MICHAEL SAUTTER

@sautter

Articles Posted: 929 Links Seeded: 7726

Member Since: 3/2006 Last Seen: 5/16/2012

My Ubuntu Linux Project

Mon Feb 26, 2007 12:05 AM EST

technology, computers, linux, ubuntu, ubuntu-project

By Michael Sautter

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Exploratory Phase

My Apple Mac died recently after almost five years of dedicated service. I have a MacBook so there is no need to rush into buying a new desktop. I have a PC that I think may be good for Ubuntu, it's about four years old.

Hardware

The online documentation seems to gloss over hardware requirements. Will this hardware configuration handle Ubuntu or is Xubuntu a better choice due to its age?

System

eMachines model T2742
Intel Celeron 2.7 GHz processor
256 MB DDR RAM PC2700 (1 slot open) ¹
Monitor: Envision 17" CRT, model EN-775e ²
40 GB hard drive
CD-RW write 48x max.
DVD, read 16x max.
Floppy drive (but I don't need to use it)
Motherboard D845GVSR
Ethernet port, Intel Pro 10/100 LAN
PCI: 2 slots open
6 USB ports (v 1.0 not 2.0, I think)
Audio (mini jacks for headphones and microphone) & SVGA on motherboard
Windows XP Home Edition v 2002 SP2

¹ 256 MB RAM seems to be the minimum for Ubuntu, would more RAM be a wise investment?
² I also have an old NEC MultiSync XE15 lying around waiting to be of use for something.

Wifi Card?

Any recommendations for a wireless ethernet card?

The documentation seems to say that a wifi card can be tricky with Ubuntu and provides a long list of compatible cards. Are any better than the others? Or do I just need to make sure the one I get is Linux compatable?

Scanner

The documentation doesn't seem to mention scanners.
This is not a deal breaker for me but it would be nice to have.
My scanner is a Canon LiDE 20, is there a driver for it? Will a general TWAIN driver work?

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Software

The online documentation covers most software questions that I have, but I could use some feedback in a few areas.

Web / Internet

I know Ubuntu includes the Firefox web browser but does it work well with Netvibes and Newsvine? I use Netvibes extensively (RSS feeds, podcasts, calendar) so this is important. I also use Newsvine a lot, writing and submitting articles as well as seeding frequently.

* Audio *

This is important to me. I really like listening to podcasts and streaming internet radio. Is there a good podcast player/organizer for Ubuntu? How about an app to create podcasts? A few of the internet radio streams that I would like to listen to are Radio Paradise and Virgin Radio.

Does Songbird work well in Ubuntu? Songbird looks so good that I'm thinking of trying it out on my MacBook.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Ubuntu Project Update

I've decided on a wifi card and 512MB more memory.
More info down in the comments:Ubuntu Project Update (Comment #9).

My next Article update will be in about one week.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Future Phases

I won't leave you hanging, I'll let you know how things progress. Expect an update in a week or so, I need to do some more research and get a Wifi card.

Installation Phase

Was it easy to install? How long did it take? I hope to answer these questions.

Trial Phase

How does Ubuntu compare with other more mainstream operating systems? Can I use it for my everyday computing needs? After I use Ubuntu for a week or two then I'll post a report.

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Published to:

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Public Discussion (43)

Michael Sautter

I would appreciate any suggestions.

2 votes

#1 - Mon Feb 26, 2007 12:06 AM EST

monkeywork

My Suggestions:

1. More RAM the better, you can get it cheap and the performance increase will be quite significant.

2. Look for a wireless card with the Atheros chip set. They work out of the box with Ubuntu ( I use a D-Link DWL-G520)

3. I'd suggest sticking with standard Ubuntu (if you do the ram upgrade) rest of your hardware is fine.

4. Scanner I'm not sure - I'd need to look up it's information but if it's fairly new it should work (USB?)

5. Firefox will work as well as Safari or Camino does on your mac, better in some cases.

6. I've never used songbird (looks cool will try tomorrow) most used music player is like Amarok and it's got great features (itunes on steroids) will work fine with podcasts.

