install zotero 5.0 on Ubuntu

fabiocampanile

I updated the firefox connector and now I need to install the standalone 5.0 on my Ubuntu.
I understand I have to use the tarball; however, I do not fully understand the following instruction:
" Alternatively, on Ubuntu-based distros, move the directory to a location of your choice, run the bundled set_launcher_icon script to update the included “Zotero” desktop file with the full path to the bundled Zotero icon, and then double-click “Zotero” directly or symlink zotero.desktop to ~/.local/share/applications/ to add it to your launcher."

I moved the directory and I tried to run the script with ./set_launcher_icon inside the directory, but nothing happens. I think I am missing something about that "with the full path to the bundled Zotero icon"

Anyone can guide me through this installation?

dstillman

./set_launcher_icon just updates the desktop file for you with the location of the folder — you don't have to do anything else other than double-click on the Zotero entry (which should now have an icon).

fabiocampanile

that is the point: there is no icon. Where the icon is supposed to be? I use Ubuntu with unity and if I write "zotero" in the dash nothing is found

fabiocampanile

I double clicked the icon inside the folder and worked. I blocked the icon on the launcher so I do not have to search for it every time. Still, I cannot find it with the dash. Fortunately, we are going back to Gnome soon!

fabiocampanile

One more question: now I can start zotero standalone from my Unity launcher. But what if I want to use it in a dwm or wmii session? I do not have the launcher there, and I do not have icons either! How can I start it from the terminal?

dstillman

./zotero

scorretti

Here is how I did (Ubuntu 16.04 LTS, Gnome version).
Assume you downloaded and unpacked the directory Zotero_linux-x86_64 in your home directory. First, move it to /opt (that's my personal choice, but you can put elsewhere as well):

>> sudo mv Zotero_linux-x86_64 /opt

Then create a symbolic link in /usr/bin:

>> sudo ln -s /opt/Zotero_linux-x86_64/zotero /usr/bin/zotero

Check that everything was OK:

>> which zotero
/usr/bin/zotero

Finally, just start Zotero from command line:

>> zotero

This will start the stand-alone program, which you must configure. Good luck

R.S.

adamsmith

the problem with this is that you need to run Zotero as sudo to update it, which isn't ideal if you can avoid it. For single-user computers, installing Zotero somewhere in ~/ makes your life easier.

tpaixao

and can one add a link to the start menu? I am using xubuntu...

I want to do that because I typically launch stuff with synaptic (a launcher) that scans the start menu...

emilianoeheyns

This script will download and install zotero. It includes a launcher shortcut with icon: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/retorquere/zotero-better-bibtex/master/zotero5_installer.py

dstillman

@tpaixao: See the installation instructions for Linux.

desamaru

@scorretti Thank you. It worked perfectly!

nocibambi

@emilianoeheyns: thanks, it worked!

aewillsf

In Ubuntu 16.04, if you'd like to have a nice Zotero icon in Unity's Applications tab, you can do just what @scorretti says (thank you, once more!) and THEN go with

~$ sudo ln -s /your_zotero_dir/zotero.desktop /usr/share/applications/zotero.desktop

emilianoeheyns

There's no need to sudo should you be on a single user system, linking it to ~/.local/share/applications will then do the same.

fbennett

I don't have strong feelings about where the Zotero program files should be placed, but one small note concerning @adamsmith's comment above:

the problem with this is that you need to run Zotero as sudo to update it, which isn't ideal if you can avoid it. For single-user computers, installing Zotero somewhere in ~/ makes your life easier.

Under Ubuntu, at least, in the steps outlined by @scorretti (i.e. unpacking in the home directory, and moving the program directory to /opt with sudo mv Zotero_linux-x86_64 /opt), the owner of the home directory will also own Zotero_linux-x86_64 and the files under it, even after the move. Auto-updates should work fine so long as Zotero is run from that account.

hamfeh

Thanks @scorretti

ferhralmeida

I followed the installation instructions as suggested by the zotero crew under installation for linux/ubuntu. I have the icon in the App menu i.e. the symlink ~/.local/share/applications but it won't launch the program. If I open file under /opt/zotero (thats where I put files) it runs.

Then, I tried the suggestion by aewillsf and placed the symlink to zotero.desktop in /usr/share/applications.The icon is there, the program doesn't start though.

What can be wrong?

dragonfly

I am running Zotero on Ubuntu 16.04.

/usr/share/applications/zotero.desktop

[Desktop Entry]
Name=Zotero
Comment=Open-source reference manager (standalone version)
Exec=/opt/zotero/zotero
Icon=/opt/zotero/chrome/icons/default/default48.png
Type=Application
StartupNotify=true


If I go to Ubuntu topbar left ... right click on small Ubuntu icon ..
I see Edit Menus in drop down.

My Zotero launcher is in category Other.

I right click Other and navigate to Zotero and select Properties.

This launcher shows ...

Name: Zotero
Command: /opt/zotero/zotero

Click on the icon frame .. it might be empty .. and navigate to where you have the zotero icon.
You can now launch Zotero from Other category.

ferhralmeida

Hi to all,

I changed the command from the icon (something like "bash path dir zotero %U") to "/opt/zotero/zotero" and it works now.

thx @drangonfly