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Your 2009 code word was Ubuntu

By | December 23, 2009, 5:57am PST

Summary: It is the Linux distro you most liked reading about, I learned.

If there was one word that could get Open Source readers more passionate than Microsoft in 2009, it was Ubuntu.

Ubuntu is not the most profitable Linux, and it’s not the distro with the biggest penetration of any major market.

But partly due to its commercial arm Canonical, based officially on the Isle of Man but actually located in London, Canonical’s charismatic CEO, Mark Shuttleworth, and to its desktop ambitions, it is the Linux distro you most liked reading about.

I was only dimly aware of this at the start of the year. But I learned.

Ubuntu 9.04 to be available for download Thursday – Here is one place I learned. Paula’s story on the approaching release of Ubuntu 9.04 was the 12th most popular story of the year.

Paula’s story quoted heavily from the Ubuntu Web site. She has a talent for hitting important stories just when they hit the Web. It’s probably one of the reasons y’all like her. I’m a fan, too, as previously noted.

Will Ubuntu remain a minor player — I wrote this soon after returning from Taiwan, where Windows was ubiquitous and Ubuntu barely seen. I was frustrated by the software’s lack of presence in the channel. In a way I felt I’d been had.

You responded to my frustration with 386 talkbacks, a rating of +19, and by turning this into the 5th most popular post of the year. Some were short, some were long. My favorite subject line was probably “Linux is the OS of the future and always will be.”

Ubuntu Karmic Koala launches – I snuck in ahead of Paula on the release of Ubuntu 10, and was rewarded with 174 talkbacks and 54 votes, making this the 3rd most popular post of the year.

One thing that jumped the numbers was that I jumped the gun. I hit publish based on an early version of the release, and when the time came but the software wasn’t there immediately the desk took over.

They issued multiple corrections until the software was posted, mentioned the story in the newsletter, and basically cleaned up after me.

After 5 years at this desk the editors have learned a few lessons too.

Kick off your day with ZDNet's daily e-mail newsletter. It's the freshest tech news and opinion, served hot. Get it.

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Topics

Ubuntu, Paula, Linux, UNIX, Tools & Techniques, Operating Systems, Open Source, Software, Management, Dana Blankenhorn

Dana Blankenhorn has been a business journalist for 30 years, a tech freelancer since 1983.

Disclosure

Dana Blankenhorn

Dana Blankenhorn has been a journalist, writer and part-time futurist for over 30 years.

At the present moment I run only a personal blog in addition to my ZDNet open source blog.

DanaBlankenhorn.Com has the subtitle The War Against Oil. In the past I have used it to write about political history, e-commerce, personal matters, some ideas related to open source, and The World of Always On, which is the idea of using sensors, motes and RFID to turn WiFi links into platforms for applications which live in the air.

My IRA account at Schwab holds a few tech shares, most notably some Intel and Applied Materials, but there are no open source companies in it. I don’t even own any CBS stock.

Biography

Dana Blankenhorn

Dana Blankenhorn has been a business journalist for nearly 25 years and has covered the online world professionally since 1985. He founded the Interactive Age Daily for CMP Media, and has written for the Chicago Tribune, Advertising Age's "NetMarketing" supplement, and dozens of other publications over the years.

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RE: Your 2009 code word was Ubuntu
edward polling Updated - 4th Jul
Try installing windows without any proprietary drivers, compare that experience to installing Linux without any proprietary ipad bag blog sutudeg education news and pclos hwdb drivers. l
View in thread
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Talking the Talk and Walking the Walk
D T Schmitz Updated - 23rd Dec 2009
This is an open source blog Dana, right?

Well, your stories are sometimes on the mark and sometimes 'way' off.

I was wondering, are you 100% invested in Linux (use it for all of your ZDNET work) or do you still use Windows?

It will help you write better if you dwell in Linux.
If you'd like any guest writing, I'd be happy to contribute in 2010.

Merry Christmas Dana, Everyone.

P.S. to celebrate the season, I've posted a hip-hop of me dancing to a Christmas jingle over at jib jab's ElfYourself.

Great cardio workout--give it a try Dana.

