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23 posts & 15 voices | Started 1 year ago by ahwiles | Latest reply from jon1973

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ahwiles - Member

ok, i admit it, i'm trying to get to grips with ubuntu.

my computer-geek friend told me it would be idiot proof, and i wouldn't have to spend any time on twatty forums asking for advice on how to get my new netbook to talk to my ipod. (or whatever)

anyway, here i am*; the touchpad 'tapping' is hyper-sensitive, and i'd like to disable it**, there's no option for 'touchpad' in the mouse settings window (i'm told there should be, but there isn't) - how do i disable tapping without a 'touchpad' window?

sodding ubuntu, i'm sure it's written by microsoft to remind people just how good windows is.

(*honestly, if you think STW is bad, try reading an Ubuntu advice forum - reminds you how open, friendly and usefull this place really is)

(**it's borderline unusable, i can't move the pointer over a link without accidentally following it - disabling this stupid option takes about 15 seconds in windows, why is it so tricky with bloody Linux?)

Posted 1 year ago #
monkeychild - Member

I prefer mint linux to Ubuntu, but that doesn't help

Posted 1 year ago #
jimmy - Member

when I loaded up Ubuntu it took the use of a Windows laptop to get onto the forums to eventually get my wifi working. The guy who finally helped me out got very shirty with me when I offered to buy him a pint for his troubles should he ever be in Edinburgh. "Ubuntu is freeware and that goes against the principles so don't go around offering rewards for people's help..."

back on Windows.

Posted 1 year ago #
ahwiles - Member

someone show this thread to Spongebob, he'll be able to use it as an example of why socialism doesn't work...

Posted 1 year ago #
chvck - Member

Dunno what level to pitch this but this should work apparantly, I'm not on my Ubuntu so can't test it myself:

http://www.rvdavid.net/disabling-the-laptop-touchpad-in-ubuntu-linux/

Use method 1 and just follow the instructions. At step 1 you're gonna want to type that into terminal (it's in accessories on the start menu type thing that I can't remember the name of). Aptitude install will basically download and install the application for you. Sudo means that the command is given at admin level (it'll ask you for your password), assuming that you have the permissions, which I'm guessing you should have.

If you learn how to use the terminal and aptitude then it can make life much easier when it comes to installing software. i.e. "sudo apt-get install firefox" will download and install firefoxfor you...

To see if the software you want can be downloaded in that way just google for 'Ubuntu whateverSoftwareIsIt' and you'll soon see if it's in the repositories. (http://packages.ubuntu.com/jaunty/firefox-3.5 for firefox for example). It isn't always that simple but generally is.

Posted 1 year ago #
luked2 - Inactive

Does this article help at all?

http://www.ubuntu-inside.me/2009/03/howto-disable-touchpad-while-typing.html

I haven't tried it, but it looks similar to the random things I had to do with Debian to turn off the <expletive deleted> touchpad.

EDIT: way too slow!

Posted 1 year ago #
BluePalomino - Member

Go to the menu at the top of desktop -->
System menu ->
Preferences ->
Mouse

Select the touchpad preferences and turn off tap as double click.

Posted 1 year ago #
ahwiles - Member

thankyou, but there is no 'touchpad' tab in the mouse window.

wtf does this mean?

Edit this EMPTY file :

$sudo gedit /etc/hal/fdi/policy/shmconfig.fdi
... ?

and as for:

After restarting X (not logout, restart X or reboot your box), you can use gsynaptics (sudo apt-get install gsynaptics)

this is insane, how can it be so hard? - Ubuntu will never catch on if it means your average internetter has to learn this sh**.

i really do appreciate the help so far, but it's not really any ... help ... - you assume far too much prior knowledge (assume none).

Posted 1 year ago #
tomhughes46 - Member

wtf does this mean?

Edit this EMPTY file :

$sudo gedit /etc/hal/fdi/policy/shmconfig.fdi

Maybe that was rhetoric? I'll bite.

As an administrator, use a program like MS Notepad to edit a file located on your system (at /etc/...). Then cut and paste the text from the external link in that article into that window, and save it. You have a use this in command line, to get admin privileges, unless you open Nautilus (Windows Explorer) with admin rights but this is a bad idea.

After restarting X (not logout, restart X - Try control alt backspace

or reboot your box), As a Windows user you should be used to 'turn it off and on again'

$ sudo reboot

you can use gsynaptics (sudo apt-get install gsynaptics)

Download and install a program that will help you.

Have you thought about buying a Mac?

TBH you seem to be unlucky, I expect to have all manner of issues with some hardware, but not trackpads!

Posted 1 year ago #
Waderider - Member

You are going to be on a learning curve for a substantial amount of time. Remember you have been learning Windows for years, and have a lot of time invested in its foibles. However I am surprised you are having so much bother with a simple thing.

You have no touchpad tab showing in mouse preferences because Ubuntu hasn't recognised it is on a machine with a touchpad - then it isn't displayed. Basically Ubuntu out-of-the-box isn't immediately compatible with your hardware. Your geek friend should have explained to you that it is wise to first trial run linux to check the suitability of Ubuntu for your laptop. This can be done from a live CD, or by using a Wubi bootloader.

