Well, I got my computer up and running with Ubuntu on Friday. No sound or video card problems, but I did need the codecs for the audio player. Thanks to easyubuntu, that was one of the simplest problems I've ever dealt with.

My early impression of Ubuntu is VERY favorable. It is a slick, very user friendly interface. The only negatives I have found thus far are in installing WINE (I see a few forum posts, so I'll give them a look see...I'm sure it's a problem with an easy solution) and with USB flash drives. When I plug in a USB flash drive after booting the computer, it shuts down. I am curious if this is normal, or if it has a fix? It's no big deal to get around it; I just know I need to reboot if I'm plugging in a flash drive.

After installing the codecs through easyubuntu, all of my audio files have been playing nicely, and with Ubuntu 6.06 I have been able to have my old 866 Mhz PIII computer running like a Pentium 4 on most apps. I'm very pleased and glad I made the switch.

You made a good decision going with Ubuntu- it's light, fast, and fairly simple to use. The only reason I'm making this post is if you have a fairly decent video card, it might be worth upgrading to Ubuntu 6.10 (Edgy Eft), backing up your configuration and playing with Beryl or Compiz, two very interesting graphic enhancers- it's pretty fun stuff.

In any case, good luck with Ubuntu!

I use the Ubuntu server edition (command line only) on an old Pentium 3 system. Works great on old systems and it only installs the bare minimum on 1 CD!!!!! Awesome!!!

Even I use Ubunty Edgy , its absolutely awesome.
Now , I m addicted to edgy.
Long Live Ubuntu.

I am very happy with it too. I just wish that the 6.06 version would have more bug fixes and feature updates along side the security updates.

Try upgrading to the current version...

First, WINE is a pain in the ass. Or it's flawless. One or the other, depends on you, the computer, the gods, and the sacrifices you make to them during the installation, I think.

Cedega is non-free ($5 per month, 3 month minimum membership fee) version of WINE which was formerly known as WINEX. It is capable of playing many of today's games with zero issues. Just install and go. Including HL2, WoW, etc.

Secondly, the issue with the USB drive - Are you plugging in the drive:

a) Before the computer is powered on.
b) While the OS is booting.
c) After the bootup process.

The reason I am asking is because your explanation of the situation would suggest that you're doing option c) which is the normal method.

If it's happening during a) stop doing that. If it's happening during b) stop doing that. If it's happening during c) what type of flash drive are we talking about? Is this a thumbdrive (ie, it's memory on a stick) or are we talking USB hard drive?

Either way, it could be an issue with: a) your ports b) your motherboard c) your device.

USB devices, including cameras, etc...simply work when they are plugged in.

However, it may be that your machine + 6.06 is causing the issue, and a simple installation of 6.10 Edgy might resolve the issue.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,
Lord Ghost

Ubuntu is a great distro for linux users of all skill ranges. I have been using it as my main operating system on my Desktop and lap top for the past coupple of month, and despite gaving to reinstall afew times I have come to love it and would highly recommend it to any exremond victim.

LordGhost,

I'm thinking it's a problem with the device's compatibility. I have 3 USB thumb drives, a PNY attache, a Sandisk Cruzer, and a MobileMate (generic WalMart after Thanksgiving). I don't seem to have problems with the SanDisk, just with the PNY (I haven't tried the MobileMate, and the PNY works fine if I plug it in before booting).

I'm trying to setup the machine as a Linux server for classroom test purposes (Network+ Certification) at present, so I have limited access to it, but I'll try a couple troubleshooting options...I appreciate the tips.