Tag Archives: Ubuntu

Windows 7 and Ubuntu 9.10

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Last week I upgraded the operating system on my netbook, and used the opportunity to install Windows 7.

The upgrade to Ubuntu 9.10 went without a hitch –  a desktop alert informed me that there was a more recent version of the OS available, and then I let the computer do its thing. The only downside was a long (4 hours) wait for everything to download from the Internet, and then overwrite the existing system.

Slightly more hoops were jumped through to install Windows 7, but nothing terribly onerous. 7  pales next to OS X, but it is an improvement upon XP and Vista. It is brightly mediocre with one notable exception – the Media Center. MCE is now a pleasantly integrated part of the operating system, making the computer a powerful DVR. I don’t understand why Apple has nothing better to compete with. Frontrow and theApple TV are solely neglected, the iMac screams for an integrated television tuner. I wonder why Apple does little here.

Upgrading to Ubuntu 9.04

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Last week I took the plunge and upgraded the operating system on my HP2133 to Ubuntu 9.04. I did not notice much in the way of a difference afterwards. This is a good thing.

Installing Ubuntu 8.10 had been fairly painless, but getting video and wireless card drivers to work effectively took some time and research. However, the recent upgrade was merely the case of clicking a few buttons and waiting for files to download and install. This was far easier than any Windows upgrade I have experienced.

Perhaps this is the year that Linux finally gains acceptance from average computer users. Ubuntu is free, easy to install and straightforward to use. Why pay for a Windows license?

I still prefer working in the OS X environment, and there is no way I am ditching my Mac, but every day I am getting to like Ubuntu more and more.

Ubuntu on the HP 2133

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Ubuntu

I finally got round to installing Ubuntu 8.10 on the HP 2133. I am incredibly impressed. I had not used Ubuntu before (my previous experiences were with RedHat) and this particular OS makes the NetBook sing. I can use Skype with the videocamera, the OS has a clean interface to install supported applications, etc.The only down-side at present is that the external VGA port no longer works. I attempted a couple of hacksbut to no avail. Will try later…

NetBooking

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HP2133

I have just started using a NetBook – the HP2133 to be exact (the cheap Linux version). The 2133 is a mix of contradictions; the keyboard is sleek and professional looking – reminiscent of something that Apple might produce – but the processor is underpowered, the NetBook has an integrated microphone and camera but no way of running Skype on the default version of Linux (SUSE), it is cheap but has a crisp screen and Express Card slot.

On the whole I like the device. For my use it is near perfect. Something I can easily carry with me on the train and to meetings. The installed version of Linux will disappear. Ubuntu 8.10 will take the place of SUSE. From what I have read Ubuntu will afford me a slightly snappier and more expandable OS. I hope the transition is relatively painless.