7. Install is incredibly awesome - you boot off a live CD and actually can use your operating system (browse etc) while the OS is installing in the background. I played bubbles or something while it installed on my system.

6 votes

#2 - Mon Feb 26, 2007 12:46 AM EST

Michael Sautter

Re: Amarok

Is Amarok for KDE? Then should I instal Kubuntu instead of Ubuntu?

2 votes

#2.1 - Mon Feb 26, 2007 11:30 AM EST

A. H. Min

I personally like KDE better than Ubuntu because I think it looks nicer. Amarok is for KDE, it will run on GNOME (Ubuntu interface) but look horrible. Here's an article about GNOME audio players: http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,128636/article.html

3 votes

#2.2 - Mon Feb 26, 2007 12:33 PM EST

DAWeb

OnlineApps. Do you run Kubuntu? or another distro?

Thanks!

1 vote

#2.3 - Mon Feb 26, 2007 1:37 PM EST

A. H. Min

Kubuntu all the way!

I like it because:
I like KDE
Easy to install programs (apt-get, aptitude, AND adept)
Big user base

I've used and liked Slax, but that's just a live CD. Dreamlinux is cool, but support is hard to find unless you speak Portuguese. SuSE doesn't have apt-get or aptitude. I really haven't tried any others.

I'm actually going to write something for the Free Software Magazine about how to install and set up Kubuntu Edgy and Windows XP in a dual-boot (I can send it to you if you want when it is ready).

3 votes

#2.4 - Mon Feb 26, 2007 2:11 PM EST

DAWeb

that would be great. I am currently running Ubuntu and may change it to a dual boot and run both Ubuntu and Kubuntu so that I can see some of the differences.

2 votes

#2.5 - Mon Feb 26, 2007 3:39 PM EST

stevetherobot

2. Look for a wireless card with the Atheros chip set. They work out of the box with Ubuntu ( I use a D-Link DWL-G520)

I installed Ubuntu on a box here at work and was looking for a wireless card when I found out we already had some just sitting around. They are D-Link cards (Atheros chipset) and they worked immediately with both the server and the desktop versions of Ubuntu.

2 votes

#2.6 - Mon Feb 26, 2007 5:12 PM EST

monkeywork

Kubuntu is kinda ugly - not a lot of attention is given to the KDE theme and layout. Amarok looks fine in Gnome, and works fine as well. Stick with Ubuntu, once your familiar with stuff start branching out to Ubuntu's child projects.

1 vote

#2.7 - Tue Feb 27, 2007 12:10 AM EST

monkeywork

Kubuntu all the way!

I like it because:
I like KDE
Easy to install programs (apt-get, aptitude, AND adept)
Big user base

I've used and liked Slax, but that's just a live CD. Dreamlinux is cool, but support is hard to find unless you speak Portuguese. SuSE doesn't have apt-get or aptitude. I really haven't tried any others.

I'm actually going to write something for the Free Software Magazine about how to install and set up Kubuntu Edgy and Windows XP in a dual-boot (I can send it to you if you want when it is ready).

Not to get into a Geek argument but of your points only one seems valid the "I like KDE" which is a personal choice and that's cool.

Easy to install programs point is true for any Debian based distro (Ubuntu, Kubuntu, etc).

Big user base? Ubuntu is the incredibly more widespread than Kubuntu and it's Gnome. KDE may be wide spread more throughout other distros ... but in this case of Ubuntu based distros - Gnome wins.

SuSE is a great OS and is my second choice for anyone looking for Linux @ home. I generally give ubuntu to people who are light users and just want to play a bit and SuSE for those looking for a small biz type desktop. SuSE uses YaST which is very similiar to apt-get, and is extreemly clean and fine tuned. SuSE is likely the most professional distro out there.

