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If you are using a Ubuntu Linux operating system and your computer is frequently used to connect to internet, you might want to block some sites from being visited using your computer. So here is a simple method for it.

How to Block Unwanted Website in Ubuntu Linux?

The process to block websites in Ubuntu Linux is very simple and doesn’t require any third party application. You just need to make a simple entry in the /etc/hosts file. /etc/hosts is a very important file which handles DNS and internet handling on Linux based systems. In order to block some site from opening, open the /etc/hosts file by typing the following command on the terminal:

gedit /etc/hosts

and add the following line:

127.0.0.1 domain.com

Example 127.0.0.1 yahoo.com

Here replace domain.com with the name of the domain that you wish to block. Once the above exercise is done, who ever tries to access the site will get a message “Failed to Connect”.

Done! Do let us know if you have any alternative method for the above task. We will really like to add it to the post.

TechNama has been regularly covering Ubuntu themes in the past and to keep up with the tradition, today i came across an interesting Android theme for Ubuntu users. So now you can have same Android look on your Ubuntu deskptop. The theme will transform Ubuntu Linux desktop to look like Android OS, with matching icons, background and wallpapers.

“Genoid” is an Android Icon/GTK theme which can be used to transform your Ubuntu (GNOME) desktop to look like Android OS.

Genoid comes with lots of Android flavors – many icons have been incorporated. It has a GDM and a GTK theme.

Download Android Theme for Ubuntu Linux here

Canonical is launching a new project to improve the usability of the platform. Remember that Canonical is the company behind the popular Ubuntu Linux distribution. The project is aimed at identifying and resolving 100 minor bugs which negatively impact the Ubuntu user experience before the release of the next major version in October.

This initiative, which is called One Hundred Paper Cuts, will be implemented by Canonical’s new design and user experience team in collaboration with the Ubuntu community. Canonical’s design experts have called for Ubuntu users to participate by helping to identify relevant bugs. They are specifically looking for easily fixable bugs that impact the usability of key system components such as the panels and file manager. Canonical hopes to boost the overall quality of the platform by addressing a multitude of subtle issues that developers would otherwise ignore. Many of the improvements that are applied through this effort will directly benefit upstream projects.

[Via arstechnica.com]

Ubuntu has made life really easy for Linux users. I decided to make your experience with Ubuntu Linux much more easier with the 40 keyboard hotkeys / shortcuts as found in Ubuntu Linux. The question is who will remember them? Trust me if you use them, it will really increase your speed and hence save a lot of time so i suggest you give it a try as it is worth it.

1) Ctrl+A = Select all (In Documents, Firefox, Nautilus, etc, not Terminal)

2) Ctrl+C = Copy (In Documents, Firefox, Nautilus, etc, not Terminal)

3) Ctrl+V = Paste (In Documents, Firefox, Nautilus, etc, not Terminal)

4) Ctrl+N = New (Create a new document, not in terminal)

5) Ctrl+O = Open (Open a document, not in terminal)

6) Ctrl+S = Save (Save the current document, not in terminal)

7) Ctrl+P = Print (Print the current document, not in terminal)

8 ) Ctrl+E = Send To… (Send the current document to an email recipient or remote location, not in terminal)

9) Ctrl+W = Close (Close the current document, not in terminal)

10) Ctrl+Q = Quit (Quit the application, not in terminal)

11) Ctrl + Alt + F1 = Switch to the first virtual terminal

12) Ctrl + Alt + F2(F3)(F4)(F5)(F6) = Select the different virtual terminals

13) Ctrl + Alt + F7 = Switch to current terminal session with X

14) Ctrl+Alt++ = Switch to next X resolution (Depends of your X configuration)

15) Ctrl+Alt+- = Switch to previous X resolution (Depends of your X configuration)

16) Ctrl + Alt + Backspace = Kill X server

17) Alt+Tab = Switch between open programs

18 ) Alt+ F1 = Open the Applications Menu

19 ) Ctrl+Alt+tab = Navigate through running programs

20 ) Printscrn = PrintScreen

21) Ctrl+C =  (when used inside terminal) Kill process

22) Ctrl + F10 = Open the desktop background menu. All other applications will be minimized.

23) Ctrl+Z = (when used inside terminal) Send process to background

24) Ctrl+D = Log out from the current terminal. In X, this may log you out after a shutting down the emulator.

