Damn.. linux has come a long way (Ubuntu)

[brxndxn]

So I got the latest version of Ubuntu (i386) for my old laptop (IBM T41p.. old.. but awesome)..

I still want to use it for work when I need a 2nd box for simulations. But, I can do that entirely in virtual machines. I figured I'd have some hassle getting Virtualbox or Vmware installed - but once I did that, I can run any Windows XP box I want.

Anyway.. Installed the OS.. easy.. no problems.. recognized every driver..

except my ATI card.. (Fire GL 128mb.. ya I know.. freakin' awesome for an old laptop)

but then, a bubble popped up that asked if I would like to automatically install ATI's driver..

BOOM.. driver installed..

So then I enabled bouncy windows and other 3d effects.. they're so cute (and they totally help with productivity)

So now I needed virtual box..

hrm.. I figured I'd just try 'sudo apt-get install virtualbox' and it worked! Last version of linux it was a pain in the ass to get virtualbox installed..

And I wanted to download a torrent..

'sudo apt-get install azureus' -- worked too..

And I wanted wine installed..

'sudo apt-get install wine' -- worked fine too.. even gave me new menus (something I didn't get last version of Ubuntu or Suse that I used)

Wow.. I'm impressed. I might actually keep linux as the base OS on this system. I tried it before.. but I always ran into some hassle that forced me to install XP as the base OS.

 

[KeypoX]

Originally posted by: brxndxn


Wow.. I'm impressed. I might actually keep linux as the base OS on this system. I tried it before.. but I always ran into some hassle that forced me to install XP as the base OS.

just wait... but ubuntu is awesome to bad it still has those hassles you speak of

 

[VinDSL]

In 20 months, everyone will be running Linux - mark my words!

Yeah... Okay... everyone will be running "open source" - don't want to leave anyone out (like PC-BSD).

LoL! I'm going to bookmark this thread so I can say, "I told you so!" in 2011.

Ego aside... 'they' are sooo close to rendering Windows superfluous, it isn't even funny!

And, I'm NOT an MS hater! They'll just have to give it away for *free* like everyone else...

 

[KeypoX]

Originally posted by: VinDSL
In 20 months, everyone will be running Linux - mark my words!

Yeah... Okay... everyone will be running "open source" - don't want to leave anyone out (like PC-BSD).

LoL! I'm going to bookmark this thread so I can say, "I told you so!" in 2011.

Ego aside... 'they' are sooo close to rendering Windows superfluous, it isn't even funny!

And, I'm NOT an MS hater! They'll just have to give it away for *free* like everyone else...

lol, that would be awesome.

To bad its not possible

 

[VinDSL]

Yes we can! - Barack Obama

 

[nerp]

I really don't see my grandparents all that excited about typing "sudo app get" or wondering why their flip video camera software won't work. Even in 2011.

 

[TheStu]

Originally posted by: nerp
I really don't see my grandparents all that excited about typing "sudo app get" or wondering why their flip video camera software won't work. Even in 2011.

I am with you. I wish that one of the distros (maybe Ubuntu?) would go ahead and essentially 'declare victory' and say "We are the most used distro, the most user-friendly, the most developed, therefore we are going to make it even better by emulating Windows and OS X program deployment". I have no problem with sudo apt-get, aside form the fact that it makes no sense to me. After 15+ years using Windows and Mac OS, it makes more sense to me, and the other 90% of the people that are using Mac OS and Windows to go to a website, and download an installer.

An automated installer. Something that I can double click, and it will launch and then install the item into the correct place. Or, like in OS X, something that I can just drag to an applications folder and have it work.

Even trying to configure VMWare Tools on my Ubuntu VM had to have a fair amount of Terminal work. Since it was compiled for an older version of Ubuntu, it failed on install, and then had to have most of the individual programs/drivers installed manually.

Listen, aside from the brown-ness, I really have no problem with Linux. I just have no use for it. OS X handles all my day-to-day stuff, as well as my media, Windows serves as my gaming place. Linux simply doesn't fit into my needs. However, I do recognize that it has its place, and that competition is good for all, so I want to see linux get better and more user friendly.

 

[VinDSL]

Originally posted by: TheStu
Listen, aside from the brown-ness, I really have no problem with Linux...

You should try Linux Mint 6 (Felicia)!

