I am no fanboy but I have used Linux since the 90s. I am not quite a kernel hacker, but I administer my fair share of LAMP servers. This is different, Ubuntu is not just Linux, it’s Linux all grown up wearing something very sexy. I had not touched Linux on the desktop since Redhat 7, but all the Feisty Fawn hype caught up with me and I just had to try it. I’ve become a really busy guy, so troubleshooting a Linux install on a personal computer for something that would be trivial on Windows won’t ever be acceptable. I think that’s the same boat most users are in.

The Experience

The install for Feisty Fawn fits onto a single CD, although I burnt it to DVD. It installs very quickly. Ubuntu’s install disk boots into a live environment, like Knoppix, so you can evaluate before proceeding with the install or you could use it to fix a broken Windows installation. Dare I say that it’s easier to install than Windows Vista? After the install everything just worked on my laptop. I used the new “Restricted Device” setting to automatically install the proprietary ATI driver which can be a painful process otherwise. The only thing I’ve had to break a text editor for is to edit a configuration file to enable the native resolution of 1680×1050 on my LCD. After that I got to the really good stuff, Beryl & Wine. To install Beryl and Wine was as easy as clicking “Add / Remove Programs” and typing in Beryl, then Wine. A few clicks later I had a beautiful fully animated 3D desktop that rivals the looks of Vista and can run Windows programs. All of this software is free and very easy to use. There are thousands more features to explore use and a database of constantly updated free software that can be automatically downloaded and installed. Linux is finally ready for the desktop. If Ubuntu plays its cards right, it can be the next Firefox and make it in the mainstream. Prepare for a true disruption to the Redmond stronghold.

Filed under: Software, Computers, Linux