25) Ctrl+A = Home (Move cursor to beginning of line)

26) F2 = Rename the focused object in desktop

27) Ctrl+E = End (Move cursor to end of line)

28) Tab = List available commands from typed letters (Ex: type iw and click tab, output = iwconfig iwevent iwgetid iwlist iwpriv iwspy)

29) Ctrl+U = Delete current line

30) Ctrl+K = Delete current line from cursor

31) Ctrl + Alt + L = To Lock screen

32) Ctrl+W = (when used inside terminal) Delete word before cursor in terminal

33 ) Arrows up and down = Browse command history

34) Ctrl+R = History search (Finds the last command matching the letters you type)

35) Alt + F2 = Open Run Application box

36) Alt + F5 = Minimize the maximized window

37) Shift+PageUp / PageDown = Scroll terminal output

38) Ctrl+L = Clears terminal output

39) Shift+insert = Paste

40) Mousewheel click or 3rd mouse button = Paste selected text (Select any text in any window and paste where you want. Terminal / Firefox / Gnome apps)

You should bookmark this page and keep using the hotkeys for Ubuntu to memorize them. If you like this post, you can subscribe to our RSS feed.

Google has announced the beta release of its famous browser Chrome for Mac and Linux. The beta version is only available in Developers channel (to read about google release channels click here), which is a test bed of Google for developers and testers but not for main stream public. The Google itself is not promoting the download of  beta version of Chrome for Mac and linux by general public since its performance is not stable.

However, if you are ready to take the risk, you can download the Google Chrome for Mac and Linux through this link. Mind it! its your own gamble and hence you should not make it a reason to get disappointed with the upcoming public beta version of Chrome.  According to the tests conducted by some developers, they found the Chromium to be showing constant development in its new releases. It has become more stable with every new update and the beta version  is performing far better then expectations. However, it might still crash.

The Google Chrome is fast capturing the browser market and taking share out of Mozilla and Explorer.

Download Google Chrome for Mac and Linux here

To Read Google Annoucement for Mac and Linux click here

TechNama has been covering 37 Windows 7 Themes and 61 Linux Themes earlier and our readers really appreciated us for it. To continue the sequence, we have decided to present our selection of top 10 Windows 7 Linux Wallpapers for our readers. Do let us know if you think of any other Amazing Linux, Ubuntu Wallpapers. We will update the post accordingly.

Tux Linux Wallpaper (800×600)

Tux Linux Wallpaper (1024×768)

Super Tux Wallpaper for Linux (800×600)

Super Tux Wallpaper for Linux (1024×768)

Trampolinetux (800×600)

Trampolinetux (1024×768)

Tux Linux Wallpaper South Park (800×600)

Tux Linux Wallpaper South Park (1024×768)

Think Linux Black Wallpaper (800×600)

Think Linux Black Wallpaper (1024×768)

Tux Windows Xp Linux Wallpaper (800×600)

Tux Windows Xp Linux Wallpaper (1024×768)

Tux Windows Xp Linux Wallpaper (1600×1200)

Kill Bill Linux Wallpaper (800×600)

Kill Bill Linux Wallpaper (1024×768)

DJ Tux Linux Wallpapers (800×600)

DJ Tux Linux Wallpaper(1024×768)

Unix-Linux Black Tux Wallpaper (1280×1024)

Gui Linux Wallpaper (1024×768)

Last but not the least, if you hate Windows, check this Windows 7 Farts Linux Wallpaper. It is funny. Do not forget to subscribe to our RSS to stay tuned to TN

Opera 10 Beta version has finally been released for Windows, Mac and Linux. This new version is definitely faster then its predecessors with an inbuilt spell checker and html e mails. Few of the most noticeable changes  in Opera 10 are the new default skin, created by British designer Jon Hicks, and a totally revamped Tab bar. Presto 2.2 Engine based Opera 10 skin will continue to evolve till the final version is not released to the public. It also claims to support web standards properly including the Acid3 test. According to Computeractive,

“Acid3 is an extreme test, a more visible effect will be the support for web fonts. Most browsers can only use the fonts installed on the computer. Web designers often give the browser a list of fonts. The font they would actually liked used, a similar but more common font and then let the browser choose its own serif or san serif font. Web fonts let the browser load the font from a website.”

