My Little Ubuntu Guide

It was easier than ever to get my Ubuntu Hardy system up and configured. Compiz Fusion installs flawlessly and with no tweaking. ATI drivers and the Wireless drivers also were a breeze to install. The only real “tweak” I had to make for my ATI video to work properly was to add a line in my xorg.conf file that specified resolutions.

The reason I had to do this was I’m using an external display to extend my desktop to. In Ubuntu with ATI drivers this is done with a feature called “Big Desktop”. Big Desktop takes the width of both displays and adds them together to create one big width which it then distributes across both monitors…much the same way Windows XP/Vista would do.

It then takes the highest compatible vertical resolution it knows about and makes that the vertical resolution for the “big desktop”. But, on my Dell Inspiron 6400 my highest resolution is 1280×800. My external display goes to 1280×1024. To make things work without distorted graphics on the external display, I simply added the line in my xorg.conf file to allow for the larger resolution. The result is that ATI uses the highest compatible vertical resolution for the external, and still allows the Laptop display to keep it’s 1280×800.

The catch is if I drag my mouse from the external across to the Laptop display while down below the 800 resolution mark, it still goes across and is just down where I can’t see it…I simply bring it up on the laptop to see it again. Windows XP/Vista blocks this from occuring…so that’s the difference, which is no big deal for me because I’m used to it now.

I’ll update this site with some scripts and guides for all this stuff soon. Including a guide to use your Cell phone as a Bluetooth modem!

Talk soon,

John

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After a long stint with the Enemy (Windows) I finally got Ubuntu back on my system and better than ever. I’m ashamed that I had to do the Windows thing for a while, but alas, I needed to use some fancy schmancy video editing software…yada yada yada.

The point is I’m using Ubuntu Hardy Heron 8.04 and LOVING IT.

So I’m back to the gamat of creating scripts and installs, fixing issues, etc. for all you fellow Linux lovers who want it to JUST WORK on your laptop.

I’m still using the Dell Inspiron, but am finding many similarities in other system configs, so I’ll try to focus more on the guts of the system when talking and creating scripts.

Another cool thing: I’m setting up a totally new site, at this domain, that will be membership based, have a forum, have an easier to navigate interface for getting scripts, and eventually a really nice little guide. Yeah, an actual guide like the name implies!

Anyway, good to be back and I’ll start updating stuff asap.

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So I went ahead and decided to test this Alpha 6 version of the new 8.04 Ubuntu release scheduled for April sometime. I have to say, this is a HUGE improvement over Gutsy. It feels like this is the correct step up from Feisty and that Gutsy was what Windows ME was to Microsoft! Remember, stuff broke more!

So anyway, I’m not going to do the normal review everyone is doing, instead I want to focus on some of the granular changes that impressed me. I will however, do a quick overview of the obvious:

Obvious Changes

1. Hibernate Works with the Restricted FGLRX driver (thank goodness, because ATI’s official driver is still buggy).
2. Wireless is now handled by the b43 module for Broadcom chipsets (as opposed to the bcm43xx, now deprecated)
3. Software is more up to date, using Firefox 3 Beta 4, which is WAY COOL! It has features like the option to Save and Close, which saves your tabs and tell it to always do that…a “Smart” bookmarking system that keeps track of your most visited, etc., sites, cleaner and easier to use interface, etc….
4. Security is more advanced in the system, handling access rights to certain Admin tasks better.
5. The Tracker indexing service is much improved and easier to use/access.
6. A new Wifi feature called “Edit Wireless Networks” that allows you to see the most recently/common wifi networks you connect to and edit their settings, security, etc.

Now for the subtle changes

1. Disk checking is improved and actually gives you smart feedback on bootup when it runs, telling you the percentage it’s complete, what stage it’s in, etc. It also has a Skip option! Very nice.
2. When you mount an ISO image the system recognizes this and automatically places a CD icon on your Desktop! Awesome!
3. Regarding the install CD, you have the option to do an install, where it boots right into the install process, saving a lot of time by not loading up the desktop.
4. Compiz has new features and options, one I like is when you click an icon in your task bar to open the app, a tiny image of the icon zooms out, neet effect.
5. Remote Desktop Viewer added, which allows you to connect to other Ubuntu systems running with it enabled. It appears to be VNC so you could probably connect to any system running VNC…anyone know for sure?
6. File copy is much better, allowing you the option to Merge if there are folders with the same name. Also gives a nicer progress indicator and still has the Replace and Skip options.

