Posts Tagged Ubuntu
Ubuntu 8.10: The Intrepid Ibex First Impressions
Posted by saif in Uncategorized on 04/11/2008
I downloaded and installed Ubuntu 8.10 (codenamed the Intrepid Ibex) when it was first available for download on the 30th of October. The install was a breeze and there were no special additions that I could see, but then I didn’t look too closely.
I usually backup my data and then format my harddisk to install the new OS on my laptop, and just do an “upgrade” on my server. I like to know how the OS will detect my laptop’s (now moderatly old) hardware. I run Ubuntu on a Thinkpad T60p which I bought before Lenovo offered a Linux option.
There were several things I was happy about. Most the hardware worked properly (kinda: more on that later), and I had no problem connecting to my wireless network nor connect to my bluetooth mouse and phones. Installing all the software I wanted wasn’t a problem at all. When I downloaded Flash (flashplugin-nonfree) I was pleasantly surprised to see the new version of Flash installed (10.0 r12). It is more stable than the previous version and it is yet to crash Firefox. Compiz is on by default with moderate animation. Also, encryption seems seamless and easy-to-do; an additional plus for people who want to keep their data private. Finally, the new version of ATI display driver also comes with the mighty 8.10 which is apparently a big deal.
Now with the problems. When compiz is on, video playback is terrible, especially in fullscreen mode. It is like watching a slideshow rather than a video clip. I have to disable Compiz to be able to watch video properly, which is cumbersome. Another thing currently driving me crazy is the fingerprint reader: It just does not want to work, and I have tried it with all available drivers (both open-source and proprietary) with no success. Keep in mind that it worked flawlessly in Ubuntu 8.04 (Hardy Heron). Another thing that bothers me is that the bluetooth mouse seems to take forever to come back from sleep mode, the mouse’s performance degraded in 8.10.
I’m sure the majority of those problems will eventually go away. The only thing that worries me is the ATI driver which I was hoping to fix whatever problem I have since Ubuntu 7.10 (Gutsy Gibbon).
Ubuntu 8.10 countdown
Posted by saif in Uncategorized on 18/10/2008
I use Ubuntu as my major OS (the only OS on my laptop). It needs a bit of getting used to. Some things I learned how to do differently, some things the same, and some things I had to give up or find a different way to do
Even though my field of study and work is IT, I do not believe it is that important, only as a means to an end. The thing I really like about open source OSes is that they are highly customizable. I can change it to suite my needs and more importantly my wants. It might take a bit of work but I believe it is worth it. Ubuntu makes everything I do relatively easier than other open source OSes I’ve used.
Anyway, Ubuntu 8.10 is out soon keep tuned for a lame review.
EDIT: The final Ubuntu 8.10 iso is available here. Make sure you use bit torrent so that you help with the load.
First Things First
Posted by saif in Uncategorized on 22/12/2007
In general all my posts will be regarding what I use and how to make things work. I use Ubuntu Linux as my main operating system. I like photography, graphic design, and a fan of Japanese Anime (among other things).
So first of all, I would recommend getting Ubuntu; it is a free operating system that will actually work without spending most of your time troubleshooting what should of made your life easier. An operating system is something you should not know is there, something like expecting your car or your phone to work all of the time. If the main use of the computer is web surfing and email then Ubuntu is for you. Even if that is not the case, it wouldn’t hurt to check it out. Best of all, ITS FREE. Before installing you can check if everything is working before installing anything on your computer via the liveCD. You pop in the CD in your computer and boot up Ubuntu through the CD and check if everything is working to your satisfaction. If you like it, you click on the small “install” icon on the desktop.
The main source of information will be Ubuntu Forums, which is a community of people just like you that are very friendly and extremely knowledgeable. You get answers quick and 99% of the time it is the right one.
Eye candy is what sold me to tell you the truth. I love how Ubuntu looks and work, look at this video for an example.