NationStates Jolt Archive


Ubuntu Help Please

Antikythera
29-07-2007, 20:27
Hi NSG! I'm remembering that some of you use Linux and that some of you might be using Ubuntu. I just built a computer and I put Feisty Fawn (Ubuntu 7.04) on it, my problem is that I can't find Drivers for it any where. Part of my problem might be that I don't really have a clue about what i should be looking for. If you need the specs for the comp let me know and I'll post them. Thanks!!!

EDIT:
here are the specs for the hardware on the comp. IF you need the rest of it just ask.
Motherboard:
MSI 945P Neo3 Series MS-7236(V2.X) or (V2.2)

CPU:
Intel Core2 Duo

Graphics card:
It's a 3Dfx 5500 PCI 64MB SDRAM Voodoo5 32 BIT Color.

EDIT 2: I have been on the Ubuntu forums and have not received much help.
Nadkor
29-07-2007, 20:36
Linux in not as easy as people make out shocker.
Hydesland
29-07-2007, 20:38
Ubuntu Help Please...

..install windows.
Antikythera
29-07-2007, 20:41
Linux in not as easy as people make out shocker.

I'm aware of that, thats why I'm asking for help.

..install windows.

I can't afford to shell out 400+ for an operating system.
Hydesland
29-07-2007, 20:42
i cant afford to shell out 400+ for an operating system.

Who says you have to buy it? ;)
Antikythera
29-07-2007, 20:45
Who says you have to buy it? ;)

True, but I did build this comp partly for fun and it partly for 4-H. 4-H is quite big on the whole ethics bit so a stolen/"free" copy is out of the pic. But I have considered buying an old Win 98 or 95.
Hydesland
29-07-2007, 20:56
Wait, i'm pretty sure Vista is currently around $60
Antikythera
29-07-2007, 21:01
Wait, i'm pretty sure Vista is currently around $60

:confused: You sure? Maybe thats only if your updating from what you have.
The Alma Mater
29-07-2007, 21:02
-> http://ubuntuforums.org/ <-
Antikythera
29-07-2007, 21:07
-> http://ubuntuforums.org/ <-

Thanks, I'll ask around there as well.:)
The_pantless_hero
29-07-2007, 22:17
1) Don't install Linux unless you know what you are doing beforehand. As much as Linux fanboys like to pretend, Linux is not a "for normal computer user" OS. It isn't Windows or even Mac.

2) Look for a Linux nerd. They are easy to spot: they go around badmouthing Windows and bragging about having Linux installed on some completely absurd thing - a console, an iPod, a calculator, a watch, etc.
Posi
29-07-2007, 22:19
Hi NSG! I'm remembering that some of you use Linux and that some of you might be using Ubuntu. I just built a computer and I put Feisty Fawn (Ubuntu 7.04) on it, my problem is that I can't find Drivers for it any where. Part of my problem might be that I don't really have a clue about what i should be looking for. If you need the specs for the comp let me know and I'll post them. Thanks!!!Drivers for what?
Antikythera
29-07-2007, 22:26
Drivers for what?

I don't even know if drivers are my problem it was just a guess. Here is what I cant make work. Really I am quite clueless when it comes to this sort of thing.

I cant install the cd that came with my motherboard

It wont recognize a LAN cable internet connection, its looking for a modem. I haven't tried installing the wireless card I have figuring that it won't recognize it either.

The screen resolution is messed up and I cant change it.
Smunkeeville
29-07-2007, 22:26
Wait, i'm pretty sure Vista is currently around $60

that would probably be the upgrade after you already have another form of windows to build on.

You can steal Windows if you don't have a problem being a software pirate and a thief.


However, I have a problem even buying Windows because it sucks, there is no way I would steal it.

http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Feisty

if you can't find what you need to know there, they have forums and you can ask actual people who won't be smart-asses.

I am not really familiar with the Feisty build so I can't help much more than that.
Damor
29-07-2007, 22:27
1) Don't install Linux unless you know what you are doing beforehand. As much as Linux fanboys like to pretend, Linux is not a "for normal computer user" OS. It isn't Windows or even Mac.When is the last time you tried linux? Because practically everyone and their mother can use ubuntu and similar flavours of linux.
Smunkeeville
29-07-2007, 22:28
When is the last time you tried linux? Because practically everyone and their mother can use ubuntu and similar flavours of linux.

you mean anyone with a brain left. Windows has sucked any computer skills anyone possibly had right out of their head.

"next, next, next, next, next, finish"

yep, that's Windows.
The_pantless_hero
29-07-2007, 22:30
When is the last time you tried linux? Because practically everyone and their mother can use ubuntu and similar flavours of linux.

And yet we have this topic. Moving on.

I feel no need to sacrifice ease of use and compatibility to stick it to the man.
Smunkeeville
29-07-2007, 22:33
And yet we have this topic. Moving on.

and nobody has ever posted a topic for Windows help?

oh, wait, a LOT of people have.
Antikythera
29-07-2007, 22:38
that would probably be the upgrade after you already have another form of windows to build on.

You can steal Windows if you don't have a problem being a software pirate and a thief.


However, I have a problem even buying Windows because it sucks, there is no way I would steal it.

http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Feisty

if you can't find what you need to know there, they have forums and you can ask actual people who won't be smart-asses.

I am not really familiar with the Feisty build so I can't help much more than that.

I've asked around on the Ubuntu forums and haven't gotten much help, but considering i don't even know what my problem is, I guess thats not to surprising.
The_pantless_hero
29-07-2007, 22:39
and nobody has ever posted a topic for Windows help?

oh, wait, a LOT of people have.
"Clinton did it."
Hydesland
29-07-2007, 22:40
and nobody has ever posted a topic for Windows help?

oh, wait, a LOT of people have.

And it's usually on very comlpex things, something to do with an external program, or the poster is retarded.
Smunkeeville
29-07-2007, 22:40
I've asked around on the Ubuntu forums and haven't gotten much help, but considering i don't even know what my problem is, I guess thats not to surprising.

