How To Install OpenBoard on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

OpenBoard stands as a powerful, open-source interactive whiteboard application that has transformed digital teaching in classrooms worldwide. With the release of Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat), educators and professionals are eager to implement this educational tool on the latest long-term support version of Ubuntu. This comprehensive guide walks you through various installation methods, configuration options, and troubleshooting tips to ensure a smooth OpenBoard experience on your Ubuntu 24.04 system.

Whether you’re a teacher seeking an interactive presentation solution, a professional needing a digital whiteboard for remote collaboration, or an educational institution implementing standardized software, this guide provides everything you need to get OpenBoard up and running on Ubuntu’s newest LTS release.

What is OpenBoard?

OpenBoard is a feature-rich, cross-platform interactive whiteboard application designed specifically for educational environments. Originally developed as a fork of Open-Sankoré, OpenBoard has evolved to focus on core functionalities that address the unique needs of educators and students alike.

This open-source software provides a comprehensive suite of tools that transform standard teaching methods by integrating digital capabilities with traditional teaching approaches. The application allows teachers to create dynamic presentations, annotate documents, and engage students through interactive content.

Key Features of OpenBoard

• Interactive whiteboard tools including pens, highlighters, and geometric shapes
• Document annotation capabilities for PDFs, images, and web content
• Screen recording functionality for creating educational tutorials
• Support for multiple file formats including images, videos, and web pages
• Cross-platform availability for Windows, macOS, and Linux systems
• Built-in web browser for integrating online resources
• Document management system for organizing teaching materials
• Multi-page document creation and navigation

The vibrant community behind OpenBoard continues to enhance the software, with regular contributions from developers worldwide ensuring its relevance in modern educational settings.

Prerequisites for Installation

Before proceeding with the OpenBoard installation on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, ensure your system meets the following requirements:

System Requirements

• Processor: 2 GHz dual-core processor or higher
• RAM: Minimum 4 GB (8 GB recommended for optimal performance)
• Disk Space: At least 25 GB of free space (OpenBoard itself requires approximately 500 MB, but additional space is needed for Ubuntu and educational content)
• Graphics: Compatible graphics card with support for hardware acceleration
• Display: 1024×768 resolution or higher
• Input devices: Mouse and keyboard (touch screen or graphics tablet recommended for better experience)

Additional Requirements

• Administrative (sudo) privileges on your Ubuntu system
• Active internet connection for downloading packages and updates
• Basic familiarity with terminal commands
• Updated package repositories

It’s recommended to perform the installation on a fresh Ubuntu 24.04 system to minimize potential conflicts with existing software packages.

Preparing Your Ubuntu System

Proper preparation of your Ubuntu system is crucial for a successful OpenBoard installation. Following these steps ensures that your system has all the necessary components updated and ready:

1. Open Terminal: Press Ctrl+Alt+T to open the terminal application.
2. Update Package Lists: Run the following command to update your package repository information:

   sudo apt update

3. Upgrade Existing Packages: Ensure all installed packages are up to date:

   sudo apt upgrade -y

4. Install Required Dependencies: OpenBoard relies on several libraries and components. Install them using:

   sudo apt install libqt5webkit5 libqt5svg5 libqt5xmlpatterns5 libqt5multimedia5 libqt5multimediawidgets5 libqt5script5 libqt5scripttools5 libpoppler-qt5-1 -y

5. Verify Graphics Drivers: For optimal performance, ensure your graphics drivers are properly installed and configured. This is especially important for interactive whiteboard functionality.
6. Check Ubuntu Version: Confirm you’re running Ubuntu 24.04 LTS with:

   lsb_release -a

   The output should display “Ubuntu 24.04” or “Noble Numbat.”

7. Backup Important Data: While optional, it’s always good practice to back up important data before installing new software.

With these preparations complete, your system is now ready for OpenBoard installation.