Dual boots are ok but I've had better experince getting people to switch cold turkey for 2 weeks. Then give them the option to go to a dual boot system after... dual boot is too much of a crutch and first time you get a bit lost and don't feel like learning you'll go back to what your used to.

Best of luck with your article - more people need to write useful articles such as that, I've written for Linux.com previously as well, definitly worth it.

1 vote

#2.8 - Tue Feb 27, 2007 12:21 AM EST

Thura

Cool - infact I just DL the latest Ubuntu, Knoppix and Dreamlinux this week end. I am trying all 3 out from the CD then will install at least two that I like and go for a multi-boot.

If you have an old computer, I believe Xbuntu ould be more suitable (according the the website).

2 votes

#3 - Mon Feb 26, 2007 12:49 AM EST

A. H. Min

A few suggestions:
Ubuntu is probably fine
Firefox is a ton more standards compliant than IE, so it will run Netvibes and Newsvine terrificly (I'm in it now!)
Songbird isn't bad, but Banshee is probably better. Songbird's in heavy alpha status.

Make sure you get Automatix (getautomatix.com) and use it to install some plugins.

Use this guide for installing software:
http://monkeyblog.org/ubuntu/installing/

And get Battle For Wesnoth (wesnoth.org)!

2 votes

#4 - Mon Feb 26, 2007 9:26 AM EST

KMull

I've heard some people say not to install Automatix because you need to learn how to install those plugins without an automatic script doing it. What do you think?

2 votes

#4.1 - Mon Feb 26, 2007 10:59 AM EST

A. H. Min

To that I'd say, why?

Besides plugins, I don't really use Automatix though. To me, sudo apt-get install is a lot easier.

2 votes

#4.2 - Mon Feb 26, 2007 12:34 PM EST

insert_name_here

256 megs of RAM is just fine for Ubuntu.

I, in fact, am running Ubuntu on a server with a 400mHz processor and 192megs of RAM just fine.

2 votes

#5 - Mon Feb 26, 2007 9:47 AM EST

Michael Sautter

Thanks, I may just stick with 256MB RAM and then add more later.

2 votes

#5.1 - Mon Feb 26, 2007 11:35 AM EST

thing12

Lower levels of ram are fine for servers, but on the desktop you might want to go higher than 256. If you're going to be scanning images that's almost a must. The ~$30 you'll spend to add another 256MB will make a world of difference for ordinary desktop apps. Firefox can be a bit of a ram hog (even on Windows).

1 vote

#5.2 - Mon Feb 26, 2007 2:24 PM EST

monkeywork

I agree anything under 512 is going to hurt when your running Firefox, Gnome (the gui), maybe an mp3 player, and say open office... painful ....

Trust me DDR ram is cheap, since your not paying for the OS spend 50-60 bucks and invest in some RAM.

3 votes

#5.3 - Tue Feb 27, 2007 12:11 AM EST

monkeywork

oh and just as a side note - there is nothing special about running amarok under ubuntu - ignore the whole KDE / GNOME thing... the software will run fine, and while it won't look exactly the same as most of your other apps it's not ugly (imagine a windows program running on your mac).

1 vote

#5.4 - Wed Feb 28, 2007 10:48 PM EST

DAWeb

Songbird - http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/songbird

I know Ubuntu includes the Firefox web browser but does it work well with Netvibes and Newsvine? I use Netvibes extensively (RSS feeds, podcasts, calendar) so this is important. I also use Newsvine a lot, writing and submitting articles as well as seeding frequently.

I uswe both netvibes and Newsvine and have a new box at home that I put Ubuntu on and have had no issues yet with either.

Good luck and keep us informed of how it is going! I am pretty much a newbie when it comes to Ubuntu but have also recently begun playing around with it.

3 votes

#6 - Mon Feb 26, 2007 9:53 AM EST

A. H. Min

The psychocats Ubuntu site is a great guide.

