feisty in virtual pc

I've had kUbuntu edgy running in virtual pc before, using the alternate CD for an install. This time I thought I'd use feisty. And thats a day I'd like back. No matter what I tried, the install would freeze at some point.

No problem, I switched to VirtualBox. But I had similar problems.

In the end, I downloaded vmwares free player, and the official vmware images for feisty which finally worked.

Anatomy of a debian package...

at google video.

Ubuntu on Dell

Finally, something official from Dell that I can point to!

As part of an overall effort to update our Linux program, today we are announcing a partnership with Canonical to offer Ubuntu on select consumer desktop and notebook products.

:)

I installed kUbuntu Feisty on my personal Dell e1405, and the experience was amazing. First of all, everything worked from the live CD (except the screen resolution, which was fixed after install by apt-get install 915resolution). While the distro installed, I was connected via wifi to my home network which has WPA enabled! The install was the fastest, and I was up and running with a fully functional system locally installed, in minutes! That is what I call a great experience.

Here is a link to all the discussion in blogs shown by techmeme.

From Laughing Squid,

This is a major victory in the long battle to make Linux a viable option as a desktop operating system for the average consumer and business user.

From Open Source Weblog:

Expanding on the implications of the announcements for Linux, Shuttleworth doubted that it would have an immediate impact on desktop Linux adoption, but did point to longer term growth. “I don't think there's going to be a big bang event when the world suddently shifts from one platform to another but I think that Linux is coming into its own as a viable, reliable platform,” he said.

From ZDNet UK:

When buying the Dell systems, customers will have the option to purchase support from Ubuntu backer Canonical, said Jane Silber, the start-up's director of operations.

From PC World:

Although Canonical already works with a number of OEMs (original equipment manufacturers), Silber believes the deal with Dell represents the first time Ubuntu will be preinstalled on a major computer vendor's machines. Previous OEM deals involved a post-purchase Linux installation or a CD of the distribution bundled with the computer.

From Technically Speaking:

Dell is choosing Ubuntu - I’d like one! Inspirion or whatever your laptop is now called, top end one please.

After a fresh install...

on an e1405 of ubuntu:

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get upgrade
sudo apt-get install network-manager-gnome 915resolution

reboot

apt-get install build-essential quanta kdevelop anjuta screem bluefish vlc emacs-snapshot-gtk gaim gaim-guifications gaim-extendedprefs gaim-hotkeys gaim-encryption mozilla-thunderbird deskbar-applet openssh-client openssh-server subversion k3b screen inkscape pan gqview unrar par2 nmap wireshark bitchx gstreamer0.8-plugins libgtk2.0-dev python-mode

manually install automatix to get more apps.

manually install beryl.

if dual_booting:
ntfs-3g

References used:
Dell e1405 WXGA+, X wouldn't start
Essentials, 2006 edition

Note: Transmission source 0.6.1 has a bug where it identifies gtk 2.10 as old, downloading source from svn and compiling that fixes this problem.

kubuntu on e1405

You might have some problems getting X to start during installation. You can follow the instructions here to get going.

kubuntu, wpa and...

knetworkmanager rocks!

I didn't have to do anything. Just apt-get install knetworkmanager, start knetworkmanager, and enter the WPA password. Nice.