Will Ubuntu 9.10 Work On Your PC?
It’s the question thousands of users will surely ask when Canonical debuts Ubuntu 9.10 in October: “Will Ubuntu 9.10 work on my PC?” Canonical has developed testing software to help you determine if your system will fully support the new Ubuntu. Here are the details.
During the Atlanta Linux Fest held Sept. 19, Canonical and Ubuntu volunteers used a USB thumb drive — equipped with diagnostics software — to help attendees determine if Ubuntu 9.10 can fully run on their systems.
Here’s how it works:
First, I used the Canonical USB thumb drive to boot up my ZaReason netbook. Next, the USB drive’s diagnostic software determined if Ubuntu 9.10 was compatible with my netbook’s WiFi, sound, video and other services. The diagnostic software generates a bunch of yes-no questions that I had to answer. Overall, the test took about 20 minutes or so to complete. And it was well-worth my time.
Once completed, the diagnostic software determined my netbook was fully compatible with Ubuntu 9.10. Other Atlanta Linux Fest attendees weren’t quite as fortunate. Many of them discovered their current systems would experience WiFi, video or sound problems under Ubuntu 9.10.
The Bigger Picture
But in this case the bad news is good news: Canonical is gathering all of the diagnostics test results to fix potential bugs and address as many potentual user issues as possible. Also, the diagnostics software eliminates the potential pain of installing an operating system only to discover it doesn’t really work with your hardware. Kudos to Canonical for the pro-active testing approach.
Scores of people completed the USB Thumb Drive test during Atlanta Linux Fest. That’s great. But thousands of additional Ubuntu users would surely like to test their systems for Ubuntu 9.10 compatibility. Stay tuned: I hear Canonical plans to potentially move the USB Thumb Drive diagnostics software online — for anyone to use. We’ll share details on WorksWithU if/when they become available.
Follow WorksWithU via Identi.ca, Twitter and RSS (available now) and our newsletter (coming soon).
WorksWithU on Identi.ca
WorksWithU on Twitter
WorksWithU's RSS Feed
This is exactly the kind of software that should be included on the LiveCD and be put on the desktop as a program to run.
Even if the LiveCD boots and works, it does not mean there will not be problems, so at testutility like this would be very welcome.
Alternatively, it could be one of the choices at the boot of the CD along with the memorytest.
“Canonical is gathering all of the diagnostics test results to fix potential bugs and address as many potentual user issues as possible.”
Let’s hope so. This is the single most important thing they could do to make Ubuntu better.
Isn’t something like this already included on a LiveCD? In Kubuntu there’s Kubuntu Device Database and I’m sure Ubuntu has something similar.
[...] http://www.workswithu.com/2009/09/23/will-ubuntu-910-work-on-your-pc/ a few seconds ago from Gwibber [...]
Since Dell sells Ubuntu PC to the mass market, Canonical needs to make sure that all the hardware components used by Dell are supported (as the Tier 1). Dell does not have endless list of wierd hardware. So it is a well documented start point.
Then address “as many potentual user issues as possible”.
This is good news.
Not only does it bring to light what may be an issue BEFORE I go through the whole install-try-curse-throw process.
I have no problems sending the information back to Canonical or Ubuntu to let them know what works, what doesn’t and importantly what are people using!
And then if this information is shared with the other distros so they too can help ensure compatibility then it is win-win.
Where can I get my hands on one of those USB sticks?! Even a CD would be great!
[...] این فردی که از فستیوال لینوکس در مورد این برنامه گزارش داده، حتی یک مشکل هم روی نت بوکش نداشته! و تمام قطعات به [...]
[...] Read the rest here :- http://www.workswithu.com/2009/09/23/will-ubuntu-910-work-on-your-pc/ [...]
One reason why I have only installed Debian and Ubuntu except in virtual machines is that most other distros choke somewhere in the boot process on my machine, an eMachines T5212 desktop with an Intel Pentium D 805, 4G RAM, 200G IDE/500G SATA hard drives, DVD RW drive, nVidia 6200 video card, motherboard sound/Ethernet/USB and 9-in-1 memory card reader. Does this sound ‘exotic’ to you?
What really hurts is that Windows 7 RC runs fine (installed on another hard drive), and it came with Window XP Media Center 2005, which also runs fine.
this is really helpful for Ubuntu newbie. A fully-working system may make user decide on a complete switch to Ubuntu
I would love to see something like the (Open)Solaris Hardware Compatibility Check Tool. Its a Java program that runs with all major OS and gives you a table with your hardware, says what’s working and what not. And most of the time it also points to a location where to get a driver that is not included in (Open)Solaris.
