linuxgeek: [LINUX_Newbies] Re: Older Laptop & Ubuntu

A BIG thank you for the responses! Some great information. Although I did find the problem. In my excitement when the computer arrived in the mail and I was excited that it worked and everything, I neglected to look and see just what version of everything was running. The computer had evidently been sitting for a few years. I found this out because I went to download something else and I received a message that said upgrade to a more recent version of explorer. Turns out that it still had something like explorer five and for the Windows XP it was still on service pac 2! So, I spent a day upgrading everything on Windows and then Ubuntu loaded up just fine and is now working with a desktop and everything.
Another learning experience for me. Thank you again for all the suggestions. I will keep them for any future reference.

--- In LINUX_Newbies@yahoogroups.com, "Gabrielle" <dawnyisrael13@...> wrote:
>
> Greetings, I just recently purchased a Panasonic Toughbook with the following specs:
>
> Type Notebook
> Screen Size 13.3"
> Brand Panasonic
> Processor Type CENTRINO
> Product Line Toughbook
> Processor Speed 1.3GHZ
> Model CF29
> Memory 1.25GB
> Operating System Windows XP
> Hard Drive Capacity 40GB
>
> I was pretty excited when it arrived and wanted to get Ubuntu on it quick. I already have another laptop (Toshiba) that I have Ubuntu on and I love it. No problem with downloading Ubuntu on that laptop either. I can not say the same for my new/old laptop. I went to the Ubuntu site and downloaded the for windows version so I could dual boot. It downloaded OK and even had me pick my name and password. So, I then reboot and choose Ubuntu from the screen and it goes to the Ubuntu orange screen but no desktop is there. It is the desktop without all the icons that usually pop up along the left side and also nothing in the upper right corner for time, shut down, etc. So, I turn it off and back on. When I hit my off switch the Ubuntu logo does come up in the middle with the dots underneath as the computer powers down. I reboot, it asks me to sign in again and goes to a blank Ubuntu screen again.
> Where is the desktop? Please help, I am not sure why it did not set up the desktop completely.
> Thank you
>