The Linux Only Challenge is a personal, self-imposed challenge to see how long I can go using Linux (Ubuntu Mate 16.04 specifically) without requiring me to use my Mac for something that could not be done in Linux.

Started: March 19, 2017. Ended: March 28, 2017.

My mouse did me in!!

My first attempt lasted a whole 9 days! It was all due to the death of the Logitech mouse I was using on my Dell XPS17. After 4+ years, and numerous dives off tables, desks, and such, it had the right to die.  I had an extra mouse without a transmitter and the unifying transmitter from my dead mouse. I really did not want to go out and buy a new mouse when I had two parts, that if I could get them to work together, I would have a usable mouse again.

I checked Logitech’s Web site for unifying transmitter software. I found it only for MacOS, Windows, and Chrome OS. So, I broke down, got out my Mac, and downloaded the software. I followed the instructions in the unifying software.  Lo and behold, I had a working mouse! Unfortunately, that meant I ended my Linux Only Challenge.

It was only later, after posting a message about my mortal mouse to the Destination Linux chat group, that I found out there is a Linux solution. The solution is Solaar, the Linux devices manager for the Logitech Unifying Receiver.  Yes, that is Solaar, with 2 “a”s. It is easy to use. Just follow the directions and you will have your Logitech mouse, keyboard, or whatever uses the unifying transmitter, up and running in a matter of seconds. Now I know.

So that just made be double down and restart my Linux Only Challenge after I had a working mouse again. My challenge restarted on March 28, 2017.

I’ll keep you posted as to how it goes.

Barbara.