Things I should know before trying Ubuntu 64bit

1069 Views 26 Replies 13 Participants Last post by broken pixel, Mar 16, 2009

TheProfiteer

Discussion Starter · Mar 11, 2009

ok so I am thinking of trying a linux based system just for kicks.

I have a gaming machine which will run windows. So gaming is not an issue.

Here are some things I do want to do.

64bit support, with Dual core CPU support.

I know I can use open office. So thats Check

What programs are recomended for listening to music and burning it as well.

Samething for .avi or xvid movies.

DVD playback.

ect ect, and please any other tips you guys have for a first time Ubuntu user.

1 - 20 of 27 Posts

thiussat

· #2 · Mar 11, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheProfiteer

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ok so I am thinking of trying a linux based system just for

64bit support, with Dual core CPU support.

Check. Just download the 64 bit .iso.

Quote:

What programs are recomended for listening to music and burning it as well.

If you're using Ubuntu, then you will probably be better off using a GTK media player (google GTK if you're curious what this means). Ubuntu should already come with at least one media player, and I think it's RhythmBox. It's pretty good, but you can try others like Exaile and Audacious. Just go to Ubuntu's package manager and search for them.

Quote:

Samething for .avi or xvid movies.

Totem, Mplayer, and there are others. Ubuntu comes with Totem, I think.

Quote:

DVD playback.

Totem can do DVD playback. However, you must first enable the codecs. You can do this through Ubuntu's package manager. Ubuntu doesn't come with the DVD decryption installed because of legal issues. However, Linux Mint comes with it all preinstalled. To enable DVD playback, go to the package manager and install something called "libdvdcss."

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-iceblade^

· #3 · Mar 11, 2009

for music, i swear by rhythmbox. others will say amarok, or exaile, or songbird, or banshee. it's up to you to choose which tickles your fancy. ubuntu comes with rhythmbox by default

ubuntu comes with totem, yes, but i'd install VLC or Mplayer. you'll also need to install codecs. use this command - type it into the terminal

sudo apt-get install ubuntu-restricted-extras

http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Intrepid is a link with loads of info you can plow through.

try Linux Mint.. it's ubuntu but better, and a lot of the stuff is preinstalled, ie codecs... also, try conky. also be sure to install compiz-fusion for some sweet eyecandy

oh, adn if the info i hjave provided is not enough for you, try here.

http://www.howtoforge.com/the-perfec...op-ubuntu-8.10

remember, linux is not windows, don't be afraid to post if you have any issues, and enjoy yourself

. it's your OS, make it work the way you want it to.

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2

dskina

· #4 · Mar 11, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by -iceblade^

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for music, i swear by rhythmbox. others will say amarok, or exaile, or songbird, or banshee. it's up to you to choose which tickles your fancy. ubuntu comes with rhythmbox by default

+1 to Rhythmbox. I love it with all my heart.

aMSN is my messenger of choice, but it isn't available for 64-bit, unless you don't mind compiling.

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Melcar

· #5 · Mar 11, 2009

For DVD playback try VLC. Totem in Ubuntu uses gstreamer, which doesn't have support for DVD menus. Of course, you could always change gstreamer for xine, which does have DVD menu support, but VLC is still a better player.

TheProfiteer

Discussion Starter · #6 · Mar 12, 2009

I know nothing about programing, so compiling is completely out of the questions.

I already have my Ubunto 64bit ISO burned, but I will probably try Linux Mint first.

I will post back, when I go through with the installation and if i have any troubles.

Also one last thing, I am pretty sure I have asked this before some where, but its safe for me to assume that a windows computer and a linux computer can not be networked together for printer and file sharing?

Melcar

· #7 · Mar 12, 2009

They can be networked. There is a thing called Samba that lets you share folders/files and even printers on Linux and Windows computers.

Reactions: 1

TheProfiteer

Discussion Starter · #8 · Mar 12, 2009

is samba free or do i have to pay for it like Cedega?

