Ubuntu - What the heck, I'll give Linux another try. I'll try to run in parallel, tasks I do on my regular PC, do them also on the Ubuntu box.
So, I installed Karmic Koala (9.10) on a pair of spare systems, an old IBM NetVista All-in-one - LCD monitor, 1.5gh processor, 512 Ram, 40Gig HD. Like I said, an older system. Fine for running Windows 2000, can walk with Windows XP. Not a chance with Vista/Windoze 7.
OOB Install experience is pretty favorable. - System boots, recognizes drivers, screen is crisp and 'pretty'. Sounds work. But the boot up sound is a bit annoying, with the drumroll. I've been toying with the idea of turning this system ( and keeping a mirrored system, as I have two of this model NetVista Computers) over a grandmother... So IMO the startup sound needs to be changed. Initial Google searches are encouraging, there are others that have encountered this. Unfortunately the follow-through is lacking. The first document returned for a search for 'ubuntu change startup sound' returns a forum document with the precise question. The first answer in the thread is promising:
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You can change the default sound events from the sounds menu.
System -> Preferences -> Sound
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Ok, navigate to the 'Sound Preferences' dialog
Expecting a dialog similar in concept to Windows Sound controls. The resulting dialog has five tabs, 'Sound Effects', 'Hardware', 'Input',"Output','Applications'. None appear to control any events, like startup or login.... There is the mute option which allows me to turn OFF the sound, but I was wanting to CHANGE the sound. Hmm. More Googling.
Second hopeful document: Zolved has a writeup with visuals on how to get to the sound preferences, and the dialog depicted there is closer to my expectations. Unfortunatly it doesn't match what I'm seeing. Perhaps it was written based on a different Ubuntu version...
Third try, find a writeup on 'Changing startup sound in Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic'. It matches my display, and the steps appear like they would work. But it's rather crude, rather than being presented with a gui featuring different sounds and options to select from other available sounds, I'm given a command line option to edit with the sound I desire. I had *assumed* there would be a range (say a drop down pick list) of sounds to choose from, probably with an option to choose one that was not on the list.
So, Strike three on getting sounds configured quickly and easily. And I still have no idea how to change other sounds like closing applications, logout etc.
Ok, well skip that for now. Let's do some browsing. Oh, I need flash. Ok, have Firefox choose a the plugin. Hmm. I've got three choices:
1. Adobe Flash Player (Installer)
2. swfdec SWF player
GNOME SWF Player (http://swfdec.freedesktop.org)
3. Gnash SWF Player
The GNU SWF Player (http://www.gnu.org/software/gnash)
Choices. I don't know! ??? What does google say? Well there's one web document specific to Ubuntu 9.10 which recommends Adobe's install, though there is one comment from a user getting an error. What the heck, Adobe MAKES flash, so I'm hoping they'll have a working Linux version.... Here goes...
Clicked Next.
Install Additional software? click 'Install' Drumbeat
Enter you password to perform administrative tasks - entered.
Get some screen artifacts as the previous dialog pops on top.
Dialog 'Downloading Packages'
Dialog 'Applying changes'
- Installing software this may take some time...
Not too long though. 'Changes applied' You can close the window now
Close window.
IT WORKS! That's encouraging!
Now on to mycokerewards.com - Time to Enter those cherry coke codes. - Gotta renew my Byte magazine. Oh, er make that Wired. (dang. I miss Byte magazine).
