Posted: 3/3/2009 1:38:27 PM EDT
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I finished downloading and installing Ubuntu, and its a bit different than the windows programs I'm used to, and trust me, thats not a bad thing. So far, its blowing my mind. I didnt run into a conflict with my data card, that was the main concern I had for what I was going to be doing. Once I figured out where the symbols were, its been pretty smooth on me so far.
However, can you guys show me some things you like about this OS? ummm just a question on updates too, is it normal for there to be almost 250 MB of updates, or is this because I just installed it? |
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the updates are big because you just installed it. tip - learn how to use the terminal thanks, I'll be learning to use this. I do have a question about this version of firefox that came installed. under tools, there is no options menu to select to configure FF to not save your browsing history or delete you private data when I close FF, is this not necessary, or am I missing how I can have FF do this automatically? it feels weird not have anti virus and anti malware programs not running, I guess I'll have to get used to that though. |
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The coolest thing about Ubuntu is that it's so popular and widely used compared to other Linux distros. Anything you want or need to do to/with is....you can probably google it and find the command lines, etc. to enter into the terminal.
I'm loving Ubuntu. My ONLY complaint is that I cannot use iTunes w/ it ..........yet. |
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The coolest thing about Ubuntu is that it's so popular and widely used compared to other Linux distros. Anything you want or need to do to/with is....you can probably google it and find the command lines, etc. to enter into the terminal. I'm loving Ubuntu. My ONLY complaint is that I cannot use iTunes w/ it ..........yet. I pretty much seem to live in the stone age..... sadly, I'm light years ahead of anyone related to me....... I've spent the day laughing my ass figuring out how to do torrents, and bumbling around ubuntu, but its getting there for me. Now is there a way to put ubuntu or a different distro on my aspire one––- it doesnt have a cdrom for me to load it the regular way––- i saw an option to create a USB start up disc, I havent tried it yet, but I'm assuming that I can permanently install ubuntu on that laptop. am I on the right track? ETA: Converting mp4a to mp3, ubuntu wants a program that you have to buy the license, is there any free ones out there? |
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Thank ThePontificator for this link:
Free Ubuntu pocket guide It was posted here about 8 pages ago. A Good read. I moved to Ubuntu (Primary OS), XP Pro (secondary under GRUB) with 8.04. I LOVE IT. Everything just works. If you ask a question in a forum, or google search it, you get a real answer! My whole 2 month experience with Vi$ta a bad experience. It was slow even with 4 gig of ram. Nothing was where it was supposed to be menu-wise. I wasn't looking for a pretty OS with flashing/shaking windows. I need a fast OS that does what I want it to! I keep the XP pro partition for Steam games L4D and TF2. When I run 8.10 (I upgraded), I have XP Pro installed and available under VMWare if I need to do something quickly in XP, and I do not want to reboot. IMO, Ubuntu is at the point where anyone can jump onboard and be successful. This is due to 2 things: #1: Outstanding beta testing, coding, volunteerism, driver support, and a great community. #2: Vista sucks so bad. I consider myself an UBUNTU user through the GUI. Yes, I have some understanding of terminal windows, but ubuntu development is to the point where 99.999% of things can be taken care of in a GUI, and terminal is not needed to be used by the regular user. Yes, there are times when an installation will hang up, and you might have to safe mode boot to a terminal window. But, for the most part, ubuntu is ready for prime time. This has the potential to piss off linux power users as more noobs like me adopt linux, and start asking stupid questions. I like being able to use all of my computers power, and not having to "give half the processor and half the ram to my OS to do pretty, cutesy things. What I like about this OS: - I like the fact that I plug my verizon air card into my laptop, click on network connections, and I can instantly switch to the aircard. NO VERIZON SOFTWARE TO RUN IN THE BACKGROUND!!! - Synaptic package manager. Want a package installed? It finds all the dependencies the package needs to run! - Add/Remove programs. Want a program? Download it and run it! Look at everything that is available! - A great community of knowledgable people. - Multiple desktops. - Decent 3rd party support from NVIDIA and HP. (My HP all in one works 100%, INCLUDING the wireless from a software package off of HPs website!) WHAT I LOVE: Window$ is getting a taste of their "Internet Explorer" medicine. Remember back in 1997-ish when IE was "included for free" with windows? Netscape blew a gasket! Now, Windows is charging money for an OS, and linux is better. Microsoft is charging money for OFFICE, and OpenOffice is as capable, and can do anything 99% of the general population needs it to. Hell, Microsoft charges for "endnote" (OFFICE addon to put a bibliography at the end of a research paper.) IIRC, this is included in OO.O writer. So, to sum up my Ubuntu feelings: Once Steam and L4D run natively on linux, I will delete my dual boot part of my HD. I love it. |
