Linux running slower compared to WinXp.

[rishitells]

Hi, I am using Ubuntu and Windows Xp in dual boot. Ubuntu runs fine but the problem is that, compared to Xp, ubuntu runs very slow. Programs take much time to load, linux file manager is also very slow compared to windows explorer.
And internet browing is also slower in ubuntu.

I have AMD Athlon 64 3000+ 754 pin.
512 MB DDR 400 RAM.
500GB Seagate Harddisk.
I don't have any graphics card.
I have to share my RAM for increasing graphics.

Does my configuration has anything to do with this problem?
Or Linux is slower than windows OSes.

 

[Liverpool_fan]

Well Linux is NOT slower than Windows. Ubuntu can be potentially slower but that depends.
Which version of Ubuntu are you using anyway? Ubuntu 8.04, and Ubuntu 8.10 are pretty darn slow I admit. I would suggest if you are using these older versions, then instal Ubuntu 9.04, it's pretty fast.
If you are using Ubuntu 9.04, it's pretty strange that you find it slow. Are you comparing Ubuntu to a fresh copy of XP? Fresh copy of XP is pretty fast, but it will go slower and slower as you install programs in it.
Also 512MB RAM how much you allocate for GFX? because anything below 384 MB of physical RAM would mean a very slow Ubuntu.
In that case, upgrade you RAM or a use less bloated distro like Arch, Debian, or Slackware.

 

[Cool G5]

I think this has got something to do with the SWAP allocation.

 

[rishitells]

I share 32/64 MB RAM and I am using ubuntu 9.04.
I find it slower because when i run some program ( say, movie player), it takes much time to operate in fullscreen mode. Also, while browsing in firefox or opera, the pages take much time to load and i can't watch YouTube videos smoothly as in WinXP.

I think it's just because of RAM.
But I have DDR 400 and I think it's a money-waste to upgrade it.
Also, how much swap should I allocate?

 

[Liverpool_fan]

Which Graphics Card? It seems as a graphics issue.

Go to Applications->Accessories->Terminal and post the output of:

lspci | grep VGA

 

[Rahim]

Rishab, open a Terminal and enter these 2 commands and copy/paste its output.
1. sudo fdisk -l
2. top

Both the above commands will show how much swap have you allocated. a 500 MB swap is more than enough.
Another reason might be graphics problem. Use the command posted by Liverpool_Fan.

By any chance, have you installed any other Linux distro and if yes, then, was it as slow as Ubuntu?

 

[rishitells]

My graphics card is integrated VIA K8M800- S3 Unichrome Pro IGP.
But graphics memory depends on shared RAM. I normally keep it to 32 MB.
I think it is a graphics card problem.
Because if I try to run 3D Screensaver in ubuntu, the computer hangs completely, I have to restart the pc.

 

[FilledVoid]

I'm betting my money on the video driver. Ubuntu is known to be weird for certain video adapters. Especially Intel. Although I was able to find a workaround for Intel I doubt there is one for S3.

Because if I try to run 3D Screensaver in ubuntu, the computer hangs completely, I have to restart the pc.

Furthermore this pretty much confirms it. If you are willing to give it a go then I would start from here.

*help.ubuntu.com/community/OpenChrome

A quote from the above link

3D doesn't always work

The openchrome driver (and previously the via driver) alone only supports 2D acceleration.

3D acceleration (Direct Rendering Infrastructure) is provided by a companion driver by the Mesa project and it is normally already installed on your system.

From openchrome revision 749 DRI was disabled by default, and all 3D application runs in Software Rasterizer mode. This solution resolve many problems and system freezing, specially with OpenGL applications, games, screensavers, and Wine (See Launchpad bug #274340). You haven't 3D acceleration (3D application is very slow), but your system won't freeze.

There is no good 3D driver because VIA has not released enough chipset specifications to free software developers.

For desktop PC users a definitive solution is to use another graphics card. For laptop users, their options are limited.

Hope the link helps you in some way.

 

[rishitells]

I am going to try it.
Thanks very much for the info.

 

[Cool G5]

My graphics card is integrated VIA K8M800- S3 Unichrome Pro IGP.
But graphics memory depends on shared RAM. I normally keep it to 32 MB.
I think it is a graphics card problem.
Because if I try to run 3D Screensaver in ubuntu, the computer hangs completely, I have to restart the pc.

Ohh
The VIA chipset has very bad support under Linux due to non-disclosure of chipset specifications by VIA. I too had one & had a hell lot of trouble configuring it. Even when it worked it was only for a short period & would again pop-up now & then.

 

[rishitells]

^^Yes, I am also having lot of trouble configuring it.
So I am not going to do anything for it.
I will upgrade my system ASAP.

 

[Cool G5]

That's the best thing you can do
Also use some other distro since majority of Ubuntu users face problem with display.

 

[FilledVoid]

Also use some other distro since majority of Ubuntu users face problem with display.

Most of Ubuntus display issues are just minor annoyances which can be solved. Not ot mention thats its a very good beginner distro.

I will upgrade my system ASAP.

Id just throw in a display card if you have one or can get one cheap. Unless you have been planning to buy a new system of course.

 

[siddharthmakwana]

Also, while browsing in firefox or opera, the pages take much time to load and i can't watch YouTube videos smoothly as in WinXP.

increase ur RAM and also try disabling ipv6 from ur network setting to get good internet speed.....