I started off with a system as follows:
- P4 2GHz
- 512 MB RDRAM
- 1 IDE HD
- An NTFS primary partition with WinXP SP2
- 3 x NTFS partitions for storage
- 1 x VFAT / FAT32 partition for data access while dual-booting
- 2 x Ext3, 1 x Boot, and 1 x Swap (from an existing Ubuntu 6.06)
- On-board Intel sound
- nVidia GeForce 5700 LE 256 MB
- 1 x Philips DVD-RW
- 1 x Optorite CD-RW
I've finally decided to start using Linux more than I use Windows, and so it was with that in mind that I resolved to get it set up permanently on my main box. I've tried a few distributions - Fedora Core, SuSE, Debian, Ubuntu - and as much as I tried to get into them, I just found it a pain, especially with Gnome. Just my preference! I've always had trouble with Linux and I keep coming back. But this time it would be different. I'd iron out all my own personal creases and just start using it for all the day-to-day stuff.
So first things first, I got a hold of the latest Kubuntu (mmmmm... KDE :) ), then booted off that and got a very nice desktop in good time. Then I clicked the 'Install' icon on the desktop and happily went selecting options and formatting all my Linux partitions in order to get a fresh install.
- Problem #1: installer crashes - 'unable to write to target' or some such. The bug report tool didn't crash, but I couldn't connect to my router (SafeCom wired thing), so without being online I couldn't file the report, well the exact report anyway. This seems to be a problem with DHCP, as other flavours work fine with DHCP for me, but I usually have to go static with *buntu. Must look into this.'
So out comes an older Kubuntu 5.10 CD and a reboot. This installs perfectly, though again the DHCP doesn't seem to work so I set networking up manually during install.
Notes and Thoughts
- Adept is amazing, and beats Synaptic hands down. VERY impressed.
- KDE remembers my screen res, which I found awkward under Gnome
- PROBLEM: Kubuntu recognises all my partitions and adds them to /etc/fstab, which is fantastic. The only problem is they're inaccessible even though they're mounted, and even though I try to sudo into them. Got this sorted by finding the thread mounting fat32 and ntfs partitions on kubuntuforums.org. Basically just some umask stuff in fstab. Maybe a GUI front-end would be nice?
- PROBLEM: All the preinstalled media players (Amarok, etc.) couldn't handle OGGs or MP3s. The OGG would attempt to play but it was severely chopped. Installed xmms (which I prefer anyway) and it works excellently.
