsense PostgreSQL GUI that is perfect for software engineers and analysts who need to work with PostgreSQL and want a database UI that doesn’t get in the way. If you are a hard-core database user performing performance analysis and profiling, Beekeeper Studio is probably not for you (yet).

Beekeeper Studio Connect Screen

Beekeeper Studio SQL Editor

Download Beekeeper Studio Here

So these are the Best GUI clients for PostgreSQL which you can download and use on Ubuntu. Feel free to share your views and queries at @LinuxHint and @SwapTirthakar. ]]> Top 10 Python Books for Beginners https://linuxhint.com/best-beginner-python-books/ Fri, 05 Feb 2021 12:52:51 +0000 https://linuxhint.com/?p=89056 Python had become the backbone of every development in the world of computer science. Even though it was first introduced in 1991, it is still called a modern programming language. In recent years, all the terms we have heard like data science, web development, machine learning, automation, etc. are derived from Python.

Python has replaced many widely used programming languages like C++ and Java, demand for programmers having Python skills is increasing very rapidly. Anyone wishes to have a decorated career in data science, and machine learning must learn Python programming language.

There are abundant resources on Python programming available online for those who wish to learn Python-like online courses and tutorials. I have already shared an article on free online Python tutorials. Now I’m going to give you a brief introduction to the top 10 Python books beginners can refer. All the books listed here are available on Amazon.

1. Head First Python: A Brain-Friendly Guide

Head First Python by Paul Barry is one of the highly-rated books on Amazon and rightly so. Paul Barry is a lecturer at the Institute of Technology, Carlow, Ireland. It is the perfect book for the beginner who wants to dive into Python programming language basics. Language of the book easy so that one can get easily comfortable in learning Python.

In the early part of the book, the author introduces you to the Python programming languages’ fundamentals and how to work with its built-in functions and data structures. And in the latter part, it slowly levels-up and introduces you to exception handling, web development, and other Python programming applications.

Ratings:

Goodreads: 3.83/5

Amazon: 4.5/5

Buy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3crVWFz

2. Python Crash Course

Python Crash Course by Eric Matthes is the world’s best-selling guide to the Python programming language. It is one of the most sold and highly rated Python books on Amazon. Book is scripted well, and you will be programming in Python in absolutely no time.

This book will walk you through all the basics and fundamentals of Python programming and its applications. It covers Python libraries and tools that includes Pygame, Matplotlib and Django, guide to make 2D games and create/customize web apps and deploy them online.

Ratings:

Goodreads: 4.33/5

Amazon: 4.7/5

Buy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/36tJ6ml

3. Learn Python 3 The Hard Way

Don’t get scared by the book’s title as it is completely opposite world once you enter the book. Book is perfect for newbies who want to learn Python 3. The approach by the author Zed Shaw makes it easier to learn the Python programming language.

The book is full of exercises that will sharpen your skills in Python programming and its fundamentals.

Ratings:

Goodreads: 3.91/5

Amazon: 4.4/5

Buy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/36wrxlT

4. Python Cookbook

Python Cookbook by David Beazley and Brian K. Jones is an ideal Python recipe book for a beginner to intermediate level programmers. Most of the book material focuses on advanced libraries, frameworks and applications.

Before diving into this book, you must have basic knowledge of Python programming. Some of the topics covered in this book are data structure and algorithms, iterators, generators, data encoding and processing, etc.

Ratings:

Goodreads: 4.16/5

Amazon: 4.6/5

Buy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2NKuZmc

5. Python Programming: An Introduction to Computer Science

Written by John Zelle, Python Programming: An Introduction to Computer Science gives you introduction to the Python programming and introduces you to the world of programming. The book is ideal for beginners as it eases you into the world of computer science.

As the book focuses on computer science with Python programming language at its base, this book becomes ideal for anyone who wants to step into the world of software and web development.

Ratings:

Goodreads: 4.01/5

Amazon: 4.5/5

Buy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/36wUy0y

6. Intro to Python for Computer Science and Data Science

Author Paul Deitel and Harvey Deitel offer groundbreaking and flexible approach to computer science and data science. This book is ideal for both computer science and data science aspirants.

The book contains ample exercises, examples, implementation case studies and projects. It also introduces you to programming with AI, Big data, and the cloud, along with computer science and data science. It is one of the most highly rated books on Amazon.

Ratings:

Goodreads: 4/5

Amazon: 4.6/5

Buy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3rdZJKZ

7. Python for Beginners: 2 Books in 1

This is the collection of two books for beginners. First one is Python Programming for Beginners, and the second is Python Workbook. The second book will help you brush-up your Python skills.

This is a great combination of books for newbies who wish to learn Python programming. All the basics of Python programming are covered well in this book.

Ratings:

Goodreads: 4.62/5

Amazon: 4.3/5

Buy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3cFFkdR

8. Python for Beginners

Python for Beginners is a Crash Coursebook by Timothy C. Needhamis that will make you learn Python programming language in one week. This book will introduce you to Python variables and directories.

This is one of the best books for beginners who want to learn Python and those newbies looking to learn to program.

Ratings:

Goodreads: 3.84/5

Amazon: 4.2/5

Buy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Mp1zcW

9. Python Tricks

Python Tricks: A Buffet of Awesome Python Features is a trick book by Dan Bader. This book will help you discover Python’s best practices and take you one step closer to mastering Python programming.

This book is ideal for beginner to mid-level programmers who want to learn writing clean code and make most out of Python programming. You will discover hidden gold in Python libraries while going through this book.

Ratings:

Goodreads: 4.45/5

Amazon: 4.6/5

Buy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2NNFNQt

10. Python Workbook

Python Workbook: Learn Python in One Day and Learn It Well by Jamie Chan is Python workbook for beginners. It gives you a hands-on approach to learn Python programming fast. Book is a collection of in-depth course and practice questions to improve your Python skills.

When you finish this book, you will definitely feel confident about programming in Python language.

Ratings:

Goodreads: 3.85/5

Amazon: 4.4/5

Buy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3tdWwwJ

These are the top 10 Python books for Python Programming Language for those beginners who want to have a career in programming and development. Feel free to share your views and queries with us at @linuxhint and @SwapTirthakar.

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Explore the Best Linux Tools for Web Developer https://linuxhint.com/best-web-development-tools-linux/ Sat, 30 Jan 2021 16:37:09 +0000 https://linuxhint.com/?p=88240

Web development is reaching a new high with each passing year with various tools at disposal for web developers. These tools have helped developers develop powerful and popular modern-day web applications like Amazon Prime, Netflix, and AirBnB. End products like these have increased expectations from web developers.

Web development tools can be divided into different categories such as code/text editors, web application frameworks, front-end frameworks, API and testing clouds tools, and web design tools.

Hence, every web developer must have the right web development tools in his toolbox. In this article, we’re going to look at the best Linux tools for web developers.

Code/Text Editors

Code/Text editors are a very important tool in web development. If you have a perfect editor with support for web technologies, it will eventually help you develop high-quality web applications. A perfect editor will serve you for a lifetime.

Vim

Vim is my favorite code editor and the one I use the most. It is one of the best software programming and web development tools out there. It is a simple yet reliable terminal best code editor. It is highly configurable web development tool which will make web developer feel at home.

Vim code editor supports all the programming and mark-up languages such as Python, C#, C, C++, HTML, JavaScript, and CSS. It is a feature-rich tool with features like syntax highlighting, DirectX support, mouse gestures, and many more.

$ sudo add-apt-repository ppa:jonathanf/vim

$ sudo apt-get update

$ sudo apt-get install vim 

Atom

Atom is a free and open-source cross-platform text editor for program and web development. It is a modern tool with a modern user interface that is very easy to use and highly customizable. It is embedded with the GitHub package, which helps you work directly with Git and GitHub.

It also comes with HTML, JavaScript, CSS, and Node.js integration under the hood. It runs on an Electron framework, which lets you develop cross-platform applications for web technologies. You will find this tool very useful with support for every web development tool a web developer needs.

$ sudo add-apt-repository ppa:webupd8team/atom

$ sudo apt-get update

$ sudo apt-get install atom

Web Application Frameworks

Whether you’re building a website, web service, or web applications, web application frameworks are very important ingredients in the procedure. These are nothing but the software libraries designed to build powerful web applications.

Django

Django is a Python-based web framework that ensures rapid development and clean design. It is a free and open-source web framework that is also most secure in competition.

Django makes it easier for web developers to build web apps more quickly and with less code. Django community is backed by Python community, which ensures thousands of useful packages and utilities.

$ sudo apt-get install python3-django

ReactJS

ReactJS is a JavaScript library for building creative user interfaces and UI components. It makes the task of designing the user interface much easier for web developers. It is created and maintained by Facebook and a community of individual developers.

It is a great tool that can be used in the development of a single-page application or mobile application. It is one of the most flexible and efficient web application frameworks out there.

Download ReactJS

Front-End Frameworks

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear front-end framework? CSS, right? Well, front-end frameworks are the packages that contain standardized scripts or code.

Bootstrap

Bootstrap is a free and open-source CSS framework that encourages high-quality front-end web development. It is the most popular HTML, CSS, and JS library out there.

It is a great tool for developers, which is very useful and necessary. It has got everything that a professional web developer needs.

Download Bootstrap

Material

Material is one of the most popular front-end frameworks, and Google also backs it. As it is based on ReactJS, you might find it easier to integrate with ReactJS in the development cycle.

The components offered in this framework make it easier to develop and design responsive material design for web and mobile applications.

Download Material

API Testing Tools

Testing is very important in aspects of the web development cycle. Having the perfect tool at the disposal makes the whole process easier and faster.

SoapUI

SoapUI special tool dedicated to API testing, which lets you test web services and applications easily. It is supported and backed by SmartBear.

It comes in two packages; one is free to use, and the other is a Pro package with some premium features.

Download SoapUI

Package Managers

It is very important to offer post-deployment services like installation, upgrades/updates, and configurations. This process is made easier with the help of package managers.

NPM

NPM is a default package manager NodeJS, a JavaScript runtime environment. It is a very powerful and popular package manager out there used by many popular web applications and services.

Get It Here

Yarn

Yarn is a fast, popular, and reliable package manager out there. It had offered great competition to NPM, and for some time, it had led the race. It is built by Facebook and very easy to get started with.

Get It Here

These are the best Linux tools that web developers will find very important while developing a web application or service. Have any queries or suggestions? Feel free to ping us at @linuxhint and @SwapTirthakar.

]]>
Best Way to Split Your Linux Terminal https://linuxhint.com/split-linux-terminal/ Sun, 24 Jan 2021 15:50:04 +0000 https://linuxhint.com/?p=87385 If you’re a programmer or developer, you probably feel that one terminal window is not enough. You need to open a new tab or new terminal window and constantly switch between them while working on something. It eventually makes the work quite hectic.

The same problem is also faced by system administrators as well as database administrators because they need at least five terminal windows to carry out respective work.

Terminal does have tabs, but they don’t make work any more comfortable, so some terminal multiplexers are introduced. These multiplexers help split the terminal window horizontally as well as vertically. So, in this article, we’re going to have a look at some multiplexers that will help you split your Linux terminal.

1. tmux

tmux is arguably one of the most used multiplexers out there. It is quite a reliable screen splitter that helps you split the Linux terminal window and adjust the window’s size. It is a keyboard-centric multiplexer. Which means all the function and customizations can be carried out right from the keyboard.

Install tmux

$ sudo apt-get install tmux

To Run tmux

$ tmux new -s dev

Keyboard Shortcuts:

  • CTRL + B + % : Vertical Split.
  • CTRL + B + “ : Horizontal Split.
  • CTRL + B + O : Make other shell active.
  • CTRL + B + D : To Detach from tmux.
  • CTRL + B + ? : Help.

2. Konsole

Konsole is the default terminal that ships-in pre-installed with the KDE Plasma Desktop, and it is a highly customizable terminal and powerful. It is a feature-rich terminal and can be split horizontally as well as vertically.

You will find it quite similar to tmux, but you have to split it using the mouse. Splitting options are available in the View menu. Like tmux, you can detach or reattach terminal windows in konsole.

To Install Konsole

$ sudo apt-get update -y
$ sudo apt-get install -y console

3. Screen

The screen is a shell multiplexer from GNU. It is quite a reliable and capable shell multiplexer. You can split-screen both vertically and horizontally and detach and reattach the screen from the running session.

To Install Screen

$ sudo apt-get update
$ sudo apt-get install screen

To Start Screen

$ screen

Keyboard Shortcuts

  • CTRL + A + | : Vertical Split
  • CTRL + A + S : Horizontal Split
  • CTRL + A + TAB : To make other shell active
  • CTRL + A + D : Detach from screen
  • CTRL + A + ? : Help

4. Terminator

Terminator is a terminal emulator for Linux and its distros. It has a lot of similarities to the default Terminal in Ubuntu. But it has some of its own features too, that you won’t find in default Terminal.

These features let you flexibly align your workspace to suit your requirements.

To Install Terminator

$ sudo add-apt-repository ppa:gnome-terminator
$ sudo apt-get update
$ sudo apt-get install terminator

You can run/launch the terminal from the Unity dashboard or app menu.

Keyboard Shortcuts

  • CTRL + SHIFT + O : Split Terminal Horizontally.
  • CTRL + SHIFT + E : Split Terminal Vertically.
  • CTRL + SHIFT + W : Close Current Panel.
  • CTRL + SHIFT + T : Open New Tab.

5 Tilix

Tilix, previously known as Terminix, is a GTK+ 3 based terminal emulator for Linux and its distros. It is a feature-rich terminal and offers features to split Terminal horizontally as well as vertically.

In split-screen mode, you will find this terminal emulator very useful.

To Install Tilix

$ sudo add-apt-repository ppa:webupd8team/terminix
$ sudo apt-get update
$ sudo apt-get install tilix

You will find separate tabs to split the window horizontally and vertically at the top of the tilix emulator window. Here you don’t have any keyboard shortcuts to split window, but this terminal emulator is quite reliable and powerful.

So, these are the best possible and reliable ways into which you can split your Linux terminal. Have any queries or suggestions? Feel free to ping us at @linuxhint and @SwapTirthakar. ]]> The Best Gaming CPUs in 2021 https://linuxhint.com/best-gaming-cpus-2021/ Mon, 18 Jan 2021 14:59:08 +0000 https://linuxhint.com/?p=85993 A few years back, it was easy to choose a CPU that could match all your hardcore gaming needs, with Intel CPUs running the show. But now, we are in the world of affordable 4K gaming. There has been a major shift in the last couple of years, with AMD entering the market with CPUs crafted specifically for gaming needs and at a more affordable price than Intel CPUs.

With its Ryzen processors, AMD has provided great competition to Intel. As both companies are looking to lead the race, there have been some tremendous launches in the last couple of years. Zen 3 from AMD is the company’s latest release, and this model is going toe-to-toe with Intel’s gaming giants.

I personally like to have gaming CPUs, as they are worth the investment. These CPUs are not limited to just gaming. You can also use them for development, editing videos, creative work, and streaming video if you are a content creator or influencer on social media platforms, such as YouTube or Instagram.

Choosing a good gaming CPU is certainly not rocket science. You just need to know what your requirements are, and that is it. It is easy to build your own machine around a CPU, coupled with other components, such as a graphics card, additional storage, and motherboard.

This article covers the best CPUs for gaming in 2021 that can also match your creative needs.

AMD Ryzen 5 3600x

AMD’s Ryzen series is very popular for its gaming-friendly processors. The Ryzen 5 3600x is not only a gaming processor, but it is also ideal for tasks that require a powerful CPU. The reason why the Ryzen 5 3600x tops this list is that it is a great gaming CPU that also comes at a great price, giving you great value for your money.