So that’s the summary so far. I’ve had success running everything except Wifi. It’s buggy still. Sometimes it works and other times I can’t see any networks around! Weird. Also, it’s only successfully connected me to Open networks so far, any feedback from any of you on this? I’ve gone through what feels like millions of variations to fix this and so far still not 100%.

It is Alpha however, so I’m not shocked by this. Also, another notable bug is that the Restriced Drivers Manager, now called Hardware Drivers, crashes after FGLRX and Wifi have been installed.

Oh, here’s something else VERY important. When you install the Wifi b43 module, don’t use the Hardware Drivers panel to do it. It doesn’t do a complete job and you won’t have Wifi. Instead go to a terminal and install it manually:

sudo apt-get install b43-fwcutter

Then choose Yes when it asks if you want to download and install the firmware.

That’s it for now…I’ll update as I go along.

CDs are still in the works. I’m in a crunch right now thus the delay.

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UPDATE: Ok, after the initial custom kernel build everything broke. But that was my lack of foresight. So I’m doing it again, this time using the SAME KERNEL that was on here. (I accidentally installed the latest stable kernel rather than the current which broke all my restricted driver stuff and modules, etc.) I’m also grabbing a copy of the Alpha 6 release of Hardy Heron based on some reports that this may be more stable for testing.

—————————————————–

Sorry for the delay in posting everyone, I’ve been taking care of my wife and little girl who both came down with the flu. Then I got a little bit of it myself on Saturday, but I’m getting better now!

Today I did my first custom kernel for my Dell 6400. Keep in mind I’m not a bit kernel customizer so I may need to do this a few times to get it right, but I will get it right. The primary purpose of this is to fix the SLUB issue that is causing Hibernate and Suspend to fail. I also want to do a custom kernel with each new release to make the boot process a little “lighter”.

The deb file is almost complete from the compiling with SLAB used and this should fix all the power issues. Once I’ve tested it on my system, if it works, I’ll make it available for download.

Also, if anyone wants to take the time to determine the exact hardware on the Dell 6400 I’d love you to post it in a comment. This will be very helpful in creating the custom kernel and trimming out all the unnecessary stuff.

Thanks!

John Westbrook
www.MyLittleUbuntuGuide.com

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Hardy Heron, aka Ubuntu 8.04 LTS, is set for release in April. This comes as great news for a few reasons. Hardy Heron promises to fix the annoying Hibernate/Suspend issues and add some pizaz to Ubuntu overall.

Sporting the latest in Kernel, X, and Firefox (3), this new release may be a gigantic leap for Linux as a solution and replacement for Windows.

The Live CD comes with the ability to install within a Windows environment, just as you would any Windows application, so you can test it (minus the hibernate/suspend) on your machine before committing to it.

Enhanced security features demonstrates Ubuntu’s ability to “nip it in the bud” when it comes to foreseeing future security issues. They’ve even added a built-in firewall, which is very cool.

To see all the new features of this upcoming release, visit www.ubuntu.com/testing.

Enjoy!

John

P.S. Those Live CDs are coming…I’m running into some minor issues in the creation and need to work out all the kinks before I let you at ‘em. Thanks for your patience!

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Here’s some fun screenshots for ya:

My Mac Look Alike Desktop

The Mac Look Alike Dock

The Mac Look Alike Genie Effect

This is Better Than Mac!

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Ok, the Gutsy CD is currently being built and I’ll be testing it shortly. After tests I’ll need to see about it’s size and if it will fit on a CD. I’ll keep you all posted!

John

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The Feisty and Gutsy CDs are currently not working correctly. I’m working to fix them and will update when they are. So hang tight everyone!

John

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I blew my system away again.

