Network Manager 0.7

The  latest (and greatest) Network Manager 0.7 is included in Ubuntu Intrepid but Hardy is stuck with 0.6.6. There have been a lot of improvements such as management of mobile 'phone connections, multiple interfaces, and decent connection management. I needed it to test the  latest Blueman 0.6 because it includes support for Network Manager 0.7's GSM mobile phone connections.

As detailed in my article "Package Build Merry-Go-Round" it took quite a bit to get Network Manager 0.7 built and working since quite a number of other packages also had to be updated. They are all now in my PPA so it is relatively easy to install Network Manager 0.7 in Hardy.

Add My PPA

sudo sh -c "echo 'deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/intuitivenipple/ubuntu $(lsb_release -sc) main' >/etc/apt/sources.list.d/intuitivenipple.list"
sudo apt-get update

Upgrade To Network Manager 0.7

sudo apt-get install libdbus-1-3 libdbus-glib-1-2 dbus dbus-x11 lsb-base wpasupplicant \
 dhcp3-common dhcp3-client dhcp3-server network-manager network-manager-gnome

OpenVPN Plug-in

To configure and manage user openVPN connections:

sudo apt-get install network-manager-openvpn

This will enable the options in Network Manager's Configure VPN... dialog.

Install Blueman 0.6

sudo sh -c "echo 'deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/blueman/ubuntu $(lsb_release -sc) main' >/etc/apt/sources.list.d/blueman.list"
sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install blueman

Start Blueman

From the Applications > Accessories menu start Blueman Bluetooth Manager. In Edit > Preferences it is a good idea to ensure Blueman silently closes bluetooth-applet. To set Blueman as the default Bluetooth manager: System > Preferences > Sessions. On the Startup Programs tab deselect "Bluetooth Manager" and then +Add a new entry:

Name: Blueman Bluetooth Manager
Command: blueman
Comment: Bluetooth Manager