SOURCE

Comparison with Ubuntu

Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu and the two distributions have much in common. Both distributions use the same software repositories. For instance, release 6 (?Felicia?) uses the package pools of Ubuntu ?Intrepid Ibex? (8.10). Most packages are the same on both distributions, and as of Linux Mint 6 'Felicia', each Linux Mint release is based on Ubuntu, whereas before they were based on the previous Linux Mint release.[12]

Most differences are on the desktop. Linux Mint has a stated focus on elegance, and it includes a number of applications that are not available in Ubuntu (see aforementioned Mint Tools). Support for popular sound and video formats are installed by default in Linux Mint's standard edition, but there is a "patent-friendly" version intended for the U.S & Japanese markets. Visually, the distro has some GTK+ themes not found in Ubuntu, and cowsay is enabled as of Mint 5 for terminal sessions.

Popularity

Linux Mint consistently ranks highly on DistroWatch, which tracks the popularity of various Linux and BSD distributions based on the number of daily page hits which each distribution generates. As of February 2009, Linux Mint was ranked 3rd.[13]

I've tried many different desktop distros lately - to the point that they're all starting to look pretty much the same. However, Linux Mint 6 stands head n' shoulders above the rest. IMHO, it's the best of all possible worlds. I'll keep exploring alternatives, to see if there's something better, but Mint 6 will be the watermark.

I judge that Linux Mint 6 Standard Edition will satisfy the most discerning cakesniffers amongst us...

 

[KeypoX]

Until linux and mac, can do everything windows can do neither will be significant. Though mac is almost go enough to use exclusively on a laptop for me. Only if office was the same as the microsoft side. Though i can put up with it in most cases, except when i need windows only excel addons.

Ubuntu on laptop is awesome and i love it, but for some reason office with crossover has crashes. As does running a vm with office. Also it sucks to have to run a VM.

Linux has come a long way since i first tried redhat in the early part of this century. As far as it has come I wont be surprised when I can run it exclusively on my laptop, hopefully sooner than later.

Oh and sudo apt-get maybe be complicated but synaptic isnt.

 

[VinDSL]

Originally posted by: KeypoX
Ubuntu on laptop is awesome and i love it...

Linux has come a long way since i first tried redhat in the early part of this century. As far as it has come I wont be surprised when I can run it exclusively on my laptop, hopefully sooner than later...

For sure!

Actually, I prefer Linux on my lappy more than I prefer Linux on my desktop - but I cannot figure out why?

And, I prefer KDE on my desktop, but Gnome on my lappy...

Go figure!

I ran across a couple of interesting pages the other day, which point out how far Linux (on the desktop) has come.

TuxRadar resurrected these articles so everyone can have a good laugh:

• The Best Window Managers of 2000
  
• The Best Distros of 2000

Originally posted on TuxRadar
Historical note
Remember that nine years is a long time in the computing world -- and even more so for Linux. In 2000 the OS was still regarded as a niche player, a fantastic showcase of technology for geeks but not yet ready for prime time. Today we see Linux on netbooks, Linux on Dell boxes, Linux everywhere; it's serious business...

Check 'em out, if you want to see what brxndxn, KeypoX and myself are talking about...

BTW, this is what most ppl *think* of when you mention Linux.

Linux detractors have got this 'Year 2000' mental image burned into their minds, and no amount of conjobbling will convince them the situation has changed - and it has changed a lot, even in the last couple of months. Linux is on a roll!

Talk is cheap! You gotta install the 'new' Linux to get the full effect... and when you do, odds are you'll be elated...

 

[Rifter]

Thought i would comment on this as i just installed Linux Mint 6 two weeks ago. I have always used microsoft OS in the past(well since DOS anyways), i tried Mandrake 6 or 7 cant remember like 7 years ago for a few months and it was way to much of a pain in the ass for everyday use and hardware support sucked. Linux has come a LONG way since then. When i installed Mint it picked up all my hardware, way more than windows did(windows did not have drivers for either printer and would not see the memory cards on either of my camera's or cell phone when connected untill i installed software. Mint picked up both printers and as soon as i connect a camera or phone it automatically adds a icon on the desktop of the memory card. It is way better for update's, Microsoft will never win in this department. When i search for updates it not only updats the OS files but also gets updates for any hardware AND programs i have installed. With micosoft you get the OS updates and some hardware but are left in the cold to update all your programs yourself individually. Also comes with open office a fully functional office suite that is compatible with all Microsoft formats i have tried so far when converting from/to MS office. The only thing Microsoft has is games, if you are a gamer there is no choice but to use windows, this is the only reason i still dual boot, i do most gameing on my PS3 but still play a few PC games and need windows. Other than that i use Linux for everything now. You dont even really need to use CLI anymore with the package managers, im not scared of the CLI like everyone nowdays seems to be but i started my computing on a commodore 64 so im used to CLI.

