Living with Penguins - Day 4

[TEX4S]

Thanks to All

My *nix question for the day is about my X-Fi again.

Here are the install instructions which were contained in the tar.gz file I downloaded from Creative's site:

Quick Install

____________________________________________

1) Goto source directory

2) Execute make command as root

make

make install

so I went to the folder where I have the files extracted - and rt. clicked and selected 'Open Terminal Here'

I then typed: sudo make

then the console showed a bunch of code running --

then when it stopped I typed sudo make install

Some more code ran across the terminal screen - then it was done - or appeared so. Nothing happened so I typed exit and closed the terminal.

I rebooted the computer and tried to open audio properties - but there is still no audio devices installed.

Can someone tell me what I am doing wrong ?

Thanks

UPDATE:

I fixed it !! woot!

apparently I just had to make some controls visible and voila! I have sound :D

Edited May 8, 2009 by TEX4S

[TEX4S]

OK - now I have another question.

After reading the summaries of each flavor of ubuntu - it seams Xubuntu is designed for speed (ie slower systems)

What am I missing out on by using this instead of kubuntu ? or even ubuntu ? I know the differences - but wanted to hear real world comments.

I read its possible to "combine" or "switch" the desktop environments - but I dont know if I should do that - or do a complete clean install of another flavor.

I have read very little on some of the other distros - and honeslty make my decisions on the overall "appearance" of the distro GUI (logo, desktop wallpaper, etc) - I know thats dumb as hell - but being a n00b its all I can see as a difference.

I would appreciate someone just telling me what I would probably like more - I understand its hard to suggest something like this - but considering I am constantly jacking with stuff - tinkering a little - learning alot and knowing nothing...

Thanks Again

[megamanXplosion]

If you have several desktop environments installed, you can choose the one you want to use when you are logging into your computer.

To install Gnome (what Ubuntu uses), type into the terminal:

sudo apt-get install ubuntu-desktop

To install KDE (what Kubuntu uses), type:

sudo apt-get install kubuntu-desktop

To install both at once, type:

sudo apt-get install ubuntu-desktop kubuntu-desktop

After settling on the desktop environment you like the most, you can remove the other two from your system. To remove them, check out these links:

http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/puregnome

http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/purekde

http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/purexfce

[TEX4S]

If you have several desktop environments installed, you can choose the one you want to use when you are logging into your computer.

To install Gnome (what Ubuntu uses), type into the terminal:

sudo apt-get install ubuntu-desktop

To install KDE (what Kubuntu uses), type:

sudo apt-get install kubuntu-desktop

To install both at once, type:

sudo apt-get install ubuntu-desktop kubuntu-desktop

After settling on the desktop environment you like the most, you can remove the other two from your system. To remove them, check out these links:

http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/puregnome

http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/purekde

http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/purexfce

man! thanks that was a really helpful post.

loading KDE currently.

[TEX4S]

megamanX -

How do I know when the apt-get command can be used - or when something needs to be installed via Synaptics or via some native default program ?

Thank You - your posts are really helping me make these adjustments.

I have completely removed Windows on my laptop - and have been spending at least 50% of my time in linux on my main desktop. ;)

[megamanXplosion]

I wasn't sure if you knew how to get to Synaptic and I couldn't remember how to get to it from within XFCE to explain it to you, so I gave command-line instructions because they were easier for me to give. Synaptic is only a GUI for APT, which is the program you invoked on the command-line (apt-get). Use whatever you prefer.

[redvamp128]

Simply put- 95% of all Apt-Get are in synaptic (it is GUI for Apt) the other 5% you have to add new repositories. to apt get them.

my

gedit /etc/apt/sources.list

# deb cdrom:[Ubuntu 8.04.1 _Hardy Heron_ - Release i386 (20080702.1)]/ hardy main restricted
# See [url="http://help.ubuntu.com/community/UpgradeNotes"]http://help.ubuntu.com/community/UpgradeNotes[/url] for how to upgrade to
# newer versions of the distribution.

deb [url="http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/"]http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/[/url] hardy restricted main
deb-src [url="http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/"]http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/[/url] hardy restricted

## Major bug fix updates produced after the final release of the
## distribution.
deb [url="http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/"]http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/[/url] hardy-updates restricted main
deb-src [url="http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/"]http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/[/url] hardy-updates restricted

