Anybody who uses Linux: help?

**Wyborn** · 03-07-2008, 08:26 PM

All right, so I just installed Ubuntu on my laptop. It seems pretty rad!

Unfortunately it is running my screen resolution at 1280x1024. This is not good - my laptop's native resolution is 1680x1050, but Ubuntu does not seem to recognize this. What can I do to fix it?

Edit: to further clarify, I know where to go to change the resolution of my screen, but 1280x1024 is the only option in the drop-down menu.

Spoiler Below

Help me Kargath!

wariovswario · 03-07-2008, 08:32 PM

I take back what I said. I haven't heard of a resolution such as that for a computer. Maybe your laptop isn't meant to have Linux? Is your laptop a dell?

**Kargath** · 03-07-2008, 09:35 PM

You called?

There's a few ways (several of which involve editing important system text files), but I'll list one of the easier ones:

First, open up a command line ("terminal"). Where you find this depends on your version of Ubuntu, but it usually lives in the Accessories program menu.

Type the following line into your terminal and press ENTER (and enter your password when prompted)

Code:

sudo cp /etc/X11/xorg.conf /etc/X11/xorg.conf.bak

That copies the xorg.conf file (system settings for X11, the main graphics backend) to xorg.conf.bak as a backup in case you need it later.

Now type the following and just follow the prompts in the wizard.

Code:

sudo dpkg-reconfigure xserver-xorg

(Be careful, when you get to the res selection prompt use SPACE to select and deselect the entries as ENTER automatically moves to the next page.)

(As an additional note, "sudo" is the program "SuperUser Do" and is the near-equivalent of UAC in Windows Vista. "gksudo" is the same thing but for graphical apps.)

**Wyborn** · 03-07-2008, 10:01 PM

Hmmm. When it asks how much RAM should be used by my videocard, does it mean the amount of RAM the card itself has (128MB)?

**Kargath** · 03-07-2008, 10:06 PM

No - that means how much RAM the card is allowed to slurph off your main memory. You know about integrated graphics chips and how they use the main memory of your computer instead of their own dedicated memory? Same thing. So if your computer has a video card with memory of its own, then you don't need to give it more.

**Wyborn** · 03-07-2008, 10:09 PM

All righty. Went through the entire wizard. Now I'm back at the terminal. Is that all?

**Kargath** · 03-07-2008, 11:11 PM

So you enabled your monitor resolution in the list of resolutions, right?
If you did, then restart, and then check your resolution switcher dialog. It should now have your resolution in there.

PS: Tell me if it worked...

**Wyborn** · 03-07-2008, 11:18 PM

Sorry about that, was distracted by talking to the family.

No, it did not.

**Kargath** · 03-07-2008, 11:27 PM

Hmm. Did you make sure to have the radio button checked?

Options in the resolution menu either look like
[ ]RESOLUTIONHERE
or[*]RESOLUTIONHERE
You need to make sure your screen resolution has a * next to it.
Pressing SPACE on one of the items should toggle it.

**Wyborn** · 03-07-2008, 11:41 PM

I did. That does not seem to be the problem.

This is actually a friendlier interface than I expected, just that nothing I do seems to stick. It seems to have problems recognizing my videocard and my monitor both - I've had to set it to Radeon and widescreen 1680x1050 several times, to no avail.

Kargath, you're gonna laugh yourself to tears at me.

I didn't have the driver for my videocard installed - Ubuntu didn't want to because it was proprietary. *cough*

But, uhm, thank you for your help. I know who to come to when I have a similar problem in the future.

**Kargath** · 03-07-2008, 11:46 PM

lol. oh dear.
yeah canonical hates anything non-oss.

if you have a more recent ubuntu version, go to the system menu and use the "restricted drivers" option. this is the official supported way to install proprietary drivers etc, and is the only way for auto-updating them.

**Wyborn** · 03-07-2008, 11:47 PM

I do, and I did. Downloaded this just today. It's pretty neat! I like this multiple desktop thing it has going. Lets me keep my chats and browsing separate.

This is cool stuff right here.

***Ynot Shane*** · 03-08-2008, 12:20 AM

**Kargath** · 03-08-2008, 12:28 AM

So, is there any particular reason you've chosen to install Linux? I wasn't aware you were a programmer...

**Wyborn** · 03-08-2008, 12:56 AM

Curiosity's sake.

wariovswario · 03-08-2008, 02:18 PM

The multiple desktop thing isn't new. Ever heard of Parallels?

