Create PDF forms using LibreOffice

PDF form is convenient to collect data (e.g. survey, application form). Linux users can easily create PDF forms using LibreOffice Writer.

1. Enable Form Controls in Libre Office,
LibreOffice > View > Tool Bars > Form Controls

Form Controls tool bar

2. Open the document, click on Form Controls button and place on the document. Save the document for future editing purpose.

3. Save the document in PDF format.

4. Open PDF file and enter the input. After entering the input, save the PDF in a different name;
File > Save As

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How to install LibreOffice 6 on Ubuntu

LibreOffice 6 released. Here the steps to install LibreOffice 6 on Ubuntu 16.04.

1. Download the LibreOffice package from here.
2. Copy the file in home folder.
3. Right click on the file and extract.
4. Enter inside the folder of extracted files,
sudo
cd LibreOffice_6.0.0.3_Linux_x86-64_deb/DEBS
5. Install the files,
dpkg -i *.deb
6. Check the new version of LibreOffice at Applications > Office

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Speed up your Ubuntu Linux

Ubuntu loaded with Unity desktop. Unity consume a big part of computer resources due to its graphical intensive desktop. Many ways users can make fast the Ubuntu operating system.

Install GNOME Flash back Desktop over Unity Desktop
Unity desktop of Ubuntu eat lot of computer resources. Install GNOME Flash back desktop.
sudo su
apt-get update
apt-get install gnome-session-flashback

Log out from Ubuntu. In Login window select
GNOME Flashback (Compiz) is visual intensive. Select GNOME Flashback (Metacity) and login again.

Disable unwanted start up applications
When Ubuntu start up lot of unwanted applications and services beginning its work. User can disable it.

Open terminal and apply following command,

cd /etc/xdg/autostart/
sudo sed --in-place 's/NoDisplay=true/NoDisplay=false/g' *.desktop

Next, open startup applications manager and uncheck unwanted applications at the start up. Some unwanted applications are:

Backup monitor
Bluetooth
Chat
Desktop Sharing
Orca screen reader
Personal File Sharing
Update Notifier

Adjust Swappiness
Check the swappiness first (e.g. 60)

cat /proc/sys/vm/swappiness

Open following file and add new swap value.

leafpad /etc/sysctl.conf

Copy and paste the following lines at the end of the file.

# Decrease swap usage to a more reasonable level
vm.swappiness=10

The new value will be in effect after restart.

Disable visual effects
Go to settings manager and disable visual effects.

Disable Java in Libre Office
Libre Office Writer > Tools > Options

LibreOffice - Advanced - Java options:

Uncheck: Use a Java runtime environment 
 

Install Bleachbit
Bleach bit a useful tool to empty apt, cache etc. Very user friendly due to its GUI.

Installation

sudo apt-get install bleachbit

Install a Light weight Desktop

Choose a light weight Desktop for faster performance. Light weight desktops can give good performance than heavy desktops like Unity. LXDE, XFCE and MATE desktops can give good performance. 

Apply following command to make available Lubuntu Desktop on Ubuntu Unity.

sudo apt-get install lubuntu-desktop

Install Xubuntu Desktop

sudo apt-get install xubuntu-desktop
Log out from Ubuntu and choose Lubuntu/Xubuntu Desktop from login screen.

Otherwise choose light weight Linux for installation. Choose from light weight Linux distributions like Lubuntu, Trisquel Mini, Xubuntu and Ubuntu MATE.

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