Peter with Ubuntu Audio

Dear Ubuntu Nation,

I, like Fenimore, survived my freshman year at college using solely open source software. I will now delve into sound production from solely open source and free plugin applications.

You will need to sudo apt-get install ubuntustudio-audio ubuntustudio-audio-plugins
this will get you almost all of these programs. Additionally, hopefully with the installation of ubuntustudio-audio the realtime audio kernel will be installed and work properly (mine didn't right away, until 10.04 Lucid Lynx). The realtime audio kernel allows low latency audio processing, which is essentially required to run any program with Jack. Jack is a sort of different means to for audio to work on linux (contrasting to the default ALSA etc). For most of these programs to work (with the exception of Audacity, qjackctrl should be running, as it will: 1. Allow the program to work, and 2. Allow you to connect the program you're using to other programs).

Electronic music generally uses a vast array of different programs to achieve an end product. I will discuss the main programs that I have found useful in the linux repositories.

For help on how to use these programs, simply search Youtube, or find their home page via Google (most of these programs are extremely well supported by the community).


Audacity: This is one of the more simple, nitty-gritty easy to use but least precise programs. I use it namely to convert mp3s to .wavs, as the majority of linux programs prefer and/or only use lossless formats such as wav or ogg due to the lack of openness of mp3 conversions. However you can also do a fair amount of messy audio editing too. I managed to do all of my mashups with this before I had Jack running correctly.

Zynaddsubfx: Awesome little midi keyboard with a lot of cool preset sounds. You can send the midi sound directly to another program or just use it through LMMS (the latter is what I do).

LMMS (or Linux MultiMedia Studio): The Linux equivalent to FL Studio/Fruity Loops (for those who've used Window$ apps before). This is my main composing means. I create various loops with a huge range of instruments or samples. It can use VST (windows audio plugins) by means of Vestige, and you can of course create drum beats and use some radical synths.

Freecycle: This is a nifty little program that is still in alpha, but works great. It's used solely for chopping up samples. It can analyze an audio file and recommend the best spots to split/chop up into small samples that can be utilized in LMMS.

Hydrogen 2: I have yet to use this extensively, however it is supposedly similar to LMMS, and originally intended for percussion/beats, but I have heard great things about it.

Ardour: Finally, where it all comes together. You import your audio from LMMS and wherever else, and this is where the main aggregation of audio occurs. It has a great system of time signature/bpm management, keeping your audio all lined up in ways that Audacity cannot. Very useful for dynamics and building tension, I have yet to utilize the full capabilities of this application (support for it is immense).

As a side note, I would recommend adding this PPA, as it contains a multitude of extremely useful free VST and other kinds of assorted plugins and programs: https://launchpad.net/~falk-t-j/+archive/lucid/

A person named Mrthraz also describes Linux audio extensively in this video and others in his channel. He describes how certain programs in Linux audio aren't mature enough in some aspects, which is why they have created Jack to connect all of these programs together.

Ultimately, that is the biggest strength (and some might say the biggest weakness) in Linux Audio. There isn't just one, singular, do everything program. However, through combining and connecting multiple programs for different purposes, a user can achieve a much greater versatility than a user ever could relying on one or two non-open source programs.

Upgrading Ubuntu

I've upgraded my computer, filling it with new goodies to play with. And in addition of formatted my harddrive to work on my computer. Now I have the new and pleasant start screen:

So videos now work on chrome, and the computer runs faster than ever. So fast in fact that I now use a Ubuntu flash drive to boot Ubuntu on the library computers, to bypass their windows network which is too slow and buggy for my taste. The flash drive is only one GB and works splendidly. To format it, like for my harddrive I used something called Gparted in the system/administration list. It allows me to format any drive I have, allowing me to choose ext 4 as the type of extension to format it as. It is a very clean program and easy to use. here is me formatting a flash drive:

And to keep my hard drive synced I got another piece of software, similar to mac's time machine. It's called: Grsync. Another flawless and clean application used to back up my data.