According to CNET review, “You’ll have an easier time tweaking the look of Opera 10, with improvements to Speed Dial and toolbar customizations. Speed Dial has received a refresh. You can expand it to show as many as 25 Web sites and set a background image. You can also set it to never appear. Customization is easier, too. Right-click on any toolbar to reveal a Customize option. From there, you can hide a toolbar or a particular widget such as the search box, download, and change skins on the fly, add or remove buttons, and add or adjust Panels. Opera has had the features in Panels, such as Notes, for a long time.

In this version, though, they round them all up behind one unified sidebar interface. Notes, Bookmarks, History, and Transfers are standard, as is a Widgets option from which you can download more panels. These widgets include things like a Facebook interface, a to-do list, and a Google services manager.

In addition to improvements to the browser, users can create panels to manage to their e-mail, newsfeeds, and chat, as well as select default clients to manage those services outside of Opera. The Opera default e-mail client, however, should be noted as the slickest of the baked-in browser e-mail clients. The e-mail folder tree smoothly integrates in a collapsible panel, while message composition opens in a new browser tab. Combined with Opera’s MyOpera synchronization service, it provides users with a full-featured e-mail and browsing experience. Opera 10 continues development of its Turbo mode, which uses proprietary compression technology to accelerate page loading. It’s recommended for users in crowded Wi-Fi spots or on slow DSL lines or 56k modems, and users might even see slower page load times if they use it on a broadband connection, according to the company. According to their press release for this beta, Turbo “can offer broadband-like speeds on dial-up.”

Lastly one amazing feature. If you accidentally close all the tabs (Which i often do), don’t worry you can reopen them through the “Trash Can” option. Enjoy

Download Opera 10 Beta Click here

I have lately become a fan of Linux. My earlier post covering 61 awesome Ubuntu Themes for linux is a big success and got a lot of response from all over the world. I really thank everyone for all the support.

Here is just one wallpaper which really hit at the upcoming Windows 7. The Linux famous Mascot “tux” going for a swim in Microsoft Windows 7 pool and while swimming, he gets some pressure built up which he releases. The result is clearly depicted in the Wallpaper below. I have it on my desktop at least for few days. Do let me know what do you think about it?

Click the Tux to see the full size image.

To watch the Top 10 Awesome Windows 7 Linux Wallpapers click here.

To be honest, i will not claim i am a fan of Ubuntu and that i have installed it on my home or personal pc but since i observed that there is a lot of our users taking interest in our articles with the key word of “Linux” or “Ubuntu” so i decided to find some cool Ubuntu/Gnome themes and make them available for our readers. I must confess i love cool themes, wallpapers and other things that feels good on the user eyes. We have also earlier compiled a list of 37 Best Windows 7 Themes for our readers.

These themes are taken from Gnome look and you can see their screenshot and find the downland link next to it. If you come across any other cool themes, feel free to let us know and we will make theme available here so that everyone can benefit from them.

Apotheosis Ubuntu Theme (Download)

Moomex Ubuntu Theme (Download)

Elegant Brit (Download)

Blue Joy (Download)

Darker Ice Murrina (Download)

Willibex Theme (Download)

BluBuntu Auroroa (Download)

Mesmerized Theme (Download)

Tigirs Ubuntu Theme (Download)

Orange Door Hinge (Download)

Hardy Theme 2.0 (Download)

Fedora Dark (Download)

Ice Orange (Download)

GSM GTK Theme (Download)

Softice (Download)

Human Chrome (Download)

Effin2 (Download)

Coal and Glass Ubuntu Theme (Download)

Blue Space Theme (Download)

Glow (Download)

Fawn Theme (Download)

BlueMan Theme (Download)

Clearbloodline Ubuntu Theme (Download)

ClearLooksMetallico (Download)

Shiftie July (Download)

ColorBit Theme (Download)

Kith V1.0 Ubuntu Theme (Download)

Chris Ubuntu Theme (Download)

Mira Theme (Download)

Shiki Colors Theme (Download)

Creamy Linux Theme (Download)

Carbon Fibre Ubuntu Theme (Download)

Raport Slickness Remix (Download)

Gaia Nova Theme (Download)

OverGlossed Theme (Download)

Gilouche Posh Theme (Download)

GrayWin Theme (Download)