Specifications:

  • Cores: 6
  • Threads: 12
  • Clock Speed: 3.6 GHz / 4.2 GHz

On the normal settings, this model easily beats out the likes of Intel’s Core i5-9600K series. You do not need to install coolers separately with this device, as it ships with a cooler included inside the box, making this model even more affordable.

The Ryzen 5 3600x is an ideal CPU for gamers, as well as power users, such as developers and content creators. Power consumption is also low, as compared to other processors in this price range.

Find more details about the AMD Ryzen 5 3600x here: Amazon

AMD Ryzen 9 5900x

The AMD 5000 series is one of the most advanced and powerful gaming CPU series out there. All Ryzen CPUs are based on Zen architecture, which has made serious improvements with each passing generation. This model is priced on the higher side, but AMD has still managed to keep the price lower than its competitor, Intel, without compromising on performance.

Specifications:

  • Cores: 12
  • Threads: 24
  • Clock Speed: 3.7 GHz / 4.8 GHz

Why invest in a separate CPU for gaming and content creation when you can do both in one? Ryzen 9 5900x is ideal for both gamers and content creators and comes with great performance capabilities.

One thing you should consider before buying this model is that it does not include any thermal solutions. If that is not one of the most important features for you, then this CPU still provides great value for the money.

Find more details about the AMD Ryzen 9 5900x here: Amazon

Intel Core i9 10900K

Core i9 is one of the most advanced generations in Intel’s processors and gaming-friendly series. Intel claims i9 to be the world’s fastest gaming CPU, which also comes at a high price. The 10900K is a super powerful CPU that integrates well with NVMe SSD.

Specifications:

  • Cores: 10
  • Threads: 20
  • Clock Speed: 3.7 GHz / 5.3 GHz

The likes of CS: GO and Dota 2 run effortlessly with the support of this CPU. However, some of the cheaper CPUs from the AMD Ryzen series perform the same job, and even in 4K. So, if you do not have any monetary limitations, then feel free to go for Intel’s 10900K series. Otherwise, cheaper options are available from AMD that provide the same performance and experience.

One feature that might attract users to this CPU is its great overclocking potential. Overall, this is a powerful CPU, but it comes at a slightly higher price point.

Find more details about the Intel Core i9 10900K here: Amazon

AMD Ryzen 5 5600x

The Ryzen 5000 is a mid-range series from AMD that provides great value for the cost. There is little difference between the Ryzen 5900x CPU and this model. Gaming performance is the same for both, with nearly identical frame rates.

Specifications:

  • Cores: 6
  • Threads: 12
  • Clock Speed: 3.7 GHz / 4.6 GHz

This processor offers great gaming performance with good overclocking performance. Like other CPUs in the Ryzen 5000 series, this model also ships in with the Wraith Stealth Cooler. Priced quite aggressively, this model easily competes with many overpriced CPUs from AMD’s competitor, Intel.

Find more details about the AMD Ryzen 5 5600x here: Amazon

Intel Core i7 10700K

Another Intel CPU on our list is the i7 10700K. This model is the one that I am currently using. This is a great CPU with fantastic stock performance and solid overclocking potential. This model is also priced cheaper than similarly capable CPUs offered by AMD, offering value for its price point.

Specifications:

  • Cores: 8
  • Threads: 16
  • Clock Speed: 3.8 GHz / 5.1 GHz

The 8 cores and 16 threads contained within this CPU prove to be enough for any games that I play, as well as other content-related work. The games that I have played on this CPU include CS: GO and EA Sports FIFA 21, and the performance was very good, even on full settings.

The i7 10700K is the best gaming CPU out there, and it can handle anything you throw at it.

Find more details about the Intel Core i7 10700K here: Amazon

AMD Ryzen 5 3400G

The Ryzen 5 3400G is one of the cheapest CPU models from AMD (and its competition, as well). At this price point, you cannot expect much, but this CPU offers great performance, though it is certainly not the best in this segment.

Specifications:

  • Cores: 4
  • Threads: 8
  • Clock Speed: 3.7 GHz / 4.1 GHz

CPU ships in with a cooler in the box so that you do not have to spend more money to buy a cooler. This model is a great budget gaming CPU that comes with integrated Vega 11 graphics, faster than the UHD graphics found in the 8th and 9th generation of Intel’s CPUs.

Find more details about the AMD Ryzen 5 3400G here: Amazon

Conclusion

This list covered some of the best gaming CPUs that you can buy in 2021. Certainly, there are other CPUs that are also available, but I tried to keep the list small and cover the best model in every segment. This way, you should find it easy to decide which model best suits your needs. Feel free to ask us anything related to Linux and gaming at @linuxhint and @SwapTirthakar. ]]> MySQL Workbench Tutorial for Ubuntu https://linuxhint.com/mysql-workbench-tutorial-for-ubuntu/ Sun, 03 Jan 2021 18:41:25 +0000 https://linuxhint.com/?p=84069 MySQL Workbench is a cross-platform GUI client for MySQL database users and administrators. Workbench makes the task easier for database admins by providing important tools to manage databases and users, creating databases, running SQL queries, setting up and configuring servers, and many more.

It is a powerful tool that enables us to visualize modules for creating, executing, and optimizing several queries. So, in this article, I am going to give a tour of MySQL Workbench and show you how to use it.

After installation, when you launch MySQL workbench for the first time, it somewhat looks like the following screenshot. It is the home window of the workbench.

Here you will be able to perform database admin tasks, right from creating a database to configuring and executing database servers.

Key MySQL Workbench Features

  • SQL Development
  • Data Modeling
  • Server Administration
  • Data Migration
  • MySQL Enterprise Support

So, there are three modules in MySQL Workbench, SQL Development, Data Modeling, and Migration. For each of these, there is a separate tab present on the MySQL Workbench home screen.

1. SQL Development

This is the first module in MySQL workbench that enables database administrators to create and manage connections to database servers.

For example, let me show you how you can connect to localhost. Click on Databases and then Connect to Database, a new window will appear similar to the below screenshot, here you need to click Ok, and then, it will ask for a MySQL server password.

Enter your password and click Ok. It will connect to the database named, localhost. You can also check Save the password in keychain to remember it for future use.

The following window will appear with a tab named Query 1 on successful connection to the database. Here you can start creating and managing databases.

The output pane here gives you output to any query you run or execute. It means you can see the result immediately.

For example, let’s create a table named LINUXHINT1 and try to execute it. Don’t forget to select the default schema before executing any query.

You can see in the above screenshot that table named, LINUXHINT1, is created in the output pane.

2. Data Modeling

As the name suggests, it will help you create models of your database graphically and allow you to perform reverse and forward engineering between schema and live databases.

You can also add various fields to your database using its comprehensive table editor, which is very easy to use and offers tools to edit tables, columns, indexes, and various more.

The data modeling window is something that looks like what is shown in the following screen shot. Here you can see various buttons like Add Diagram, Add Table, Add View, Add Routine, and Add Groups.

You can use the schema privileges drop-down to add users and various user roles. Also, you can add scripts under the SQL Scripts drop-down.

3. Data Migration

It is a great feature to migrate the data from other databases like Microsoft SQL server, Microsoft Access, Sybase ASE, SQLite, and other relational database management systems (RDBMS).

On top of that, you can also migrate from earlier versions of MySQL to the latest releases.

So, these are the basic things you can do with MySQL workbench. Apart from that, you can be a server admin and create/manage server instances, manage security, create and manage different users, and give them permissions to work on MySQL objects and perform import/export.

Administration

Server Status
Under this tab database admins, can keep track of the performance of the currently connected database. Here, they can monitor the connection status, number of connections, and traffic.

Users and Privileges
Here, administrator can add a specific user, and give them access to edit and work on databases and schemas. In the future, they can reassess the permissions and make changes to them according to requirements.

Under the administrative roles tab, you can choose the roles for which you want to give permissions. Similarly, under schema privileges, you can select permissions you want to give like to select, alter, create, etc.

Data Import/Restore
Here you can import schemas and restore them to previous ones.

So, this is the basic MySQL workbench tutorial for Ubuntu, which should be enough to make you familiar with  MySQL Workbench and start your journey in database management. Feel free to share your views with us at @linuxhint and @SwapTirthakar. ]]> Best Linux Distributions for An Old Laptop in 2021 https://linuxhint.com/best-old-laptop-linux-distributions/ Mon, 14 Dec 2020 08:48:45 +0000 https://linuxhint.com/?p=81645 Unlike Windows and Mac, Linux still provides lifelong support for older machines with its various distributions. This is what I like most about Linux and its distributions. Even if you cannot carry out larger tasks, you can still carry out normal day-to-day tasks such as web browsing, writing/editing word document, watching movies, or listening to music. So why throw your old machine if you can still make use of it?

We will look at the best Linux distributions that can be easily used and installed on older computers with minimal hardware. Some of the Linux distributions listed here might be useful for beginners also.

So, let’s get started and have a look at lightweight Linux distros for an old laptop.

Slax

Slax is a pocket operating system; yes, this what the developers call it. Slax is a modern, portable but lightweight operating system that integrates well with older machines and laptops. This Linux distro has a clean and beautiful design.

You can install Slax on a USB flash drive so that you can carry it anywhere in your pocket and run on any computer. Maybe that’s why they call it a pocket operating system. Slax is based on Debian, which ensures good community support and updates.

Slax ships-in with a handful of useful pre-installed applications such as Terminal, Web Browser, and others. It is available in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions. This installation ISO file size is just around 270 MB, which makes it an ideal Linux distro for older laptops.

Minimum System Requirements:

Processor: i686 or newer

RAM: 128 MB (for desktop use)

512 MB (for web browser use)

Peripherals: CD or USB Drive to boot OS.

Get it here

Zorin OS Lite

Zorin OS Lite is another lightweight Linux distro that runs smooth and fast on machines as old as 15 years. This distro has a Windows desktop layout, which makes it ideal for Windows users, as this will make the transition from Windows to Linux easier.

It is also an ideal Linux distro for beginners as it has a simple but attractive user interface, which makes it easier to use and get used to.

Minimum System Requirements:

Processor: 700 MHz Single Core – Intel/AMD 64-bit or 32-bit processor

RAM: 512 MB

Storage: 8 GB

Display: 640 x 480 Resolution

Get it here

Linux Lite

Linux Lite is free to use the operating system, which is ideal for beginners and older computers. It offers a great deal of flexibility and usability, which makes it ideal for migrants from the Microsoft Windows operating system.

The user interface is clean and intuitive, which makes it look like a modern operating system. It is based on Ubuntu LTS and can be updated in just 2 clicks. More than 1000 applications to choose from, which can be installed and used for free.

Minimum System Requirements:

Processor: 1 GHz

RAM: 768 MB

Storage: 8 GB

Display: 1024 x 768 Resolution

Get it here

Bodhi Linux

Built on the top of Ubuntu 18.04 LTS, Bodhi Linux is a lightweight Linux distribution ideal for older laptops. They call this distribution as Enlightened Linux Distribution.

It has a very active and friendly community, so rest assured of seamless support. It is faster as compared to other Linux distributions. This distro also ships in with essential apps such as web browsers and terminals.

System Requirement:

Processor: 500 MHz (32-bit) and 1.0 GHz (64-bit)

RAM: 512 MB

Storage: 5 GB

Get it here

Puppy Linux

Puppy Linux is a lightweight Linux distro that can be easily installed and used on 32-bit and 64-bit older PCs. It can be easily booted from CD, DVD, or USB flash.

One thing that might go against this distro is that it doesn’t come with some necessary apps installed, but it is one of the fastest Linux distros that work effortlessly on older laptops.

System Requirement:

Processor: 900 MHz

RAM: 300 MB

Get it here

Peppermint OS

Peppermint OS is a lightweight Linux distro well known for its stable and superfast nature. It is a highly customizable distro as it is built on a long term support code base.

Community support makes it an ideal OS for beginners as well as older laptops. The user interface is clean and modern, which makes it easier to get used to for newbies.

System Requirement:

Processor: Intel x86

RAM: 1 GB

Storage: 20 GB

Get it here

Lubuntu

Lubuntu is a very popular lightweight Linux distro. It is a fast and energy-saving operating system, which makes it ideal for low-end computers. It comes with an essential suite of apps like office and multimedia apps.

It gives you a complete desktop experience on low-end computers and laptops. The user interface is simple and clean, making it ideal for new users and Windows users.

System Requirement:

Processor: Pentium II or Celeron

RAM: 128 MB

Storage: 2 GB

Get it Here

These are the best 7 Linux distros I have found, which are best suitable and can be relied on for older laptops. There are other distros available but might not provide community support and regular updates. Feel free to share your views with us at @linuxhint and @SwapTirthakar.

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Top 10 Tools to Automate Linux Admin Tasks https://linuxhint.com/automate-linux-admin-tasks-tools/ Sun, 29 Nov 2020 13:20:03 +0000 https://linuxhint.com/?p=78531

If you are a Linux administrator, or you want to become one, there are certain tasks that can become repetitive and boring. In fact, back in the day, some tasks were so incredibly repetitive that it became very hard to keep track of all the servers; this is why automation tools were created to help with such tasks. These tools help you manage and administer different servers or systems at once, and some of them allow you to do a particular task with only a click or a command line. These tools mentioned below will definitely help you automate some of the tasks of a system administrator so that you can concentrate on other interesting concepts and tasks.

Here are the top 10 Linux Admins to boost office productivity and ease of access. Click on the links to visit the homepage.

1. Puppet

Puppet is one of the largest open-source system administration tools, which helps you automate several tasks. It is used by major enterprises to configure and administer their servers. It monitors the network continuously for any alterations, and it can automatically configure any changes that may happen. It also helps to create and manage users efficiently. It also allows different system administrators and developers to work together, which makes the tasks of each individual easier.

Puppet automates server set-up, program installation as well as system management. It is not only supported on Linux but also on Windows and macOS. It is not very hard to set up or use. It is a paid software, but since so many companies use it, it is worth the price.

$ sudo apt-get install puppet-agent

2. CFEngine

CFEngine is an automation tool, which helps you with managing your infrastructure easily. It can search for system errors efficiently and fix them automatically, without the need for any user interaction. It can also automatically perform package updates across hundreds of servers at once. It can also help you do several tasks such as process management, schedule management, reporting and compliance, service management, password management, application deployment, etc. It is well known due to its ability to self-heal and its quick response times. It is relatively easy to download and set up and also easy to use once installed. It is not free or open-source, but since it is so well known, organizations are willing to buy it for efficiency.

3. Nagios

Nagios, also known as Nagios Core, is a management tool made for Linux system administration tasks that helps you automate and manage all systems in your infrastructure. It provides a thorough report on network traffic, which helps in monitoring any system threats that might damage the health of the network. It can help you manage printers, routers, etc. If it finds a fault in a system, it automatically restarts it to fix it. It is not free, but many enterprises like to use it. It is not very easy to work with, as it has a very complicated installation process, but once it is set up, it is very efficient. You can download it directly from their website and start working with it.

4. Cacti

Cacti is an open-source, web-based network monitoring tool for Linux. It works in real-time, which makes it very efficient at finding any discrepancy in the system quickly. It collects data about the different systems under it and presents it in the form of an easy to understand graph format. It collects data from several different data centers and stores them in a MySQL database, which makes it easier for administers to monitor the server load, network performance, and such tasks.

It also has a user management tool, which you can use to give access to certain areas of the tools to users that you can add. Cacti is quite hard to install and set up, it requires some expert help, but it is easy to use once it has been installed. It is a paid service, and it is not the easiest to use.

5. Amanda

Amanda is one of the oldest Linux backup tools on the market. It is open-source, and it is widely popular. Using this tool, you can automate, schedule, and track backups. It can backup multiple hosts on your network at the same time. The backups can be stored anywhere, from disks, tapes, or optical media. It is not the easiest to set-up, but once it is running, it consistently backs up data to ensure that nothing is lost. It is normally free, but it has an enterprise version, which is not. The enterprise version gives you some extra tools such as Centralized backup of heterogeneous systems, support for a large collection of OS, etc.

