How to activate and deactivate the dark mode in WhatsApp Web

The fact that our society has evolved to live constantly attached to a screen seems to be an immovable reality. That is why many users are beginning to choose to reduce the impact they cause on our health, largely demanding adaptation to the dark mode of some of the most recurring applications such as WhatsApp.

However, in the specific case of this messaging service, there are many who not only use it through the phone, but also have it present on our computers with WhatsApp Web. That is why this time we want to offer this simple and quick tutorial to activate the dark mode in this application.

How to activate the dark mode in WhatsApp Web

Before starting, we must clarify that there are two methods and differentiated results depending on whether we use the black mode function only for the application itself, or if we use any of the tools or extensions that force in dark mode for the entire browser.

In fact, unlike the already announced and imminent arrival of the dark mode function, in this case we will also use an extension within Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox, Stylus, but that will allow us to limit its use exclusively to this chat .

Thus, its installation will be as simple as downloading the extension in our browser (only available for Chrome or Firefox), and installing it. After this, we must download the dark theme to apply, this time a version of WhatsApp Web, and install it.

WhatsApp Web Dark Theme

Once this is done, we will just have to close and reopen the web application to see the changes applied. In addition, in the case of not being satisfied or wanting to return to the classic mode, we will only have to access the options of our browser and deactivate or delete this extension.

Finally, remind you that we are dealing with unofficial extensions and tools, so all responsibility for its use rests with ourselves. Similarly, although it is one of the best solutions we can find today, there is a possibility that we will find some faults during use.

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How to remove the background of any image online?

Trace is a new Sticker Mule service that automatically removes the background of any photo. You just have to enter the web, log in by creating an account or using your Google credentials and upload the image in question.

The process is extremely simple and works with almost any photo as long as the background and the subject you want to isolate are seen relatively in different planes.

Remove the background of almost any photo automatically

The tool is completely free and allows you to download the resulting image in high resolution and without any watermark. In addition to this, Tracer offers some additional options:

For example, in addition to eliminating the fund instantly, it offers you the possibility of replacing the fund with other things. The integrated editor has several options for images and background colors that you can add in one click.

Trace is a new Sticker Mule 

In the color section you can choose between a preset palette, or enter a hexadecimal color in the wheel. The available background images are not very varied, but surely someone will help.

Either way, it is a useful, easy-to-use, free tool that deserves a place in your browser's bookmarks to have on hand at a time of need.

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Linux 5.4 arrives with Lockdown and these other highlights

After eight Release Candidates, although the latter was not 100% necessary, Linus Torvalds launched Linux 5.4 yesterday. As we have explained during its development, it seems that this new version of the Linux kernel does not include as many new features as v5.2 and v5.3, but it does include improvements that could interest users who are experiencing hardware problems on their computer , as improvements in support for AMD Radeon Graphics.

The most outstanding novelty of those included in Linux 5.4 is what they have called Lockdown. A couple of months ago we explained that it is a new security module with which it is intended to prevent some malicious software from doing its job, but it also means that users will lose control over our equipment. In other words and the reason for the controversy is that we will be less "God", which is why the function has been launched disabled by default.

Linux 5.4 highlights

1. Lockdown security module.
2. Support for exFAT.
3. Performance improvements in AMD Radeon Graphics.
4. Support for the Qualcom Snapdragon 855 SoC.
5. Support for newer Intel GPUs and improved support for GPUs of the same brand in general.
6. Possibility to run the main kernels on ARM laptops.
7. Support for Intel Icelake Thunderbolt.
8. Support for the FS-IA6B drone receiver.
9. VirtIO-FS has been included to share files and folders between guest and host operating systems when using virtual machines.
10. Fixes for Windows games via Wine and Proton.
11. Improved support for FSCRYPT.
12. Various improvements and fixes for existing file systems, such as btrfs.

Now that Linux 5.4 is already available, we have several options: the one I always recommend is to forget that there is a new release and wait for our Linux distribution to update it. In the case of Ubuntu and its official flavors, this update will arrive in April, but will now use Linux 5.5. Those who are experiencing a problem that you think you can solve by installing a new version of the kernel, I think it is best to use a tool with GUI like Ukuu.