**Wyborn** · 03-08-2008, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wariovswario

The multiple desktop thing isn't new. Ever heard of Parallels?

Honestly? No.

wariovswario · 03-08-2008, 04:09 PM

It's a program that lets you run Apple's OS systems and Windows Operating systems on the same computer and even at the same time with multiple desktops. I believe it is both vice versa. All you would need would be legit copies of both systems. I'm not too sure if Linux is in on it though.

**Wyborn** · 03-08-2008, 05:24 PM

That's....not what I'm talking about. I'm talking about separate virtual desktops so I can have my image editing, my net browsing, and my chat programs open on separate screens. Lets me keep everything neat and tidy.

Hey Karg, here's another question for when you get back.

I'm trying to compile a program but it says the command "gmake" is not found. What means this?

**Kargath** · 03-08-2008, 10:06 PM

Well, first ... why are you trying to compile a program?
The super-preferred method for installing and uninstalling programs is via the Advanced Package Tool (apt). The program family of apt (apt-get, apt-update etc) are all command line tools, so you'll be using a graphical frontend instead. Go to the System menu, then Administration, then "Synaptic Package Manager". You'll get prompted for a password, then once the lists refresh you'll get a list of packages and package categories.
This is how you are supposed to add software to Ubuntu.
(Certain sections of the package repositories are not enabled by default - again, it's Canonical policy. Go to Settings>Repositories in Synaptic and tick all of the checkboxes on the first tab.)

Now once you've reloaded the lists, simply search for your software name and install it that way.

If it isn't in there, you'll have to give me more information on how you are trying to build the piece of software you have. A shell build script? Simple makefiles?
Here's an explanation for gmake though: What is gmake?

03-07-2008, 08:26 PM	#1
Wyborn Zelda Mod Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: All over the place Gender: Posts: 12,326 Thanks: 86 Thanked 439 Times in 269 Posts Points: 17,284.94 Bank: 82,155.51 Total Points: 99,440.45 Donate	Anybody who uses Linux: help? All right, so I just installed Ubuntu on my laptop. It seems pretty rad! Unfortunately it is running my screen resolution at 1280x1024. This is not good - my laptop's native resolution is 1680x1050, but Ubuntu does not seem to recognize this. What can I do to fix it? Edit: to further clarify, I know where to go to change the resolution of my screen, but 1280x1024 is the only option in the drop-down menu. Spoiler Below Help me Kargath!

03-07-2008, 08:32 PM	#2
wariovswario Don't ban me please. :( Join Date: Jul 2000 Gender: Posts: 4,179 Thanks: 88 Thanked 60 Times in 41 Posts Blog Entries: 2 Points: 337.89 Bank: 503,494.36 Total Points: 503,832.25 Donate	I take back what I said. I haven't heard of a resolution such as that for a computer. Maybe your laptop isn't meant to have Linux? Is your laptop a dell? __________________ Click here to level up my card! Last edited by wariovswario; 03-07-2008 at 08:43 PM.

03-07-2008, 09:35 PM	#3
Kargath THE QUESTIONATOR (Polls Mod) Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: kargath64.deviantart.com Gender: Posts: 4,670 Thanks: 438 Thanked 170 Times in 124 Posts Blog Entries: 1 Points: 13,942.50 Bank: 257,282.38 Total Points: 271,224.88 Donate	You called? There's a few ways (several of which involve editing important system text files), but I'll list one of the easier ones: First, open up a command line ("terminal"). Where you find this depends on your version of Ubuntu, but it usually lives in the Accessories program menu. Type the following line into your terminal and press ENTER (and enter your password when prompted) Code: sudo cp /etc/X11/xorg.conf /etc/X11/xorg.conf.bak That copies the xorg.conf file (system settings for X11, the main graphics backend) to xorg.conf.bak as a backup in case you need it later. Now type the following and just follow the prompts in the wizard. Code: sudo dpkg-reconfigure xserver-xorg (Be careful, when you get to the res selection prompt use SPACE to select and deselect the entries as ENTER automatically moves to the next page.) (As an additional note, "sudo" is the program "SuperUser Do" and is the near-equivalent of UAC in Windows Vista. "gksudo" is the same thing but for graphical apps.) __________________ Why is it drug addicts and computer afficionados are both called users? -Clifford Stoll

