X redraw issue

[gnat]

Hello,
I'm getting back to Linux on my desktop (laptop) for the first time since 2001. I've been testing it out on a work provided Lenovo for the last couple of weeks and found kubuntu was the best fit for me. So now I'm ready to commit on my personal laptop and my normal work laptop (both Macs). This morning I started with my personal laptop.

My personal laptop is a MacBookPro3,1 (64bit/4GB/200GB) and my work laptop (not the loaner Lenovo) is a MBP6,1 (64bit/8GB/500GB).

The install went fine from a Mac specific 64bit ISO of 12.04 that I burned on to a CD (the normal ISO just froze after selecting "Start kubuntu" in a test-only menu (not the blue background menu I get from the Live CD). After the install once I've logged in it doesn't appear that my mouse clicks or typing has any effect. If, however, I force the screen to redraw by (for example) minimizing a window I can see that what ever I did indeed had the desired effect.

For example if I have a terminal open I can't see anything I type or the output from whatever I execute until I minimize and restore the window (but then it is frozen again until another round of minimizing and restoring).

I booted my work MBP off the install disk and everything worked fine. I tried booting my work laptop off my personal laptop's hard drive using Apple's target disk mode, but GRUB complained about not having a boot device (I assumed this had to do with my partitioning, but after reinstalling (see below) that feature I love most about Macs still doesn't work). Next I booted my personal laptop off the live CD and everything worked just fine, so assuming that maybe my overly complicated partitioning had something to do with it I reinstalled Kubuntu and let it do it's recommended single partition install. After rebooting onto the fresh install it had the same input issue.

Since the laptop does use a Nvidia card and I've read a bit about issues there I did try installing the nvidia-current package but it didn't seem to have any effect.

This issue occurs with the built in track pad and keyboard as well as with external devices.

I haven't been able to really test it (since doing anything is a real PITA like this) but I've noticed that the desktops widget seems to be saying that what ever is on my current desktop is also on the second desktop as well. Booting off the Live CD on either laptop does not show that same behavior.


Does anyone have any idea what is going on and how I can fix it?

I wouldn't apply for a job as a Sys Admin, but I've been using Linux and UNIX environments since the mid-90s so you hopefully shouldn't have to speak too slowly at me as I am comfortable on the command line

Thanks,
-dave

[gnat]

On a whim I just installed ubuntu-desktop, switched to lightdm, and tried Unity and it worked fine. I switched back to KDE (still with lightdm) and it went back to being problematic.

So I'm pretty sure this is a KDE issue now, but as the Live CD works I'm assuming it's a config issue.

Does anyone know what might be different about the KDE configuration on the Live CD vs what it installs? Alternatively can someone tell me how to mount the internal HDD when I boot from the the Live CD so I can troll the directory structure for differences?

Thanks,
-dave

[ronw]

I'd try turning off desktop effects as a starting point.

[gnat]

I assume that is some where in the system settings app? Is there a way to do that from the command line nice using the GUI is a pain (and out right useless for some windows (like I can't bind to my blue tooth devices due to the type of windows it prompts you with)?

[gnat]

I'd try turning off desktop effects as a starting point.

Thank you. You've saved my laptop from getting embedded in the wall

Now I suppose I can go read up on what the effects are to see if I care (guessing I won't).

Thanks,
-dave

[ronw]

You're welcome. Strictly eye candy, imo, although there is an accessibility section. Avoid "Blur".

[mentalcic]

Had similar issue with brand new Kubuntu 12.04 installation - no additional tweaks just plain install - after login to KDE system got somewhat "unresponsive" I taught, but when I changed to console (Ctrl+Alt+F1) and reverted back to KDE all was drawn pretty nice. Every click (mouse movement works fine) got no results e.g. when I click on K launcher no menu will appear etc. until I change to console and back to see a K-menu appear.

I turned off desktop effects using a shortcut Alt+Shift+F12 (in KDE this acts as a toggle off/on) and issue was resolved and system became usable.

In next step I used KDE Additional Drivers application to upgrade nVidia drivers to current (it was recommended option) and rebooted.

Now, using shortcut mentioned above, turned on desktop effects. All works fine so far with desktop effects turned on.

Hope this info will help someone with similar problems.

[GreyGeek]

On the Advanced Page of Desktop settings are controls which set Composting type (OpenGL, XRender), Scale method (crisp, smooth, accurate) and OpenGL options (UseOpenGL 2 shaders, Use CSync).

You might find a combination of those which will allow you to keep desktop effects enabled and thus enjoy 3D speed.