Ubuntu 13.04 and QGIS

Ubuntu 13.04 and QGIS

As usual, when a new version of Ubuntu comes out, I allow myself to be guinea pig and test for Ubuntu-QGIS compatibility. Some QGIS incompatibility may occur but patch updates usually follows within the next few days. Yesterday, my 64 bit dual boot computer had its Ubuntu upgraded online. Everything went well. Using Ubuntu Software Centre, I uninstalled and re-installed my QGIS just because I wanted to start from scratch. QGIS 1.7.5 was easily installed in one click this way but after activation, this message 'Couldn't load PyQGIS' came out. It basically said the Python API file was not updated from V8.1 to V9.0-9.2 as required by the Raring Ringtail version. I still could activate a landuse plan, add colours with my qml colour template but 'Fetch Python Plugins' was missing. This was serious because I often use Google Maps. Re-installation via terminal mode brought the same result and the Synaptic Package Manager could not help either. I decided to take the long cut and install the Master version. Conclusion? It was a success! QGIS 1.9.0 may look slightly different because familiar icons were re-designed but Fetch Python Plugins menu is there! My wordless step-by-step installation is below and I recommend double-clicking the images for a better view. The installation procedure basically involves:

• Copying nightly builds from the QGIS website to the Software & Updates;
• Copying qgis.org repository public key from the QGIS website to the Terminal;
• Configuring and running the Synaptic Package Manager;
• Installing update.

It should be the RARING not Quantal build. Sorry, copy & paste error.