Ubuntu Juanty Jackalope vs. ATI Radeon Mobility 9600

Okay - After lots of begging for help on the Ubuntu Forums, I found a workable configuration for my ATI graphics card in my old eMachines M6809 laptop. With out these settings in my /etc/X11/xorg.conf file it was totally unsatisfactory. Now however, it's near full speed as compared to Hardy and the infamous MS WinXP Pro.  Here are the settings I'm now using.

Section "Device"

Identifier     "Configured Video Device"

Option         "AccelDFS"                               "on"
Option         "AccelMethod"                         "XAA"
Option         "MigrationHeuristic"                "smart" # "greedy" works well also
Option         "EnablePageFlip"                      "on"
Option         "EnableDepthMoves"                "on"
Option         "ColorTiling"                            "on"
Option         "FBTexPercent"                         "0"
Option         "RenderAccel"                          "on"

EndSection

Timekpr Version 0.3.0 is released!

This program will track and control the computer usage of your user accounts. You can limit their daily usage based on a timed access duration and configure periods of day when they can or cannot log in. With this application, administrators can limit account login time duration or account access hours.

DEVELOPMENT:

• This program is heavily depended on Linux-PAM and its time and access modules.
• If you would like to contribute to the code, join the timekpr-maintainers team on launchpad.
  

CURRENT SUPPORTED:

• Ubuntu   - Jaunty, Intrepid, Hardy
• Kubuntu - Jaunty, Intrepid, Hardy
• Xubuntu - Jaunty, Intrepid, Hardy

CHANGE-LOG FOR VERSION 0.3.0:

• Timekpr-gui gives a warning if no other user than administrator is present (Bugs #345515 and #330261, thanks to BearTM)
• An administrator will not be able to restrict him self (Bug ##286529)
• Removed hard reference to /etc/timekpr in timekpr-client.py (Bug #314061), allows for configuration of timekpr dir (no gui for this)
• Added a man page (Bug #302770)
• Added i18n support (Bug #302782), this release includes translations for Danish, Finnish, French, German, Hungarian, Norwegian Bokmal and Swedish. Please help to translate timekpr into more languages!
• Timekpr works with Jaunty (Bug #344538)
• Fixed packaging error for KDE (Bug #345515)
• Fixed a bug that could kick any user who was logged in all day, also unrestricted users and administrators

HISTORY & CREDITS:

• This project was born after Charles Jackson's (crjackson) request for a program that time-limits user accounts:
  Ubuntu Forums. You can also find a progression of the history posted at the Bucknasty. blog.

• This is a complete re-write in python and vast improvement from the original timekpr bash script:
  Waggledance.

• Even Nedberg initially began to improve the original bash script from Chris Jackson. Savvas Radević packaged it and soon began co-development.

• Special thanks go to Charles Jackson (crjackson), who has contributed a lot by suggesting, brainstorming useful features, writing the initial blueprint, and
  being the primary tester.

• We would also like to thank all the people posting to that topic in ubuntu forums for their comments.

---

Additional Information

Developers Even Nedberg and Savvas Radević (or .nedberg and forger) of the Ubuntu forums have rewritten the package using python as opposed to the bash shell script of it's previous form. timekpr now has a full featured interface with the ability to change and grow as needed.

I have requested an additional feature of a black-out setting that would let you slice a chunk of time right out of the normally allowable login hours. This would be for designated home work time, or other required activities. Please bookmark this page for future updates.

- Charles

---

INSTRUCTIONS

Download the deb file and double click on it to install. Configure your users, click apply and then quit when done. Just remember to check back here to always get the latest version available.

Intrepid Ibex Users should install by adding Even's PPA repository to there software sources list, and then use your package manager to install. This will always give you the latest version and keep your system updated.

Stable repository:
deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/timekpr-maintainers/ppa/ubuntu jaunty main
deb-src http://ppa.launchpad.net/timekpr-maintainers/ppa/ubuntu jaunty main

Development repository:
deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/nedberg/ppa/ubuntu jaunty main
deb-src http://ppa.launchpad.net/nedberg/ppa/ubuntu jaunty main

Prior to installation, you must Un-install any previous versions by running the code below in a terminal session.

sudo dpkg --purge timekpr

DOWNLOAD

Screen Shot1 Screen Shot 2 Screen Shot 3

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Ubuntu 9.04 - Jaunty Jackalope Testing

I've been testing the soon to be released version of Ubuntu 9.04 beta. I am very impressed with it's performance and stability so far. Only time will tell however if it's going to be suitable for my laptop with an Intel GMA X3100.  Intel video adapters have a poor history with Linux and I couldn't run Intrepid due to poor video performance.  Hardy runs fine however. The performance issues stem from the latest/greatest xorg system. The drivers just haven't caught up yet.  So far the beta on LiveCD runs great though, and I have high expectations.

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Sound Solutions for Hardy,Intrepid and Jaunty Jackalope

This is a re-post from Ubuntu-Geek, but it works so great I wanted to put it here for safe keeping.

If you have just upgraded to or installed  Hardy or Intrepid  or Jaunty and you have some sound somewhere, but not everywhere for everything, this is a fast way to get all the missing stuff you need and give you some  tools to figure out what is going on. If you hear the startup sound but nothing else, or if some applications
work and others don’t, this is for you. If you have no sound at all, there is a link at the end of this post for more extensive troubleshooting help but you should try this first anyway as it may solve your problem and will not make matters worse.Make sure that your system is fully updated.

Credit goes to markbuntu forum article

Required Packages

First you need to get some missing packages with Synaptic. These packages were not installed by default but are important for getting your sound working properly:

asoundconf-gtk
This is a little Default sound card application for choosing the default sound card for alsa.

gnome-alsamixer
This is a gui mixer, far easier to use than the command line alsamixer.

alsa-oss
This is the wrapper for oss applications so they will use alsa instead of grabbing the sound card all for themselves.

libasound2
libasound2-plugins
These are the plugins for alsa

padevchooser
This is the Pulse Audio device chooser and will pull in the pavucontrol which is the Pulse Audio Volume Control and papref which is the Pulse Audio Preferences along with the Pulse Audio Volume Meters.

gstreamer0.10-pulseaudio
This is the gstreamer plugin for pulseaudio

ubuntu-restricted-extras
This is the package with all the restricted codecs and java and flashplayer so you can watch youtube and play your mp3s,etc..If you have other applications like mplayer, vlc, amarok, or audacious be sure to get any extra packages available for them also.

Single command to install everything you need
sudo apt-get install asoundconf-gtk alsa-oss libasound2 libasound2-plugins padevchooser gstreamer0.10-pulseaudio ubuntu-restricted-extras

Setting things up

Once you have all these packages installed, close any application that may be trying to use sound and go to System/Preferences/Sound and set all the preferences from automatic to PulseAudio except Default Mixer Tracks which you should set to your sound card. Go to System/Preferences/Default Sound Card and choose pulseaudio.
Next, right click on the little speaker on the top panel, that is the Panel Volume Control. Click Open Volume Control and make sure it is set to the same thing as the Default Mixer Tracks. Click on Preferences and make sure that Master and PCM and whatever else you want to control are selected. Make sure that any boxes labeled SPDIF or IEC958 are not checked. Close the Preferences box. Push up the sliders in the volume control and make sure the little speakers do not have little red mute marks on them. Go to Applications/Sound and Video/GNOME ALSA Mixer and see if there is anything you missed because sometimes, for some cards, not all the
options are in the Panel Volume Control.

Go to Applications/Sound and Video and select Pulse Audio Device Chooser. This will put a little icon on the panel near the Panel Volume Control. Click on the new icon and choose Volume Control. This will open the Pulse Audio Volume Control. Go to Output Devices and see if your sound card is there, it will be listed as ALSA PCM on front:…(ALC8 via DMA or whatever your sound card is. If you have a usb device it will be listed as ALSA PCM on front:…(USB Audio) via DMA or something like that. Make sure the sliders are up and the device is not muted.

If any of the above is giving you problems, try rebooting.

Now, open Rythmbox and play something. If you have nothing handy just play one of the radio stations, you should hear something. In the Pulse Audio Volume Control/Playback you should see something like this
Rythmbox: Playback Stream and some Volume sliders that you can adjust.

More than one Device

If you have more than one device listed in Output Devices, Rythmbox may be playing in the wrong one if you do not hear anything so right click on the stream and choose move stream and move it to another device.

If you have more than one device and you want to use them all, like a usb headset and your speakers, go back to the Pulse Audio Device chooser on the panel and select Configure Local Sound Server/Simultaneous Output and click the box:

“Add virtual output device for simultaneous output on all local sound cards”

Now you can right click on the stream and move it to your new device. You should have sound from all your sound devices now or at least a clue about how it is supposed to work.

Other stuff

Another thing you may need to do, Check in System/Administration/Users and Groups that your users and root are enabled as members of the following groups:

pulse
pulse-access
pulse-rt

This seems to be a particular problem for some people after getting recent updates.

If you still have problems look in to the following references (They are very good)

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=843012

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?p=5931543

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Changing Display Monitors in Hardy

Once in a while someone needs to either replace or reconfigure their display monitor to correct refersh rates and or resolution settings. It's a very simple procedure in Hardy. I haven't tried it in Intrepid or above yet. I'll post back after testing in 8.10. Anyway just paste the code below in a terminal screen. Once the GUI comes up, just click on the monitor icon to the right of the model listed in the drop down box, look through the list and make your pick. The rest is self explanatory.

gksudo displayconfig-gtk

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Open Office 3 on Ubuntu Hardy

Lots of people are wanting to install Open Office 3 on Ubuntu Hardy including some of my family members.  I'll keep this sweet and short and assume that you already know a little bit about Ubuntu.

1) Go to System>Administration>Software Sources

2) Add this to the sources list:
deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/openoffice-pkgs/ubuntu hardy main

3) Let the sources list applet reload and update

4) Run the Ubdate Manager from; System>Administration>Update Manager

5) Install the updates

6) Enjoy Open Office 3 on your Hardy installation

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Reinstall all of your packages after a fresh Re-install of Ubuntu

People sometimes have to do a reinstall of their Ubuntu system for various reasons (been playing/experimenting with configuration/drivers/other packages or just because something is badly broken) but remembering all the extra packages you have installed can be a chore - but here is the simple solution:On your old system (assuming it is still working), start up Synaptic and go:

File-Save Markings and choose a file name along with a location (like a USB drive) that you can use when you have installed your new system)

This file contains a list of all your currently installed packages, and when you have installed and booted up your new system (and configured your repositories to the best for your location ) then start up Synaptic and go:

File-Read Markings and point it at your saved file, and after that has completed then select Apply to kick off the download & installation of all of those packages you had installed previously!

There are also apt-get command line functions that achieve the same outcome, so those who don’t have/use Synaptic can still do this.

You will still have to do any special configuration changes that you had on the old system, but at least all of the packages are now in the new system.

This is also very handy for moving to new hardware/duplicating setups etc.

Be aware that doing this between different Ubuntu versions may cause complications because some packages may not be in a later version or have different names.

Note:- Don’t forget to backup your sources before you reinstall.

sudo cp /etc/apt/sources.list ~/sources.list.backup

Otherwise if you have added any PPAs or other sources, this tip won’t work.

Kudos to dcstar

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Install Vista Fonts on Ubuntu

1. On Ubuntu run: sudo apt-get install cabextract
2. Download PowerPoint Viewer 2007.
3. Extract the .exe: cabextract -F ppviewer.cab PowerPointViewer.exe
4. Prepare a separate target installation directory: sudo mkdir /usr/share/fonts/vista
5. Extract the actual fonts: sudo cabextract -F '*.TT?' -d /usr/share/fonts/vista ppviewer.cab
   Tip: You may substitute ~/.fonts instead of /usr/share/fonts for local, single-user installation which does not require root access.
6. Update the cache: fc-cache -fv

Making Linux FEEL faster...

What we want is perceived performance
Take a file manager for example. Let's focus on Konqueror (it's a nice case study, and it's a nice file manager). Suppose I hit the home button on my panel, which shows one of the (usually hidden and prelaunched) Konqueror instances and prompts it to browse my home directory.

If you have lots of RAM, it won't be a problem -- both Konqueror and the contents of your home directory will be in memory, so it'll be blindingly fast. But if you're rather short of memory, it's a different matter -- what happens next determines whether you feel your computer slow or fast.

If Konqueror has been paged out, it will appear to be frozen (or take longer to "start up") for a couple of seconds, until Linux has paged necessary code paths in. If, on the contrary, my home directory has been evicted from the RAM cache, Konqueror will show up instantly and be responsive, while the home directory loads.

I'd much rather wait for the directory display than have to wait for Konq to unfreeze because it was paged out. The difference is that in the first scenario, I can close the window, use the menus, navigate among the window controls, change the URL, abort the operation; in the second case, I'm screwed until Linux decides to fully pagein whatever Konq needs.

What we want is perceived performance, not throughput. It matters to me that I can manipulate my file manager half-a-second after I've hit the home button. It doesn't matter to me that, because of this preference, the home directory actually takes one second longer to finish displaying.

Variations of this pattern can be found everywhere: in file open dialogs, in multimedia applications with collection managers, basically everywhere an operation requires some sort of progress report.

The solution
There are two distinct and complementary measures we'll take to solve this problem. Keep reading to find out about them.

Tuning swappiness to prevent impromptu RAM hijacking
Swappiness is the name Linux kernel developers gave to the preference between paging applications out to disk and (in practice) shrinking caches. If it's close to 0, Linux will prefer to keep applications in RAM and not grow the caches. If it's close to 100, Linux will prefer to swap applications out, and enlarge the caches as much as possible. The default is a healthy 60.

The irony of this preference is that, in fact, paging an unused application out generally produces a net performance increment, since the cache really helps a lot when it's needed -- but this net performance increment translates to a net drop in perceived performance, since you usually don't care whether a file uncompresses a few seconds later, but you do care (a lot) when your applications don't respond instantaneously.

On a desktop computer, you want swappiness to be as close to zero as possible. The reason you want to do this (even though it might hurt actual performance) is because this will immunize your computer to memory shortages caused by temporary big file manipulations (think copying a big video file to another disk). The cache will still be as big as possible, but it won't displace running applications.

With swappiness turned down, the Linux kernel no longer attempts to enlarge the cache by paging applications out. Not unless you're experiencing an extremely high memory shortage.

To make the change:
sudo gedit /etc/sysctl.conf

Paste this to end of the file:
vm.swappiness=10

Filesystem caches are more important than other caches
We've already established that the filesystem cache is important because, without it, file browsing goes extremely slowl. Now lets tell Linux that we want it to prefer inode/dentry cache to other caches.

Back to the terminal we go:
sudo gedit /etc/sysctl.conf

Paste this to the end of the file:
vm.vfs_cache_pressure=50

Values close to 100 provide no gain. Values close to zero can cause huge swap activity during big filesystem scans.

Know this - These tips work well for me, however ymmv and as always - If you don't understand any of what I've said here, just leave your system alone. There is always the possibility that something COULD go wrong (though very unlikely), so play with this at your own risk.

It's a good practice to back up any file you are altering (prior to making that change and saving). If you back up the files mentioned and something goes wrong, it's always very easy to fix.

Good luck - and enjoy the improved speed of your desktop.

Disclaimer: The preceeding information was taken from rudd-o.com. I have posted the edited content here for my own use, and other family members to refer to.

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How to Install Flash on Ubuntu 8.10 64-bit

Close all internet browes and proceed to your menu bar as follows:
Go to Applications --> Accessories --> Terminal

Once the terminal is open, paste in the following code:

sudo apt-get install nspluginwrapper flashplugin-nonfree

Press the enter key --> type your password when prompted --> complete the install

Restart your browser and all should be well.

If you run into any problems Click Here!

BleachBit

BleachBit deletes unnecessary files to free valuable disk space, maintain privacy, and remove junk. Rid your system of old clutter including cache, temporary files, cookies, and broken shortcuts. Designed for Linux systems, it wipes clean Bash, Beagle, Epiphany, Firefox, Flash, Java, KDE, OpenOffice.org, Opera, RealPlayer, rpmbuild, VIM, XChat, and more.
Install BleachBit in Ubuntu

Download the .deb package from here or use the following command

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How to Install Mozilla Prism in Ubuntu

Prism is a simple XULRunner-based browser that hosts web applications without the normal web browser user interface. Prism is based on a concept called Site-Specific Browsers (SSB). An SSB is designed to work exclusively with a single web application. It doesn’t have the menus, toolbars and other accoutrements of a traditional web browser. An SSB also offers tighter integration with the operating system and desktop than a typical web application running through a web browser. Applications running in an SSB are therefore able to benefit from many of the advantages of the desktop and of the web at the same time.

Benefits

Separate process: Web apps can hog memory or processor cycles or even bring down the whole browser in extreme cases. By running each app in its own process, we minimize the impact of any mishaps. We can also benefit from  operating system tools that less us view the memory/CPU consumption of a specific application.

Minimal user interface: A general-purpose browser UI is not necessary or appropriate for most web apps. It is more efficient to provide a UI that is specific to the application. This also cuts down on UI clutter (hence the term distraction-free browser).

Basic desktop integration: Support of desktop features can make using the app more natural and convenient for end users. This includes the ability to create desktop shortcuts, to place the application icon in the tray or dock and to display pop-up notifications.

Customization: Apps can be run using a shared browser runtime and customized using client-side script (similar to Greasemonkey).

Custom stylesheets can be used to tweak the UI.

Available Prism Packages in Ubuntu 8.04

prism-facebook
prism-google-analytics
prism-google-calendar
prism-google-docs
prism-google-groups
prism-google-mail
prism-google-reader
prism-google-talk
prism-twitter

Install Prism packages for google using the following command

sudo aptitude install prism-google-talk prism-google-mail prism-google-docs prism-facebook prism-google-analytics

You can install all the packages mentioned above.This will complete the prism packages installation.

You need to make sure that you have installed flash plugin for firefox otherwise google apps won’t work.

sudo aptitude install flashplugin-nonfree

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Happy New Year!

2008 has come and gone (thank God). There have been many changes for me; Boss and co-workers fired unexpectedly, major updates to Ubuntu, a stable release (non-beta) of timekpr, family deaths, economic problems and now the first black president for the USA.  Phew, what a year it's been. Well I'm ready to get on with things and welcome 2009. I'm really grateful I'm still employed with all the economic downfalls as of late. I'm really looking forward to Ubuntu 9.04 and my tax return. I hope everyone reading this blog has a happy new year full of promise and rewards. Bye for now.

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OpenOffice 3.0 PPA is up a working again

A few entries ago, I posted information on how to upgrade to Open Office 3.0. Then suddenly the repository went off-line and it didn't work anymore. I'm glad to report that as of yesterday, the repository is back online and notified me of updates. The updates worked great on the systems that were updating from Open Office 2.4, but where 3.0 was already installed there were conflicts and a partial upgrade was offered but didn't work. To fix the issue I have to remove Open Office from the computer and then reinstall. After that everything was working perfect. I enabled the repositories again on the other computers and all is well.

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Intrepid Ibex Install & timekpr b5

Toady I had to rebuild one of the systems in my house. It was one that the kids use extensively so of course timekpr is normally installed on that system. I took the opportunity to upgrade that system to Intrepid Ibex after installing a new HDD, and wireless adapter. Enough of the small talk, here's the news.

    I downloaded and installed timekpr b5 and all was well. I then decided to add the Intrepid repository from Even's PPA and to my surprise there were updates for timekpr. I installed the updates and I now have b5+ installed on that system and it's working beautifully.

    I filed a bug report against timekpr today. I found that when you are logged in as an administrator or as an unrestricted user, the timekpr status keeper gives a countdown to log off (midnight). I feel like this shouldn't be the case for any unrestricted users. timekpr should simply report No Restrictions or some such phrase, so a new bug report was filed.

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Timekpr Version 0.2.2 is released!

This program will track and control the computer usage of your user accounts. You can limit their daily usage based on a timed access duration and configure periods of day when they can or cannot log in. With this application, administrators can limit account login time duration or account access hours.

DEVELOPMENT:

• This program is heavily depended on Linux-PAM and its time and access modules.
• Beta 5 has been released, and now supports Ubuntu, Kubuntu & Xbuntu version 8.04 and 8.10 - Special thanks to .nedberg for this much anticipated release.
• If you would like to contribute to the code, join the timekpr-maintainers team on launchpad.
• Current status indicated below:
  - Ubuntu Hardy: Works
  - Ubuntu Intrepid: Works
  - Kubuntu Hardy KDE3: Works
  - Kubuntu Interpid KDE4: Works
  - Xubuntu Hardy: Works

HISTORY & CREDITS:

• This project was born after Charles Jackson's (crjackson) request for a program that time-limits user accounts:
  Ubuntu Forums. You can also find a progression of the history posted at the Bucknasty. blog.

• This is a complete re-write in python and vast improvement from the original timekpr bash script:
  Waggledance.