Search for Video Game Fix

I'm a bit older, and a lot farther from my home - including all my old video games. Its not really a problem, seeing as how I've stopped any serious passion for video games. Occasionally however it can't be helped that video games must be played.

Its true, the only real machine out there (aside console specific platforms) to fun video games is a Windows PC. So for computer games I've retreated to older games - usually the ones I used to watch my older siblings play when I was too young to even turn on the computer.

So in the past on my Ubuntu I've stuck to just Heroes of Might and Magic 2 and Diablo 2. Old and classic games which, once I get a copy of, I use the Wine application to run. Granted they are generally flawed almost to the point of total discouragement.

Here, in Canada, I am left without copy of any games (besides those, which have run their course). Instead of giving up I looked towards open source software, once again - to save my day. Trick is, to stay away from something overly simple. The game won't look the best sure, but that means it might as well be clever. (That means crossing out tetris, bejeweled, or etc.)

Wikipedia has what I consider is a comprehensive list of open source software available - neatly columned off, showing the different categories of games; from genre to first release. This is where I found the exact game that was on my mind. Civilization 2, open source style, as Freeciv. It is a mixture between the older of the long series of Civilization games, a mixture of just the first two. Simple graphics and a tireringly large amount of complexity.

I've had this game for a day now, and it suits its purpose it all regards. Perhaps too well.

Naturally the first thing I did was start Israel, 4000 BC, as King David. The only real goal I had was advance to monotheism, screw reaching gunpowder or democracy.

YouTube

Its been a shame, the need to switch between Firefox and Chrome. Not because either is inferior, but because having everything in two places is too hard to keep up. I was forced out of firefox, neither of us wanted it - but in the end the separation has been nice.

I've finally decided to update my software, giving me Youtube! and video! On my chrome. Checking emails will no longer be composed of copy and pasting video links! Victory for Chrome!

Sometimes, we grow out of a browser, our bookmarks are outdated and our preferences have dust lining the check boxes. And instead of deletion (attachment to past bookmarks can be strong), I chose to switch to an entirely new system. Now that Chrome is fully compatible with my needs, I'm finally content with internet surfing.

Making Calls

Calling outside of my new home gets pricey. As anyone with any make of computer would do, I got Skype (or rather, it was included in the boot). Now my pocket change is potentially cushioned, because I have a hefty ten dollars on my account. Ten dollars goes a long, even internationally.

Naturally, the process of actually making it work is another. I have two devices which should work interchangeably. My first is my head set, built with a microphone and two microphone/sound plugs, which won't work alone with Skype. The method of putting it to use is to use a USB converter, turning the head set into a USB. When plugged in before opening Skype it works, when plugged in after, not so lucky. The other object is a USB wired phone. It functions just like a normal phone should (in theory) , buttons and all. I've never gotten it to work on my computer. One day, perhaps with an update I will get that chance.

The microphone build into the top of the monitor may actually be air vents... of some sorts... Because they are certainly not functioning, or at least compatible, microphones. Modern laptops generally have microphones built in, making computing convenient, but using a head set has advantages - mostly the sound quality, which I imagine to be better.

McGill Multi-platform Accessibility Evaluation

Dear McGill,

Traversing photo albums and organizing music aside, I still have the issue of compatibility with the school. One of my biggest concerns was ability to use the internet by connecting to the campus Wifi. The result is unsatisfactory:

While I am still able to log on, it always has to be web-based. I am forever restricted from simple and safe WPA log on with my school - and have to forgo obnoxious rituals of logging on every time I turn on the computer.

Well McGill

I give you a 6.4, don't worry - thats only a C+

Ubuntu on Religion

So what are the tenets of Ubuntuism?

1. Every computer user should have the freedom to download, run, copy, distribute, study, share, change and improve their software for any purpose, without paying licensing fees.

2. Every computer user should be able to use their software in the language of their choice.

3. Every computer user should be given every opportunity to use software, even if they work under a disability.*

*According to the Ubuntu Website