Ubuntu 10.04 LTS (Lucid Lynx) - Alpha 3 ** Saturday, March 06, 2010 ** Ubuntu 10.04 LTS, due this April, is getting a lot of hype from the community as the first version of Ubuntu Linux capable to compete with the big two; Microsoft & Apple. As the third LTS release, the new version promises a wealth of advancements from a 10 second boot time to the newly branded philosophy and artwork. We couldn't wait to give it a test drive. Although still in its alpha stage, the new operating system seems very stable and appears to reinforce the claims. One couldn't help but notice the new artwork seems to have a "mac'ish" feel to it. From the relocation of the panel controls to the newly designed color scheme. All signs are looking good for the launch of this version. Be sure to mark your calendars, April 29th!  Karmic No Longer Includes 'libstdc++5' ... :( ** Tuesday, November 10, 2009 ** It would seem as though 'libstdc++5' has been dropped from the Ubuntu repositories as of the latest version, 9.10 (Karmic). Although it still includes 'libstdc++6', any non-Ubuntu applications may suffer because of this. One small workaround is to simply install the 9.04 (Jaunty) packages. Here is a little tutorial on how to do just that. First, create a directory to hold the new packages, 'cd' into it and download the packages. mkdir /tmp/libstdc++5 cd /tmp/libstdc++5 wget http://mirrors.kernel.org/ubuntu/pool/universe/g/gcc-3.3/libstdc++5_3.3.6-17ubuntu1_amd64.deb wget http://mirrors.kernel.org/ubuntu/pool/universe/g/gcc-3.3/libstdc++5_3.3.6-17ubuntu1_i386.deb Next, lets see what libs already exist. sudo updatedb locate libstdc++.so. You should see 'libstdc++6' installed. Note, '/usr/lib32/' will not exist for 32-bit users. /usr/lib/libstdc++.so.6 /usr/lib/libstdc++.so.6.0.13 /usr/lib32/libstdc++.so.6 /usr/lib32/libstdc++.so.6.0.13 For 32-bit users ... sudo dpkg -i libstdc++5_3.3.6-17ubuntu1_i386.deb sudo updatedb locate libstdc++.so. You should now see 'libstdc++5' has been installed! /usr/lib/libstdc++.so.5 /usr/lib/libstdc++.so.5.0.7 /usr/lib/libstdc++.so.6 /usr/lib/libstdc++.so.6.0.13 For 64-bit users ... sudo dpkg --force-architecture -i libstdc++5_3.3.6-17ubuntu1_i386.deb sudo updatedb locate libstdc++.so. Here we forced the 32-bit libs to be installed for legacy support, however they are in the wrong place. /usr/lib/libstdc++.so.5 /usr/lib/libstdc++.so.5.0.7 /usr/lib/libstdc++.so.6 /usr/lib/libstdc++.so.6.0.13 /usr/lib32/libstdc++.so.6 /usr/lib32/libstdc++.so.6.0.13 Now lets put them in the correct place. sudo mv /usr/lib/libstdc++.so.5* /usr/lib32/. sudo updatedb locate libstdc++.so. Here you can see we just moved them over to the '/usr/lib32/' folder. /usr/lib/libstdc++.so.6 /usr/lib/libstdc++.so.6.0.13 /usr/lib32/libstdc++.so.5 /usr/lib32/libstdc++.so.5.0.7 /usr/lib32/libstdc++.so.6 /usr/lib32/libstdc++.so.6.0.13 Now we can install the 64-bit libs. sudo dpkg -i libstdc++5_3.3.6-17ubuntu1_amd64.deb sudo updatedb locate libstdc++.so. You should now see 'libstdc++5' has been installed (both 32-bit & 64-bit versions)! /usr/lib/libstdc++.so.5 /usr/lib/libstdc++.so.5.0.7 /usr/lib/libstdc++.so.6 /usr/lib/libstdc++.so.6.0.13 /usr/lib32/libstdc++.so.5 /usr/lib32/libstdc++.so.5.0.7 /usr/lib32/libstdc++.so.6 /usr/lib32/libstdc++.so.6.0.13 As always, use this tutorial at your own risk! We will not be held responsible if harm should come to your system by following the directions stated above.  Graphics Problems With Karmic? ** Tuesday, November 03, 2009 ** Having problems with Nvidia drivers after upgrading to Karmic? If you cannot get your desktop manager to start with kernel 2.6.31, then this may be you. A quick fix is to just install the most recent (stable) Linux drivers right from Nvidia. First, download the driver that applies to your particular installation and SFTP it to the troubled machine. Next, SSH to the troubled machine and kill your desktop manager (i.e. GDM/KDM/XDM, etc.). sudo /etc/init.d/[GDM|KDM|XDM] stop Locate the file you downloaded from Nvidia and make it executable. sudo chmod 755 /path/to/your/file Now, execute it and follow the on screen instructions. sudo /path/to/your/file For the last option, make sure you answer "YES" so it will use the new Xorg config on the next boot. Last, just reboot and you should be all set! Note, that this process will be required each time you upgrade to a new kernel. However, the benefit here is you can always have the most recent Nvidia drivers! And as always, follow these instructions at your own risk! We will not be held responsible should you screw up your system.