Chat with Ubuntu

Chatting with Ubuntu is not so hard and if you would like to voice chat or video chat, it's possible as well.

Skype works fine with both voice chat and video chat as long as the drivers are properly installed (google your drivers if there's a problem). Get it from Medibuntu which stands for Multimedia, Entertainment & Distractions In Ubuntu. Configure the sound devices(skype test as well) and video devices if the default doesn't work(Ctrl+O or Skype Menu==>Options) and don't forget to unmute the microphone. (Look at the images bellow).

Pidgin connects to almost all IM protocols (ICQ, MSN, Yahoo!, Gtalk and more). The latest feature of Pidgin is video and voice chat but for some reasons I couldn't use it. You can try and see if it works for you. Download and install the latest package from it's official website.



Empathy which is almost like Pidgin but what it lacks it good looks and the integration with gnome notification(Pidgin works great with it). It will be the new default IM for Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala but that doesn't mean you can't install Pidgin. Just download Pidgin or search it in the Synaptic Manager. Install Empathy from Synaptic Manager(Make sure you install Telepathy as well). Voice and video chat enabled and all you have to do is click on the microphone or webcam icon next to a contact in your list.



NB: Do remember that voice and video chat only works for Gtalk accounts on both Pidgin and Empathy.

Google Translate & Dictionary

pyGtranslator is a desktop standalone for Google Translate. Why use it?

1) Simple interface
2) Uses less CPU processor
3) Remembers your last history
4) You don't have to open your internet browser




Dictionary is also a desktop standalone application which you can find it in the Ubuntu applications menu--> Office --> Dictionary. It's name explains it all, it gives definition or meaning of a word.

Both applications uses internet so be sure to be connected to the internet.

Games on Ubuntu the easy way

I'm sure why Ubuntu or Linux was never good enough for gamers is because you can't play games that your friends are playing. There are few options you could choose from:

1)Cedega

Subscribe to Cedega for a certain amount of fees(6 months - 25usd, 12 months - 45 usd) and install it on Linux. You could check out the games database.

2)PlayOnLinux 

It is a frontend of Wine to run windows software on Linux. They have many choices to install PC games. All you need is original CD or DVD of the games, install it following the instructions and you can play it. You could try to install games that aren't in the list as well but it may or may not work, trial and error basis.

3)PlayDeb 

Open Source games one-click install(provided you follow the 1st few steps)

You can filter the games by genre and click install this now below the game chosen.

Best alternative. =)