Wednesday, June 29, 2011

I love/hate Ubuntu/Linux

Sad tale of computer woes.

Chapter 1

Decided to finish configuring Dell 410.  Installed Norton without issue.  Noticed message from MS in lower right corner indicating that Windows 7 is NOT a legal copy!  NOT GOOD!  Windows wants an authentication key.  No such key do I have.  Send email to chap I bought it from and left voice message.  No response yet

Chapter 2

Not sure I'll get a response from seller and, anyway, I'm curious to see how well it will run Ubuntu.  Good backup if Windows 7 dies though I'm more than a little put out about the software.  Install Ubuntu OK after adjusting the boot order to boot from CD.  System runs OK on wired lan.  Sadly, wireless doesn't work.

Chapter 3
Much mucking about.  Ubuntu/linux is a real good news/bad news deal.  Good news - the answer is out there from some helpful person.  Bad news - somewhere for some release for some hardware for ... .  Takes a long time to find answer here.
You need to install the b43-fwcutter package from the software center.
If you use the latest version of Ubuntu, aka 11.04 - Natty Narwhal, you also need to install the firmware-b43-installer package.
All is now well.

Now if this had been Windows there is a fair chance that the problem wouldn't have occurred.  Indeed, Windows 7 recognized the wireless hardware and installed appropriately.  Not so Ubuntu 11.04.  That said, if Windows has problems there is almost no hope at all that you'll get help from MS.

You pays your money and you takes your chances.

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