6. Bacula

Bacula is a collective set of programs that can manage the backup, recovery, and verification of computer data from different networks. It can help you backup different types of media as data. It can work from a single computer and manage hundreds of computers at once. There is a very user-friendly admin workstation, where you can either use command lines or a GUI to interact with the software. It also consists of a backup server, which is where the background application will run to automate and schedule the data backup.

Bacula is not a very easy tool to use; it has a complicated system to set up and does not have as many features as the previous one. However, it is simple and easy to use once it is set up. It has a free version; however, the enterprise version is paid.

7. SaltStack

Salt or SaltStack is a Python-based open-source software, which is used for IT automation and remote task execution. It ensures high-speed data collection and system management for massive infrastructure. Salt is primarily used for remote tasks, which can be as simple as asking a web server to show a webpage and as complex as using a shell session to issue commands.

Salt is generally used by massive enterprises because it is efficient at managing all servers at once. With a single command line or a click of a button, you could update the software on all servers. It has high security as it uses data encryption to protect all data that is processed through it. It has a relatively easy installation process, and also it is easy to use. It is not free, but the price is worth it as it is very efficient.

8. Cockpit

The Cockpit is an open-source server manager, which is very easy to use. It is developed by Red Hat, one of the leading open-source software producers. The cockpit is a web-based GUI, which helps you automate several Linux administrative tasks. It helps you administer several servers at the same time.

Cockpit allows you to automate system software updates and security updates. It also allows you to do tasks such as software installations and user management. You can install Cockpit on most Linux distros, but it is pre-installed on CentOS.

9. cPanel

It is the most reliable web-based administrative tool which lets you manage several things such as websites, domains, apps, etc. One of the key features of cPanel is its integration with WHM for the automation of daily tasks using hooks. The hook system helps you to automatically create various items in your servers, such as user accounts, emails, logs, MySQL databases, and more.

The integration with WHMCS allows for automatic billing management. It has a lot of features, and you can use it with a powerful GUI to manage all kinds of hosting services and more. It is quite easy to install and use. It is not free, but it is very useful, so it is worth the money.

10. phpMyAdmin

phpMyAdmin is a PHP-based open-source web app. It is free to use, and you can use it on a web browser for creating and managing MySQL databases. It is preferred by students and junior system admins because of it’s easy to use interface. It is used for several administrative tasks, such as automating MySQL databases, along with creating, deleting, and altering them. It can work with different operating systems as well. It can run MySQL queries, optimize, repair, and check tables and do other tasks related to database management. It is easy to install, and since it is free, it is available to everyone for use.

So, these are the top 10 tools to automate Linux admins tasks. Feel free to share with us your view about the above tools at @linuxhint and @SwapTirthakar.

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Best Music Making Apps for Android Device https://linuxhint.com/best-music-making-apps-for-android-device/ Thu, 26 Nov 2020 22:45:03 +0000 https://linuxhint.com/?p=78305

Mobile music-production applications have, for some time, been viewed as gimmicks, something cool to futz around with during your drive. However, not genuine stages made for proficient musicians. There is no lack of music applications accessible on both Android and iOS. Bolstered our independent research, we gauge that there are presumably among zillion and a bazillion applications.

We have got an inventory of the most straightforward music-making applications for Android devices, along with the features for you. So, let’s get started!

Beat Snap – Make Beats & Music

If you are looking for an application that can render music for a whole album, Beat Snap is a fantastic choice. It is quick to use, and the best part is that it is free. You should correct the rhythm and drama and set up the music for more than thirty times sequentially. It is easy to install and a feature-rich music-making app.

Features

  1. The step sequencer contains your most innovative arrangement of songs.
  2. Stocks more than two hundred pieces of equipment and five hundred sounds.
  3. The sound can be shaped by six live controllable FX.
  4. Series of the loop and metronome.
  5. There are sixteen receptive pads with two grids.

Roland Zenbeats

Zenbeats looks beautiful and easy to use on a touch device. It works very well on a timeline and LoopBuilder. The step sequencer has an auto-fill function, so you can throw in notes or create beats with a single gesture. It can be programmed to play on an on-screen keyboard or wire an external MIDI controller.

Features

  • The Zenbeats App features effects, loops, and innovative instruments to broaden the spectrum of music.
  • There are options, regardless of the mood you are seeking.
  • Sounds of touch, swipe, modulate, and pitch bent using on-screen instrument motions.
  • Sample Verse is a strong platform for recording, manipulating, and recording the world’s sounds.
  • Roland Zenbeats gives access to comprehensive beat making equipment and several kits and patterns preset available.

Groovepad – Music & Beat Maker

Groovepad is a convenient tool that incorporates high-quality samples with a user-friendly interface. This is one of the most addictive programs on this list. Open the program, and you will have access to a wide variety of soundtracks that can render almost every kind of music genre, from dubstep to EDM to cool hip. Google Play is currently freely available.

Features

  • A vast catalog of exclusive and excenter soundtracks where you can start looking and picking your favorites. Hip-hop, EDM, dance, dubstep, drum & bass, trap, electronics, and many more are among the popular genres. To make your music or mixtapes, use Groovepad.
  • Use Live Loops to produce top-class music that can exactly balance all the sounds.
  • You will bring life back to your party with some excellent FX effects, such as the filter, flanger, reverb, and pause by music on your drum pad.
  • Post your creations and inspire and impress your friends and families with DJing skills.
  • The Groovepad software supports professionals, beat-makers, music developers, and even amateur music makers as a practical and straightforward app. Create beats and songs, anywhere and everywhere!

MixPads – Drum pad & DJ Audio Mixer

MixPads should be your first preference if you are involved in composing remixes and song grooves. It is all great for the DJ sound designers. This software makes composing remixes and DJ sounds very simple and easy. About thirty drum pads feature original music loops. There are also a handful of impressive features. This app is a decent choice for the Android app to make music.

Features

  • You should blend voice with multiple audio tracks to capture voice.
  • Hip-hop music production and remixing in this app are effortless.
  • There is a range of sound vans for the DJ.
  • There are twelve one-shot pads to promote the initiative.
  • There are various reverse effects to reverse your songs.
  • A finger drumming option can be used to generate rhythm.

Caustic 3

Caustic 3 employs sequenced audio synthesizers and simulations. It is an easy and intuitive program to use. You should play the beat on Caustic and open an individual wav editor as the beat plays and records for yourself, in which case, you ought to use your headphones so that you can keep the vocal and the real beat separated before merging.

Features

  • WAV: 16-bit uncompressed stereo 44KHz that supports most of the device and audio players.
  • OGG: Ogg-Vorbis 44KHz stereo format compressed, compliant with most Smartphone MP3 players.
  • MIDI: Music file MIDI provides simple note and timing detail, machine names, and structure. Its Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) Applications are very compatible.

BandLab  

BandLab incorporates interactive and artistic experiences. You can also create and download your music and find other artists with the same application. But the main thing about this is that the creative aspect of music is pretty good.

Features

  • They have a twelve-plot mixed editor that helps you record live audio and import music, blend, and automatically make your album.
  • Looper features the beats, patterns, and melodies’ layers to build up.
  • Measure and re-activate all the kinds of results, gate and add them.
  • There are currently over a hundred plugins to give the right toning to your track guitar, bass, and vocal impact.

Hip-Hop Producer Pads

Hip-Hop Producer Pads will support you a great deal if you want to make rock music for your Band. It is one of the freest Android music applications to create hip-hop and remix sounds. The music is combined with lots of features. Drum is for free here so that the beat and sound can be managed.

Features

  • You should arrange lots of song loops.
  • Here is an excellent metronome.
  • In this case, the drum unit is handy and available here.
  • Several samples were used for one-stroke.
  • You should make music for your mates, and download it.

Walk Band

Walk Band is a toolkit for virtual musical instruments built by music studio artists. Walk Band is effortless but still a decent sound application that enables you to write music. Piano, drum kit, drum machine, guitar, and bass are included.

Features

  • The configuration is straightforward but sounds very good.
  • You can pick the chords you like and then press them to make up the song’s structure.
  • The guitar can switch between chords and solo so that some cool melodies can be formed.
  • By using the sharing function, export the MIDI file and share it via Dropbox.
  • It is a cool app and is free for download.

Music Maker JAM   

If you are in the fields of R&B, hip-hop, and other beat-based music, Music Maker JAM can help you more than anything. It enables the music to function in a single spot. With sound loops, beatings, and audio samples of the studio quality, you can render your tracks at any time. This app will clean and make your journey smooth and simple. It has multiple features, along with a stunning and comfortable user interface.

Features

  • You will be part of a vast network of over a million music lovers via this app.
  • It delivers daily updates, new concepts, and interactive collaboration options for a better overall experience.
  • It offers more than three hundred sound mix packs and five hundred thousand plus sound loops to make music simple at all times.
  • You can browse thousands of loops and beats of studio-quality to blend easier.
  • With only a few clicks and shakes on your Android phone, you can catch your vocal and remix songs.

Add Music to Voice  

Many of you hide a real singer in yourself. But since there are not enough musical instruments, you cannot reveal it. But an album without music cannot give the listener the right feeling. So, behind your music, you need a tone. Add Music to Voice app is the answer for you if you are battling such a problem. It is an app that excellently adds music to your voice.

Features

  • You can use some sample music or make your sound.
  • There is an intelligent selection system to mix the music seamlessly with your voice.
  • There is a rich music catalog to select from an album to be blended with the song.
  • Karaoke should be used while music is playing to sing the album.
  • Record the music and share it with others immediately.

Conclusion

So, these are the best music-making apps for Android smartphones in 2021. If you have used any other app than those listed here, feel free to share your views with us at  @linuxhint and @SwapTirthakar.

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Best Security Apps for Android https://linuxhint.com/best-security-apps-for-android/ Tue, 24 Nov 2020 09:36:13 +0000 https://linuxhint.com/?p=77962

If you do not use any of the top Android antivirus applications on your Smartphone or tablet, you are at risk of being infected by malicious software and other viruses.

The good news is that you have far from limited options. The best smartphone antivirus programs include top-of-the-line malware detection and protection, as well as a range of safety and anti-theft tools.

Sometimes, these applications may also have the ability to back up contacts and other records, follow your phone or tablet using GPS, grab an image of a phone robber using the device’s camera, and even use your smartwatch to find your phone. Many mobile security apps come with a free and charged version, but all Freemium antivirus applications have not been developed in the same manner.

Best Security Apps for Android in 2020

The following article provides a list of the best Android apps that are trusted for maintaining security and privacy for Android phones.

Security Master

For any smart gadget, antivirus and security applications are a must. Security Master is the best application for complete Android device maintenance and wellbeing. Not all Android devices have built-in protection tools, and most of them lack advanced functionality. Security Master comes with built-in VPN, App Lock, and speed booster, and, of course, the antivirus.

Features

  • Provides features beyond antivirus and protects smartphones from overuse.
  • Includes cleaning files, battery-saving services, and junk management.
  • VPN features and Wi-Fi authentication in real-time.
  • File lock, AppLocker, and password manager message protection are included.
  • Provides smart diagnostic and fraud warning to protect your mobile device.

Bitdefender Mobile Security

The Android security program from Bitdefender offers excellent malware protection, a small effect on device performance, Android Wear watch integration, a VPN client, and a malicious website blocker that runs on most Android browsers.

The device also comes with robust tools, such as App Lock, Wi-Fi scanner, anti-theft functionality, and alerts of data breakdown.

Features

  • Multi-level security offered by Bitdefender blocks both proven and emerging threats from your records, photos, and videos.
  • Prevents dangerous anti-phishing security.
  • When using a Wi-Fi link, secures your bank records, passwords. and hacker updates.
  • Senses when you play, work, or watch a movie, so it does not need to annoy you.
  • Stops pop-ups briefly and switches graphic parameters to optimize the user’s enjoyment.

AVG Antivirus

Antivirus and malware security are useful tools to keep your system all in one location. AVG Antivirus is an online and offline security application that provides complete protection against cyberattacks and ensures full privacy for your Android device. This app has many luxury features with an attractive user interface, and it can be downloaded for free.

Features

  • Offers data security and optimized privacy AppLock features.
  • Frees your device of bugs and ransomware.
  • Protects your Wi-Fi network.
  • Boosts the system and provides seamless file cleaning.
  • Offers your ease with VPN features, data control, and speed meters.
  • Provides device locations indicated by Google Maps.
  • Includes call blocker features and warning integration.

McAfee

The ultimate tool for mobile security is McAfee Mobile Security. With this app, you can defend yourself from viruses, malware, spyware, and ransomware while maintaining your data and your identity. The McAfee app gives you a privacy-protected VPN Wi-Fi connection, mobile encryption, and mobile antivirus protection for your smartphone, all free of cost.

Features

  • Complete security goes beyond award-winning antivirus protection to provide a broad range of precautions and defenses for your device.
  • Offers the ability to easily encrypt confidential files for families with a range of phones.
  • Provides virus and spam protection for Windows, Mac, and mobile devices.
  • Allows you to link five to ten phones and defend against cybercriminals and hackers.
  • Get the most out of digital identity theft protection with shielding, shaking, removing, and other sensitive file protection features.

VIPRE

VIPRE Android Security, one of the most popular security applications, is a fantastic alternative. VIPRE secures your phone from 20,000-plus identified malware and Android viruses.

Feature

  • Powerful features, such as the modified Malware Detector with new intelligence on numerous viruses.
  • All applications are automatically scanned upon installation.
  • Web defense feature helps you to spot suspicious things when browsing the Web.
  • Geo-locating, locking, sound alarm, and wiper phone or tablet may be used for counter-theft functionality on other internet-linked devices.

Cleaner

It is good fortune that Windows and Mac’s best protection software is now available on Android, and you can now use the Cleaner app to protect your Android device. You can use this software in many profitable workplaces. This app is also sufficient to deter viruses from your device and to guarantee that your device is secure.

Features

  • Elimination of trash and cleaning of your phone memory.
  • Helpful for finding the software that consumes the most data, as well as the most battery.
  • Includes features that allow you to uninstall multiple applications with a single press.

Nox

Nox’s all-in-one protection software can defend against malware and other threats to your phone. It is a single tool that allows you to deal with all the most vicious defense issues. Nox Protection facilitates cleaning up files and avoiding power-draining applications, as well as shielding your phone from WLAN attacks.

Features

  • Ensures that your phone is protected from malware and viruses.
  • Protect and lock the programs to avoid infringement of privacy.
  • Block anyone from displaying the menu.
  • Spam filtering and suspected calls.

Kaspersky Mobile Antivirus

Kaspersky Smartphone is another free and excellent Android protection tool that you can use free of charge. This app is stable and safe, and it is also effortless to use for many defense activities.

Features

  • Protects against theft by helping you find your phone when you lose it.
  • Antimicrobial technology that allows you to protect financial details when you buy online.
  • Acts as the main antivirus application to keep your device clean.
  • Auto-locking and disabling are also provided.
  • Reports and activities are filtered, along with junk.

Norton Mobile Security and Antivirus

Norton Mobile Security & Antivirus is an award-winning cell phone encryption and malware prevention provider. This app helps to protect your device against ransomware, viruses, or threats, such as spam, fraud, and websites designed to steal your information and money. This virus sensor and remover helps to deter attacks on your device. Norton is a trusted brand for mobile telephone security applications, with several years of experience delivering antivirus protection for the PC.

Features

  • Advanced antivirus protection secures your device against current and new online threats.
  • Protects your information securely online.
  • Browse via a Virtual Private Network (VPN) with no-login privacy and confidentiality.
  • Add bank encryption to keep information secure and confidential, including passwords and bank account numbers.
  • Manage the activities of your children online.
  • Online generation, stocking, and maintenance of passwords, credit card numbers, and other credentials.
  • Storage of sensitive files and records to protect data loss due to errors on the hard disc, hacked phones, and even ransomware.
  • Alerts you of login attempts and blocks unauthorized access to your webcam.

