Can you try: cat /etc/default/avahi-daemon also note that this error will popup (the 'warning you are using the howl compat layer') whether avahi is running or not, if thats what you are referring too.
-- Avahi warning when launching gobby https://launchpad.net/bugs/69457 -- ubuntu-bugs mailing list ubuntu-bugs@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-bugs
