Ubuntu 12.04LTS released

[just brew it!]

Are you referring to the AMD proprietary drivers that are repackaged and distributed by Canonical (Ubuntu), or the ones you download direct from AMD? I don't think I've ever had that issue with the repackaged Canonical ones, but they tend to be a few versions out of date. If you want the latest and greatest proprietary drivers you need to use the ones from AMD and put up with the occasional manual CLI driver re-install (and yes it is the kernel updates that generally hose them).

It has been a few years since I had an nVidia card in one of my Linux systems, but IIRC their proprietary drivers had pretty much the same issue.

This really gets back to the Linux video driver model, and the way the GPU vendors have chosen to deal with it in their proprietary drivers. In Linux the video driver is just a little too intimately tied to the kernel, and there's an interface shim that sits between the kernel and the "binary blob" proprietary driver that needs to be rebuilt from source when the kernel changes. Canonical's repackaged drivers handle this transparently. The ones from AMD/nVidia's web site don't.

Furthermore, AMD and nVidia both replace some of the core OpenGL libraries with their own proprietary versions, leading to OpenGL issues if you subsequently try to switch video cards without cleanly uninstalling the proprietary drivers first. With everyone switching to OpenGL-based compositing desktops, this adds yet another potential dimension of breakage.

[Philldoe]

Are you referring to the AMD proprietary drivers that are repackaged and distributed by Canonical (Ubuntu), or the ones you download direct from AMD? I don't think I've ever had that issue with the repackaged Canonical ones, but they tend to be a few versions out of date. If you want the latest and greatest proprietary drivers you need to use the ones from AMD and put up with the occasional manual CLI driver re-install (and yes it is the kernel updates that generally hose them).

It has been a few years since I had an nVidia card in one of my Linux systems, but IIRC their proprietary drivers had pretty much the same issue.

This really gets back to the Linux video driver model, and the way the GPU vendors have chosen to deal with it in their proprietary drivers. In Linux the video driver is just a little too intimately tied to the kernel, and there's an interface shim that sits between the kernel and the "binary blob" proprietary driver that needs to be rebuilt from source when the kernel changes. Canonical's repackaged drivers handle this transparently. The ones from AMD/nVidia's web site don't.

Furthermore, AMD and nVidia both replace some of the core OpenGL libraries with their own proprietary versions, leading to OpenGL issues if you subsequently try to switch video cards without cleanly uninstalling the proprietary drivers first. With everyone switching to OpenGL-based compositing desktops, this adds yet another potential dimension of breakage.

That explains a lot, however I only use the versions that I download through a driver manager in Linux Mint. My issue has been failure to install. I have had a lot of issues just getting drivers to simply install. Though now that I'm on LinuxMint 13, everything seems to work just fine. Only 2 things are..off. Lugaru HD which I got with a humble bundle installs, but will not launch. Desura won't launch Savage 2, nor will it install Plane Shift. Though I can only blame this on Desura.

[Madman]

Are you referring to the AMD proprietary drivers that are repackaged and distributed by Canonical (Ubuntu), or the ones you download direct from AMD?

It has been a few years since I had an nVidia card in one of my Linux systems, but IIRC their proprietary drivers had pretty much the same issue.

From AMD website. Nvidia doesn't seem to have such problems, works like a charm on my primary PC all the time, zero issues so far. Ok, there was some thinkering with multimonitor support initilly, but after that, smooth sailing.

[Madman]

I hate the situation with Linux currently.

10.04LTS with old GUI is awesome, but it's morally outdated, has some minor rough edges, 12.04 LTS has all the polish and feels a lot more commercial quality, but Unity is a deffinite showstopper once I start working instead of browsing web. And KDE seems to bee too smart and too gadgety for me, I want very windows like interface Desktop icons, close, minimize maximize in top right, menus snapped to Windows, logical guidelines in explorer/nautilus, and taskbar that's not stuck to left side of 3200pix+ wide screen.

