Ubuntu Karmic - Update to Thunderbird 3

Given the fact than, even thunderbird 3 is already released, but not included in standard ubuntu package repository, I went the ubuntuzilla route to have thunderbird upgraded to 3.

Here are the steps, that you can also find here:

command line, as normal user:

echo "deb http://switch.dl.sourceforge.net/project/ubuntuzilla/apt all main" | sudo tee -a /etc/apt/sources.list > /dev/null
sudo apt-key adv --recv-keys --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com C1289A29

synaptics package manager

- update
- install ubuntuzilla

command line, as normal user

ubuntuzilla.py -a installupdater -p thunderbird
ubuntuzilla.py -a checkforupdategui -p thunderbird
ubuntuzilla.py -a install -p thunderbird

It took about 5 minutes all the process, then restarted thunderbird, and all is fine, and I'm happy!!

Linux on a Fujitsu U810 - External Monitor in Karmic Koala

After using the 'nomodeset' option explained here, I also found a new improvement:

in order to switch from external monitor to only use LCD, pressing FN+A works as expected, out-of-the-box!!

=> thus, it is not necessary to do the hack explained here anymore !!

Wow, every time this computer is faster and more powerful; I'm using it on a daily basis for work, so I was thinking about switching to a new laptop, but this u810 is getting faster and with more features !

I only miss integrated 3G ....

Linux on a Fujitsu U810 - Upgrade to karmic koala - External Monitor Update

Following the bug resolution here, I currently have the following setup to have the external monitor working as it was working in Ubuntu's previous version, jaunty:

In file /boot/grub/menu.lst, in the kernel line, I have added the nomodeset option:

title Ubuntu 9.10, kernel 2.6.31-17-generic
root (hd0,4)
kernel /boot/vmlinuz-2.6.31-17-generic root=UUID=<deleted> ro quiet splash nomodeset
initrd /boot/initrd.img-2.6.31-17-generic

And reboot.

I find the screen very nice and sharp, not any flickering even in small lines (I'm working with a 24'', 1900x1200), even better than in previous ubuntu. (Do I have to remember that using windows, maximum external resolution is 1600x768? ;-))

overall, I feel this new version much faster that previous, much more responsive, so I encourage all of you to upgrade asap, you won't be disappointed !!

update: I have even activated compiz, and the system still feels very responsive, so I keep it activated !