Ubuntu Audio Does Not Work - Static Sound Instead

Have you ever experienced the static sound on Ubuntu when you should have been hearing something (perhaps the start up sound or something) from your speakers? Well, you might think that your sound card has stopped working or something, but as it turns out.. there's a quick way to get your audio back to normal.

It's not that your sound isn't working... it's just "muted" (although I wonder why it makes the static sound instead of being completely quiet...).

To get your sound back here's what you need to do:

1. Double click on the speaker icon in the menubar
2. Alternatively, you can press Alt+F2 and type in: gnome-volume-control and click 'Run'
   
   

Then on the volume control window, choose the appropriate device where it says "Device:" and just turn your "PCM" volume all the way up... if this slider is all the way at the bottom you'll just get static from the speakers instead of sound.


Hope this helps others out there who experience the same audio "stuttering" problem.

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Internet Explorer 7 menubar flickering problem

Recently, due to my heavy use of Windows XP (I’m trying to brush up on my programming skills to get ready for 2008-2009 academic school year) I noticed that the menubar in IE 7 kept appearing and disappearing. More importantly this happened every time I opened a new tab, new window and when I refreshed window. The fact of the matter is, the menubar should only open if the ALT key is pressed, and otherwise should remain hidden. I’m pretty sure that most people (who use IE as their primary browser) will not get annoyed by the constant opening and closing of their menubar whenever they open a new tab and so on. However, I on the other hand get seriously annoyed when such ‘bugs’ exist, just like the blinking cursor problem in Firefox.

I also noticed this behaviour in other Microsoft applications such as Windows Media Player 11, when the menu would automatically pop-up when I switched to the media player window, without me having to press the ALT key. Clearly, there was some part of the operating system or the application somehow automatically pressing the ALT key.

After furiously searching the interwebs, with my faithful squire Sancho Google, I finally stumbled across a rather long, yet helpful article (IE 7 release notes) that explained why this happens.

As it turns out, when you install Microsoft Office in its entirety it also installs certain tools such as the On-Screen Keyboard and Handwriting Recognition. Now, the On-Screen keyboard somehow automatically presses the Alt key when a new window/tab is opened. Why exactly it does that I do not know, however removing it fixes the problem where the IE 7/Windows Media player menus quickly expand and collapse. So in order to do that follow the below instructions (these were copied and pasted directly from the MSFT IE 7 release notes website).

Fix the Internet Explorer 7 (and other Windows Applications) random menus opening and closing problem:

To work around this problem, disable the On-Screen Keyboard component of the Handwriting Recognition Service:

1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2. Click Regional and Language Options.
3. Click the Languages tab.
4. Click the Details button.
5. Under Handwriting Recognition select On-Screen Standard Keyboard.
6. Click Remove.
7. Under Handwriting Recognition select On-Screen Symbol Keyboard.
8. Click Remove.
9. Click OK twice to save and exit changes.
10. Restart Internet Explorer 7.

Viola, no more super annoying menubar flickering problem.

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Stop green orange blinking lights on iPod - unplug iPod properly

If you are experiencing a lot off problems with your iPod shuffle or nano or mini or video any other type of iPod, even though you sync your iPod properly using iTunes, please read this post. It is important to know how to unplug your iPod from your computer so that you do not corrupt the music inside it. If you simply pull your iPod off the computer, chances are that it is going to ruin all the music that has been transferred to the iPod and give you the orange green blinking lights
.

Please be sure to reset your iPod if you get the orange green blinking lights error. Resetting instructions can be found here.

Step 1
Wait until iTunes tells you it is safe to unplug the iPod.
Step 2

Click (a normal left click..) on the safely remove hardware icon if you're using either Windows XP or Windows Vista. this icon should be on the bottom right hand corner of your screen in the "systray". You might have to click on the little arrow to show all the icons.Safely Remove Hardware icon in Windows XP:

Step 3
Click on the option that corresponds to your iPod. Once you get a tool tip that says it is safe to unplug the device, only then remove the iPod from your USB port.

That's it! if you follow these three simple steps or iPod should stop showing the orange/green blinking lights error.

You might also want to take a look at iPod shuffle problems part 1 and part 2 as well as how to fix the iPod shuffle posts, how to use iPod and iTunes post or other posts that are mentioned. Sadly, there are so many things you can do to completely fix your iPod!

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How to fix your iPod Shuffle

The tips listed below were provided by Stephen Grandy (thanks!) in the comments section of the iPod shuffle problems part 2 post. Since this tip seems to be very useful, I advise you all you give it a try and try to get rid of the problem where iTunes or your computer does not recognize the shuffle.

Here are the instructions given below:

I have found a lot of problems with the IPOD Shuffle. The best way is to not charge it via the computer and get a cheap USB Adapter. That is the first thing to do.

The second part is if you have any problems with your IPOD then
open it as a hard drive in windows, providing it is detected. Delete the IPOD Control Directory.

Now you need to get the following file: http://shuffle-db.sourceforge.net/
it may be in zip format so make sure you know about this. You may also need Python Programming Language that is free. Copy the program to your shuffle. Now copy the files over as you would any hard drive mp3 etc drag and drop and run this nifty program it will rebuild the database.

