Anyone using Ubuntu/Linux?

After the computer I'm using now dies, I am thinking of changing operating systems. I just don't like Windows much. I am wondering if anyone's using Ubuntu (a version of Linux) and your opinions on it. I like the idea of open source and I find Linux interesting, but I don't like the logo of Ubuntu nor do I like their appeal to "humanity". It just seems like such a trick to use emotions - "Ubuntu" is supposed to mean brotherhood, or kinship among humans or something, in an African language. What a load of bull!

Yep, I use Ubuntu and it's insanely good. My two year old laptop boots in 19 seconds and from login to working desktop takes 7 seconds. I dual boot XP which takes ages to get going and seems quite clunky in comparison.

From what I understand, the name Ubuntu has several meanings, one of which is "We are who we are because of those who came before us" which is a reference to Linux's development model. Be aware though that Linux is not Windows. If you're expecting it to be a drop in replacement it won't be. That's not to say it's bad compared to Windows, it's just different. Personally, I find XP a bit painful to use now but Linux is still not for everyone.

Joolz


BTW, I had to laugh, I hit submit and click view post only to have my eyes land on my avatar. Bit of a give away

Good Luck.

I have been using Windows for many, many years and I've gone through Windows for Workgroups through 95, 98 and now I'm on XP. I tried switching to Vista but found it extremely unstable with the kind of work that I am doing, so I switched back to XP. I am somewhat of an amateur expert for Windows as I've gone through all its bugs, cluttering, problems, sudden crashes, deficiencies in security etc. (I think I don't need to go into details about what kind of crap you can run into by using Windows). Through the years I've learned to fix the problems, a lot of registry editing and system tweaking either manually or using some little software hacks made by other people.

A year ago, I bought the EeePC and I deliberately bought the Xandrox Linux version of it, because I wanted to explore Linux and see what all the fuss is about, as many of my computer-versatile peers told me that it's such a relief compared to Windows. And it really does work like a charm. Just a few months ago, I decided to install Ubuntu side-by-side with XP on my main computer and I have to say - when I want things to run smooth and fast - I use Ubuntu. There are some tricks you may need to learn - but there is an overwhelming amount of support on the net you can find for any possible requirement that you might have. I would say that it IS for everyone. Isn't it easier to learn a few tricks and codes to type in than to have to reinstall Windows and everything every half-year?

I boot to XP at work (both of my computers are laptops, I travel a lot) but that's because some of the software I use for work only works with Windows. I have to say that using Wine (a Windows emulation module) in Ubuntu to run many Windows programs works just as well.

I would never use Ubuntu exclusively, because even though Ubuntu is so much faster and easier (and better looking than XP), I am still so used to Windows because I've been using that system for so long.

What I can say is that it all depends on what kind of work you do (e.g. if you're a programmer or just an average user) and how much "into computers" you are. Ubuntu may need you to go a bit "geeky" every once in awhile. Then again, if you know how, Windows will require the same. The difference is that when you tweak Ubuntu - you do it because you kind of want to expand something and make it more suitable to your needs and stuff, and when you have to tweak Windows - it's usually because the damn system has gone berserk because of some flaw that Microsoft will send un update for after you have pulled every single hair from your scalp.

Ubuntu is great and I think that it's the future. When I travel to congresses, I bring my Linux EeePC (because it's so light to carry around) and it works great for me. I can get everything done - check my mail, browse the web, chat with my wife, do some last-minute changes with my presentation slides etc.

The last thing I'm going to say that it's such a revelation to use an operating system like Ubuntu after so many years and not worry if my antivirus is updated, if the firewall is up, if there are worms coming after me and the like. On Ubuntu - I don't even have any kind of security software like that - you just don't need it.

Norchera wrote:
A year ago, I bought the EeePC and I deliberately bought the Xandrox Linux version of it, because I wanted to explore Linux and see what all the fuss is about, as many of my computer-versatile peers told me that it's such a relief compared to Windows.

Have you tried eeebuntu on your eeepc. I've got an original 4G eeepc with it installed and it does make XP look pretty pathetic. The interface has been designed specifically for small screens so the menu system is totally redesigned. Check out the screenshot at http://www.eeebuntu.org/index.php?page=nbr .

Cheers,

jools

Very interesting, guys. I really know very little about computers but I'm learning things here and there. I was just reading up on the different Linux OS versions. Keep replies coming.

Linux is like the graphical version of UNIX, isn't it? I haven't used Linuc, but I've used UNIX. They're a bitch to install and nnot much fun to use either. I can imagine that Linux has some useful programmes to use though. However, Philo, Windows is the best OS out there. It has pitfalls/bugs, but it really is the best (in a general all-purpose sense)

I've played around with Linux since it first came out. If all I did was surf the net and read my email, I'd scrap Windows. I haven't looked recently, but most of the apps I use just aren't available for Linux. That's about the only downfall to it all (for me anyways). It's a lot quicker and there's less viruses compared to Windows. In my opinion, the best thing to do is dual-boot Linux/Windows. There was a time when I had a tri-boot and I loved it.

I used Ubuntu for a few months.. all i got to say is its very different. I went back to windows because you lose a lot of gaming related things when switching OS's, but for just surfing web, and such its fine. it just takes a fair bit of research, and learning to use it effectivly. I really liked the built in photoshop, as i enjoy photography.

If you're a gamer at all, stick with windows.
Trust me, its a hassle trying to game on ubuntu.

My needs now are pretty minimal. Surfing the web, e-mail, using wordprocessing and Adobe Reader. I would probably get by easy on Linux.

If your requirements are as you state, Linux will do you fine. My sister in law is a self confessed know nothing when it come to PCs but I gave her a 7 year old Pentium 4 running Ubuntu Hardy to replace her old winXP box. Like you, all she needs is web, mail, an office package and Ma-jong. No complaints so-far and it's just as quick as it was when I installed it (April 2008).

Likewise, my daughter wants web, msn messenger, email and an office package for homework. Up until last week, she ran XP Pro but after 8 months of running, XP was grinding to a halt. I ran Malwarebytes and CCleaner across it, put JKDefrag on and cleaned the disk and registry up but it still sucked horribly. Monday, I put Ubuntu Jaunty on and it goes like a rocket. Pidgin, Thunderbird and OpenOffice do everything she needs and now my other half is looking at it for her laptop but hers is trickier as her MP3 player software is Windows only (might work in Wine).

Anyway, games don't bother me as we have an XBox360 and a Wii. If you download the Ubuntu Live CD, you can try it out without installing to hard disk. The only thing to bear in mind is that it'll be quite slow as it loads from CD as you're running it. BTW, even if you have a 64bit CPU, use the 32 bit version. You say you need Acrobat reader, but Adobe haven't yet released a 64 bit version. Codec support is also better in the 32 bit version.