Systweak Anti Malware

Malware and malicious content are some of the most harmful risks posed to your device. It is best that you get anti-malware software to secure your Android device and ensure that your data is safe against attacks. What better functionality than the Anti Malware in Systweak? Let us explore the app’s features below:

Feature

  • Protects in real-time against dangerous mobile apps.
  • Searches for suspicious data on your internal memory and SD card.
  • Feature available to whitelist trustworthy programs.
  • Helps you to explore all pathogens quickly and in-depth.

In this era of technology, where everyone is getting connected through their smartphone devices, the risk of security and privacy breaches is higher than ever. So, you always need to be concerned about this issue and take the necessary steps whenever required. This article covered ten of the best apps to keep your Android device secure from viruses and malware. If you have any queries regarding any of these applications, then do tell us at @linuxhint and @SwapTirthakar.

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Top 10 File Compression Utilities on Linux https://linuxhint.com/top_10_file_compression_utilities_on_linux/ Thu, 05 Nov 2020 08:13:57 +0000 https://linuxhint.com/?p=75453 Transferring files between one computer to another or storing them securely is a major task to both normal and professional users. Sometimes it is not possible to send files above a certain size over the internet, so you need utilities that will help decrease your file size without compromising data or its quality. It also helps merge multiple files and reduce the overall file size to help you send it securely over the internet.

Linux users are blessed with many effective and reliable file compression utilities at their disposal.

The majority of utilities listed here work well with all the Linux distros, and we have tested them on Ubuntu.

tar

The tar file compression is one of the most widely used file compression utilities on Linux. File compressed with this utility have suffix .tar.gz and .tgz, and they are also called tarballs.

For example, if we have a file/directory named swap1 in the current directory. To save it to a compressed file named file.tar,gz, we have to run the following command in terminal:

$ tar -czvf file.tar.gz swap1

You might be wondering what does exactly switch -czvf means, let’s see it one-by-one.

-c : Create an Archive
-z : Compress Archive with gzip
-v : known as “verbose”. It displays the progress in the terminal window when the archive is being created.
-f : This switch allows you to specify the file name of the archive.

Install it by running the following command in the terminal:

$ sudo apt-get install tar

gzip

The gzip stands for GNU Zip, and it is an open-source file compression format used to compress single files. It produces zipped files with the suffix .gz extension.

ZIP and GZIP, are both very popular file compression formats when it comes to saving space and reducing the time required to send the file over the internet.

Here is its basic syntax:

$ gzip [Options] [filenames]

Using switch -l will give you detailed information about the compressed file.

To unzip a file use syntax:

$ gzip -d filename.gz

To install gzip, run the following command in the terminal:

$ sudo apt-get install gzip

7zip

The 7zip is an open-source file compression utility that was initially developed for Windows users and was later ported to other operating systems like Linux and its distros. It supports multiple file compression formats and is popular for a high compression ratio with LZMA and LZMA2 compression techniques.

Syntax:

$ 7z a filename.7z filename

To extract:

$ 7z e filename.7z

To install 7zip, run the following command in the terminal:

$ sudo apt-get install p7zip-full p7zip-rar

lzma

The lzma is another file compression utility like zip or tar, and it ships-in pre-installed with Linux and its distros. It is quite a fast file compression utility as compared to others.

To create archive:

$ lzma -c --stdout filename> filename.lzma

To extract files:

$ lzma -d --stdout filename.lzma >filename

bzip2

The bzip2 is a free and open-source file compression utility. It is a faster file utility as compared to gzip but can only compress a single file at a time.
Syntax:

$ bzip2 filename

This technique uses more RAM during compression. To reduce its use, switch –s, as shown below:

$ bzip2 -s filename

To extract:

$ bzip2 -d filename.bz2

xz file compression

The xz is an upgrade to the lzma file compression utility but can only compress a single file at a time. It integrates well with all the Linux distros, even the older releases.

Syntax to compress:

$ xz filename

Syntax to extract:

$ xz -d filename.xz

shar

The shar, short for “shell archive”, is a simple and reliable file compression utility for personal and power users.

Syntax to compress:

$ shar filename > filename.shar

Syntax to extract:

$ unshar filename.shar

To install shar, run the following command in the terminal:

$ sudo apt-get install sharutils

ar

The ar is a widely used file compression utility in Debian and its derivatives.

Syntax to compress:

$ ar cvsr filename.a filename

Syntax to extract:

$ ar -xv filename

kgb

The kgb is free to use file compression utility with support for the majority of file formats. It supports archiving multiple files into one with a high compression ratio.

Syntax to archive:

$ kgp filename.kgb filename

Syntax to decompress:

$ kgb x filename.kgb

To install kgb, run the following command in the terminal:

$ sudo apt-get install kgb

pax

The pax stands for Portable Archive Exchange, and it is a file compression utility used in creating and extracting archives. It supports various file compression formats like tar, cpio, bcpio, and ustar.

Syntax to compress:

$ pax -wf filename.tar filename

Syntax to decompress:

$ pax -r  < filename.tar

To install pax, run the following command in the terminal:

$ sudo apt-get install pax

So, these are the top 10 file compression utilities for Linux and its distros. There are still other compression utilities for Linux, but these 10 are the standouts when tested on various parameters. Feel free to share your views with us at @linuxhint and @SwapTirthakar. ]]> Best System Monitoring Tools for Ubuntu https://linuxhint.com/best_system_monitoring_tools_for_ubuntu/ Wed, 04 Nov 2020 11:31:22 +0000 https://linuxhint.com/?p=75256

Doesn’t matter if you’re a system administrator or a normal user, as it is very important to keep your computer infrastructure and network running smoothly. Hence you need a reliable system monitoring tool that will help you keep track of all the system activities like CPU performance, Memory Usage, Network Monitoring, and status of all the connected devices.

There are many choices available on the internet for system monitoring tools, and we have crafted a list of the best system monitoring tools for you by testing each of them in different circumstances. So, sit back and enjoy the ride to find the best system monitoring tool for Ubuntu, which matches your requirements.

1. Htop

Htop is a cross-platform system monitor, process viewer and manager, and reliable alternative to top, which is also a system monitoring tool for Linux and its distros. It is specially designed and developed for consoles and terminals; hence it supports text mode.`

It is a feature-rich system monitoring tool that can be used on Linux, FreeBCD, OpenBCD, and macOS. Talking about features, it offers information based on various parameters such as tasks, load average, and uptime. You can change color preferences on its UI to match your requirements.

For Linux and its distros, it provides a delay account matrix and offers support for custom scripts and real-time signals. As it is open-source and free, it makes it one of the best system monitoring tools out there for Linux systems.

$ sudo apt-get install htop

2. Glances

Written in Python, Glances is another cross-platform system monitoring tool on our list. It uses a web-based interface to give you the maximum system information in the minimum possible space. Depending on terminal size, it automatically adjusts itself and displays all the information in a single window.

It can also be used in client/server mode and remote system monitoring, which could be done through a web interface or terminal. You get all the important information in one place is one of the positives of this tool.

The thing I like most about this system monitoring tool is that you can keep track of using its web interface, which allows remote monitoring. Linux running on low-end or older computers might find it tough to run this tool smoothly as it demands higher CPU resources.

Download Here

3. Stacer

Stacer is an open-source system monitor and optimization tool which helps system administrators manage system resources and task under on roof. It is a modern tool with an excellent user interface that makes you feel at home even on first use.

It is a feature-rich tool that lets you manage startup apps, clean unnecessary package caches, crash reports, application logs, application caches, and trash under the system cleaner tab. It starts or stops services easily, sort processes based on process id (PID), CPU, and memory usage, and find a particular process easily using its name in the search bar and uninstall applications, which are not required anymore.

Resource tab displays CPU, RAM, Disk, CPU load average, and network activity for the last 60 seconds, and it also comes with APT repository manager, which you can use to activate, disable, or delete any repository. Ubuntu users can use this feature to edit the package repositories.

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:oguzhaninan/stacer
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install stacer

4. BashTOP

BashTOP is another cool and reliable system monitoring tool for Linux and its distros such as Ubuntu. It displays the usage stats for processor, memory, disks, network, and other resources.

It is an excellent tool for desktop and computer users who are generally personal users. However, the system administrators and server users won’t find this tool that useful as their demands will be higher. Also, it is a little bit slower as compared to other system monitoring tools such as htop.

It is easy to use tool and sports a beautiful user interface with everything placed perfectly.

$ sudo add-apt-repository ppa:bashtop-monitor/bashtop
$ sudo apt update
$ sudo apt install bashtop

5. GNOME System Monitor

It is a simple system monitoring tool that comes pre-installed on various Linux distros running GNOME desktop environment. This tool shows which programs are running, how much processor time, memory, and disk space being used.

As you can see in the screenshot, it has a clean and simple user interface. Every information and stats are placed perfectly in the user interface, which makes it easy to read and understand.

The CPU history tab shows how much processor capacity is being used for each CPU, the Memory and history tab shows how much of your computer’s memory (RAM) is being used, and under the network tab, you see the download and upload speed of the network over the last 60 seconds.

6. Netdata

The Netdata is a cross-platform system monitoring tool that has a very attractive and modern user interface, which is eye-catching. It is a great tool for personal as well as enterprise use for managing large computer infrastructures.

It offers timely insightful health alarms and interactive visualizations you can troubleshoot slowdowns and anomalies in your server infrastructures. It is a simple to use tool that can be deployed in minutes. Despite being completely free to use, this tool is quite reliable and powerful system monitoring tool.

Download Here

So, these are the best system monitoring tools you can use on your computers running Linux and its distros. There are some other tools available for Linux, but the ones listed above are deeply tested and then presented to you. Feel free to share your views at @linuxhint and @SwapTirthakar. ]]> Best PDF Page Cropping and Edit Tools for Linux https://linuxhint.com/page_cropping_tools_linux/ Wed, 28 Oct 2020 12:00:25 +0000 https://linuxhint.com/?p=74372

When it comes to presenting and sharing documents reliably, only one file format comes to the rescue and that is the Portable Document Format (PDF). It is considered the most popular and widely used file format shared universally, unless you know Adobe’s Acrobat Pro, which offers nearly all of the same features typically for standard graphic use. With the free version of Acrobat you get the security but you cannot edit your files, nor can you compress them and engage a wide variety of edit options, as you can with Acrobat Pro which is costly.

When looking for an alternate means of cropping, merging, or splitting pdfs that can be used with Linux, I offer these tools below.

Krop

Krop is a simple, easy to use GUI tool for Linux users and its distros permitting the cropping of PDF files. It is feature-rich offering a wide variety of graphic support operations.

The Krop site advises that you can: ‘…automatically split pages into subpages to fit the screen size of devices such as eReaders.’ This feature is handy when eReaders do not support scrolling. They offer that: ‘It is written in Python and depends on PyQT, python-poppler-qt4 and PyPDF2 for full functionality on Linux systems.’

It is available as a snap package which you can easily install from Snap Store or from Terminal by running the following command.

$ sudo snap install krop

 

PDF Mix Tool

PDF Mix Tool is an open-source PDF editing tool for Linux and its distros. The site indicates that: ‘It is a simple and lightweight application that helps you perform common editing tasks on PDF files.’ Some of its features include: merging two or more files, rotating pages, and combining multiple pages into a single page.

With PDF Mix Tool you can also generate booklets, add white pages to PDF files, delete unwanted pages, and extract pages from a PDF file. PDF Mix Tool encourages that: ‘It is available as a snap package and you can download it from their link below.’

Download Here

Master PDF Editor

Master PDF Editor is a multifunctional cross-platform PDF editor application which is very easy to use. Along with basic edits you can modify texts and objects, annotate PDF documents, create and fill PDF forms and add digital signatures.

Using this tool, you can merge several files into one, split a PDF document into multiple documents, and also encrypt PDF files. It is a feature-rich tool that integrates well with Linux and its distros and is very reliable. ‘This tool comes in two versions, one is free to use which is ideal for the home user,’ according to their website. The other is a commercial version which is ideal for enterprise users.

Download Here

PDF Arranger

PDF Arranger is a lightweight python-gtk tool for Linux users that helps you merge/split PDF documents and rearrange the pages with rotate, crop and rearrange tools. PDF Arranger promises that ‘Its GUI is quite simple and very easy to use even for the novice user.’

Also known as PDF Shuffler, it is a simple tool with simple features which lets you carry out simple editing tasks on PDF files.

Download Here

PDF Quench

PDF Quench is a GUI tool for Linux and its distros which helps you edit PDF documents. It is written in Python which enables users to crop and rotate pages.

It is a very simple tool but doesn’t come with many features you normally expect in an ideal PDF page cropping tool.

Download Here

This writer considers these the best PDF page cropping tools for Linux and its distros such as Ubuntu. You can share your experience with crop and edit tools at @linuxhint and @SwapTirthakar.  

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Best Music Players for Android in 2020 https://linuxhint.com/best_music_players_android_2020/ Mon, 26 Oct 2020 15:28:14 +0000 https://linuxhint.com/?p=73920 Is there anyone who does not love music? No matter what gadget you use, you probably love listening to music on your phone. Android is the most widely used OS in smartphones, and there are several music player apps available in app stores.

Because there are so many options available, you may become confused when choosing the best music player for your Android device. Several factors must be taken into account when selecting a music player app. In this article, we list the 10 best music players for Android that you can use to listen to your favorite music anywhere, anytime.

Not all the applications hosted in the Google Play Store are legitimate, as some of them show a lot of ads, while others lag when operating. To help you avoid such low-quality applications, we have prepared a well-researched and detailed list of music players for Android for you.

So, let us begin!

1. YouTube Music

YouTube music is one of the best music players for Android devices. With this app, songs are very easy to stream, even with low internet connectivity. The interface is quite user-friendly and even comes with a dark theme for night owls, like me. As this application is from YouTube itself, you can search for any video or audio clip uploaded to the YouTube streaming platform.


Many of you might remember the Google Play Music app on Android devices. Well, that app is now replaced by the YouTube Music app in the Google suite of apps. To play music in offline mode, enjoy ad-free music, and listen in audio mode, you will need to get the premium subscription.

Key Features:

  1. Offline mode
  2. Audio-only mode
  3. HD sound quality

Download Here

2. Spotify

The second pick on our list is Spotify, a Swedish music streaming app that is known for its quality music. When it comes to sound quality, nobody is better than Spotify. You can listen to your favorite songs, artists, and podcasts. There is a huge collection of songs in this application and users can easily access the music by searching by song name or artist.


You can sign up for free and start listening to music with some limitations and ads. Getting the premium subscription will help you get rid of the annoying ads. Spotify is a very popular music app worldwide, and it keeps getting better with every update.

Key Features:

  1. HD quality sound
  2. Podcasts
  3. Frequent updates

Download Here

3. Apple Music

Maybe you are not aware that Apple Music is no longer only for Apple users. It is available on the Android play store, too. Apple is known for its premium services and has done exceptionally good work with the Apple Music app, too. With a huge collection of more than 60 million tracks, you can listen to your favorite songs, create custom playlists, and mark your favorite artists.


Nothing comes free from Apple, and you will have to pay about $10 per month for this application, but it is worth it. You can also try the 3-month free trial. Apple Music also offers Chromecast support to stream your music to any device. Overall, this app comes in a package that any music lover would love to have.

Key Features:

  1. Access to 60 million+ songs
  2. Beats one
  3. Awesome offers with Verizon

Download Here

4. Poweramp Music Player

PowerAmp is indeed a powerful music player for Android, where you can create libraries for family and share. The unique UI of this app gives you a DJ feel, and the equalizer will make great use of your headphones. Poweramp also comes with Google assistant integrated for further commands.


