John.Michael.Kane
February 23rd, 2007, 03:10 PM
This info is for users running Intel or AMD 64bit hardware, and using a 32bit OS, who have thoughts of installing a 64bit OS.
There have been many questions regarding running 64bit Ubuntu, as well as other 64bit Linux distro's for this matter. Many think it is time owners of 64bit hardware stop asking if they should run a 64bit OS, and instead ask why should they not run a 64bit OS.
The reason for this theory/ argument of 64bit vs. 32bit is some users think there will be less issues running 32bit.
Then you have those who say regardless of what software architecture you run there will be common issues to battle like wireless and video drivers, and some software programs.
One thing to remember when choosing 64bit or 32bit is that not only is the Linux Kernel progressing the distro of your choice will forever be progressing, as well, and issues that some might of had using one software architecture may not be there in later versions.
The other theory some new users have when coming to 64bit is there is no real world benefit to running 64bit over 32bit, in these cases full time 64bit users would try to explain the many benefits. While allowing the new users find out, and see for themselves the benefits.
Below I have listed some known pros/cons.
Some Pros:
1) Ability to address memory amounts over four GB, and up to 16 exabytes
2) Allowing for the addressing of more of RAM, 64-bit processing can improve video encoding and decoding, CAD, VMs and some other applications.
Some Con's:
1) One disadvantage of 64-bit architectures is compared to 32-bit architectures the same data will occupy more space in memory (due to larger pointers and possibly other types and alignment adding). The increases in the memory requirements of a given process can have implications for efficient processor cache utilization.
2) The other question an user might ask is does more bits mean better performance? Depending on whom you ask maybe / maybe not. What you will see is a performance increase for applications that use 64-bit integers, however. This is where a con comes into play. The con being (Do not expect most of your applications to run any faster than they do on your 32-bit systems.) Examples: your web browser will still be limited by your Internet connection speed, and your word processing program speed will still be tied to how fast you can type, etc. Some users feel there can also be a slight performance decrease caused by switching to a 64-bit processor, due to the larger memory address pointers taking up twice as much room in the cache.
Questions an user may have:
Should you upgrade to 64-bit?
To make full use of 64-bit you will need native 64-bit applications, and this is where the problem starts for some users. Some programs an user might make use of may not provide native 64-bit applications (some examples include skype/ adobe flash), and this is where some users think that running 32bit will eliminate issues, however. There are known ways of getting these applications to work, as well as other applications which will be addressed below, and while the answers may not be a true fix the fact there is a fix available should allow for more users to move to 64bit, and possibly showing those companies who do not have a native 64bit applications that there is a demand.
Should You Upgrade Now or sit on the fence?
The answer usually is: it depends.
If you have programs that you cannot seem to make work under 64bit, or have a peice hardware/ peripherals that is not yet supported for some odd reason under 64bit you may have to put a bit more work into making these items function.
On the other end of the spectrum, if your hardware is supported, and you need to run memory-intensive applications such as graphics and CAD, video editing, etc that will benefit from the larger memory allocation offered by 64-bit systems, spending the time researching, and upgrading will probably pay off in the long run.
One tactic suggested might be to go for a dual install of 32/64-bit.This will allow you to test your hardware/software configuration, and after testing move to running 64-bit only should you find that it fits your needs.
As for users who workstations are used primarily for office productivity software, e-mail, etc you will probably not need the scalability of 64-bit anytime soon, however. If your system has more than 4-8 GB of ram you might want to install a 64bit OS so you can make use of that memory.
Another thing you can be sure of if you do buy new hardware it will almost certainly be 64-bit, and will most likely come with a pre-installed 32bit-OS, and even if you do not plan to upgrade operating systems yet, you can always run 32-bit software on the 64-bit machines until you are ready to move to a new OS.
In the end little doubt remains that 64-bit computing will eventually make 32-bit hardware systems obsolete, As some major hardware and some software vendors move in that direction.
At the end of the day there is no silver bullet, no easy version to install, and you the user will have to make the choice of what is right for you, and your needs.
Users new to 64bit who are still left feeling it is harder to setup vs 32bit, might want to take a look at some of the other support areas of the forums, and there you can see that almost all architectures come with their share of problems.
