Help with Linux on Laptop - Tech Support Forums

#43 fan · December 23rd, 2007, 11:37 AM

Hello, I am having problems with an Asus Laptop.
The problem is that after I installed and updated Ubuntu Linux, the computer remained slow, but I fixed the wireless connection problem.
So, what the problem is that none of the programs that Linux has wants to load, including Firefox and games. It's like the 2GB of RAM is compressed down to 256 MB's, it's just running extremely slow.
Now, during the update I noticed that Compiz is installed, could that be causing problems.
Also, the GPU is a Geforce GO 7600, and nVidia said that that chip uses proprietary Asus drivers, so is that a possible cause?
If anybody has any ideas or needs more info, please post.

**EvilRick** · December 23rd, 2007, 12:30 PM

I would say the Compiz is a good place to start. You may also want to check 'Restricted Drivers Manager' and enable anything that's in there.

The laptop I'm on now (Compag nc8000) was real sluggish until I enabled the ATi video driver using the RDM and now it clips along great.

#43 fan · December 23rd, 2007, 12:37 PM

I enabled the nVidia driver, forgot to mention that.
I'll try disabling, if not removing compiz. Hopefully that's the problem.
Edit- Exactly how do I disable and remove compiz? Do I just disable the effects, or do i have to uninstall compiz via Synaptic (Add/Remove doesn't contain compiz).

**EvilRick** · December 23rd, 2007, 01:42 PM

I'd leave the driver enabled. I just have my Compiz disabled. I have all the desktop 'eye candy' disabled as well.

Did you install any extras? You may just have so much running in the background it's using a lot of resources.

- From the menu, check 'System/Preferences/Sessions' and see what's starting up.
- From the menu, check 'System/Administration/Services' and see what's running.

#43 fan · December 23rd, 2007, 06:41 PM

No, I meant disable Compiz, not the driver.
I'm not sure on extras, the only thing I can think of is the educational games I put on. That may be the problem, but I'll look at the other things first.
Also, when I boot linux, but not WIndows Vista, there is a beep from the speakers for 30 seconds. Any idea what that is about?
I'll check the other things you said to look at.
Thanks for the help so far, BTW.

SeanC · December 31st, 2007, 11:33 PM

It's easiest to uninstall Compiz (Synaptic or apt-get remove) then see if the problem goes away.

Is the beep one long continuous beep for 30 seconds? Or a beep repeating for 30 seconds?

#43 fan · January 2nd, 2008, 08:42 PM

One long continuous beep (note that this is far after the BIOS POST check).
Perhaps it is Ubuntu trying to communicate with the sound card?
I'll try a different Linux version, too.

SeanC · January 2nd, 2008, 10:25 PM

Does it do the same thing when you boot with the LiveCD?

#43 fan · January 6th, 2008, 01:12 PM

Yes, it does.
On the up, with Compiz disabled, it seems to be mostly working. Except for the beep.

SeanC · January 7th, 2008, 12:36 AM

Have you been able to try a different distribution yet? To see if it does the same thing? I have no more ideas.