Ubermix Changelog

There are two branches for ubermix, leading-edge and stable, which correspond with Ubuntu's regular and "Long Term Support" (LTS) releases. In general, for most applications we recommend using the most recent release available. While at certain times this version might be the "stable" release, keep in mind that "stable" in the open source world means "doesn't change much" and is often code for "old". As such, don't be afraid to use a non-"stable" version. They are just as reliable as "stable" versions.

Leading-edge Branch - Ubuntu intermediary (18 month) releases:

Stable Branch - Ubuntu LTS (3 year) release:

Ubuntu 11.04 (Natty Narwhal) - Updates through Oct 2012 0.912 (pending) Updated kernel Added gvfs-fuse package to improve Libreoffice performance when using files on Windows network shares. Added the network-autostart script to the default install, rather than as part of simple updates. Facilitates automated updates/changes. Updated compat-wireless drivers in /usr/local/lib/wireless for users of newer systems that require updated drivers. 0.911 Added a mechanism for setting the size of the user changes partition on install from the key. Limited recent files list in launcher to a reasonable 18 (3 rows on a netbook), instead of endless and eternal. Fixed focus flutter/focus out issue in the launcher. Now if you manage to get the launcher in a focused out state, clicking any category will bring it back. Updated Monitor Settings with quick buttons for common settings, and added advanced options for multi-monitor layouts. Fixed auto-hostname script to better handle devices with multiple ethX interfaces (Intel wireless adapters) Applied latest Ubuntu updates 0.910 Updated kernel Added Clickpad usability patches for HP's with Clickpads (ick). Resolved login window appearing on some units after an automatic or manual reset (although it may still appear on first boot after a fresh image) Updated Openshot to 1.4 Applied latest Ubuntu updates 0.909 Revised fix script for older EeePCs to further improve RALink 2860 (rt2860) wireless performance on EeePC 901s Updated SUSD simple updates Fixed prob that caused a grub error after a resize of base system partition. Changed the way the factory restore menu appears. Now block any spurious errors at startup (like udevd errors on EeePC 90x/1000x series), so that factory restore menu doesn't get pushed off the screen. Eliminated the "alter key" prompt on resize base sys partition - alters key automatically on update key (makes more sense) Improved startup/shutdown splash screen reliability/performance Applied latest Ubuntu updates 0.908 Don't delete bookmarks/favorites on customizers when creating simple updates/updating the base image. Update kernel and drivers Slow down indicator-applet load to eliminate occasional duplicate indicators and improve reliability Update compat-wireless driver archive to current release for custom driver installs (primarily for troubleshooting). 0.907 Fix fullscreen Flash video blank issue Additional fixes for rt2860sta wake from sleep Updated iPod compat libs for newer iPod revs Add amd-fusion support script Applied latest Ubuntu updates 0.906 Further improvements to Realtek 8188/92ce wireless driver (Dell Mini 1018 and perhaps other models) Update fix script for older EeePCs that use the RALink 2860 wireless cards. Removed "System Settings" from the power menu Updated install key script to improve performance on upgrade installs 0.905 Fix doubled-up battery remaining time under battery indicator after wake from sleep Update Realtek 8188/92ce driver (again) to improve reliability with some wireless APs Remove indicator-me (chat status indicator) from applet panel Eliminated occasional indicator-applet reload at startup issue (I think) Update to Firefox 5 Added user home folder to the default folder list Enabled active state power management to improve battery life (kernel bug workaround) 0.904 Fixed Broadcom wireless driver - was broken in 0.903 (oops!) Applied latest Ubuntu updates 0.903 Add an indicator for caps, num, and scroll lock keys for devices with no light or other indicator. Updated kernel and applied latest Ubuntu updates. 0.902 Ralink rt2860sta driver update and custom "fix" script for Asus EeePC 900A, 901, and 1000H(A,D). See specific instructions at bottom of the Download & Install page. Freed up a little more space on the base system partition. Kernel update Added a few minor compatibility packages. Applied latest updates. 0.901 Disable Flash GPU validation to improve performance Update version numbers on custom packages Free up some base-system partition space by removing unnecessary packages Resolved connection/performance issues with Ralink wireless adapters (2860 & 3090) Applied latest Ubuntu updates 0.900 Final Fixed the static background problem in the default theme. Changed default theme favorites button to only react when the heart is clicked on (prevents accidental favorite/un-favorite) Disable auto-monitor detection, so that devices don't automatically switch to dual-screen mode when an external display is plugged in. Applied latest updates 0.900rc2 Update brightness fix script for EeePCs Update Duo mod scripts Improve the focus in/out functionality when launcher is in the background Set default record path in webcam capture tool to appropriate folders Update cheese to v3 to resolve webcam video recording issue on some devices Mod go-home-applet to reload the launcher if it dies (just in case) Applied latest upstream updates 0.900 Release Candidate 1 Netbook-launcher - prevent icon list from failing to return on focus, add auto-resize on screen size change, fix indicator on settings, update classic theme for more flexibility in screen size Add launcher theme switcher to