Below I have listed different forum links, and a web article on this subject for those trying to get a better understanding from those who use 64bit, and while many things have change since these threads were made. The info presented in them should allow you the end user to gain insight to why users are gravitating to this particular software architecture. (Note: Some of these threads are extremely long, and "might" not give a definitive answer for all questions you may have. Should you still have questions please feel free to post a detailed thread presenting your concerns/questions.)
Part One: The understanding.
is it a good idea to install 64 bit ubuntu ? (http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=236717&highlight=java)
386 vs AMD64 (http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=223746&highlight=java)
So what is the main advantage of 64-bit? (http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=350978&highlight=java)
should I install 64 bit edition? (http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=309348&highlight=java)
32 bit vs. 64 bit - which to install? (http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=272414&highlight=java)
Is there much difference between 32bit and 64? (http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=239883&highlight=java)
Dapper 32 bit versus 64 bit differences (http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=247656&highlight=java)
Difference between 64 bit & 32 bit Linux? (http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=347953)
32 bit Edgy on a 64 bit machine? (http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=320677)
General Status of 64-bit Ubuntu? (http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=356772)
Planning on wiping 64bit and going 32bit (http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=364796)
Upgrade to AMD64 Ubuntu? (http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=366707)
is it wise to run the 64 bit version of ubuntu ? (http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=363665)
Web article 64-bit: More than just the RAM (http://www.bit-tech.net/bits/2007/10/16/64-bit_more_than_just_the_ram/1)
After researching should you decide that running a 64bit- OS is the way to proceed, Please move to the below sections.
Part Two: Getting Started.
Desktop live/install CD: Use this to test 64bit Ubuntu,and to make sure your hardware works. This same disk can be used to install Ubuntu. Note: some users have had issues installing from the live cd.
For those wanting to do direct to disk installs use the Alternate install CD. Note: At this time full disk encryption is only available using the 8.04 Alternate install CD, Also these iso's are also for Intel users with EM64T processors eg: Pentium D/Celeron D/Core2-Duo/Core2-Quad/Xeon processors/and certain Pentium4's
Choosing your version, and install method.
Ubuntu 6.06.1 LTS Supported until June, 2009
Dapper 6.06.1 Desktop Live CD (http://releases.ubuntu.com/dapper/ubuntu-6.06.1-desktop-amd64.iso)
Dapper 6.06.1 Alternate install CD (http://releases.ubuntu.com/dapper/ubuntu-6.06.1-alternate-amd64.iso)
Ubuntu 6.10 Edgy Eft Supported until April, 2008
Edgy 6.10 Desktop Live CD (http://releases.ubuntu.com/edgy/ubuntu-6.10-desktop-amd64.iso)
Edgy 6.10 Alternate install CD (http://releases.ubuntu.com/edgy/ubuntu-6.10-alternate-amd64.iso)
Ubuntu 7.04 Feisty Fawn Supported until October, 2008
Feisty Fawn 7.04 Desktop Live CD (http://releases.ubuntu.com/feisty/ubuntu-7.04-desktop-amd64.iso)
Feisty Fawn 7.04 Alternate install CD (http://releases.ubuntu.com/feisty/ubuntu-7.04-alternate-amd64.iso)
Ubuntu 7.10 Gutsy Gibbon Supported until April, 2009
Gutsy Gibbon 7.10 Desktop Live CD (http://releases.ubuntu.com/7.10/ubuntu-7.10-desktop-amd64.iso)
Gutsy Gibbon 7.10 Alternate install CD (http://releases.ubuntu.com/7.10/ubuntu-7.10-alternate-amd64.iso)
Ubuntu 8.04 LTS Hardy Heron Supported until April, 2011
Hardy Heron 8.04 LTS Desktop Live CD (http://releases.ubuntu.com/releases/8.04/ubuntu-8.04-desktop-amd64.iso)
Hardy Heron 8.04 LTS Alternate install CD (http://releases.ubuntu.com/releases/8.04/ubuntu-8.04-alternate-amd64.iso)
Part Three: Setting up.
Codec install for previous Ubuntu versions Dapper/Edgy/Feisty/Gutsy (https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Medibuntu#head-57a5050d451985de1b87ea87a3ccc1a4895e57d3)
Install 32 bit wine to 64 bit Dapper without chroot (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=185557)
Note: wine now has a 64bit deb available for 7.04-8.04. To install it use the command below.