This (perhaps) would have been invaluable for me when I upgraded from 8.10 to 9.04 on my work machine. This Dell box has an nVidia graphics card that makes 9.04 hopelessly unusable for me, leaving large black artifacts all over the screen. A fair number of other folks have similar issues and this is an open bug. The trouble was bad enough that I moved to Fedora 11. Problem gone, and I have no plans to return to Ubuntu.
So where can the rest of us get this to try?
Chris, Readers: I have reached out to Canonical to see if/when they plan to offer the diagnostic tool on the Web or if it will be offered at upcoming Ubuntu installfests. I promise to get you an answer but it might be a few days till I hear back.
A long time ago there was a product called Geoworks with its gos (operating system). One of the cool things it did was to test your hardware and report the results so at least the potential user knew what was what, and I think it offered the ability to change things if not correctly detected (audio, video, etc.). I have often “suggested” that all linux distributions do something similar because I’m tired of trying to install an OS that won’t work. Ubuntu has been the biggest pain. So it is nice to see the problem is being addressed. Hope the code gets into the live cd’s.
Dave,
A while back, a site was created and people entered all sorts of hardware components and application into a database, which is still available at the following link.
linuxcompatible http://www.linuxcompatible.org/compatibility.html
I am not sure how up to date the database is, but I am sure Kubuntu can improve on it.
It might be a very good idea to create a similar DB, which would include the test results of the tool(s) mentioned above and inputs by many Linux users’ about their experience with any item. At the minimum, the database should allow searching by any category (Vendor, Linux disto, version, hardware component, applications, etc…)
Would be a great beneficial tool.
This makes a lot of sense, because it is very upsetting and disappointing when older kernel with with your system hardware devices and newer and so called improved one’s don’t.
It makes wonder what the hell is going on.
I am having a major issue with ubuntu kernel 2.6.28-* in 9.04 on a my Dell Inspiron 5000. These kernels and there updates do not work at all, they panic on something that has to do with the PS2 port on this laptop. The amusing thing is that the older 2.6.27-* kernel does not have this issue, which saved my behind after upgrading to ubuntu 9.04.
So at this point i am very skeptical about upgrading and or installing newer versions of Ubuntu.
Also, There realtime kernel’s for professional audio work also suck big time. I had to install AV Linux realtime to get a working Ubuntu Studio DAW.
So go figure.
“Black artifacts all over the screen.” I thought there was something wrong with my new Dell. It was ubuntu. Thanks for the heads up.
It also doesn’t work with Canon DR-2010C scanner, Canon DR-2080C Scanner, Canon MF 4100 laser printer, Epson Workforce 310 (printer works but scanner doesn’t). I have googled myself silly trying to find working drivers. I love linux, but I HATE the driver problems.
I look forward to it… Do you think they will have fixed the problem relating to Dlink DWL g520+ wireless card which has remain unfixed since the last LTS 8.04 ? If the intrepid or jaunty cd’s are booted with the card in it panics(!?) before desktop when it is too early to disable anything. Yes, I reported it and it also exists in kubuntu and mythbuntu. If they are not then I will have to find another distro (currently running Crunchbang 8.04) Have tried in a Dell and on a AMD machine – the card is the common factor
regards Nigel
I have a work round – install with the card removed, blacklist the rogue driver, install ndiswrapper with driver from cd.
BUT, if they are NOT going to fix it, then why not blacklist it on the cd with a comment as above. I am sure people have been put off by not even getting to the desktop!!
[...] #Ubuntu #GNU #Linux to Offer #Hardware Compatibility Checker http://www.workswithu.com/2009/09/23/will-ubuntu-910-work-on-your-pc/ [...]
[...] Will Ubuntu 9.10 Work On Your PC? Scores of people completed the USB Thumb Drive test during Atlanta Linux Fest. That’s great. But thousands of additional Ubuntu users would surely like to test their systems for Ubuntu 9.10 compatibility. Stay tuned: I hear Canonical plans to potentially move the USB Thumb Drive diagnostics software online — for anyone to use. [...]
“What really hurts is that Windows 7 RC runs fine (…), and it came with Window XP Media Center 2005, which also runs fine”
Why does it hurt so much???
Have an open mind about it. Competition creates better products for consumers. Even if it is not an equal opportunity competition at the moment.
[...] Show original post here [...]
I think that if Ubuntu would introduce a “Certified for Ubuntu” certificate for hardware (just as Windows has its “Certified for Windows”), it would add a certain cachet that would help.