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Apple's new applications will reach Windows

It was almost expected that after the abandonment of iTunes, the new applications with which Apple has replaced the old glory would end up appearing on Windows sooner rather than later, and although the news has not been officially confirmed, those who understand the world of The apple is taken for granted.

Namely, the arrival of macOS Catalina meant the farewell of iTunes, whose functionality was distributed in new independent applications such as Music, Podcasts and those aimed at its television service; however, Windows users were left without any news. But as they have discovered in MacRumors, the company is looking for developers specialized in multimedia applications for Windows, which translates into a very clear hint.

When the new Apple content applications will be available on Windows is another song, because if they have to start their development from scratch it will cost them.

They mention in MacRumors that "Windows 10 users currently need access to services such as Apple TV and Apple Music on the web, which is not ideal," but the truth is that while Apple Music does have a limited, accessible web interface, In the case of Apple TV, it is yet to be launched, at least as far as the video on demand service is concerned, which will undoubtedly be one of the company's most interested in promoting outside the walls.

In this regard there is a striking fact in the job offer that they have published, and it will be considered a “big plus” to have knowledge about UWP (Universal Windows Platform), the universal applications of Windows 10 that precisely in Windows 10 are not having much success, rather the opposite, but still have a gap to fill the most interesting in adjacent platforms such as Xbox One. Which would, of course, be the best possible move in order to open to a wider market.

Do not impede, seen as seen, another doubt arises when less curious: will they also extend Apple Arcade beyond their domains? And if they did, could they take it to Xbox One? This seems more complicated because the games in the catalog are developed by professors for iOS and macOS, but by power. Now, would an external gaming service on Xbox One be feasible? These are just caballas, it should be added.

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Will Half-Life Alyx reach Linux?

If you like games and you are also Half-Life fans, surely you have not missed the news of Half-Life Alyx, a derivative of the action franchise that Valve will launch in 2020 exclusively for virtual reality systems and, For now, only for Windows. But will it also come to Linux?

The question is lawful. After all, Valve has put a lot of effort into supporting Linux, including virtual reality, despite how green the issue is compared to Windows. However, the ad refers only and exclusively to Windows, with no further information to suggest something else.

In other words, of the sites across the Internet that have echoed the news, none mention anything about Linux ... except Phoronix, which not only mentions it, but takes it for granted: «Half-Life : Alyx will be launched in March 2020 with support for Linux «, says the headline of a news without sources.

On the other hand, in Gaming On Linux they contacted Valve to ask about this issue and the company's response was what could be expected, corporately speaking: «At this moment we can only confirm Windows for this product«. They were?

The truth is that although Phoronix does not indicate any source that supports its assertion, there is, according to Michael Larabel (founder of the portal and responsible for the information) before the inevitable curiosity of the readers: «They told me (unofficially) that it shows like this on the Steam page until the requirements of the Linux system are added / determined «, responds in the comment thread of the news.

The question is, do you have credibility with Larabel? And why do they say "right now" from Valve, instead of discarding it more bluntly?

Unfortunately, we cannot answer for one or the other, but we can remember old times in which Phoronix confirmed the launch of Steam for Linux by contributing to screenshots, and shortly thereafter Valve strongly denied it. And over time we discovered that they were lying. But sometimes companies work: when they don't like something to be known, there is nothing to do.

So who knows if Half-Life Alyx will end up being able to enjoy itself also in Linux and not arrive alone, but with good news of virtual reality support in Linux.

In case you hadn't seen it, we leave you with the Half-Life Alyx trainer. It looks great, really.

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Best Free Software programs for GNU/Linux of 2020

In the wave of the most used or "best programs" during the year 2019, today we will offer a small, but useful compilation of the "best programs" of "Free Software" for our "GNU / Linux Distros" of the "year 2020". In order to centralize a little, the articles scattered over time on this subject, that is, the "best programs" by areas or categories.

Compilation that we hope will become a fair and balanced list, well classified and described of "best programs", which allows to cover from those traditional, essential and basic, which are usually simple and general use for all, especially "inexperienced users , newbies and beginners », even some of those who are very modern, important and of very special use in their areas of application, for a public constituted by« more advanced, specific or technical users ».