I was almost ready to fully switch to Linux, but now I'm not so sure anymore. Well, maybe Win8 will be so bad that unity will feel like a gold

Oh, and I'm still having issues with videos even on latest versions. My camcoder writes at 1920x1080@60fps AVCHD, and Linux is not even able to show slideshow. ffdplay is the best, but still unusable. Situation in Windows land is a lot better.

[Washer]

Madman, use Cinnamon.

[moresmarterthanspock]

If your not set on a desktop that requires GPU acceleration, I would recommend MATE over Cinnamon. Stability-wise, MATE is more mature(being forked from Gnome 2, than Cinnamon is. If your into the latest and greatest, I would definitely choose Cinnamon, but for production, stability, and configuration options, I recommend MATE. To install MATE, open your terminal and type the following commands:

sudo add-apt-repository “deb http://packages.mate-desktop.org/repo/ubuntu precise main”

sudo apt-get install mate-archive-keyring

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install mate-core

sudo apt-get install mate-desktop-environment

Or, to install cinnamon:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:gwendal-lebihan-dev/cinnamon-stable

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install cinnamon

[codedivine]

Madman, use Cinnamon.

Taken out of context, this will be an awesome movie or book title.

[moresmarterthanspock]

Stop Villian, or I will use my Orgasmorader!

[BobbinThreadbare]

Ok, so I might be stupid, but after a few hours I still have been unable to find the old menu system. This hasn't been a problem yet, but I'd like to be able to use it.

The lack of being able to move things around on the Unity panel is also really annoying now. Even Windows is more configurable than this. This is my biggest gripe. I want close/min/restore on the right.

Also, I used to have an applet in gnome that I could monitor the CPU frequency with and I can't find similar program to do so with Unity. This isn't a huge problem, but it is slightly annoying.

[Madman]

Ok, so I might be stupid, but after a few hours I still have been unable to find the old menu system. This hasn't been a problem yet, but I'd like to be able to use it.

The lack of being able to move things around on the Unity panel is also really annoying now. Even Windows is more configurable than this. This is my biggest gripe. I want close/min/restore on the right.

Also, I used to have an applet in gnome that I could monitor the CPU frequency with and I can't find similar program to do so with Unity. This isn't a huge problem, but it is slightly annoying.

Menu is in the top bar, usually 1000pix away from where you perform actions, like selection.

You can use gconf like tool to move minimize, maximize, close, but again. right side of the top bar is already taken, so for maximized windows it looks ugly. My advice is to just get used to the button location in top left, like it or not. Or go Mint.

Same problem, haven't found the solution yet, but the 12.04 LTS is going to be erased in favor of Mint in a few days.

[grantmeaname]

Ok, so I might be stupid, but after a few hours I still have been unable to find the old menu system. This hasn't been a problem yet, but I'd like to be able to use it.

GIYF. Try this, if you don't mind the button looking ugly and being on the wrong side. If you end up liking it, create a startup application to launch it every time so you don't have to start it manually after you log in.

The lack of being able to move things around on the Unity panel is also really annoying now. Even Windows is more configurable than this. This is my biggest gripe. I want close/min/restore on the right.

True that. The buttons on the left I just had to get used to, but it would be nice to change the panel bits around. For the record, if there are any pieces you don't like and don't use (the calendar, the messaging menu...) just google "Ubuntu 12.04 uninstall [component name]" and it'll tell you which package to get rid of.

Also, I used to have an applet in gnome that I could monitor the CPU frequency with and I can't find similar program to do so with Unity. This isn't a huge problem, but it is slightly annoying.

Lemme google that for you.

[BobbinThreadbare]

True that. The buttons on the left I just had to get used to, but it would be nice to change the panel bits around. For the record, if there are any pieces you don't like and don't use (the calendar, the messaging menu...) just google "Ubuntu 12.04 uninstall [component name]" and it'll tell you which package to get rid of.

I like all the stuff that's there, I just want to move them around and add more things.

Lemme google that for you.

Silly me, I searched the Ubuntu Software center for cpu frequency, and nothing promising was listed.

[grantmeaname]

Yeah, I found something in software center and it turned out to just be a nonfunctioning bug/holdover from the version I upgraded from.

