My old Ubuntu install recently crashed (trying to get dual monitors setup), so I decided to give Ubuntu 8.04 a shot.

I have the Quadro 3500/4000 Nvidia video card.  It was causing some issues for me when I did an upgrade install to 8.04 - installing a fresh copy of Ubuntu fixed the problem (wasn’t recognizing my second monitor properly).

I will give you a quick overview to how I got things working (skip to step three if you already have Ubuntu installed):

Step Zero: Backup all of your movies, music, documents, etc.

Step One: Get Ubuntu - you have a few options:

• Go to http://www.ubuntu.com/ and download the latest desktop release
• Hop in your car and head to Best Buy and pickup a copy for 19.99
• Find a good torrent of it
• Ask your friend to download it for you and pay them in beer

You might ask yourself why you would buy Ubuntu when you could just download it for free.  Well, when you buy the boxed copy you get some support for it, which isn’t a bad thing. (Personally, I just use the free Ubuntu forums for support).  Secondly, by buying Ubuntu you are supporting the open source community, which is an awesome thing.

Step Two: Install Ubuntu

• If you decide to download Ubuntu, you will have to burn the ISO image to a CD. If you are already using Linux, you know how to do this.  If you are using Windows - I would recommend downloading CDBurnerXP.  It makes this painless.
• Once you have your Ubuntu CD made - reboot your computer with the CD in the drive.  Most computers will automatically detect it and bring up the Ubuntu splash screen - if you need help, just post a comment.
• Follow the instructions to install Ubuntu - it is fairly easy…just make sure you have backed up your Windows files or are installing to a second hard drive.

Step Three: Install Restricted Drivers

• Once on the Ubuntu Desktop go to: System->Administration->Hardware Drivers
• Click the Enabled Button.

• You will be required to restart your X server (hold down CTRL-ALT-BACKSPACE)

Step Four: Installing and Configuring Nvidia-Settings

• Once you log back in open the terminal (Applications->Accessories->Terminal)
• Type in the following:

sudo apt-get install nvidia-settings

This will install the nvidia settings controls.  Next type:

sudo nvidia-settings

This will bring up the following window:

• Click Configure and then select Twin View
• Restart your X Server again (CTRL-ALT-BACKSPACE)

That is it!  You should be working now.  If you have any questions just leave me a comment here.

Upcoming posts: How to get Everquest Two working under Ubuntu 8.04!