[Ubuntu] Netbook Remix

[Hightower]

Does anybody have any experience of Ubuntu Netbook Remix? If so, can you tell me if it is still possible to install extra's? The docs says some stuff cannot be installed.

I'd be looking to install VMWare Server and PHP/Apache/gPHPedit.

Any help?

[Gerry]

I've had a little experience. I've been trying it out on some noname netbooks that were purchased - Windows XP took 15 minutes to get to the desktop so they were given to me to try and speed up. Only problem is that with any Linux distro the CPU runs at 1/2 speed. If I apply the patch to unlock it to it's full 1.2Ghz, after a short time it freezes :-(

You should be able to install whatever you like. AFAIK the only changes to the system are the menu which takes over the whole screen, touchscreen support and accessibility. IIRC it also uses some software that removes window bars (minimize, restore, close etc.) and makes it fill the screen. Handy trick: if a window is too big for the screen and some buttons are hidden, hold down ALT and then left-click anywhere in the window (hold that down too) - now you can drag the window around.

Where does it say in the docs about not being able to install some stuff?

[Hightower]

Only problem is that with any Linux distro the CPU runs at 1/2 speed. If I apply the patch to unlock it to it's full 1.2Ghz

How come - wasn't aware of this :S

Where does it say in the docs about not being able to install some stuff?

Potential problems area:

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UNR#Potential%20Problems

[Gerry]

I've had a little experience. I've been trying it out on some noname netbooks that were purchased - Windows XP took 15 minutes to get to the desktop so they were given to me to try and speed up. Only problem is that with any Linux distro the CPU runs at 1/2 speed. If I apply the patch to unlock it to it's full 1.2Ghz, after a short time it freezes :-(

Don't worry! My netbooks aren't very good. They use the Via C7-M chip. Yours will probably be running full speed.

Potential problems: nothing much, just problems with some drivers and the kernel being recompiled without certain functions to make it quicker. The software you want to install should be ok.

There's supposedly a new version of UNR with the release of Jaunty: Download Ubuntu Nebook Remix | Ubuntu

Don't know what it's like yet as their method of installing via USB pen drive won't work on my crappy netbooks - I have to use the CD and then add UNR afterwards.

Here's a tool you might find useful: UNetbootin - Homepage and Downloads
Allows you to create bootable USB drive from ISO's (and possibly IMG's).

[dhicks]

Does anybody have any experience of Ubuntu Netbook Remix?

While we're at it, does anyone know if it works okay with any mobile broadband dongles or laptops with built-in mobile broadband? I'm going to buy a netbook soon (just because, heck, everyone else is...) and figured I'd probably get a Linux one (now I'll have a PC, Mac Mini and Linux machine - yay!, full set, I win!).

--
David Hicks

[Gerry]

I have no idea about the state of broadband dongles and Linux, but you may find some info over at Ubuntu Forums.

[marekbrad]

Using an Aspire One with Ubuntu Netbook remix together with 3 Usb Broadband stick to post this ... so yes it works with usb dongles.. just plug in and off you go.....

[fiendishlyclever]

I've had UNR on my dell mini 9, I've also had the full-fat version of ubuntu and of course Windows 7. There is little difference in boot up time or responsiveness between any of them. Personally I didn't like the netbook remix - I prefered the 'normal' gnome desktop. I was under the impression that the customisation of the interface was the only real difference - on a previous version of Ubuntu I had both interfaces installed and just flicked between them with a config util.

Having used Ubuntu for a while I've found too many gaps in my software library and am currently running the Win 7 RC. I wouldn't see this being a problem with machines that are used for word processing, surfing etc.

Oh and my internal 3G works fine (if not better and certainly much easier to set up) with Ubuntu than with Windows, as did wireless.

[AyatollahPies]

While we're at it, does anyone know if it works okay with any mobile broadband dongles or laptops with built-in mobile broadband? I'm going to buy a netbook soon (just because, heck, everyone else is...) and figured I'd probably get a Linux one (now I'll have a PC, Mac Mini and Linux machine - yay!, full set, I win!).

--
David Hicks

3G dongle support is out of the box on Ubuntu 9.04, including the Ubuntu Remix. Both work a treat on a Toshiba NB100 netbook, which makes me a very happy Pie Muncher!

To the OP, I didn;t play around with the remix too much as I wanted more control over it. (Should be fine for kids though) I'm sure you can still add and remove programs.

[CyberNerd]

Only problem is that with any Linux distro the CPU runs at 1/2 speed. If I apply the patch to unlock it to it's full 1.2Ghz, after a short time it freezes :-(

Are you sure that isn't the throttling on your CPU?
my 2.4Ghz only runs at 1.6Ghz when it's on idle - but when it's under load it speeds itself up

Idle

model name	: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU    Q6600  @ 2.40GHz
stepping	: 11
cpu MHz		: 1603.000

load

model name	: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU    Q6600  @ 2.40GHz
stepping	: 11
cpu MHz		: 2403.000

[dhicks]

3G dongle support is out of the box on Ubuntu 9.04

Do built-in 3G devices work the same way as USB plug-in 3G dongles - are they like memory card readers, i.e. devices that plug in to a USB header on the motherboard somewhere, with the computer making no distinction between an internal "built in" device and an external "plug in" device?

--
David Hicks

[Dos_Box]

Just installed it on my Acer Aspire One. And very, very nice it is too!

Download Ubuntu Netbook Remix | Ubuntu

It's now on the 9.10 release and is very quick and funky looking!