Installation Methods Overview

OpenBoard can be installed on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS through various methods, each with its own advantages and considerations. Understanding these differences will help you choose the most appropriate installation approach for your specific needs:

APT Package Manager Method

• Pros: System integration, automatic updates through Ubuntu’s update system, simplified dependency handling
• Cons: May not always have the latest version immediately available
• Best for: Users who prefer stability and seamless system integration

Snap Package Method

• Pros: Containerized installation, automatic updates, consistent behavior across Linux distributions
• Cons: Larger disk footprint, potential permission issues with accessing files
• Best for: Users who want automatic updates and simplified installation

Manual Installation Method

• Pros: Access to the latest version, complete control over the installation process
• Cons: Manual dependency management, requires more technical knowledge
• Best for: Advanced users who need the latest features or specific versions

The following table summarizes key comparison points:

Consider your technical comfort level, need for the latest features, and system integration requirements when selecting your installation method.

Method 1: Installing OpenBoard via APT Package Manager

The APT (Advanced Package Tool) package manager offers the most integrated approach for installing OpenBoard on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS. This method ensures that OpenBoard works harmoniously with your system while handling dependencies automatically.

Step 1: Add the OpenBoard Repository

First, add the official OpenBoard repository to your system’s sources list:

echo "deb http://openboard.ch/debian $(lsb_release -cs) main" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/openboard.list

This command creates a new source file for OpenBoard that references the appropriate repository for your Ubuntu version.

Step 2: Import the Repository GPG Key

Add the repository’s GPG key to authenticate packages:

wget -qO - https://openboard.ch/stable/openboard_repo.key | sudo apt-key add -

Note: On Ubuntu 24.04, you may receive a deprecation warning about apt-key, as Ubuntu 24.04 has deprecated 1024-bit RSA keys. If this occurs, you can use the following alternative method:

wget -qO - https://openboard.ch/stable/openboard_repo.key | sudo gpg --dearmor -o /etc/apt/trusted.gpg.d/openboard.gpg

Step 3: Update Package Lists

Update your package lists to include the newly added repository:

sudo apt update

Step 4: Install OpenBoard

Now install OpenBoard using the apt command:

sudo apt install openboard

This command will download and install OpenBoard along with all required dependencies.

Step 5: Verify Installation

After installation completes, verify that OpenBoard was installed correctly:

dpkg -l | grep openboard

This should display the installed OpenBoard package and version.

Advantages of APT Installation

• OpenBoard integrates perfectly with your Ubuntu system
• Updates are managed through Ubuntu’s standard update mechanism
• Package dependencies are handled automatically

Troubleshooting APT Installation Issues

• If you encounter dependency problems, try running sudo apt --fix-broken install
• For repository key issues, verify that you’ve imported the key correctly
• If the repository isn’t compatible with Ubuntu 24.04 yet, you might need to try an alternative installation method

The APT installation method provides the best system integration and is recommended for most users who want a stable and well-integrated OpenBoard experience.

Method 2: Installing OpenBoard using Snap Store

Snap packages provide a containerized approach to software installation, offering benefits like automatic updates and improved security through isolation. Here’s how to install OpenBoard using Snap on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS:

Step 1: Ensure Snap Support is Enabled

Ubuntu 24.04 comes with Snap pre-installed, but verify it’s working properly:

snap version

If you see version information, Snap is installed and ready to use. If not, install it with:

sudo apt install snapd

Step 2: Install OpenBoard via Snap

Install the OpenBoard snap package by running:

sudo snap install openboard

The system will download and install the containerized OpenBoard application.

Step 3: Verify the Installation

Check that OpenBoard was installed correctly:

snap list | grep openboard

This should show the installed OpenBoard snap package and its version number.

Step 4: First Launch

OpenBoard should now be available in your applications menu. You can also launch it from the terminal:

snap run openboard

Handling Snap Permissions

Snap applications run in a confined environment, which may restrict access to your files. To allow OpenBoard to access your documents:

sudo snap connect openboard:home

For removable media access:

sudo snap connect openboard:removable-media

Troubleshooting Snap Installation Issues

• Application Not Found: If OpenBoard doesn’t appear in your applications menu, try restarting your computer
• Version Issues: Check the version with snap info openboard – if it’s outdated (shows version 0.1 instead of 1.5.4 or newer), it might be an unmaintained snap
• Access Problems: For file access issues, ensure you’ve connected the appropriate interfaces as described above

It’s worth noting that the OpenBoard snap package might not always be maintained as actively as the APT version. According to user reports, some have encountered outdated versions in the Snap Store, so check the version number before proceeding with this method.