I will describe your issues to my IT guy and see what kind of response I get. I will probably have some sort of help for you soon......since I will refuse him dinner unless he posts to help you. ;) (if that doesn't work I could refuse sex)
Antikythera
29-07-2007, 22:41
And yet we have this topic. Moving on.

I feel no need to sacrifice ease of use and compatibility to stick it to the man.

I agree, however at the moment I can't afford a Windows OS and I wanted to give Linux a chance.
Antikythera
29-07-2007, 22:42
I will describe your issues to my IT guy and see what kind of response I get. I will probably have some sort of help for you soon......since I will refuse him dinner unless he posts to help you. ;) (if that doesn't work I could refuse sex)

Thanks Smunkee :)
Damor
29-07-2007, 22:48
And yet we have this topic. Moving on.Ah yes, we never ever have any topic from people having problems with windows..

I feel no need to sacrifice ease of use and compatibility to stick it to the man.Compatibility? Windows is as incompatible with linux as linux is incompatible with windows; that works both ways. And apparently you can run linux binaries on macs, so surely macs are more compatible than either.
As for ease of use, it's just what you're used to. Both linux and windows have aspects in which they are easier to use than the other.
Nadkor
29-07-2007, 22:48
and nobody has ever posted a topic for Windows help?

oh, wait, a LOT of people have.

Well, let me put it like this...

Time between beginning Vista install and seeing desktop: c.30-40 mins
Time between beginning Ubuntu (feisty) install and seeing desktop: c.6 hours

Number of problems I had getting drivers for Vista: 1 (TV card)
Number of problems I had getting drivers for Ubuntu: too many to count

Network/Internet connections available when I had Vista up and running: 1
Network/Internet connections available when I had Ubuntu up and running: 0

Length of time Vista has remained as my OS: about 2 months straight now
Length of time Ubuntu remained as my OS: less than a day
The_pantless_hero
29-07-2007, 22:49
Ah yes, we never ever have any topic from people having problems with windows..
"Clinton did it."

Compatability? Windows is as incompatible with linux as linux is incompatible with windows;
Oh yeah, that is totally what I was talking about - compatibility with each other :rolleyes:
UpwardThrust
29-07-2007, 22:50
And it's usually on very comlpex things, something to do with an external program, or the poster is retarded.

I spend about 8 hours a day fixing "windows problems" on non idiots computers about 20 percent of them are driver problems alone
Posi
29-07-2007, 22:52
I cant install the cd that came with my motherboardThis confuses me. Is your CD drive not working? Or did are you trying to use the CD that came with your motherboard to install drivers? The latter won't work because all the drivers are made for Windows. Those who do make Linux drivers they tend to submit their drivers directly to the Linux kernel so they can work out of the box.

It wont recognize a LAN cable internet connection, its looking for a modem. I haven't tried installing the wireless card I have figuring that it won't recognize it either.
Oi. In the system tray, there should be an icon with a little computer and a red X or something. That is your network manager app. Click on it, and tell me the options it presents.
The screen resolution is messed up and I cant change it.
First, what is the resolution you want, and what resolution are you getting?

Second, open up the file manager (nautilus) and go to /etc/X11/, open up xorg.conf, look for a section called device (ctrl+f to open the find dialog, and search for device). It should have a line that says name and another that says driver. Post both of those lines, plzkthnxbi.
Smunkeeville
29-07-2007, 22:52
My loving and yet manipulative wife has loaned me her account to post since my nation died again.

You can try a different version of Ubuntu, when we first tried Edubuntu on my wife's portable it didn't work because it was missing drivers, but Ubuntu version 6.06 worked fine. Sometimes with a new build it's a while until they get all the drivers. If you need an OS now but can't buy Windows, I would suggest getting a slightly older build of Ubuntu and then upgrading later.

If you know the information on your graphics card and your network card I can attempt to find drivers for you.

Smunkee's sex slave/IT professional/hero.
Damor
29-07-2007, 22:53
Oh yeah, that is totally what I was talking about - compatibility with each other :rolleyes:Well what are you talking about then?
Cause I had less cross-*nix compatibility problems then cross-win problems. Hardly any of my old win-apps runs under XP.
UpwardThrust
29-07-2007, 22:56
My loving and yet manipulative wife has loaned me her account to post since my nation died again.

You can try a different version of Ubuntu, when we first tried Edubuntu on my wife's portable it didn't work because it was missing drivers, but Ubuntu version 6.06 worked fine. Sometimes with a new build it's a while until they get all the drivers. If you need an OS now but can't buy Windows, I would suggest getting a slightly older build of Ubuntu and then upgrading later.

If you know the information on your graphics card and your network card I can attempt to find drivers for you.

Smunkee's sex slave/IT professional/hero.

True we had to step back to something with a 2.4 kernel because the newer hard drive power management was fubar because HP made some non standard changes to their motherboards
Posi
29-07-2007, 23:10
You can try a different version of Ubuntu, when we first tried Edubuntu on my wife's portable it didn't work because it was missing drivers, but Ubuntu version 6.06 worked fine. Sometimes with a new build it's a while until they get all the drivers. If you need an OS now but can't buy Windows, I would suggest getting a slightly older build of Ubuntu and then upgrading later.
SATA issues? They changed how ATA is handled in a kernel released somewheres between Dapper and Edgy, allowing the selection of support for individual drives. Ubuntu has not selected as many drivers SATA/PATA drivers as they should have since the change.

That said, Fiesty should have more drivers than Dapper, as new kernels don't lose drivers. Either Ubuntu has been trying to select less drivers for their kernel (seems very un-Ubuntu) or their hardware detection scripts have gotten worse.
Ruby City
29-07-2007, 23:16
Hardware drivers should already be included. The only tricky exceptions are 3D graphics, wireless networking and unusual hardware. Try the live CDs of another Linux distribution or a couple to see if they include drivers for your hardware. Personally I'd recommend Mepis (http://www.mepis.org).

