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I was planning to download the latest Kubuntu release and wasn't sure which one to grab.
- Standard personal computer (x86 architecture, PentiumTM, CeleronTM, AthlonTM, SempronTM) - 64bit AMD and Intel computers I run: Toshiba Satellite A100-926 Intel Core 2 Duo T7200 @2GHZ 3GB DDR Ram 512mb ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 120GB SATA HD I was wondering if the 64bit version is worth getting... I know my CPU supports 64bit processing.. but will getting that version really make a difference over the 32bit version? Also... I was looking into getting a Solid State hard drive.. I know some Windows programs (Mainly Dreamweaver...) have issues with Solid State drives... are there any issues with Kubuntu? I have been switching back and forth between Kubuntu and Fedora 10 KDE and like different aspects from each.. so any advice would be much appreciated |
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The 64-bit version should be more optimised for your processor architecture, whereas the 32-bit one will be for generalised processors, so it should (in theory) run better.
One problem you may have if you're using 3D effects is that the version of X used in this release doesn't support AMD's proprietary driver, so you won't be able to use any desktop effects. ...though that was the least of my worries when I tried to upgrade; it left my computer unusable :-@. Lucky I have good backup habits. |
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Thanx for the reply
Doesn't support AMD's proprietry driver.. I take it you are referring to the gfx card driver then (RE: AMD and ATI merge).. So I couldn't use Beryl/Compiz Fusion and other fancy effects as the driver for the gfx card isn't supported? Hmm.. in truth I had issues with the previous release of Kubuntu when it came to gfx.. the.. whats the term.. bottom right hand corner where it showed all the startup icons like speakers, wireless card etc etc they were messed up from time to time... and I never got the startup and shutdown sounds to work properly.. when I shutdown or started up the startup tone would be distorted or simply stopped playing half way thru.. irritating but hardly a major reason to avoid the distro. I did give Fedora 10 a go.. but on clean install of Fedora 10 KDE I got a major issue.. the screen fonts were too large. I discovered that it was an issue with the DPI of the fonts. I had to try to navigate my way to the settings and "Force fonts 96DPI" then all the fonts were displayed properly. But in order to access the desktop I had to install both GNOME and KDE and then the login screen was GNOME and then select to boot into KDE desktop. If I had KDE login screen I could not login as the fonts were to large and I could not select the user and input password etc.. so VERY frustrating.. ANYWAYS... back on track.. You are saying that I should go for the 64bit version of Kubuntu HOWEVER I may have issues with the gfx? That right? I am ashamed to say I am pretty much still a n00b when it comes to Linux.. I can find my way round Windows no problem and do registry tweeks etc etc etc.. I worked in a computer shop building pcs and setting them up etc etc.. but Linux.. whole new ball game! So still learning. Backup habits? hahaha I keep all documents on an external hard drive so NOTHING is on my laptops hard drive but the OS itself and installed programs. I still have no idea how to backup the system in Linux. I still have a lot to learn.. but hey.. we all gotta start somewhere right?
Last edited by ChrisR1982Edin on Fri May 01, 2009 11:06 am, edited 1 time in total.
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That's right. No fancy graphics effects. But to be honest, once you've got past the "wow, that's impressive" stage, they aren't really worth the bother. And notification sounds are always one of the first things I shut off when I set a machine up - pointless and annoying in my view.
Yes. You won't have 3D acceleration on your graphics whichever version you choose, but the 64 bit will be generally quicker. There was an article linked from (I think) Digg recently which compared 32-bit and 64-bit; a few things were slightly slower (mainly due to 32-bit emulation ISTR) a lot were a bit faster and some things (like Ogg encoding) were a hell of a lot faster.
No shame in that. We all have to start somewhere.
Once you get the hang of it, you'll find Linux far easier to administer than Windows and a lot more fun too. I'd recommend boning up on the "dump" utility, which makes nice quick and easy-to-restore-from backups. And don't forget, your external drive could fail, so make sure you back that up as well:-O |
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Yes I do backup my external drive often actually, I had a 200GB drive die on me once before.. I am ashamed to say I almost cried when it happened! 180GB of data lost... I went out and bought a 12 pack and drank em all! hahaha So generally I stick all documents on my external drive until I have around 4gb of data then burn them off to DVD... I have about 100GB atm that needs burned off.. but need to pick up some blank dvd disks before I can do that..
