For the purpose of this entry, Linux refers to Ubuntu – a Debian based linux disto, and XP stands for eXPerience (of course, as in Windows XP).
For litgeeks (the little geeks – in between of geeks and non-geeks) like me, testing new software is always as lucrative as watching a new movie can be. And, then of course there will be a few crashes resulting in hours of re-installation and all every six months or so.
Linux is the biggest flirtation for litgeeks using Windows. And, after years of thinking about it, I set up myself to give a try; and here are my experience of using Ubuntu!
After trying to install (and being unable to because I was not very sure of what to do because I wanted to keep my Windows XP running) a few distros (including OpenSuSe, DSL and Federo, I finally get Ubuntu to get what I needed to do. It’s on a live CD so it booted and then I could do the installation from within it (though I read later installing Ubuntu is not easy because of its lack of GUI).
The easiest thing with Ubuntu was that it could recognize and mount all the disks and removable disks and it kept me away from mounting disks. Then, my modem was not recognized, so I am still without the internet connection on my Ubuntu.
I loved using Linux, for its simplicity and choices of softwares but then there are problems. My Ubuntu neither plays my DVDs nor the MP3s. I got to get extra programs to do it all. And, installing extra programs can be painful particularly because there names are confusing and then there are various ways of doing it. Unless, its a .Deb, the file will not install easily on my Ubuntu.
For as for everything else in our life, a few uses and internet searches for help, I am growing familiar with it. Now, neither root or terminal or sudo create confusion on me nor using a few commands on command line. But then I am still trying to find out the way to get the modem work!
For the litgeeks like me, here are a few suggestions if you all are thinking of using Linux:
- Don’t dare replace Windows. For the beginning just have a copy of both.
- Don’t get scared of names and commands, with times, you will learn all you need. Internet is of course the biggest resource.
Now, I understand why Linux users are proud of it! Because its not easy for those used to Windows and using it is an achievement itself.
0 responses to “Linux XP: Ubuntu eXPeriecne”
Thank you for a wonderful blog. I really appreciated this “For the purpose of this entry, Linux refers to Ubuntu…”. That alone tells me you “get it”. The only thing that stands between you and complete digital freedom is knowledge. And once you get that knowledge, it will never be taken away. You’re at a disadvantage with just a modem and not just because it limits you to getting your CDs through the mail. You might have a WinModem which are not really complete hardware modems at all but rely on software (Windows based software) to do most of the work. If you could lay your hands on a PCLinuxOS CD, most of your hardware troubles will be history. PCLos (its short name), is better at hardware detection (especially wi-fi) than most other distros including Ubuntu. If you try it be prepared for a shock, it uses KDE as the desktop. That would be the case it all you have used is the Gnome desktop. I recommend KDE for its utility and customization. PCLos has two other versions (update, make that three): SAMLinux an XFce version (lightweight, can be used with as little as 128MB), MiniMe a bare bones installation which can be added to later using Synaptic, and PCLOS Gnome 2.21.2 which uses Gnome instead of KDE. It’s worth noting that PCLos will be upgraded to PCLinuxOS 2008 soon, how soon I don’t know but I would imagine only a few months.
When I left Windows three years ago, I left it completely. I never wanted to see it again, and I haven’t, at least on my personal machines. I do understand that such a complete separation would be a hardship for some people and not just because it wouldn’t be their choice (work, family members). If I were to setup a dual boot configuration, I’d install second hard drive (it’s the safest way) and put Linux on that. Linux will commandeer the MBR (Main Boot Record) because Windows is completely ignorant (without a lot of help) of how to coexist with another operating system. If you need to revert back to just Windows it can be done, and there are instructions on how to do that sprinkled across the Web. Most distros will recognize the Windows HD and give you a choice of including it on your Boot-up splash screen. On others you need to add an entry to the Grub.conf.
If you’ve ever seen an American tourist in Nepal then you have some idea of what a Windows-only person acts like in Linux-land. I know, it’s a nasty comparison, but it’s true. But if that American tourist were to make Nepal his home, then in short order he would soon be indistinguishable from the locals (the analogy kind of crumbles right there but you get the idea). I’m not comparing you to an American tourist, not at all. You’ve read the “instruction manual” better know as the clue book. If I can help, let me know (here), later we can trade emails (I’ve got yours from your contact link).
Thanks Richard
ok, using linux that’s nice…….i’ve tried it too, but in the beginng lots of mistake by myself……..but these days espically i’m using xp and trying to learn linux at the same time.
Richard,
Thanks for your comment. I actually love to use Linux, particularly because I am learning it. I have downloaded a few e-books and hope that I will be able to use it perfectly in a few months (given to my busy schedule). I am also looking to buy a dial-up modem that supports Linux so that I do not need to reboot to check my emails.
If I still face problems, I will certainly mail you.
I can help you with installing a modem in ubuntu system.I finally got it to work for me.But it was a painful process switching back and forth between in operating systems.
I can give you a hint meanwhile look for something called ScanModem in google.It will in most of the cases detect your modem and suggest a driver.Mine was smartlink dial up winmodem. Don’t expect a good connection from a nepali ISP’s i think they hate the fact that i use ubuntu.Internet gets diconnected pretty often which was never the case in pirated XP.
Do you accept guest articles or blog posts? I like the layout how you wrote The Radiant Star · Linux XP: Ubuntu eXPeriecne, I am in this topic for ages and I would love to write few material right here when you agree with me.
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