03-07-2008, 10:06 PM	#5
Kargath THE QUESTIONATOR (Polls Mod) Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: kargath64.deviantart.com Gender: Posts: 4,670 Thanks: 438 Thanked 170 Times in 124 Posts Blog Entries: 1 Points: 13,942.50 Bank: 257,282.38 Total Points: 271,224.88 Donate	No - that means how much RAM the card is allowed to slurph off your main memory. You know about integrated graphics chips and how they use the main memory of your computer instead of their own dedicated memory? Same thing. So if your computer has a video card with memory of its own, then you don't need to give it more. __________________ Why is it drug addicts and computer afficionados are both called users? -Clifford Stoll

03-07-2008, 11:11 PM	#7
Kargath THE QUESTIONATOR (Polls Mod) Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: kargath64.deviantart.com Gender: Posts: 4,670 Thanks: 438 Thanked 170 Times in 124 Posts Blog Entries: 1 Points: 13,942.50 Bank: 257,282.38 Total Points: 271,224.88 Donate	So you enabled your monitor resolution in the list of resolutions, right? If you did, then restart, and then check your resolution switcher dialog. It should now have your resolution in there. PS: Tell me if it worked... __________________ Why is it drug addicts and computer afficionados are both called users? -Clifford Stoll Last edited by Kargath; 03-07-2008 at 11:11 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost

03-07-2008, 10:01 PM	#4
Wyborn Zelda Mod Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: All over the place Gender: Posts: 12,326 Thanks: 86 Thanked 439 Times in 269 Posts Points: 17,284.94 Bank: 82,155.51 Total Points: 99,440.45 Donate	Hmmm. When it asks how much RAM should be used by my videocard, does it mean the amount of RAM the card itself has (128MB)?

03-07-2008, 10:09 PM	#6
Wyborn Zelda Mod Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: All over the place Gender: Posts: 12,326 Thanks: 86 Thanked 439 Times in 269 Posts Points: 17,284.94 Bank: 82,155.51 Total Points: 99,440.45 Donate	All righty. Went through the entire wizard. Now I'm back at the terminal. Is that all?

03-07-2008, 11:18 PM	#8
Wyborn Zelda Mod Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: All over the place Gender: Posts: 12,326 Thanks: 86 Thanked 439 Times in 269 Posts Points: 17,284.94 Bank: 82,155.51 Total Points: 99,440.45 Donate	Sorry about that, was distracted by talking to the family. No, it did not.

03-07-2008, 11:27 PM	#9
Kargath THE QUESTIONATOR (Polls Mod) Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: kargath64.deviantart.com Gender: Posts: 4,670 Thanks: 438 Thanked 170 Times in 124 Posts Blog Entries: 1 Points: 13,942.50 Bank: 257,282.38 Total Points: 271,224.88 Donate	Hmm. Did you make sure to have the radio button checked? Options in the resolution menu either look like [ ]RESOLUTIONHERE or[]RESOLUTIONHERE You need to make sure your screen resolution has a next to it. Pressing SPACE on one of the items should toggle it. __________________ Why is it drug addicts and computer afficionados are both called users? -Clifford Stoll

03-07-2008, 11:41 PM	#10
Wyborn Zelda Mod Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: All over the place Gender: Posts: 12,326 Thanks: 86 Thanked 439 Times in 269 Posts Points: 17,284.94 Bank: 82,155.51 Total Points: 99,440.45 Donate	I did. That does not seem to be the problem. This is actually a friendlier interface than I expected, just that nothing I do seems to stick. It seems to have problems recognizing my videocard and my monitor both - I've had to set it to Radeon and widescreen 1680x1050 several times, to no avail. Kargath, you're gonna laugh yourself to tears at me. I didn't have the driver for my videocard installed - Ubuntu didn't want to because it was proprietary. cough But, uhm, thank you for your help. I know who to come to when I have a similar problem in the future. Last edited by Wyborn; 03-07-2008 at 11:41 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost

03-07-2008, 11:46 PM	#11
Kargath THE QUESTIONATOR (Polls Mod) Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: kargath64.deviantart.com Gender: Posts: 4,670 Thanks: 438 Thanked 170 Times in 124 Posts Blog Entries: 1 Points: 13,942.50 Bank: 257,282.38 Total Points: 271,224.88 Donate	lol. oh dear. yeah canonical hates anything non-oss. if you have a more recent ubuntu version, go to the system menu and use the "restricted drivers" option. this is the official supported way to install proprietary drivers etc, and is the only way for auto-updating them. __________________ Why is it drug addicts and computer afficionados are both called users? -Clifford Stoll Last edited by Kargath; 03-07-2008 at 11:46 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost

03-07-2008, 11:47 PM	#12
Wyborn Zelda Mod Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: All over the place Gender: Posts: 12,326 Thanks: 86 Thanked 439 Times in 269 Posts Points: 17,284.94 Bank: 82,155.51 Total Points: 99,440.45 Donate	I do, and I did. Downloaded this just today. It's pretty neat! I like this multiple desktop thing it has going. Lets me keep my chats and browsing separate. This is cool stuff right here.

