ubuntu linux on a dell vostro a860
I am setting up a laptop for my dad, who is returning to school after many years away. He was recently laid off, his job another casualty of globalization. I've been very impressed with his positive attitude and ability to view this as an opportunity rather than a setback. Since he is transitioning into computer networking, I thought this would be a great opportunity to share what I know (and love) about linux with him.
The laptop is a dell vostro a860, which can be had for under $500 with the well-worth-it productivity package. The comments on Dell's site assured me this would be a good choice for running ubuntu, the specifications are good for a business/school use computer, and it has a nice sized HD wide screen. I've been setting it up over a period of a couple days (if fact I am typing this on it now while sitting on my couch), and it has mostly been fun to work with. I've installed the Jaunty Jackelope version of Ubuntu Linux as the operating system, replacing the Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic that came installed (though I've restored the base image to a virtual machine).
The install was mainly painless, though I should really research scripted setups of linux desktops at some point. There are a number of configuration/installation issues I commonly perform with a new install, and it becomes a little tedius (and time consuming) to do them each time. Things like firefox extensions (adblock plus, download statusbar, delicious bookmarks), additional software (gnome-do, virtualbox), gnome desktop preferences (disable login sounds, wallpapers, themes). Perhaps a meta-package, ppa? I'll probably write about this in a later post.
There were a couple of issues that deserve comment though. First, I couldn't enable advanced desktop effects. Advanced Desktop Effects makes Linux fun for new users. Support for the vostro's video hardware (gma x3100 / Intel 965GM) had been disabled as a 'fix' for a related software bug in xorg (display software).
To re-enable desktop effects type the following in a command terminal:
echo SKIP_CHECKS=yes >> ~/.config/compiz/compiz-manager
You will need to restart after that and you should be able to enable desktop effects by right clicking on the desktop, select Change Desktop Background -> Visual Effects tab. If you find this causes any problems like screen lockup or computer freezing, you can change the setting back to None.
The other issue was getting media files, namely a dvd of 'Bolt' by disney pixar, to play in the default 'Movie Player'. I found several 'fixes' that involved 'use <insert favorite alternative package> instead', but I was looking for a fix rather than a workaround. The fix that worked for me required adding an optional repository to the software sources, and installing the required media codecs.
All in all, I'd recommend this laptop to anyone looking for a functional machine to do internet/schoolwork/programming/ etc. The multimedia capabilities are passable with a bright 15" hd widescreen lcd, firewire, and dvd rw (though sound is weak, speakers/earphones are cheap). Bluetooth, wireless networking, dual core proc, and 4g RAM capacity (I ordered it with 2 to start), round out the specs nicely. I'd say size and weight feel moderate, with a nice keyboard that provides space for your wrists to rest. You don't want to run Vista Home Basic, but Ubuntu works well, and you can still use any Windows programs you require using virtualbox ose.
But that's for another day ;)
cm