BTW, you can also install Songbird via Automatix (see above).

3 votes

#6.1 - Mon Feb 26, 2007 12:35 PM EST

thing12

Your scanner is completely supported by SANE, so it should work just fine in Ubuntu. Just be sure to install "xsane".

4 votes

#7 - Mon Feb 26, 2007 11:09 AM EST

Michael Sautter

Thanks, that's good to know.

2 votes

#7.1 - Mon Feb 26, 2007 11:37 AM EST

nwzjnkee

My Ubuntu system is a 2.0ghz P4 with 1.5gb RAM and 80gb hard drive. I originally had it with 256mb of Ram with no problems; I just got a deal on the 1.5gb. Linux seems to make very efficient use of system resources.....get one of those resource meters installed and you will see what I mean.

3 votes

#8 - Mon Feb 26, 2007 8:57 PM EST

Michael Sautter

Ubuntu Project Update

'Thank you' to everyone who left a comment, you have been very helpful.

Here's what I am planning to do:

I have ordered a wifi card and 512 MB RAM.
(Both for less than $100 total at NewEgg.) I plan to install the wifi card and memory under Windows before installing Ubuntu.
I have decided to install Ubuntu after considering Kubuntu and Xubuntu.
Amarok, an audio player optimised for Kubuntu/KDE, looks good but I think the audio players on Ubuntu will be sufficient for my needs. My system isn't old enough to require Xubuntu.

I have a Big Question:

Can I download and burn the Ubuntu install disk-image with my Apple MacBook even though I will use the CD to install Ubuntu on a Windows machine?

And I have a small question:

Can I use a USB keyboard and an USB optical mouse with Ubuntu?
Currently the Windows box has a PS/2 keyboard and mouse but I have USB ones that I would like to use instead.

As always, any comments and suggestions are welcomed. My next Article update will be in about a week since I have to wait for the NewEgg order to arrive.

3 votes

#9 - Wed Feb 28, 2007 1:00 PM EST

Thura

Can I download and burn the Ubuntu install disk-image with my Apple MacBook even though I will use the CD to install Ubuntu on a Windows machine?

I doubt it. Apparently Mac has a different file system - if your HD is already formatted for FAT, NTFS it might not work, although I have not had to do this particular task.

Here are 2 cool links to LifeHacker : Install and run Ubuntu without disturbing Windows and Ubuntu Tip: How to mount a Windows NTFS partition. Of course you already need to be running Windows to benefit from these.

Good luck and keep us posted.

2 votes

#9.1 - Wed Feb 28, 2007 1:41 PM EST

DAWeb

I don't think it will be a problem. you are downloading an iso. it will burn the image to the drive.
also check out the audio program exaile. it is almost identical to amarok in what it does and how it does it but it is a gnome app instead.

3 votes

#9.2 - Wed Feb 28, 2007 2:08 PM EST

DAWeb

couple more links for you

A MUST read
http://linuxondesktop.blogspot.com/2007/02/13-things-to-do-immediately-after.html

Linux Mag for newbies
http://www.tuxmagazine.org/

Guide for Windows converts
http://www-128.ibm.com/developerworks/linux/library/l-roadmap.html

Graphics software review for you.
http://www.bellevuelinux.org/software_artists.html

2 votes

#9.3 - Wed Feb 28, 2007 2:17 PM EST

monkeywork

ISO file you download is burnable from any platform. The comment about the filesystem being different is only valid when talking about a data cd and even then the CD will generally still read assuming you choose the right options (putting an apple HD in a windows machine however will not read without special software).

USB keyboard and mice are fine however you may need to some tweaking if you have special buttons on either the keyboard / mouse. (basic functions will be fine but special things like volume control or application buttons will need to be manually mapped)

Which wifi card did you end up buying?

2 votes

#9.4 - Wed Feb 28, 2007 10:46 PM EST

Michael Sautter

Thanks for the information. The wifi card I'm getting is the D-Link DWL-G520.