Method 3: Installing OpenBoard from Official Source

For those who prefer direct control over the installation process or need the latest version of OpenBoard, installing from the official source is an excellent option. This method involves downloading and installing the DEB package directly from the OpenBoard GitHub repository.

Step 1: Download the Latest DEB Package

Visit the OpenBoard GitHub releases page to find the latest version compatible with Ubuntu 24.04:

wget https://github.com/OpenBoard-org/OpenBoard/releases/download/v1.7.2/openboard_ubuntu24.04_1.7.2_amd64.deb

Note: The exact filename may vary depending on the latest available version. Check the GitHub releases page for the most current package.

Step 2: Verify Package Integrity

It’s good practice to verify the downloaded package’s integrity:

sha256sum openboard_ubuntu24.04_1.7.2_amd64.deb

Compare the output with the checksum provided on the releases page.

Step 3: Install Required Dependencies

Before installing the package, ensure all dependencies are available:

sudo apt install libqt5webkit5 libqt5svg5 libqt5xmlpatterns5 libqt5multimedia5 libqt5multimediawidgets5 libqt5script5 libqt5scripttools5 libpoppler-qt5-1

Step 4: Install OpenBoard Using dpkg

Install the downloaded package:

sudo dpkg -i openboard_ubuntu24.04_1.7.2_amd64.deb

Step 5: Resolve Dependencies If Needed

If the installation reports dependency problems, run:

sudo apt --fix-broken install

This command installs any missing dependencies and completes the OpenBoard installation.

Step 6: Verify the Installation

Check that OpenBoard was installed correctly:

dpkg -l | grep openboard

Advantages of Direct Installation

• Access to the latest version, often before it’s available in repositories
• Complete control over which version you install
• Ability to install specific versions for compatibility with existing content

Troubleshooting Direct Installation Issues

• Dependency Errors: If you encounter dependency issues that can’t be resolved automatically, identify the specific missing packages and install them manually
• Configuration File Location Issues: For versions beyond 1.7.2, there may be changes in configuration file paths
• Permission Problems: Ensure you have sudo privileges for installation

This method is particularly useful for users who need a specific version of OpenBoard or want to stay on the cutting edge with the latest features and improvements.

Post-Installation Configuration

After successfully installing OpenBoard on your Ubuntu 24.04 system, proper configuration will enhance your experience and tailor the application to your specific needs.

First-Run Setup

The first time you launch OpenBoard, you’ll be presented with several initial configuration options:

1. User Interface Language: Select your preferred language from the available options
2. Display Settings: Adjust resolution and scaling for optimal visibility
3. Document Library Location: Set your preferred location for storing OpenBoard documents

Essential Configuration Settings

Navigate to the preferences panel (click on the gear icon) to access these important settings:

• Display Options: Adjust the toolbar visibility, background color, and grid display
• Pen Settings: Customize pen colors, widths, and opacity for different teaching scenarios
• Document Organization: Set up folders and categories for organizing your teaching materials
• Keyboard Shortcuts: Review and customize keyboard shortcuts for frequently used actions

Configuration File Locations

OpenBoard stores configuration in two main locations:

• System-wide settings: /etc/openboard/OpenBoard.config
• User-specific settings: ~/.config/OpenBoard/OpenBoardUser.config

For advanced customization, you can edit these files directly, but use caution as incorrect changes may affect functionality.

Multi-Monitor Setup

For teachers using dual displays (common in classroom settings):

1. Open OpenBoard and navigate to Preferences
2. Select the “Display” tab
3. Configure which screen shows the control panel and which displays the presentation
4. Enable the “Extend desktop to secondary display” option if using a projector or secondary monitor

Stylus and Tablet Configuration

If using a graphics tablet or touch-enabled display:

1. Open OpenBoard Preferences
2. Navigate to the “Pen” section
3. Adjust pressure sensitivity and palm rejection settings
4. Test drawing on a blank document to verify proper calibration

Performance Optimization

For systems with limited resources, consider these performance adjustments:

• Disable background web browser processes when not needed
• Reduce the automatic save frequency
• Optimize document library by regularly archiving unused materials

Proper configuration ensures that OpenBoard runs smoothly and integrates well with your teaching or presentation workflow on Ubuntu 24.04.