enable return to "classic" theme Add lxrandr (better monitor settings) Add code to make lxrandr default to mirror mode Update Celestia default preferences for better performance Fix Inspiron Duo specific mod package Add default simple updates set Apply latest updates 0.900 Beta 2 Update to proposed kernel 2.6.38-9 to fix ath9k+wpa2 wireless issues Update local wireless script to allow install of any compat-wireless driver Apply Realtek 8188/92ce mods from prior releases (default driver still sucks) Update rights for /usr/local/lib folder Fix Scribus-ng prefs so that dialog fits on small screen Fix Phun (oops!) Eliminate spurious DBus error when attaching USB storage devices Fix file associations for LibreOffice Known issues: On first boot, you may be prompted for a password. The password is "password". Subsequent boots will automatically log you in. The indicator tray can be flaky the first couple of starts while it is getting its settings together. Usually stabilizes within a couple of starts. 0.900 Beta 1 Initial release based on Ubuntu 11.04. Includes new launcher layout and significant updates. Known Issues: A spurious error is thrown when connecting a storage device (like a USB key) to a USB port. Has no impact on usability of the device. Has not been tested on a wide range of hardware. Might require additional drivers for some devices. Dell Inspiron Duo (touchscreen) updates have not been tested on this build - expect problems. Please test and report any problems. Ubuntu 10.10 (Maverick Meerkat) - Updates through May 2012 0.810 (pending) Update Intel wireless driver to latest compat-wireless to support newer chipsets Minor install-key and reset update to remove any user created custom icons by default Add code to make lxrandr (monitor settings)default to mirror mode Update auto-hostname script to prevent "unknown host" errors in the terminal in a non-DDNS environ 0.809 Updated unity-2d to latest build and patched. Resolved numerous dock issues Removed user name next to chat bubble Applied latest updates 0.808 Add a "failsafe" option to reset HD partition table and resolve install errors caused by certain, rare conditions on older hardware. Updated install key to support installation on a raw, unformatted disk (like a replacement part) Install modified drivers for sucky Realtek 8188/8192ce wireless cards to improve reliability/stability (looking at you, Dell Mini 1018!) Driver installer for older ubermix releases available on Download Files page Clean up some stray firmware files from prior kernel and clean up orphans Updated example simple update files on the key Applied latest updates to installed apps 0.807 Add updates to support mounting of iOS 4.1+ iDevices Switch from PiTiVi to Openshot for video editing. Openshot is more capable and project is actively moving forward, more so than PiTiVi Switch to Unity 2D for SIGNIFICANT speed improvements. Unity 2D is quite stable now and performs much better on netbooks. Update libavformat to support wider range of A/V codecs 0.806 Update install key to handle HP Mini 100e quirks (int drive defaults to sdb)- script now more robust overall Removed spurious error on create simple updates Installed alsa (audio) driver updates from ppa Update Realtek RTL8192SE driver to resolve random disconnects Add option to install old ath5k b/g wireless driver (Older AspireOne's and older laptops) Kernel update to match v0.714 kernel Update reset scripts - 500% speed improvement and Auto-Reset for labs, etc. Add Realtek 8192cu driver for Airlink mini USB wireless N adapter. Add scripts/packages for Dell Inspiron Duo to optimize for touchscreen (see "Model Specific Issues and Instructions" at the bottom of the Download & Install page for details) Update Jupiter to latest rev Updated Google apps icons Updated simple updates samples Applied latest Ubuntu updates 0.805 Update psmouse driver to support newer Elantech/Synaptic touchpads on Asus 1015 and others Update Realtek 8192ce driver to resolve random wireless disconnect issues on Dell Mini 1018 and others Update Flash 10.2 beta to latest Switched from Chrome stable (v8) to Chrome beta (v9) Unset default vertical flip effect setting in Cheese Applied latest Ubuntu updates 0.804 Make alacarte assign categories on menu item move/create (so that new/moved items don't disappear in Unity applications place) Add Prism and created Google apps and Facebook launchers (allows them to run like standalone apps) Add (modified) Jupiter power management Update home prep (customization) script- preserve Thunderbird profiles & clear Prism cache Enabled Google Chrome pdf viewer plugin Added Thunderbird indicator extension Updated Google Chrome to v8 Installed Flash 10.2 beta Added Screenlets to make better use of empty desktop real estate in Unity Applied latest Ubuntu updates 0.803 Resolved an issue on the install key that caused install to fail on first attempt (but succeed subsequently) on some Win 7 netbooks with recovery/utility partitions. Added drivers for rtl8188ce and 8192ce wireless cards (Dell Mini 1018) Disabled Update Manager auto-start Applied latest Ubuntu updates 0.802 Update OS reset to clear unity app cache so that removed app icons get purged quicker Reset gconf settings on OS Only restore Updated ath9k wireless driver to resolve connection issues on resume from suspend 0.801 Changed path to brightness fix to a more generic, non-model-specific location Pre-installed Aleks Math plugin Freed up some space on the base system partition Applied Ubuntu updates 0.800 Initial release based on Ubuntu 10.10 (Maverick Meerkat). Most notable changes include new UI (Unity), F-Spot replaced by Shotwell, Freemind replaced by VYM (View Your Mind). Broadcom and other custom wireless drivers now installed by default.