If you are having a huge collection of audio songs on your device, then you can install the Poweramp music player to arrange the libraries and share your music with your loved ones. The spectrums that display while playing songs are also quite attractive. If you are a bass lover, you can create your own equalizer presets, too.

Key Features:

  1. Library sharing
  2. Attractive UI
  3. Bass booster

Download Here

5. JetAudio HD Player Plus

JetAudio is another brilliant music player for Android that can be used to play a variety of file formats. This music player has two versions: the Plus version and the Free version. The Plus version is quite impressive and comes loaded with 20+ band equalizers, whereas the Free version comes with 10 band equalizers and ads.


It is worth mentioning that the equalizer in this application is very rich in graphics. The lock screen widgets are also quite attractive.

Key Features:

  1. Intelligent playback controls
  2. Support for various audio plugins

Download JetAudio Plus
Download JetAudio Free Version

6. Amazon Music

The Amazon Music player app needs no introduction. This app needs a prime subscription to access its huge collection of music. If you already have an Amazon subscription, then simply download the app, sign up for an account, and you are good to go.


The sound quality produced by this app is just awesome and will make perfect use of your high-quality headphones. If you do not remember a song’s name, simply enter a lyric in the search bar and its intelligent search engine will do the rest. This application has been downloaded over 100,000,000 times.

Key Features:

  1. HD sound quality
  2. Access to shows and movies with Amazon Prime

Download Here

7. Neutron Music Player

The Neutron Music Player is not for normal users but is good for audiophiles who want to experiment with several audio tweaks available in the application. You can even create high bass presets for yourself.


This application is a bit underrated but serves its purpose smartly. There are two versions of this application: the free version and the paid version. The free version comes with ads, and while the paid version comes with some premium features. If are looking to experiment with sound, then you should get the paid application.

Key Features:

  1. Loaded with audio tweaks
  2. Good for making customized presets

Download Neutron Music Player App

8. AIMP Free Music Player

The AIMP Free Music Player for Android is considered the best in its category. This app is an all-in-one music player, library, and converter. AIMP delivers good sound quality and expansive customization. This player processes audio in 32-bit for clear sound quality.


The good thing about this player is that it can play up to 20 audio formats. The main audio formats include MP3, OGG, WAV, and WMA. The equalizer, which comes with extra built-in sound effects, is a plus point. If you are looking for a free Android music player, then AIMP is the best choice available.

Key Features:

  1. Works well as an audio converter
  2. Brilliant sound effects

Download Here

9. GoneMAD Music Player

GoneMad is one of the oldest music players in the Play Store. If you are looking for an application with a variety of themes, then this app is the perfect choice for you. GoneMad supports multi-window and smart playlist features. It comes with a 14-day free trial, and then you need to buy an unlocker to access the application. The premium version costs you around $3.99.


Key Features:

  1. Highly customizable
  2. Huge collection of themes
  3. HD sound quality

Download Here

10. CloudPlayer

We all remember the Doubletwist when it ruled iTunes. Now, Doubletwist has been replaced by the CloudPlayer app for Android. With this app, you will have many cloud services to access your music files. The sound quality is also up to mark.

CloudPlayer comes with a brilliant equalizer tool, but you will need to unlock it using in-app purchases. This app will give you an old-school feel while listening to the radio and podcasts.


Key Features:

  1. Can connect to cloud storage
  2. In-app Air support

Download CloudPlayer App

Conclusion

This article covered some of the best music playing apps for Android smartphones. If you are a music lover like me, then you will enjoy listening to your favorite music on any of the above apps. Choose whichever app best fits your needs and preferences. Feel free to share your thoughts with us at @linuxhint and @SwapTirthakar.

]]>
Best Music Players for Linux in 2021 https://linuxhint.com/best_music_players_linux/ Mon, 26 Oct 2020 14:57:53 +0000 https://linuxhint.com/?p=73908 Many people enjoy listening to music to pass time and destress, and some people even listen to music while working to stay motivated and focused. Studies have shown that soft music can help employees stay motivated and increase productivity.

If you are a Linux user who enjoys listening to music while you are on your computer, then you are in luck, because there are variety of music players available for Linux. In this article, we are going to discuss the five best music players available for Linux.

1. Spotify

Spotify is popular music streaming service with millions of daily active users across several platforms, and unlike many Linux music players, this one sports a slick, modern user interface. You can easily search for your favorite albums with the search option. Unfortunately, Spotify has high system resource demands, and it might be slow on old machines.


The music collection is great, with many genres of music available from thousands of musical artists from across the world, and you can also play music from your local music library.

You can download Spotify on your machine as follows:

$ sudo snap install spotify

2. Google Play Music

If you have used Google Play Music on your Android phone, then this app should feel familiar. You can play music offline from your local library or from online stations and music libraries. Google Play Music is an open-source desktop music player from Google, and it has a beautiful user interface.

You can access all the music files from your account by logging into your Google account. The music player has rich features such as HTML5 audio support, customizable themes, desktop notifications, media keys support, Last.FM scrobbling support and background music play support.


Google Play Music is available for download in the Ubuntu software center and in the snap store. It is important to note, however, that this player is going be replaced by YouTube Music, and it will no longer receive support from Google.
Download Here

3. Apple Music

Apple Music is now available for almost all Linux distributions, and it is becoming one of the most widely used music apps on the Linux platform. It has great music streaming services, with specially curated playlists for every occasion.


You can access original and exclusive content that is specially curated by editors. Furthermore, you can listen to various radio stations from around the world and stream millions of songs without ads.

You can download Apple Music from the snap store or the Ubuntu software center.
Download Here

4. YouTube Music

YouTube Music is the desktop version of the music streaming app from Google, which will soon be replaced by Google Play Music. This music player has all the features of Google Play Music.

You can view the song lyrics while listening to a song, but you need to have a premium subscription for ad-free listening. YouTube Music offers media keys, a customizable dark theme, MPRIS integration, a simple interface, last.fm scrobbling support, desktop notifications when the track changes and customizable shortcuts.


This music player is very well-integrated with all the Linux distributions, and it is very easy to use.
Download Here

5. Museeks

Museeks is a simple, clean, easy-to-use music player. Its minimalist design is not loaded with many features, but the player is very useable. Furthermore, because it does not require powerful hardware, it works well on old machines.

Museeks supports dark mode customization, support for all widely used audio formats, queue management, playback speed control and sleep mode blocker.


To install Museeks on Linux, run following commands in the terminal.

For 64-bit:

$ wget https://github.com/martpie/museeks/releases/download/0.11.4/museeks-amd64.deb
$ sudo dpkg -i museeks-amd64.deb

For 32-bit:

$ wget https://github.com/martpie/museeks/releases/download/0.11.4/museeks-i386.deb
$ sudo dpkg -i museeks-i386.deb

6. Clementine

Clementine is a cross-platform music player that was written in Qt. It is a feature-rich music player that supports OneDrive, Google Drive and DropBox so that you can play media files stored on the cloud directly from your music player.


Clementine also supports online media streaming from radio stations like Jamendo, Sky FM, Rockradio.com, Soma FM and Jazzradio.com, as well as various podcasts, and it supports desktop notifications, playing and ripping audio CDs, importing music from external drives and many other features.

$ sudo add-apt-repository ppa:me-davidsansome/clementine
$ sudo apt-get update
$ sudo apt-get install clementine

7. Rhythmbox

Rhythmbox is free, open-source music player available for Linux and its distributions. It comes pre-installed with various Linux distributions, including Ubuntu. It is a great music player for listening to music offline from your local library.


Rhythmbox was especially built for the GNOME desktop environment, but it also works well on other desktop environments. There is drag-and-drop support for creating static playlists, and it allows users to read and burn audio CDs, search for songs and internet radio stations, and transfer music to other devices.

To install Rhythmbox on Linux, run following commands in the terminal.

$ sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntuhandbook1/apps
$ sudo apt-get update
$ sudo apt-get install rhythmbox

It can be difficult to find the right music player. In this article, we discuss some of the most popular options, but there are many other music players out there. Feel free to share your views with us at @linuxhint. ]]> 10 Best Google Drive Clients for Linux https://linuxhint.com/best_google_drive_clients_linux/ Wed, 14 Oct 2020 15:05:06 +0000 https://linuxhint.com/?p=71211

Google ecosystem has become an integral part of our daily lives, from Google-powered smartphones to a suite of Google apps like GMAIL are part of our daily lives. In the data-driven world, it is important to keep data secure as well as accessible from everywhere. Well, Google Drive offers that solution in the most efficient way possible. You can securely store all your important data on Google Drive and access it from anywhere by just logging into your google account.Like other apps in Google Suite, Drive has become a very important cloud storage app in our life. It offers free storage up to 15GB which is more than enough and can be used across GMAIL, Google Photos, and other Google services.

So today I am going to share with you Google Drive clients you can use to access your Google Drive account on Linux and other distributions.

1. Insync

Insync is one of the most reliable Google Drive clients you will find for Linux and its distributions such as Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Fedora, and Debian. It comes with a 15-day free trial after that you need to purchase to use it further.

In three simple steps, you can access your Google Drive data on Linux using Insync. Just Download Insync, Install, and login to your Google account you are there. Its Selective sync 2.0 feature helps you sync all your files and folders both locally on the computer or in the cloud storage.

Also, you can access all the files stored on Google Drive locally in the Linux file manager. You can also access multiple Google drive accounts. Google docs automatically get converted to Open Document format for Libre Office compatibility. Insync is great for professional use as you can give offline access to your team to Google’s shared drive for a smooth workflow.

Download Here

2. Rclone

Rclone is a command-line tool that helps you manage and store your data on cloud storage. Rclone is highly capable of with features like sync, transfer, encrypt, cache, union, and mount. It supports over 40 cloud storage services including Google Drive.

Rclone is a reliable tool to securely store your important data on Google Drive and access it from a Linux computer. If somehow data transfer stops due to poor connection it helps you restart the transfer file from the last completed file transfer.

It is a smart tool that uses server-side transfer to transfer data from one provider to another eventually minimizing the use of local bandwidth.

Download Here

3. OverGrive

OverGrive is another Google Drive client for Linux and its distributions like Ubuntu. Like Insync, OverGrive is also a paid application that comes with a 14-day trial after that you have to purchase to continue using it.

Front-end GUI is provided by OverGrive and Google Drive is in the back, it is an easy to use and feature-rich tool. Features include converting Google Docs to different office file formats.

OverGrive and Insync are quite similar in terms of features and reliability only difference is their pricing. Now it’s up to you to decide which one to use.

Download Here

4. GoSync

GoSync is a Python-based Google Drive client for Linux and its distributions.  It is an open-source client, comes with a clean and easy to use GUI. It is not a perfect Google Drive client but still, it can be useful.

One of the limitations is it syncs all the directories, there is no option to sync a particular directory. But it can very well be fixed in future versions.

Sync is by default turned on and it can be paused/resumed whenever you want. Sync is performed after every 10 minutes. You can also rename, move, or delete a file.

Download Here

5. Grive2

Grive2 is forked from Grive which discontinued now but Grive2 is an open-source implementation of Google Drive client for Linux users. It supports two-way synchronization between Google Drive and the local directory.

You can limit upload/download speed to match your network quality. It has some limitations but can be neglected as it is a very reliable Google Drive client. It supports Drive REST API and partial sync.

Download Here

6. CloudCross

CloudCross is a multi-cloud client for Linux and its distribution. You can manage your cloud storage accounts on Dropbox, Yandesk. Disk, OneDrive, and Cloud Mail.ru along with Google Drive.

It is a feature-rich cloud storage client that helps you synchronize files and documents between a local device and Google Drive. It is completely free to use cloud storage client licensed under GNU GPL v2.

Like other clients listed here, it also supports bidirectional document conversion from Google Docs format to MS Office/Open Office file format.

Download Here

7. Gdrive

Gdrive is a tool that lets you access your Google Drive account from the command line in Linux and its various distros. Don’t worry once you get used to commands for each operation after that it’s all easy as the commands are simple and easy to remember.

This tool is easy to download and install. Its detailed documentation available on GitHub makes it very easy to use. It is a great tool to save your important files in an encrypted manner on the drive.

Download Here

8. Google-drive-ocamlfuse

This tool lets you mount Google Drive on Linux and its distributions. It is another command-line tool but very easy to implement and use.

Features include full read/write access to ordinary files/folders, read-only access to Google Docs, Sheets and Slides, duplicate file handling, and multiple account support.

$ sudo add-apt-repository ppa:alessandro-strada/ppa
$ sudo apt-get update
$ sudo apt-get install google-drive-ocamlfuse

9. DriveSync

DriveSync is a command-line client for Google Drive which lets you easily sync file between your local drive and Google Drive cloud storage. It lets you upload, download & share documents, photos, and other important files with anyone from anywhere.

You can also choose whether some files should be synced or not. The tool is developed in Ruby and very easy to use and reliable. Even though it is a command-line tool it is quite easy to use once you get familiar with it.

Download Here

10. GNOME Online Accounts

GNOME users don’t need to install any client to use Google Drive as it provides access to Google Drive by default for Linux users. You just need to go to GNOME online accounts, log on to your Google Account there and that’s it, you are ready to use Google Drive on Linux.

So, these are the 10 best Google Drive client for Linux and its various distributions. As we still wait for the official Google Drive client for Linux from Google, tell us which one you pick from the above list and why. @linuxhint and @SwapTirthakar.

]]>
10 Best Linux Games for Free https://linuxhint.com/best_free_linux_games_2021/ Tue, 06 Oct 2020 18:13:31 +0000 https://linuxhint.com/?p=69953 Linux and Gaming turning out to be great combinations for Linux faithful and gaming lovers. In the past year, we shared various articles on gaming on Linux like How to install Steam on Linux and Best Linux Distributions for Gaming.

Now there are many games from popular developers available for the Linux platform now. But games from popular publishers guarantee one thing and that is the price tag and some games are very expensive too. So today I’m going to introduce you to the 10 free games for Linux.

1. Dota 2

I know many of you won’t be surprised to see Dota 2 on top of the list. No game can replace this game at the top and you will not read any gaming-related blog without mention of this very popular game. Dota 2 is one of the most popular battle arena games available for Linux and that is too for free.

Dota 2 is published by Steam and it is one of the most played games on the platform. If you want to compete with top gamers around the world then this game offers you the opportunity as this game is part of eSport competitions.

Valve keeps on updating the game time to time with new features and content to keep the game fresh and always exciting.

Download Here

2. Super Tux Kart

Super Tux Kart is free to play kart racing game for Linux and its distributions. It is an open-source arcade racing game with a variety of gameplay modes, characters, and tracks. The gameplay is a quite realistic and fun experience while playing.

The game also has a story mode whereas a player you have to face the Nolok and defeat him to keep the kingdom safe. There is also time trail mode where you can challenge yourself to beat your own fastest time.

There are three main characters in the game, Tux which is a brave penguin the hero of SuperTuxKart. The second character is Gnu who is a mentor of Tux and the third is Nolok, the villain.

Download Here

3. UFO: Alien Invasion

Get ready to fight against Aliens and save Earth being taken control of from Aliens. UFO: Alien Invasion is a squad-based strategy video game heavily inspired by the X-COM series. Gameplay features two modes: Geoscape and tactical mode.

It is quite exciting which will keep you engaged in the game with time to time challenges during gameplay especially in a tactical mode where you have to take control of the squad.

Download Here

4. Unknown Horizons

Do you love city building games right from their economies? Then I have a special real-time economy simulator and city builder game for you. Unknown Horizons is the 2D simulator game for you with features like urban development, commodities management, diplomacy, trade, strategy, and exploration.

It is an exciting game where you can build a high-profile metro city from scratch and find new islands, trade routes, diplomatic strategies to raise your city’s wealth.

