Try ubuntu

In this article I will try to give you some idea of the capabilities of Ubuntu to see if they fit your needs.

I’ll also provide some links that I feel you must read before you install it on your computer.

Note: I know I’m a bit biased, but I’ll do my best to remain neutral.

1. Is Ubuntu suited for you?

1.1 The advantages

1.1.1 Usage

Ubuntu 8.04 is perfect for people who do the following things with their computer:

- browsing the web

- downloading files (music, documents, videos, …)

- listening to music and watching movies

(note that there is no iTunes for Linux. It’s no problem putting music on your ipod or deleting it, organizing, … But you won’t be able to play your DRM infected music you downloaded.)

- using it for editing a broad range of documents

The broad majority of the computer users in the world are included in this class, chances are that you are in this class as well. If so, Ubuntu will suit you well.

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Ubuntu is also suited for people who:

- Are looking for a Media Center PC. Ubuntu should do just fine. It has lots of media center applications (Mythtv, Elisa, …). And is also able to stream media to upnp devices (ps3, xbox 360, …), windows machines, Shoutcast/Icecast machines, …

- Are looking to run a server on your machine, then Ubuntu is a stable alternative to other operating systems.

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There are many more uses for Ubuntu. The best way to figure it out is by trying it in an virtual machine (Virtualbox, Vmware Server, …) or by trying the live CD .

A live CD will be slower and Ubuntu capabilities will be weakened because you are running the OS from a CD, but you can try it without it ever touching your hard drive. Thus no damage will be done to your existing OS.

1.1.2 Security

Ubuntu is a Linux distro and most of them are about as safe as you can get.

Ubuntu isn’t plagued by viruses and spyware like the Windows operating systems.

It also can’t be affected by the few Mac OSX viruses there are on the web.

This means you won’t need to run anti-virus software, so you’ll get more speed out of your computer.

1.1.3 Installing software and administrating your computer

Ubuntu, together with most other Linux distributions, has a special way of installing and removing applications.

You don’t need to get your software by browsing sites, downloading random, possibly infected, .exe file installers and then clicking “Next” numerous times.

Ubuntu uses a system of repositories that are all verified to work well with Ubuntu and contain no spyware, adware or viruses.

These packages are found in the Package Managers (The two most common are called Add/Remove (Applications-> Places-> Add/Remove…) and Synaptic Package Manager (System-> Administration-> Synaptic Packaged Manager.) ).

These programs come in a nice GUI (Graphical User Interface) and will allow you to search the huge repositories. If you find what you are looking for, simply tag the package and press “Apply”. The program will be downloaded and installed.

There are other ways of installing software, but most people never need to do that.

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Because the use of repositories Ubuntu is able to provide upgrades for every single piece of software installed by them (for most people that’s all the software on their pc) with one click.

In most cases you won’t need to restart your computer.

This is only needed for changes to the core of the system (the kernel, …).

You can keep using your pc while it’s downloading and installing the updates.

This together with the fact that you usually don’t need to defragment your hard drive makes for a very pleasant user experience.

1.1.4 The looks of the operating system

Do you like a great looking, modern looking OS with 3d graphics that put shame to Vista and OSX?

Then Ubuntu is the choice for you.

Besides the hundreds of gtk themes, icon theme and fonts, you can use different Destkop Enviroments and different Window Managers.

I suggest you take a look at the “screenshots” link on the top of this website to get a better idea.

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Ubuntu has been coming with multiple workspaces for as long as I can remember.

You have 2 desktops by default (most people prefer 4), but you can have as many as you want.

So this means less clutter on the desktop and you’ll get more things done, faster.

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1.2 The disadvantages

1.2.1 Closed source applications

Most of closed source programs are not designed for Ubuntu.

While Ubuntu has open source equivalents for most of the software you use, in some cases that software could be of a lesser quality or may require a certain adjustment period to get used to the new features and shortcuts. The opposite is also true. Some programs are almost the same in look and feel as the closed source equivalents and require little or no adjustment.

If you are a professional photo artist, you may need some of Adobe’s software. This company had not created a Linux version of their suite yet. If you are an amateur photo artist, the pre-installed gimp will do more than fine. Some professionals even use it.

HOWEVER there is a program that is called Crossover Linux that allows for the installation of Microsoft Word, Internet Explorer and Photoshop to name a few.

1.2.2 Gaming

If you are a gamer, Ubuntu won’t be for you.

As everyone knows, gaming = windows.

Some games can run natively under Linux and some of them with the help of WINE.

But don’t be fooled, it’s still slim pickings.

A lot of gamers that run Ubuntu dual boot together with Windows, so you can have the best of both worlds.

There are, however, an ever growing number of games that are made specifically for Linux and some of the game companies are finally seeming to come around to the concept of Linux.

Stay tuned.

1.2.3 Harware support

If you have obscure hardware, Ubuntu won’t be for you.

The Linux kernel has the best software support out of the box, but not everything is supported.

Most normal computers and other hardware will run flawlessly (no need to install drivers for printers, cameras, … they will just work).

And nVidia and ATI cards are supported by Ubuntu through the use of the “Hardware Drivers” program.

It would be best to check online or using the live CD to see if your hardware is supported.

1.2.4 Learning a new way of doing things

If you are afraid of change, then again, Ubuntu won’t be for you

You’ll need to relearn some things.

For instance Ubuntu doesn’t use the same naming system that Windows does when dealing with drives.

There is no c:\ drive in Ubuntu.

Some people find the system that Ubuntu uses to be better, but it still will require an adjustment.

1.2.5 Offline usage

I can’t really recommend using Ubuntu when you don’t have an internet connection.

You’ll need an internet connection to download software and install updates.

It is possible to burn the repositories on some DVDs or install the needed software in a friends house using his internet connection.

2. Some useful links to read/watch before deciding

Linux is not Windows

Why linux is better

Ubuntu wiki

First impressions of Ubuntu from a Windows user

Ubuntu’s visual effects in action

3. What to do when things go wrong?

Because most people download and burn Ubuntu and then install it on their computers, you’ll have no support from your PC manufacturer.

Not to fear.

The Ubuntu help forum is one of the (if not the) most helpful forum in the world. With thousands of people on 24/7 you’ll get fast replies.

Most people say they get better support than from the support call centers they used to use.

Then there is also the irc support. There are people on there also 24/7, so you can get help there.

Ubuntu has some pretty good documentation also.

If you really want to pay for support, it’s possible to do so. You can get it from the company behind Ubuntu, Canonical.

And there are hundreds of sites on the internet, like the one you are now, where you can find answers to your questions. Google is your friend.

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If you buy a computer with Ubuntu installed on it, you will get support from the manufacturer.

4. Installing Ubuntu.

You have a few ways of doing this.

You can install Ubuntu from USB disk, from CD and from within Windows (using Wubi).

All the info on that can be found on the documentation links in point 3. or on Google.

5. End note

I wish you the best with your first steps in the Linux world and hope you will like it.

Be sure to browse this site to find lots of interesting things about Ubuntu.

I’m know on as billgoldberg on the ubuntu forums, feel free to contact me there.