BTW, installing any operating system is a task for experienced users, not for newbies who have never even used the operating system in question. That is why most PCs come with an OS preloaded and recovery disks that are easier to use then a generic install disk. If you know any Linux user then ask them to set it up for you. If not then good luck. The guys at Ubuntuforums are very nice and helpful. If you can describe your problem accurately and someone knows the answer they'll help you. Someone else has usually already asked about the same problem so the quickest way to get the answer is to use the search function and find out what help they received.



As for the ease of use debate... There is no difference in the ease of actually using one operating system or the other. You do exactly the same everyday tasks regardless of which OS the applications you use run on. For example you check your email, surf the web, edit images, write documents and so on.

The difference between different operating systems is in the ease of administration. It's installing the OS, installing applications, making backups, managing user accounts and those kinds of things that work differently. Each OS has it's ups and downs here, yes even Windows. The most important factor is that the devil you know and are used to is always easier to get along with then other OSes that you are unfamiliar with. Luckily you don't need to do administrative tasks every day on a home computer.
Antikythera
29-07-2007, 23:16
This confuses me. Is your CD drive not working? Or did are you trying to use the CD that came with your motherboard to install drivers? The latter won't work because all the drivers are made for Windows. Those who do make Linux drivers they tend to submit their drivers directly to the Linux kernel so they can work out of the box.
the cd drive is working fine, thats how I got the os installed. as for the m/b cd i have no idea thats on it, but I am guessing that your correct about it being drivers.


Oi. In the system tray, there should be an icon with a little computer and a red X or something. That is your network manager app. Click on it, and tell me the options it presents.
the only option i can click is the one that says MANUAL CONFIGURATION. If I click that a box titled Network stetting appears and under the CONNECTIONS tab it lists modem connection.
First, what is the resolution you want, and what resolution are you getting?

Second, open up the file manager (nautilus) and go to /etc/X11/, open up xorg.conf, look for a section called device (ctrl+f to open the find dialog, and search for device). It should have a line that says name and another that says driver. Post both of those lines, plzkthnxbi.

Again I am not sure that the resolution is the problem. I guess the best way to describe it would be like this. Its like the image that they comp is sending to the comp screen is to big for the screen to display so its just cutting off what ever doesn't fit. In this case it happens to be the bottom edge of open windows and some times the right edge.

EDIT: according to the "screen resolution preferences" deal the resolution i have atm is 640x480

I tried to open the file manager and could not find it so I searched for nautilus I found a bunch of user guides, Eventually I think I found what you are having me look for but its saying that I need an Internet connection to update it.
ColaDrinkers
29-07-2007, 23:22
You can't install the drivers on the CD that came with your motherboard since those drivers are for Windows only. You don't need them anyway.

Have you set up your network? You need to use the network tool (should be in the menus somewhere) and fill in the correct information here.

And finally for your X problem, and most likely the only real problem you have, it appears your monitor wasn't properly detected and it fell back on a safe, and low, resolution. I probably shouldn't try to help you with that, though, since I only know "the hard way" to do it.

Oh, and this is pretty much the worst place on the Internet to ask about Linux. You will get much better replies if you post on Ubuntu Forums or join #ubuntuforums on FreeNode. IRC is the best way to get a quick answer.
Antikythera
29-07-2007, 23:25
My loving and yet manipulative wife has loaned me her account to post since my nation died again.

You can try a different version of Ubuntu, when we first tried Edubuntu on my wife's portable it didn't work because it was missing drivers, but Ubuntu version 6.06 worked fine. Sometimes with a new build it's a while until they get all the drivers. If you need an OS now but can't buy Windows, I would suggest getting a slightly older build of Ubuntu and then upgrading later.

If you know the information on your graphics card and your network card I can attempt to find drivers for you.

Smunkee's sex slave/IT professional/hero.

Ok I might try a different version if I cant get this one to work.
here are the specs for the graphics card it's a 3Dfx 5500 PCI 64MB SDRAM Voodoo5 32 BIT Color. As for the net work card I was just using to port that is on the mother board. the Mother board is a MSI 945P Neo3 series MS-7236(V2.X) or (V2.2) mainboard. the board says v2.2 the installation book says v2.x.
Edinburgh City Council
29-07-2007, 23:27
Well, let me put it like this...

Time between beginning Vista install and seeing desktop: c.30-40 mins
Time between beginning Ubuntu (feisty) install and seeing desktop: c.6 hours

Number of problems I had getting drivers for Vista: 1 (TV card)
Number of problems I had getting drivers for Ubuntu: too many to count

Network/Internet connections available when I had Vista up and running: 1
Network/Internet connections available when I had Ubuntu up and running: 0

Length of time Vista has remained as my OS: about 2 months straight now
Length of time Ubuntu remained as my OS: less than a day


I am a windows guy and yet I am writing this on a laptop running Ubuntu 7.04.
The switch wasn't by choice but my windows installation keeled over and the re-install didn't work as the machine refused to read the disk. Now I was no stranger to Linux having tried some weird GUI-less variety at Uni as well as Mandriva, Knoppix and SUSE but never for very long. My trouble was always a lack of drivers. The computer can work in any peculiar manner but I need internet access and I need to be able to print. None of these flavours of Linux would recognise the wireless facility in my Centrino chip or either of the two wireless PCMCIA cards I have (Belkin and Netgear). I know that Belkin at least refuse to contemplate Linux drivers.

I was coerced by the Windows failure into trying Ubuntu. The install was clean and took about an hour if I remember with any degree of accuracy. It was painless at any rate. But then I had to see if I could get the Netgear card running. Ubuntu recognised the card almost immediately. In the end all it took was the password for the router and I was connected and better still it recognised the Centrino chip too and now I have a dual connection to my router so the bits just fly into my PC.

I find Ubuntu easy to use (even the CTRL+C, CTRL+V shortcuts are the same) and have all the programs I need - Firefox, Thunderbird, Open Office - built in from the start.

