Given up on Ubuntu, but not on Linux... yet!

[npras42]

Okay, so after around two weeks of using ubuntu, playing around with it, I just can't get it to run stable. I thought display drivers were the cause, but no. Made no difference, whether I was on VESA, nv or the ones from NVIDIA.com. Tried various different downloaded versions on various CD-Rs. Live CD just never boots, the alt text based installer does install and boot it but...

Things crash, my downloads are almost always corrupted, buttons and whole applications have just stopped working - Firefox has just completely disappeared from all menus and just doesn't work without having done anything to cause it.

So anyway, Ubuntu, is not working out for me but I'd like to try a new distro and was looking for some recommendations. I know this can be a tough subject because everyone obviously thinks the distro they run is the best one.

I basically want something that I can setup easily to:
- play music from mp3 and wma files
- browse the web with all the usual Flash/Shockwave/Java bits working
- watch video files such as DVDs and xvid/divx and have AC-3 work from my Audigy 2 ZS SPDIF.
- run Beryl (after a month or two of running the basic OS so I can get use to it - I'm in no rush)

I also need to have the ability to customise the look and feel of the desktop easily. I'm learning new things about the terminal everyday, even with my broken Ubuntu, but I don't want to do everything from there.

[evilghost]

Okay, so after around two weeks of using ubuntu, playing around with it, I just can't get it to run stable. I thought display drivers were the cause, but no. Made no difference, whether I was on VESA, nv or the ones from NVIDIA.com. Tried various different downloaded versions on various CD-Rs. Live CD just never boots, the alt text based installer does install and boot it but...

Things crash, my downloads are almost always corrupted, buttons and whole applications have just stopped working - Firefox has just completely disappeared from all menus and just doesn't work without having done anything to cause it.

So anyway, Ubuntu, is not working out for me but I'd like to try a new distro and was looking for some recommendations. I know this can be a tough subject because everyone obviously thinks the distro they run is the best one.

I basically want something that I can setup easily to:
- play music from mp3 and wma files
- browse the web with all the usual Flash/Shockwave/Java bits working
- watch video files such as DVDs and xvid/divx and have AC-3 work from my Audigy 2 ZS SPDIF.
- run Beryl (after a month or two of running the basic OS so I can get use to it - I'm in no rush)

I also need to have the ability to customise the look and feel of the desktop easily. I'm learning new things about the terminal everyday, even with my broken Ubuntu, but I don't want to do everything from there.

Have you:

1) Verified you're using the latest BIOS for your motherboard
2) Tried the noapic or acpi=off options?

[grey_1]

I would follow evilghosts suggestions first, but if you still aren't happy with it might I suggest Dreamlinux?
http://www.dreamlinux.com.br/english/index.html

[npras42]

Ok, thanks for the quick replies.

I will endeavour with ubuntu for now, and follow evilghost's advice.

I have the latest non-beta bios installed for my motherboard. I think the only new things on the beta version are increased CPU support, but I know mine is fully supported already.

As for the second thing, are you talking about the BIOS settings?

I have them currently set as:

Suspend Mode: S1(POS) & S3(STR)
Repost Video on S3 Resume: NO
ACPI 2.0 Support: NO
ACPI APIC Support: ENABLED
APM Config: ENABLED

[grey_1]

The no=apic and acpi=off are options you can pass to the kernel at boot.

When grub comes up hit esc, highlight the kernel you are using - if your on a default install it will be the top one -

press e, then tab down one (again on an default install) press e again.

You should have a line with "quiet splash" at the end. Scroll to the end and type no=apic.

Press enter, then b. This will boot using the no=apic option. Test for a while. If that doesn't fix it, go back in the same way and try the acpi=off.

[npras42]

Hi,
Is it noapic or no=apic as yours and evilghost's are different...

[npras42]

I think noapic has worked... Will test more extensively tomorrow. Thanks!

[grey_1]

I think noapic has worked... Will test more extensively tomorrow. Thanks!
Cool! Go with evilghosts :), I get fumble-fingered typing them out. :D

[evilghost]

I think noapic has worked... Will test more extensively tomorrow. Thanks!

Always glad to help :)