Topic: Ubuntu - more hassle than I thought....

I decided to go with the recommendation and transition from Windows to Ubuntu - man what a headache. Initially, sure it was cool, but the dell laptop I'm using (the d600) - wouldn't display compiz - beryl effects with the driver that ubuntu installed for me. So I found a tutorial that would let me do this. It didn't work. I looked for a driver supporting my laptop. Nothing. I tried changing my graphic settings to support a dell display, and now my screen is incoherent.

I've spent days now trying to configure drivers, and make things work - but sheesh, I just don't have the time for this kind of hassle. Before Ubuntu is truly ready for mainstream adoption, they really need to deal with issues like this.

So now when I ask a windows question, and someone says "yeah, go to linux" I think: you have got to be joking...

Maybe I'm just frustrated because the alleviation I was trying to get from leaving windows never really came going to Ubuntu.... just seems like its own set of headaches...

I understand : I've put some references in the faq, but -
1) keep a dual boot.
2) list all your questions here.

yeah, I do have a dual boot...with winxp pro...., and I'm sure I'll have questions to probs.... - links to faq for the lazy?

http://www.ozoneasylum.com/5097

I hear you jive, I tried and gave up two or three times but I'm glad I persisted.
I had a bad time with my old Dell Laptop a Latitude something or other.
What is you video card?
In fact post up the specs and problems and let's see if we can't get you up and running.


Those who look for monsters should look to it that
they do not become monsters. For when you gaze
long into the abyss, the abyss also gazes into you.

I know what you mean, everytime I give linux a go (friend helped me get started with gentoo and have tried ubuntu a few times myself) I always end up thinking "yea its great, but its not quite ready to take off in a huge global way just yet."

Thats a shame about your graphics chip, fortunately though for others on most PCs ubuntu will find all the hardware just fine.

There isn't a single person out there that has tried Linux and not had problems with installing and running it, I find it helps to look at these problems as challenges in getting to know your operating system and can help bring the fun back into computing.

Sure having a black screen on boot is nothing to smile about, but once you realise why it happens, then you can easily avoid it happening in the first place. What new users may perceive as bugs or massive show stopping defects are actually part of the flexibility and customisability that Linux offers.

Remember Linux isn't just Windows in disguise, it really does work in many different ways.

So post your questions here, and I guarantee someone will be able to answer, also the Ubuntu forums will answer any questions you have, and it takes very little time to use search either from inside the forum or using Google.

I wouldn't consider it mainstream to install your own operating system, or configure drivers.

Hey Hugh great to see you
[edit] and good shout Blaise[/edit]

(Edited by Tao on 03-11-2008 17:46)

o/

I'm a regular lurker these days, never too far away :)

Here are my specs:

dell d600
Intel Pentium M processor 1700mhz
1gb ram
graphics: mobility radeon 9000

Problem I'm having now, is I tried to configure the display for the dell laptop configuration and now its all jumbled up and incoherent. I'm gonna have
to pull off some command line trickery again.

I've been doing searched, forums posts etc for days now. And as fun as it is, I just can't swing the time...

I have a physical config close to yours (older : inspiron 8600, radeon mobility 9600).
So, make your choice, wether you want to give it one more go or not, I am around.

Cheers,
Argo

I'm presuming you have installed the latest Ubuntu 7:10 from a disk you burned, is that right?
Also have you posted up your particular problems in the Ubuntu forums yet?
You say you tried to configure the display. Dell have a very good working relationship with Ubuntu nowadays have you tried their site for support and drivers for linux?

@ Tao: yeah, ubuntu 7.10 gutsy,

no havn't tried dell yet for graphic drivers (tried ati)

@argo navis: yep, I'll give it a go. It is dual booted and what do I have to lose (save time). Shoot me an email at jonas [at] zerooneproductions [dot] net and we can exchange im's. Tao also for that matter.

Problem: when I reboot to ubuntu, the screen is garbled and incoherent. This happened when I changed the monitor resolution to 1400 x 1050 for the monitor settings (not graphics driver settings). I guess it would take using the command line to reset my monitor settings....

jive, my im is in my profile.

