multiple problems

[Klaatu2]

I have been using Ultimate Edition since version 3.0 and have been generally happy with it. However, I just recently had to purchase a new laptop and things have gone south rather quickly. In short, Ultimate Edition 3.4 LTS on this laptop has been a charlie foxtrot from the get-go. Multiple issues with icons going AWOL from the panel, to losing the weather function, to Compiz crashing every time I try to use it. Metacity is the only mode that is stable. Even Cinnamon can't be run on this system. Additionally, wifi is iffy at best. It won't even connect to my home system. Go figure.

I never should have deleted the Win 8 OS; at least Windows seems to run universally.

Laptop is a Lenovo with a AMD quad core processor, ATI Radeon graphics (8600 HD (?)), Broadcom networking.

Any suggestions other than going back to MS OS?

[pam]

G'day Klaatu2

So basically what your'e saying is that you are using bleeding edge(latest) hardware. The radeon HD 8600 inside the APU will require you to have the latest kernel and catalyst drivers.
Download your drivers from here... http://www.amd.com/drivers

The driver will not only help your graphics but also the CPU inside. The APU is a new technology that also depends on catalyst.

I'd suggest a simpler OS like Ultimate Edition 3.4 lite and try to upgrade your kernel and they install catalyst. If kernel installation is too daunting just install the latest catalyst.

[Klaatu2]

Well, I would have stuck with 3.2 but kept getting those annoying "your system is no longer supported' messages. V3.4 worked fine on my previous laptop. Just seems very buggy on this one. I know nothing about upgrading kernels except as it pertains to the automatic updates. As a matter of fact, that is when the problems really started - after downloading a boat load of updates.

As a follow-up: How is the Lite version different from the LTS version?

[pam]

There is your problem --- updates. It is actually an upgrade. Ubuntu version changes to higher version. In the future there wont be any problems. As of now, it will bring down your system, wifi goes bonkers etc...

Ultimate Edition 3.4 lite is also based on ubuntu 12.04 LTS. It has fewer programs than the official 3.4 version. Most used programs are already installed. Which also means fewer bugs and less crashes.

You should not face any problems with it.

[Klaatu2]

Soooo....I should never download the files that update manager says I need? The version of Ubuntu still shows the same version - 12.04. I guess the obvious question is - what is the point of a new OS that can't be optimized with newer versions of files? And why would updates be available that knowingly screw up the OS?

Just curious; no offense meant.

[pam]

You are right. Im not sure but i think it jumps from 12.04 to 12.04.3 etc etc... since its LTS, it has a high priority.
A raw ubuntu OS has most core programs available from the repos. Ultimate Edition contains packages from everywhere else too. An upgrade path handicaps dependencies that can start a chain reaction.

So stock ubuntu's should give you no problems with upgrades.

There is way out.. Xan knows it. But its more hectic than installing kernels and device drivers. In a practical real world scenario upgrading Ultimate Edition is a backward step( at least for now).

Xanayoshi is well versed in these matters and might have a solution. But its totally not worth it. He takes Ultimate Edition to the surgery room and can do magic. But he is the only doctor!!

[Klaatu2]

OK, many thanks for the info. I will probably try Lite or one of the Oz editions or maybe go back to 3.2. What about 3.5? Any thoughts on that?

[pam]

3.5 is good. 3.5.1 is not.

You will definitely need to install the drivers for your radeons. And even new firefox or whichever browser you use. Kernel upgrade will increase stability and reduce crashes. Can try liquorix in the how to section. ... No need to upgrade kernel if you have no time on your athlon but like you mentioned the new quad with hd 8600 will definitely need a new kernel.

The new Oz Diamond is upto date(kernel/ firefox etc). You will face no problems with it on your new or old system. Just install graphics drivers.

[Klaatu2]

I am downloading Diamond IIB even as we speak. Thanks again for your help; I'll probably be back with more questions.

[Klaatu2]

Pam, if you are there...

After trying Diamond, I went with Ultimate Edition 3.5 and after upgrading the graphics drivers, even Compiz is working! Already being notified that 700+ updates are available. So, I should not download any of these? What about staying away from any OS updates and downloading the rest? Thanks.