I have not solved the printer problem yet. I just use my wife's machine for printing but whenever we need a new printer it's going to be one with a Linux driver available. I have a Lexmark X1170. Lexmark have opened their software to the Linux community to write drivers but the uptake is slow and the X1170 hasn't been covered yet.

So, to the OP I would say that the drivers may be there, you just need to tell Ubuntu what you want. I like Ubuntu and will probably stick with it even if I get a new machine.

and...
Time between beginning XP install and seeing desktop: 60 mins
Time between beginning Ubuntu (feisty) install and seeing desktop: c.60 mins

Number of problems I had getting drivers for XP: 0
Number of problems I had getting drivers for Ubuntu: 1 (Printer)

Network/Internet connections available when I had XP up and running: 1
Network/Internet connections available when I had Ubuntu up and running: 2

Length of time XP was my OS: about 2 years
Length of time Ubuntu has been my OS: since March
Posi
29-07-2007, 23:41
the only option i can click is the one that says MANUAL CONFIGURATION. If I click that a box titled Network stetting appears and under the CONNECTIONS tab it lists modem connection.
Um, shit. What mobo do you have again? *is too lazy to find the ubuntuforums post again*
Again I am not sure that the resolution is the problem. I guess the best way to describe it would be like this. Its like the image that they comp is sending to the comp screen is to big for the screen to display so its just cutting off what ever doesn't fit. In this case it happens to be the bottom edge of open windows and some times the right edge.

I tried to open the file manager and could not find it so I searched for nautilus I found a bunch of user guides, Eventually I think I found what you are having me look for but its saying that I need an Internet connection to update it.
To open the file manager, click Places->*Your User Name*'s Home or you can press ALT+F2 and type nautilus in the box.

But try System->Preferences->Screen Resolution and try a smaller resolution. If you have an LCD screen, this same thing could be caused by the image being to small (LCD's are picky about the image they are sent. They can only display one size, so they have to scale any other sizes to the one they can display). Anyways, open that file I told you to earlier IF selecting a smaller resolution does not work.
Antikythera
29-07-2007, 23:45
Um, shit. What mobo do you have again? *is too lazy to find the ubuntuforums post again*
Ubuntu 7.04 feisty fawn

To open the file manager, click Places->*Your User Name*'s Home or you can press ALT+F2 and type nautilus in the box.

But try System->Preferences->Screen Resolution and try a smaller resolution. If you have an LCD screen, this same thing could be caused by the image being to small (LCD's are picky about the image they are sent. They can only display one size, so they have to scale any other sizes to the one they can display). Anyways, open that file I told you to earlier IF selecting a smaller resolution does not work.

I do have a LCD. I can not change the resolution the only option that i have is 640x480 with a refresh rate of 60 Hz
Lindinia
29-07-2007, 23:45
It wont recognize a LAN cable internet connection, its looking for a modem. I haven't tried installing the wireless card I have figuring that it won't recognize it either.


This probably isn't it -- but when did you plug in the LAN cable? When I used Ubuntu a couple of years ago it wouldn't connect unless the cable was plugged in before the computer booted. I'm pretty sure they have got that fixed, but...
Antikythera
29-07-2007, 23:46
This probably isn't it -- but when did you plug in the LAN cable? When I used Ubuntu a couple of years ago it wouldn't connect unless the cable was plugged in before the computer booted. I'm pretty sure they have got that fixed, but...

When i first plugged it in the comp was on but since then it has been turned off and on several times.
Rejistania
29-07-2007, 23:58
What hardware are you using? How well is its Linux support according to the net?
Posi
30-07-2007, 00:01
Ubuntu 7.04 feisty fawn
Motherboard. It was a MSI something or other.

I do have a LCD. I can not change the resolution the only option that i have is 640x480 with a refresh rate of 60 Hz
Too low then. Open a terminal and type sudo dpkg-reconfigure xserver-xorg
You should see an ugly ass blue screen with a grey dialog in the middle (if not add -core to the very end of that command). The arrow keys and tab will move you selection around (the red box), and the Enter/Return key will select that option.

Basically, use whatever defaults it gives you until you get to a screen asking about screen resolution. The space bar can be used to toggle options. Unselect all options except for the screen resolution you want. Then press tab and press enter on OK. Then continue on selecting the defaults.
Jeruselem
30-07-2007, 00:47
Graphics card:
It's a 3Dfx 5500 PCI 64MB SDRAM Voodoo5 32 BIT Color.

EDIT 2: I have been on the Ubuntu forums and have not received much help.

Voodoo5? Wow, never seen those before. Good luck with drivers for that!
For some reason, Linux geeks love nVidia ... probably because it's the only video drivers that work in Linux properly.
Posi
30-07-2007, 00:57
Voodoo5? Wow, never seen those before. Good luck with drivers for that!
For some reason, Linux geeks love nVidia ... probably because it's the only video drivers that work in Linux properly.There is the Vesa driver, it supports everything.
EDIT: Intel works even better, but lots of people want a discrete card so they can run games or Blender. In that case an nvidia is your best bet. When Intel starts producing discrete cards next year, you will see nvidia demonized the same way ATI is now.
Jeruselem
30-07-2007, 01:16
There is the Vesa driver, it supports everything.
EDIT: Intel works even better, but lots of people want a discrete card so they can run games or Blender. In that case an nvidia is your best bet. When Intel starts producing discrete cards next year, you will see nvidia demonized the same way ATI is now.

I'm an discrete video card person, if its not good enough - replace it! Integrated, you're stuck with it and it steals main memory anyway.
Posi
30-07-2007, 01:27
I'm an discrete video card person, if its not good enough - replace it! Integrated, you're stuck with it and it steals main memory anyway.Most PC's built for Windows XP have more RAM than Linux is ever going to use for desktop usage (512MiB is generally considered enough, too much if you ask certain people). So having it steal your system RAM is a non issue as you have 512MiB for the system, 225MiB for the graphics, 287MiB doing nothing and then you have swap. Also, unless you are going to run the few Linux games, Blender or CAD, integrated is all you will need. Even the 3D effects work without a hitch (actually, they are easiest to setup on Intel graphics).
Jeruselem
30-07-2007, 01:32
Most PC's built for Windows XP have more RAM than Linux is ever going to use for desktop usage (512MiB is generally considered enough, too much if you ask certain people). So having it steal your system RAM is a non issue as you have 512MiB for the system, 225MiB for the graphics, 287MiB doing nothing and then you have swap. Also, unless you are going to run the few Linux games, Blender or CAD, integrated is all you will need. Even the 3D effects work without a hitch (actually, they are easiest to setup on Intel graphics).

