Ubuntu Linux, An Experiment *Geek Alert*

What is Ubuntu Linux?

Ubuntu linux is a distribution of Linux, an open-source, community-based, free operating system. There has been a lot of buzz about Ubuntu because of its ease of use and install, and overall polish. Ubuntu has the Live CD feature, which let’s the you use Ubuntu in all its glory right off the cd, no installation what so ever.

My Experience with Linux

None. Well, almost none. I have tried Ubuntu before, I think it was 7.04. Ubuntu 7.10 was just released and I thought it was time to see what it’s all about. I do have some experience Mac OS X - had it running on my Thinkpad T42 - so I do know a bit about terminal.

I downloaded an Ubuntu ISO (CD Image file that’s ready to be burned and used) and burned it onto a DVD. I popped it into my T42 (this machine has taken a few beatings) and booted into Ubuntu. The first thing I noticed was that it was not much different than 7.10, and I didn’t expect it to be.

While playing with the Live CD, I decided to scrap OS X, which was almost fully functioning on my Thinkpad, and install Ubuntu in it’s place. I did not have to get out of any windows, simply click the install shortcut on the desktop. Here is where it got a little tricky. I had to format the existing partition I had set aside for my secondary OS to a format that Ubuntu uses and set up another, smaller parition for it’s swap memory function. This took a while to figure out, in fact I had to boot into Windows and use Partition Magic to set it up. Then, I went back into Ubuntu and went through the process again and it started to install. At 90%, during it’s Detecting Hardware phase, it stopped. I gave it almost 15 minutes but no go. Why does this always happen? It was late and I was tired of trying to install Ubuntu so I quit for the day.

Today, I booted into Ubuntu again and went right into the installer. I went through it with no problems and hit Install. I waited patiently, listening to TWIT, for 90%. Detecting Hardware. 91%. Setting Preferences. 92%! It worked! Finally. Once it installed, it restarted and I was greated with a text bootloader, a small application that let’s you select which OS to run. I picked Ubuntu and it booted fairly quickly.

I noticed that everything worked: my videocard, wifi, sound, everything. I didn’t have to hack anything, unlike OS X. Granted Ubuntu is meant to run on my machine and OS X was not. I still expected some sort of error. Nothing. It runs very smoothly and comes preinstalled with everything I need: an office suit, media applications (although I downloaded my favorite media player VLC), games, image software, etc. There is a lot there. Everytime I reinstall Windows (happens more often than I like), I spend hours downloading and installing all my software. The smart thing to do would be to make an image of my Windows install once I have everything installed and how I like it for the next time I mess a bit too much with Windows. But I never learn.

Anyways, back to Ubuntu. I went through a lot of the preferences and generally explored. I like what I see, a lot.

The Challenge

Playing with Ubuntu was surprisingly rewarding. It’s like finding out that there is another way to walk, while new, is not so bad. So I’m going to give it a chance: I’m going to use it as my primary OS on my Thinkpad at school and at home. I already anticipate the need for Windows when I need Photoshop, but I’m going to look for Linux alternatives for any applications I need.

I have class Friday so I’ll post with updates Friday night. Download Ubuntu and run Live CD, you’ll be surprised when you find you like it.