New Version of Audacious Music Player 3.8 Released

A new version of Audacious, a popular lightweight audio player, is now available for download.

Audacious 3.8 introduces a small set of features, including the ability to run more than one instance of the app at the same time. Quite why… no idea.
New audtool commands have been added, including stream recording toggles, and cue sheet support is said to be “more seamless”.
A plugin that lets you browse music on an Ampache server has been added, and music folders can be added to the app from various URL protocols, including ftp and mtp.
More of the player’s existing feature set has been ported over to Qt, including scrobbling set-up and playlist context (right-click) menus.
There are plenty of other new features too, so check out the full Audacious 3.8 changelog for further information.

Install Audacious 3.8 on Ubuntu 16.04 LTS

If you’ve never tried the app, but have long looked for something with the layout, power-user features and resource usage of something like XMMS, Audacious is well worth checking out. It’s fully open-source, and runs on Windows, BSD and Linux.
An older version of Audacious is available to install from Ubuntu Software. You can install Audacious 3.8 on Ubuntu 16.04 LTS by adding PandaJim’s PPA to your Software Sources:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntuhandbook1/apps

nd then installing both the app and its plugins package:

sudo apt update && sudo apt install audacious audacious-plugins

Simple!
If you’re an Audacious user/fan do feel free to share some screenshots of the app in the comments section below. 

Source: http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2016/09/new-version-audacious-music-player-released?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+d0od+%28OMG%21+Ubuntu%21%29

Choose Linux Mint Mate or Cinnamon or XFCE or KDE ?

If you have to choose one, which one do you prefer.. .Should you Choose Linux Mint Mate or Cinnamon or XFCE or KDE ? Find the answer and comparison here!

Choose Linux Mint Mate or Cinnamon or XFCE or KDE ?

Todays Linux Mint distributed under the 32 bit and 64 bit version with different desktop environment version such as Cinnamon, Mate, KDE, and XFCE. When you need to install the Linux Mint which one you should choose?

Linux Mint Cinnamon vs MATE vs XFCE vs KDE

From their official website, we got some comparison point like this :

1. MATE: Stable, robust, traditional
2. XFCE: Light, simple, efficient
3. Cinnamon : Sleek, modern, innovative
4. KDE: Solid, full-featured, polished

1. Linux Mint MATE

Linux Mint MATE is consuming a very low usage of memory. This is the best choice for programmer who run heavy program such as Android Studio, Eclipse, and soon which need to debug the developed apps.

2. Linux Mint XFCE

XFCE version is suitable for old computer. This version using Panel and Start Menu looks like Windows XP in classic mode.

3. Linux Mint Cinnamon

Cinnamon version offers animation, effect and thumbnail view looks like Windows 7/8, This is the best choice for daily usage for home and office because its interface similar to Windows 7 or 8. If you want an interface similar to Windows 10 then you have to choose the KDE version but it consuming much memory.

4. Linux Mint KDE

Linux Mint with KDE plasma is the best choice for computer or laptop with the high specification. We can say that this desktop environment looks like Windows 10, and for daily use we recommend you to use Cinnamon version for modern computer. Your Linux will run perfectly!

Linux Mint MATE, XFCE, Cinnaomn, KDE Memory Usage

We have some physical test with Linux Mint 17.3 Rosa with several version of desktop environment. We use a Samsung NP355V4X laptop for this quick testing. The result for Linux Mint 17.3 as follow :

Conclusion

Linux Mint Mate is suitable for programmer who run big and heavy application. XFCE is suitable for old computer. The Cinnamon is suitable for daily use for todays computer. To use KDE please make sure you are using the high specification device!

Source: http://linuxsoftware.moncerbae.com/2016/02/choose-linuxmint-mate-cinnamon-kde-xfce.html

5 More of the Best GTK Themes for Linux

The default look of many Linux desktop environments is often less than satisfactory. Thankfully, the Linux world is blessed with a plethora of custom themes you can download and install within seconds to make your desktop really shine.

