A quick dive into Ubuntu - and then straight out of the water...

[vh-bil]

I just got my self the latest copy of Linux Format and in there they where bragging about how good Fedora 8 is, which is the dist I use as I was a user since Red Hat 3. In the mag as well they had the figures on Linux dist usage which had Ubuntu at #1. I have never used it and thought to myself if every one is using it I should be as well. The installer was different where it was a LiveCD with an installer option. The install went well but I had problems with sound card not working and other hardware. The repository was installing older versions of software the Fedora which I was not used to such as a really old version of wine, and there seemed to be a lot less in the repository then Fedora.

I am using a newish type notebook HDX9004TX (Core2 Extreme, ATI HD2600, 20inch Monitor ) and I read that Ubuntu had problems with notebooks, I guess I just didn't want to waste time getting things to work "That just worked" in Fedora 8.

I have nothing against Ubuntu as they are all Linux to me, this is just my day today and my experience with it today. I am not finishing my Fedora 8 updates as I had to reinstall it.

I would love to hear from anyone that is running Ubuntu with a new notebook with a HD sound card and ATI HD series Gfx card. Was it hard to set up for you?

[SkittleLinux18]

I would love to hear from anyone that is running Ubuntu with a new notebook with a HD sound card and ATI HD series Gfx card. Was it hard to set up for you?

Measuring how much I agree with you on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being in 'strongest agreement' with you), I give a 13.

Ubuntu didn't work well on my laptop. Couldn't get it to install at all! I tried the Alternate Install CD and that fixed my install problems. However, Ubuntu only lasted two weeks until it decided it was time to quit working. More installs, more fixes, hours on LFO, a thousand headaches for a few helpers on these forums, and I threw in the towel. It did work well on my desktop though--while it was 'working.'

Here's how I feel about Ubuntu; it's two-parted:

1) Ubuntu is a fabulous Linux OS for newbies getting their feet wet in Linux. Ubuntu, PCLinuxOS, and Mandriva have got to be some of the easiest distros out there. If one doesn't work (e.g. your experience w/ Ubuntu on your laptop), just move on one of the other three. If you do get it to work, the environment is very easy to learn. Which is part of what you saw: fewer, older packages, a gui install, ect, ect. However, it's a) not always going to work, and b) too simple for more experienced Linux enthusiasts. So that leads me to point number...

2) Just get Mint! hahahaha... Take Ubuntu, make it a better OS that is prettier and has less problems and you get Linux Mint.

It's kind of like those commercials where someone says, "If you could get this ::screen flashes something fancy:: for the same price as this, ::screen flashes something less desirable:: why wouldn't you take it?"

If you can get Mint (something fancy) for the same price as Ubuntu, (something less desirable) why wouldn't you take it?

The long and short of it all, I don't find your experience with Ubuntu surprising or uncommon.

[reassuringlyoffensive]

Linux Mint is based on Fiesty right? An LTS release. For some users it's best to stick with those releases, you could almost say Gutsy never stopped being beta for some users.

Personally, I'm a big fan of Ubuntu/Debian and I'm looking forward to the release of Hardy.

Nathan

[vh-bil]

Mint is at #7 with a 3.40% markek share. and sorry about my gramma in my prev post, I was typing so fast as I was still reinistalling software

[vh-bil]

I posted the rankings here Linux Dist Ranking And Market Share - LXF101

[questio verum]

The install went well but I had problems with sound card not working and other hardware. The repository was installing older versions of software the Fedora which I was not used to such as a really old version of wine, and there seemed to be a lot less in the repository then Fedora.

I am using a newish type notebook HDX9004TX (Core2 Extreme, ATI HD2600, 20inch Monitor ) and I read that Ubuntu had problems with notebooks, I guess I just didn't want to waste time getting things to work "That just worked" in Fedora 8.

Just out of curiousity, what was the problem you encountered with your soundcard? Which soundcard was it?

It is quite possible that the Ubuntu repositories held older versions than you are used to with Fedora. Ubuntu is conservative when it comes to the repositories. In terms of the number of total packages though, Ubuntu has the most, by far. Debian is ranked second in total packages.

Ubuntu is presently my distro of choice, but I can't blame you for pulling it from your notebook. There are other, more notebook-friendly distros out there.

qv

[vh-bil]

My sound card I think is a SigmaTel HD.

I really can't see the difference in the dist's. The main difference in Linux to me is if you are a KDE or Gnome user. I use Gnome but have KDE installed for compatability. I know Ubuntu uses deb packages and Fedora uses rpm and there are othere differences like how the menus are set up etc. But it felt kind of the same as Fedora.

[techieMoe]

My sound card I think is a SigmaTel HD.

It's probably the same kind of card that my recent laptop has. If so, you'll want to look at these posts:

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Gutsy_Intel_HD_Audio_Controller
How To Install Ubuntu 7.10 (Gutsy) on Dell Inspiron 1520 - Ubuntu Forums

I really can't see the difference in the dist's. The main difference in Linux to me is if you are a KDE or Gnome user.

Bingo! Congratulations. You've discovered the universal truth of Linux distributions: the main difference between them is their appearance. Whether or not you like it is up to personal preference. You are one step closer to enlightenment, grasshopper.

[techieMoe]

Linux Mint is based on Fiesty right? An LTS release.

The last LTS release was 6.06 LTS "Dapper Drake". The next LTS release is at the end of this month, 8.04 LTS "Hardy Heron." Feisty Fawn and Gutsy Gibbon were regular releases.

[reassuringlyoffensive]

The last LTS release was 6.06 LTS "Dapper Drake". The next LTS release is at the end of this month, 8.04 LTS "Hardy Heron." Feisty Fawn and Gutsy Gibbon were regular releases.

I stand/sit corrected.

Not sure why I thought that, maybe cos so many have stuck with Fiesty.

Nathan