First, add the repository's key to your system's list of trusted APT keys
wget -q http://wine.budgetdedicated.com/apt/387EE263.gpg -O- | sudo apt-key add -
Next:
sudo wget http://wine.budgetdedicated.com/apt/sources.list.d/hardy.list -O /etc/apt/sources.list.d/winehq.list
Then sudo aptitude install wine
Users wanting skype:
How to:Skype-AMD64 (64-bit) install (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=432295&highlight=skype)
[64-bit] Get a web-cam working with Skype (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=634393&highlight=skype)
Users wanting to install other 32bit apps etc:
Getlibs: Automatically solves dependencies for binaries on 64bit, and 32bit systems (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=474790&highlight=skype)
Users wanting to install songbird or are having issues.
Installing Songbird on Ubuntu (http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/songbird)
For users having problems with the songbird script see this thread. (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=273162&highlight=songbird)
Users looking to mount Linux partitions etc
Mounting extra hard drives (http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/mountlinux)
Users wanting to install video card drivers:
nvidia (http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/nvidia)
Ubuntu_ATI Linux driver Installation Guide (http://wiki.cchtml.com/index.php/Ubuntu_Gutsy_Installation_Guide)
Note: Almost all Intel video cards should be fully functional by default.
Users wanting eye candy::
Desktopeffects (http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/desktopeffects)
Users wanting to check if a particular application they have installed is 32bit or 64bit can do so by passing the file command.
file /usr/bin/program name here
Examples:
file /usr/bin/skype will output the below.
/usr/bin/skype: ELF 32-bit LSB executable, Intel 80386, version 1 (SYSV), for GNU/Linux 2.4.1, dynamically linked (uses shared libs), stripped
file /usr/bin/mencoder will output the below.
/usr/bin/mencoder: ELF 64-bit LSB executable, x86-64, version 1 (SYSV), for GNU/Linux 2.6.8, dynamically linked (uses shared libs), stripped
Plugin installation.
Flash installation Under Hardy 8.04 this can be accomplished using using synaptic Or the command below. All dependencies should be installed automatically.
sudo aptitude install flashplugin-nonfree
Users running prior versions of Ubuntu or users having issues with flash under 6.xx-7.xx see below..
(nspluginwrapper) AMD64 Flash 9 install script for for Dapper, Edgy and Feisty. (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=476924)
As of 12/18/07 the writer has updated the above script to allow support for Dapper-Gutsy. This was done due to there being an issue with the current version of flash included in the 7.10 repo. The issue is talked about here http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?p=3929669
Note: The above guide only installs nspluginwrapper, and flash only.
Users wanting java/flash see below
Java Installation:
Option one: The open source java like icedtea and Blackdown these are in the Ubuntu repo, and should be installable via synaptic.(Your mileage may vary with these)
Option two: use the below guide.
Howto Install 32 bit Firefox with Flash w/sound and Java for AMD64 (http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=202537&highlight=java)
Multimedia/DVD playback:
1) Run the below command.
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/hardy.list -O /etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list
Followed by.
wget -q http://packages.medibuntu.org/medibuntu-key.gpg -O - | sudo apt-key add - && sudo apt-get update
2) Installing the codecs for dvd playback and your choice of movie player. (Note I have included a wide range of codecs which were used in the below guide during testing.)
sudo aptitude install libavifile-0.7c2 gstreamer0.10-plugins-bad gstreamer0.10-plugins-bad-multiverse gstreamer0.10-plugins-ugly-multiverse gstreamer0.10-plugins-ugly libdvdcss2
W64codecs some users feel this should not be needed,however. Users who feel they need/want W64 can install it like so.
sudo aptitude install w64codecs
3) Choosing a movie player. Below are some of the more common ones used, and the way they should be installed, and how to set them up if needed.
Player one: Totem-xine this player usually only requires the end user to install it, and it's dependencies. Under most cases it requires no further set-up after installing is needed. To install use the command below.
sudo aptitude install totem-xine libxine1-ffmpeg
Player two: Mplayer this is one of the players users swear by,however.It does require a bit of set-up on the users part after installing,Which will be explained. (Note Depending on the video/dvd being played you may have to adjust for subtitle playback.) Install using the below command
sudo aptitude install mplayer
After installing mplayer you will be required to set it's default video. To do so open mplayer by typing the command below
gmplayer
Next:
1) Right click on the mplayer, and select preferences
2) Under video tick enable direct rendering (note you might not need double buffering you will have to test this on your particular hardware)
3) Should you have playback issues you can try, and change available drivers from xv to x11.
