Monday, July 25, 2005
Ubuntu Linux…The Next Great PC OS?
On the search for an alternative Operating System (OS) for my PC, I found Ubuntu, a distro of Debian Linux, at http://www.ubuntulinux.org. The Debian Linux was the version of Linux that some thought in 2000 could take on Microsoft and replace Windows on PC’s. The experts would have been right if the Debian crowd wasn’t made up of hobbyist programmers who love to write code but don’t produce many polished final products. The Ubuntu group takes whatever unfinished release of Debian Linux exists at six month intervals and polishes and finishes it.
The desktop is very clean. There is no plethora of options leaving the desktop for work only. Actually, there are four desktops. Each desktop can be selected from the bottom task bar so one can have multiple programs going without them cluttering one desktop.
The upper task bar is well arranged. One can easily select from programs, places, preferences, and systems in the four different directories without trying to trudge through one Start menu. The setup is fairly intuitive.
The program selection is quite good also decent. Ubuntu has Mozilla Firefox web browser, Evolution email client, and OpenOffice Suite among many, many other programs. Ubuntu also has an expansive screensaver collection with some humorous screensavers like a “Flying Toasters” remake and “Matrix” screen.
It was founded by Mark Shuttleworth, who got to go into space for $20 million. His belief in a free and open software system is an interesting take on technology. Mark Shuttleworth spent $10 million to get Ubuntu off the ground.
I have tried Ubuntu’s Live CD version, which runs from a 700 MB CD in a CD drive instead of installing on the hard drive, and it is sweet. A complete version of Microsoft Windows could never run from a CD. This is what makes Ubuntu Linux so cool, it is small, compact, and can work with system you have without any huge upgrade requirements or buying into new technology. Definitely worth trying and definitely worth considering for a stand alone or dual boot. Go to http://www.ubuntulinux.org for more information.
The desktop is very clean. There is no plethora of options leaving the desktop for work only. Actually, there are four desktops. Each desktop can be selected from the bottom task bar so one can have multiple programs going without them cluttering one desktop.
The upper task bar is well arranged. One can easily select from programs, places, preferences, and systems in the four different directories without trying to trudge through one Start menu. The setup is fairly intuitive.
The program selection is quite good also decent. Ubuntu has Mozilla Firefox web browser, Evolution email client, and OpenOffice Suite among many, many other programs. Ubuntu also has an expansive screensaver collection with some humorous screensavers like a “Flying Toasters” remake and “Matrix” screen.
It was founded by Mark Shuttleworth, who got to go into space for $20 million. His belief in a free and open software system is an interesting take on technology. Mark Shuttleworth spent $10 million to get Ubuntu off the ground.
I have tried Ubuntu’s Live CD version, which runs from a 700 MB CD in a CD drive instead of installing on the hard drive, and it is sweet. A complete version of Microsoft Windows could never run from a CD. This is what makes Ubuntu Linux so cool, it is small, compact, and can work with system you have without any huge upgrade requirements or buying into new technology. Definitely worth trying and definitely worth considering for a stand alone or dual boot. Go to http://www.ubuntulinux.org for more information.
# posted by Keith Gallistel @ 2:30 AM 
