Software

Ask something
Question Locked

Linux

0 helpful
14 replies

by linuxuser9.10

Closed to new repliesThis discussion is closed. It stays readable, but it takes no new replies.
I am trying to use Linux (Ubuntu 9.10) after hearing some talk about how easy it is and it's better than WIndows. I had a tough time with installation, too many prompts that seemed confusing. After a clean install the video was stuck at either 640x480 or 800x600, Windows 7 Ultimate that I bought and upgraded with a clean install gave me correct drivers from the get go for everything. My resolution was able to go to the recommended 1680x1050 (using ATI Radeon HD 4870). All my Windows drivers worked fine and it was really easy. My question is, how the heck do I install the video driver (or any driver) for Ubuntu? Windows is a piece of cake, just download the driver and double click the file, it installs itself. Apparently in Ubuntu I have to use some terminal and locate the file using command line stuff? Is this right? I thought Linux was supposed to be easy? What am I doing wrong? Any help appreciated as I hear from a lot of people on here that Linux is easier to use and "gramps" can use it easily, Well, i can't and need help.

14 replies

by ---tk---

a little trick... when you log into ubuntu. hit ctrl+alt+F4, user prompt= your user name, then type your password. at the # prompt type "sudo apt-get install -y envyng-core envyng-qt", it will then ask you for your password type it in, and watch it go! Once its finished doing its thing. It might prompt you to restart, if so let it reboot. If not type exit. Then hit ctrl+alt+F7 (back to the GUI). Then go to Applications->System Tools-> and you will see ENVYng, click it! the GUI will show you which driver is recommended and what is compatible. Which ever driver has two green check marks, click the enable button, then apply.

by ---tk---

at the login prompt first I would continue with the ctrl+alt+F4, user name and password... then type "sudo apt-get update" then "sudo apt-get upgrade" watch it go! 1hr later, depending on how fast your ISP is and how fast your PC is... install some programs that you will want later on. "sudo apt-get install -y vlc wine". VLC will play any movie you want, and wine is a Windows emulator that sometimes will run .exe's...

by bckerr

It's a bit of a chore but thanks for the info, every thing worked for me by the way when I typed in your info, so thanks again.

by jonathan.wayman

I actually was not familiar with the envyng-core package. Takes all the sting out of doing it the way I used to do it.

by ---tk---

Post it up, and let the New Linux users benefit from my years of hair pulling on how to get it right the first time around...

by larryd4

I have a feeling, that this is a TR member posting this, to see what kind of a flame war it would start.

by ---tk---

If everything goes as planned, you should have the resolution you want and the proper video driver installed... so lets take it a step further and find out why Linux's desktop effects spank windows desktop. At the terminal ctrl+alt+F4... username,passwd... type "sudo apt-get install -y compiz*". Then Right click on your desktop and select Change Desktop Background. Go to Visual Effects tab and tick Extra on. Now,go to System?>Preferences?>CompizConfig Settings Manager in this window tick Desktop Cube, Rotate Cube and Cube Reflection and Deformation(Type in Filter area to find out them).

BEST OF LUCK!!

by ---tk---

if so its all good :). I use Linux and MS, and like them both for different reasons (no OS is perfect :))... The graphics drivers for Linux are a pain in the A$$ lol (not going to lie about it)... ATI's drivers are still really far behind Nvidia, they say they are working on it... but who knows how long good drivers will take. So it doesn't really shock me that his ATI card wasn't working properly right off the bat.

by poppatab

Hello,

A lively discussion is always good, but having a flame-fest over an OS is just plain silly. I say we all go back to OS-2 and Windows 3.1; now those were the days! LOL

by larryd4

I loved OS/2 Warp!

::suddenly a big blue hand reaches up from the depth::

Its time for IBM OS/2 to show who will win the OS wars!
;)

by ---tk---

Reminds me of an old school friend... He had managed to keep his old commodore 64 running for all these years.

This discussion is closed to new replies.