Put your shuffle in and itunes will see it as a new shuffle and ask what you want to name it etc. Name it whatever you want and then you will go your IPOD Control Directory Back. Now simply run rebuild and it will rebuild the files database.

Your iPOD Shuffle should now work.

PS: This is the only method I have known to work. I have tried all other kinds of Methods and they have resulted in nothing.

If you want to spend cash then a nice program is Anipod. But if you don't want to fork out over 20 dollars then my Method works and works well.

Steve

Thanks Steve! I'm sure this is going to help many out there who don't know in which direction to go. However I must warn users that this might void your warranty therefore, please use only if your support period is over etc.

You might also want to take a look at iPod shuffle problems part 1 and part 2 as well as unplug your ipod properly and stop the orange/green lights posts, how to use iPod and iTunes post or other posts that are mentioned. Sadly, there are so many things you can do to fix your iPod =( !

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Put an end to that iPod problem

Today I was browsing around the net and I came across one of the forums at iLounge that talks about the iPod Shuffle problems and what to do if it can't be updated or isn't recognised in iTunes and so on.

Try and see if this works for you hopefully it's going to. Here's what the other people said...

EfilsGod it worked!!!! thank you thank you thank you... MAN!!! Huge thanks!!! Finally i can use iTunes!!! and so on...

So just go and read it!!!!! If your iPod shuffle or any other kind of iPod is giving you problems, for example it isn't recognised by iTunes or your PC and you can't update it and so on!

solution, software, techniques, tips, iPod, shuffle, problems, troubleshooting, restore, firmware, tricks, tips, mp3, music, updater

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The iPod Shuffle Problem- Part 2

Many people seem to be having iPod Shuffle problems and I guess I'm not the only one and this is also a very useful post if you have iPod problems as well. This post is created for the people who needed help and said so in my previous post. If you haven't read my previous post called 'ipod Shuffle Problems?' then I suggest you read that right now!

Most of you have probably gone through the Apple iPod Support site. If you haven't done that yet then you might as well go through it now. The tips I give below are a mixture of my own tips and what the Apple support site has. You might also want to chat with a Apple Support Agent (24/7), which I higly reccomend... plus the funny thing is that they have this especially for iMac and iPod Shuffle customers. This makes me think, how much problems does the shuffle really have?!

How to solve 'My computer and iTunes don't detect my shuffle, I'm so tired of this thing' Problem:

Reset your iPod shuffle (My way...)

1. Turn over your iPod shuffle (keep it off)
2. Move the switch (the rectangular thing that turns your iPod shuffle on etc) down and wait for 5 seconds. Check if you are getting the green light on the back of your iPod, you will usually get if after 5 seconds.
3. Move it back up to off position wait for 5 secs
4. Then bring it back to on or shuffle position.

I think this way is going to work a little better, here's the original way (what Apple Recommends).

Check if iPodService.exe is running

1. Press Ctrl+Alt+Detele together to bring up Windows Task Manager
2. Go the Processes tab
3. Check if iPodService.exe is running- If it is running then your computer is allright.
4. If it isn't running then read Apple's full article over here...
Check if Safely Remove Hardware icon is there

1. In your system tray you should see a small 'Safely Remove Hardware' icon
2. Double click on it and check if you see iPod anywhere. If you see iPod anywhere this means that your PC is recognising that there is an iPod.

Download the latest iTunes... and make sure that you don't use anything else. If you don't want to use iTunes to put songs into you iPod then you can use other software as well. I'll write up a blog post on that as well.

Make sure you try it with all the USB ports on your computer. For example if your web-cam is using a usb port and has the same requirements of the Shuffle then remove the webcam and put your iPod in that port and check if it works.

How to solve 'The Ipod cannot be updated. An unknown error occurred (-36)' Problem:

Change your iPod shuffle Drive letter (I'm not sure if this helps but I'm putting it in here anyways if you are brave enough to try it out)- Your iPod needs to be plugged in...

1. Click Start
2. Click Control Panel
3. If you are in Classic View Click on Administration Tools
4. If you are in Category View Click on Performance and Maintenance and then on Administration Tools
5. Click Computer Management
6. Click Disk Management
7. Right click on ipod
8. Change the letter to something else

You might also want to read through what Apple has to say about this.
If you've tried all of the above, and are tired of your iPod having problems then make sure that you chat with a Apple Support Agent you can also call 1800-APL-CARE 'iBelieve'. If you bought your iPod shuffle recently and it isn't working and you've tried everything if possible just go and return it and get a better one.

If I haven't covered your problem then please write up a comment, and I'll add that solution to this post as well! Hopefully your iPod is going to work fine!

Please to read the iPod shuffle problems part 1 post as well as the stop the green and orange blinking lights error if that is your problem. You might also want to check out the fix your iPod shuffle post, just in case it might help you out.

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How to use iTunes and iPod

iTunes is not the best of software when it comes to putting songs into your iPod. However this is the reccomended piece of software that you are supposed to use. So I'd rather use iTunes even though it is difficult to use rather than using other software (such as iPodderX for podcasts).