Player three: Vlc another player that users seem to hold in high regards for playing movies. (Note from my testing it would appear this player is another one that only requires the users to install it. Depending on the video/dvd being played you may have to adjust for subtitle playback.)
sudo aptitude install vlc
Regarding browser video playback plugin's.
For users wanting to use mozilla-mplayer there is a bit of set-up involve with it.
First start by un-installing totem-mozilla. Next install the below package.
sudo aptitude install mozilla-mplayer
Plugin set-up.
1) Try playing the video.
2) As the video is attempting to play right click on the box that will have the video.
3) Select configure.
4) Where it says video output change to x11. (note this might not be needed)
5) Adjust the cache to 2092 or more if you like.
6) Change percent of media to cache to 50.
7) You should now have browser playback.
Next is mozilla vlc, and from my testing it would appear this plugin-player only requires the users to install it. no setup was needed.)
sudo aptitude install mozilla-plugin-vlc
note: make sure to remove totem mozilla if you plan to use one of the above player-plugins.
For users wanting to backup their dvd's you can read up on the programs below, and find one that fits your needs.
1) thoggen (http://thoggen.net/) DVD backup utility based on GStreamer and Gtk+. Program located in (universe), and can be installed through synaptic.
2) dvdrip (http://www.exit1.org/dvdrip/) perl front end for transcode. Program located in (multiverse), and can be installed through synaptic.
3) acidrip (http://untrepid.com/acidrip/) wraps MPlayer and MEncoder. Program located in (multiverse), and can be installed through synaptic.
4) K9copy (http://k9copy.sourceforge.net/) DVD backup tool for KDE. Program located in (universe), and can be installed through synaptic.
Users wanting to backup audio:
CDBackup (https://help.ubuntu.com/community/CDRipping)
Users having issues after using any of the info in this guide are kindly asked to post a their issues inside the respective threads. Should a new thread be made please include as much information as possible regarding any issues, and please include a copy of any error msg's presented. Also let forum members know what guides you used, as this will allow them to better assist you with your problem.
The above covers the basics. This will also be the last update until the next Ubuntu version is released.
There have been many questions regarding running 64bit Ubuntu, as well as other 64bit Linux distro's for this matter. Many think it is time owners of 64bit hardware stop asking if they should run a 64bit OS, and instead ask why should they not run a 64bit OS.
The reason for this theory/ argument of 64bit vs. 32bit is some users think there will be less issues running 32bit.
Then you have those who say regardless of what software architecture you run there will be common issues to battle like wireless and video drivers, and some software programs.
One thing to remember when choosing 64bit or 32bit is that not only is the Linux Kernel progressing the distro of your choice will forever be progressing, as well, and issues that some might of had using one software architecture may not be there in later versions.
The other theory some new users have when coming to 64bit is there is no real world benefit to running 64bit over 32bit, in these cases full time 64bit users would try to explain the many benefits. While allowing the new users find out, and see for themselves the benefits.
Below I have listed some known pros/cons.
Some Pros:
1) Ability to address memory amounts over four GB, and up to 16 exabytes
2) Allowing for the addressing of more of RAM, 64-bit processing can improve video encoding and decoding, CAD, VMs and some other applications.
Some Con's:
1) One disadvantage of 64-bit architectures is compared to 32-bit architectures the same data will occupy more space in memory (due to larger pointers and possibly other types and alignment adding). The increases in the memory requirements of a given process can have implications for efficient processor cache utilization.
2) The other question an user might ask is does more bits mean better performance? Depending on whom you ask maybe / maybe not. What you will see is a performance increase for applications that use 64-bit integers, however. This is where a con comes into play. The con being (Do not expect most of your applications to run any faster than they do on your 32-bit systems.) Examples: your web browser will still be limited by your Internet connection speed, and your word processing program speed will still be tied to how fast you can type, etc. Some users feel there can also be a slight performance decrease caused by switching to a 64-bit processor, due to the larger memory address pointers taking up twice as much room in the cache.
Questions an user may have:
Should you upgrade to 64-bit?