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Now is there a way to put ubuntu or a different distro on my aspire one––- it doesnt have a cdrom for me to load it the regular way––- i saw an option to create a USB start up disc, I havent tried it yet, but I'm assuming that I can permanently install ubuntu on that laptop. am I on the right track? ETA: Converting mp4a to mp3, ubuntu wants a program that you have to buy the license, is there any free ones out there? Ubuntu for netbooks This is still in development. Give it 6 mos before you switch for good. For ripping regular CDs, check under add/remove programs. For clarification, what is the mp4a format? If it is itunes DRM protected, this discussion shouldn't be happening. Goatboy would lock this topic before a "Can I but a post 1986 DIAS and use it?" topic... |
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Typing this on a Toshiba Satellite running 8.04. Working great. What I like about it, from my very limited experience so far:
Gnome desktop is a lot easier to use than Vista. Seems similar to OSX (or vice versa). Pretty much anything you would want software wise is available, if you look hard enough. For general desktop use, it is 99.999% useful out of the box if your hardware is supported. Installing the Ubuntu-restricted-extras package will take care of most issues concerning web content plugins, etc. It has an excellent support framework in place for learning. Downsides: If you dont want to or dont like to learn how to administer a system, it probably isnt for you. You will have to tweak it some, learn about package management, etc. If you have roots in the MS-DOS days like I do, the command line isnt anything new - just very different and far more complex. Regardless, learning it should be a priority if you want to understand how the system works. Concerning iTunes format conversion, I converted my m4p files in XP using Noteburner. If you have non-protected AAC files, iTunes will convert them to MP3 for you. |
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If you have roots in the MS-DOS days like I do, the command line isnt anything new - just very different and far more complex. Regardless, learning it should be a priority if you want to understand how the system works. Check out the link for the ubuntu pocket guide. It is 170 or so pages of everything you need to know. I use it more than I use my huge copy of UBUNTU Unleased. It has a good section on command line use. |
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If you have roots in the MS-DOS days like I do, the command line isnt anything new - just very different and far more complex. Regardless, learning it should be a priority if you want to understand how the system works. Check out the link for the ubuntu pocket guide. It is 170 or so pages of everything you need to know. I use it more than I use my huge copy of UBUNTU Unleased. It has a good section on command line use. Link appears broken or website is down. Fixt link. |
| I just installed the newest version on my dads computer, he usually gets a virus once a month and im sick and tired of restoring windows so I put ubuntu on. The only hickup was installing the flash player for firefox to be able to watch you tube videos. If you need the website for that fix let me know, took me about an hour to find one that would work, otherwise its a really nice program. I never used linux before and I found out easily how to get into all the settings, reminds me of the old apple computers. |
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Is there something wrong with my installation? Everytime i try to boot into Ubuntu it literally takes 5-8 minutes to boot up..... were as windows XP will boot in about about 1minute Not normal. What computer and version of Ubuntu? He may be using the live cd version? |
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I just installed the newest version on my dads computer, he usually gets a virus once a month and im sick and tired of restoring windows so I put ubuntu on. The only hickup was installing the flash player for firefox to be able to watch you tube videos. If you need the website for that fix let me know, took me about an hour to find one that would work, otherwise its a really nice program. I never used linux before and I found out easily how to get into all the settings, reminds me of the old apple computers. That link would be great. I havent had time to trouble shoot that issue. My old laptop (with Ubuntu) had to go back to bestbuy to fix some more issues unrelated to Ubuntu. Hopefully they get it right this time around. Thanks Mugzilla and ThePontificator, I'll be digging through that to help me get up to speed on it. Regarding the MP4A files, no I am not looking for a way to break any copyrights, I have non protected files, and it would be nice to convert to my regular format. |
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Link on using iTunes to convert non-DRM files to MP3. Works in Mac and Windows versions of iTunes.
