Testing 13.04 Lubuntu PPC

[este.el.paz]

@Philw:

Testing report:
Thanks to michiganmac's boot parameters I was able to boot the Lu 13.04 Beta2 desktop for powerpc in my iBook G4 933MHz with 646? MB RAM burned what listed as 800MB .iso file to DVD . . . . Took awhile to get passed the black screen after the splash window . . . got to the new? LXDE desktop image . . . it was very dark across the top of the screen, but the windows that launched on top of it were fine. Launched Audacious . . . one of the few problems that showed: error: ALSA error--no mixer element found & snd_mixer_attach failed--no such file or directory.

Abiword--OK, able to save a document. Terminal--OK, ran update/upgrade OK. Firefox--OK, but the color in the browser was off to the blue side, i.e., no red fox in the FF icon--it was blue.

Wired connection was OK, but, no surprises--no wireless. Otherwise, fonts clear, icons look good. File manager worked well. Overall looks nice . . . .

e.e.p.

[phillw]

Hi folks, a bit of good news! the iso's for ppc desktop and alternate should now be CD sized. Please do test, file and update the known bugs. http://iso.qa.ubuntu.com/qatracker/m...nes/269/builds

This may not seem like a massive step forward, but it was only achieved by the number of people testing who proved that PPC is not dead. There is also an over-sized ISO available via kubuntu, if it gets tested the kde team are willing to release it.

Your fate is in your own hands. For any testers coming in, please have a read of the quick guide to testing at https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Lubuntu/Testing and register your machine on the Mac / ppc area at https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Lubuntu/Testing/PPC%26Mac64

Thanks,

Phillw.

[dgsa]

Hello all, I'm new to linux on mac/ppc but I was reading about it some on http://ppcluddite.blogspot.com and elsewhere so I thought I'd give lubuntu a try. I didn't get very far. On my 12" powerbook I can't get past a blank black screen. I've registered a few new accounts and mailing lists today and spent quite a while searching and reading documentation online. I'm guessing there is some problem with the graphics drivers. I created a bug here:

https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/1175736

For grins I put the same 13.04 CD I burned in my g4 mac mini and it got further. It looks like it booted up into some kind of GUI desktop. I can see a mouse pointer that moves with the mouse but the colors are all jumbled and I can't read anything or really tell what it's doing.

This info is probably not a lot of help to those working on it, but I thought I'd share my experience. Thank you to those who are trying to keep the ppc platform alive!

[phillw]

Hello all, I'm new to linux on mac/ppc but I was reading about it some on http://ppcluddite.blogspot.com and elsewhere so I thought I'd give lubuntu a try. I didn't get very far. On my 12" powerbook I can't get past a blank black screen. I've registered a few new accounts and mailing lists today and spent quite a while searching and reading documentation online. I'm guessing there is some problem with the graphics drivers. I created a bug here:

https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/1175736

For grins I put the same 13.04 CD I burned in my g4 mac mini and it got further. It looks like it booted up into some kind of GUI desktop. I can see a mouse pointer that moves with the mouse but the colors are all jumbled and I can't read anything or really tell what it's doing.

This info is probably not a lot of help to those working on it, but I thought I'd share my experience. Thank you to those who are trying to keep the ppc platform alive!

Hi, as you are trying out lubuntu, I'd ask that you do ask the lubuntu-ppc team directly. I do not have a machine to test on. As the Team Leader for the lubuntu testing team I assure you that the testers on there will be more helpful than certain comments on here.

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Lubuntu/Testing/PPC%26Mac64

It does involve joining the mailing list, but as a person wanting to use ppc on lubuntu, you will be welcomed.

Regards,

Phill.

[este.el.paz]

Hello all, I'm new to linux on mac/ppc but I was reading about it some on http://ppcluddite.blogspot.com and elsewhere so I thought I'd give lubuntu a try. I didn't get very far. On my 12" powerbook I can't get past a blank black screen.
For grins I put the same 13.04 CD I burned in my g4 mac mini and it got further. It looks like it booted up into some kind of GUI desktop. I can see a mouse pointer that moves with the mouse but the colors are all jumbled and I can't read anything or really tell what it's doing.

This info is probably not a lot of help to those working on it, but I thought I'd share my experience. Thank you to those who are trying to keep the ppc platform alive!

@dgsa:

Welcome to Linux. If you just want the screen that has a working desktop, you probably have to find out which "Boot parameter" will work for your computer, and then that needs to be typed into the Yaboot screen, I believe it's after the flashing underscore cursor that's after the the word "Boot"??? You'll have to find your way to the "PowerPCFAQ" which is part of the ubuntu wiki for PPC, and read fully the suggestions that would apply to your computer, it's very complete set of instructions. However it is a bit strange if you don't have any CLI at all, and just go the black screen . . . it would be a different deal if you got the Yaboot boot window and then got a log in screen . . . which went to a black screen.

Also, it seems like the Lubuntu 12.04 for PPC might be the better choice for easy boot . . . so you might try that version first to get the hang of it.


e.e.p.

[gusduenas]

I have tested the alternate cd and though it installs normal, I cannot go to the desktop and it stalls at the terminal, so far nothing...using a g5 dual 2.0ghz nividia geforce 6600....

[str8bs]

@dgsa Thanks for trying out the install and sharing. People testing on real PPC hardware is really helpful.

Sounds like you've tried quite a bit. As e.e.p mentioned, you may find 12.04 a little easier to get going if you are new to Linux and want a break from troubleshooting.
My advice: The most common trouble on PPC is related to your video card. I would look up your model numbers on apple or everymac web site and then start a thread for each with the name of your video card in the title prefixed with PPC. This makes it easier for people that might have the same hardware know if they are able to help.

Keep in mind that it is all about the community helping each other. None of us are experts and people willing to help will do so where and when they can.

Str8