To make full use of 64-bit you will need native 64-bit applications, and this is where the problem starts for some users. Some programs an user might make use of may not provide native 64-bit applications (some examples include skype/ adobe flash), and this is where some users think that running 32bit will eliminate issues, however. There are known ways of getting these applications to work, as well as other applications which will be addressed below, and while the answers may not be a true fix the fact there is a fix available should allow for more users to move to 64bit, and possibly showing those companies who do not have a native 64bit applications that there is a demand.
Should You Upgrade Now or sit on the fence?
The answer usually is: it depends.
If you have programs that you cannot seem to make work under 64bit, or have a peice hardware/ peripherals that is not yet supported for some odd reason under 64bit you may have to put a bit more work into making these items function.
On the other end of the spectrum, if your hardware is supported, and you need to run memory-intensive applications such as graphics and CAD, video editing, etc that will benefit from the larger memory allocation offered by 64-bit systems, spending the time researching, and upgrading will probably pay off in the long run.
One tactic suggested might be to go for a dual install of 32/64-bit.This will allow you to test your hardware/software configuration, and after testing move to running 64-bit only should you find that it fits your needs.
As for users who workstations are used primarily for office productivity software, e-mail, etc you will probably not need the scalability of 64-bit anytime soon, however. If your system has more than 4-8 GB of ram you might want to install a 64bit OS so you can make use of that memory.
Another thing you can be sure of if you do buy new hardware it will almost certainly be 64-bit, and will most likely come with a pre-installed 32bit-OS, and even if you do not plan to upgrade operating systems yet, you can always run 32-bit software on the 64-bit machines until you are ready to move to a new OS.
In the end little doubt remains that 64-bit computing will eventually make 32-bit hardware systems obsolete, As some major hardware and some software vendors move in that direction.
At the end of the day there is no silver bullet, no easy version to install, and you the user will have to make the choice of what is right for you, and your needs.
Users new to 64bit who are still left feeling it is harder to setup vs 32bit, might want to take a look at some of the other support areas of the forums, and there you can see that almost all architectures come with their share of problems.
Below I have listed different forum links, and a web article on this subject for those trying to get a better understanding from those who use 64bit, and while many things have change since these threads were made. The info presented in them should allow you the end user to gain insight to why users are gravitating to this particular software architecture. (Note: Some of these threads are extremely long, and "might" not give a definitive answer for all questions you may have. Should you still have questions please feel free to post a detailed thread presenting your concerns/questions.)
Part One: The understanding.
is it a good idea to install 64 bit ubuntu ? (http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=236717&highlight=java)
386 vs AMD64 (http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=223746&highlight=java)
So what is the main advantage of 64-bit? (http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=350978&highlight=java)
should I install 64 bit edition? (http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=309348&highlight=java)
32 bit vs. 64 bit - which to install? (http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=272414&highlight=java)
Is there much difference between 32bit and 64? (http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=239883&highlight=java)
Dapper 32 bit versus 64 bit differences (http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=247656&highlight=java)
Difference between 64 bit & 32 bit Linux? (http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=347953)
32 bit Edgy on a 64 bit machine? (http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=320677)
General Status of 64-bit Ubuntu? (http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=356772)
Planning on wiping 64bit and going 32bit (http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=364796)
Upgrade to AMD64 Ubuntu? (http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=366707)
is it wise to run the 64 bit version of ubuntu ? (http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=363665)
Web article 64-bit: More than just the RAM (http://www.bit-tech.net/bits/2007/10/16/64-bit_more_than_just_the_ram/1)
After researching should you decide that running a 64bit- OS is the way to proceed, Please move to the below sections.
Part Two: Getting Started.
Desktop live/install CD: Use this to test 64bit Ubuntu,and to make sure your hardware works. This same disk can be used to install Ubuntu. Note: some users have had issues installing from the live cd.
For those wanting to do direct to disk installs use the Alternate install CD. Note: At this time full disk encryption is only available using the 8.04 Alternate install CD, Also these iso's are also for Intel users with EM64T processors eg: Pentium D/Celeron D/Core2-Duo/Core2-Quad/Xeon processors/and certain Pentium4's
Choosing your version, and install method.
