Computer Issue

[Ted]

First step involving Ubuntu appears to be working.

Wow! You did it!

I use Ubuntu too, but not (yet) on my primary computer. That day is coming – I'm already shopping for a laptop to be my new primary computer.

But in my experience, it's a rare Windows user who will brave the suggestion to "download a copy of Ubuntu and install it on a USB flash drive."

It says a lot about you, and your (our) trust in 64G that you'd dive into the unknown on his advice.

[Blooby]

Thanks, Ted.

64's suggestions are always so measured and detailed, it was a no brainer. I hope he doesn't start a cult because I'd be first in line.

What started this whole mess was installing some current versions of Waves plugins (they had a buy 1/get 3 free sale I fell prey to), which wiped out my heavily used old ones. This led to a Waves tech taking over my computer, and within minutes, Studio One would crash before loading. After an update, I couldn't even get in my computer.

I'm close now. Studio One, my interface, Addictive Drums, IK Multimedia plugins, Valhalla DSP plugins are all now working. All my old Waves plugins are back with the inclusion of 3 of the 4 new plugins because older versions exist for them.

I was 99% done with a mix of an album that should have been released by Christmas. I lost the album project, but I still have the songs with my last mixes on an external hard drive. I'll have to redo the mastering effects chain and tweak some individual song levels, but I can definitely see light at the end of the tunnel.

I reminded myself many times that in the grand scheme of things, this was not a big deal, but it still was hanging over my head...both the computer issue and finally putting a bow on this album. Soon, I can release it to a large void where nobody will hear it, but at least I can check it off my list.

Thanks again to 64.

Bruce

[64Guitars]

Sounds like your computer is nearly back to normal Blooby. That's good news. 👍

[64Guitars]

I use Ubuntu too, but not (yet) on my primary computer. That day is coming – I'm already shopping for a laptop to be my new primary computer.

I recently bought a new laptop from Star Labs. It came with Ubuntu 22.04 pre-installed, though I could have chosen from a wide range of Linux distributions.

It's a brand new model, so there were a couple of firmware issues. The USB ports and the microSD card reader didn't work properly. But Star Labs tech support has been very helpful. They provided a firmware update which fixed the USB port issue, and they emailed me yesterday to say that the fix for the card reader is almost ready. They're just doing some final testing of it, so I should have the firmware update any day now.

I'm quite happy with my new laptop and with Star Labs. I didn't want to pay Microsoft for an operating system that I'd immediately replace with Ubuntu, so it was great to be able to order a computer with Ubuntu pre-installed. No Microsoft tax!

Of course, Star Labs isn't the only company offering computers with Linux pre-installed. Some others are System76, Purism, Juno, Tuxedo, HP, and Dell.

[Ted]

I recently bought a new laptop from Star Labs. It came with Ubuntu 22.04 pre-installed, though I could have chosen from a wide range of Linux distributions.

...

 No Microsoft tax!

Of course, Star Labs isn't the only company offering computers with Linux pre-installed. Some others are System76, Purism, Juno, Tuxedo, HP, and Dell.

I'm researching to see if I can buy a computer with no OS, or with Linux preinstalled here in Madagascar. I'm skeptical that I can find one. I think ordering from any of the vendors you mention would add a lot to the cost, because of the cost of shipping (if they even ship to Madagascar).

I'd rather not pay the "Microsoft tax," but I also know that all the crapware that comes on new computers somewhat nullifies the Microsoft tax. I'll ask the local Linux groups if it's a lost cause trying to find a new computer without Windows.