Jupiter is really great for power management, by the way (IIRC it's not in the software center, you'll have to add the ppa like you do for the indicator). I'll have to check out the indicator when I get home, though, since Jupiter can control power plans (like Windows 7's Balanced, Performance, and Power Saver) but not display the frequency.

[Madman]

Unity workflow:

1 ) I need to erase DVD RW to burn Maya ISO
2 ) Right click disc, nothing, no mount point on desktop
3 ) Type "Erase" in launcher - nothing
4 ) Type "Disc" in launcher - brasero, ok, this is a CD/DVD burning application, we are on a right track
5 ) Create project 1/2/3/4/5.. - nope, I need erase, where is the erase option? none?
6 ) Off to forums we go
7 ) Google says it's under "Tools"
8 ) WTH? What "Tools"
9 ) Oh, riiiiight, the fancy tools over 1000pix that appear where you would least expect, and only when you hover mouse over it
10 ) Got it, it was so obvious, wasn't it?

Perfect

[BobbinThreadbare]

I'm surprised that brasero wouldn't be smart enough to erase it when you chose to burn, or have an "erase and burn" option.

[grantmeaname]

I'm surprised you've been using the OS for weeks and you haven't figured out that when you mouse over the top bar the menu appears.

[BobbinThreadbare]

I'm surprised you've been using the OS for weeks and you haven't figured out that when you mouse over the top bar the menu appears.

I think there has been a huge miscommunication. When I first asked, it was about the traditional desktop menus. Not about application specific menus. I found those quickly and that seems to be what I've been directed towards in this thread.

[Madman]

I'm surprised you've been using the OS for weeks and you haven't figured out that when you mouse over the top bar the menu appears.

I've been using this OS only for web browsing via Firefox, and it's going to be replaced with Mint today. For productivity work I just can't stand it, I had troubles with 11.10, I really hoped 12.04 LTS will do, but I'm sorry it does not, for me.

I know the menus are there, but they never feel natural. You look at the app, you see what it does, you have no idea you have to hover away to top left corner to see if it maybe does something else as well. Maybe there is no menu at all? Googling felt more natural that accessing often used feature the "right" way. IMHO, that's a signal that something is wrong.

And there is no simple way to switch to desktop. Alt+Tab is the only way I have found.

[tesmar]

I'm surprised you've been using the OS for weeks and you haven't figured out that when you mouse over the top bar the menu appears.

I've been using this OS only for web browsing via Firefox, and it's going to be replaced with Mint today. For productivity work I just can't stand it, I had troubles with 11.10, I really hoped 12.04 LTS will do, but I'm sorry it does not, for me.

I know the menus are there, but they never feel natural. You look at the app, you see what it does, you have no idea you have to hover away to top left corner to see if it maybe does something else as well. Maybe there is no menu at all? Googling felt more natural that accessing often used feature the "right" way. IMHO, that's a signal that something is wrong.

And there is no simple way to switch to desktop. Alt+Tab is the only way I have found.

I've made the switch (worked out the SQL issues) and am using Cinnamon. Love it.

[Philldoe]

Guys. If you don't like Unity then install MATE/KDE/GNOME. You don't really need to reinstall the whole OS. Hell I have MATE, Cinnamon, Gnome3, and KDE on my LinuxMint 13 install. Had fun trying them all out but I primarily use KDE.

[SecretSquirrel]

A minor thread necro here, but I just had the opportunity to install Kubuntu 12.04 on a VM on my laptop at work. I'm not sure I get the whole "activities" thing and I still find most of the desktop widgets useless, but it's really not much different than 10.04 and is quite usable at 19x12 fullscreen in a Virtual Box VM. I'mthinking I may go install Ubuntu as well, just to "see" Unity. Of course I've never been a Gnome fan either...

--SS

[Madman]

A minor thread necro here, but I just had the opportunity to install Kubuntu 12.04 on a VM on my laptop at work. I'm not sure I get the whole "activities" thing and I still find most of the desktop widgets useless, but it's really not much different than 10.04 and is quite usable at 19x12 fullscreen in a Virtual Box VM. I'mthinking I may go install Ubuntu as well, just to "see" Unity. Of course I've never been a Gnome fan either...

