So I boot into Ubuntu 8.04 for the first time in two weeks ...

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... after the Great Linux At-Home Test, and I forgot about the little Ubuntu bugs that are ... bothering me.

Why isn't the Update Manager telling me about the dozens of updates I have waiting for me. I kind of like not being bothered by it sitting there flashing at me while I'm trying to "work," but every other Ubuntu and Debian system I've ever installed with GNOME automatically checks for updates and tells me to get on it.

A typical Ubuntu Forums thread sheds little light on the problem ... but for some reason, about 20 minutes after I log in, the funky "updates are available" arrow appears.

I'm thinking: It could have something to do with the Ubuntu repositories being VERY busy. Or not. A built-in delay?

I opened up System -- Administration -- Services, as suggested in the forum thread, but I didn't even unlock the thing when suddenly the icon appeared. Oh well, I'll do the updates and keep an eye on it.

Is it mere impatience on my part? Will the "update" icon begin appearing on a regular basis? Is the mere opening of System -- Administration -- Services without changing a thing enough to jump-start the thing?

Hey, there's an Update Manager update ready to install ... maybe all will become clear.

Like I've said in numerous posts over the past two weeks, Ubuntu has an extra bit of polish on the desktop that Debian lacks, but there are a few niggly issues that keep Ubuntu from, as they say, being all it can be on my Gateway Solo 1450 laptop.

I've probably got the printing issue down, but I have yet to solve the USB flash drive problem, which I will begin working on again.

2 Comments

Alan Rochester said:

"It could have something to do with the Ubuntu repositories being VERY busy. Or not."

Have you chosen the best Download Server? There are dozens in the US and you may not be using the quickest.

If you use Synaptic click Settings> Repositories>(On the front page, the Ubuntu tab) Choose Download from Other, This will open another window "Choose a Download Server" click the Select Best Server button.

It will run a few tests to find the best for you. It may not be the one you have previously chosen...

Alan, that's a great tip. Thanks. I'll try it the next time I boot Ubuntu (which may be sooner rather than later).

(later) The same mirror was extremely fast at the office. I think my home DSL connection was getting hammered.

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This page contains a single entry by Steven Rosenberg published on May 21, 2008 5:00 AM.

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Steven Rosenberg on So I boot into Ubuntu 8.04 for the first time in two weeks ...: Alan, that's a great tip. Thanks. I'll try it the next time I boot Ubu ...

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