Giving Ubuntu a shot on my notebook

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The_Techie

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I'm busy downloading Ubuntu 8.04.1 as I type this :D

I've only dabbled with Ubuntu in a VM setting before, will now be installing it full-time on my notebook (HP 530).

Any tips/ideas/useful software I should know about? Will be using it for basic programming (Java) and office use (OpenOffice).

Will Compiz run on my Intel integrated graphics? :o
 
Yes Compiz should run on that. Other than that, if you are just using it for those tasks, you should be fine with a vanilla install.
 
Compiz works on my intel graphics. I'm not pushing it to be honest :). If I want to show off I'll turn on my nvidia. But I have used the desktop cube without it.

As for java... eclipse and netbeans are available for linux if you need an IDE.
 
Wait for Linobuntu, lol.

Seriously though,

Compiz Fusion should work fine on your Intel graphics. However personally though I would rather wait for Ubuntu 8.10 it has an array of much better features and might support your laptop better.
 
Linoman said:
Wait for Linobuntu, lol.

Seriously though,

Compiz Fusion should work fine on your Intel graphics. However personally though I would rather wait for Ubuntu 8.10 it has an array of much better features and might support your laptop better.
Click to expand...

I've already downloaded 80MB of it, no turning back now unfortunately ;)
 
I ran Ubuntu 8.04 on my HP530 with absolutely no problems. Compiz worked out the box, as did networking (both ethernet and wireless), audio, touch pad, etc.

Tip # 1
You can get all your software from UP's network. Point your sources.list to

ftp://ftp.up.ac.za/ubuntu hardy main restricted universe multiverse

That way you can get all your software and updates at super speed and at no cost to you.

Tip #2
If you're a long-time Microsoft Office user, you may become frustrated with Openoffice. In that case, you can install wine and then Microsoft Office.

Tip #3
For all your media needs:
Code: 
sudo aptitude install ubuntu-restricted-extras
sudo aptitude install vlc
This will install a plethora of codecs, fonts etc, and VLC.

Tip #4
If you want to run Compiz, remember to do
Code: 
sudo aptitude install compizconfig-settings-manager
This will allow you to easily tweak Compiz's settings to your needs.

Tip #5
You might want to
Code: 
sudo aptitude install startupmanager
to configure some boot up options.

More tips later when I get more time
 
Zomg...the Resident Techie being given advice by pooky. *Hell freezes over*

Looks like a mini *nix revolution on MyBB lately.:)
 
sn3rd said:
I ran Ubuntu 8.04 on my HP530 with absolutely no problems. Compiz worked out the box, as did networking (both ethernet and wireless), audio, touch pad, etc.

Tip # 1
You can get all your software from UP's network. Point your sources.list to

ftp://ftp.up.ac.za/ubuntu hardy main restricted universe multiverse

That way you can get all your software and updates at super speed and at no cost to you.

Tip #2
If you're a long-time Microsoft Office user, you may become frustrated with Openoffice. In that case, you can install wine and then Microsoft Office.

Tip #3
For all your media needs:
Code: 
sudo aptitude install ubuntu-restricted-extras
sudo aptitude install vlc
This will install a plethora of codecs, fonts etc, and VLC.

Tip #4
If you want to run Compiz, remember to do
Code: 
sudo aptitude install compizconfig-settings-manager
This will allow you to easily tweak Compiz's settings to your needs.

Tip #5
You might want to
Code: 
sudo aptitude install startupmanager
to configure some boot up options.

More tips later when I get more time
Click to expand...

Thanks sn3rd. Unfortunately I'm not using ADSL so local traffic isn't differentiated from international traffic :(

HavocXphere said:
Zomg...the Resident Techie being given advice by pooky. *Hell freezes over*

Looks like a mini *nix revolution on MyBB lately.:)
Click to expand...

I'm not really a Linux expert ;)

I've been planning on installing Ubuntu on my notebook for a long time, just never got around to it :o
 
The_Techie said:
I've already downloaded 80MB of it, no turning back now unfortunately ;)
Click to expand...

Oh, by the way, you can get it from UP (which will be MUCH faster).

And if you want a super fast install (I assume you're getting the .iso), and have a flash disk handy, use unetbootin and the instructions here
 
The_Techie said:
Thanks sn3rd. Unfortunately I'm not using ADSL so local traffic isn't differentiated from international traffic :(
Click to expand...

No, I mean take your notebook to campus with you and update there. Updating at 8MB/s is the shiznit
 
I'll also recommend getting some kind of dock application (awn or cairo-dock). Just to let yourself know you're away from microsoft :)
 
The_Techie said:
Where, though? Laptops aren't allowed in any of the labs :p

Time to call in a few favors :D
Click to expand...

I can organise for you anytime you like. Give me a shout when you want to update. Cisco labs FTW :D

Also, in the library, there are a few open ports that you can easily plug into.

Also, you can use wireless to connect to the campus intranet

Edit: Oh, and I know some guys that work in the Open Labs, so I can organise that for you too
 
sn3rd said:
I can organise for you anytime you like. Give me a shout when you want to update. Engineering labs FTW :D

Also, in the library, there are a few open ports that you can easily plug into.

Also, you can use wireless to connect to the campus intranet
Click to expand...

Will do, thanks ;)
 
The_Techie said:
I saw it, thanks again. :D

Just want to get it up and running first, things are a bit hectic at the moment so updates and tweaking will get a lower priority for now ;)
Click to expand...

Oh, what about the toaster?
 
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