Ubuntu freezing up.

Hi all. My main rig is down due to waiting for parts, so I'm using a spare unit that I just tossed together.
I loaded the latest version of Ubuntu on it and every so often, it will freeze up.
The mouse pointer will move around, but I can't click on anything.
If I reboot, everything works perfectly.
I have used this system before, using XP and there was never any problems.
Does this happen to anyone else, or am I missing something? :confused

 

Without more information, it's hard to be certain, but sounds like a video card driver issue. There are known issues with certain Intel and nVidia cards.

I've been running Ubuntu 9.10 on an old Dell Dimension with Intel 830 chipset and it's been freezing randomly since I installed it around Thanksgiving. Can't duplicate the error, it truly is random, which makes troubleshooting....well, troublesome.

Now that I've got it narrowed down, I'm working on finding potential solutions until I hit on what works. Supposedly, the new version of Ubuntu 10.04 coming out in late April addresses this issue. Good luck.

 

This was my original system and with many, many upgrades including a new hard drive, it ended up being a spare.
I originally ran XP with service pack 3 and never any problems. Just wanted bigger and better.
Now that I have Windows 7 for the new system, maybe I'll just reinstall XP on this one and use it as a back up.

The only Linux system that I've ever had any success with was Freespire.
I've tried a few others, but never quite the same results.

I do get all of my Linux discs from ordering online at their main website, so hopefully I'm getting the most complete versions and not trying to download myself and missing something.

 

I was also using WinXP SP3 on my old machine, but Windows has its own quirks & crashes. It's your choice, but I would encourage your Linux curiousity towards a long-term fix.

There have been 3 alpha versions of Ubuntu 10.04 and the first beta is scheduled for March 18 (today!)...everything I've read indicates that the 2.6.32.xx kernel addresses these driver issues. A google search for Ubuntu 10.04 or "Lucid Lynx" should yield some opportunities for LiveCD downloads.

I'm not familiar with FreeSpire...never heard of it...but I might also recommend Mint 8 (Helena) to you; Mint is based on Ubuntu, but isn't as pure "open source" as Ubuntu, and allows some proprietary drivers & codecs. I've installed Mint on an old Dell Latitude D505 laptop that was formerly WinPro XP with SP3 and it has been a dream! Never crashed once since installation back in November!

Instead of buying discs, you might want to check out distrowatch.com, which has links to the most popular Linux distros in the past rolling 6-month period. Helpful info on what it is derived from, with links to homepages, included software packages, and ISO download images. FWIW, I have installed several different Linux distros for the fun of learning something new, and I have found that Ubuntu, Mint, and Mandriva have been the most user-friendly in terms of installation, setup, and ease of use. They are the most worthy competitors to a MS Win desktop, IMO. You have the perfect opportunity to experiment with different Linux distros on a non-production box and get it exactly the way you want it to be. Again, your choice, but I encourage you to follow through with that. Good luck!

 

I would not suggest a newbie load the latest and greatest Ubuntu! Remember they release it almost on the side of fully unstable and then after 2 or 3 months they have the bugs fixed. Mint 8 is stable enough to recommend and it installs somethings that you have to tweak like video and sound.

 

I believe that Freespire came out in 2007. It was quite a few operating systems ago.
I probably ran that for almost 2 years on a spare system and had no problems.
The only reason that I moved on was that I got rid of that computer and wanted to get a later version of Linux for my new spare.

I just may have a look around my office and see if I can find the Freespire disc and go back to that, if I can't get Ubuntu straightened out.

 

Normally, I would definitely agree with you, but his machine is already broken. As someone who experienced this random, unduplicatable freezing issue, I know I'd rather fix the random issue first and then focus on other issues. Also, the upcoming 10.04 is a LTS version, so I expect (HOPE!) it is more stable than usual coming out of the gate. You are correct, though...that is a risk. As long as he is informed, it is Fuzzy's choice...

This is a backup/spare machine, so I'd consider the 10.04 upgrade. Alternatively, I really do believe you should look into Mint 8...it is basically Ubuntu in a different "wrapper" with some extra bells & whistles.

Alternatively, if you REALLY want a stable Ubuntu, download 9.04 (Jaunty Jackaloupe) & install over 9.10 Karmic Koala. 9.04 JJ is widely acknowledged to be VERY STABLE, and is quite similar to 9.10; then you can upgrade (as opposed to update) to 10.04 probably around June-ish after most/all known bugs have been squashed.