But I avoid it altogether - with the exception of close friends, it quickly consumes too much time : I happily share some of my work time,
since I am by the comp anyway, to help or share, no prob, but I'd rather do it here. It's also good for further reference.

I recommend ext2fs for your Windows partition : if you break something on the ubuntu side of things,
you can then edit your files on the Windows side of things (makes your partitions visible in both worlds).

what you're looking for is a file, a text file, called "xorg.conf".

You should edit your graphic settings there.
When you've installed ext2fs (don't fiddle with your partitions after installing it, don't resize, reshape, rename),
post your xorg.conf here.

And make sure all resolutions set there correspond to one another.

One thing I'll say is that ATi cards can be problematic, though certainly very possible.

I have an ATi card and it basically meant I had to install the drivers myself instead of using click and play

Absolutely. A matter of secrecy for ATI - they don't disclose driver sources.
Whereas Nvidia don't disclose, but they make Linux drivers themselves.

Btw, Petskull is a walking wealth of informations on ubuntu setups.

argo: ext2fs is an excellent piece of software. I am able to see everything. What folder is xorg.conf typically in?

/etc/X11 off the top of my head. Back it up before you edit I hope your ext2fs doesn't prevent writing the file back (it shouldn't).

ok Here goes:

# xorg.conf (xorg X Window System server configuration file)
#
# This file was generated by failsafeDexconf, using
# values from the debconf database and some overrides to use vesa mode.
#
# You should use dexconf or another such tool for creating a "real" xorg.conf
# For example:
#   sudo dpkg-reconfigure -phigh xserver-xorg
Section "Files"
EndSection

Section "Module"
	Load		"glx"
	Load		"GLcore"
	Load		"v4l"
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"
	Identifier	"Generic Keyboard"
	Driver		"kbd"
	Option		"CoreKeyboard"
	Option		"XkbRules"	"xorg"
	Option		"XkbModel"	"pc105"
	Option		"XkbLayout"	"us"
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"
	Identifier	"Configured Mouse"
	Driver		"mouse"
	Option		"CorePointer"
	Option		"Device"	"/dev/input/mice"
	Option		"Protocol"	"ImPS/2"
	Option		"ZAxisMapping"	"4 5"
	Option		"Emulate3Buttons"	"true"
EndSection


Section "InputDevice"
	Identifier	"Synaptics Touchpad"
	Driver		"synaptics"
	Option		"SendCoreEvents"	"true"
	Option		"Device"	"/dev/psaux"
	Option		"Protocol"	"auto-dev"
	Option		"HorizScrollDelta"	"0"
EndSection

Section "Device"
	Identifier	"Failsafe Device"
	Boardname	"vesa"
	Busid		"PCI:1:0:0"
	Driver		"vesa"
	Screen	0
EndSection

