The Ubuntu thread

[Paul1]

"Super-fast and great-looking, Ubuntu is a secure, intuitive operating system that powers desktops, servers, netbooks and laptops. Ubuntu is, and always will be, absolutely free."

People here are showing interest in Ubuntu, but there seems to be a few things stopping people from giving it a try when actually it's perfect for anyone who's sick of windows or even just curious.


Firstly to remove a preconception
"I'd switch if.." Completely unnecessary, you can have Windows and safely run Ubuntu as well. That means you can still use your windows programs whilst having the opportunity to try out Ubuntu Linux to decide if you prefer it and it's huge range of programs. Many Ubuntu users switch between the two, using Windows only when they need it.


How can I try Ubuntu?
There are two ways. The first I recommend is using "Wubi" or the Windows-based Ubuntu Installer. It's a program which allows you to install Ubuntu as though it was a program for Windows. You just download the installer, so there is no need to burn CD's; a godsend for those who hate doing that. "Wubi keeps most of the files in one folder, and if you do not like it, you can simply uninstall it as any other application."

The other way is to download a CD image from the Ubuntu website and burn it to a CD. You can then run Linux directly off of the CD. Your computer must be set to boot from CD's. This has limitations, including that each time you reboot your data is lost and that Ubuntu will not run at it's full speed. I don't recommend this unless you plan on install Ubuntu onto it's own partition on your hard disk.

http://wubi-installer.org/ | http://www.ubuntu.com/desktop


Choices, choices!



But I need flash movies/DVD playback
Don't worry, Ubuntu does do these things! It's just that Ubuntu doesn't initially come with stuff that is "proprietary." Some legal crap.

To install DVD, movie and Flash playback, go to https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Restr ... %20Formats and click the link "Click here to install the ubuntu-restricted-extras package"


Why is the graphics so bad?
9 out of 10 times your graphics will be perfect. However sometimes you want to install graphics drivers to get the best out of Ubuntu. There are two types of drivers. Free "open source" drivers made by the Linux community. And proprietary drivers made by your graphics card maker. We want the "binary" proprietary ones because they provide extra functionality.

The easiest way to install binary drivers is to use the built in Hardware Drivers manager in Ubuntu.

In Ubuntu 10.04 and 9:10 this is found under System->Administration->Hardware Drivers.

Note:In Ubuntu 10:10 Hardware Drivers is now named additional Drivers

More...

Windows has flashier effects!
Linux has more. https://help.ubuntu.com/9.04/desktop-ef ... igure.html

If you want to play around with more desktop effect settings, then open the program "Terminal" and copy and past the following line (and perhaps hit return):

Code: Select all

sudo apt-get install compiz compizconfig-settings-manager

Once that finishes installing, look for a new program in one of the setting menus from the top task bar. It will be called "Compiz Settings Manager".


Can I run my Windows games on it?
Not easily. But you can keep both Windows and Ubuntu on the same machine.


I hate the close, minimise and maximise button placement in Ubuntu
Yes you can change it in the appearance settings. However give it a chance, you might find it grows on you quickly. Who wants to drag the mouse all the way to the other side to close an application?


How do I install software?
Easy peasy: https://help.ubuntu.com/10.04/add-appli ... index.html


What about viruses?
Ubuntu Linux is very immune to security threats. Software is installed using a "package manager" rather than from websites (dodgy or otherwise). The way Ubuntu works means programs cannot affect essential system files. Viruses are unheard of, as the Ubuntu Community update any security problems very quickly.

It already has a firewall inbuilt, but in a normal installation of Ubuntu, it isn't needed on Ubuntu, so isn't even turned on.


I need help!
There is a huge amount of documentation for Ubuntu here: https://help.ubuntu.com/

If you need any help, post here and I'm sure there are Ubuntu users here who can support you.


Any questions, just ask

[Animavore]

I'm liking this Ubuntu so far. It has so many things already built into it. Even a Torrent program. I use my Playstation for games so that's not a problem for me, I don't play many games these days either.