 

[lxskllr]

Originally posted by: VinDSL


Actually, I prefer Linux on my lappy more than I prefer Linux on my desktop - but I cannot figure out why?

I'm the same way. I think my reason is I just don't expect as much out of my laptop. It's bought, and used to be a subset of my desktop uses. Almost everything I want out of a laptop is available on Linux, and I really do like it. It also provides some additional security, as a thief may not know what to do with a Linux box if he got inside. That's a little dubious, but I'll take what I can get :^D

I still do some gaming, so I need Windows on my desktop, and I genuinely like it. It runs great, and the price is fair for what you get. I'd like to see Linux get more competitive in the desktop arena, as it'll improve both Windows and Linux through competition. I'm putting my cards in with Ubuntu. It has momentum that can push it mainstream. With 1 Linux to develop for, 3rd parties may be more inclined to write, and port apps. After it's been written for Ubuntu, it can then be trivially ported to other distros.

 

[KeypoX]

new ubuntu comes out soon, april 1st i think. 9.04.

 

[lxskllr]

Originally posted by: KeypoX
new ubuntu comes out soon, april 1st i think. 9.04.

I'm looking forward to it :^)

I'm gonna try an in place upgrade :^O

We'll see how that goes :^D

 

[frostedflakes]

Originally posted by: nerp
I really don't see my grandparents all that excited about typing "sudo app get" or wondering why their flip video camera software won't work. Even in 2011.

It's not like you have to do it from the terminal, usually a GUI is available.

Linux has come a long way just in the last few years, I can't wait to see how much it has improved in another few years. I have some random hardware and software that kind of has me locked into XP, but when I put together my next system I will probably try going exclusively with Linux.

 

[BD2003]

Originally posted by: VinDSL
In 20 months, everyone will be running Linux - mark my words!

Yeah... Okay... everyone will be running "open source" - don't want to leave anyone out (like PC-BSD).

LoL! I'm going to bookmark this thread so I can say, "I told you so!" in 2011.

Ego aside... 'they' are sooo close to rendering Windows superfluous, it isn't even funny!

And, I'm NOT an MS hater! They'll just have to give it away for *free* like everyone else...

Itll never happen, not for another decade at least.


Most netbooks, where it had a brief exposure to the mass market, have practically dumped it in favor of XP, and when Win 7 comes out, itll probably be even rarer.

Open source is always one step behind. Every now and then an open source app actually gets developed to the point where its superior to its alternatives (firefox, XBMC), but thats a rarity. The occasional small utility also ends up being fantastic (7-zip), but so many open source projects are half assed attempts at emulating the frontrunner.

I'm sure in a few years, openoffice will have ribbons too. Rhythmbox, Amarok, Songbird etc etc will all continue to emulate iTunes as it gets further developed.

Dont get me wrong, I'm all for open source, but by and large, linux is by nerds for nerds. Sure, its free, but as far as most people is concerned, so is windows or OS X. Hardly anyone buys an OS at retail - they get it with their PC, and don't care to upgrade as long as it works.

It's come a long way for sure, but its got a long way to go.

 

[nerp]

I didn't mean to seem like I was bashing Linux or anything. I agree that it has come a long way, for sure. I think it's a great thing, too. If I were in the market for a netbook or something or was in a situation where I needed to do a lot of virtualizing and IT related work, I'd be quite happy running Linux.

 

[SickBeast]

Originally posted by: lxskllr

Originally posted by: KeypoX
new ubuntu comes out soon, april 1st i think. 9.04.

I'm looking forward to it :^)

I'm gonna try an in place upgrade :^O

We'll see how that goes :^D

I'm running it right now on my desktop (the latest alpha). It's a huge performance improvement. I would say that everything disk-related is twice as fast.

It boots up in approximately 20 seconds, which is faster than XP or Windows 7 on my computer.

FYI there are no intel graphics drivers that work properly yet for it. I can't run it on my laptop for this reason.

 

[frostedflakes]

Nice. Is that due to the new EXT4 filesystem?

 

[The Keeper]

Originally posted by: nerp
I really don't see my grandparents all that excited about typing "sudo app get" or wondering why their flip video camera software won't work. Even in 2011.

