Ubuntu 11.10 has been released!

With UBUNTU'S latest release a number of not necessarily favorable changes came along. Because my two Linux boxes run primarily Mail, Web and other servers, I am using the 32 Bit Server installation, I ran into major problems. This installation does not use by default a Graphical Interface. In my case it is actually better not to use the X11 Windows environment since the CPU timing is slightly better for running servers. The Desktop version did upgrade without problems, however this box is a plain installation.  Also, the resources available are higher! So, I went to do a distribution upgrade and was extremely disappointed with it. My system had an e-mail server setup that worked just the way I wanted it. Granted, it was modified to serve Virtual users but was working as I wanted it. During the upgrade the e-mail server "Dovcot" was upgraded too. Unfortunately they changed the configuration file structure and when prompted, I answered with "keep my configuration files". Viola, my e-mail server was hosed. Took me a few hours to figure out why? As of today I have not found the time to fix this problem. I think this is unacceptable, even with a free OS. Along, with changes of additional packages were some of them have additional problems after the upgrade, it feels and look the same as the 11.04 release. Unless you don't have additional packages installed, I would stay away from the upgrade as of now. My second Linux Box with SVXLINK and a secondary e-mail server, will not be upgraded.

Ubuntu 11.04 has been released!

As the release of Ubuntu 11.04 approaches, I would like to take the time to write a few lines about my first impressions about the latest product from South Africa.

I had chosen the 64 Bit Beta 2 version to check how it installs and how much hardware support had been improved.

The install went smooth and Ubuntu seems to get better and better with the installation process. There are only a few questions to answer and from then on it will go through the process without asking any more questions. After the install had finished I noticed that some Video problems are present, at least in the Beta 2. This could be related to my specific SLI video setup. Although, NVIDIA provides a copyrighted driver to the LINUX users, it is however a slower process when it comes to updates and fixes. Also, the LINUX Video driver doesn't seem to support SLI under LINUX. There is support for 3D graphics running on one Card. The second card is being recognized but it seems not used for anything. With the compiz configuration, you are in for some pleasant surprise. It feels very smooth and I have to say, presents an eye candy, though there are some things that need a little tuning. The Desktop switcher has been redesigned and so is the Application access. All over it seems very promising and we may get a very similar feeling operating system as the latest from Redmond without the nightmares and the price tag. Without appropriate hardware, it doesn't seem to be much different from the previous release at least from the looks . We'll see once it is released!

Ubuntu 10.10 released!

With the Ubuntu 9.10 it is somewhat tricky to setup SVXLINK since the sound system has changed on Ubuntu systems. It is possible to set it up though.

Ubuntu 10.04 has similar challenges than 9.10

and it is the same with 10.10

The latest Ubuntu release is somewhat tricky to get the Alsa running. Also, I experienced some problems to compile the SVXLINK software. I don't recommend 10.04 with SVXLINK as of the date of this page yet.

With the later releases of Ubuntu e.g. version 9.10 and upwards, the Sound system has changed and it is more difficult to trace and find the changes needed to successfully install SVXLINK onto those Operating Systems. Foeke (PA3FNT) came up with a short Wiki on what the pre-requesits are in order to Compile SVXLINK into the UBUNTU systems.

Ubuntu 9.04 released!

On April 23 2009 Ubuntu released a new  LINUX distribution. This LINUX operating system is based on the Debian Core. The distribution is one of the easiest to install and is supported by many modern computer systems. In some LINUX distributions, there may be a problem with one or the other piece of hardware. Some manufacturer don't make the necessary information available to the LINUX community, needed to develop good driver. The result may be poorly performing hardware driver or nothing at all since the driver would be based on an educated guess. Ubuntu has been working hard to provide an Operating system that is reliable and easy to install on many hardware platforms.

SVXLINK and Ubuntu 9.04 will work with VIA EPIA-M Mini ITX SBC (Single Board Computer).

This VIA SBC is based on a 600MHz VIA C3 / EDEN processor. All necessary hardware is provided on board, such as Audio, Ethernet, Video etc. The maximum of memory that can be installed, is 1GB DDR266. The power consumption is between 10-25 W without Screen.

SVXLINK 090426 has been released.

This new release has primarily added features that allow the SVXLINK software to be use in the APRS network. There are several other improvement that can be found in more detail at http://svxlink.sourceforge.net/news.php

SVXLINK Server now have a new DTMF decoder and also a new tone detector. The SpanDSP library is no longer required. The RemoteTrx protocol have been improved with audio compression and authentication.

The Echolink module is now able to register itself on the Echolink "link status" page. APRS functionality have been added so that position and other useful info can be sent to the APRS network.

Qtel have three new translations: German, Spanish and Italian.

A number of bugs have been fixed.

As usual, be sure to check out the ChangeLog for more detailed information.

Ubuntu 9.04 has been tested with the VIA VB7001 Mini ITX and is working properly.

Ubuntu 9.10 is somewhat tricky to setup since the sound system has changed on Ubuntu systems. It is possible to set it up though.

Ubuntu 10.04 has similar challenges than 9.10

and I suspect the same with 10.10

The latest Ubuntu release is somewhat tricky to get the Alsa running. Also, I experienced some problems to compile the SVXLINK software. I don't recommend 10.04 with SVXLINK as of the date of this page yet.

Ubuntu 8.04 and SVXLINK has been tested on a VIA VB7001 Mini ITX SBC and found to be working.