My advice to you is to go back to windows and dual boot using wubi if you wish to persist with linux. I type this because you obviously don't have the time or desire to learn how to use linux.

There are several things you can try to resolve the current problem.

1) Go to system/administration/Hardware drivers, and accept and install any recommendations.

2) Google support forums for your specific laptop model and linux mousepad drivers.

3) Again use google for general support. This advice looks like it might work.

"my computer-geek friend told me it would be idiot proof, and i wouldn't have to spend any time on twatty forums asking for advice on how to get my new netbook to talk to my ipod. (or whatever)"

Bottom line, he lied. You're probably not ready for an adult operating system.

Posted 1 year ago #
ahwiles - Member

now now, be nice, i am trying to understand. i just have no experience of driving these things with written commands.

Remember you have been learning Windows for years

i'm not sure that's true, i get by clicking on words that say something usefull - 'tools' for example, or 'edit'. Occasionally i use a right-click if i can't see any usefull words.

Posted 1 year ago #
Trent Steel - Member

I for one really like Ubuntu, yes it can be frustrating at times and you aren't spoonfed like windows. But once up and running its great. Its much more stable than Windows, I think I've have 1 freeze out of 4 machines in the last 2 years. Remember no threat from viruses either and no need for AV programs.

When you get a problem yes there is lots of googling but hey its free. Oh have you made sure you've instatlled the latest updates before trying to fix the touchpad?

Personally I don't bother posting on the forums for help as this can take a long time getting the response, just keep googling and you'll usually find the answer.

Posted 1 year ago #
tomhughes46 - Member

There usually is a GUI, for example Synaptic instead of aptitude.

Why are you doing this? Why not just stick with Windows?

Posted 1 year ago #
funkynick - Member

ahwiles... firstly, what netbook have you installed it on? Next, do a search on google for any information relating to that netbook and the ubuntu version that you are using. For the most part, if you are trying to do something, someone else will have already tried it, and will have asked the same questions you are asking, and they've probably got the answers from those 'twatty' forums you seem to have an issue with.

And am not sure what Ubuntu forums you have been reading, but they seem to be pretty good natured and very helpful to me... but they probably do get bored of people asking questions which have already been answered. Of course, STW is never like that... ;o)

Posted 1 year ago #
Trent Steel - Member

funkynick - Member
ahwiles... firstly, what netbook have you installed it on? Next, do a search on google for any information relating to that netbook and the ubuntu version that you are using. For the most part, if you are trying to do something, someone else will have already tried it, and will have asked the same questions you are asking, and they've probably got the answers from those 'twatty' forums you seem to have an issue with.

do as the man says

Posted 1 year ago #
Hairychested - Member

Persevere, it's worth it. We started with a laptop running Ubuntu, now there are two of them and a desktop. Any settings, anything, can be fixed using the System menu. Just imagine you never used Windows and look. And don't worry about the funny-looking lines to type, most things will work by clicking an icon.

Posted 1 year ago #
ahwiles - Member

why am i using (badly) Ubuntu? - ok, i admit it, i like the concept, and want to give it a go.

you've already seen why i'm not keen on the forums; i am completely green to all of this, i have zero experience of typing code, and some people are surprised i'm having trouble with such a simple thing, and suggesting that i'm probably not of adult intelligence.

gits.

X

Posted 1 year ago #
retro83 - Member

I'm guessing that to truly fix the trackpad, you'll need to get your hands dirty with xorg.conf and change the parameters for the Synaptics driver. Good luck with that.

Edit: Had coffee, happy now. Moan removed!

Posted 1 year ago #
luked2 - Inactive

wtf does this mean?

Edit this EMPTY file :

$sudo gedit /etc/hal/fdi/policy/shmconfig.fdi

Bring up a console. Then type that command (but without the "dollar" at the start!).

(I can never quite recall where the console lives in Ubuntu's menus, but it's in there somewhere. It'll get you to a command line after which you can do pretty much anything).

Posted 1 year ago #
funkynick - Member

The console on Ubuntu lives in Applications/Accessories/Terminal.

Posted 1 year ago #
Woody - Member

As Hairychested says - persevere......

I am a computer numpty and I think I'm now on my 4th instal of Ubuntu which I've had now for 2 months. I gave up on the previous ones due to issues connecting to camera etc.

This time, my line was dropping so often on XP that I decided to stick with it and it is definitely worth it once you get your head round inserting codes etc. There is something very satisfying (and initially unnerving) about inserting a code and watching it 'work'. After a couple of months usage, I have virtually no hassle and everything works so much quicker.

Tip: When you do a search on Ubuntu forums eg. Skype download problems, go quickly to the end of the thread for the answer as the initial recommendations are usually from people who know what they are doing and it takes a few replies before the answer is forthcoming in 'plain English'.

Posted 1 year ago #
_tom_ - Member

Tried to get on with ubuntu but the horrible text rendering/default fonts drove me insane!

Posted 1 year ago #
jon1973 - Member

Hijacking the thread slightly. Has anyone tried using Vuze as a Media Streamer for the PS3 with any sucess?

The PS3 recognises the service on the nextwork, but it doesn't seem to pick up any files to stream.

Posted 1 year ago #

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