"dump" utility? Cheers I will look into that I use DriveImage/Norton Ghost for Windows backups.. install windows, install drivers, install programs, and create a ghost/image of the installation.. then once every 2 or 3 months just use the disk image to get it back to smooth running All documents on external drive so no problem there Programs installed to D drive partition and so when I use the iage few programs need to be re-updated as they arent on C.. just their registry entries really.. I was looking for a way perhaps to do this with Linux... but Linux apps don't take long to download anyway *shrugs* Just a pain setting things up and if something goes wrong I do a clean install.. like i said.. still a n00b so not sure how to fix things yet.. but learning something new every day So... 64 bit version is what I should go for? *downloads* but no 3d acceleration.. strange.. I am pretty sure I have that with the version of Kubuntu I am using atm.. ATI Proprietry drivers.. or summit like that.. have some nice fancy effects working.. comic tabbed browsing or something like that.. I dont want MEGA fancy effects.. windows to fade to taskbar smoothly and quickly... cube would be nice.. transparent taskbar.. thats about it really.. this DESKTOP SNOW and close windows with explode/flame etc I am not interested in. I would disable the startup/shutdown sounds etc.. but havent worked out how yet... *blushes* Cheers for all your advice/help so far mate |
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The reason you've had the effects up to now but won't with the new release of Kubuntu is that it's using a newer version of X (the program that gives you your graphical desktop) which isn't compatible with ATI's drivers. The older version was. As far as I can understand, there will eventually be a release of the ATI code that will work with X, but it may not support older cards (not sure how old they class as old...)
Open up systemsettings, select "system notifications" then choose "KDE System Notifications" under "Event Source". Or easier still, switch off sound from all KDE apps by clicking the "Player Settings" tab and selecting "No audio output". |
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No audio output? Won't that mean if I listen to a song using Amarok then I won't get any audio? *unsure*
I will take a look in the system settings where you suggested thanx Ahh.. so "X" is what is causing the issues.. well.. would it be possible to take the latest Kubuntu and modify it to use the older version of "X"? I saw in Linux Format magazine they mentioned they had discussed "making your own distro" but I missed that issue *waves fist in anger* so was slightly annoyed at that.. I would love to take a Kubuntu release and add my own aspects to it so whenever I do a clean install then all my apps and settings are pre-set... Old gfx cards eh? The X1600 will probably come under that category... damn.. I have a desktop pc at home that I use for games and my laptop is for when I am on the move so wanted a fast and stable Linux OS on my laptop with some minor eye candy.. So the latest Kubuntu is not for me then due to "X"? Miss out on a whole release due to "X"? Nice.. Cheers for the help mate |
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I installed Kubuntu 9.04 on my primary laptop this time around and I'm absolutely loving it. I went with the 64bit version (I've been running 64bit Ubuntu since 7.10 Gutsy). I haven't run into any problems with not being able to install a program or any compatibility issues during the time that I have been using 64bit Linux. You may have to do some extra work if you want to get Skype or Java installed, but other than that, the 64bit version is definitely worth it, especially if you plan on running any virtualized software (VirtualBox / VMware). You'll also see better performance with CPU intensive stuff like encoding MP3s etc. When I made the switch to 64bit, it just seemed like the system overall was more snappy. But, that may have been the power of suggestion, I didn't do any benchmarks. Also, there is now a native 64bit Adobe Flash 10 plugin which is Alpha but very good. Much more stable than the 32bit version in my experience. You'll want to install that if you go with the 64bit version. If you need a how to on that, let me know, it is very simple and seem of the instructions I found are more complex than they need to be.
Last edited by undoIT on Fri May 08, 2009 3:09 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Thanks for that
I will be installing 9.04 later today and giving it a go I know what u mean by thinking 64bit was faster but didnt do benchmark tests.. i thot the same when i used WinXp64bit.. but hey.. Linux IS faster than windows anyway! haha |
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OK I installed it and DAMN is it fast!!! Boots up real quickly and all the desktop special effects work fine
Problem.. I can't find the Application Add/Remove bit.. There were two before.. one with a red icon and one with a blue one.. I THINK I found the blue one.. when I changed the sources to search the internet my pc locked out.. mouse could move but nothing worked.. All I want to do is add VLC Media Player, Firefox, and add the mp3 codec thing for Amarok and I am sorted.. don't need anything else other than them. Actually.. a program that could let me record the screen would be cool.. Can I get any of those apps as deb packages for offline installation later? |
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You'll have to look for kpackagekit if you want to install any packages in kubuntu 9.04 You could download the deb's, but that would require you to download every deb VLC, firefox, .. depend on. Much easier to use kpackagekit. It under System/Software Management |
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