Since iTunes is so hard to use to put the songs that you want into your computer, I decided to write a tutorial on that!

You can also take a look at Apple's tutorial on how to use the iPod and iTunes (its 20 pages long!), but I think that my version of it is going to be much easier to understand!

First make sure that you have properly downloaded/installed itunes. It is important that you install iTunes properly or else it might not work properly.

Then make sure you have some songs to upload. If you don't then you might want to read the following instructions on how to put songs onto itunes from your cd.

1. Open itunes
2. Put the CD in the Drive
3. Click on the "Import" button to the top right

This should now import all your songs into iTunes. Now, you have some songs to put into your iPod!

To put songs into your iPod all you do is...

1. First charge your iPod
2. Open iTunes (start > All programs > iTunes > iTunes | or just double click on the iTunes icon)
3. If it is the very first time you are putting songs into your iPod then it will ask you the name you want to give your iPod and so on, and if you want to autofill (automatically put songs into your iPod) your iPod or not.
4. If you had chosen Auto fill then iTunes will automatically put ALL the songs you have onto the iPod.
Note: If you have more songs that your iPod can hold then it will pick random songs for you.
5. When your iPod is plugged in you can select from where you want to put in your songs from (for example the "Library", or the "Podcasts" section or the "Top 25 Most Played" and so on)

Whenever your iPod is plugged in you can See an iPod and the name that you have given your iPod in the Source list. If the iPod is updating itself then this is going to be blink red. Which means, do not unplug your iPod. You will also see a message in the green area that tells you how much songs are uploaded and so on. It is also going to tell you when it is safe to disconnect.

Now iTunes will remember your settings and use them... however the only down side is that you can only alter the settings when your iPod is plugged in updating itself.

You can also change the settings when your iPod is plugged in. To do this...

1. Edit
2. Preferences
3. iPod Tab

Here you can select your preferences.

Note: If you delete a song from the play list then iTunes will automatically delete it from your iPod. Unless you select manually manage songs and playlists, iTunes will automatically sync the playlist and iPod.

Now, after you've finished doing this, it is time to start using your iPod. Here are the instructions on how to use the iPod shuffle!

1. Unplug your iPod. To unplug your ipod click on the eject button (a triange over a rectangle) beside your iPod in the source list. You might also want to right click on the safely remove hardware icon in your system tray and then click on safely remove usb device then click on iPod usb device. Then click on stop. When you get a message box saying that it is safe to remove your iPod just unplug your iPod
2. Push the slider down (on the back side of your iPod Shuffle)
Note: your battery light should come on and the green light should come on. If this doesn't happen your iPod might need some restoration. So, you might want to refer to this post.
3. JUST PRESS PLAY AND ENJOY!

The rest is just basic stuff! And hope this helps !

Technorati Tags: iPod, shuffle, problems, troubleshooting, restore, firmware, tricks, tips, mp3, music, apple, itunes, tutorials

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iPod Shuffle problems?

Update: I've put up another post reagarding this as well, so do tell me if that works for you, but read this post first though...

If your iPod shuffle isn't working properly then this is probably a very useful post for you.

The iPod shuffle usually will not have any problems, but sometimes if something goes wrong during the installation/charging etc for the first time, this can cause your iPod to become "unresponsive"!

Usually the problems that occur are firmware/software problems, as the hardware on the shuffle is pretty sturdy and chances are it isn't damaged unless you did something to it.

Howevering, curing this problem is really easy. All you need to do is restore the firmware. Read this post and I'll explain how to do this (but chances are you won't need to do this)

First you must remember that if you restore the firmware on the iPod shuffle to factory it is going to get rid of all your songs and you need to upload it again.

This is what you need to do to restore your iPod to factory settings...

1. Click on Start
2. Then click on All Programs
3. Then you should see something called "iPod" in the all programs menu if you've loaded all of the software properly
4. Hover your mouse over "iPod" and another menu should pop up. In that menu you need to select "iPod Updater".
5. After that click on "iPod Updater" again when the other menu pops up ("iPod Updater" should have a iPod icon beside it)

This is going to open iPod updater. Now all you do is plug in your iPod and click "Restore"!

iPod updater is automatically going to update the software in your iPod.

Congratulations, now you've finished updating your iPod all you need to do now is put in songs again in your iPod (after it is charged of course) and your iPod is ready to go!

If this still doens't cure your ipod problems then just leave a comment and I'll try to give more specific instructions on how to make your ipod work, so that you too can enjoy the sweet music on the go!

Also, make sure that you have the latest software, if you purchased your iPod a while ago, then it is reccomended that you get an update. Before, when iPods were first created.. you needed to update the firmware on them through the iPod Updater. However, now a days, all you need is iTunes, so make sure you get the newest version of iTunes from the Apple Site.

Please read my other post on how to unplug the iPod
(click here) from your computer! If you fail to follow the instructions on this post, the music in your iPod may get corrupt, which also causes your shuffle to give the blinking orange and green lights error. Also, you might want to take a look at part 2 of this post. How to fix your iPod shuffle (an alternative way suggested by a reader) or use the search function to find more posts about fixing your iPod shuffle.

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