Launching and Basic Usage

Once installed and configured, understanding how to effectively launch and use OpenBoard will help you maximize this powerful educational tool. Here’s how to get started with OpenBoard on your Ubuntu 24.04 system:

Launching OpenBoard

There are several ways to start OpenBoard:

1. From the Application Menu:
   • Click on the Ubuntu Activities button (top-left corner)
   • Search for “OpenBoard” in the application search
   • Click on the OpenBoard icon to launch
2. From the Terminal:
   • Open a terminal with Ctrl+Alt+T
   • Type openboard and press Enter
   • For snap installations, use snap run openboard instead
3. Creating a Desktop Shortcut:
   • Right-click on the desktop
   • Select “Create Launcher”
   • Enter “OpenBoard” as the name and “openboard” as the command
   • Select an appropriate icon

Understanding the Interface

Upon launching, you’ll see these main interface components:

• Toolbar: Contains drawing tools, document navigation, and application controls
• Workspace: The main whiteboard area where content is created and displayed
• Document Browser: Provides access to your saved documents and resources
• Web Browser: Built-in browser for integrating online resources

Essential Operations

Master these basic functions to get started:

• Creating a New Document: Click the “+” icon in the toolbar
• Saving Work: Click the Save icon or press Ctrl+S
• Importing Files: Use the Import button to add PDFs, images, or other content
• Annotating Content: Select a pen tool and write directly on imported documents
• Screen Capture: Use the capture tool to grab portions of your screen as teaching material
• Recording Lessons: Click the Record button to capture your presentation with audio

Keyboard Shortcuts

Learning these shortcuts will improve your efficiency:

• Ctrl+N: Create new document
• Ctrl+S: Save document
• Ctrl+O: Open document
• Ctrl+Z: Undo last action
• Ctrl+Y: Redo last action
• Ctrl+C/Ctrl+V: Copy/paste selection
• Page Up/Down: Navigate between pages

Document Management

Organize your teaching materials efficiently:

1. Open the Document Library by clicking the folder icon
2. Create folders for different subjects or classes
3. Drag and drop documents to organize them
4. Use the search function to quickly find specific content

With these basics mastered, you’ll be ready to explore more advanced features and integrate OpenBoard into your teaching or presentation workflow on Ubuntu 24.04.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with careful installation, you may encounter certain issues when running OpenBoard on Ubuntu 24.04. Here are solutions for common problems:

Launch Failures

If OpenBoard fails to start:

1. Missing Dependencies:

   sudo apt --fix-broken install

2. Permission Issues:

   sudo chmod +x /usr/bin/openboard

3. Log File Check: Examine launch errors:

   openboard 2>&1 | tee ~/openboard-error.log

Graphics and Display Problems

For rendering issues or screen artifacts:

1. Update Graphics Drivers:

   sudo ubuntu-drivers autoinstall

2. Disable Compositor: If using a custom desktop environment, try disabling composition effects
3. Resolution Issues: Create a custom launch script with fixed resolution:

   #!/bin/bash
   export QT_SCALE_FACTOR=1.0
   openboard

File Access and Permission Problems

If OpenBoard can’t access your files:

1. Snap Confinement Issues: Connect necessary interfaces:

   sudo snap connect openboard:home
   sudo snap connect openboard:removable-media

2. Configuration File Permission Problems:

   sudo chown $USER:$USER ~/.config/OpenBoard -R

3. Path Configuration Issues: As seen in user reports for Ubuntu 24.04, the configuration file path may require manual adjustment

Performance Optimization

For sluggish performance:

1. Reduce Memory Usage:
   • Close unnecessary background applications
   • Limit the number of pages in a single document
   • Reduce image resolution when importing
2. CPU Usage Issues:

   nice -n 10 openboard

Crash Recovery

If OpenBoard crashes frequently:

1. Backup Configuration Files:

   cp ~/.config/OpenBoard/OpenBoardUser.config ~/OpenBoardUser.config.backup

2. Reset to Default Settings:

   rm ~/.config/OpenBoard/OpenBoardUser.config

3. Enable Debug Mode for advanced troubleshooting:

   QT_LOGGING_RULES="*.debug=true" openboard

Configuration Path Issues

Some users have reported issues with configuration file paths in Ubuntu 24.04 with OpenBoard 1.7.2. If custom directory settings aren’t being recognized:

1. Check both /etc/openboard/OpenBoard.config and ~/.config/OpenBoard/OpenBoardUser.config
2. Verify file name case sensitivity (OpenBoard.config vs openboard.config)
3. Ensure proper formatting of path entries in the configuration file

By working through these troubleshooting steps, most common OpenBoard issues on Ubuntu 24.04 can be resolved effectively.

Updating OpenBoard

Keeping OpenBoard updated ensures you have access to the latest features, bug fixes, and security improvements. The update process varies depending on your installation method:

Updating APT-Installed Version

If you installed OpenBoard using the APT package manager:

1. Update your package lists:

   sudo apt update

2. Upgrade OpenBoard specifically:

   sudo apt install --only-upgrade openboard

3. Alternatively, update all system packages:

   sudo apt upgrade

Updating Snap-Installed Version

Snap packages update automatically by default, but you can manually trigger an update:

1. Check for updates:

   sudo snap refresh --list

2. Apply updates if available:

   sudo snap refresh openboard

Updating Manually Installed Version

For OpenBoard installed from a DEB package:

1. Check the OpenBoard GitHub releases page for new versions
2. Download the latest DEB package
3. Install the new version:

   sudo dpkg -i openboard_new_version.deb
   sudo apt --fix-broken install # If needed

Backup Before Updating

Before any update, it’s wise to backup your configuration:

cp -r ~/.config/OpenBoard ~/OpenBoard_backup_$(date +%Y%m%d)

This creates a dated backup of your OpenBoard settings.

Update Frequency Recommendations

• APT Updates: Check monthly for stable updates
• Snap Updates: Occurs automatically, typically weekly
• Manual Updates: Check the GitHub repository quarterly

Handling Failed Updates

If an update causes issues:

1. For APT installations, revert to the previous version:

   sudo apt install openboard=previous_version_number

2. For manual installations, reinstall the previous DEB package
3. Restore your configuration backup if necessary

Checking Current Version

To verify your current OpenBoard version:

openboard --version

Regular updates ensure you benefit from community improvements and maintain compatibility with the latest Ubuntu 24.04 features and security enhancements.

Uninstalling OpenBoard

If you need to remove OpenBoard from your Ubuntu 24.04 system, follow these method-specific uninstallation procedures:

Uninstalling APT-Installed Version

For complete removal of an APT-installed OpenBoard:

1. Remove the package while keeping configuration files:

   sudo apt remove openboard

2. For complete removal including all configuration files:

   sudo apt purge openboard

3. Remove any orphaned dependencies:

   sudo apt autoremove

4. Remove the repository if no longer needed:

   sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/openboard.list
   sudo apt update

Uninstalling Snap Version

To remove a snap-installed OpenBoard:

1. Basic removal:

   sudo snap remove openboard

2. Remove saved user data (optional):

   rm -rf ~/snap/openboard

Uninstalling Manual Installation

For a manually installed DEB package:

1. Remove using dpkg:

   sudo dpkg -r openboard

2. Or using apt:

   sudo apt remove openboard

Cleaning Up User Data

To remove all user configuration files:

rm -rf ~/.config/OpenBoard

Verifying Complete Removal

Confirm OpenBoard has been fully removed:

dpkg -l | grep openboard

No results should appear if the uninstallation was successful.

Preparing for Reinstallation

If you plan to reinstall later, consider backing up your configuration first:

cp -r ~/.config/OpenBoard ~/OpenBoard_backup

This allows you to restore your settings after a fresh installation.

Following these uninstallation procedures ensures a clean removal of OpenBoard from your Ubuntu 24.04 system without leaving behind unnecessary files or configuration settings.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed OpenBoard. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing the OpenBoard on the Ubuntu 24.04 LTS system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official OpenBoard website.