How to Install GTK Themes

Before we go further, here is a quick tutorial on how to install custom GTK themes. (You can skip this part if you know how to do it already.)
First install the “gnome-tweak-tool” by running this command:

sudo apt-get install gnome-tweak-tool

Or if you run Ubuntu Unity, install the “unity-tweak-tool” instead.

sudo apt-get install unity-tweak-tool

Elementary OS users can install “elementary-tweaks.”

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:mpstark/elementary-tweaks-daily
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install elementary-tweaks

Grab the zip file of your desired GTK theme (from gnome-look or deviant art) and extract. Then move the extracted folder to “/usr/share/themes.”


Note: for your convenience, we have included the link to each shell theme described below so you can get the zip file from there.
Once the theme has been downloaded and extracted to your “/usr/share/themes” directory, open gnome-tweak-tool, unity-tweak-tool or elementary-tweaks to select the theme.
Here are five of the best themes for GTK-based desktop environments.

 

1. Arc GTK Theme

Arc is a flat GTK theme with subtle transparency effects in some parts of the application window such as those with header bars and the sidebar in Nautilus. It comes in three variants – light, dark and darker (header bar only) – for you to choose from, and it supports GTK3- and GTK2-based environments. I tested this theme on Gnome 3.18 and Pantheon (Elementary OS Freya), and it looked great on both!

 

 

2. Paper

Paper is developed with GTK3 (Gnome-based) desktop environments in mind, meaning you can only get the best experience on Gnome 3 and other Gnome Shell-based DEs. Paper theme is inspired by Google’s material design philosophy and makes use of a flat design with minimal shadows for depth. If you want to mimic the look of Android L and M on your desktop, Paper would be a great choice for you.

 

 

3. Vertex

If you don’t like totally flat themes, you can give Vertex a try. Just like Arc, it has three variants: dark, light and dark headerbars. It supports GTK3 and GTK2 desktop environments such as Budgie, Gnome 3, MATE, Pantheon, Cinnamon and more.

 

 

4.Ultra Flat Theme

Ultra Flat theme is a modified version of Numix with no border, flat rounded window buttons and grey selection colour. It was tested in Ubuntu Unity but will work on GTK3 desktop environments.

 

5. OS X El Capitan

If you want to bring a Mac OS X look and feel to your Linux desktop, this theme is ideal for you! You get the familiar light theming and the trademark OS X window buttons. It’s made for Cinnamon but works on all GTK3 desktops.

Bottom Line

With these five themes, you can make your desktop really shine! Even if you don’t like any of the ones listed above, there are plenty more for you to discover at Gnome-look.org. Let us know your favourite GTK themes in the comments below.

Source: https://www.maketecheasier.com/more-gtk-themes-linux/

9 Great Mate Themes

This can be a good thing when it comes to usability. It’s tried and true. On the other hand, the MATE desktop doesn’t look very modern. The default themes it ships with aren’t very attractive, and overall it seems like it needs a face-lift.
Check out these nine themes that look great in the MATE desktop environment!
Note: the instructions to install each one of these themes are located on the page in which you downloaded them from.

1. Color UI

If you didn’t notice from the picture above, Color UI was designed with the XFCE desktop in mind. That being said, it still looks awesome in MATE. Everything is very modern-looking and colorful. I know some people aren’t huge fans of using themes designed for other desktops. I get that. Still, if using a theme designed for another desktop doesn’t bother you, consider checking out this theme.

2. Absolute

Absolute is a simple, grey theme. It’s not the most advanced and stylish theme ever created, but it certainly is fairly modern looking. The window manager style is top notch, and overall it’s just pleasant to look it. Do you like simple? Check out this theme.

3. Ubuntu Dust

When it comes to GTK 2.x themes, they seem to all run together. A good chunk of them seem to fall into three categories: black/dark, transparent, or grey/white styled themes. Ubuntu Dust doesn’t fit that criteria. It’s a sort of shiny brown/dark sort of thing with some really neat user interface choices. It’s certainly different. If you like different, you might like this theme.

4. Ambiance & Radiance Flat Colors

Flat is the latest design trend that everyone has been going crazy over. I can’t blame them as I think flat is cool too. To satisfy your craving for flat themes on MATE, Ambiance & Radiance Flat Colors exists. It’s a flatter take on the classic Ubuntu themes Ambiance and Radiance. It comes with several different color choices too. If you want a flat theme, this should be your first stop.

