Thinkpads Forum

I just installed Ubuntu on my think pad. So far its great, running smoothly and easily connected to the internet.

My first question is how do I enable the bluetooth option? I have done all the updates and still looking for the bluetooth connectivity,

And finally what is the major difference, between Fedora and Ubuntu. Is one for more experienced individuals than others? I had to decide between the two and was having a hard time but picked Ubuntu.

To enable bluetooth, if FN-F5 does'nt work, type in a terminal

sudo echo enable > /proc/acpi/ibm/bluetooth

Replace enable by disable do turn off bluetooth...

I think one of the biggest difference between Ubuntu and Fedora is that most of the Fedora packages are precompiled for i686 architecture, wich make the system more fast and reactive.

Another difference is that Ubuntu is based on debian and uses apt package manager, wich probably is the best. Fedora is based on Red Hat and uses rpm packages, with yum package manager. It's a bit slowest than apt but does the same thing...

I prefer Fedora because i like a very reactive system and there is a difference. But Ubuntu is a good distro too, specially for beginners... You will have to configure a few files manually in Fedora...

Enjoy your Linux

Thanks for the information.
Yes Im new to this so Im still trying playing around. I got this guidance book and hopefully ill learn a thing or two.

Quick question. Whats an RPM package?

Ubuntu is a fine choice. It's very popular right now, and should allow you to get help more easily. But not from me since I'm a Fedora fan.

As was mentioned, Ubuntu uses APT packages because it is based on Debian, which also uses APT. Fedora uses packages in the RPM (RedHat Package Manager) format. Both are ways to package up a collection of files.

Fedora also uses yum to manage package dependencies, and Ubuntu uses apt-get for that. Fedora used to be quite slow when determining which updates to get, but since version 8 is much improved.

Fedora only makes available free software for which you can get source. Ubuntu provides you with non-free software if you opt for it. So if you have a WiFi or video chip that has no open-source software, it's usually easier to get working with Ubuntu.

Thankfully, some folks have set up their own repositories of non-free software, and titles the Fedora team decided to leave out. It's not SO difficult, but it does take a few more steps besides clicking "Yes" when asked "Install the non-free driver?"

There are also differences in system configuration. Neither is better or worse - they are just different in minor ways like locations of some configuration files.

I think Fedora adopts newer versions more quickly than Ubuntu, which can be good, or not so good.

Sorry for the long answer, but the two main differences are Free software and frequency of updates.

Depending on which ThinkPad you have, there may be a switch that kills power to all RF devices (the T60 has one).

Actually Ubuntu uses .deb packages and apt to install them. You can also use Synaptic package manager if you want to click to install software. Most Linux software is available through it's respective package managers unlike windows where you buy it on a cd. So get connected to the internet and open up synaptic and search for software using keywords, mark them for installation and click apply. Go get some coffee and when you get back the software will be installed.