Running Compiz Fusion with the Official ATI drivers is extremely choppy and sluggish. The tradeoff just to have hibernate and suspend working, is definitely NOT worth it for me! I’m reverting to using XGL and FGLRX for now.

I’ll just have to wait the extra 12 seconds for my system to boot up. Boohoo.

Ah, now I have a fresh system, no bugs, no sluggishness, ready for a new year!

Happy New Years Everyone!

John

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Ok folks, good news!

I installed the latest driver from ATI yesterday and…wholla! I can Hibernate and Suspend!

No need to rollback the kernel!

So tonight I’ll be doing a fresh install and using the new ATI driver. I’ll then do some testing and create a bootable install disk from the results that is custom for all you ATI users!

Talk to you soon…

John

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The “RUSH” of the holiday season has pretty much come to an end here. So it’s back to work for me, giving more great help to my fellow ubuntu enthusiasts!

I know many of you want a new Gutsy CD/DVD. However, that is not going to happen for a while. The main reason being that I’m not changing anything until the ATI issue is fixed on a stable level that I can then pass along. I’m not doing any of this rebuild the kernel crap.

My goal with this site is to help others learn how to do linux stuff and make it work for them and to make it easy.

So, I’m focusing on making your Ubuntu experience one that works and is enjoyable.

Following this little “I’m back” post, I’ll be posting several how to’s on some basic things that make Ubuntu work better and be more productive.

till then, happy holidays!

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Ok, this has nothing to do with Linux or Ubuntu, but I’m having some crazy ass mice attack my house!

It all began when I was down in my basement/office working the other night. Suddenly I hear a PLUMP on the paneled ceiling above me, then tiny running feat racing around above me. What the hell?

Then they began to multiply, I’d hear a PLUMP over hear and one over there, then running toward each other. I honestly think these tiny bastards are holding some sort of annual Mousolympics up there. I’ll hear them run, then hop hop hop, and BOOM, land.

I’m not totally ok with these rodent sporting events and the muscular mice that attend and partake in them! I’m trying to run a business here!

I’ve owned a few of these really cool live traps for a couple years now, and they work like magic (I don’t like killing the little creatures). So I have them setup in my kitchen and this morning, low and behold, the star athlete was chilling in my trap!

He took a long trip into Chattanooga with me, but apparently he was either exhausted from the night before, or just liked the smell of Starbucks and Pasties…either way he did not want to leave the trap. I literally had to shake it to make him get out and then try to scare him off into the wilderness. What a freak. The mouse, not me ;)

So any suggestions you all may have on how to put a stop to these fur flying events, please let me know (non-killing methods only please).

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Ok folks, I’ve been running Gutsy successfully, somewhat, so far. I’ve gotten Compiz working perfectly to my liking and every other application is flawless. Except of course, Hibernate and Suspend. I’ve tried several techniques to getting it to work to no avail.

There is some talk out there about going back to a previous kernel, etc. I’m not going to do that. To me that defeats the purpose of progress here. I want to figure out how to make things work moving forward, even if it means waiting for the next kernel to come out.

There is a bug report that you can follow along on this issue over here: Bug Report

In the mean time, if any of you run across any other work arounds, leave a comment please! :)

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Ok, I’ve made some progress. As of now I’m running the “official” compiz and it’s working exactly as my hacked version was before. The system seems very stable, all my apps work great.

Only thing still on the agenda to fix is Hibernate/Suspend.

From what I’ve read on the bug report about that issue is they are not fixing it till the next release. I think we can get this working however without having to revert to the old kernel. I’ll continue working on it and keep you all posted.