I'm just the old-fashioned type who's been though the era when video cards took memory from the system memory - "Shared' memory. I don't like idea of hot video cards in the motherboard anyway.
Posi
30-07-2007, 01:45
I'm just the old-fashioned type who's been though the era when video cards took memory from the system memory - "Shared' memory. I don't like idea of hot video cards in the motherboard anyway.I was that way too, until I set up Linux on Intel hardware. I did not have to do shit and it was perfectly configured. It almost made me wish my rig had Intel integrated graphics. I was in awe.
Jeruselem
30-07-2007, 01:48
I was that way too, until I set up Linux on Intel hardware. I did not have to do shit and it was perfectly configured. It almost made me wish my rig had Intel integrated graphics. I was in awe.

I've had a video card overheat (case was a little undercooled LOL) and die on me before. Solution was simple, replace card. I just like to be able to do that. Having owned a laptops when bits on-board don't work, burnt motherboards aren't my thing!

I own a nVidia 7600GT Extreme Edition overclocked out of the factory slightly in the desktop and the laptop runs an X1700 (PCI Express).
UpwardThrust
30-07-2007, 01:56
I've had a video card overheat (case was a little undercooled LOL) and die on me before. Solution was simple, replace card. I just like to be able to do that. Having owned a laptops when bits on-board don't work, burnt motherboards aren't my thing!

I owned a nVidia 7600GT Extreme Edition overclocked out of the factory slightly in the desktop and the laptop runs an X1700 (PCI Express).

I have had good experience with plug in cards after internal cards burn
SimNewtonia
30-07-2007, 02:35
I have not solved the printer problem yet. I just use my wife's machine for printing but whenever we need a new printer it's going to be one with a Linux driver available. I have a Lexmark X1170. Lexmark have opened their software to the Linux community to write drivers but the uptake is slow and the X1170 hasn't been covered yet.


Thanks for the warning. I also have an X1170, and am going to dual boot Feisty with XP. (I'm waiting on the CD to come in, and for funds to permit me to bu

At least it's being worked on.
Posi
30-07-2007, 02:45
Thanks for the warning. I also have an X1170, and am going to dual boot Feisty with XP. (I'm waiting on the CD to come in, and for funds to permit me to bu

At least it's being worked on.Yes, Lexmark has by far the worst Linux Printer Drivers. HP and Epson are quite the opposite.
Antikythera
30-07-2007, 02:53
Motherboard. It was a MSI something or other.
gah, sorry don't know how I goofed that one up.
Its a MSI 945P Neo3 Series MS-7236(V2.X) or (V2.2)


Too low then. Open a terminal and type sudo dpkg-reconfigure xserver-xorg
You should see an ugly ass blue screen with a grey dialog in the middle (if not add -core to the very end of that command). The arrow keys and tab will move you selection around (the red box), and the Enter/Return key will select that option.

Basically, use whatever defaults it gives you until you get to a screen asking about screen resolution. The space bar can be used to toggle options. Unselect all options except for the screen resolution you want. Then press tab and press enter on OK. Then continue on selecting the defaults.

cool I'll give it a try
Antikythera
30-07-2007, 02:54
Voodoo5? Wow, never seen those before. Good luck with drivers for that!
For some reason, Linux geeks love nVidia ... probably because it's the only video drivers that work in Linux properly.

Interesting. I got the card from my brother, he had an extra so he gave it to me.
Jeruselem
30-07-2007, 02:59
Interesting. I got the card from my brother, he had an extra so he gave it to me.

The Voodoo 5 was the last of the Voodoo production cards, quite rare as 3dfx were swallowed by nVidia. It's a real collections item!

I had a Voodoo Banshee but it was ... err crap.
Antikythera
30-07-2007, 03:05
The Voodoo 5 was the last of the Voodoo production cards, quite rare as 3dfx were swallowed by nVidia. It's a real collections item!

I had a Voodoo Banshee but it was ... err crap.

sweet I'll sell it on ebay:p


but uh...i think my have killed or really confused my poor computer trying to reset the resolution.....
Jeruselem
30-07-2007, 03:09
sweet I'll sell it on ebay:p


but uh...i think my have killed or really confused my poor computer trying to reset the resolution.....

Don't kill the last working Voodoo 5 video card with Ubuntu! :eek:
Antikythera
30-07-2007, 03:13
Don't kill the last working Voodoo 5 video card with Ubuntu! :eek:

I'm trying to avoid that :(:(:eek:
Posi
30-07-2007, 03:21
gah, sorry don't know how I goofed that one up.
Its a MSI 945P Neo3 Series MS-7236(V2.X) or (V2.2) Download this: ftp://210.51.181.211/cn/nic/r8168-8.002.00.tar.bz2

Transfer it to Ubuntu somehow.
Extract it in your home folder (/home/$Your User Name$).
Open up a terminal. Move into the folder you just extracted.
cd r8168-8.002.00
Build the kernel module.
sudo make clean modules
sudo make install
Have the kernel figure out where the module is.
sudo depmod -a
Reboot. And you should have internet. If not, run:
sudo insmod ~/r8168-8.002.00/src/r8168.ko
Then wait a few minutes. Now you should have internet.