Download Here

5. Team Fortress 2

This one is for FPS game lovers. Team Fortress 2 is a very popular first-person shooter video game developed and published by Valve. Even though it is a free video game, Team Fortress 2 developers keep on pushing updates with gameplay features from time to time.

Even if you’re new to this game, it ensures you settle in well with detailed training and offline practice modes. Gameplay modes include Capture the Flag, Control Point, Payload, Arena, King of the hill, and many more.

Download Here

6. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive popularly known as CS: GO is another excellent game published by Valve Corporation. It is a first-person shooter video game available for free on various platforms including Steam for Linux.

The game was initially released in 2012 since then Valve corporation has been pushing major updates every year. The game is also very popular among esports gamers and the game is played in various competitions every year.

Download Here

7. Mari0

Every gamer in his childhood has definitely played a popular mario game. Original Super Mareo Bros developed and published by Nintendo and Mari0 replica of that with some tweaks with the help of Valve.

Mari0 has features such as a portal gun to shoot portals, 4-player simultaneous coop with each player having his own portal gun, 33 different hats, game modifiers, a level editor, and many more.

Download Here

8. Naev

Naev is a space exploration, trade, and combat game available to play for free on Steam. The objective is to travel the galaxy, complete the missions, and trade to earn money.

During the gameplay you can explore a very large galaxy having hundreds of planets and moons, there are many spaceships available to buy and you can also customize them, game is open-source hence you can apply various modes and also recreate them.

Download Here

9. World of Warships: Transformers

World of Warships: Transfers is another free to play game available on the Steam platform for Linux. You take control of one of the 300 historic vessels from WWI and WWII like lowa, Bismarck, and Yamato to combat the enemies.

You can play this game in solo mode or even with your friends in multiplayer mode. Combats and engaging which demands your full concentration else you can get bombarded by enemy anytime. You can customize your fleet with options such as ship modules, camouflages, flags, and many more.

Download Here

10. Albion

Albion is a massively multiplayer online role-playing video game set in an open medieval fantasy world. Armor pieces and weapons are well suited to every player’s unique playing style. Every item in the game can be crafted and customized by players right from basic tools to powerful weapons.

You can also buy, sell, and trade with other players at the local marketplace to build your wealth. This is one of the best games for Linux with great gameplay features. During the battle, you can claim the territories and get access to incredible resources.

Download Here

So here are the 10 best games which you can play on Linux and its various distribution for free. Don’t forget to share your experience if you have played any of the above games or you have any other game on your mind. @linuxhint and @SwapTirthakar. ]]> 50 Best Webcams for Linux in 2021 https://linuxhint.com/best_webcams_linux_2021/ Sat, 03 Oct 2020 09:04:47 +0000 https://linuxhint.com/?p=69868 Work from Home is the new normal for the most part of 2020 and it looks likely to be the case in 2021. In the time of crisis work from home played an important role in the smooth running of many businesses. The important team meets or business presentations are conducted through video conferencing. This gave rise to the various group video conferencing applications such as Google Meet.So, webcams have been an essential accessory for every business as well as employees. Also, students have been learning from home as schools and educational institutions have also gone online. Webcams are also an important tool for online gamers, YouTube creators, and connecting to friends and family. So, it won’t be wrong to say webcams have become an essential tool for almost every household.

Choosing the best webcam to match can be a difficult task as there are different models of webcam available in the market to match different types of the user base. So, don’t worry and sit tight, because today I’m going to share 50 best webcams with you. All webcams listed here match the needs of every type of user so you will find what you need. So, let’s have a look.

Things to Consider Before Buying Webcam for Linux

  • Why You Need a Webcam?
  • Webcam Driver Support for Linux.
  • Third-Party Application Support.

All of the above considerations are taken into account while researching the best webcams for Linux and its distributions such as Ubuntu.

1. Logitech BRIO Ultra HD Webcam

Logitech is a pioneer in making computer accessories, webcam being it’s one of the specialties. Logitech webcams are very popular among every set of users whether it is personal, business, or hardcore gamers. BRIO Ultra HD is the latest webcam from Logitech, it is a 4K webcam with HDR and Windows Hello support. It integrates quite well with Linux and other distributions like Ubuntu and works really well.

This webcam is compatible with all the major video streaming services such as Skype for business, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom group video calls. It is also certified for Microsoft Cortana and Cisco Jabber.  It supports video calling up to 4K with 30 FPS. It is very easy to use a webcam with plug-and-play support.

It sports Right light 3 so that you can get crystal clear image even in low light conditions and Omni-directional mics which record clear audio with noise cancellation. It takes care of your privacy with an external privacy shutter when the webcam is not in use. You can plug into any of the USB 2.0 Type’ A, USB 3.0 Type A, and Type C Ports as BRIO Ultra HD webcam supports all of them. This webcam is ideal for important business meetings and streaming.

Buy Here: Amazon

2. Microsoft LifeCam Cinema

Microsoft LifeCam Cinema is a 720p USB webcam that is compatible with Linux and its distributions using the Linux UVC driver. It is an ideal webcam for the developers and robotics projects.

This webcam sports Clear Frame image-processing technology which delivers detailed video output with crystal clear audio. It is equipped with a digital noise-canceling microphone which gives a clear audio output. 720p sensor allows you to shoot widescreen videos without leaving anyone out of the frame. You can also pair this webcam with other Microsoft accessories.

The webcam is crafted in Aluminum body and has excellent build quality which makes the webcam body durable. It supports all the majority of video streaming platforms such as Skype and Yahoo! Messenger, etc.

Buy Here: Amazon

3. Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920

Logitech C920 HD Pro 1080P HD webcam is one of the best webcams you will find in this article. Priced on a bit higher side but it is worth every penny, you will know why. It uses H.264 advance compression technology which eliminates time-consuming compression and makes sure Full HD video streaming even on slow internet connection.

It sports two microphones; each is placed on either side of the camera which captures crystal clear stereo audio. You can connect it with your Linux PC with USB Video Device Class mode. It also features automatic low-light correction so that you can get clear video output even in low-lighting or artificial lighting conditions. This is a great webcam that can be used by everyone.

Buy Here: Amazon

4. Amcrest ProStream (AWC2198)

Amcrest ProStream is a 1080p webcam with a pro-level microphone. It is equipped with 2 microphones that ensure enhanced audio and also feature a 3D noise cancellation technique for crystal clear audio. It has a 3.6mm lens which provides 90 degrees wide viewing angle and supports H.264 compression.

The webcam works with almost all the leading operating systems which include Windows, Linux, Mac, and Android. Apart from that it also offers seamless integration with popular video streaming apps such as Skype, YouTube, Zoom, Google Meet, and Yahoo Messenger, etc.

This webcam is priced competitively and offers value for every penny you spend. It is a plug-n-play device and easily integrates with Linux and its distributions such as Ubuntu or LinuxMint.

Buy Here: Amazon

5. Depstech D07 2K Webcam

Depstech D07 is a 2K QHD webcam that captures high-quality videos at 30FPS. Webcam sports dual microphones which support noise-canceling technology to offer clear audio output. The camera lens offers a viewing angle up to 90 degrees which makes sure everyone is adjusted in a frame.

USB 2.0/3.0 support makes sure faster data transfer and hassle-free installation on various operating systems including Linux and Ubuntu. Webcam doesn’t come with any privacy features like a privacy shutter but the camera can be rotated full 360 degrees horizontally.

Buy Here: Amazon

6. EACH Full HD Webcam

EACH Full HD autofocus webcam which is one of the best in terms of security as it comes with a privacy shutter. When there is no need you can slide the shutter to keep away potential hackers. It features a low-light correction technique that takes away noise from the picture which gives crystal clear image and razor-sharp HD video.

Talking about build quality and design, it has tripod ready universal clips that fit any laptop or monitor easily. Works well with any operating system including Linux and its various distributions. Also supports various social media and gaming apps such as Xbox, YouTube, Facebook, Skype, and other video streaming apps.

Webcam sports two digital microphones that record crystal clear audio. It is a USB plug-n-play webcam that installs on any operating system easily as soon as you plug it into a USB port. It is a great webcam for business use, office presentations, or eLearning.

Buy Here: Amazon

7. Vitade 682H Pro HD Webcam

Pro HD webcam from Vitade is an ideal webcam for gamers and YouTube creators who need to stream videos regularly. The webcam is powered with a 100-degree ultra-wide-angle lens which captures high definition videos at 1080P 60 FPS which makes it ideal for high-end gaming.

A webcam is equipped with two Omni-directional microphones that support noise cancellation, capture crystal clear audio. Webcam can be rotated full 360 degrees to adjust it to your preferred angle.

Linux users will be happy to read this that this webcam also works effortlessly on various Linux distributions without in hassle.

Buy Here: Amazon

8. Logitech C615

C615 is a foldable webcam from Logitech which is portable and easy to carry wherever you go. It captures widescreen 1080p Full HD video at 30fps with autofocus. The autofocus mechanism is quite fast in this webcam which offers razor-sharp video output on-the-go.

It also sports an auto-correction feature that fine-tunes images or videos captured in low-lighting or artificial lighting conditions and produces better quality output. Like other cameras listed here, this camera is also equipped with a noise-reducing microphone that captures crystal clear audio.

The webcam rotates full 360 degrees so that you can get the right viewing angle you want. It is one of the best webcams you will find in this price range as it is priced aggressively at $71.99.

Buy Here: Amazon

9. Aoboco Streaming Webcam

Aoboco is one of the highly-rated webcams on Amazon and it is one of the highly-priced too. But it does provide a value for the money you spend on this webcam. A webcam is ideal for content creators and gamers as it is specially made for streaming but it can also be used for other purposes too.

Webcam sports a light ring which can be adjusted at three brightness level with touch control. A webcam is also loaded with a tripod that supports 360 degrees horizontal rotation and a 90-degree flip.

As it is a streaming webcam it integrates well with all the social media and social gaming apps such as Twitch, YouTube, Xbox One, Xsplit, Skype, Facebook, and zoom. The webcam also works well on Linux and its distros like Ubuntu without any hurdle.

Buy Here: Amazon

10. AUKEY Full HD Webcam

AUKEY is a Full HD Webcam equipped with a 2MP optical sensor and sports stereo microphone which record crystal clear audio. It captures the video at 1080p resolution with a maximum focal length of 5000 Millimeters. This webcam is ideal for YouTube content creators as it captures smooth and sharp videos.

A webcam is also ideal for video calling and recording. It supports almost all the operating systems including Windows, Mac, Android, and Linux. Webcam adjusts well with a laptop or monitor as it has a foldable clip. It also comes with a blue LED indicator light which lets you know when the camera is on.

One thing you will not find with many webcams is that this webcam comes with a 45-days money-back guarantee and standard 24-month product replacement warranty.

Buy Here: Amazon

11. Logitech C925e Business Webcam

As the name suggests, Logitech C925e is an ideal webcam for business and professional use. This has to be one of the best budget webcams with a 1080p lens and privacy shutter. It is easy to mount on any laptop or external monitor with its adjustable clips.

C925e webcam is compatible with almost all the video conferencing apps from popular developers. It offers seamless integration with Skype for Business, Cisco Jabber, BlueJeans, Vidyo, and Zoom.

With full 1080p HD video at 30 FPS, you get crystal clear video output and with RightLight 2 technology it offers razor-sharp videos even in low-lighting or artificial lighting environments. H.264 video coding and UVC 1.1 encoding minimize its dependence on computer and network resources. UVC support means it is easy to install and use on Linux and its various distributions including Ubuntu.

Buy Here: Amazon

12. Logitech C930e Business Webcam

Another business webcam from Logitech on our list and it can be considered an upgrade to the previous one. The first difference is viewing angle C925e offers 78 degrees of viewing angle while C930e offers 90 degrees. This webcam also supports UVC 1.5 encoding as compared to C925e offering UVC 1.1 which doesn’t make much difference, so it shouldn’t bother you much.

Other than that, everything looks similar on both webcams. C930e also supports integration with various video conferencing platforms such as Skype for Business, Microsoft, Broadsoft, and Zoom.

Apart from that it also comes with an adjustable clip to mount it on a laptop or external monitor and a privacy shutter to prevent access for potential hackers. This webcam also has a 1080p lens which offers 4x zoom and RightLight 2 technology for crystal clear video in artificial lighting conditions.

Buy Here: Amazon

13. Razor Kiyo

Razor Kiyo is a streaming webcam that comes with an adjustable brightness ring and a built-in microphone. It supports video streaming at 1080P 30 FPS and 720P 60FPS. It is an ideal webcam for hardcore gamers and YouTube creators.

Its brightness ring eliminates shadows and offers bright video output which everyone needs. This webcam comes with a dedicated app that lets you handle webcam configurations right from its auto/manual focus modes to brightness, contrast, and saturation. You can also maintain multiple profiles for various types of use.

Buy Here: Amazon

14. Depstech D06 Webcam

D06 webcam from Depstech is ideal for every use from online learning for your kids to attend your office meetings while you work from home. Webcam captures crystal clear and a fluid HD video at 1080P 30 FPS. The webcam is compatible with widely used webcams such as Windows, Mac, and Linux.

A webcam is also compatible with the majority of third-party streaming apps such as Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, and social media apps such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

Buy Here: Amazon

15. Papalook PA920 2K Webcam

PA920 is a 2K quad HD webcam from Papalook which is priced at $99 on Amazon. Webcam camera records 2K quad HD videos at 30 FPS with resolution up to 2952×1944 pixels.

The webcam also comes with USB plug-n-play support and privacy shutter which you can close when the webcam not in use to protect yourself being watched by hackers. The webcam is useful for every set of users right from normal day-to-day users to social media influencers.

Buy Here: Amazon

16. Angetube Streaming Webcam

Angetube webcam is a 1080P streaming webcam for all types of users including professional as well as gaming users. It is equipped with 100 degrees wide-angle lens which captures everything you want in a frame.

You can replace your background using Chromacam by Personity feature in this webcam, you can customize the webcam in real-time. All the features integrate well with Skype, Zoom, WebEx, Google Meet, and other popular video conferencing applications.

It also supports the H.264 video compression technology which lets you stream and record crystal clear video even on the poor network. It is a plug-n-play webcam compatible with all the majority of operating systems including Windows, MacOS, Android, Linux, Chrome OS, and Ubuntu.

Buy Here: Amazon

17. Logitech C525

C525 is another Logitech foldable webcam in this article. It is priced comparatively cheaper than Logitech C615 as it comes with a 720P lens which records HD video at 30FPS. It is a portable webcam that comes with a fold-n-go design that makes it easy to carry anywhere you go.

Autofocus mode works quite well with crystal clear images and HD light correction; it fine-tunes the images to look brighter even in the artificial lighting conditions. It is loaded with a noise-canceling microphone which ensures you get crystal clear audio while video calling in a noisy environment.

The camera also swivels 360 degrees giving you the flexibility to set it at the angle you need. It is an ideal webcam for the professional user and is priced at the right range.

Buy Here: Amazon

18. Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000 for Business

Another Microsoft webcam features in this list and this is especially for business needs. LifeCam HD-3000 is a 720P webcam that records 16:9 widescreen high-quality videos. Talking about build quality it is equipped with a universal attachment base that easily adjusts on desktop, laptop, or notebook PC.

TrueColor technology makes sure you get superior quality and bright images in every lighting condition. It sports a 4MP autofocus lens which offers 4x digital zoom.

Webcam sports a unidirectional microphone which supports acoustic noise cancellation for crystal clear audio. Easily share your videos on social media platforms such as Messenger, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.

Buy Here: Amazon

19. Unzano HD Webcam

Unzano is a pioneer in webcam manufacturing. It has some decent offerings; we will have a look at some of them in this article.  This one is a 1080P webcam that captures high-quality videos at 30 FPS with its anti-glare optical lens.

High dynamic technology offers HD images, bright and vibrant videos in every lighting condition. The webcam is loaded with noise-canceling dual microphones that provide loud and clear audio up to 5m distance. Unzano offers 24×7 customer service and there after-sales service is one of the best in business.