[...] Joe Panettieri del blog Works With U tuvo acceso a esta herramienta en Atlanta Linux Fest y la probó con su propio netbook. Al iniciar su sistema con la unidad USB se ejecutó la aplicación de diagnóstico y fue revisando paso a paso la conexión WiFi, el sonido, video, etc. Además generó un conjunto de preguntas del tipo si/no que tuvo que responder. [...]
[...] Joe Panettieri del blog Works With U tuvo acceso a esta herramienta en Atlanta Linux Fest y la probó con su propio netbook. Al iniciar su sistema con la unidad USB se ejecutó la aplicación de diagnóstico y fue revisando paso a paso la conexión WiFi, el sonido, video, etc. Además generó un conjunto de preguntas del tipo si/no que tuvo que responder. [...]
[...] Joe Panettieri del blog Works With U tuvo acceso a esta herramienta en Atlanta Linux Fest y la probó con su propio netbook. Al iniciar su sistema con la unidad USB se ejecutó la aplicación de diagnóstico y fue revisando paso a paso la conexión WiFi, el sonido, video, etc. Además generó un conjunto de preguntas del tipo si/no que tuvo que responder. [...]
[...] el diagnóstico y revisa paso a paso todo el hardware, la prueba dura alrededor de los 20 minutos. Will Ubuntu 9.10 work with my hardware? Septiembre 30th, 2009 por joseGadget Blog Windows Posteado en GadgetBlog, Gadgets, Linux, [...]
[...] Joe Panettieri del blog Works With U tuvo acceso a esta herramienta en Atlanta Linux Fest y la probó con su propio netbook. Al iniciar su sistema con la unidad USB se ejecutó la aplicación de diagnóstico y fue revisando paso a paso la conexión WiFi, el sonido, video, etc. Además generó un conjunto de preguntas del tipo si/no que tuvo que responder. [...]
[...] Will Ubuntu 9.10 Work On Your PC? (Work with U) [...]
[...] Joe Panettieri del blog Works With U tuvo acceso a esta herramienta en Atlanta Linux Fest y la probó con su propio netbook. Al iniciar su sistema con la unidad USB se ejecutó la aplicación de diagnóstico y fue revisando paso a paso la conexión WiFi, el sonido, video, etc. Además generó un conjunto de preguntas del tipo si/no que tuvo que responder. [...]
You can test your hardware with 9.10 beta today!
(1) If you want to file bugs with Canonical, first sign up for a Launchpad account at https://launchpad.net/
(2) Download the 9.10 beta from http://releases.ubuntu.com/releases/9.10/ and burn a CD from the ISO and boot into Karmic
(3) Go to System > Administration > System Testing and you will get menus just like those at ALF
Note: Just like 8.10, System > Administration > USB Startup Disk allows you to create a bootable USB drive WITH the ability to let it use some of the space for a persistent filesystem, into which you can load drivers, keep web browsers settings, etc.
Joe, Any word yet? A tool like this would be *extremely* useful for an event that we are planning in Vancouver.
Thanks in advance.
Randall: Sorry for my silence. I’ve been asking within Canonical. I will keep pushing for a firm answer.
-jp
So, is the system testing utility in the 9.10 beta the same as the one mentioned? If so, it’d be good if this came up before installation.
The volume of the material as well as the comments of the various people, who are involved (in love) with UBUNTU and all the series of the product line, makes me very enthusiastic. I have found UBUNTU about the year 2001, while I was busying myself with “suse” and then “mandriva”. This year I became very serious with UBUNTU 8.04 LTS. My desire and enthusiasm increased, when I learned certain things about the tricks of becoming more familiar to Windows XP, the win4lin and the virtual box. I have come now to the point where I cannot only master the system, but I can improvize with its “drawbacks”. I appreciate the fact that you are not the know-it-all ivory tower professors. I appreciate your help and simplicity of the explanations. In all UBUNTU won itself to be my favorite Operating System…. After 33 years of designing hardware circuits for computers, I can breath freely, seeing them become smarter, smaller and more durable… Thank you!
This year I was aquainted with UBUNTU 8.04 LTS. I learned to use it properly and interface with other OS’s. I am looking forward to do the same with UBUNTU 9.10 (LTS?). Thank you so much for your efforts….
I think that software is buggy or I have hardware problems, it takes forever to complete any sound test in my system and I have got to force quit the application at any try.
Check out the Ubuntu hardware compatibility list at http://www.ubuntuhcl.org/.