1 vote

#9.5 - Wed Feb 28, 2007 11:07 PM EST

A. H. Min

Here's how to burn it:
http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/maciso

Just make sure you burn the x86 (Intel) ISO.

2 votes

#9.6 - Mon Mar 5, 2007 8:37 AM EST

stevetherobot

Can I use a USB keyboard and an USB optical mouse with Ubuntu?

I just checked my Ubuntu box and I'm using a USB keyboard and mouse, so yes.

Can I download and burn the Ubuntu install disk-image with my Apple MacBook even though I will use the CD to install Ubuntu on a Windows machine?

Thura has already replied, saying the filesystems are different, but since you will be burning an iso image I don't think it should matter. The computer you install on won't have a filesystem until the installation creates one. Give it a try, you have nothing to lose but time.

Here are some useful urls I found this morning.
Hack Attack: Top 10 Ubuntu apps and tweaks
How to install ANYTHING in Ubuntu!
5 ways to run Windows software on a Linux system

2 votes

#10 - Wed Feb 28, 2007 2:10 PM EST

Michael Sautter

Has My Install Stalled?

I started the install about 90 minutes ago, at first the hard drive could be heard and the light flicked on and off. Then the light stayed on for a long time but now nothing. The hard drive is quiet and the light has been dark for 20 minutes or so.

Software-wise, I'm at Step 5 of the install (I chose to re-size partition) and the little disk/cursor thingy is still spinning away.

Does the install usually take this long? Does this sound normal? Can I just cancel the install and everything will be the it was before?

2 votes

#11 - Tue Mar 6, 2007 1:05 PM EST

A. H. Min

Hmm, if you haven't started to resize, you can restart. But if you've clicked the button to resize, and it's frozen, you better start praying that you haven't A. messed up your hard drive and B. lost all the data.

I'm surprised, this doesn't usually happen. Did you check the Ubuntu Forums?

3 votes

#11.1 - Tue Mar 6, 2007 1:20 PM EST

Michael Sautter

Windows is back (no sign of Ubuntu) but the hard drive is just 20GB now! So it looks like the HD was partitioned but no Ubuntu.

2 votes

#11.2 - Tue Mar 6, 2007 1:57 PM EST

A. H. Min

Odd. You know, IMO the easiest way is to reformat, re-install Windows, then install Ubuntu. That's what I did (except I used Kubuntu instead).

3 votes

#11.3 - Tue Mar 6, 2007 2:37 PM EST

Michael Sautter

re-install Windows, then install Ubuntu.

I may try it but I inherited this computer and I'm not sure if I have the Windows discs.

3 votes

#11.4 - Tue Mar 6, 2007 3:15 PM EST

A. H. Min

Little late, but here's a podcast from Linux Reality about wifi cards:
http://www.linuxreality.com/podcast/episode-52-wireless-networking-basics/

3 votes

#12 - Tue Mar 6, 2007 1:20 PM EST

Michael Sautter

Thanks, the wifi card worked fine when I ran Ubuntu from the CD.

2 votes

#12.1 - Tue Mar 6, 2007 6:18 PM EST

Michael Sautter

Installation!

Finally. I'm typing this on an Ubuntu box. I'll write up an article this weekend about the installation and post it Monday morning.

4 votes

#13 - Fri Mar 9, 2007 8:35 PM EST

DAWeb

Glad to hear it!! Ubuntu is a quality Distro for you to use!

3 votes

#13.1 - Fri Mar 9, 2007 9:07 PM EST

Thura

Cool. Heh heh.. I just had to reinstall Ubuntu (because I tried to install Compiz and borked up the original install). Hope your install was less eventful than mine.. look forward to the article.

3 votes

#13.2 - Sat Mar 10, 2007 4:47 AM EST

Michael Sautter

Read all about my experience installing Ubuntu: