Step 2: Installing and Configuring Ubuntu

 

Install Ubuntu

You will be asked for a username and password.  This will be the "root" user and your user. (sudo = root when you are typing in terminal mode) 

*Note* You should create a secondary account for w0w playing as there are no system protections when you are accessing interwebz programs such as video games, online poker, etc through the root login.  This can be done from the Virtual Terminal or the gui.  This should be done after you have everything configured and have play-tested World of Warcraft to your satisfaction.  However, unfortunately, you’ll then have to configure and play-test AGAIN for the new user.

From Gui, Systems->Administrator-> User Groups

From Virtual Terminal (Ctrl + Alt + F1)

sudo adduser username

Follow prompts.

 

From the Gui, you will have to select “root” (which is greyed out) and click ‘Unlock’ before it will allow you to Add a user.  Each user must be configured separately.

 

 

Update Ubuntu

Currently for 8.10 there are 289 Updates to have installed before you start configuring your machine.  DO THIS FIRST.

You will need to be connected to the internet to do this.  Picture your “Start Menu” as being on the top instead of the bottom of the page.  See the Network Button on the top-right?  Configure it.

Check Mozilla FireFox to make sure you have Internet.

If you do, there should be a red and white arrow pointed down next to your network status icon.  Click it.

Install all updates.

This can also be done through:  System -> Administration -> Update Manager

Reboot system.

 

How do I determine my Video Card make and model?

Open a Terminal.

        Applications -> -> Terminal

Type the following:

        lspci | grep VGA

 

*Note* If the grep returns two video cards, you need to determine which one is your on-board video card.  Sometimes if the cards are from the same manufacturer, they will conflict and you will need to turn off your on-board card in the BIOS.  If you are not sure how to do that, either do some forum-crawling or send me a PM on the site.

 

Installing ATI Video Card Drivers

System -> Administration -> Hardware drivers

Select “ATI Driver”  Should be listed as Proprietary and approved by Ubuntu.

        Please ensure the Driver you have selected is the “Catalyst 9.3”.  If Linux does not support you with this driver, it should be downloaded to your desktop and manually installed.

        The ATI Drivers only support video cards series 2400 and greater.

Select “Enable this Driver”.

Reboot system.

 

*Note* Many times the graphic-rendering is choppy and can lag using the Default ATI Proprietary Drivers submitted through Ubuntu because they do not install properly.  If this is the case, please follow the next instructions (I had to do this on my ATI Radeon Mobility 3450).

Source:  http://wiki.cchtml.com/index.php/Ubuntu_Intrepid_Installation_Guide

*Note* If you are using a 64-bit system, please follow the instructions on the website directly, but read the entire site before beginning.  There is more end-user configuration required.

 

Text in green should be entered in Terminal.

 

Open a Terminal:  (Applications ->  -> Terminal)

1. Install the necessary programs

        sudo apt-get install build-essential cdbs fakeroot dh-make debhelper debconf libstdc++5 dkms

Download page: Catalyst 9.4. This package contains both the 32-bit and 64-bit driver.

Ensure your terminal is set for the folder the package downloaded in.  (aka:  $ cd Desktop)

 

2. Create .deb packages.

        sudo sh ati-driver-installer-9.4-x86.x86_64.run –buildpkg Ubuntu/intrepid

 

3. Install .debs.

        sudo dpkg -i xorg-driver-fglrx_8.602-0ubuntu1_i386.deb fglrx-kernel-source_8.602-0ubuntu1_i386.deb fglrx-amdcccle_8.602-0ubuntu1_i386.deb

 

4. Finish the Installation and Configure

        sudo gedit /etc/X11/xorg.conf

       

        A window will pop-up with your .conf file.  Locate the “Device” section.

        If the following line is not in the “Device” Section, add it.

                                        Driver         "fglrx"

 

        Save file and exit.  Return to your Terminal.

       

sudo aticonfig –initial –f

 

Exit terminal.  Reboot computer.

       

 

Installing Nvidia Video Card Drivers

System -> Administration -> Hardware drivers

Select “Nvidia Driver 180”  Should be listed as Proprietary and approved by Ubuntu.

        The Nvidia Drivers only support video cards

Roughly GeForce 5100 and greater.

Roughly Quadro NVS 290 and greater.

Check here if you are not sure if your care is supported

Select “Enable this Driver”.

Reboot system.