## N.B. software from this repository is ENTIRELY UNSUPPORTED by the Ubuntu
## team, and may not be under a free licence. Please satisfy yourself as to
## your rights to use the software. Also, please note that software in
## universe WILL NOT receive any review or updates from the Ubuntu security
## team.
deb [url="http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/"]http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/[/url] hardy universe
deb-src [url="http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/"]http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/[/url] hardy universe
deb [url="http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/"]http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/[/url] hardy-updates universe
deb-src [url="http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/"]http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/[/url] hardy-updates universe

## N.B. software from this repository is ENTIRELY UNSUPPORTED by the Ubuntu 
## team, and may not be under a free licence. Please satisfy yourself as to 
## your rights to use the software. Also, please note that software in 
## multiverse WILL NOT receive any review or updates from the Ubuntu
## security team.
deb [url="http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/"]http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/[/url] hardy multiverse
deb-src [url="http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/"]http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/[/url] hardy multiverse
deb [url="http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/"]http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/[/url] hardy-updates multiverse
deb-src [url="http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/"]http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/[/url] hardy-updates multiverse

## Uncomment the following two lines to add software from the 'backports'
## repository.
## N.B. software from this repository may not have been tested as
## extensively as that contained in the main release, although it includes
## newer versions of some applications which may provide useful features.
## Also, please note that software in backports WILL NOT receive any review
## or updates from the Ubuntu security team.
# deb [url="http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/"]http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/[/url] hardy-backports main restricted universe multiverse
# deb-src [url="http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/"]http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/[/url] hardy-backports main restricted universe multiverse

## Uncomment the following two lines to add software from Canonical's
## 'partner' repository. This software is not part of Ubuntu, but is
## offered by Canonical and the respective vendors as a service to Ubuntu
## users.
# deb [url="http://archive.canonical.com/ubuntu"]http://archive.canonical.com/ubuntu[/url] hardy partner
# deb-src [url="http://archive.canonical.com/ubuntu"]http://archive.canonical.com/ubuntu[/url] hardy partner

deb http://security.ubuntu.com/ubuntu hardy-security restricted main
deb-src http://security.ubuntu.com/ubuntu hardy-security restricted
deb http://security.ubuntu.com/ubuntu hardy-security universe
deb-src http://security.ubuntu.com/ubuntu hardy-security universe
deb http://security.ubuntu.com/ubuntu hardy-security multiverse
deb-src http://security.ubuntu.com/ubuntu hardy-security multiverse
# deb http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian hardy non-free
deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/lxde/ubuntu hardy main
deb-src http://ppa.launchpad.net/lxde/ubuntu hardy main
deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/chromium-daily/ppa/ubuntu hardy main
# deb-src http://ppa.launchpad.net/chromium-daily/ppa/ubuntu hardy main
# deb http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian hardy non-free

I am on Hardy-

to edit it you have to use sudo (read only until that is applied)

Though the system- administration- software sources - third party tab is the graphical side of that application.

In mine I have added ... LXDE -- Chrome -- Wine -- and Virtual Box- So that it will check there for auto updates.

[Barney T. Administrators]

How do I know when the apt-get command can be used - or when something needs to be installed via Synaptics or via some native default program ?

The apt-get command is what you use in the terminal to install a program through apt. Apt also uses many other commands to do things.

http://linuxgazette.net/issue84/tougher.html

http://www.ubuntugeek.com/ubuntu-package-m...aging-tool.html

Synaptic is simply the package manager that uses apt, without using the terminal. It is the GUI based equivalent. Both end up with the same result. Use either or both..........

[redvamp128]

Also here is the help and how to-- about repositories and APT-

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Repositor...positoriesHowto

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Repositories/Ubuntu

[TEX4S]

OK - got it --

I didnt know Synaptics and apt-get were the same - just different method.

I use multiverse versions when in Synaptics - is that correct ?

[redvamp128]

I would checkmark in the software sources- all but the one at the bottom- Restricted (for video drivers and codecs) and multiverse which adds more applications.

With mine I have added repositories so that it will add wine , LXDE, Chromium(Linux Version of Chrome in development), Virtual Box.

[TEX4S]

ok thanks - I'll do that

[TEX4S]

My fiance was wanting her Vista back on the Toshiba laptop (I was using it until my ThinkPad gets here) so I wiped out everything and started over. After installing Vista for her, I installed kubuntu for me.

