I think ubuntu is out to get me! (several problems)

[Seiryuu]

Hello, I'm a complete newb to Linux, and it hasn't been getting on at all with my laptop.

The first thing i did the other day with no trouble was create a LiveUSB key loaded up with 10.04 lucid lynx.

I booted my laptop from USB, and took it for a test run using persistent mode. there were no major problems besides notable screen flicker when linux was loading up.

After a few uses, persistent mode stopped working, it would just hang on a flickery purple loading screen. The next problem was that the install option from the live usb menu doesn't function, it tries to load up, but ends up hanging on a black screen, with what appears to be thousands of numbers scrolling up the screen at a high speed (think of the matrix).

So i went into live mode, and followed the install icon, and all was fine, linux installed and booted up from the HDD with no problems (still flickers when loading up) it worked just fine other than that, untill i tried to reboot. where i got a "out of disk" error. So i had to reinstall with the same steps as before. same problem. Now it wont even boot from usb! i can get to the liveusb menu, but selecting "install" "live mode"or "persistant mode" all lead to the matrix-like numbers i mentioned earlier.

Now if i try to boot from HDD i get a blank screen with a _ (as if it wants me to type a command in)

Sorry for such a lengthly post, if anyone could shed any light on these problems it would be greatly appreciated

[devils casper]

Hi and Welcome !

Post your Machine's specs here. Which Graphics Card do you have?

[Seiryuu]

I'm using an Advent 5311 <- they even put "sell" in the name of the thing! which doesn't have a particularly good graphics card. It uses something called the SIS Mirage3.

Thanks for the reply by the way! peace

[zenwalker]

The new 'buntus LTS have graphics and other issues, hence I stay away from them. Your SIS Mirage3 is 4yr-old technology, too.
Personally, I would go with the new LinuxMint-9-xfce in your case. See it here Linux Mint 9 "Isadora" - Xfce (32-bit) - Linux Mint

Best wishes!

[glene77is]

Casper,
I have tried booting from USB flash drive,
and had to set the Post Delay to 10 seconds.
I think this allows my USB flash drive to charge up.
Just a comment.

[Seiryuu]

Thanks for all the help guys, I'll give Mint a whirl. Sorry for taking a while to reply, it took a while to gain access to a working computer