Section "Monitor"
	Identifier	"Failsafe Monitor"
	Vendorname	"Dell"
	Modelname	"Dell 1400x1050 Laptop Display Panel"
	Horizsync	31.5-90.0
	Vertrefresh	59.0-75.0
  modeline  "640x480@60" 25.2 640 656 752 800 480 490 492 525 -vsync -hsync
  modeline  "640x480@72" 31.5 640 664 704 832 480 489 491 520 -vsync -hsync
  modeline  "640x480@75" 31.5 640 656 720 840 480 481 484 500 -vsync -hsync
  modeline  "800x600@72" 50.0 800 856 976 1040 600 637 643 666 +hsync +vsync
  modeline  "800x600@75" 49.5 800 816 896 1056 600 601 604 625 +hsync +vsync
  modeline  "800x600@60" 40.0 800 840 968 1056 600 601 605 628 +hsync +vsync
  modeline  "832x624@75" 57.284 832 864 928 1152 624 625 628 667 -vsync -hsync
  modeline  "1024x768@75" 78.8 1024 1040 1136 1312 768 769 772 800 +hsync +vsync
  modeline  "1024x768@70" 75.0 1024 1048 1184 1328 768 771 777 806 -vsync -hsync
  modeline  "1024x768@60" 65.0 1024 1048 1184 1344 768 771 777 806 -vsync -hsync
  modeline  "1152x864@75" 108.0 1152 1216 1344 1600 864 865 868 900 +hsync +vsync
  modeline  "1280x1024@75" 135.0 1280 1296 1440 1688 1024 1025 1028 1066 +hsync +vsync
  modeline  "1280x960@60" 102.1 1280 1360 1496 1712 960 961 964 994 -hsync +vsync
  modeline  "1280x1024@60" 108.0 1280 1328 1440 1688 1024 1025 1028 1066 +hsync +vsync
  modeline  "1280x960@75" 129.86 1280 1368 1504 1728 960 961 964 1002 -hsync +vsync
  modeline  "1400x1050@60" 122.61 1400 1488 1640 1880 1050 1051 1054 1087 -hsync +vsync
  modeline  "1400x1050@75" 155.85 1400 1496 1648 1896 1050 1051 1054 1096 -hsync +vsync
  modeline  "1600x1200@65" 175.5 1600 1664 1856 2160 1200 1201 1204 1250 +hsync +vsync
  modeline  "1600x1200@60" 162.0 1600 1664 1856 2160 1200 1201 1204 1250 +hsync +vsync
  modeline  "1600x1200@70" 189.0 1600 1664 1856 2160 1200 1201 1204 1250 +hsync +vsync
  modeline  "1792x1344@60" 204.8 1792 1920 2120 2448 1344 1345 1348 1394 -hsync +vsync
  modeline  "1856x1392@60" 218.3 1856 1952 2176 2528 1392 1393 1396 1439 -hsync +vsync
  modeline  "1920x1440@60" 234.0 1920 2048 2256 2600 1440 1441 1444 1500 -hsync +vsync
	Gamma	1.0
EndSection

Section "Screen"
	Identifier	"Default Screen"
	Device		"Failsafe Device"
	Monitor		"Failsafe Monitor"
	Defaultdepth	24
	SubSection "Display"
		Depth	24
		Virtual	1920	1440
		Modes		"1400x1050@75"	"1600x1200@65"	"1400x1050@60"	"1600x1200@60"	"1280x960@75"	"1600x1200@70"	"1280x1024@60"	"1792x1344@60"	"1280x960@60"	"1856x1392@60"	"1280x1024@75"	"1920x1440@60"	"1152x864@75"	"1024x768@60"	"1024x768@70"	"1024x768@75"	"832x624@75"	"800x600@60"	"800x600@75"	"800x600@72"	"640x480@75"	"640x480@72"	"640x480@60"
	EndSubSection
EndSection

Section "ServerLayout"
	Identifier	"Default Layout"
  screen 0 "Default Screen" 0 0
	Inputdevice	"Generic Keyboard"
	Inputdevice	"Configured Mouse"
	Inputdevice	"Synaptics Touchpad"
EndSection
Section "device" # 
	Identifier	"device1"
	Boardname	"vesa"
	Busid		"PCI:1:0:0"
	Driver		"vesa"
	Screen	1
EndSection
Section "screen" # 
	Identifier	"screen1"
	Device		"device1"
	Defaultdepth	24
	Monitor		"monitor1"
EndSection
Section "monitor" # 
	Identifier	"monitor1"
	Gamma	1.0
EndSection
Section "ServerFlags"
EndSection

I also have several xorg.conf files with different numbers if that makes a difference: xorg.conf.1, x0rg.conf.2 etc...

From what I remember X stores its configuration in /etc/X11/xorg.conf.
Jive my IM is either ICQ: 208675782 or MSN: Taobaybee or Yahoo: taoboogie
Remember to back up

quote:

---

foo@bar:~$ cd /etc/X11
foo@bar:~$ sudo cp xorg.conf xorg.conf.old

---

Hang fire on that for a moment though I just want to double check/
Aslo I foud the Ubuntu Forums really very helpful. They solved my sound and Video problems in short order. I would strongly recommend using their expertise as well.