Until I get a new CD with the Compiz stuff working, here’s a quick and dirty tutorial:

1. Enable all software resources EXCEPT the Trevino ones. To do this, click System > Administration > Software Sources and uncheck the following under the “Third-Party Software” tab:
http://download.tuxfamily.org/3v1deb feisty eyecandy
http://download.tuxfamily.org/3v1deb feisty eyecandy (Source Code)

2. Now install compiz and all other “parts”:
sudo apt-get install compiz compiz-bcop compiz-core compiz-fusion-plugins-extra compiz-fusion-plugins-main compiz-gnome compiz-plugins compizconfig-settings-manager emerald libcompizconfig-backend-gconf libcompizconfig0 libdecoration0 libemeraldengine0 python-compizconfig librsvg2-common gnome-compiz-manager libgnome-compiz-manager0-d

3. Now download and unzip the fusion icon:
wget http://www.mylittleubuntuguide.com/files/fusion-icon.tar.gz
tar -zxvf fusion-icon.tar.gz
cd fusion-icon

4. Now we build it:
make
sudo make install

5. Now re-enable the Trevino sources by returning to System > Administration > Software Sources and checking the two “trevino” repositories under Third-Party Software. Close and choose Reload.

6. Now install Emerald Themes:
sudo apt-get install emerald-themes

7. For good measure let’s make sure Emerald is handling the window decorations:
emerald &
Now right click the blue icon that appears in the upper right on your task bar and click “Select Window Decorator” and ensure “Emerald” is checked. If it’s not, check it.

That’s it! Now restart compiz and you can change the settings in System > Preferences > Advanced Desktop Effects Settings

Note: You can get all of your virtual desktops back on the cube by changing the General Options setting in Advanced Desktop Effects Settings, under the tab “Desktop Size”, change the “Horizontal Virtual Size” to your liking.

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I’m trying another approach today to installing Gutsy. I’m upgrading. Perhaps with the latest updates and kernel changes things will go smoother and work this time!

If it works I’m not totally convinced the upgrade option made the difference. I’ll then need to do a fresh install and see what happens. If all goes well (crosses fingers) this will mean a very nice, working, ready to install ISO for Gutsy.

I’ll let you all know tonight.
UPDATE>>>
Okay, so i’ve done the upgrade and, well, it didn’t fix anything automatically :( BUT, I did find a nifty little tool for making custom compiz Fusion sources and I’m going to begin that process tonight. Also, I’ll be working on the Suspend/Hibernate catastrophe.

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Thank you all for your awesome comments and emails! I really appreciate the feedback.

I’ve decided to add more value to my blog. That is what this service is about. Giving you as my readers and the ones benefitting from my work, more options in making your life easier.

While I’ll continue doing what I’ve been doing, I’m adding this service (yeah!). Below are the options I’m adding (note, adding to what I currently do!:))

Personal Help - $19.95/Month
This service is unlimited email support, personal assistance with drivers, errors, etc., working my tail off to get Ubuntu (any version) working on your Dell system. I may add additional configurations over time, but for now, since I’m testing this whole concept out and all, just Dells.

Help & Education - $39.95/Month
I’ll do all that is outlined in Personal Help plus teach you how to do it. In other words, if you can learn it in a month you can cancel and have all you need to figure out future stuff on your own.

Custom CD Every Release - $49.95/Year
You’ll get the latest releases of every CD and DVD that I release for that year. It will be guaranteed to work or I’ll custom build a separate one just for you (Dell systems only).

Ok, so these are the options. If any of them appeal to you, great, I’ll be happy to serve you more fully and readily than I’ve been able to up to this point. To “sign up” for a particular service, just email me personally at john AT jrdw.com and tell me which one you want to subscribe to.

Again, thanks for all of your support and feedback that has helped me make this service a, well sort of, reality!

You all rock!

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Hey all,

I’m thinking of providing a service that would allow you faster fixes to your problems. I just don’t know if it’s something you all would be interested in. If so, email me to let me know at john AT jrdw.com.

Here’s the idea.

For a small fee of $39.95 I’d create a custom install CD specific to your laptop. Every time there’s a new distro released, I would provide you a new CD for that distro for an additional $9.95. I know linux is free and we are all about free stuff! But I wouldn’t be able to justify my time spent on a project of this magnitude without some sort of compensation. (I have to feed my family too).

Anyway, I’m not even going to offer such a service until I get feedback from you, my visitors, as to if this is somthing you would want or pay for.

Thanks!

