Re: [Sheflug] Ubuntu newbie help please

[John <john [at] xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> First, apologies if I haven't given enough info.
>
> Just tried Ubuntu install (old and unwanted machine from work, so doesn't
> matter if I wreck it!). All seemed to go well til logon. then GUI wouldn't
> start.
>

Good place to start!

> "I cannot start the X server (your graphical interface). It is likely that
> it is not set up correctly. Would you like to view the X server output?"
>
> So I selected Yes:
>
> "This is a pre-release version of XFreee86 and so is not supported.......
> Bugs may be reported...
>
> XFree86 version 4.3.0.1 (Ubuntu 4.3.0.dfsg.1-6 Ubuntu 25.6
> 20050316093755 root @)
> Release date 15 August 2003
> XProtocol version 11 Revision 0 Release 6.6
> Build OS 2.6.8.1 i686 [ELF]
> Build date 16 March 2005
>
> Check http: etc"
>

Looks like you have an old version of Ubuntu. Current is 5.04 (Horay
Hedghog) and should be running X.org not Xfree86 you may want to give that
a try. If you are on the current version (Build date of 16/03/05 may
suggest you are) then it may be your graphics card is not supported in
X.org and so Ubuntu has tried to install XFree86 instead.

> So I checked XFree86 and latest build is 4.5.0.
>
Yes but they changed the licence at 4.4 I think and so new development
moved to X.org and I think most distros are moving to that as well.


> I'm running a HP Vectra with on board graphics and a Haus TFT Monitor.
> (for none of which I have any manuals :-( )
>
> I had thought of installing Windows to run some Windows diagnostics I have
> to get more details, but is there a way to sort this with out reverting to
> the dreaded Do$e?
>

That would be one way to do it bit a but long winded!

> I am a complete Linux Newbie, but have use DOS before, so should manage
> command line if someone can give me a bump start.
>

Running "lspci" (List the pci bus) from the command line should let you
find out what graphics card you are running and from that and a little
googling you may be able to find out if it's supported.

john
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