New Ubuntu user with a couple of questions

scamartist

scamartist

scamartist

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Right thats me got Ubuntu 7.10 up and running finally, after having a few problems with the live disc.

Have it set up and everything seems to be running well.

I am running the kernel at bootup with the following options IRQPOLL and ACPI=OFF, only way I could get it to boot.

Can somebody tell me what these settings actually do and if they will cause me any problems in day to day use.

Secondly, I'm looking for some recommendations for some Linux software for MP3, xvid videos, usenet and any other goodies you think may be useful.

Just wondering what you guys generally add to a new install.

Thanks in advance.;)
 
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scamartist said:
Right thats me got Ubuntu 7.10 up and running finally, after having a few problems with the live disc.

Have it set up and everything seems to be running well.

I am running the kernel at bootup with the following options IRQPOLL and ACPI=OFF, only way I could get it to boot.

Can somebody tell me what these settings actually do and if they will cause me any problems in day to day use.

Secondly, I'm looking for some recommendations for some Linux software for MP3, xvid videos, usenet and any other goodies you think may be useful.

Just wondering what you guys generally add to a new install.

Thanks in advance.;)
Click to expand...

It's good to hear someone getting on with linux :) about software if you want something to play mp3's then try rhythmbox, I'm not sure what I use for watching xvid etc I use my xbox 1 for that. Good luck with your fresh install by the way:D
 
scamartist said:
I am running the kernel at bootup with the following options IRQPOLL and ACPI=OFF, only way I could get it to boot.

Can somebody tell me what these settings actually do and if they will cause me any problems in day to day use.
Click to expand...

ACPI stands for Advanced Configuration and Power Interface. Basically manages your power buttons and putting your PC on suspend/stand-by I believe. I think if you disable it, like you have here, you won't be able to use the power buttons on your case and/or keyboard to power down/suspend your PC. I think it also means your PC won't be able to switch itself off when it is shut-down.
No idea about the IRQ poll. My guess would be that it constantly checks what IRQs each piece of your hardware has assigned or something similar. Probably won't effect you much in day-to-day usage.

Secondly, I'm looking for some recommendations for some Linux software for MP3, xvid videos, usenet and any other goodies you think may be useful.

Just wondering what you guys generally add to a new install.
Click to expand...

First thing I usually install is Automatix. Gives you restricted codecs (DVD, DivX, MP3, WMA, etc.) and some nifty bits of software. Link here. (Think it's down atm actually).
I use VLC media player for all movie playback.
For music, a lot of people swear by amaroK - Probably the most powerful MP3 player out there for Linux.
If you want a Winamp-like experience, try XMMS, or Beep Media Player.
I use emesene for MSN, because I have nothing but trouble with the client that comes with Ubuntu.
Also, if you download a lot of torrents, I highly recommend Deluge.

I've linked to all these bits but you can install most of them by searching for their names in Synaptic or Aptitude.

Welcome to the Linux family :D Good luck!
 
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I'd stay away from automatix I've heard bad things about it. Best to learn to install these things normally it will teach you something
 
Yeah, another vote against Automatix, it hides things unnecessarily that you can easily do yourself. Pidgin is the best MSN client for Linux IMO, which is probably the default one.
 
It's already getting confusing isn't it !!

Really... It's down to personal choice. Brasero is set to be the default burner choice in Hardy, but once you faff around installing all the missing bits then K3B r0Xx0r.

My own choice for Torrents is KTorrent (it's in add/remove). It says its for KDE but it works on gnome no problems.

Basically.... go have fun... Install/remove whatever you fancy.
 
Indeed, it's all down to personal choice :)

For mp3's I use rhythmbox, tho only as I haven't got round to reinstalling amarok
For videos, VLC all the way..
For torrents, I still use uTorrent under WINE, much better than any Linux client imo..
 
uvmain said:
Indeed, it's all down to personal choice :)

For mp3's I use rhythmbox, tho only as I haven't got round to reinstalling amarok
For videos, VLC all the way..
For torrents, I still use uTorrent under WINE, much better than any Linux client imo..
Click to expand...


I'd put Ktorrent up against utorrent any day, plus I don't like the idea of having to install wine just to use an app that has an equivalent already.
 
scamartist said:
Secondly, I'm looking for some recommendations for some Linux software for MP3, xvid videos, usenet and any other goodies you think may be useful.

Just wondering what you guys generally add to a new install.

Thanks in advance.;)
Click to expand...
For MP3s I use xmms and I've imported all the presets from Winamp. Amorak is also good, but I find it's a bit bloaty.

For DivX I use VLC... works a treat.

For usenet I use Klibido.

For burning CDs and DVDs I use K3B.

For a screensaver I use Really Slick Screensavers which I was pleased to find in the repositories.

I'm sure there's other things that have slipped my mind.
 
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