John

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The first Beta Custom CD for the Dell 6400 is now available for download. You can get the Gutsy CD here:
DOWNLOAD DELL 6400 GUTSY CD

You can get the MD5 file here:
DOWNLOAD MATCHING MD5 FILE

Be sure to report your errors and successes!

Remember, this version will allow you to do Wireless out of the box, ATI is installed out of the box, and Compiz-Fusion works out of the box. However, Suspend and Hibernate do not work in this version. I’m still working on that issue and Ubuntu may get ATI to fix the fglrx binary before I get a work around, so my bet is things will be working soon anyway.

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Ok folks, I’m uploading the first custom CD for Gutsy. It will only be in English, so if you need another language request it here.

This CD will include the binary fglrx drivers, xgl, and the advanced Compiz-Fusion settings manager for customizing your experience. It will also have the BCM43xx Wireless driver installed and the firmware already installed.

After you install your system from this CD, there is no need to enable the Restricted Drivers for the BCM43xx wireless to work. The ATI will show enabled and the BCM will show disabled (unchecked) but ignore that for now. It works.

You can even use wireless in live CD session, just click the network monitor icon and select/connect to your wifi.

The ISO will be finished uploading in 1 hour or less, so about 2:45 PM EST. I’ll announce it’s location at that time. Thanks!

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The problem with Suspend and Hibernate in Gutsy is that Gutsy is using CONFIG_SLUB=y in it’s kernel instead of CONFIG_SLAB=y, which Feisty used in it’s kernel. This is a problem with the fglrx driver, which worked fine in Feisty. Anyway, you can read more about this bug at https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/linux-restricted-modules-2.6.22/+bug/121653.

For now, here’s a fix, but it comes at a cost. Temporarily anyway. As I said, the FGLRX driver (i.e. xorg-driver-fglrx) doesn’t work right with the new kernel, BUT the ATI driver from www.amd.com does. The trade off is your Compiz-Fusion.

I’m going to try to get Compiz working with the official ATI driver as I get more time to work on it. But for now if you want Suspend/Hibernate you need to be running the official ATI driver.

So what you do is:

Preparation
Install Build Tools:

sudo apt-get install module-assistant build-essential debhelper debconf dh-make fakeroot libstdc++5 linux-headers-generic


Installation

Build Ubuntu packages from the installer by opening a terminal, entering the directory that you saved the installer to, and running:

bash ./ati-driver-installer-.run –buildpkg Ubuntu/gutsy


where is the version number of the driver you downloaded. This will take a short time. After finishing, the installer will create several debs. Use the command “dpkg -i ” to install the debs:

sudo dpkg -i *.deb


After installing the kernel source and xorg driver, you will now need to compile the fglrx kernel module in order to get 3-d rendering. Do so with the following commands:

sudo m-a prepare,update
sudo m-a build,install fglrx-kernel
sudo depmod
sudo rm -f /usr/src/fglrx-kernel*.deb


Configuration

Now open “System -> Administration -> Restricted Drivers Manager” and select the enable box for “ATI accelerated graphics driver” and hit apply. Reboot now.

At next boot, Ubuntu will load an old version of fglrx, so you have to blacklist it by changing the following file as so:

sudo gedit /etc/default/linux-restricted-modules-common

Now change it to say:
DISABLED_MODULES=”fglrx”

You’re finished! Now Reboot Again.

You are now running the ATI official driver with Direct Rendering working. I’ll figure out how to get Compiz to work with this soon.

After any kernel updates

After every update of the kernel (linux-image-), you will need to recompile the kernel module (make sure to get the latest linux-headers too) as explained under the installation section. After you recompile the module, you can regain direct rendering by logging into a console (ctrl+alt+f1) and typing:

sudo /etc/init.d/gdm stop (kdm if you use Kubuntu)
sudo rmmod fglrx (even if this command fails, go on)
sudo modprobe fglrx
sudo /etc/init.d/gdm start (again, Kubuntu users type kdm)


That’s it. Should work to get your Suspend/Hibernate working for now in Gutsy. As I said, I’ll update when I find a fix for all with the compiz working too.

Later!

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