It's been many years since the last time I tried using Linux. At that time I didn't really 'use' it..I guess you could say I was just curious.

Well lately I have heard many people talking about Ubuntu and it's ease of use so I thought I'd give it a try. So I downloaded it and made the cd (can't remember which distro/version now and I'm at work so can't check).

When I boot from the cd the first menu screen shows without any problems. I choose the first option 'Install using text' and then the monitor goes blank and says something like 'Unknown Range' or something like that.

Sorry about the lack of details - I will post more information later from home. Just wondering if anyone has a quick solution for this problem. I really want to love linux but after having issues booting Knoppix and now this problem with Ubuntu I'm starting to think maybe I'll try again after another five years when (hopefully) Linux has become a bit more straightforward and user friendly.

Any thoughts appreciated. thx in advance.

While Ubuntu seems to be the rave, I have found it less than ideal. Wait, I'm lying. My experience with Ubuntu is limited to the install. Both Dapper and Feisty just refuse to install on my two testing systems; two systems that have no problems with Slackware or more 'user-friendly' distros like Fedora. Try Fedora if you want an easy install or Slackware if you're 100% knowledgeable about the hardware on your system. By knowledgeable I mean knowing how to use fdisk/cfdisk and knowing your hardware to the point of knowing what the Linux modules are and being prepared to read the screen prompts during your text only install. There is no need to wait another five years.

Ok thanks, tozefs. I think I'll give Fedora a try. Hopefully it will be less painfull than the other dists I've looked at ^_^

I have one question though: why did you choose install with text as opposed to the first option on the menu? If you have a widescreen lcd, I would assume you also have a nice video card to go with it. So, picking the default entry should have gone a lot better than text mode.

Just curious, though.

I tried Mepis before giving up on it. I had a screen resolution problem like the OP's, maybe this thread will help.

http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...d.php?t=547918

Well, before I started to download another dist I decided to have another go with Ubuntu. After testing with some resolution settings I was able to get through the install process.

During installation Ubuntu recognized and configured ALL of my hardware correctly - even the NIC which no Windows version (I've used them all) was ever able to do with this particular card.

After completing the install the system advised me that there were several (91 actually) software updates available and proceeded to download and install them all flawlessly. Things were looking good.

I had a quick look around the menus and came across Rythmbox Music Player - fired it up and in less than 30 seconds was listening to some music on internet radio. This is getting interesting I thought.

Next I started up Firefox and tested a few websites....hmmm is it just me or does any internet application seem to work much faster than they do in Windows? Downloaded some custom wallpapers and Firefox themes and proceeded to customize my desktop a bit.

Okay, it was time to have a look at the home network. Now, I've only dabbled with the settings a little but this is what I've achieved so far: Ubuntu can see both of my other computers (1 Vista Ultimate, 2 XP). I can access all of the files on the XP machine straight off the bat. I can also see the Vista box but cannot open/access any files. As I said, I've only had a quick look at networking but it seems all good to go with a few more tweaks.

Anyway, enough of this spiele...I'll get to the point: I'm impressed. Very much so. In fact I think from now on I will always have a Linux box or at least dual boot. I'm really liking my new toy I can't wait to try one of my MMO's on Ubuntu. For anyone interested the name is Regnum Online... http://www.regnumonline.com.ar/index.php?l=1 This game is pretty cool for killing some time and supports Linux. Give it a try!

Thanks to all for your input, it's much appreciated.

ps. one more quick thing: hrp2171 the reason I chose Text Install is because it's at the top of the menu list =x

Whew! I'm glad you gave it another try and everything went smooth, sans Vista-stuff.

They must've changed the first menu option. My 6.06 Dapper Drake CD just says: Start and Install Ubuntu.

Welcome to a nicer looking, just works 99% of the time Linux distribution! I've tried many others and Ubuntu just worked on all my hardware, except for that pesky WUSB11 ver 2.5 wireless adapter. It's holding back that 1% from me.