[Visualpython-users] Notes on Ubuntu 9.10

[Gary P. <gar...@gm...>]

Here are a few recent observations:

Preface:  I had visual running on Ubuntu 9.10.   I think I compiled it
myself ... I don't really remember.  But I have another problem:  Ubuntu
9.10 has a bug in the kernel and/or Mesa which causes irretrevable damage to
the file system if you have Radeon Mobility 7500 graphics, which of course I
do have.  Hence I'm very reluctant to run Vpython (or Googleearth, or ... ).

Notes:

Someone has made new boost packages for Ubuntu:
https://launchpad.net/~ajmitch/+archive/ppa<https://launchpad.net/%7Eajmitch/+archive/ppa>

I installed them on a Ubuntu 9.10 virtual machine, and Vpython did not
segfault.  Python did crash with a graphics error when I attempted to create
a sphere, but you may have different results.

I have a workaround that lets me use visual on my Ubuntu machine, and I can
think of another that should work for anyone.

My University has put a WinXP machine on my desk.  I have Vpython installed
there, and I access the machine using Remote Desktop Protocol from Ubuntu.
Works like a charm.  Little or no degradation of performance.

Another idea that should work, but I haven't tried it, is to install a
distribution of linux for which Vpython *does* work on a virtual machine on
the Ubuntu host.  VirtualBox <http://www.virtualbox.org/> seems to work
perfectly on Ubuntu, and it's (mostly) open source.  E.g., install a Fedora
guest on the Ubuntu host, then install Vpython on Fedora.  There's likely to
be a small performance hit in this scheme, but it might be tolerable.  Maybe
I'll give this a try myself if I have time.

-gary