Ubuntu 6.06.1 LTS Supported until June, 2009
Dapper 6.06.1 Desktop Live CD (http://releases.ubuntu.com/dapper/ubuntu-6.06.1-desktop-amd64.iso)
Dapper 6.06.1 Alternate install CD (http://releases.ubuntu.com/dapper/ubuntu-6.06.1-alternate-amd64.iso)
Ubuntu 6.10 Edgy Eft Supported until April, 2008
Edgy 6.10 Desktop Live CD (http://releases.ubuntu.com/edgy/ubuntu-6.10-desktop-amd64.iso)
Edgy 6.10 Alternate install CD (http://releases.ubuntu.com/edgy/ubuntu-6.10-alternate-amd64.iso)
Ubuntu 7.04 Feisty Fawn Supported until October, 2008
Feisty Fawn 7.04 Desktop Live CD (http://releases.ubuntu.com/feisty/ubuntu-7.04-desktop-amd64.iso)
Feisty Fawn 7.04 Alternate install CD (http://releases.ubuntu.com/feisty/ubuntu-7.04-alternate-amd64.iso)
Ubuntu 7.10 Gutsy Gibbon Supported until April, 2009
Gutsy Gibbon 7.10 Desktop Live CD (http://releases.ubuntu.com/7.10/ubuntu-7.10-desktop-amd64.iso)
Gutsy Gibbon 7.10 Alternate install CD (http://releases.ubuntu.com/7.10/ubuntu-7.10-alternate-amd64.iso)
Ubuntu 8.04 LTS Hardy Heron Supported until April, 2011
Hardy Heron 8.04 LTS Desktop Live CD (http://releases.ubuntu.com/releases/8.04/ubuntu-8.04-desktop-amd64.iso)
Hardy Heron 8.04 LTS Alternate install CD (http://releases.ubuntu.com/releases/8.04/ubuntu-8.04-alternate-amd64.iso)
Part Three: Setting up.
Codec install for previous Ubuntu versions Dapper/Edgy/Feisty/Gutsy (https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Medibuntu#head-57a5050d451985de1b87ea87a3ccc1a4895e57d3)
Install 32 bit wine to 64 bit Dapper without chroot (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=185557)
Note: wine now has a 64bit deb available for 7.04-8.04. To install it use the command below.
First, add the repository's key to your system's list of trusted APT keys
wget -q http://wine.budgetdedicated.com/apt/387EE263.gpg -O- | sudo apt-key add -
Next:
sudo wget http://wine.budgetdedicated.com/apt/sources.list.d/hardy.list -O /etc/apt/sources.list.d/winehq.list
Then sudo aptitude install wine
Users wanting skype:
How to:Skype-AMD64 (64-bit) install (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=432295&highlight=skype)
[64-bit] Get a web-cam working with Skype (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=634393&highlight=skype)
Users wanting to install other 32bit apps etc:
Getlibs: Automatically solves dependencies for binaries on 64bit, and 32bit systems (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=474790&highlight=skype)
Users wanting to install songbird or are having issues.
Installing Songbird on Ubuntu (http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/songbird)
For users having problems with the songbird script see this thread. (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=273162&highlight=songbird)
Users looking to mount Linux partitions etc
Mounting extra hard drives (http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/mountlinux)
Users wanting to install video card drivers:
nvidia (http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/nvidia)
Ubuntu_ATI Linux driver Installation Guide (http://wiki.cchtml.com/index.php/Ubuntu_Gutsy_Installation_Guide)
Note: Almost all Intel video cards should be fully functional by default.
Users wanting eye candy::
Desktopeffects (http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/desktopeffects)
Users wanting to check if a particular application they have installed is 32bit or 64bit can do so by passing the file command.
file /usr/bin/program name here
Examples:
file /usr/bin/skype will output the below.
/usr/bin/skype: ELF 32-bit LSB executable, Intel 80386, version 1 (SYSV), for GNU/Linux 2.4.1, dynamically linked (uses shared libs), stripped
file /usr/bin/mencoder will output the below.
/usr/bin/mencoder: ELF 64-bit LSB executable, x86-64, version 1 (SYSV), for GNU/Linux 2.6.8, dynamically linked (uses shared libs), stripped
Plugin installation.
Flash installation Under Hardy 8.04 this can be accomplished using using synaptic Or the command below. All dependencies should be installed automatically.
sudo aptitude install flashplugin-nonfree
Users running prior versions of Ubuntu or users having issues with flash under 6.xx-7.xx see below..