I have a question, when I had xubuntu, everytime I downloaded a .deb file - it had a program selected by default that would handle those types of files - now I am trying to download something that is a .deb and I dont know what the program was, or where one is that I can point the installer to.

I have the option to download the file as a tar.gz, or YUM, or .deb - any suggestions ?

Or should I simply go through Synaptics ?

And I dont see the entry for Synaptics in the launcher - I guess what I am saying is the KDE desktop has gonna thrown me for a loss - but I like aspects of the GUI and dont want to install GNOME, or Xfce....

Thanks

Also, I read where people talk about not liking KDE dependencies - is KDE not something I should deal with ?

I just liked the little added "effects" it threw into the GUI - :huh:

Edited May 10, 2009 by TEX4S

[redvamp128]

Kubuntu, Xubuntu , and Ubuntu are debian- More than likely - .deb (debian) but I would search in synaptic package manager first.

and if you download a .deb file and find it in Nautilus or any other file manager- and double click on it gdebi should start to install and check to see if dependencies are already there. If not then it will let you know. But however if you find it in Synaptic Package Manger it will auto download those.

Well one thing I can say about adding KDE as a window manger- it adds a lot of programs and also uses its own configure. As well as it likes to take over the display manager- As per in the other post I said Should it ask GDM or KDM (I told you to choose GDM) though it is easier to change later on.

Some people like KDE it has a lot of Eye-Candy even more than Gnome and uses more resources than GNOME, LXDE, or XFCE. That and also with KDE it tends to crash more when you have Compiz enabled but it has its own effects so no need to run the two together.

Edited May 10, 2009 by redvamp128

[TEX4S]

OK Thanks Again Red

I was looking for something called Synaptics - but it looks like its called KPackageKit - regardless I did what you said and used Dolphin and the.deb file installed -

Also - I always used opendns in IE - but have been using Firefox 100% lately -

Where do I enter in openDNS address - or does it use it automatically ?

Edited May 10, 2009 by TEX4S

[Barney T. Administrators]

Kubuntu, Xubuntu , and Ubuntu are debian- More than likely - .deb (debian) but I would search in synaptic package manager first.

I agree with using Synaptic first. A couple of reason why:

1) Update (refresh) your repositories before each search or update. There may be packages updated or added that were not there before. Also, the Ubuntu synaptic is made with Ubuntu repositories, so the compatibility is more likely better than just downloading a .deb file. It is better suited for your version of Ubuntu.

2) Finding a .deb file from some outside source is a hit-or-miss process and may yield mixed results. Since I run Debian Lenny x64, many .deb packages are either i386 or not compatible with the "Lenny" version of Debian. I wouldn't necessarily know that using the CLI interface. I would at the time of installation, but it would add to the frustration.

Just my 2 cents. ;)

I was looking for something called Synaptics

It is called Synaptic Package Manager and should be already installed on your menu.... System > Administration> Synaptic Package Manager. That is on Debian. Ubuntu may have it listed elsewhere. If not, you can:

sudo apt-get install synaptic

Synaptic is Apt with a GUI overlay. You can use Synaptic instead of using the CLI, but either works just fine.

[redvamp128]

I don't currently have KDE installed on this drive- It is installed on another drive with 8.10 (intrepid) , I didn't really have any issues with KDE. It was very stable , but the deciding factor for me was that I like GNOME and LXDE more. KDE for me used a lot of resources.

Oh and on KDE the

sudo apt-get install

still works.

All of the *buntu's are Debian based so the .deb file is the file of choice. (still look in the package manger first) before installing from that.

[ichi]

Also - I always used opendns in IE - but have been using Firefox 100% lately -

Where do I enter in openDNS address - or does it use it automatically ?

AFAIK there's no way to configure specific DNS servers for firefox (besides maybe going through a proxy), it will use whatever you have configured on your system either through the network manager GUI or in /etc/resolv.conf.

[TEX4S]

AFAIK there's no way to configure specific DNS servers for firefox (besides maybe going through a proxy), it will use whatever you have configured on your system either through the network manager GUI or in /etc/resolv.conf.

Oh...whoops - I remember now that openDNS was through Network Connection properties - not IE -- so yeah Firefox - is using it as well...

