Viva Veracruz

[repyks]

First there was Unix, then there was Linux, and now there's Ubuntu - an elegant version of Linux that promises to give the Windows and MAC operating systems a run for their money - http://www.ubuntu.com/

I've been a loyal Microsoft customer since the DOS days of the 1980s, on into Windows 2 (yes, it did exist!), Win3.0, Win3.1, Windows for Workgroups 3.1, Win95 Beta, Win 95, Win98, WinME, Win2000 and finally WinXP. When Microsoft tried to foist Windows Vista on the world, with it's bloated hardware requirements, I started thinking about getting a MAC. Even when Microsoft made a course correction with Windows 7, it became clear that I would be forced into getting new hardware (larger disk, more RAM and so on) indefinitely. Hey, enough already. I'm retired and I don't intent to keep throwing away a computer every couple of years.

So cautiously I took a look at Ubuntu, by setting up a dual boot option on my PC (the Ubuntu CD will partition your machine to do this, then you can boot up Windows or Ubuntu as you prefer). I am very impressed with Ubuntu so far, because it is safer, faster and smaller (i.e. less resource-hogging) than Windows.

Oh, and Ubuntu is free, including a stable full of apps - word processor, spreadsheet, Outlook-like email client, games, database, tools, on and on. You get automatic updates frequently, just like with Microsoft, and every 6 months there is a free major upgrade. The current rev is 9.10, meaning the 10th month of 2009. The next one will be 10.04.

To enjoy the 'standard' Ubuntu configuration does not require much specialized know-how, but after mastering a somewhat quirky Command line terminology (reminiscent of the DOS days) one can customize Ubuntu and it applications, and apparently even manipulate the source code, because Ubintu is open-source software.

And there is a free Ubuntu Server platform available as well.

OK, I'm not the Libertarian that Frank and Calypso are, but by golly this operating system is for me from now on. I love the community spirit that made it happen. Skype runs on it too.
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[joaquin]

I don't remember how many times that I have install Ubuntu, but at least four. Things don't just work on it - perhaps it's just linux. First it was wifi, but that has been fixed. Next it was the audio. It works, but weakly. Oh, they have drivers, fixes, and assorted programs for it, but which ones (and the choice is many) work and which ones don't. Do you have the time to download and test? Next it was the microphone. Didn't work. Finally got it to work, but you had to scream in the mic to be heard. Skype on Ubuntu is a scaled down version and without sound and the mic - now what's that worth. Got word processor and spreadsheet? That's Openoffice and I have that on Windows. Think of all the programs you have on windows that will NOT run under Ubuntu!

Now why would anyone want to manipulate the source code to alter the OS. Then after every release, you have to repeat this nonsense. I have better things to do than screw around with an OS and that includes drinking beer.

I am not a Libertarian but just because Ubuntu is free and tax-free doesn't make it libertarian software.

I have 9.10 sitting in a .iso file on my drive just waiting for a new cd to install it on and then do the wubi install. That's the one without the partition. As soon as a buy a blank cd, I'll try it again.
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I worry that all of my wisdom is derived from bad analogies.

[repyks]

Joaquin, I had heard all that stuff too, as Ubuntu was being developed. 9.10 seems to be reliable. In my case, the mic works and also my sound system. Skype works, my printer and scanner work. The only problem is my DVD drive only plays CDs, but I'm working on that bit. Main thing is - for what most of us use a PC for, Ubuntu is just fine, it's more secure than Windows, and the price is right.
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[joaquin]

[joaquin]

1. The audio works and so does the microphone after a few adjustments.
2. Oh no, it can not connect to the Internet. The previous version locked on after I entered the code for WEP. This doesn't. Odd, my iPod Touch has no problems nor my Blackberry.
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I worry that all of my wisdom is derived from bad analogies.

[Calypso]

I suppose it comes down to how much frustration one can endure. I have tried things like Open Office and Ubuntu (back a ways). I am a libertarian (small "L") and yet not too sure that Ubuntu is a fit. A lot of this depends on just how involved you are with the features available.

I utilize a LOT of the functionality of Microsoft including networking my laptop and desktop as well as using a TV tuner and look for high quality sound and photography features as well as Autodesk (acad). At this point in life I am past wanting to reinvent the wheel or anything else for that matter.

I am quite pleased with Windows 7 - it seems to be much easier to adapt, install and accept. I am running older software on Windows 7 that would not work on the Vista platform. My feeling is MS loosened its strangle hold before too many jumped ship - I think Mac and Ubuntu are helping keep MS in line - and for that I am thankful. I am glad Tony is out there pioneering while I can buy and pirate more mainstream that is working in part because of his help

Also I think we are on the brink of good 64 bit software that will finally make that part of our hardware investment worth while. I am finally enjoying some added speed where as Vista actually seemed to slow things down.

Keep up the good work Tony and keep us posted. Are you comparing Ubuntu to Windows 7 or???
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[windknot]

I have absolutely NO CLUE as to what you guys are talking about. I didn't get into computers, until about 1997 (Windows 95 days) and so I am in the stone ages.
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Rick

[repyks]

John - I got the DVD player working, so now everythingś A-OK. Just tweaking things now. No, I didn pony up for Win7, but started on the Ubuntu evaluation instead. Have spent thousands of bucks on Microsoft Windows and apps over the years. Time to get off the treadmill. Come on over and take a look one of these days.

Joaquin- I will be getting the wife one of these nice netbooks soon, with Ubuntu pre-loaded - http://system76.com/product_info.php?products_id=92. We both use external keyboards and mice anyway, so the small size of the netbook is not a problem.

Windknot - what can I say, pal?

Everyone else - Ubuntu 9.10 is quite professional, and a serious challenge to Apple and Microsoft. It´ll only get better.
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[sparks]

Interesting ... but like someone else said, my fiddling days are over.

So maybe Windows 2 was Win-286? Very much like 3.11 but black and white

I was a member of Fidonet when early Linux was being distributed over phone lines in floppy disk format (and on Usenet). Insert boot floppy - followed by 20+ install disks. I did run our school web server off a much newer version of Linux ... until teachers decided they needed web pages and would use MS Frontpage

Glad to know people are still trying new stuff .... keeps life interesting
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