Ubuntu 10.04 (Lucid Lynx) - Updates through May 2013 0.718 (pending) Update Intel wireless driver to latest compat-wireless to support newer chipsets Upgrade to scribus-ng, now that we can shrink the prefs box Minor install-key and reset update to remove any user created custom icons by default Add code to make lxrandr (monitor settings)default to mirror mode Update 2D launcher theme Update auto-hostname script to prevent "unknown host" errors in the terminal in a non-DDNS environ 0.717 Update libavformat to support wider range of A/V codecs Replace vim-enhanced with vim.tiny to free up some extra space Adjust Openshot preferences for audio out to avoid jitter on preview Add a "failsafe" option to reset HD partition table and resolve install errors caused by certain, rare conditions on older hardware. Updated install key to support installation on a raw, unformatted disk (like a replacement part) Install modified drivers for sucky Realtek 8188/8192ce wireless cards to improve reliability/stability (looking at you, Dell Mini 1018!) Driver installer for older ubermix releases available on Download Files page Clean up some stray firmware files from prior kernel and clean up orphans Updated example simple update files on the key Applied latest updates to installed apps 0.716 Add updates to support mounting of iOS 4.1+ iDevices Switch from PiTiVi to Openshot for video editing. Openshot is more capable and project is actively moving forward, more so than PiTiVi 0.715 Update reset scripts - 500% speed improvement and new auto restore at boot options (Auto-Reset) for labs, etc. Add Realtek 8192cu driver for Airlink mini USB wireless N adapter. Add scripts/packages for Dell Inspiron Duo to optimize for touchscreen (see "Model Specific Issues and Instructions" at the bottom of the Download & Install page for details) Restore ath9k driver (oops - broke with ath5k fix in 0.714) Add option to install old ath5k b/g wireless driver (Older AspireOne's and older laptops) 0.714 Fix ath5k b/g wireless driver (Older AspireOne's and older laptops) Kernel update to release version in Lucid 10.04.2 0.713 Update install key to handle HP Mini 100e quirks (int drive defaults to sdb for some insane reason) - script now more robust overall Removed spurious error on create simple updates Installed alsa (audio) driver updates from ppa Update Realtek RTL8192SE driver to resolve random disconnects Update Jupiter to latest rev Chrome updated to v9 Flash updated to 10.2 Added Prism-based standalone apps for Google Mail/Docs/Calendar Updated home_prep script Updated simple updates samples Updated Google apps icons Applied Ubuntu updates 0.712 Update psmouse driver to support newer Elantech/Synaptic touchpads on Asus 1015 and others Update Realtek 8192ce driver to resolve random wireless disconnect issues on Dell Mini 1018 and others Unset default vertical flip effect setting in Cheese Applied latest Ubuntu updates 0.711 Disable GPU validation to boost Flash performance Add Jupiter power management Update home prep (customization) script - preserve Thunderbird profiles Updated Google Chrome to v8 Enabled Google Chrome pdf viewer plugin Applied latest Ubuntu updates 0.710 Resolved an issue on the install key that caused install to fail on first attempt (but succeed subsequently) on some Win 7 netbooks with recovery/utility partitions. Added drivers for rtl8188ce and 8192ce wireless cards (Dell Mini 1018) Switched Google Chrome from beta to stable version Applied latest Ubuntu updates 0.709 Updated ath9k wireless driver to resolve connection issues on resume from suspend 0.708 Applied Ubuntu updates Synced kernel to match 0.800 Merged in Broadcom driver Updated ath9k driver Updated Google Chrome to v7 Updated SMILE to match ubermix 0.8x mods Removed Gnome ALSA Mixer, replaced with PulseAudio Volume Control Updated to SuperTux 2 Added "partner" repo Swapped openjdk-jre for Sun JRE Updated Scratch Added Numpty Physics game Pre-installed Aleks Math plugin Added version number to main menu on install key 0.707 Applied latest Ubuntu updates, including kernel upgrade Added gksu to Ubuntu Software Center so that it won't ask for a password Disabled updates to kernel and custom apps so that users can apply Ubuntu updates without worry of breakage 0.706 Updated Google Chrome to current beta release Applied Ubuntu updates Updated kernel and customized drivers to latest build Updated install key to better handle installs on systems that already have 3 partitions on them Ubermix Parental Controls is officially ready for download/use from http://drop.io/ubermix 0.705 Updated rt2860 driver to resolve mixed-mode WPA wireless issues on EeePC 901/1000 series (and any other using that wifi adapter) Added a 3 second countdown to ubermix-key so that people with problem configs can add kernel options at boot Applied latest Ubuntu updates. 