[SPMaximus]

Hmm, i think ill wait with Ubuntu until i get my new computer and Windows 7 >.<

[Animavore]

A couple of gripes I have. Google.ie takes forever to load. My touch pad isn't working as well as it was. And Umbuntu really doesn't like doing two things at once.

[Paul1]

Google.ie takes forever to load

Are you sure this has anything to do with Ubuntu?

My touch pad isn't working as well as it was

What make is your laptop?

And Umbuntu really doesn't like doing two things at once

I am surprised. What Windows do you run now? What make is the laptop?

[Animavore]

The laptop is a Toshiba. The Windows is Windows 7.

[Paul1]

What is the model number? Is it old?

How is Windows 7 running on the laptop?

[Animavore]

Windows 7 works grand on it. It's just under 2 years old. An L300D - 13S.

[Paul1]

Wait, you aren't running from the boot CD are you?

[Animavore]

No. I installed it.

[Paul1]

Right this is to help you with the touch pad: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/SynapticsTouchpad - start with "Basic Configuration with a Graphical Interface" to see if you can fix the problem.


For the internet, if you're using Firefox (try this anyway), do this:

IPv6

Firefox supports IPv6 by default, which may cause connection problems on certain systems. To disable IPv6 in Firefox:

1. In the Location bar, type about:config and press the Return key.
* The about:config "This might void your warranty!" warning page may appear. Click "I'll be careful, I promise!", to continue to the about:config page.
2. In the Filter field, type network.dns.disableIPv6.
3. In the list of preferences, double-click network.dns.disableIPv6 to set its value to true.

Then give google.ie another whirl.


As for the slowness, do you have the update manager updating at the moment? Or the package manager installing stuff?

[Animavore]

It's only Google that is slow. Every other web-site is grand. Google works fast on Windows 7 so I can't figure it out. I think I'll just have to take off the background picture.

[Paul1]

It's only Google that is slow. Every other web-site is grand. Google works fast on Windows 7 so I can't figure it out. I think I'll just have to take off the background picture.

Still it could be because of the above reason that Google is slow. Worth a shot, pretty easy to undo.

[SPMaximus]

btw, this dual booting crap is confusing, will i have to boot up Windows 7 to play games? or will i be able to play just on Ubuntu
Ive never done this before

[Paul1]

You'll probably have to boot up Windows to play games.

[Animavore]

You can really customize the shit out of this making its appearance unique.
The touchpad is working ok now. Google too, but only after I removed the background pic and left it plain white.

[Paul1]

And is it still running two things badly?

[SPMaximus]

You'll probably have to boot up Windows to play games.

That sucks >.<
Isnt it possible to boot them both at the same time with one running in the back in some sort of weird way

How bout VMWare, run win7 in a little window while having Ubuntu as the main? I have no idea what im saying

http://cdn.thetechjournal.com/wp-conten ... x_xp_1.jpg

http://dan.cx/blog/wp-content/uploads/2 ... ware-2.jpg

This is quite awesome

[Animavore]

It runs two things fine. It's working better now since I restarted it then it was initially. I just took down a bunch of updates. It even loaded much faster.

[Paul1]

You'll probably have to boot up Windows to play games.

That sucks >.<
Isnt it possible to boot them both at the same time with one running in the back in some sort of weird way

How bout VMWare, run win7 in a little window while having Ubuntu as the main? I have no idea what im saying

http://cdn.thetechjournal.com/wp-conten ... x_xp_1.jpg

http://dan.cx/blog/wp-content/uploads/2 ... ware-2.jpg

I didn't mention this as an option, it'd be too much for novice computer users. Could be a good learning curve though, it's not too difficult compared to trying to figure out "WINE HQ" for running windows programs.

But sure, if you have the know how If you're not running games, and so don't require decent 3D graphics support, perhaps Virtual Box is a better alternative.



Animavore, ah good good. Those Ubuntu developers are hot on fixing these problems.