Buy Here: Amazon

20. Logitech C310

C310 from Logitech is a simple webcam that offers 720P video calling at 30FPS and comes with automatic light correction which provides vibrant and crisp images.

It is compatible with all the leading video conferencing and calling apps such as Skype, Google Meet, Facetime on Mac, and other streaming apps. Just like other Logitech webcams listed here, this webcam also comes with a noise-canceling microphone that captures crystal clear audio.

C310 webcam adjusts lighting conditions automatically to produce bright images if you are working in a dim lighting environment. So, it is a simple webcam with not so many features but quite useful for normal day-to-day usage.

Buy Here:  Amazon

21. Microsoft LifeCam Studio

At the start of this article, we talked about the Microsoft LifeCam Cinema which was a retail variant while this LifeCam Studio is the business variant of that. The webcam revolves around 360 degrees so that you can place a viewing angle at the desired place of yours.

It sports 1080P HD quality sensors which offer superior quality video output in any lighting condition. ClearFrame technology ensures smooth video output quality and TrueColor technology brightens your video calls. As suggested earlier it is an ideal webcam for business and professional use.

Buy Here: Amazon

22. Logitech C270

Logitech C270 is a plug-n-play 720P HD video calling webcam for normal day-to-day users. It gives you smooth video calling at 30FPS in widescreen format and supports automatic light correction which offers bright video output even in low lighting conditions.

Talking about features C270 also sports almost all the features you can expect in a good webcam like a noise-canceling microphone, support for the majority of video calling apps such as Skype, Google Meet, and Zoom, and UVC support for compatibility with Linux and its distributions.

Buy Here: Amazon

23. Logitech StreamCam

Logitech StreamCam is a 1080P 60FPS HD webcam which comes with a USB Type C port and a built-in stereo microphone. Its design is quite modern which makes webcam attractive. USB Type C enables faster video transfer speed for a smooth streaming experience.

It comes with smart auto-focus and exposure AI-enabled facial tracking which delivers accurately focused videos. You can also create videos in vertical mode, especially for mobile phones by turning shifting 90 degrees to shift into portrait mode in Logitech Capture.

Integrates quite well with Windows 10, Mac OS 10, and Ubuntu. Make sure you have a USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C port on your desktop or laptop.

Buy Here: Amazon

24. Microsoft LifeCam HD-5000

LifeCam HD-5000 is a 720P HD webcam from Microsoft which offers 16:9 widescreen videos. It features TrueColor technology with face tracking which ensures bright and colorful detailed video output.

It also sports a noise-canceling microphone that records crystal-clear audio. It integrates easily with Windows 7 or higher and Linux and its distributions including Ubuntu. HD-5000 is priced quite higher than HD-3000 despite not much difference between them.

Buy Here: Amazon

25. Papalook PA452 Pro Webcam

Papalook is popular for its stylish and quality webcam and its PA452 is no exception in terms of style or quality. The webcam is ideal for video calling and video recording if you are a content creator or influencer on platforms like YouTube.

Webcam sports Omni-directional microphones which cancels out external noise and provide crystal clear sound during video calls. Auto light correction technology bundled with 1080P HD lens which captures smooth and clear video at 30FPS doesn’t matter the lighting condition you are shooting in.

The webcam also comes with USB plug-n-play support which makes it so easy to install any computer running Windows, Mac, or Linux.

Buy Here: Amazon

26. Unzano PC Streaming Webcam

PC streaming webcam from Unzazo comes with a ring light that ensures bright video streaming. The camera can be rotated full 360 degrees and comes with an auto-focus lens that captures 1080P HD videos at 30 FPS.

Ring light brightness is adjustable up to 3 levels with touch control. Advanced H.264 video encoding to minimize its dependence on computer and network resources enable seamless video uploading and streaming. As the name suggests it is an ideal webcam for content streaming and gaming.

Buy Here: Amazon

27. Amcrest 1080P Webcam (AWC201-B)

Amcrest webcam is one of the most secure webcams out there as it comes with a privacy shutter, you can close it when the webcam is not in use. It offers 70 degrees wide viewing angle at 1080P full HD. Doesn’t matter if you are in a quiet or noisy environment, its built-in microphone records crystal clear audio.

It is a USB 2.0 plug-n-play webcam which integrates easily with all the major operating system such as Windows, Mac, Android, and Linux. Also, it works seamlessly with various video streaming platforms such as Skype, YouTube, Google Meet, Zoom, and many others.

It is an ideal webcam for every set of users because of its features and fair price. On top of that, it comes with a 1-year warranty and lifetime support offered by Amcrest.

Buy Here: Amazon

28. Papalook PA150S Ironcam

PA150S Iron cam is another sleek and stylish looking webcam from webcam giant Papalook. Talking about build quality webcams is carved in the full metal body which makes it look very stylish and durable as compared to normal webcams.

Webcam shoots crystal clear full HD 1080p widescreen video at 30 FPS and loaded with a noise-canceling microphone that filters out external noise and offers clear audio during video calls.

Buy Here: Amazon

29. Amcrest 1080P Webcam (AWC205)

Amcrest 1080P webcam sports a CMOS image sensor that captures beautiful and vibrant videos at 1080P at 30FPS. Its wide-angle lens offers a viewing angle up to 70 degrees which makes it a great webcam for webinars and video conferencing.

It is also equipped with a privacy cover to protect you from potential spying when the cam not in use. You need not be worried about its platform compatibility as it works effortlessly on both Windows as well as Linux platform. It is also an ideal webcam for gamers as it supports Xbox One and Android also.

Buy Here: Amazon

30. Aoozi 120 Degree Wide Angle Webcam

As the name suggests, the webcam comes with a 2 MP wide-angle lens that captures 1080P crisp clear HD videos at 30 FPS for professional-level video calling and conferencing. Webcam can be rotated full 360 degrees horizontally.

Whether you want to do video chat, live streaming, or distance learning everything can be done easily using this webcam. It offers clear and brighter video even in dim lighting conditions thanks to the auto light correction technique.

Buy Here: Amazon

31. Unzano 1080P Webcam

Unzano 1080P webcam is one of the cheapest webcams you will find in this article. Despite being on the cheaper side it offers the majority of features you expect in any normal webcam. The camera is powered with an F/N 2.1 aperture optical glass lens.

Webcam supports all third-party streaming services and apps on various platforms such as Facebook, Twitch, Skype, YouTube, and Xbox One. This webcam integrates quite easily with all the Linux distros including Ubuntu.

Buy Here: Amazon

32. Vitade 928A Pro Webcam

Vitade 928A Pro is a 1080P webcam that offers an 80-degree wide viewing angle. It is an anti-spy webcam that comes with privacy cover for added security. A webcam is perfect for streaming and gaming as it supports various social media and gaming platforms such as Xbox One, YouTube, Skype, and Facebook.

Talking about build quality and design its clip rotate up to 90 degrees and the webcam can rotate full 360 degrees so that you can move viewing angle as you need. Tripod ready clip design adjusts well on and surface.

Installing it on any operating system is quite easy and takes approximately a minute to complete the setup as it is a plug-n-play webcam. Using chromacam you can also change the background in real-time.

Buy Here: Amazon

33. Logitech Conference Cam BCC950

As the name suggests BCC950 webcam from Logitech is specially developed for business conferences. The camera can be rotated up to 180 degrees using the remote control and offers a viewing angle up to 78 degrees making it an ideal webcam for business meetings and conferencing.

The webcam also sports a speakerphone and noise-canceling microphone which makes you heard up to 8 feet away. The lens is powered by Zeiss optics which is a global giant in lens manufacturing.

It offers every feature you can expect in any webcam and also comes with a remote control which lets you control the webcam from anywhere.

Buy Here: Amazon

34. Aoozi 1080P Webcam

Aoozi 1080P webcam is 2 MP webcam which captures 1080P HD videos at 30FPS for video calling and conferencing. The wide-angle lens ensures everyone is in a single frame. Linux and Ubuntu users can rest assured as this webcam comes with USB Device Class mode support.

From normal user to professional gamer or creator everyone can use this webcam as it supports all the widely used third-party streaming and social media app as well as gaming consoles such as XBOX One.

While working from home you can use this webcam for online teaching, content streaming, and much more.

Buy Here: Amazon

35. Wansview 1080P Webcam

Wansview 1080P Webcam is the bestseller webcam on the Amazon marketplace and it justifies why. In addition to its features, it is also priced quite aggressively. This webcam is suitable for a normal user to pro-level users thanks to its features.

Like other webcams in this article, it is also a plug-n-play webcam powered with a CMOS image sensor that delivers HD quality 1080P video output. With H.264 video compression technology at disposal, you get clear and smooth video output even on a poor network.

The microphone captures crystal clear audio up to 20 feet range with noise cancellation technology. The auto low light correction technology ensures clear video even in low lighting conditions. It comes with a 60-days money-back offer and a 1-year replacement warranty.

Buy Here: Amazon

36. Depstech 2K QHD Webcam

Depstech 2K QHD webcam is a multi-platform webcam that is compatible with various operating system platforms including Linux and Ubuntu. 2K QHD lens records high-quality videos in 2560×1440 pixels and H.264 video encoding technology ensure smooth video.

Plug-n-play support ensures hassle-free installation on any OS platform. The 360-degree rotatable clip lets you adjust the angle to your preference. The viewing angle can be adjusted from 65 degrees to 100 degrees if you have to cover a large group of people in a single frame.

Buy Here: Amazon

37. Samiadat Webcam (WC-001)

This webcam is one of the most highly rated webcams by users on Amazon, it has bagged whopping 4.8 stars out of 5. It sports a wide-angle lens that records 1080P HD crystal clear video at 30 FPS. It has a built-in noise-canceling microphone that records crystal-clear audio up to 20 feet of distance.

The camera can be rotated 360 degrees to adjust it to the angle you prefer. It is a USB 2.0 plug-n-play device that is compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, and other widely used operating systems. Also works well with all the streaming apps such as Skype, Zoom, Facebook, and YouTube.

Buy Here: Amazon

38. NexiGo AutoFocus 1080P Webcam

Nexigo is another popular webcam manufacturer, especially with privacy features. 1080P autofocus webcam comes with a privacy shutter to protect you from potential hackers when the cam is not in use. It comes with 2MP wide-angle lens that can capture video up to 110 degrees.

A Built-in noise-canceling microphone makes sure you get crystal clear audio. Like every other webcam, this one also supports the majority of widely used streaming apps such as Zoom, Yahoo, Skype, and Google Meet.

Buy Here: Amazon

39. Walfront Webcam

The wall front webcam is the first 2K Quad-HD webcam on our list. It sports a 4MP lens that captures HD video at 30 FPS and auto light correction ensures crystal clear quality video even in low lighting condition.

It sports a 360-degree horizontal rotating base which lets you set your preferred angle and comes with 95 degrees wide-angle lens. Webcam supports both USB 2.0/3.0 ports and instant installation with plug-n-play support on various operating systems.

Social Media influencer to working professional, everyone will find this webcam very useful.

Buy Here: Amazon

40. Anivia W8 1080P HD Webcam

Anivia W8 is an affordable webcam with great features to match every user’s needs. This webcam is ideal for video streaming and conferencing. The automatic low light correction technique makes sure you get crystal clear and vibrant video output.

The camera fits on any laptop, desktop monitor, or Android TV easily and it is a plug-n-play device that installs easily on Linux and its various distributions. Webcam supports all the major third-party video streaming apps such as Skype, YouTube, Android IPTV, Zoom, and Google Meet.

Buy Here: Amazon

41. Unzano 1080P HD Webcam

Unzano 1080P webcam comes with a privacy shutter for added security against hackers which makes it one of the most secure webcams out there. H.264 video compression technique makes sure you get clear and smooth video irrespective of computer hardware and network quality.

It captures great videos even in low lighting conditions thanks to automatic low light correction technique and F/N2.1 large aperture. Its HDR sensor and autofocus feature helps you capture every detail of the picture. It also comes with the face beauty function which helps you look fresh and confident.

Plug and play feature makes it easy to use and compatible with various operating systems including Ubuntu and other Linux distros. Priced aggressively at $65.99 on Amazon.

Buy Here: Amazon

42. Depstech 1080P Webcam

Depstech 1080P webcam is a very stylish webcam look wise and doesn’t stay behind any webcam when it comes to features and Linux support. The camera is equipped with a 6-layer glass 1080P HD lens which captures smooth video at 30 FPS.

A webcam is ideal for video conferencing as it comes with a noise-canceling microphone that captures crystal clear audio. USB Video Device Class mode support ensures it works effortlessly on Linux and its distributions.

Light correction is powered by BLUART technology which optimizes video and image quality and gives a true color output.

Buy Here: Amazon

43. RaLeno C30 Webcam

C30 webcam from RaLeno is one of the highly rated on Amazon and priced at $39.99. It has a 5MP lens that captures crystal clear video at 1080P and it offers a viewing angle up to 80 degrees. The light correction feature ensures you get crystal clear video output even in low lighting conditions.

USB 2.0 plug-n-play support ensures easy installation of drivers on any operating system platform. The webcam comes with built-in dual stereo microphones that also support noise cancellation for crystal clear audio output. Considering its pricing, it is a really great webcam with some really useful features.

Buy Here: Amazon

44. Flow mist 1080P Webcam

Flowmist 1080P webcam is another decent webcam for regular day-to-day use as well as professional use. 1080P video calls are powered by H.264 video encoding which ensures crystal clear and smooth video output irrespective of computer resources and network condition.

The built-in stereo microphone makes you heard clearly during video calls and conferences. The camera is powered 5MP auto-focus lens supports USB plug-n-play. The webcam also integrates well with all the widely used video conferencing apps.

Buy Here: Amazon

45. Eonfine 1080P HD Webcam

Eonfine webcam is one of the most stylish webcams available. A webcam is powered with CMOS optical sensor technology and 110 degrees wide-angle lens which captures crystal clear 1080P HD video at 30 FPS.

The webcam also comes with privacy for additional security while the cam is not in use. The webcam is also loaded with dual microphones that support automatic noise cancellation for crystal clear video output. This webcam is aggressively priced at $29.99 on Amazon.

Buy Here: Amazon

46. Aoozi Webcam

Aoozi webcam is a 1080P HD webcam that captures crisp clear videos at 30 FPS. It is a plug-n-play webcam so you don’t need to install additional drivers or software on any operating system platforms such as Windows and Linux.

Webcam can be rotated full 360 degrees horizontally hence you can set the camera angle at your preference. H.264 video compression technology ensures a smooth and crystal-clear video calling experience.

Webcam installs on any computer in less than a minute thanks to plug-n-play support. The webcam also comes with a privacy shutter which you can close when the webcam is not in use.

Buy Here: Amazon

47. Papalook AF925 Streaming Webcam

AF925 webcam from Papalook is a streaming webcam that comes with a full HD glass lens that captures smooth 1080P videos at 30 FPS. A webcam is compatible with Android, Windows, Mac, and Linux devices.

Noise-reducing microphone ensures clear audio during video conferencing and calling. This webcam is labeled as Amazon’s Choice and is very highly rated by buyers on Amazon.

Buy Here: Amazon

48. Avater Webcam

Avater is a 110-degree widescreen webcam which makes it ideal for group video calling and conferencing. The webcam offers razor-sharp images and smooth 1080P full HD videos at 30 FPS. The webcam also supports advanced H.264 video compression technology.

The webcam is also equipped with an automatic noise-canceling microphone which you would expect in any webcam. You can use this webcam on various third-party apps such as FaceTime, Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, and social gaming platforms such as Xbox One for video calling and streaming.

Buy Here: Amazon

49. Papalook PA552 Gaming StreamCam

As the name suggests PA552 is a gaming webcam and it comes with a light ring for which light can be adjusted to three levels. Its 5-layer glass lens captures 1080P full HD videos at 30FPS ideal for gaming.  F1.8 large aperture ensures clear and brighter images even in poor lighting conditions.