5. Orta

Orta is a theme that has been around for quite a while. It’s one of the most famous ones too. There’s a good reason as to why everyone loves this particular theme: it’s beautiful. Even today it feels really modern. The window manager style is reminiscent of Mac OS X’s, and it has a nice metallic thing going on.

6. BSM Simple

BSM Simple is a pack of simple GTK 2.x themes. The pack comes with Dark and Classic themes.

7. Elegant Gnome Pack

Are you interested in making MATE elegant? Check out the Elegant Gnome Pack. It’s specifically designed to make GTK 2.x look beautiful. Many different themes are included so there’s most certainly something for everyone to choose from!

8. Zuki

Zuki is a fairly solid theme. It has sort of a glass/transparent look to it, but it does it right. That’s not something I can say about all the glass themes I’ve seen. They always seem to look tacky. If you’re in need of a transparent-esque theme for your MATE setup, look no further.

9. Elegant Brit

I’ll be frank. Elegant Brit is at the bottom because it’s not the most professionally-designed theme. That being said, it does manage to look cool and modern for what it is. I especially like the way this theme handles the task bar. If you’ve checked all the themes out above and still haven’t settled on one, try this one!

Conclusion

The MATE desktop is great, but it’s built on aging technology and is in dire need of a new look. These GTK 2.x MATE themes in this list can help with that. With this list I hope that you, too, will be able to make your desktop environment great.
Do you have a favorite theme you use in MATE? Tell us in the comments below!

Source: https://www.maketecheasier.com/9-great-mate-themes-linux/

9 Awesome Conky Themes

Conky users: Looking to spice up your config with something a little more stylish? We’ve scoured the Internet to find some of the coolest, best-looking setups around! Check these themes out!

Note: the instructions to install each one of these Conky themes are located on the page you downloaded them from.

1. Conky Colors

Conky Colors is an oldie but a goodie. This setup is really hard to describe, other than the fact that it just looks incredibly awesome. The theme is about four years old, but the styling remains incredibly refreshing. If you want your Conky setup to be refreshing, consider giving this one a go.

2. Harmattan

Harmattan: A twenty-two-theme pack of Conky goodness with four form factors to choose from. There’s not one distinct design style, but many – lots of different styles. The Google Now-esque card style, a Windows 8 Metro style, an unofficial Numix theme and a whole lot more! If you’ve ever had trouble finding a Conky theme that suited you, Harmattan might have just what you want.

3. Vision

Vision. A setup for fans of minimalism. This theme proves that a lack of information can be just as good. It doesn’t tell you your CPU speed, your download/upload, or anything like that. Just the date, the time and the weather. Fans of simplicity are sure to love this Conky theme.

4. Spectro

Spectro is a Conky theme heavily inspired by the July Flat Ish Rainmeter theme. This particular theme is just a weather widget, but it’s still awesome! What’s even better is that Spectro has a few different styles, so if you’re not a fan of the default, you can always change it up. If you’re looking for a neat weather-like Conky setup, check this one out.

5. Google Now

I’ll be honest; I’m fairly biased. I absolutely love the style that Google has been using in their applications as of late. That’s why I think this Google Now theme is so great. It’s the closest I’ll ever get to having an actual Google Now application right on my Linux desktop. If you’re also interested in turning Conky into Google Now, look no further than this theme!

6. Helix

Helix certainly isn’t the only minimalist theme on this list, but I think it belongs on this list. Why? What if all you want out of your Conky is to tell you the day and the time in a stylish, simple way? If so, Helix might be the theme you’ve been looking for.

7. eOS

eOS is the perfect Conky setup for Elementary OS users. It’s styled to look exactly how you’d except an official Elementary OS skin to look. Color, fonts, everything. If you’ve found yourself comfy on Elementary OS, and you’re trying to find a Conky theme to match, download and install eOS.

8. Jelly

I’ve always said that Android is beautiful. The creator of this theme seems to agree with me. Everything in Jelly looks really nice, clean and simple. If your idea of a Conky setup involves Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, you may want to give this theme a shot.

