Ubuntu 9.10 Installing Adobe AIR November 7th, 2009
Adobe AIR is becoming increasingly popular amongst developers owning to its ability to work across multi-platforms, developers now only have to write the code once and it’ll work not only in Windows, but also Linux and Mac using the AIR platform. The amount of AIR applications on the market is still somewhat limited, and most of the things available are niche items but at it grows in popularity, it also grows in its usefulness to the average end user.
I have a few applications which I use, meaning that I can run them both in Windows 7 and Ubuntu; it’s great being able to boot into either OS depending on my mood and not have to switch just to do the things that I need.
Probably the most well known AIR application that I use is TweetDeck; which for the record is really useful! TweetDeck is a ‘one stop shop’ for your social networking requirements, giving you a single screen with access to all of your most needed information across Twitter, Facebook and MySpace. You get full access to all of the native features with the exception of the new Twitter Lists feature, although this is already being addressed and will feature in a forthcoming update. Obviously it focuses on Twitter and is great for composing tweets, giving you functionality including full bit.ly API integration and the ability to ‘shrink’ tweets on demand to fit 140 characters.
I also run PiWik Desktop Analytics. You may not have heard of PiWik but they are an open source alternative to Google Analytics and actually, they are really rather good. What is worth mentioning here, is that unlike Google Analytics, PiWik is installed locally onto your web server so you can be sure no one has access to your data, with privacy becoming more and more or an issue as the days go on, a lot are already questioning the way in which Google ‘could’ use your data, with PiWik this isn’t a concern. Enough about PiWik for now, I will be writing a review of PiWik in the not too distant future. PiWik Desktop Analytics is a great little app which runs in AIR and gives you real time access to your web statistics. It even has a live tab showing you who is on your site right now. Great stuff.
Installing Adobe AIR on Ubuntu is actually quite easy, although it is not available in the repository so simply follow these instructions:
- Download Adobe AIR by clicking this link, ensure that you save the installer to your desktop for the following steps
- Once the download has completed, you need to open your Terminal (select Applications > Accessories > Terminal). Type the following command to switch to your desktop where you have just downloaded the AIR installer:
cd ~/desktop
We now need to make the file executable. To do this type the following command:
chmod +x AdobeAIRInstaller.bin
Finally you need to run the installer itself, as you are already in Terminal simply type the following command:
./AdobeAIRInstaller.bin - The Adobe AIR installer will now launch, obviously click to agree the T&Cs and then sit back, the installer doesn’t take long.
That’s it. Now all you need to do is go find some AIR applications to download and enjoy; I recommend that you check out TweetDeck..!
If you’re using or find any good AIR apps, leave a comment below and share your experiences.
10 Responses
nicholassimon Says:
A great free application based on Adobe AIR called TrakkBoard has been released for interfacing with Google Analytics on your desktop. Read more about it here:
http://ninjarabbits.blogspot.com/2009/11/trakkboard-beta-for-google-analytics.html
Mike Says:
Hi Nicholas, thanks for the link.
I’ve just installed TrakkBoard to have a look as I use Google Analytics as well as PiWik. It seems like a well put together piece of software but, I would say it is needlessly complicated for the average user. When viewing my statistics, I want to achieve 2 things; firstly I want I want up to the minute, accurate data. Secondly, I want to achieve this using the minimal amount of effort; by the time TrakkBoard is configured and the widgets are all set up, it would be quicker to simply go to the Google Analytics web page using a desktop short cut. However, the feature to be able to compare multiple accounts it useful if you are a multi site owner. As with all software, this may very well be the deciding feature for some users.
Another alternative for Google Analytics data is Polaris from Desktop Reporting – http://www.desktop-reporting.com/polaris.html, I use this as it shows me all my summarised data quickly and at a glance, I use PiWik for more detailed analysis.
Thanks for your input, always good to be able to have access to multiple products to do the same thing; enables use all to use the best one for our needs.
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Newsflx Says:
Here’s a great PDF guide for Ubuntu Karmic Koala. Its something both linux newbs and experts will appreciate. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-incredible-guide-to-ubuntu-karmic-koala-linux-pdf/
Felipe Says:
Hi.. I am having an issue… I am trying to install Adobe AIR but all I get is: “An error occurred while installing Adobe AIR. Installation may not be allowed by your administrator. Please contact your administrator”.
I have tried just about anything before issuing the command: “sudo ./AdobeAIRInstaller.bin” like closing firefox, making sure the /opt/Adobe Air directory does not exist.
Actually Adobe Air was working fine.. up until I decided to run “Computer Janitor” thats when Adobe Air started to get messed up…
Please shed some light over this issue…
I will really appreciate it.
Kavih Williams Says:
Just wanted to say thanks for proper instructions. It is strange that adobe didn’t have directions or maybe I don’t know enough about .bin files :).
Mike Says:
Hi Kavih, yes it seems that a lot of the big software vendors still don’t have a full set of instructions readily available for all of their products, odd. Anyhow, glad you found the post useful :)
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RottNKorpse Says:
Thank you for the write up…was really useful and straight-forward. However I would like to suggest you link directly to Adobe rather than providing a download of your own because I highly doubt you update the file everytime Adobe makes an update so it would just be easier that way and would help n00bs who may think you are trying to attack them or something.
Anyway thanks again…
as for an air recommendation I really like “Focus Booster”…I always thought I was fairly well adjusted when it comes to time management but after using it for a short while it proved me wrong and it provides a much better system of time management. (its not time tracking…just helps you focus.)