Ubuntu Desktop
I have an old Mac Mini that I wasn’t using, so being bored I decided to install Ubuntu on it. Ubuntu is a well know distribution (distro) of Linux. The latest distribution is 9.10 also known as Karmic Koala, (all Ubuntu distribution are named after animals.). The first thing I did was I downloaded the latest distribution of Ubuntu as an ISO. An ISO is simply a single image of all files needed to install an application, in this case Ubuntu. I then burned the ISO to a CD using the burn option available in Disk Utility on the Mac. I did burn it at a lower speed then normal, which is recommended. I then placed the CD in the Macmini and restarted it, while holding down the C key when the chime rang. The first screen that came up asked me if I wanted to run Ubuntu without installing, install Ubuntu, check disk for error, or start from first hard disk. I decided that I wanted to do a full install, so I made that choice. (If you make that choice remember that you are erasing all data on the partition that you install it on.) The next choice I had was whether I wanted to use the full hard drive or a partition. I chose to use the full hard drive, hit the continue button and the installation ran without any problem. Once the installation is finished I set up my login name and password. I removed the CD and restarted the computer, Ubuntu started up without any problem.
I love Ubuntu, it is one of the easier distribution of linux to use. Ubuntu comes with Open Office, Firefox, Pidgin Internet Messanger. already installed. It also has audio, video and image applications already available. The great thing about Linux today especially Ubuntu is you can stick with what it comes with when you download it. However most likely there are going be some programs that you will want to change. Unlike in the past a lot of applications can be downloaded direct from the Internet and installed automatically. However, by learning either Terminal commands or using the Synaptic Package Manager you have a lot more options. If you run into trouble or have a question, there is help available either through IRC, a very active forum or a wiki. Most of the people on the forum are helpful, although they do expect you to do some work on your own behalf.
If you are sick of the Windows vs Mac battle or if you have tried a Linux distro before and decided it wasn’t worth the effort, I recommend giving Ubuntu a chance it is easy to install and use. However, if you want everything done for you and don’t want to do any work, then Ubuntu or any linux distribution is probably not for you. Do you use Ubuntu or another distribution of linux. If you use another distribution of Linux, which one and why
So the latest SCO filings quietly stated that the man most linked to the long running SCO litigations, Darl McBride, was no longer with the company. His role as CEO and president had been eliminated. One might have thought that this was an indication that the other people in charge at SCO were cooling to the whole thing. In case you are not aware, SCO is currently in bankruptcy in what is arguably a direct result of the litigious course they have followed.
This is not the case with McBride himself though. He is still pushing for SCO to aggresively continue to try for a big payday from IBM. He is using his shareholdings, and the backing of some other shareholders, with the objective of “…putting together an alternative plan … that will ultimately get SCO its day in court.” What this actually means is anyones guess at this stage, but McBride has a long history of grandios pronouncements.
It is hard to believe that this is still going on, or that McBride still actually believes that there is any chance that SCO is going to prevail in any way, or even that SCO has any shred of moral high ground in this case. Having followed this case closely over the years there must be some severe self blinding going on here. If there was any secret information that needed to come out, the time for it to come out passed 2-3 years ago.
As always, Groklaw has all the best dirt.
Less is more. Less trouble equals more value. Lower learning curve equals increased value. That would be the theory of Microsoft in the recently leaked training notes for their operating system (as covered by www.appleinsider.com). To install Microsoft Windows 7 means that the PC user has less to learn compared to switching to a Mac, making it is more valuable. Switching to Mac OS X involves a steeper learning curve so stay with what you know. It’s worth it. Ok. Sort of. Isn’t that like saying, “Stick with the old. Stay with what you understand. Change is too difficult.” Washington’s premier spin-masters and New York’s newsrooms should be proud
Let’s talk straight. Investigate and choose an operating system and applications that will best fit your present and future. In learning to drive a car I took part in a driving class. I drove for several months with another adult driver. I was monitored by my parents for several years. And now for 20 years I have driven cars. The training was worth it. Now I’m living in a developing country and learning to drive all over again. Learning is inevitable.
In my former job I often worked in Photoshop. The tasks involved cropping, resizing, adujsting, and re-coloring photos for publication. For every photo I would do many of the same exact steps which involved several dozen clicks and commands. One afternoon I decided to train myself in Photoshops ability to record and automatically apply those steps. It took me several hours and much failure, but in the end I reduced my labor by 75%. The hours of training were more than worth it. Less to learn does not mean increased value. Learning the features increased the value for me. It may be that switching to another operating system, Linux, OS X, or Windows may do the same for you.
If a person has little to gain in terms of functionality then stay with the familiar. If your current operating system and portfolio of applications has everything you need while offering efficient productivity, then stay with the familiar. Value is based on price, need, ability, and finally time available for learning. When I see a person will gain ability and increase their enjoyment in working on their computer then I recommend a switch. Even though I love Macs, based on the previous criteria, I do not recommend them to everyone. But of course we can’t expect Microsoft or Apple to be that balanced now can we?
watch the fed banking lock down.