9. Cloud

Have you ever wanted to have the date, time and everything in between told to you in the form of a Cloud? Well, look no further. Seriously, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Conky theme quite like this one. It’s unique, and frankly, incredibly good-looking. If you’ve gone through all the themes in this list and still find yourself looking for something different, give Cloud a try.

Conclusion

Conky is a simple tool, but it’s an awesome one. Sure, in the end it’s just a way to print useful information on your desktop, but there’s more to it. With the help of this small application, you can make the Linux desktop truly your own.

Source: https://www.maketecheasier.com/awesome-conky-themes-linux/

9 Great XFCE Themes

Since the XFCE Desktop is in dire need of a facelift, we decided to go out and find nine really great themes for XFCE4. Check them out below!
Note: the instructions to install each one of these themes are located on the page in which you downloaded them from.

1. Axe

Not all of the themes on this list are full themes. The XFCE4 desktop is an interesting one. You can theme the window manager and the panel independently. Axe is one of the many window manager themes in this list.
Axe is a clean and really minimal window manager theme. When it’s not in focus, the entire window is transparent which is a really cool effect. Want a clean, simple Xfce window manager theme? Check out this one.

2. Tango

A lot of XFCE4’s window managers that come pre-installed are unimpressive. They’re all old-looking and frankly just not something visually appealing on any level. Tango is an XFCE WM theme pack that hopes to change that.
It’s an elegant, colorful and minimalist approach to window themes. It also sort of reminds me of the Windows 8 window manager. Are you in search of a decent-looking XFCE window manager theme? Tango might be for you.

3. Numix Holo

Numix Holo is a pleasant re-spin of the Numix GTK theme. The creator of this theme has substituted the famous “Numix Orange” color scheme for a light blue Android Jelly Bean-inspired setup. If you love Numix, but also prefer blue over orange, definitely check out this theme.

4. Ambiance

Some people love the default look of Ubuntu. Others don’t. Ambiance for the XFCE desktop is a theme for those looking to make their XFCE session more like Ubuntu. If you think the Ambiance style suits you, this should be your first stop.

5. Glare

Glare is a simple theme for the XFCE4 desktop environment. It doesn’t have a whole lot going for it in terms of eye candy, but that’s not necessarily a terrible thing. Sometimes its hard to find a very simple theme with no frills, shadows or anything like that. If you’re in search of a simple look for XFCE4, you might want to check out this theme.

6. Macbuntu

Macbuntu is a suitable XFCE4 theme for those who want to turn their desktop into something very close to OS X. This theme isn’t 100% similar to the way the Mac looks, but it most certainly is very reminiscent of it. Searching for an Apple-like theme for your XFCE desktop? Try out Macbuntu.

7. Rele

There certainly isn’t a shortage of dark themes. It’s hard to browse xfce-look.org and not run into more than twenty-five dark themes. Still, if dark is what you want, Rele is one of the best out there. The theme uses the darker colors in a really nice way and everything is really easy to read (which I can’t say about some other black/dark themes out there). Are black themes your thing? If so, you might want to install Rele.

8. XFWM KDE4.8 Oxygen

It’s hard to deny that the KDE desktop environment has it right when it comes to their Oxygen theme. Honestly, it’s one of the better default themes out there for Linux. Are you a fan of the Oxygen theme like me? If so, install XFWM KDE4.8 Oxygen.

9. Win8-FirstTry

Some Linux users love the way Windows 8/8.1 looks. No this isn’t a joke! There are dozens of Windows themes for Linux desktops. For those on XFCE, the Win8-FirstTry theme is a good place to start out. Be warned, the creator of this theme said it’s his first shot at a theme, so there might be a few discrepancies here or there. Still, if you want your desktop environment to look like Windows 8.1, you should give this theme a go.

Conclusion

XFCE4 is a great desktop environment. Overwhelmingly, it’s the most popular lightweight desktop out there. That being said, it’s not exactly the best-looking. The overall design of XFCE4 seems to be stuck in the mid-90s/early 2000s. I hope that with the help of this list you’ll be able to take your existing XFCE desktop and make it a little better looking.
Got a favorite theme for XFCE4? Let us know below in the comments!

Source: https://www.maketecheasier.com/xfce4-desktop-themes-linux/