Try that, report back if it works.
Antikythera
30-07-2007, 03:27
ok i will. but really quick...how do i get out of the terminal once i'm done reconfiguring? i went through and it sent me back to the normal desk top- no changes. So i shut down and restarted, it seemed quite unhappy with me.
It had me log back in in a command window as opposed to the normal window then it came up with a like that looked like this
rachel@rachel-desktop:~$
not knowing what to do i reentered the sudo dpkg-reconfigure ect. redid that whole thing- which went fine till it asked me what my desired defalt color depth in bits i had the choice of 15,16, or 24. I went with the 24 and hit ok and it came back with the rachel@rachel-desktop:~$ line...I'm stuck on what to do next.
Posi
30-07-2007, 03:35
ok i will. but really quick...how do i get out of the terminal once i'm done reconfiguring? i went through and it sent me back to the normal desk top- no changes. So i shut down and restarted, it seemed quite unhappy with me.
It had me log back in in a command window as opposed to the normal window then it came up with a like that looked like this
rachel@rachel-desktop:~$
not knowing what to do i reentered the sudo dpkg-reconfigure ect. redid that whole thing- which went fine till it asked me what my desired defalt color depth in bits i had the choice of 15,16, or 24. I went with the 24 and hit ok and it came back with the rachel@rachel-desktop:~$ line...I'm stuck on what to do next.
You know that there is a terminal in the Applications menu under Accessories?

Anyways:
sudo killall gdm
sudo gdm

EDIT: Worry about this situation first before the internet thing.
Antikythera
30-07-2007, 03:58
yeah I use the terminal under the applications menu to start this.

but i just tried this sudo killall gdm
sudo gdm and it didnt help. the screen flashed a few times black then came up with a blue box with a gray box that says
Failed to start the X server ( your graphical interface). It is likely that it is not set up correctly. would you like to view the X server out put to diagnose the problum? yes or no
if i hit yes it comes back with this
the X sever is now disabled. restart gdm when it is configured correctly.
ok
then back to the rachel@rachel-desktop:~$
I tried this
sudo kill all gdm
it cane back wiht this
ERROR: garbage process ID "gdm"
Usage:
kill pid ... Send SIGTERM to every process listed.
kill signal pid... Send a signal to every process listed.
kill -s signal pid... Send a signal to every process listed.
kill -l list all single names.
kill -L list all single names in a nice table.
kill - signal Convert between signal numbers and names.
rachel@rachel-desktop:~$ sudo gdm (i entered the sudo bit)
GDM already running. Aborting!
rachel@rachel-desktop:~$

if i reenter the sudo reconfigure bit and redo that i end up with the same issue..

sorry and thank you so very much for putting up with my incompetence

if i restart the comp it comes back with the command window log in and ask for my login no problum the it asks for my passward and my number keys wont/don't work, a problem as my password is all numbers. however if i hit enter they do work...but it doesnt log me in :confused: sorry again
Posi
30-07-2007, 04:04
yeah I use the terminal under the applications menu to start this.

but i just tried this sudo killall gdm
sudo gdm and it didnt help. the screen flashed a few times black then came up with a blue box with a gray box that says

if i hit yes it comes back with this

then back to the rachel@rachel-desktop:~$
I tried this
sudo kill all gdm
it cane back wiht this
ERROR: garbage process ID "gdm"
Usage:
kill pid ... Send SIGTERM to every process listed.
kill signal pid... Send a signal to every process listed.
kill -s signal pid... Send a signal to every process listed.
kill -l list all single names.
kill -L list all single names in a nice table.
kill - signal Convert between signal numbers and names.
rachel@rachel-desktop:~$ sudo gdm (i entered the sudo bit)
GDM already running. Aborting!
rachel@rachel-desktop:~$

sorry and thank you so very much for putting up with my incompetence
Oi, the best I can suggest now is reinstalling. With out a working internet connection, diagnosing your problem is going to be hard, as you can't post error logs as attachments.

If the screen resolution problem is still there, I know another way to fix it.
Antikythera
30-07-2007, 04:18
Oi, the best I can suggest now is reinstalling. With out a working internet connection, diagnosing your problem is going to be hard, as you can't post error logs as attachments.

If the screen resolution problem is still there, I know another way to fix it.

alright well I'll try reinstalling and see what happens.
Antikythera
30-07-2007, 06:18
well I got it reinstalled and switched monitors so that fixed my resolution problum for the time being.:)

I burned that file to a cd and stuck it in the comp it came up with a box that said
cannot mount volume. Invalid mount option when attempting to mount the volume 'UDF Volume'
Jeruselem
30-07-2007, 06:36
well I got it reinstalled and switched monitors so that fixed my resolution problum for the time being.:)

I burned that file to a cd and stuck it in the comp it came up with a box that said

This might help
https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/util-linux/+bug/44233
Posi
30-07-2007, 06:43
well I got it reinstalled and switched monitors so that fixed my resolution problum for the time being.:)

I burned that file to a cd and stuck it in the comp it came up with a box that saidSo how about the internet? I don't expect anything Reatek to work out of the box, but have you try my suggestion of hopefully not doom this time?
Antikythera
30-07-2007, 06:46
So how about the internet? I don't expect anything Reatek to work out of the box, but have you try my suggestion of hopefully not doom this time?

still no luck with the internet. the file burned to a cd didn't work and i don't know of another way of getting the file on the comp.
ah no worries the doom of the last suggestion was entirely my fault.
Posi
30-07-2007, 07:20
still no luck with the internet. the file burned to a cd didn't work and i don't know of another way of getting the file on the comp.
ah no worries the doom of the last suggestion was entirely my fault.
Post the contents of /etc/fstab (you seem to be hitting every problem imaginable :()
Antikythera
30-07-2007, 07:24
Post the contents of /etc/fstab (you seem to be hitting every problem imaginable :()

mk i'll post the content in the morning, but for now im calling it a night.

thanks so much for your help:fluffle:
Antikythera
30-07-2007, 18:05
alright, well I opened a terminal and entered /etc/fstab I got this back
rachel@rachel-desktop:~$ /ect/fstab
bash: /ect/fstab:No such file or directory
rachel@rachel-desktop:~$ / ect/ fstab
bash: /: Is a directory

then I went to places, search for files, entered /ect/fstab and got a no files found reply.