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Is there something wrong with my installation? Everytime i try to boot into Ubuntu it literally takes 5-8 minutes to boot up..... were as windows XP will boot in about about 1minute Not normal. What computer and version of Ubuntu? He may be using the live cd version? I had problems with 8.04on my rig. The startup would take 60.0000 seconds when it would try to start my sata HD. After 60.000 seconds, it would finish the startup. I remember on one of the linux / ubuntu forums, someone had me run a program that mapped out each startup process, when it started, how long it took, and put the results in a bar chart. Unfortunately nobody was able to figure it out, and I went back to XP until 8.10 came out. 8.10 doesnt have the problem, so I never bothered installing the startup bar chart program. While I have enough knowledge to be dangerous to myself on Ubuntu, I do not have enough to help anyone with any real problem. I am an ubuntu user, NOT a technician. I know how to use it, how to google my problems to find a solution, and how to post on their forums. FWIW, look on their forums, find the bootup bar chart (I dont know what the dang thing is even named...). If you cannot solve the problem, seriously consider submitting the issue to their bug reporting . Yeah, it might take a little time, but it is well worth it. |
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Here is the adobe flash program for firefox, its really easy to install. I had no idea what I was doing and did it. http://www.howtoforge.com/installing-adobe-flash-10-on-a-64bit-ubuntu-8.04
Actually I just remembered my dad was using the 64 bit ubuntu, I think the 32 bit version wont be a problem only the 64 bit had the flash problem. |
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Is there something wrong with my installation? Everytime i try to boot into Ubuntu it literally takes 5-8 minutes to boot up..... were as windows XP will boot in about about 1minute Not normal. What computer and version of Ubuntu? He may be using the live cd version? I had problems with 8.04on my rig. The startup would take 60.0000 seconds when it would try to start my sata HD. After 60.000 seconds, it would finish the startup. I remember on one of the linux / ubuntu forums, someone had me run a program that mapped out each startup process, when it started, how long it took, and put the results in a bar chart. Unfortunately nobody was able to figure it out, and I went back to XP until 8.10 came out. 8.10 doesnt have the problem, so I never bothered installing the startup bar chart program. While I have enough knowledge to be dangerous to myself on Ubuntu, I do not have enough to help anyone with any real problem. I am an ubuntu user, NOT a technician. I know how to use it, how to google my problems to find a solution, and how to post on their forums. FWIW, look on their forums, find the bootup bar chart (I dont know what the dang thing is even named...). If you cannot solve the problem, seriously consider submitting the issue to their bug reporting . Yeah, it might take a little time, but it is well worth it. Hum, ill look into that bar chart. Its a Dell Inspiron laptop (Intel Centrino Duo, 2GB RAM, ATI x1400) trying to run Ubuntu 8.10 |
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Here is the adobe flash program for firefox, its really easy to install. I had no idea what I was doing and did it. http://www.howtoforge.com/installing-adobe-flash-10-on-a-64bit-ubuntu-8.04 Actually I just remembered my dad was using the 64 bit ubuntu, I think the 32 bit version wont be a problem only the 64 bit had the flash problem. thanks for the link. Reading the comments it sounds like I cant use it on my version (Im using 8.10), but I can probably find the remedy off this site. I appreciate the help! |
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I am running a dual boot XP/Ubuntu on my system. I have it running great, but now all I have left is to work out how to get flash player to play sound with OSS. Since I have a fancy graphics card, ALSA hates me, so I have to use OSS. Once I get that straightened out, I don't really see the need of using XP anymore, since I am not much of a gamer these days.
