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Ubuntu 8.04 Dual Monitor Setup
Ubuntu: End of the Line?
I started this installation fully expecting this to be my last use of Ubuntu. Having fought with the 7.10 version I hardened myself to expect similar flaws that would make my further use [1.] of this distribution impossible. Hence, I did not prepare myself as I had the last time. Nonetheless, while there were some disconcerting, intermittent failures I am, for the present, decided to use this version of the Linux desktop. Indeed, this article was written on that desktop [2.].
Dual Monitors at Installation
If the title above included the requirement each had to be functional, the direct answer was No! Despite the overall failure, I think 8.04 was less of a pain than 7.10. The second monitor during the initial installation was not flashing neon type colors to jump start a migraine. It took on that behaviour after the first reboot. While the single monitor was acceptable it used the specifications of the smaller unit that was shut down. Hence, the screen resolution was much less than the larger screen's default. The attempt to auto configure yielded no improvement, but it backed up the xorg.conf file by placing a date / time stamp at the end of the file name. Thus, at least in the case of Ubuntu, the approach to successful configuration of dual monitors upon installation looks more asymptotic than a quickening or imminent approach towards success.
Dual Monitor Configuration, the Easy Way
The setup of the dual monitors, compared to previous experiences was simple. This was accomplished running off my other drive that had version 6.06 operating. As essentially root, I saved the "xorg.conf.dual" file into the proper directory for the 8.04 installation. I then edited the driver, changing it from nVidia to the free "nv", which became the afore mentioned file. Before closing 6.06 I copied the last version over the existing xorg.conf file. Thus, on startup of 8.04 I had a full dual monitor configuration with the "nv" driver active.
Upon startup, I was informed I had to accept less than optimal rendering. I took the lower screen resolutions, however, I had two screens showing the same image. That is, I had the clone, which was unacceptable. I then copied over the backup version of the dual monitor configuration file that used the proprietary nVidia driver. And it worked beautifully. Moreover, there was no weird problems with the terminals that would not appear or lacked functionality as I encountered under 7.10. Therefore, I became more open to trying this desktop despite other reservations [3.].
Dual Monitors in Pictures
In my opinion, pictures possess an inherent economic advantage over mere words:
Figure 1. Ubuntu 8.04 Desktop Screen Shot (Enlarge) Dual Monitors
And now for some icing on the cake, a digital photo of the dual monitors setup:
Figure 2. Ubuntu 8.04 Desktop Photo Shot (Enlarge) of Dual Monitors
Dual Monitor Wrapup
The configuration file used was an exact match, including errors, as the one I had on the 6.06 version. Hence, I think it is time to await more significant development, i.e. the time when a dual monitor setup is created during or shortly after installation of a Linux distribution. Thus, until that day arrives, I shall quietly paste in my old xorg.conf file in place fully expecting it to be immediately functional.
As a parting note on the topic, on a separate page I have included a copy of the xorg.conf file I am using. That is, including the seemingly active line calling for:
Option "Twinview" "on"
Also the unnecessary listing of multiple depths for a lcd monitor, i.e.:
...
DefaultDepth 24
SubSection "Display"
Depth 1
Modes "1600x1200"
EndSubSection
SubSection "Display"
Depth 4
Modes "1600x1200"
EndSubSection
SubSection "Display"
... // there were more up
// a depth of 24
Please notice the first line of the extracted section, the default depth. I am certain you will notice others I mentioned previously [4.] as the misnaming of the true default screen. Moreover, I remind you again that misidentification of ports seems to be a killer error, whereas the ones shown seem to be innocuous.
Summary
As I mentioned in the text, I see no further reason to write on this topic until there is a major advance seen either in a Linux distribution's install or configuration that pulls the process nearer to success. However, I hope that some have found these write ups useful.
I have seen some odd behaviour and encountered problems that were not all self induced pain. I plan is to discuss a few of these issues. The positive aspect is some can be avoided or I can learn of my errors. The topics I have currently in mind are the differing behaviour of the fstab files under the Ubuntu LTS desktops and my problems getting the newer version of Thunderbird to function properly (using previous content) on my new desktop.
Corrections, suggested extension or comments write: H. Cohen.
© Herschel Cohen, All Rights Reserved
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1. Under 7.10 using the nVidia proprietary driver it was either
impossible to open a terminal or if opened, it was not
active. This was the fault of the nVidia video driver.
As a result, it effectively precluded my use of dual
monitors, a feature I was unwilling to sacrifice. I
primarily do my maintenance on the command line. Hence,
I have no interest in any Linux distribution that cannot
support both. Return
2. A version of Debian will likely soon take the place of 6.06,
once I have all features I require working properly on the
8.04 desktop. Return
3. I encountered a number of strange problems, some intermitant
others real and not obviously self inflicted. I intend to
write about these seaparately, later. Return
4. The other articles I wrote on installing dual monitors on
used VGA and DVI & VGA connections. Return
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