• Even Nedberg initially began to improve the original bash script from Chris Jackson. Savvas Radević packaged it and soon began co-development.

• Special thanks go to Charles Jackson (crjackson), who has contributed a lot by suggesting, brainstorming useful features, writing the initial blueprint, and
  being the primary tester.

• We would also like to thank all the people posting to that topic in ubuntu forums for their comments.

---

Additional Information

Developers Even Nedberg and Savvas Radević (or .nedberg and forger) of the Ubuntu forums have rewritten the package using python as opposed to the bash shell script of it's previous form. timekpr now has a full featured interface with the ability to change and grow as needed. The beta 3 release adds support for both KDE and Xfce versions of Ubuntu 8.04 & 8.10.

I have requested an additional feature of a black-out setting that would let you slice a chunk of time right out of the normally allowable login hours. This would be for designated home work time, or other required activities. Please bookmark this page for future updates.

- Charles

---

INSTRUCTIONS

Download the deb file and double click on it to install. Configure your users, click apply and then quit when done. Just remember to check back here to always get the latest version available.

Intrepid Ibex Users should install by adding Even's PPA repository to there software sources list, and then use your package manager to install. This will always give you the latest version and keep your system updated.

Stable repository:
deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/timekpr-maintainers/ppa/ubuntu intrepid main
deb-src http://ppa.launchpad.net/timekpr-maintainers/ppa/ubuntu intrepid main

Development repository:
deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/nedberg/ppa/ubuntu intrepid main
deb-src http://ppa.launchpad.net/nedberg/ppa/ubuntu intrepid main

Prior to installation, you must Un-install any previous versions by running the code below in a terminal session.

sudo dpkg --purge timekpr

DOWNLOAD

Screen Shot1 Screen Shot 2 Screen Shot 3

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Install audio and video codecs - Ubuntu Intrepid Ibex

Open up a terminal (applications -> accessories -> terminal) and copy/paste this code:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list -O /etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list && wget -q http://packages.medibuntu.org/medibuntu-key.gpg -O- | sudo apt-key add - && sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install -y ubuntu-restricted-extras non-free-codecs w32codecs totem-mozilla libdvdcss2 libdvdnav4 totem-xine xine-ui libdmx1 libxine1 libxine1-ffmpeg libxinerama1 libdvdread3

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HOW TO: UPGRADE to Open Office to 3.0 on INTREPID IBEX

$ sudo gedit /etc/apt/sources.list

Copy to the end of your sources.list

## Openoffice.org
deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/openoffice-pkgs/ubuntu intrepid main
deb-src http://ppa.launchpad.net/openoffice-pkgs/ubuntu intrepid main

Then open a terminal and run:

$ sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade

I had to run my update manager afterward to get ALL updates.

Thats it.

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Intrepid 8.10 on my Laptop

Yesterday I installed Intrepid Ibex on my laptop. I'm not thrilled because of the ATI video driver being kind of slow, but it's okay otherwise so far. I guess I'll get used to it for 6 months or so until the Jackrabbit comes out. It's hard to give it a fair test with a cruddy video driver. It's not really Ubuntu's fault that ATI didn't provide full support fot x.org 7.4 but the end result is a less than thrilling experience. At the end of the day, it's working well, it just FEELS less responisive. 3D games play fine however.  I wish OpenOffice 3.0 had been installed by default, I guess I'll have to make that happen myself. I read that it was listed in backports but that just isn't the case. I'll probably add the PPA for openoffice and install from there. I pop back in and let you know what I've decided to do.

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Nasty Windows XP

Today I had the displeasure of re-installing WindowsXP-Pro on my main system. This system has 4 HD's so I keep a copy around for a couple of programs I can't do without (DVDFab5 & Sony Vegas). It took me ALL DAY to get windows installed because of my SATA HD's.  Windows SP3 won't recognize my nVidia Nforce4 SATA controller. Somewhere in the process I messed up the drive and ended up downloading WD's DataLifeguard CD ISO. Using that I was able to prepare the drive and install Windows again. At one point, I thought I had killed the drive. To test it out, I formated ot ext3 and Ubuntu installed with no problems. Only crappy windows couldn't work. What's worse was I even tried Vista and it too was a no go. Well, thanks to the WD tools I got it all sorted out, but it ruined my Sunday.

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