ETA: Schwing! I figured it out. I have been toying around with it all morning, trying to use OSS's tutorial, but then I followed the one that ubuntu has, and it is waaay better worded, and more importantly, works! |
I have finally cleared the 2 biggest hurdles with Ubuntu. I can play DVD's and after much gnashing of teeth and searching I can also finally browse through windows network and access shared folders on both of my windows desktop boxes. The networking thing I just solved minutes ago. I shall now celebrate with a Super size Beam n Coke. |
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Is there something wrong with my installation? Everytime i try to boot into Ubuntu it literally takes 5-8 minutes to boot up..... were as windows XP will boot in about about 1minute The best way to find out what is going on is by using bootchart. Its a program that times everything at startup so you can see a graphical representation of your startup. Check here for detailed information. But a crash course would be to open a terminal in type:
After its installed, reboot your machine. Once you are logged back in, run firefox, or whatever program you want to view PNG image files and load the PNG file in /var/log/bootchart. It will show what is taking so long. Hell post the image here and we can point you in the right direction if its not obvious what is causing the delays. You really shouldn't be topping a minute boot time with anything even close to new hardware. My machine boots to the login screen in about 30 seconds. |
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I just bought an Asus Eee PC netbook and have it dual booting XP Home and Easy Peasy. If I didn't need to run Visual Studio and MSSQL once in a while, I'd probably do the whole thing as Ubuntu. The only hiccup I had was getting the sound volume high enough but my wife found the fix for that. She's the Linux geek in this house.  |
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I just bought an Asus Eee PC netbook and have it dual booting XP Home and Easy Peasy. If I didn't need to run Visual Studio and MSSQL once in a while, I'd probably do the whole thing as Ubuntu. The only hiccup I had was getting the sound volume high enough but my wife found the fix for that. She's the Linux geek in this house. Don't hold put on us! Have Mrs DVDTracker post how to make the volume louder. I am having issues with my Lenovo x61s |
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Quoted: Don't hold put on us! Have Mrs DVDTracker post how to make the volume louder. I am having issues with my Lenovo x61s #4 http://www.ubuntu-eee.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=543 Might only be applicable to Easy Peasy though. Now I'm going to look into making a custom USS Sulaco login screen.  |
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Here is the adobe flash program for firefox, its really easy to install. I had no idea what I was doing and did it. http://www.howtoforge.com/installing-adobe-flash-10-on-a-64bit-ubuntu-8.04 Actually I just remembered my dad was using the 64 bit ubuntu, I think the 32 bit version wont be a problem only the 64 bit had the flash problem. thanks just fixed youtube and a buncha other shit with that link! |
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Just installed again and refreshed it ..and now i am doing the tweaking .. It's Kicking's VISTA's ass right now with the cool features ... if you haven't done this ..DO IT .. Enabling Compiz Fusion On An Ubuntu 8.10 Desktop: http://www.howtoforge.com/enabling-compiz-fusion-on-ubuntu-8.10-nvidia |
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Just installed again and refreshed it ..and now i am doing the tweaking .. It's Kicking's VISTA's ass right now with the cool features ... if you haven't done this ..DO IT .. Enabling Compiz Fusion On An Ubuntu 8.10 Desktop:
http://www.howtoforge.com/enabling-compiz-fusion-on-ubuntu-8.10-nvidia
http://www.howtoforge.com/enabling-compiz-fusion-on-ubuntu-8.10-nvidia |
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Somehow I missed this thread.
I've been running 7.10 since release in October of 07. Am probably going to upgrade to 9.04 when it releases soon. I did have to setup a second harddrive with a Vista load for a couple of games that I can't get to work in WINE, but otherwise, I am 100% ubuntu at home, on two separate PCs. I did have major trouble getting sound and video plugins working in Firefox. I'm still running 2.0 in fact, cause I don't want to do it all over again for 3.0. I'm hoping the 9/04 upgrade goes smoothly. I also had quite a learning experience getting my Creative Zen to synch up, and figuring out how to add a second HDD to the system. I have yet to get Ubuntu itself to rip and burn DVD's correctly. They would actually lock up my dvd player! I finally got it to rip and burn copies that will play back on the computer that made it, but that's not real helpful. So, I just use dvdshrink and/or FabDecrypter under WINE, and then burn it with the 'right click-write to DVD' option in Ubuntu. 
Anyway, yup I love Ubuntu. |
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Since this is the Ubuntu thread I'm hoping I can ask a question.