IMO, I'd forget Freespire, even though you liked it. If you're trying out Linux and aren't a guru, you really need access to a sizeable and knowledgeabe community forum for troubleshooting issues. Inasmuch as I've never heard of Freespire, I can't imagine a very large user-friendly base to draw from. Personally, I'd stick with the Ubuntus, Mints, Mandrivas, Fedoras, and OpenSUSEs. JMHO... Good luck Fuzzy!

 

Good luck Fuzzy! :-D That's Furry, but Fuzzy sounds cool also. :cool

Anyway, I will try to download 9.04 and see where that gets me. Since I'm not all that familiar with Linux systems, other than what I used already, it seems that they are constantly coming out with something new.

Will there be any one system that will stick around long enough for those of us that may be a little challenged, that we can hold on to?
Or, will the constant changes drive me back into the arms of Windows? :cry

I'm not particularly loyal to one system, in fact I even own a Mac, so I'm basically willing to try anything.
I believe that learning several different systems will make me more versatile, considering that in the past, I have been at different jobs that don't always use the same OS.

 

You are correct that most Linux distros, and Ubuntu specifically, release a new/update version every six months. But every two years, they release a LTS (Long Term Support) version that is designed more towards Long Term Stability (another LTS term!) and less towards cutting edge software.

The previously discussed 10.04 LTS "Lucic Lynx" is due for release on April 28, 2010; however, it is likely to be "buggy" for a month or two until they work out the quirks and squash the bugs. I believe 10.04 is probably what you're looking for, but you probably don't want it until late May/early June, I'm guessing.

You have a good plan, and if I were you, I'd download the 9.04 version and try it out. If it's stable on your hardware, you can just keep it for as long as you wish. Personally, I'm planning on installing the 10.04 LTS version as soon as possible, then upgrade to the next LTS version in 24-30 months, hopping from LTS to LTS. Ubuntu is really nice, user friendly, and a large user base with large forums for troubleshooting. If you have a problem, just search...chances are someone else does too, and they've figured out how to fix it. I think you'll like it.

 

I've tried to locate 9.04 and when I try to download it, it gives me 9.1, which it what I already have.

Where can I actually get 9.04 to try out?

 

http://releases.ubuntu.com/9.04/

I'm guessing you'll want the desktop version with i386 (32 bit) that looks like this--> ubuntu-9.04-desktop-i386.iso

 

Ok, I finally got 9.04 downloaded and installed. We'll see from here.

 

Can you be a bit more specific as to what locked on your system?:confused

Desktop or laptop?

What were you doing when it locked?

My desktop locked if it had a thumb drive installed that was removed without unmounting, and my laptop locks if I remove the main battery...

No one, myself included has properly answered your OP. For this, I offer my apology.

 

I had it on a desktop. Every so often, I would not be able to click on anything and get it to open up.
The mouse pointer would move and I could hover over a link or icon, but I would be unable to open anything.
The only thing that would get me back to normal was a reboot.
I have used this comp with another OS and never any problems, just Ubuntu.

I've never really had much success with downloading systems, so I would always order the disc and install that way.
Since I've installed 9.04, it has not done that even once. :confused

 

You know, after re-reading this thread, BOOMM is correct. I read your OP, saw the similarities to my issues, filled in the blanks based on my own experience and went forward from there. There are dozens of things which may have been causing your screen freezes, but I didn't ask ANY of those questions in my attempt to be helpful...just assumed certain things, got redirected by your questions/comments about other Linux distros and based recommendations on unconfirmed assumptions.

Based on your last post, it sounds like 9.04 is working out for you, and I'm glad to hear that. If it continues to be stable, perhaps I'll be vindicated, but it will be more likely due to luck than sound advice. I jumped the gun in my attempt to give help in the same manner I received from others. Sorry about that...I truly hope 9.04 remains stable for you and that you continue to like it?!

 

No worries guys! This is actually my 1st real glitch with any Linux system and given my happy experience with Freespire, I'm not giving up hope.

I have 1 Dell with Windows 2000, 1 system with XP, Vista on wifey's system and the laptop and 7 will be going back on my new system. Then there is the Mac and this system has Ubuntu.
Windows can get a little expensive to keep on all systems, so I welcome any freeware that I can put on anything that I build.
I obey the rules regarding Windows, when it comes to using 1 system on 1 machine only, but I have at least 4 more builds in progress, so I need to be thrifty.

I need stability in my builds, because I put my rep on them. I test the hardware vigorously and need the software to hold up as well.

It doesn't necessarily need to be the latest and greatest, as long as it's stable.

I appreciate all the helpful suggestions and thank you for pointing me to 9.04. So far, so good. :dood