I am in XP right now on my desktop because I wanted to play a game -- but just before I rebooted into here I tried

sudo apt-get install Mozilla Thunderbird - and it gave me some msg about an illegal action - something being dependant upon something else -- (I was on the phone @ the time)

I know its frustrating when n00bs say "I got an error msg" and you ask, "what was the error msg" -- "oh I dont know something about something.."

Sry for that :blush:

I did use sudo apt-get install Firefox - so that was cool that working out as I just guessed on the cmd

[redvamp128]

I think the package name is just thunderbird (no need to add mozilla)

sudo apt-get install thunderbird

[TEX4S]

nah - it says:

E: Couldn't find package Thunderbird

UPDATE:

I just used KpackageKit and got it

[Elv13]

Don't worry if you see a lot of KDE hating here, they are just gnomish fanboy. KDE have nothing wrong, we just came out of a big technological jump that broke almost everything. Now the stability is back and we can enjoy modern technology, something gnome can't do right now. The visual effects are localed in the Desktop;desktop effect section of Systemsettings. Most of Compiz stuff are there, no need to use the old compiz, Kwin composite is faster with KDE anyway and doesn't load all these gnome dependency (Gnome user complain about KDE deps and KDE user about Gnome deps, it's how things work)

[TEX4S]

Don't worry if you see a lot of KDE hating here, they are just gnomish fanboy. KDE have nothing wrong, we just came out of a big technological jump that broke almost everything. Now the stability is back and we can enjoy modern technology, something gnome can't do right now. The visual effects are localed in the Desktop;desktop effect section of Systemsettings. Most of Compiz stuff are there, no need to use the old compiz, Kwin composite is faster with KDE anyway and doesn't load all these gnome dependency (Gnome user complain about KDE deps and KDE user about Gnome deps, it's how things work)

I see - Its simply a matter of opinion -- My thinking is I dont know enough to make an educated judgement - I like the "bling" of KDE out of the box - but since I learned (albeit last week) in Xfce - somethings are not where I am used to; but everything is still there.

I dont know what Kwin is - but I know what compiz is - are you saying "dont enable compiz" or are you saying the latest version is OK ? I love the transparent effect when moving windows - nice !

I am figuring out everything as everyone in this thread has been awesome by answering my questions and telling me 'why' so I know how to take it to the next level as opposed to simply saying "copy and paste this"

My XP64 install is getting a little buggy so I am gonna do a clean install - I will probably have to re-install GRUB I assume ? so the dual boot menu is enabled again ...

[Growled Member]

KDE have nothing wrong, we just came out of a big technological jump that broke almost everything. Now the stability is back and we can enjoy modern technology, something gnome can't do right now.

I've tried Mandriva with KDE 4.2.2 and openSUSE with 4.2.3. Both were fairly stable but nothing to brag about when compared to Gnome. Gnome just works. Of course, KDE has always had little crashes here and there for me.

Personally, I am not into looks. I just want things to work. I switched to Gnome when KDE 4 first came out and I hated it at first. However, the more I use it the more I appreciate it.

Now, what modern technology do you have with KDE that Gnome doesn't offer?

[Elv13]

Now, what modern technology do you have with KDE that Gnome doesn't offer?

Nepomuk (semantic linking between file, people and task), akonadi (unified people database), kross (using multiple programing language in 1 apps), phonon (now multimedia stuff "just work" form application to applications because they use an unified backend), plasma (unifying every non-apps thing in 1 ultra flexible API), SVG everywhere, the new KUIserver, better building tools (cmake), gethotnewstuff2 with download and upload for plugins/addon in every app, sonnet (new spellchecker for every text field), strigi (-integrated- desktop search), SOLID (hardware abstraction API), Oxygen (separating the graphics from programmers), Decibel (new communication framework), soprano (global database), Qt4 (best toolkit ever), WebKit (web stuff) and many other.

Of course Gnome is more stable, the use a 7 years old codebase, they had time to fix bug. Most of KDE is a rewrite on top of a recent port, it did create quite a lot of bugs, but it is getting better now, important part of the desktop don't crash anymore unless you push them too hard just for fun.

I dont know what Kwin is - but I know what compiz is - are you saying "dont enable compiz" or are you saying the latest version is OK ? I love the transparent effect when moving windows - nice !

Compiz is for gnome, Kwin = compiz for KDE. It is installed by default, use less ressource and is integrated in KDE. It do the same job as compiz, but for KDE.