Best Free Software programs for GNU/Linux Distros of 2020

In this compilation we will surely find many programs that personally, some of us now consider the "best programs" of "Free Software" and "Open Source", both in "GNU / Linux Distros" and in other "Operating Systems", such as " Windows »and in« MacOS », for being multiplatforms. And perhaps, others who do not consider them as such or worthy of being on that list.

However, the idea is that at the end of reading the compilation or list, this can be done through everyone's comments and suggestions, updated to generate a more universal and current list of the "best programs" for our future "GNU Distros / Linux »next year.

It does not matter, if you are an "inexperienced, novice and beginner user" or if you are an "advanced user, specific to an area or technician", all the suggested proposals are and will be important to evaluate to be inserted into the collection during the time that be necessary. Of course, without it degenerating into an infinite accumulation of applications that do the same. Therefore, the idea is that there are no more than 3 similar applications in each category.

Important statistical data

Before presenting the list we want to highlight before the connoisseurs or not, about the «Free Software» and «GNU / Linux», as they go until 2019. Below are the following important data to consider, highlight and disseminate, compiled by the site called Court Hosting:

1. 100% of the world's super-computers work with Linux.
2. Of the 25 most important websites in the world, only two do not use Linux.
3. 96.3% of the first 1 million most important servers in the world work with Linux.
4. 90% of the entire cloud infrastructure operates on Linux and virtually all the best cloud hosts use it.
5. 54.1% of professional developers used Linux as a work platform.
6. 83.1% of professional developers prefer to work in Linux as a work platform.

Best Free Software programs for GNU/Linux Distros of 2020

Best Free and Open Source Software programs 

Top Ten of best free and open programs

1. Evince
2. Firefox
3. Gimp
4. Kodi
5. LibreOffice
6. Qbittorrent
7. Thunderbird
8. Shutter
9. Stacer
10. Vlc

Other top important free and open programs 

Web browsers

1. Brave 
2. Chromium 
3. Tor Browser 
4. Waterfox

Communication and Messaging Utilities

1. Jami
2. Pidgin
3. Signal
4. Telegram

Educational utilities

1. Celestia
2. GCompris
3. Kalzium
4. Klettres
5. Marble Virtual Globe

General utilities 

1. Alacarte
2. Conky Manager
3. Plymouth

Office utilities

1. Calibre
2. Dia
3. Evolution
4. Gedit
5. Mousepad
6. OpenProj
7. Typora
8. Scribus

Multimedia utilities

1. Audacity
2. Blender
3. Cheese
4. Clementine
5. Converseen
6. DarkTable
7. HandBrake
8. Inkscape
9. Kdenlive
10. Krita
11. MuseScore
12. Pencil2D
13. Pinta
14. OBS Studio
15. OpenShot
16. OpenVPN
17. Simple Screen Recorder
18. Vokoscreen

Technical utilities

1. Baobab
2. BleachBit
3. ClamAV/ClamTk
4. Docker
5. Filezilla
6. FSlint
7. Git
8. GParted
9. Grub Customizer
10. GuFW
11. HWInfo
12. KeePassXC
13. Menu Libre
14. Ntopng
15. Phoronix Test Suite
16. RootKit Hunter
17. Systemback
18. TestDisk & PhotoRec
19. Vim

Web Services Utilities 

1. Franz
2. Rambox
3. Station

Game, Leisure and Entertainment Services Utilities

1. Lutris
2. Playonlinux
3. RetroArch
4. Steam
5. Wine

Other best free programs, not free and not open important

1. AnyDesk
2. DaVinci Resolve
3. FreeOffice
4. JDownloader
5. Lightworks
6. NoMachine
7. Opera
8. Plex
9. Universal Password Manager
10. WPS
11. VirtualBox

Best free and open websites 

Social networks 

1. Disroot ( https://disroot.org/ )
2. Mastodon ( https://mastodon.social/ )
3. Open Tube ( https://open.tube/ )

Organizations

1. Kernel Organization ( https://www.kernel.org/ )
2. Linux Foundation ( https://www.linuxfoundation.org/ )
3. Linux Organization ( https://www.linux.org/ )
4. Open Source ( https://opensource.com/ )

Best Free Software programs

Conclusion

We hope that it is small, for now, compilation will grow with the contribution of all the readers of the Blog so that it becomes an ideal reference for the entire «Free Software and Open Source Community» that reads us. So, remember through your comments to make your suggestions, to evaluate them and include them if necessary, to generate a more universal and current list of the "best programs" for our future "GNU / Linux Distros" next year, 2020.