Melcar

· #9 · Mar 12, 2009

Free. Ubuntu has the smb client installed already; this lets you do simple file sharing with Windows machines. You can get the whole Samba package from Synaptic.

TheProfiteer

Discussion Starter · #10 · Mar 12, 2009

I got a buddy who uses Ubuntu and says it has the 3d graphics equivalent of Aero.

How good is it, and is it any different in Mint?

Melcar

· #11 · Mar 12, 2009

Compiz. Yes, Mint should have it.

TheProfiteer

Discussion Starter · #12 · Mar 12, 2009

dang it I am already getting frustrated.

I installed mint, the installation went smoothly, had it installed in less than an hour.

Now in the desktop it appears to load everything properly, it detects my internet connection, but firefox says its not connected. Obviously mint loaded the driver already, but I do not know why I am having problems actually connecting.
If I try to reload the connection, it refuses to connect.

error10

· #13 · Mar 13, 2009

Read my Linux Software Guide for all the must-have software you asked for.

IEATFISH

· #14 · Mar 13, 2009

This is also a good resource:

http://wiki.linuxquestions.org/wiki/...ndows_software

Lists common Windows programs along with their Linux equivalents.

Maddog7771

· #15 · Mar 13, 2009

Get mint

http://www.linuxmint.com/

IEATFISH

· #16 · Mar 13, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maddog7771

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Get mint

http://www.linuxmint.com/

Okay, seriously, read threads before you post. I have now been to 3 different posts of yours in the last 5 minutes where you have posted irrelevant information. He has already installed Mint. READ THREADS BEFORE YOU POST!!! (of course all the dolts who don't read the thread obviously won't see this)

So, OP, can Mint update itself and Firefox is the only program that can't access the internet? Is it an ethernet or wireless connection?

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REDHAMMER999

· #17 · Mar 13, 2009

used to use mint, Ubuntu is better IMO, still dont use any linux but Ubuntu was the best IMO..

Bluescreen_Of_Death

· #18 · Mar 13, 2009

I understand why people like linux Mint so much, but there are reasons I'd defend Ubuntu over Mint.

The biggest reason is that if the dist. comes with everything you need out of the box, there's no setup required. While most would see that as a plus, I see it as a negative.

By setting up the system, you learn how it works. Granted, the Ubuntu setup isn't very in depth, but installing flash, media codecs, hardware drivers, and all that help you to be a more informed user.

just my

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Maddog7771

· #19 · Mar 13, 2009

well sorry di not see it dam man calm down and try a different browser like opera or safari. Also try fedora

TheProfiteer

Discussion Starter · #20 · Mar 15, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by IEATFISH

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Okay, seriously, read threads before you post. I have now been to 3 different posts of yours in the last 5 minutes where you have posted irrelevant information. He has already installed Mint. READ THREADS BEFORE YOU POST!!! (of course all the dolts who don't read the thread obviously won't see this)

So, OP, can Mint update itself and Firefox is the only program that can't access the internet? Is it an ethernet or wireless connection?

First off, thanks man, the some people are just ignorant.

Its an ethernet connection, and from what I can tell Mint preloads the driver, its the on board ethernet port on my Asus M3A-H/HDMI mobo, I looked on the asus website, but no linux support from ASUS on that mobo. Its a Aethros (SP) ethernet adapter, so I dont know if that makes much of a difference.

It happens like this, on a fresh boot Mint starts up with and the connection icon on the bottom right says its connected to an ethernet network, but in reality it is not. When I try to disconnect and then reconnect, it hangs on the connection screen and always fails to connect.

I did the Ifconfig on the terminal, and from what I can tell I am not connected at all, I am not even getting an IP address.

Ive tried talking to a buddy of mine who knows how linux a little bit, and he could not help me over the phone.

at this point I feel very lost and am quite ready to abandon mint/linux.

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