--SS

After that I would recommend trying the Mint. It runs as a live DVD, and is a fully functional OS as such.

IMHO, Mint has a very high chance of success in replacing Ubuntu/Kubuntu and Windows 8 Metro puke, as my primary OS. I will have to keep a spare partition for Windows 7 in case I need to use few rare apps though.

[bthylafh]

Mint seems pretty decent, but I'm told that one doesn't upgrade from release to release; one instead does a backup/wipe/reinstall. I'm not a fan of that.

There's the LMDE rolling-release, however it doesn't get regular updates except for the every-few-months great big blob of many packages.

[Madman]

Mint seems pretty decent, but I'm told that one doesn't upgrade from release to release; one instead does a backup/wipe/reinstall. I'm not a fan of that.

There's the LMDE rolling-release, however it doesn't get regular updates except for the every-few-months great big blob of many packages.

With all the stuff that gets accumulated, like kerenel binaries, configs, etc., I still find it easier to copy .someapp files from home folder to a new installation, and redo a clean install. Never trusted the update procedure in Windows or Linux.

[just brew it!]

Mint seems pretty decent, but I'm told that one doesn't upgrade from release to release; one instead does a backup/wipe/reinstall. I'm not a fan of that.

I tend to do a wipe and reinstall when I upgrade anyway, even though Ubuntu supports release upgrades. With Linux's separation of user and system stuff it tends to be fairly painless. Migrate /home, /var/www (if you're running a web server), and your MySQL data directory (if you have any database-driven apps), and you're usually in pretty good shape. Any apps/servers that are still missing or mis-configured are generally pretty obvious and easy to fix.

[Madman]

Mint seems pretty decent, but I'm told that one doesn't upgrade from release to release; one instead does a backup/wipe/reinstall. I'm not a fan of that.

I tend to do a wipe and reinstall when I upgrade anyway, even though Ubuntu supports release upgrades. With Linux's separation of user and system stuff it tends to be fairly painless. Migrate /home, /var/www (if you're running a web server), and your MySQL data directory (if you have any database-driven apps), and you're usually in pretty good shape. Any apps/servers that are still missing or mis-configured are generally pretty obvious and easy to fix.

Take that My Documents, Users, Documents and Settings, registry, Program Files, Application Data\Local\LocalStore\, etc., etc.

[just brew it!]

The registry is the root of many Windows evils. It serves the exact same purpose as the /etc directory tree in Linux (and other UNIX-derived OSes); but it is stored in an opaque binary blob; this makes it both more difficult to manage/audit, and easier to hide links to malware in.

There's something to be said for the "everything's a text file" philosophy of *NIX.

[Flatland_Spider]

The registry is the root of many Windows evils. It serves the exact same purpose as the /etc directory tree in Linux (and other UNIX-derived OSes); but it is stored in an opaque binary blob; this makes it both more difficult to manage/audit, and easier to hide links to malware in.

There's something to be said for the "everything's a text file" philosophy of *NIX.

Gnome is dangerously close to re-implementing the registry with GConf, and some RedHat engineers don't seem to understand the awesomeness of that philosophy.

I tend to do a wipe and reinstall when I upgrade anyway, even though Ubuntu supports release upgrades. With Linux's separation of user and system stuff it tends to be fairly painless.

The upgrade option in the regular Fedora/CentOS/SL/RHEL installer is pretty nice in that it splits the difference between a clean install and a release upgrade.

There's the LMDE rolling-release, however it doesn't get regular updates except for the every-few-months great big blob of many packages.

That's what happens when a distro is based on Debian Testing. You might be able to change from testing to "wheezy", or whatever the next version codename is, and get more updates. I tried Debian on a laptop a couple of months ago, and I settled on "wheezy" instead of "testing".

[bthylafh]

Wheezy /is/ the current version in Testing; as such the two are equivalent until Wheezy becomes stable.

I've considered returning to Debian, believe me.

[axeman]

I tried testing not that long ago, and found the Gnome Shell experience, well, uninspiring. Eventually it may be better, but it seems pretty immature compared to Unity.