A webcam is equipped with two Omni-directional microphones that support automatic noise cancellation. In the box along with the webcam you also get a tripod to mount the cam separately.

Buy Here: Amazon

50. Ausdom AF640 Webcam

So, the last webcam in this article is the AF640 webcam from Ausdom which is also labeled as Amazon’s Choice and highly rated by buyers on Amazon. It is a 1080P autofocus webcam that captures wide-angle videos up to 90 degrees.

The microphone on this webcam is not one of the best in business but if you use any dedicated microphone separately then results are drastically improved. Everything else on this webcam is fine and integrates well with Linux and its distros like Ubuntu.

Buy Here: Amazon
 

So, these are the best 50 webcams for Linux, all the webcams listed here are selected based on in-depth research and user feedback. Here’s hoping you find your ideal webcam in this article. Feel free to share your views with us at @linuxhint and @SwapTirthakar.

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Best Remote Desktop App for Android https://linuxhint.com/best_android_remote_desktop_apps/ Sat, 15 Aug 2020 06:42:36 +0000 https://linuxhint.com/?p=65727 Remote desktop access is a very important tool for every computer user. And we learned its importance in this year 2020 than ever before, the reason we all know. Work from Home. Every small to large organization provided the facility to work from home this year and to provide them with all the access to the company’s software and mails; remote desktop access played a very important role.

Android smartphones made it easier for employees or users who don’t have a laptop or computer to work on their mobile phones. Even though mobiles phone still not have been successful in replacing computers substantially, but there are some apps which get the job done for the time being. So now, we’re going to have a look at best remote desktop sharing apps for Android phones that can help you access your computer from anywhere.

AnyDesk Remote Control

AnyDesk is a lightweight but very powerful desktop sharing app for Android smartphones. It is one of the most desktop sharing apps out there where you can access all your devices running Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android platforms.

It sports an intuitive and very easy to use user interface, which is one of the fastest and secure out there. It uses the 4096-bit RSA Key Exchange and TLS 1.2 encryption for high-level security. You can get it free for personal use and for commercial use you need to purchase it.

All you need to do is install AnyDesk client on both devices, then enter AnyDesk Id, which is being displayed on the remote side, confirm the session that’s it. Working experience via AnyDesk remote control has been excellent and smooth thanks to the constant frame rate of 60 FPS. The best thing about it is that it works effortlessly on slow bandwidth also. Try it!

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

Chrome Remote Desktop

Chrome Remote Desktop from Google is another excellent desktop sharing app for Android and other operating systems such as Microsoft Windows. Remote desktop is a very useful tool for power users to provide diagnostic services remotely.

It is one of the most popular desktop sharing apps among Android users. On the computer, you need to download the client from Chrome Web Store to sync your desktop with an Android phone. From the Chrome Remote Desktop app, you need to tap on any online computer from the list to enable desktop sharing.

While testing, I didn’t observe any lag or connectivity problem, the overall working experience was smooth and reliable as compared to many competitors.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

TeamViewer for Remote Control

TeamViewer is the feature-rich remote desktop sharing app for power users. This app lets you control computers running Windows, Mac OS, or Linux from anywhere. The app is very useful for the customer support team to provide support and fix issues at the client-side.

You can also access other mobile devices running Windows 10 Mobile and Android and talking about features you can do file transfer between connected devices, manage computers and contacts, chat and stream audio and video in real-time.

It uses a 2048-bit RSA key exchange and 256-bit session encoding for secure and high-quality connection. App features simple and easy to use user interface so that new users can find it easy to use.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

Microsoft Remote Desktop

Remote desktop from Microsoft Corporation is another reliable remote desktop sharing app for Android phones on our list. You can use this app to connect to the remote personal computer or virtual apps or desktops.

It offers high-quality video and audio streaming, support for Windows Professional or Enterprise, and Windows Server edition. The connection centre helps you keep track of all the connections and also managing them.

So it is a lightweight and reliable remote desktop application that gets your work done effortlessly.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

AirDroid: Remote Access & File

AirDroid is a remote desktop sharing app from Sand Studios, which helps you access and manage your Android phone from computer devices running Windows, Mac & Linux from anywhere wirelessly. You can access calls, SMS, and other app notification on your phone from your computer or laptop.

AirDroid is full of feature remote desktop sharing app which allows you to exchange files between your devices irrespective of its type or platform support. It also offers secure screen sharing and phone screen recording; you can also enable the front or back camera on your mobile phone to have a look at the surrounding activity.

You can also get phone notifications your desktop from the Android apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook Manager, and Telegram, etc. condition is that app should be allowed for push notification. There is a feature to receive and reply SMS via its desktop client. Apart from that, you can also answer calls and also do back up photos and videos from the phone to the computer.

The best thing about this desktop sharing app is when your device gets lost; you can locate your mobile phone using its desktop client.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

VNC Viewer – Remote Desktop

VNC Viewer helps you turn your Android phone into a remote desktop that gives you access to Computers running Windows, Mac, or Linux operating systems from anywhere. You need to download its desktop client from here.

Connections are encrypted end-to-end for all the sessions, and also password protects al the remote computers out of the box. When the session is running, the screen of the mobile phone works as a trackpad to give you control of the remote desktop.

It offers features like connecting to remote desktop using its cloud service, backup or sync connections between all the devices, and it also offers support for Bluetooth keyboard and mouse. So this is a feature-rich and reliable remote desktop sharing app.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

So these are the best remote desktop sharing app for Android phones. Remote desktop sharing applications and clients have been really useful these days, and if you have used any other client other than those mentioned here, then feel free to share your views with us at @LinuxHint and @SwapTirthakar.

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Best Battery Saver Apps for Android 2020 https://linuxhint.com/best_battery_saver_apps_android/ Fri, 14 Aug 2020 02:58:33 +0000 https://linuxhint.com/?p=65577 It doesn’t matter how big the battery in the smartphone is; it doesn’t last as much as we want it to. Modern-day Android smartphones come with large batteries, but with the apps with heavy uses and especially in background and hardcore gaming, battery drains faster than normal. Network fluctuations may affect one of the problems causing faster draining of battery.

Battery life also depends on the different usage patterns of each and every mobile phone user. So there are many battery saver and performance booster apps for Android smartphones. So get ready to keep your Android phone battery charged for longer with these battery saver apps I’m going to share with you today.

Kaspersky Battery Life: Saver & Booster

Kaspersky is a pioneer in device security, and its battery life app is one of the most top rated battery optimization apps for Android phones on Google Play Store. This app will not only help you improve the battery life of the mobile device but also it helps your mobile keep away with the constant need for charging.

This app is optimized brilliantly that it looks out for apps that are consuming more energy than normal and pushes you the notification asking if you want to halt the application. Also, it keeps watching on apps running in the background and makes sure no app drains too much battery juice.

Apart from that, it constantly monitors your device battery and gives you an accurate prediction of the remaining battery life in hours and minutes. As you can notice in the above screenshots, it also gives you statistics and forecasts in detail for better battery optimization.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

AccuBattery

AccuBattery is a battery optimization app offered by Digibites for Android phones. This app helps monitor battery health and performance using science. Long-lasting battery life is still a dream of many mobile phones, and on top of that, if you’re gamer and play games like PUBG mobile, then usually, your device’s battery drains faster than normal.

So, you need long-lasting battery life without the need to recharging the battery regularly all day to play your favorite mobile games. This app not only protects battery health but also displays battery usage information and measures actual battery capacity based on science.

This app pushes charge alarm whenever your mobile device battery needs charging and also calculates and displays how much battery wear was endured during the last charging session. It also shows battery consumption per app and discharge speed.

This app also comes with pro features, which include Dark and AMOLED Black themes to save more battery life, access to battery sessions older than one day, and detailed battery statistics in phone notifications.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

Greenify

Greenify is another popular battery saver app ever since it is first launched in Jan 2013 for Android phones. The best thing about this app is it stops apps from opening automatically in the background and draining battery juice.

Greenify comes with in-app engines such as Aggressive Doze and Doze on the Go to improve battery and device performance. You don’t need to have root access to enable these features on your Android phone.

It identifies apps with uncommon behavior and prevents them from using an extra battery and slowing down mobile performance. This is a lightweight app with so many features and promising performance when it comes to improving battery life.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

Green Battery – Power Saver Free, VPU Better

Another battery booster app on our list that not only helps improve battery life but also its charging speed. The app is well known for its accurate display of battery status and remaining time on your phone.

With a single tap, you get the list of apps consuming more battery life than normal and suggestions for apps to be closed to save battery. With options to adjust the screen brightness, screen on time, and Bluetooth settings, it helps you to improve phone standby time.

The advanced power-saving feature automatically detects apps running in the background, stops, and prevents them from automatically starting up. Also, charging boost features helps to boost battery charging speed effectively. Memory clean up features also help improve phone performance as it closes unneeded apps.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

Battery Saver & Charge Optimizer – Flip $ Save

Flip your Android mobile phone to save its battery life; that’s how this battery saver app works according to app developers. The app analyzes phone battery charging data and provides you the information about the remaining battery life on your phone.

It also shows the usage and performance pattern of the battery so that you can optimize the battery performance on your smartphone. With one click, you can save battery power and optimize battery consumption patterns.

There are two ways to start saving your phone battery by using this app. One is by flipping down your phone, and second is by going to saving mode settings choose mobile functions to turn on/off to improve battery life.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

There are many other handfuls of battery saver apps for Android phones, but all cannot be trusted in terms of reliability and protecting your phone’s battery. So I have listed the best 5 battery saver apps in terms of overall user experience and their performance on Android phones from various vendors such as Nokia, Samsung, and Xiaomi.

So feel free to share your views with us on the above apps or any other battery saver app you’re using on Android phones at @LinuxHint and @SwapTirthakar. ]]> Best Photo Editing Apps for Android (2020) https://linuxhint.com/best_photo_editing_apps_android/ Mon, 27 Jul 2020 04:26:30 +0000 https://linuxhint.com/?p=64110

Ever since cameras were introduced into phones, there has been a consistent problem: often, we are unable to get that perfect snap, even after a series of attempts. Even though now we have more powerful and better cameras compared to earlier days, there is still a need for photo editing applications to make the picture-perfect.Social media has played a very important role in the rise in popularity and development of photo editor apps for Android phones. From normal users to digital creators or influencers on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, everyone uses photo editing apps nowadays. Photo editor apps offer so many options, and there are various photo editor apps to match every user’s needs.There are many photo editing apps available in the Google Play Store. With such intense competition in the field, it can be difficult to choose one that matches your specific requirements. With that in mind, this article covers some of the best photo editor apps available today.

1. Adobe Lightroom

Adobe Lightroom is not just a photo editor app, but it also offers a pro camera feature. The pro camera feature helps you capture stunning images and you can edit the photos later in the same app. The pro camera also allows you to set exposure, timer, instant presets, and raw imaging before taking a shot. Lightroom also offers various capture modes, such as Professional and HDR.

Now, it is time to discuss editing. Let me tell you, this app does not disappoint. Lightroom is a great app for professional photographers. You can edit raw photos using this Android photo editor application. This app stands as one of the best when it comes to user interface, which is intuitive and easy-to-use.

The Lightroom editor helps you edit every minute detail in your photos. You can use the Healing Brush to remove almost anything from your photo. Bring dull photos back life with hue and saturation adjustments in just a few clicks. The presets offered by this app make photo editing even more convenient, and the filters come with unlimited customization options.

Lightroom also offers an interactive tutorial, which helps you learn how to use the photo editor to its full potential. This is a great app that you can use to improve your photography and photo editing skills.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

2. Adobe Photoshop Express

Another app from Adobe has made it onto our list. It is not a surprise, given Adobe’s reputation for creating and publishing photo editing tools for many years and on many different platforms. Photoshop express is a photo editor and collage maker app for Android phone users. This app is one of the best photo editing apps available, with a simple, easy-to-use, and attractive user interface.

This app not only helps you edit your images and make collages; it also offers quick fixes for crooked and distorted images. Using this editor, you can choose from hundreds of looks, effects, and filters to make your images well worth sharing on social media platforms.

In regards to tools, you get Spot Healing for reducing blemishes and spots from selfies and portraits, Quick Fixes for adjusting the contrast and exposure, Personalise for making stickers and creating memes and captions, and Apply Blur to blend out backgrounds and bring the subject to focus. There are also many more tools and features that you will notice as you continue to use this great editing app.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

3. Snapseed

Snapseed is a professional-quality photo editor that is useful for professional users. This is a very popular photo editing app among Instagram users and influencers. Developed by Google, Snapseed is one of the best and simplest photo editing apps available for Android users.

When it comes to features, Snapseed has 29 tools and filters available, including perspective, selective, healing, lens blur, and other useful tools. In addition, you can save your customized looks and filters so that you can use them on any image in the future.

This app is simple, but it is one of the most useful photo editing apps available, with a variety of tools and features offered. The best thing about this app is that it is completely free to users, despite offering professional features and tools.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

4. Pixlr

Pixlr is a “freemium” photo editor for Android users and is one of the best among its competitors. This app does have some in-app purchases if you need them, but everything else is free. They are also currently offering 30% off the annual subscription.

This app offers many features that every professional photographer needs. You can create collages with a variety of presets, grid styles, customized ratios, and backgrounds. The auto-fix feature allows you to adjust the color of your photo. There is a tool to remove blemishes and red-eye and smooth your skin. You can also adjust the tone of the photos with overlays and filters. You can add your preferred effects and overlays to your favorites so that you can easily access them in the future.

Apart from editing, this app also allows you to share photos directly to various social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or any other social media platform. All in all, this is a great photo editor app with great editing tools.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD                     

 5. Prisma Photo Editor

The Prisma Photo Editor is another highly rated photo editor application featured in our article. The main feature of this photo editor is that it turns your photos into paintings. There are more than 300 artistic style collections to choose from to turn your picture into a painting.

In addition, Prisma releases a new art style every day. There is also a Prisma creator community that you can join to share your creations and chat with community members.    

With the photo enhancement mode, you can also fine-tune your pictures with a wide range of tools to adjust contrast, exposure, sharpness, brightness, etc. Prisma is a popular app among those who like to play with photo editing.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

6. Google Photos

Google Photos comes pre-installed in all Android smartphones alongside the suite of other Google apps. This is a simple app that allows you to manage all the photos on your phone’s memory. The Google Photos app also helps you with essential photo edits. Despite being a simple and minimal photo editing app, Google Photos performs almost every task a normal user needs.

Apart from editing your photos, this app also helps you securely back up your photos on cloud storage. You can access the edited photos from anywhere, whenever you want.

Google Photos sports some powerful editing tools that help you transform your photos in a few clicks. This is a smart gallery app by Google that covers all the essential features of a photo editing app, including shared albums, automatic creation, and an advanced editing suite.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD  

7. LightX Photo Editor & Photo Effects

LightX Photo Editor is another highly rated photography app available in the Google Play Store. This app includes a variety of features and easy-to-use tools, and it is popular among photographers and social media users. You can make a photo collage, include photo frames, change the background, and blur photos using this application.

Features such as cutout and combine, changing the background image, adding color splash photo effects, merging or mixing two photos to make impressive photo effects, advanced photo transformation tools, and professional photo editing tools make this app a standout among its competitors.

In addition to tons of features, LightX provides a collection of stickers to add to your photos, doodle and draw on photos, add text to photos, shape manipulation tools, and a range of filters. Overall, this is a well-rounded photo editor app for Android phones.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

Conclusion

Above are listed some of the best professional-level photo editing apps for Android in 2020. These apps were chosen on the basis of overall user experience, so if you use any other photo editing app on Android that you think we missed, feel free to share your views with us at @LinuxHint and @SwapTirthakar.

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