If, on the other hand, you only want to know more about the applications recommended here you can search the Linux-Apps website, more details of each one of them. And if you liked the article, do not forget to share it with others in your favorite channels, groups or communities of social networks, preferably free and open as Mastodon or secure and private as Telegram.

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Windows 7 is leaving, but Linux is ready: what is the best alternative?

Windows 7

There are six months left for Windows 7 to run out of support and although, as with Windows XP, there will be many people who will continue to use it for an indefinite period, many others will be looking for alternatives. And yes, GNU / Linux is ready to replace it.

The sad reality, however, is that most of these people will end up updating Windows 10 sooner or later. It is the most logical path, mandatory in some cases, and the only one that many millions of users know or contemplate. But there are alternatives and there are also more and more people who take them into consideration.

Now, what is the best alternative available to make the leap? It would be great if everyone we recommended to do it at one, but it is not normal and the answer varies depending on who you ask. Fortunately, Ubuntu's fame as a gateway to this world remains and although it is not the perfect representative - perfection does not exist, they say - it fulfills its role with abundant dignity.

Of course, this Linux is about alternatives and, we must repeat, there are. In plural. Our colleagues from MC published a few months ago 7 Linux distributions alternative to Windows 7 and as the title says it all, it should only be added that the list fits what anyone who has heard Linux bells can expect: modern distributions with desktop experiences more or less similar, but recognizable.

Curling the curl, the closest thing to Windows is KDE Plasma, so Kubuntu would be the most accurate recommendation to give to those looking for the closest thing ... But whoever used Windows will have no problem adapting to Linux Mint with Cinnamon, Zorin OS or to Deepin. There are also distributions with simpler desktops that will not pose any challenge to the traditional Windows user, such as elementary OS or Ubuntu itself, which is not only the most recognized representative of Linux for PC, but its desktop is the standard in corporate Linux .

So what do we recommend? The closest, the simplest or the most used? Is anyone really used to using Windows and dealing with that control center of patatús going to be intimidated when opening the preferences of KDE Plasma? Is that someone going to suffer a decrease in functionality if you choose to install the flavor of Linux Mint? Is it going to be confused with the (easily modifiable) GNOME default user experience?

In the MuyLinux mailbox we usually receive messages asking what Linux distribution to install and almost always we solve them quickly: Linux Mint or some flavor of Ubuntu, if they specify the type of hardware. But the truth is that there are other interesting options that can replace Windows, also to the limit of what we consider GNU / Linux.

Without going any further, Chrome OS, whether on a Chromebook as such or in the form of CloudReady or others, is a Linux system with which many Windows users could work without major problems, given that Chrome is the most used browser and that the browser is the application that is most used on the PC, especially for those who use the PC for minor issues, let alone those who use Android with intensity and the Google cloud.

If you were looking for a specific and exclusive recommendation, I'm sorry, but you won't find it here. Neither in GNU / Linux, because as you enter this world you will get to know things that will get your attention. And is that GNU / Linux and free software in general, is about alternatives. The crucial thing, however, is whether the platform - however diverse - can replace Windows with solvency and the answer in many cases is yes.

Whoever thinks about making the leap to Linux on PC has to know:

• That hardware support is often very good and improves very quickly;
• That performance and stability are up to par and can improve what Windows offers;
• That it enjoys a large and powerful ecosystem of applications in which to find a feasible alternative to what it used in Windows, and even that it will be able to continue using the same in many cases;
• That he will be able to play many games with guarantees;
• And that almost any distribution you install is as or more secure than Windows, and much more respectful of your privacy.

With the exception of those with specific requirements, GNU / Linux is willing to present itself as a valid alternative to Windows and that is what matters. Recommend it without shame.