0.704 Cleaned up ubermix key install script, eliminating spurious error messages when a user answers "no" to a disk reconfigure. Minor updates to SUSD simple update samples on the key (home pages in browsers and other minor tweaks) Installed khelpcenter (online help in "k" apps) - prior key version users can update by opening a terminal and "sudo apt-get install khelpcenter" Applied latest Ubuntu updates. 0.703 Added EeePC 1001P update code and install scripts at /usr/local/lib/eeepc-1001p . Removed errant Google Chrome lockfile from default SUSD simple updates that was missed in v0.701 (drat!) If you have an older 0.70x ubermix key, you can simply download "user.tar.gz" from http://drop.io/ubermix and copy it to your key to update. Updated initrd to improve boot reliability/performance on some systems (like the EeePC 1001P). If you occasionally get dropped to an "initramfs" prompt at startup or see errors when doing factory restores, this fix is for you. Updated ubermix install key script to wait for an "enter" after selecting an option number to prevent fat finger errors Fixed error in ubermix install script that prevented it from imaging and applying simple updates in one step on a clean system 0.702 Added clickpad patch into new kernel for better clickpad experience Convert partition format on install key to fat32 to allow for easier key resize larger than 4G Significant sanity checks/updates to resize process. Much easier to work through Added Expert Options to the ubermix key that allow users to rebuild the key base image, create simple updates, and resize the base system partition directly from the key, significantly reducing customization overhead. See Customization for details Purged all direct refs to EEEPC on the key, including the disk label Applied latest Ubuntu updates 0.701 Updated the install key script to enable handling of custom sized base system partitions Added a resize script to the key to enable resizing of the base system partition Fixed issue that caused all videos in browsers to start with audio muted Removed errant lock file in Google Chrome that prevents it from opening (until the file is deleted) Updated home-prep script to make sure it automatically deletes the Google Chrome lock file Applied latest Ubuntu updates 0.70 Official release. Only bugfixes and official packages from Ubuntu applied since beta 5. 0.70beta5 Fixed install key issue that caused a failed install on systems with no partitions flagged as bootable Fixed install key Fast Image option to prevent prompts on new disk geometry Built a universal wrapper script that allows creation of splash screens for any program. Slow loading programs (inkscape) need something to let the user know that it's working. Known issues: Some systems with Realtek wireless cards (EeePC 901/1000 in particular, but may be others) might not connect reliably to a wireless network that uses WPA security. If you experience this problem, open a terminal (ctrl-alt-t) and type "sudo apt-get remove linux-backports-modules-wireless-`uname -r`" followed by the enter key. 0.70beta4 Added SUSD updates (iTalc, Remote Desktop, Menu Simplification) Sanity check on create_simple_updates, image_prep, home_prep scripts for new setup Fixed bug in ica-launcher script (iTalc) that prevented it from using the default port. Reported to Stephan @ Ubuntu. Applied myriad updates from Ubuntu, including kernel update and custom patches to 2.6.32-21 Fixed bug that prevented "Apply Simple Updates" on the key from executing by itself (ie, an "after the fact" update) Fixed a bug on the install key that caused boot to fail on a simple upgrade from Karmic base to Lucid base Significant sanity check on install key - fixed a number of issues, improved overall, will probably work on netbooks w 4G total storage 0.70beta3 Added back in KTuberling (Potato Guy) for younger students Added in Agave color scheme designer Added Planner project mgmt app Fixed issue with ubermix-key install on EeePC 1000 models with solid state Applied myriad Ubuntu updates Added Phun physics sandbox, although I worry about this one as it is not open source Reorganized Games and Education categories so that no more than 1 page of icons appears in either category 0.70beta2 Add backports for ALSA to fix audio issues on some Intel audio cards (EeePC 