cyberkilla
August 13th, 2008, 01:04 AM
Hello, I sincerely hope that I've posted this in the correct section of the forum;)
My problem is this: I have experimented with various versions of Ubuntu and other distributions before, and I've never been able to get everything working without excessive effort.
I have a Sony Vaio VGN-AR41E laptop, and I would really like to get Ubuntu running 100%. I would like to untie myself from Windows Vista, which uses 45% of my RAM with no open applications!
I ran the Hardy Live CD and checked it's RAM usage - 9% of 2GB. Fantastic! I want it;)
I realise that Vista treats RAM differently, but the memory usage cited above is with the likes of Superfetch disabled.
I'm flying off at a tangent here, let me get to the point...
I intend to make some room on the drive and install Ubuntu. However, even before I do so I have noticed issues.
- Sound comes out of speakers even if I have headphones plugged in(possible fix found already).
- No Fn keys appear to work in the live CD(Mute/Volume Up&Down work fine, however).
- No 3D acceleration. Okay, it's live CD but since it's NVidia I was expecting some kind of auto-support to show off Compiz).
- Choosing 'Sleep' on the Exit menu gives me a wonderful black screen with a flashing cursor and no choice but to force shutdown.
I have NEVER been able to get linux to suspend or hibernate properly and reliably. I am not pointing fingers, but you have to admit that it is a deal breaker for most users.
If at all possible, could somebody help me out? I never usually post for support but I really want to get it working flawlessly this time.
Here are my basic specs:
- Sony Vaio VGN-AR41E
- Intel Core 2 Duo @ 1.8GHz(T7100, Speedstep)
- 2GB DDR2 SDRAM @ 667MHz
- 120GB HDD(5400RPM)
- WLAN 802.11a/b/g(Intel, I believe)
- DVD+-RW/+-R DL/RAM
- NVidia GeForce 8400M GT @ 1440x900
- Current OS: Windows Vista Home Premium
Ah, one more thing(pushing my luck;))...
I had an HP Pavilion Tower that died with linux running a flash video in Firefox. It appeared to die of heat. The problem was either the motherboard or the cpu - everything else was okay.
I have heard many horror stories about overheating with linux running. My old laptop used to get incredibly hot too. It was warm in Windows XP, but too hot to hold in Ubuntu Feisty. Seemed to be related to the Wifi card.
In addition, there are tales of linux wearing out hard drives faster too. I am very concerned, but I really want to use Ubuntu for various development tasks(proper rsync, ssh without putty, etc).
Is there any chance that you could lay some of my fears to rest, or at least explain them?
I apologise for the ridiculously long post:).
Any suggestions or warnings or potential issues would be greatly appreciated if you have the time.
My problem is this: I have experimented with various versions of Ubuntu and other distributions before, and I've never been able to get everything working without excessive effort.
I have a Sony Vaio VGN-AR41E laptop, and I would really like to get Ubuntu running 100%. I would like to untie myself from Windows Vista, which uses 45% of my RAM with no open applications!
I ran the Hardy Live CD and checked it's RAM usage - 9% of 2GB. Fantastic! I want it;)
I realise that Vista treats RAM differently, but the memory usage cited above is with the likes of Superfetch disabled.
I'm flying off at a tangent here, let me get to the point...
I intend to make some room on the drive and install Ubuntu. However, even before I do so I have noticed issues.
- Sound comes out of speakers even if I have headphones plugged in(possible fix found already).
- No Fn keys appear to work in the live CD(Mute/Volume Up&Down work fine, however).
- No 3D acceleration. Okay, it's live CD but since it's NVidia I was expecting some kind of auto-support to show off Compiz).
- Choosing 'Sleep' on the Exit menu gives me a wonderful black screen with a flashing cursor and no choice but to force shutdown.
I have NEVER been able to get linux to suspend or hibernate properly and reliably. I am not pointing fingers, but you have to admit that it is a deal breaker for most users.
If at all possible, could somebody help me out? I never usually post for support but I really want to get it working flawlessly this time.
Here are my basic specs:
- Sony Vaio VGN-AR41E
- Intel Core 2 Duo @ 1.8GHz(T7100, Speedstep)
- 2GB DDR2 SDRAM @ 667MHz
- 120GB HDD(5400RPM)
- WLAN 802.11a/b/g(Intel, I believe)
- DVD+-RW/+-R DL/RAM
- NVidia GeForce 8400M GT @ 1440x900
- Current OS: Windows Vista Home Premium
Ah, one more thing(pushing my luck;))...
I had an HP Pavilion Tower that died with linux running a flash video in Firefox. It appeared to die of heat. The problem was either the motherboard or the cpu - everything else was okay.
I have heard many horror stories about overheating with linux running. My old laptop used to get incredibly hot too. It was warm in Windows XP, but too hot to hold in Ubuntu Feisty. Seemed to be related to the Wifi card.
In addition, there are tales of linux wearing out hard drives faster too. I am very concerned, but I really want to use Ubuntu for various development tasks(proper rsync, ssh without putty, etc).
Is there any chance that you could lay some of my fears to rest, or at least explain them?
I apologise for the ridiculously long post:).
Any suggestions or warnings or potential issues would be greatly appreciated if you have the time.