03-08-2008, 12:20 AM	#13
*Ynot Shane* Not Ready to Make Nice Join Date: Apr 1999 Location: Flaflooga Gender: Posts: 131,632 Thanks: 43 Thanked 417 Times in 216 Posts Points: 254,454.21 Bank: 18,008,949.29 Total Points: 18,263,403.50 Donate	__________________ When in the real world am I ever going to need chemistry or history or math or the English language?

03-08-2008, 12:28 AM	#14
Kargath THE QUESTIONATOR (Polls Mod) Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: kargath64.deviantart.com Gender: Posts: 4,670 Thanks: 438 Thanked 170 Times in 124 Posts Blog Entries: 1 Points: 13,942.50 Bank: 257,282.38 Total Points: 271,224.88 Donate	So, is there any particular reason you've chosen to install Linux? I wasn't aware you were a programmer... __________________ Why is it drug addicts and computer afficionados are both called users? -Clifford Stoll

03-08-2008, 12:56 AM	#15
Wyborn Zelda Mod Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: All over the place Gender: Posts: 12,326 Thanks: 86 Thanked 439 Times in 269 Posts Points: 17,284.94 Bank: 82,155.51 Total Points: 99,440.45 Donate	Curiosity's sake.

03-08-2008, 02:18 PM	#16
wariovswario Don't ban me please. :( Join Date: Jul 2000 Gender: Posts: 4,179 Thanks: 88 Thanked 60 Times in 41 Posts Blog Entries: 2 Points: 337.89 Bank: 503,494.36 Total Points: 503,832.25 Donate	The multiple desktop thing isn't new. Ever heard of Parallels? __________________ Click here to level up my card!

03-08-2008, 04:09 PM	#18
wariovswario Don't ban me please. :( Join Date: Jul 2000 Gender: Posts: 4,179 Thanks: 88 Thanked 60 Times in 41 Posts Blog Entries: 2 Points: 337.89 Bank: 503,494.36 Total Points: 503,832.25 Donate	It's a program that lets you run Apple's OS systems and Windows Operating systems on the same computer and even at the same time with multiple desktops. I believe it is both vice versa. All you would need would be legit copies of both systems. I'm not too sure if Linux is in on it though. __________________ Click here to level up my card!

03-08-2008, 05:24 PM	#19
Wyborn Zelda Mod Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: All over the place Gender: Posts: 12,326 Thanks: 86 Thanked 439 Times in 269 Posts Points: 17,284.94 Bank: 82,155.51 Total Points: 99,440.45 Donate	That's....not what I'm talking about. I'm talking about separate virtual desktops so I can have my image editing, my net browsing, and my chat programs open on separate screens. Lets me keep everything neat and tidy. Hey Karg, here's another question for when you get back. I'm trying to compile a program but it says the command "gmake" is not found. What means this? Last edited by Wyborn; 03-08-2008 at 05:24 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost

03-08-2008, 10:06 PM	#20
Kargath THE QUESTIONATOR (Polls Mod) Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: kargath64.deviantart.com Gender: Posts: 4,670 Thanks: 438 Thanked 170 Times in 124 Posts Blog Entries: 1 Points: 13,942.50 Bank: 257,282.38 Total Points: 271,224.88 Donate	Well, first ... why are you trying to compile a program? The super-preferred method for installing and uninstalling programs is via the Advanced Package Tool (apt). The program family of apt (apt-get, apt-update etc) are all command line tools, so you'll be using a graphical frontend instead. Go to the System menu, then Administration, then "Synaptic Package Manager". You'll get prompted for a password, then once the lists refresh you'll get a list of packages and package categories. This is how you are supposed to add software to Ubuntu. (Certain sections of the package repositories are not enabled by default - again, it's Canonical policy. Go to Settings>Repositories in Synaptic and tick all of the checkboxes on the first tab.) Now once you've reloaded the lists, simply search for your software name and install it that way. If it isn't in there, you'll have to give me more information on how you are trying to build the piece of software you have. A shell build script? Simple makefiles? Here's an explanation for gmake though: What is gmake? __________________ Why is it drug addicts and computer afficionados are both called users? -Clifford Stoll