1005 and AspireOne D250 - I'm lookin' at you!) Add backports for wireless drivers to make sure we stay up to date Downgrade to Skype 2.0 for better audio compatibility Updated Broadcom driver setup for the Lucid kernel Latest Ubuntu patches applied Added gcc and minimum dev libraries to compile kernel drivers, etc. 0.70beta1 First Ubuntu Lucid Lynx build 0.67 Fixed install key issue that caused a failed install on systems with no partitions flagged as bootable Fixed install key Fast Image option to prevent prompts on new disk geometry Built a universal wrapper script that allows creation of splash screens for any program. Slow loading programs (inkscape) need something to let the user know that it's working. 0.66 Blacklisted b43-pci-bridge, b43, ssb to prevent hangups on HP Mini 311 and Acer AspireOne D250 with Broadcom B/G Wireless. Updated key installer script so that grub-install always happens (allows for major version upgrades) Fixed update-hostname so that it only pulls the first MAC address from systems with multiple "ethX" interfaces 0.65 Adjusted size of base system partition to max 4Gb (EeePCs w solid state have a 4G disk for the OS), giving more space for applications. Increased size of user changes partition to 1Gb and moved to disk b on two disk models (EeePC). Updated all scripts, kernels, and ubermix-key installer to match. Updated ubermix-key installer to support system upgrades without loss of user data for all future releases (but not from .64 to .65, due to disk geometry changes) Updated image_prep script to no longer delete user/home partitions, as this is no longer necessary with upgrade capability. Re-image of image masters will no longer be necessary. Added Virtual Microscope (http://virtual.itg.uiuc.edu) and configured for specimens to be stored in user home under Library/virtual-microscope (for easy copying to multiple laptops, as files are large and req much time to download) Added NASA MathTrax (http://prime.jsc.nasa.gov/MathTrax) to the mix Added GeoGebra (http://www.geogebra.org) to the mix Added Freemind (http://freemind.sourceforge.net), Scribus (http://www.scribus.net), Inkscape (http://www.inkscape.org) from Ubuntu repositories to the mix. Added Pencil (http://www.pencil-animation.org) to the mix, and reworked code for the interface to fit nicely on netbook screens Added SMILE ([1]) for digital storytelling, and fixed code so help displays properly Added user home folder to Bookmarks/Files & Folders Added Gwibber microblogging client (http://gwibber.com) from Ubuntu repositories. 0.64 Added support for Synaptics Clickpads on newer netbooks. Clickpads are easy to identify, as the whole pad clicks when pressed from about the middle down Added a "Power" widget to the top bar, to ease in shutting down machines where the power button might not be easily accessible (like desktops in labs) or pleasant (like HP and Samsung netbooks) Removed UbuntuOne icons/folders from the SUSD updates. 0.63 Updated to Scratch 1.4, now that a stable build is available. Supports all current Scratch features from other platforms, as well as any screen geometry (w00t!) Removed Cheese and replaced with guvcview. Cheese suffers from a number of bugs, including static images for 3-5 secs at the start of recorded video, no support for ALSA, etc. guvcview offers better controls and more reliable performance, and saves in avi format, which is a bit better supported on all platforms than ogg. Updated Openshot to 1.1 from PPA Updated all Karmic packages to latest Updated kernel to 2.6.31-20 and manually compiled/added ALSA 1.0.22.1 modules and libs 0.62 Oops - accidentally removed the java plugin for Firefox in 0.61. Reinstalled in 0.62. For 0.61 users, you can install the java plugin manually without downloading the new key by pressing "ctrl-alt-t" and typing "sudo apt-get install sun-java6-plugin" in the terminal that appears. 0.61 Applied latest updates Updated to latest rev kernel to mitigate timing issue on certain HW combinations at boot (AspireOne with Westen Dig HD and Broadcom adapter) Rebuilt kernel and updated all tools to ALSA 1.0.22 0.60 Primary purpose of this release is to add better support for older desktop machines Added /usr/local/bin/create_swap.sh and linked in /etc/rc.local to auto-create a swap file on systems with <1G RAM (like older desktops) Fixed a goof in /etc/fstab that caused a non-fatal error message to be displayed Changed /usr/local/bin/update_hostname.sh to set system names to more generic "system-XXXXXX" rather than "netbook-XXXXXX" Removed all references to EeePC in the installer