Author Topic: ubuntu linux help (Read 295 times)

oboe · « **on:** November 22, 2006, 10:44:36 AM »

I just installed Dapper Drake version of ubuntu linux on an old computer I have here, hoping to play around a little and learn linux.

From unbuntu's website, I was led to believe after I booted up the first time after installing, I would be greeting with the GNOME desktop. However, it just boots to a command line interface, and I don't know any commands yet.

Can anybody tell me how to start GNOME? And what change I need to make to get GNOME to run each time I boot?

Thanks!

MrRiplEy[H] · « **Reply #1 on:** November 22, 2006, 01:41:25 PM »

Welcome to linux world. Most likely you lack a proper display driver to your new and fancy display card so it won't let you into GNOME which requires graphics.

oboe · « **Reply #2 on:** November 22, 2006, 05:54:25 PM »

Ah, thanks.

I'll have to double check - I think the graphics card is based on the nVidia's FX 5200. Not too fancy anymore.

So, I should check the vid card manufacturer's site and see if they offer Linux/Unix drivers? Then figure out how to install them from the command line?

I heard Linux requires alot of tweaking but I didn't think I'd run into problems so soon.

Thanks help!

Ghosth · « **Reply #3 on:** November 23, 2006, 06:48:47 AM »

Forget umbuto, tried it myself, was a lot of work and & was not real impressed.

Do a google search for Xandros!

Worked flawlessly first time, correctly identified & setup all hardware including video card. The network also worked right out of the box, just had to "share" drives like windows & I was setup. Its also free btw for home users.

It also has one huge advantage, as it can run some windows applications.

eagl · « **Reply #4 on:** November 23, 2006, 06:54:01 AM »

Try the latest version of whatever you want to try. Nvidia has some newer drivers that may be included with the updated version of ubuntu.

You have to make sure you tell it to do the graphical installation and boot to xwindows as well... I know it's possible to choose the wrong options during installation and end up at a command shell. If you just install all the defaults though, it *should* end up with an xwindows login.

If the networking drivers installed correctly, it's possible to manually install the right nvidia drivers and then re-run the Xwindows config utility. But it takes some moderately geeky work to make it happen.

I like xandros better than ubuntu, but xandros hasn't updated their free version in about 3 years so it's a bit outdated. knoppix is also a great way to test a system for linux compatibility, since you can run it right from the cd.

I'd try the latest version of ubuntu though. They released a new version just a month or two ago.

oboe · « **Reply #5 on:** November 23, 2006, 12:19:14 PM »

Thanks -

Was out and about yesterday and found a book on Ubuntu at Barnes and Noble, which came with an install DVD. Tried that and seems to work fine. I'm running GNOME right now. No audio though. I tried downloading Realtek's Linux drivers for AC97 but when I run the install in Terminal I see lots of errors scrolling by - looks like many permission issues.

Still lots to learn about it, but I've taken my first steps...

I'm sure I will check out Xandros at some point, since you guys recommend it.

Happy Thanksgiving and thanks for the help!