I've been trying to load Ubuntu server onto an older PC. I'm doing this to experiment with the OS and possibly turn this PC into a file server. I've downloaded Ubuntu Server twice (a ver 7.x and the latest v8.x). Both times I've had the disk come up, I've started the disk check and it comes back with a bit error of some kind. They will not install onto the harddisk with these errors (machine freezes up). However I have gotten the v8 server to run from the CD - looks great, runs fantastic. But these bit errors are frustrating. Anyone else have this problem? I downloaded from John Hopkins (closest server to where I live) PC more than exceeds minimum requirements (900 Mhz Pentium class, 500MB RAM) Any suggestions? |
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I decided to just upgrade to the 8.04 LTS release. Figured I don't really want to mess with doing an upgrade every few months, so will just go with the long term for now.
ubuntu actually recommends doing Upgrades versus fresh loads, which is interesting. So, I hit the upgrade button, and left it alone. Mostly everything is working, most importantly, Firefox upgraded itself, and so far, flash, videos, sounds, etc is working. I Have noticed a few issues already though, my secondary HDD isn't automapping, so a conf file somewhere changed. Haven't messed with my mp3 player or thumbdrives yet. And, I used to be able to VNC to my other ubuntu desktop, but that's been broke for a while now, and finally,lots of little things here and there after a quick glance appear to be jacked...hopefully I'll get all these little things straightened out soon, and no regret hitting that upgrade button...
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Sounds like it's failing the HDD Check? Correct If so, have you done a format on that drive?
The harddisk is formatted - and currently has WIndows XP on it. I figured Ubuntu would just reformat the drive as part of the install (like Windows). Also, is the Live CD launching on that PC? ? I have the Ubuntu Server edition image that I burned onto a CD with my laptop. That CD will launch on the target PC, it just ends up with a bit error and won't install. However I can choose the 'try' options and the desktop comes up and and I can get on the internet with it (and run other applications). |
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Sounds like it's failing the HDD Check? Correct If so, have you done a format on that drive?
The harddisk is formatted - and currently has WIndows XP on it. I figured Ubuntu would just reformat the drive as part of the install (like Windows). Also, is the Live CD launching on that PC? ? I have the Ubuntu Server edition image that I burned onto a CD with my laptop. That CD will launch on the target PC, it just ends up with a bit error and won't install. However I can choose the 'try' options and the desktop comes up and and I can get on the internet with it (and run other applications). Huh, that is weird. Only thing I can think of is maybe there is something up with the boot record that is preventing it from installing. I don't know anything about the server edition, like if it does the install differently than the desktop version. |
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I tried out 7.10, dual booted that and win xp pro sp2 with grub. It would boot in to 7.10 quickly, and everything seemed to work for the most part...but it lacked bluetooth support which left me without internet. That was a huge dealbreaker for me so I deleted it. How's the bluetooth support on newer versions? My internet is run through a "bluetooth modem"...basically I pair my blackberry to my pc, and use the bluetooth software to "Dial-up" to my service provider's data network. No cable and no DSL, satellite and 56k blow...so it's my only option. 2 weeks from now a local wireless broadband company is doing a service check at my place, crossing my fingers that it works.
Trying it out again would also depend on how it would work with my new setup, built a new rig since trying 7.10. I'm also big on steam games...and will be playing many more multiplayer games if I'm able to make the move to wireless broadband. I'm all for win xp, so I'm going to be VERY picky about trying a new OS. If it does what I want and need, better than XP does...then I'm all for making the permanent move.
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I tried out 7.10, dual booted that and win xp pro sp2 with grub. It would boot in to 7.10 quickly, and everything seemed to work for the most part...but it lacked bluetooth support which left me without internet. That was a huge dealbreaker for me so I deleted it. How's the bluetooth support on newer versions? My internet is run through a "bluetooth modem"...basically I pair my blackberry to my pc, and use the bluetooth software to "Dial-up" to my service provider's data network. No cable and no DSL, satellite and 56k blow...so it's my only option. 2 weeks from now a local wireless broadband company is doing a service check at my place, crossing my fingers that it works. Trying it out again would also depend on how it would work with my new setup, built a new rig since trying 7.10. I'm also big on steam games...and will be playing many more multiplayer games if I'm able to make the move to wireless broadband. I'm all for win xp, so I'm going to be VERY picky about trying a new OS. If it does what I want and need, better than XP does...then I'm all for making the permanent move. 7.10 has bluetooth support. It has annoying in fact, I kept killing the service, and when I'd reboot, dang services would come back on. Now, getting it to use a blue tooth modem via a blackberry...well.....that sounds like a challenge in any OS.... |