But I'm guessing that I'm not looking in the right place.
Posi
30-07-2007, 18:07
alright, well I opened a terminal and entered /etc/fstab I got this back
rachel@rachel-desktop:~$ /ect/fstab
bash: /ect/fstab:No such file or directory
rachel@rachel-desktop:~$ / ect/ fstab
bash: /: Is a directory

then I went to places, search for files, entered /ect/fstab and got a no files found reply.

But I'm guessing that I'm not looking in the right place.
Open it in a text editor and post the contents.
Antikythera
30-07-2007, 18:21
Open it in a text editor and post the contents.

OK, I opened it in the test editor and got got back a message saying could not find the file /ect/fstab.


what is supposed to be in this file?
Posi
30-07-2007, 18:30
OK, I opened it in the test editor and got got back a message saying could not find the file /ect/fstab.


what is supposed to be in this file?
You misspelled it. It is /etc/fstab

It contains information on how drives and disks are mounted (added to the filesystem so that you can read from them and write to them).
The Mindset
30-07-2007, 18:34
Yet another example of how Linux (even Ubuntu, one of the better desktop distros) is not ready for the desktop of the average user.

In Windows, or Mac OS, you'd never, under any circumstances, have to go through something as ridiculously contrived and complicated as this, just to make the OS work properly. Never.

It reeks of bad design practises.
Posi
30-07-2007, 18:38
Yet another example of how Linux (even Ubuntu, one of the better desktop distros) is not ready for the desktop of the average user.

In Windows, or Mac OS, you'd never, under any circumstances, have to go through something as ridiculously contrived and complicated as this, just to make the OS work properly. Never.

It reeks of bad design practises.Oh, yeah?
IOh, yeah, there were a couple of mysterious crashes at the beginning but they seem to have disappeared now. And the incredibly vanishing DVD drive, but that can be fixed by deleting a couple of variables from the registry (happened a few times in XP as well)We have someone in the Vista thread who had to manually edit the registry in order to get his DVD player to work. Editing fstab may not be the simplest of things, but at least it is significantly more human readable than the registry.
Fassigen
30-07-2007, 18:40
Yet another example of how Linux (even Ubuntu, one of the better desktop distros) is not ready for the desktop of the average user.

In Windows, or Mac OS, you'd never, under any circumstances, have to go through something as ridiculously contrived and complicated as this, just to make the OS work properly. Never.

It reeks of bad design practises.

You're so full of it, you really are.
The Mindset
30-07-2007, 18:41
How often does that happen in Windows? Rarely. How often does that happen in Linux? I'd say approaching at least 50% of the time, which is completely ridiculous.

You're so full of it, you really are.
Coming from you, Fass, that's something else. Really.
Antikythera
30-07-2007, 18:45
You misspelled it. It is /etc/fstab

It contains information on how drives and disks are mounted (added to the filesystem so that you can read from them and write to them).

oh gosh thats what i get for being dyslexic :(:(:( anyway here it is


# /etc/fstab: static file system information.
#
# <file system> <mount point> <type> <options> <dump> <pass>
proc /proc proc defaults 0 0
# /dev/sda3
UUID=3444b35b-bc04-4d02-be10-d7b581023a9a / ext3
defaults,errors=remount-ro 0
# /dev/sda6
UUID=c45358f9-be7b-407d-8210-6a7c9ae981b none swap
sw 0 0
/dev/scd /media/cdrom0 udf,iso9660 user,noauto 0 0
Posi
30-07-2007, 18:47
oh gosh thats what i get for being dyslexic :(:(:( anyway here it is

# /etc/fstab: static file system information.
#
# <file system> <mount point> <type> <options> <dump> <pass>
proc /proc proc defaults 0 0
# /dev/sda3
UUID=3444b35b-bc04-4d02-be10-d7b581023a9a / ext3
defaults,errors=remount-ro 0
# /dev/sda6
UUID=c45358f9-be7b-407d-8210-6a7c9ae981b none swap
sw 0 0
/dev/scd /media/cdrom0 udf,iso9660 user,noauto 0 0

Run the command:
sudo gedit /etc/fstab
and change what you have to this: (changes in bold)
# /etc/fstab: static file system information.
#
# <file system> <mount point> <type> <options> <dump> <pass>
proc /proc proc defaults 0 0
# /dev/sda3
UUID=3444b35b-bc04-4d02-be10-d7b581023a9a / ext3
defaults,errors=remount-ro 0
# /dev/sda6
UUID=c45358f9-be7b-407d-8210-6a7c9ae981b none swap
sw 0 0
/dev/scd /media/cdrom0 auto user,noauto 0 0
Posi
30-07-2007, 19:00
alright well I changed it in the text editor so do i save it there or cut and paste it to the terminal?
You save it with the text editor. Then put in that cd you burnt and see what happens.
Antikythera
30-07-2007, 19:01
alright well I changed it in the text editor so do i save it there or cut and paste it to the terminal?
Posi
30-07-2007, 19:05
How often does that happen in Windows? Rarely. How often does that happen in Linux? I'd say approaching at least 50% of the time, which is completely ridiculous.Your point was that in never happened in Windows, something which I was able to refute quite easily.

I'd like to see where you got this 50% figure from, too. Is it just as made up as the 0% you posted for Windows?
Posi
30-07-2007, 19:10
ugh, it wont let me save it. it says could not save the file /etc/fstab unexpected error: file not found

:(:confused:
Um, that is nice.

Run the command I gave you again (sudo gedit /etc/fstab), make the change again, and save it again.
Antikythera
30-07-2007, 19:12
ugh, it wont let me save it. it says could not save the file /etc/fstab unexpected error: file not found

:(:confused:
Nadkor
30-07-2007, 19:23
Oh, yeah?
We have someone in the Vista thread who had to manually edit the registry in order to get his DVD player to work. Editing fstab may not be the simplest of things, but at least it is significantly more human readable than the registry.