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Available Linux 5.2

We continue with more news, and that is that Linus Torvalds has announced the release of Linux 5.2, the new version of the kernel and the third so far this year.

As always, each new stable version of the kernel means tons of changes that usually occur in the usual development fronts: drivers for better hardware support, improvements in the support of architectures, file systems, etc. There is nothing that goes out of tonic in this release, as the boss hinted before the release of opening the development period of the next version.

In the section of multimedia support Linux 5.2 stands out for the premiere of the Sound Open Firmware project, promoted by Intel and Google to provide a platform for the creation and distribution of open source firmware for DSP audio devices, and including in this version Intel firmware for its most modern chips.

And when it comes to graphics, Linux 5.2 brings full support for Intel IceLake, initial support for Intel's upcoming workhorse, Comet Lake; improvement of touch device support with AMD Ryzen; or new drivers for the most recent versions of ARM Mali. As you can see, everything starts and ends with support.

A striking change in the case of the EXT4 file system, for example, is the support for searches that ignore case-sensitive file names. And so up to almost a hundred developments by blocks that together are thousands and also point to performance, security, cryptography, networking, virtualization and other topics related to the kernel, each more technical.

So, as always, to learn about all the news of Linux 5.2 the best site is Kernel Newbies, where they index, summarize and complement with informative links the main changes that this version brings, whose download will be available shortly at kernel.org.

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The Inanimate Mr Coatrack: an adventure video game.

I invite you to visit the site of The Adventure Jam is surprising for his work with the quality and artistic work behind them, as well as surprise for creating a graphic adventure in just 2 weeks ... In this case, one in which I have noticed is The Inanimate Mr. Coatrack is a pretty peculiar story. A videogame with a retro graphic aspect that will remind you of another famous movie saga. This adventure will be about Dr. Victor Bernhardt, a scientist obsessed with conquering new frontiers of science, how to overcome death.

That is the basis of the history of this title. The doctor has everything ready for his experiments, especially thanks to the death of Argyle Coatrack, who donated his organs for science ... although only his brain could be saved after his fatal fall from a window on the third floor. But that would not make Coatrack go back, that's why, during this comedy graphic adventure you'll laugh a lot while doing some scams to get parts of the dead and resuscitate these dead ...

Well, the story is a classic and it has inspired many TV series, movies and also known video games. But here you have a new rejuvenated title, although with that touch of retro art that so often indie lovers like to play. And if you are interested, the good news is that it is available for several platforms, such as Windows, macOS and of course for our favorite: Linux. You can download it from different points, this is one of them.

The package for Linux occupies about 172MB, and is a ZIP and you will need to donate 1, 2, 5, 10 or the amount of dollars you want. Therefore, it is not expensive. I encourage you to try this game or some other one that you can find here.

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'Tetris Royale', a new version of the classic in 'Battle Royale' format of 100 players prepares its arrival to smartphones

We are in full celebration of the 35 years of Tetris and the game is more alive than ever. After the success of 'Tetris 99', the exclusive title for Nintendo Switch Online, a new version of the classic is already being prepared taking advantage of the 'Battle Royale' fever that will be known as 'Tetris Royale'.

This new version will come hand in hand with The Tetris Company and N3TWORK, who have just signed a collaboration agreement to develop new Tetris games for mobile devices. 'Tetris Royale' will be the first of them and aims to become a phenomenon.

A classic that is more alive than ever

'Tetris Royale' will be an exclusive game for iOS and Android devices, which will consist of battles of 100 players, who will compete for the first places of the leaderboard each season. If it sounds familiar to you, it is because it is the same format as the addictive 'Tetris 99', which today is already in its fourth tournament with incredible success.

In addition to the 'Battle Royale' mode, 'Tetris Royale' will feature an individual "marathon" mode and daily challenges where we can win prizes such as customization options, weapons and power-ups for use during battles.

'Tetris Royale' está actualmente en desarrollo, pero sus responsables ya adelantaron que lanzarán una versión beta este 2019 para iPhone, iPad y Android, mientras que la fecha de lanzamiento será anunciada más adelante.

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