TechNix Theme (Download)

Dyne 2.0 Theme (Download)

Mac4Lin Ver GTK Metacity (Download)

Murrina Inspirat (Download)

Bruzd Nodoka (Download)

XNTricity Theme (Download)

Halflight Theme (Download)

Moomex-Ultimatum Theme (Download)

Nimbus Vista Ubuntu Theme (Download)

Cobra Theme (Download

NoName Peace Theme (Download)

Blue Junior Theme (Download)

Murrina Limelight Ubuntu Theme (Download)

Tekhs Silver Blue Theme (Download)

Kore Gnome Theme (Download)

Orange Linsta Black Plastic (Download)

Glasa/Glasa Pro Theme (Download)

Darklce 0.3 Theme (Download)

Royale Ubuntu Theme (Download)

Neon Theme (Download)

Laza Ubuntu Theme (Download)

Rinsei Theme (Download)

AquaLooks Theme (Download)

Bamboo Zen Theme (Download)

Murrina Chrome (Download)

Thanks to Mohtasham. If you encounter any problem in its installation, visit this page.

Netbooks have been getting a lot of attention these days and most probably they deserve it too. In this ongoing race, every vendor is coming out with their new yet impressive offering every next week.  Dell is about to launch its own new version of netbook labeled Dell Latitude 2100-N Ubuntu Linux. Since the product has not yet been launched and no official communication about its specs is available, Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols of PC World was somehow able to get hands on it for few hours to wrote his review. Here is Steven J review of the details specs of different versions;

“The Dell unit I looked at came with an Intel Atom N270 CPU running at 1.6GHz. This one had 1GB of DDR2 SDRAM, an 80GB, 5,400rpm hard drive, and integrated Mobile Intel 950 GMA graphics chip set. It also had a 6-cell battery. Like most new netbooks, it comes with a good-sized display: 10.1″. As equipped, this unit would sell for $444.
The base Ubuntu Linux 8.10 equipped unit comes with 512MBs of RAM, a 16GB SSD (solid state drive) and a 3-cell battery. This version of the netbook sells for $369. If you wanted to get the same netbook with XP Home SP3, it would cost you $399. It’s always nice to see a vendor offer you the Linux cost savings.

It’s also worth noting that while Dell also offers Vista Home Basic on this netbook, they also point out that “if you choose Microsoft Vista and also would like Microsoft Office productivity software, you will need to select a hard drive option with at least 80GB of space.” I’d add that you’d also need to upgrade the RAM to at least a gigabyte if you expect to run Vista without screaming in frustration.
One of the features I like about this netbook is that, unlike most of its breed, Dell makes it easy to upgrade the Latitude 2100-N’s RAM. While Ubuntu runs great in 512MBs of RAM, and XP does decently in it, the netbook comes with a SO-DIMM (small outline dual in-line memory module) slot that, combined with the memory on the motherboard, will let you give the PC up to 2GBs of RAM. Nice.

Ubuntu 8.10 ran like a charm on this system. It came with Dell 802.11b/g Wi-Fi and I was immediately able to find and use the local Wi-Fi. I used the net for almost the entire time I had my mitts on the netbook, and I was really pleased to find that with the pumped-up battery I wasn’t even close to out of power after four-hours of zooming around the Web

What I really liked best about this unit though wasn’t really computer related at all. It comes with a hardy plastic body, which they tell me is made of PC ABS (polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), which gives it a very solid feel. It also has a rubberized lid and base. The over-all effect is that you feel like this is one laptop that could take a licking and keep on ticking.

Best of all, with this rugged exterior, the Latitude comes with the option of a shoulder strap that connects directly with the netbook. At just over 3-pounds and with great battery life, this is a netbook that you can just slip on your shoulder and run from class to class, or, in my case, from home to library to coffee shop without a thought.

I like this strap idea a lot. Seriously. A netbook gets lost in most laptop bags, and you sure can’t put any of them in your pocket. Now, if you’re a woman with a good-sized purse, you’re set. But, for most of guys, this shoulder strap makes a great way to cart a computer with you without pulling out a laptop bag.

I expect to see many other netbook vendors picking this feature up. It really makes a lot of sense. Portable, powerful, and Linux: the Dell Latitude 2100-N makes a great netbook for students and workers on the go.”

[via PC World]