Saturday, August 22, 2009

Holy Quran Reading Software for Ubuntu Linux


The best Linux software to read the Holy Quran is Zekr. You can customize it to display the Quran full screen and change the font size as you like.

To install Zekr use the following command in the terminal:

sudo apt-get install zekr
This will install Zekr under Applications -> Accessories.

To show the Quran in Arabic in a large font inside Zekr program, do the following:
  • Go to Tools, Options, View, and change quran_fontSize to 30 (or 35)
  • Go to View, Layout, and choose Quran
  • Go to View, Layout, Quran, and choose Block
It is easy to change the Zekr interface to Arabic. Under Tools, Options, General, change language from English to Arabic.

There is also Zekr for Windows and Mac OSX.

And you can always use Quran Explorer website or download the Quran as PDF file (Arabic version and English version)

Monday, August 17, 2009

Intsall 100s of Fonts in Ubuntu with 1 Command



Ubuntu GNU/Linux comes with many fonts but what if you want more?
Just type this command in the closest terminal:

sudo apt-get install ttf-georgewilliams ttf-dustin ttf-larabie-deco ttf-larabie-straight ttf-larabie-uncommon
This will download 11 megabytes of packages and install hundreds of fonts in your system. Make sure you enabled universe and miltiverse repositories.

Source

Friday, August 07, 2009

Quick Guide to Switch to Linux

I have been using Linux as my default desktop for a over a month now with almost no problems. I have been using it in my travel laptop for over a year and on the home server for two years. So why my main computer was so late to the party?Its because of my mobile phone and ipod specific applications and computer games.

I solved the first problem by having a Windows virtual machine inside Linux and solved the games issue by having a 30GB partition with Windows. Now I connect my Nokia/iPhone/Blackberry to the virtual windows and it works flawlessly and to play Crysis, I reboot in Windows and play it there. The Windows partition is without any programs because it is there for the sole purpose of playing games.

I just wanted to provide a quick guide to everyone who's stuck with windows like I used to be and can't make the switch to Linux. Each step is linked to a useful web page explaining, in details, how to do it:

  1. Backup all your personal files and bookmarks in an external hard drive

  2. Download the latest Ubuntu Linux and burn it on a CD

  3. Find your old Windows CD and hardware drivers CDs for Windows

  4. Install windows on a 20 or 30GB partition

  5. Install Ubuntu by choosing the side-by-side option.

  6. Immediately change the Ubuntu theme!

  7. In Ubuntu make sure you install the following:

  8. Download the closed source virtualbox (not the SOE eddition) and create a windows virtual machine for your iPods and Nokia mobile phones

  9. Keep a list (text file) of all commands you learned in the process and all DEB packages you installed in the process

  10. Once you are satisfied with your Linux desktop back it up using remastersys which is like having a snapshot of your computer (with or without personal files) on a bootable CD/DVD.

If you have any questions just shoot me an email or use the ubuntu forums. You can get paid phone support from Canonical if you want to. Its a great way to financially support the organization behind Ubuntu. I also use Google a lot to help me with troubleshooting. For example, search for “linux replacement for photoshop” and “ubuntu install true type fonts” these kinds of searches usually yield good results. You can be very specific and still find good results, like “ubuntu screen resolution dell inspiron 6400.”

Usually its good to have a friend with Linux background, so I really mean it, send me an email or add me on msn (no Blackberry, sorry) and I'll be glad to help and spread the knowledge of Linux.