That's not an OS problem, though. That's a software installation problem; some piece of software that uses CD/DVD drives (like a ripper, or a burner, or daemon or something) didn't install or uninstall correctly and messed up the registry entry for the drives.

The fix is deleting two registry keys, and the Microsoft website guides you in doing it, here's the knowledge base article:You can no longer access the CD drive or the DVD drive, or you receive an error message after you remove a CD recording program or a DVD recording program in Windows XP: "error code 31" (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314060) (it's exactly the same thing as Vista, they just haven't updated the page). A slightly more reliable fix than asking some guy on an internet forum who might know what's wrong with your computer ;)
Fassigen
30-07-2007, 19:26
How often does that happen in Windows? Rarely. How often does that happen in Linux? I'd say approaching at least 50% of the time, which is completely ridiculous.

Not as ridiculous as this 50% figure you just pulled out of your ass.

Coming from you, Fass, that's something else. Really.

I calls it like I sees it, and you're being a total and idiotic fanboy. Leave the thread if all you're gonna do is oh, so ignorantly rag on Linux instead of trying to help the OP.
Antikythera
30-07-2007, 19:27
retrying something.....
Posi
30-07-2007, 19:28
That's not an OS problem, though. That's a software installation problem; some piece of software that uses CD/DVD drives (like a ripper, or a burner, or daemon or something) didn't install or uninstall correctly and messed up the registry entry for the drives.OK, that still seem really weird.
The fix is deleting two registry keys, and the Microsoft website guides you in doing it. A slightly more reliable fix than asking some guy on an internet forum who might know what's wrong with your computer ;)The difference is when you buy Windows, some of that money is for tech support. With Ubuntu, there is no purchase price, so you have to pay for the tech support when you need it, which many people just won't do.
Antikythera
30-07-2007, 19:39
well I think it saved, but the cd is coming back with the same error message as befor.
Posi
30-07-2007, 19:47
well I think it saved, but the cd is coming back with the same error message as befor.Keep the cd in the computer and try:

sudo mount -o users /dev/scd /media/cdrom0
Antikythera
30-07-2007, 19:56
Keep the cd in the computer and try:

sudo mount -o users /dev/scd /media/cdrom0


its says command not found
Posi
30-07-2007, 19:58
its says command not foundWhat command is not found? mount? It should say bash: commandthatwasn'tfound: command not found
Antikythera
30-07-2007, 20:07
mount: can't find /dev/scd/media/cdrom0 in etc/fstab of etc/mtab
Posi
30-07-2007, 20:17
mount: can't find /dev/scd/media/cdrom0 in etc/fstab of etc/mtab
There is a space between /dev/scd and /media/cdrom0

Hint: Copy and Paste my commands, much less room for error.
Antikythera
30-07-2007, 22:29
:p alright i'll try. sorry about all the mess ups.

for now my brother has commandeered the computer so i'm going to have to wait till he's done with it so i can get back to tinkering.
Antikythera
31-07-2007, 00:22
well i don't know what my brother did or how he did it, but the computer is now working and happily on the internet.:confused:. so i wanted to say thanks very much for your help:):):)
Posi
31-07-2007, 00:27
well i don't know what my brother did or how he did it, but the computer is now working and happily on the internet.:confused:. so i wanted to say thanks very much for your help:):):)Yay! Someone here is useful! Huzzah!
The blessed Chris
31-07-2007, 00:29
Computers are run by pixies who live in the wires. In order to make the pixies work, you have to phone a pixie priest, in the guise of a technician.:)

That happens to be my approach to all things computer; they confuse me.
Jeruselem
31-07-2007, 00:47
This reminds when I was using Sun UNIX at uni, and a disaster with a chmod command.
Antikythera
31-07-2007, 00:49
Computers are run by pixies who live in the wires. In order to make the pixies work, you have to phone a pixie priest, in the guise of a technician.:)

That happens to be my approach to all things computer; they confuse me.

I like this theory
Jeruselem
31-07-2007, 00:52
I like this theory

That's my job at work :cool:
Uber Pixie controller.
Posi
31-07-2007, 00:54
This reminds when I was using Sun UNIX at uni, and a disaster with a chmod command.
chmod -x chmod ?

not as bad as say

rm -f rm

or even

rm -rf /
Jeruselem
31-07-2007, 01:05
chmod -x chmod ?

not as bad as say

rm -f rm

or even

rm -rf /

I think it was something like
chmod 700 <can't remember -some directory>
Antikythera
31-07-2007, 01:18
That's my job at work :cool:
Uber Pixie controller.

sweet *highfives*;)
Johnny B Goode
31-07-2007, 01:44
I think it was something like
chmod 700 <can't remember -some directory>

I think that's chmod +rwx for you, and nothing for anyone else. Right?
Jeruselem
31-07-2007, 01:47
I think that's chmod +rwx for you, and nothing for anyone else. Right?

Yeah, but I wasn't the actually the owner ...
I had access via another means - it should have been

chmod 770 <whatever>
Johnny B Goode
31-07-2007, 01:56
Yeah, but I wasn't the actually the owner ...
I had access via another means - it should have been

chmod 770 <whatever>

True. If you get the numbers wrong, you're fucked.
Posi
31-07-2007, 02:11
True. If you get the numbers wrong, you're fucked.That's why I use the letters, I always confuse the numbers.

Actually, I just use a GUI. No thought required there.
Jeruselem
31-07-2007, 02:17
That's why I use the letters, I always confuse the numbers.

Actually, I just use a GUI. No thought required there.

This was back in the early 1990s - no nice GUI what I was doing.
UpwardThrust
31-07-2007, 02:23
True. If you get the numbers wrong, you're fucked.

Chmod accepts letters too example chmod u+x test.file gives user execute privileges on top of their current rights

Though I usually do it your way some prefer that method
Johnny B Goode
31-07-2007, 22:10
Chmod accepts letters too example chmod u+x test.file gives user execute privileges on top of their current rights

Though I usually do it your way some prefer that method

Yeah. Chmod with letters is harder to fuck up.