So upgrading my Ubuntu machine always starts a new battle with getting Sketchup to work.  I was able to get it running with the help of this website:

http://ubuntuhandbook.org/index.php/2014/06/install-google-sketchup-ubuntu1404/

Now the only problem I have is, I had to use the instructions to disable Ruby scripts.  That right there takes a huge chunk of usefullness away from Sketchup, since none of the plug in's will work.  No STL export, no gear plug in.. etc. 

I have been able to export to DAE files then convert them with Meshlab then use Netfab to convert the file back to Millimeter Units.  Converting to DAE changes the size to Inches.  So if you originally designed your file in MM, it will be extreamly small if you try to print it.  A whole lot of messing around. 

I just hope they fix the Wine program soon.

So Nate which Ubuntu version are you using now? I'm using Mint Petra and thinking of upgrading.

I'm using Ubuntu 14.04 on my fast machine.  If your graphics card is good, it's alright, but if not something like Kubuntu might work better. 

So folks are actually using Linux desktops...   Wow.

I tried that ten years ago or so and for any graphics work it was junk.  It does work fine for SysAdmin or programming use though--still running Fedora 15 at work.

All my Linux installs are virtualized command line only dedicated servers--that's one area where Linux really shines unless I need hardened security, then I use OpenBSD.

Graphics and video are still a struggle lol Whats up with that anyhow..

Quote from firepinto on July 27th, 2014, 07:04 PM

Graphics and video are still a struggle lol Whats up with that anyhow..

It's called "business agreements".  Microsoft shuffles some cash under the door and graphics chip manufactures promise to keep the hardware APIs proprietary.  AMD, nVidia & Intel stay in business and Microsoft makes boocoo dollars off of Windows and everything that runs on it.  All from a handshake, a wink and a nod.  If you absolutely must run Linux, the graphics manufactures will provide pre-compiled binaries that taint your kernel and just never seem to work as well as the certified Microsoft Windows drivers.  Funny how life revolves around money...

At every turn Matt, at every turn. I have a feeling thats going to change in the next few years, it's all coming to a head.