(nspluginwrapper) AMD64 Flash 9 install script for for Dapper, Edgy and Feisty. (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=476924)
As of 12/18/07 the writer has updated the above script to allow support for Dapper-Gutsy. This was done due to there being an issue with the current version of flash included in the 7.10 repo. The issue is talked about here http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?p=3929669
Note: The above guide only installs nspluginwrapper, and flash only.
Users wanting java/flash see below
Java Installation:
Option one: The open source java like icedtea and Blackdown these are in the Ubuntu repo, and should be installable via synaptic.(Your mileage may vary with these)
Option two: use the below guide.
Howto Install 32 bit Firefox with Flash w/sound and Java for AMD64 (http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=202537&highlight=java)
Multimedia/DVD playback:
1) Run the below command.
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/hardy.list -O /etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list
Followed by.
wget -q http://packages.medibuntu.org/medibuntu-key.gpg -O - | sudo apt-key add - && sudo apt-get update
2) Installing the codecs for dvd playback and your choice of movie player. (Note I have included a wide range of codecs which were used in the below guide during testing.)
sudo aptitude install libavifile-0.7c2 gstreamer0.10-plugins-bad gstreamer0.10-plugins-bad-multiverse gstreamer0.10-plugins-ugly-multiverse gstreamer0.10-plugins-ugly libdvdcss2
W64codecs some users feel this should not be needed,however. Users who feel they need/want W64 can install it like so.
sudo aptitude install w64codecs
3) Choosing a movie player. Below are some of the more common ones used, and the way they should be installed, and how to set them up if needed.
Player one: Totem-xine this player usually only requires the end user to install it, and it's dependencies. Under most cases it requires no further set-up after installing is needed. To install use the command below.
sudo aptitude install totem-xine libxine1-ffmpeg
Player two: Mplayer this is one of the players users swear by,however.It does require a bit of set-up on the users part after installing,Which will be explained. (Note Depending on the video/dvd being played you may have to adjust for subtitle playback.) Install using the below command
sudo aptitude install mplayer
After installing mplayer you will be required to set it's default video. To do so open mplayer by typing the command below
gmplayer
Next:
1) Right click on the mplayer, and select preferences
2) Under video tick enable direct rendering (note you might not need double buffering you will have to test this on your particular hardware)
3) Should you have playback issues you can try, and change available drivers from xv to x11.
Player three: Vlc another player that users seem to hold in high regards for playing movies. (Note from my testing it would appear this player is another one that only requires the users to install it. Depending on the video/dvd being played you may have to adjust for subtitle playback.)
sudo aptitude install vlc
Regarding browser video playback plugin's.
For users wanting to use mozilla-mplayer there is a bit of set-up involve with it.
First start by un-installing totem-mozilla. Next install the below package.
sudo aptitude install mozilla-mplayer
Plugin set-up.
1) Try playing the video.
2) As the video is attempting to play right click on the box that will have the video.
3) Select configure.
4) Where it says video output change to x11. (note this might not be needed)
5) Adjust the cache to 2092 or more if you like.
6) Change percent of media to cache to 50.
7) You should now have browser playback.
Next is mozilla vlc, and from my testing it would appear this plugin-player only requires the users to install it. no setup was needed.)
sudo aptitude install mozilla-plugin-vlc
note: make sure to remove totem mozilla if you plan to use one of the above player-plugins.
For users wanting to backup their dvd's you can read up on the programs below, and find one that fits your needs.
1) thoggen (http://thoggen.net/) DVD backup utility based on GStreamer and Gtk+. Program located in (universe), and can be installed through synaptic.
2) dvdrip (http://www.exit1.org/dvdrip/) perl front end for transcode. Program located in (multiverse), and can be installed through synaptic.
3) acidrip (http://untrepid.com/acidrip/) wraps MPlayer and MEncoder. Program located in (multiverse), and can be installed through synaptic.
4) K9copy (http://k9copy.sourceforge.net/) DVD backup tool for KDE. Program located in (universe), and can be installed through synaptic.
Users wanting to backup audio:
CDBackup (https://help.ubuntu.com/community/CDRipping)
Users having issues after using any of the info in this guide are kindly asked to post a their issues inside the respective threads. Should a new thread be made please include as much information as possible regarding any issues, and please include a copy of any error msg's presented. Also let forum members know what guides you used, as this will allow them to better assist you with your problem.
The above covers the basics. This will also be the last update until the next Ubuntu version is released.