Ah you have that covered while I posted I'm getting slow in my old age.

Tao: added - you shoud be getting im requests form me (xflint0)

Argo: yes I have write permissions...

quote:

---

jive said:

I also have several xorg.conf files with different numbers if that makes a difference: xorg.conf.1, x0rg.conf.2 etc...

---

these are backups of previous versions of xorg. If you are just trying to restore to better point, then you can

sudo cp xorg.conf.1 xorg.conf

restart X and see if it looks better. If not, move on to xorg.conf.2

So, are you trying to just get it back to a normal looking screen? And not worry about the ATI driver? That's what it seems since you are using the "vesa" driver.

If so, you have a lot of stuff that the ATI driver install put in there that seem to be mucking with it.

Try copying one of the old xorg.conf files like I said above instead of trying to edit this file. Seems that would be easier for now.

Later,

C:\

ack. I just tried to use one of my oldre xorg.conf files, and it won't let me log in at all now!! It gives me a login prompt, then I put in the user name and password, the screen goes black for a bit and then it brings me back to the login screen...

ok, that issue is resolved...

the positive: I am learning how to get around in Ubuntu

the negative: none! I'm trying to stay positive here...

I'm still on IM Jive I've just got to meander away for a short while. In the ubuntu forum you don't always get a response straight away. I'll try to answer your post to bump it up again a bit later. you could also bump it yourself much later with an update of all the things you've tried

I have not given the Dell site a good look over yet but they too are good as they now ship ubuntu with a lot of their machines as standard.

Good News!!! I got it working! Even got compiz beryl to run (but is it very sloooowww.) Now on to some other things. I guess this is why you dual boot!

Compiz can be very slow on some ATI cards in general. Also it is a RAM hog.

Glad you got it going and I bet, if this happens again, you will be able to fix it much quicker. Having the black log in screen is actually a good thing. You can edit the files you need to from the console using vim or pico. This is one great thing about linux. Even if the gui doesn't come up, you can edit certain files pretty easily to get it back working.

Make a copy of your xorg.conf file and call it something like xorg.conf_working. This way you know that is a good fall back configuration.

I had a similar issue trying to get dual monitors working on Debian. I finally got it working great and then the other monitor went out. I just copied the old xorg to the current one and I was back up and running in no time.

What did you have to do to get it back working?

Later,

C:\

Great news Jive!

Are we having fun yet?

lol, yeah, I hosed it up again.

Cprompt: these commands: sudo cp xorg.conf.1 xorg.conf

are golden. At least I know how to recover my screen problems now.

Yeah, grats for that. With the ATI drivers, a little tip : there are two breeds of drivers.
ATI proprietary (closed source) and open source.

Open source drivers for ATI are sluggish.
Proprietary drivers may be hard to install.
Ubuntu comes bundled with the Open Source drivers.

Therefore, you may consider this :
ATI Binary drivers for Ubuntu - HowTo

Past that stage, depending on how you have setup your Beryl, you may encounter difficulties with input and
some special system features like shutdown/restart/etc. Issues that I have overcome and can/will help you overcome.

Jive, glad that helped. When you got the black screen login earlier, you probably noticed something listed there that said : "No Screens Found", that will give you a big clue that there is something wrong with xorg.conf. Everytime that I go mucking about, I usually backup xorg with the date and continue mucking about. If it breaks...just cp from the previous xorg

You say you hosed it up again...that's actually good. I learned a HELL of a lot from screwing up my computer. And just like before, it will annoy you and make you curse a lot, but with a few edits, you can usually get it back working.

Where did you get the ATI drivers before? Were they in the repositories for Ubuntu? Or did you download them and give it a whirl?

Later,

C:\

Personally I had the best results with the ATi drivers from their own website, they were more current than the ones in the repository and installation was actually quite simple.

Wow, am I late for the party...

Sound like you're set, anything I can help with?