The original article is about 6 month old. See this latest update.
Updated in September 2008
There are continuing a lot of updates and questions on an office like setup of Linux on a Laptop or Desktop. Through using Google Analytics I understand which key words in Google searches let to my side. Here some comments on the key topics:
My current configuration is:
Kubuntu 8.04 Remix with KDE 4.1
Dell Latitude D630 with Intel Graphics Chipset.
Laptop Screen max resolution is 1200x800
1.) Dual Monitor Setup for Linux Desktop Users
It seems that the Dual Monitor Setup for Laptops with Linux largely depends on the Graphic Adapter in use (Eg, Nvidia, ATI, Intel, etc.). As I am using an Intel Graphic Adapter, the suggestions will work with intel.
At work I have an additional screen from Dell also with a 1200x1024 screen resolution. For me the resolution is to use xrandr to manage multiple monitors. By default Kubuntu will use the clone mode for both screens - if they are different, it will use the resolution of the first screen for both screens.
To obtain an extended desktop is to use xrandr and configure both screens accordingly. This is fairly automatic actually. For me the standard KDE System Configuration did not do the trick.
So I changed the xorg.conf in /etc/X11/ to:
sudo cp xorg.conf xorg.conf.backup
sudo pico /etc/X11/xorg.conf
In the screen section, add the following statement must be in there:
SubSection "Display"
Virtual 3200 1800
EndSubSection
The Virtual Statement will allow the the X-Windows KDE GNOME system to have a virtual screen with the combined resolution added up to each other = max screen size for both screens.
The command to enter and play with after a restart is:
xrandr --output VGA --auto --right-of LVDS
Xrandr allows for different manipulation and extensions of the expanded monitor settings.
Please see a detailed outline in this blog entry!
2. Dell D630 and generic install Issues
Keywrods used: Dell Latitutde D630, generic install issues without reference to Dell: slow install, disk encryption, specs, sound, spindown
I have no issues to report. Ubuntu, Kubuntu and all Ubuntu Based 8.04 distribution install flawless on my Dell or any other PC I have.
3. KDE4 related issues
Since KDE4.1 (vs 4.0) KDE runs great. Fast and pretty!
4. Evolution Exchange Connector
Since Evolution 2.23 is out. It works very well in all instances and also by integrating with MS Exchange Servers.
Note that there are only limited options to use MS Outlook/Exchange correctly with Linux. The issue when not using Outlook is, that the calendar items are not correctly managed and it becomes cumbersome at least, for others to use your invites or work with your responses.
The 3 options:
1.) Latest Evolution (Email formatting looks different to Outlook susers)
2.) Wine with Outlook 2003 (minor issues; workable)
3.) VirtualBox with a full Windows Virutal Machine with Outlook 2003 installed (110% choice)