Ubuntu has had Add/Remove Applications menu long time now. Very straightforward way to install any applications you want. For the record, it's GUI.
See: http://files.fosswire.com/2007/04/arappsmainscreen.png

However, when you know exactly what you want, text mode install is still faster. These days linux does have a GUI solution available for nearly all tasks end-users needs to do.

I would say installing software is easier on linux than Windows because of repositories. (Almost) all software is available from the repositories and can be installed with a few clicks. While on Windows you need to start by knowing where to get the software from and then navigate through website(s) to find a download link, then download and run installer.

 

[VinDSL]

Originally posted by: The Keeper
I would say installing software is easier on linux than Windows because of repositories. (Almost) all software is available from the repositories and can be installed with a few clicks.

True!

I'm on an openSUSE 11.1 KDE 4.2 box right now. Here's a screenie I just took of YaST...

http://VinDSL.com/images/Yast2.png

In the example above, if I wanted to install ROR, all I would have to do is check the box and hit 'accept' - that's it!

Try installing Ruby on a Win machine some time... :laugh:

EDIT: LoL! I just found a nice tutorial if you wanna try this on Windows...

http://allaboutruby.wordpress....step-by-step-tutorial/

 

[Colt45]

Yeah, no going through a few pages of bullshit sites to find a slow dl link, like for a lot of windows apps.

I get 500KB - 1MB/s from the nearby repository... it pwns.

 

[sourceninja]

Originally posted by: KeypoX
Until linux and mac, can do everything windows can do neither will be significant. Though mac is almost go enough to use exclusively on a laptop for me. Only if office was the same as the microsoft side. Though i can put up with it in most cases, except when i need windows only excel addons.

Ubuntu on laptop is awesome and i love it, but for some reason office with crossover has crashes. As does running a vm with office. Also it sucks to have to run a VM.

Linux has come a long way since i first tried redhat in the early part of this century. As far as it has come I wont be surprised when I can run it exclusively on my laptop, hopefully sooner than later.

Oh and sudo apt-get maybe be complicated but synaptic isnt.

I think you mean to say until 3rd party developers write the tools you want for those operating sytems. Linux and OSX can already do everything windows can do.

I can not think of any tasks I would want to do that require windows. Hell I don't even use wine anymore.

 

[lxskllr]

Originally posted by: Colt45
Yeah, no going through a few pages of bullshit sites to find a slow dl link, like for a lot of windows apps.

I get 500KB - 1MB/s from the nearby repository... it pwns.

Yea, instead of finding a program, downloading, and installing it; You find the program from where? Locate which repository it sits in, add that repository to your list, and attempt installation. If that doesn't work, you download the binary, compile it, then hope it it works.

I'll take the Windows method any day of the week...

 

[The Keeper]

Originally posted by: lxskllr
Yea, instead of finding a program, downloading, and installing it; You find the program from where? Locate which repository it sits in, add that repository to your list, and attempt installation. If that doesn't work, you download the binary, compile it, then hope it it works.

I'll take the Windows method any day of the week...

It's 2009 dude, not 1999.

All modern distros already have all necessary repositories already included and enabled. Some like Fedora are an exception because of their policies, they don't have official repositories for non-free software. In this case finding a repository would apply, but in the case of Fedore www.fedorafaq.com exists. Some distros do include repositories for non-free software but are not enabled by default, in most cases enabling is a matter of few clicks.

In the case of Ubuntu for example, there's no need to look for 3rd party repositories and all repositories except for "partner" are included and enabled out of the box. If you find a software you want and isn't included in the repositories but the software does provide one, adding it is a matter of few clicks. Can't get much simpler and easier than this.

And to find the program from repositories is a matter of typing its name to search box. Most if not all GUI tools also supports keyword searching from package descriptions. Searching for "browser" would quite likely list all available internet browsers for example. As hard as using Google.

When installing from official repositories, there's very little chance of installation failing. In the rare cases it does happen, it'd be better to report it as a bug and wait a while for fix. Unless it is an obscure package or the problem itself is difficult to reproduce, it should be fixed fairly quickly.

You're not much better off if Windows installer refuses to install or the installation doesn't work. At least in linux you have the alternative of manual install if you're in a hurry.

Not to mention that using repositories allows you to keep the software up-to-date very easily. Many popular Windows software do have update notifications these days, but linux repositories takes this to totally another level.

Compared to the use of repositories, Windows way of finding and installing software is inconvenient.