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Old 01-23-2012, 02:22 PM   #16
k3lt01
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Quote:
Originally Posted by snowpine View Post
"Dellbuntu" was a one-shot OEM deal between Dell and Canonical. It is not LTS, it does not use the standard repos, it is not binary compatible with Ubuntu, there is no upgrade path.
I know what dellbuntu is, the OP hasn't mentioned it.
 
Old 01-23-2012, 02:34 PM   #17
snowday
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Quote:
Originally Posted by k3lt01 View Post
I know what dellbuntu is, the OP hasn't mentioned it.
That is the meaning of the "n series" sticker mentioned in post #7.

I am knowledgeable about the Dell Inspiron Mini series; I am not inventing this.

Last edited by snowday; 01-23-2012 at 02:36 PM.
 
Old 01-23-2012, 04:00 PM   #18
zedex99
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There is no data that cannot be replaced on the machine, so no back up or copy is required. It has been used primarily as a link. I selected it 3+ years ago to use as a secure link and transport some family photos and etc while traveling. Sticks and cards have made that use obsolete. Therefore a wipe and clean install of any o/s doesn't pose a problem, if the hardware will support. I'll investigate Xbuntu. As for the OP not having any info about Dellbuntu or whatever it is called - the OP'er didn't know there was a Dellbuntu. The OP'er is an old guy who came to the conclusion 3+ years ago that Ubuntu on a Netbook was probably a better solution than Windows and buying AV software. Clam and the firewall are free. So that's howcome he got this rig. He still uses XPPro as his daily O/S. Thanks to all. This has been an excellent experience.
 
Old 01-23-2012, 04:08 PM   #19
k3lt01
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Quote:
Originally Posted by snowpine View Post
That is the meaning of the "n series" sticker mentioned in post #7.
Thanks for the info, I didn't know this. My current laptop has a Windows 7 sticker on it, my old one has a Windows XP sticker on it.

Quote:
Originally Posted by snowpine View Post
I am knowledgeable about the Dell Inspiron Mini series; I am not inventing this.
And you're so humble to
 
Old 01-23-2012, 04:15 PM   #20
snowday
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Zedex, I admire your "can do" attitude and willingness to learn. I think you have a good plan to learn more about the different Ubuntu variants (like Xubuntu or Lubuntu), wait until sometime after April, and then install your favorite "flavor" of 12.04.

If you want to settle the "are you using Dellbuntu or not?" debate, here are screenshots, tell us if this looks familiar: http://www.automaticable.com/2009-03...-ubuntu-linux/

My one concern is which graphics chip your netbook has. Here is a command to check that. You'll need to get into the Terminal (look under Applications, Accessories, or press Alt+F2 and type "gnome-terminal" without the quotes, press Enter) and copy & paste the following command:

Code:
lspci | grep VGA
(The vertical line is called a "pipe" and is shift + \ (backslash) on most keyboards.)

Hopefully it does not say Intel GMA500 Poulsbo, because that card can be a little tricky with non-Dellbuntu Ubuntu versions. If it says Intel 945 or 3150 then you should be OK.

Last edited by snowday; 01-23-2012 at 04:17 PM.
 
Old 01-23-2012, 05:28 PM   #21
zedex99
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terminal reads as follow in response to the grep VGA command

VGA compatible controller: Intel Corporation Mobile 945GME Express Integrated Graphics Controller [rev 03]

I have taken pics of Terminal's reply to the query, the computer, its screen and its keyboard. I don't know how to put photos in here so below is a link to a little blog I do. The pics can all be expanded to close to full screen so everything should be readable.

http://zedex99.wordpress.com/

Thanks again.
 
Old 01-23-2012, 05:36 PM   #22
snowday
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I have the identical 945GME graphics card in my 9" Dell Inspiron Mini 910. It will work with any version of Linux no problem.

Your screenshot looks like Dellbuntu but to be sure you can use the terminal command:

Code:
uname -p
If it says "i386" you have "regular" Ubuntu, if it says "lpia" then it's Dellbuntu.

(Historical footnote: lpia stands for Low Power Intel Architecture and was designed for the Atom processor. Since 2009 "regular" Ubuntu has full support for the Atom and lpia was discontinued.)
 
Old 01-23-2012, 06:46 PM   #23
zedex99
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uname -p wasn't recognised, I googled uname and tried uname -arp. It's |pia - here is what it said

Linux bruce 2.6.24-28 Ipia #1 SMP Wed Dec 15 09:03:27 UTC 2010i686GNU/Linux

So can I still instal Xbunto 12.04?

Thanks again.
 
Old 01-23-2012, 06:54 PM   #24
TroN-0074
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The screen shot you provided looks very good. Google Xfce, LXDE, KDE, Unity, Gnome and see what you like best, and install a desktop of your like. snowpine suggested your video card will work with any of these.

The new release of Ubuntu will be not until April so by then you have a good idea of what you are looking for in a desktop.

Perhaps you can play with some liveCDs in the main time

Good luck to you

Last edited by TroN-0074; 01-23-2012 at 06:56 PM.
 
Old 01-23-2012, 07:46 PM   #25
snowday
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I predict Xubuntu 12.04 will run very well on your Dell, when it is released in April.

I am subscribed to this discussion thread, so post back any time if you have any questions. I will do my best to help.
 
Old 01-23-2012, 09:24 PM   #26
zedex99
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Thanks to everyone on this thread. Your response has been greatly appreciated and I'll let you know in April how it went. I shudder to think of how it would have gone if I'd just gone ahead and tried. I didn't even know there was a Delbuntu. I'll be looking over the different desktops and will settle for the most simple.

All the best to everyone.
 
Old 01-24-2012, 02:04 AM   #27
ukiuki
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Now if you want a challenge to upgrade from 8.04 to 10.04LTS you will find all you need here: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/UpgradeNotes

Regards
 
  


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