Oh, this time I mean it. 2010 will be the year of the Linux Desktop. happy
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2010 code words will be windoze free
Linux Geek Updated - 23rd Dec 2009
Ubuntu and Android will kill windoze in 2010.
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I love my Fedora
Boot_Agnostic 23rd Dec 2009
but your tag line has been updated repeatedly since 2000, minus the names you plugged in. Can't wait for Redhat and Java to kill windoze in 2000, and such and such.

You keep fighting the 'good' fight.

We'll use the software that comes from the warfare.
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RE: Your 2009 code word was Ubuntu
zakkiromi Updated - 26th May 2011
They issued multiple corrections until the software was posted, mentioned the story in the newsletter, and basically cleaned up after me. k
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RE: Your 2009 code word was Ubuntu
edward polling Updated - 4th Jul
Try installing windows without any proprietary drivers, compare that experience to installing Linux without any proprietary ipad bag blog sutudeg education news and pclos hwdb drivers. l
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--insert linux destroys windows in XXXX
relwolf Updated - 23rd Dec 2009
Yawn...

It's been at least a decade since I heard that
infamous phrase, still waiting for all flavors
of Linux for the desktop to breach 5% market
share.

Android is another story. I think it has a
chance to do some damage. You'll have a tough
time converting iPhone customers but WinMobile
has been dead for years and RIM is cutting its
own throat so those customers and new ones
might go for the droid.
0 Votes
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Try the other egg nog.
Palmetto_CharlieSpencer 23rd Dec 2009
It doesn't have booze in it.
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Merry Christmas Palmetto. How are things over at Tech Rep.?
D T Schmitz 23rd Dec 2009
nt
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Quiet.
Palmetto_CharlieSpencer Updated - 23rd Dec 2009
That's how I wound up 'slumming' over here! grin

LG's post reminded me of Jason H.'s pre-emptive "Linux has lost the desktop battle" article. I hope LG and Loverock continue to stay on this side of the corporate fence in 2010.

Have a good one yourself.
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LOOK EVERYONE!!@#! HE MENTIONS ME!!!@#!`
Loverock Davidson 23rd Dec 2009
Heck yeah, I get mentioned once again. I am soooo awesome. Better yet, and as someone recently pointed out to me, my name gets mentioned on other websites too. I've come a long way and my fan base is only building up from here.
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How could anyone here forget about you?
The Mentalist Updated - 23rd Dec 2009
You're like gonorrhea, those who have it just can't seem to be able to take their minds out of it.
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I hope 2010 brings us a least one new thing
John Zern 23rd Dec 2009
like maybe some original posts from you, LG?

You're getting to the point were not only aren't you worth replying too, you're not even worth reading.

Now get to it and get some new material, you only have about a week left...
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2010 code words will be windoze free
twaynesdomain 24th Dec 2009
lol, I first read that as meaning windows would be free, as in no charge! I hadda read it of course!
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Deleted; wrong place.
Palmetto_CharlieSpencer Updated - 23rd Dec 2009
No text.
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ubuntu still doesn't deliver
eddyrox1@... 23rd Dec 2009
i've tried ubuntu starting from the gibbon to koala... and on my laptop which is a compaq presario cq40 112tu currently running windows 7 with 3gb ram.

unfortunately not one time did everything work out of the box. im in the software engineering field. so yey. when the sound doesn't work or when it stutters i'm willing to go through the whole rigmarole of getting on the bash trip and doing the hard work. point to note.. koala was the first one where i actually got the sound to work. and a fact... i'm not the only one who has these problems. if you don't accept my personal opinion go ahead and check out the forums. it's painfully obvious why ubuntu still hasn't made it...

i'm all for open source and i'm all for ubuntu. else i wouldn't have tried it beyond the gutsy ol gibbon. but fact is... until ubuntu starts working out of the box like windows does (windows 7 does work. you can't deny it... even when one of my ram chips slipped out on my desktop it chugged along on 512mb without collapsing) it just isn't going to get any of the market out there...

sad.. but ultimately true.. and that's just the surface. development tools etc etc.. but that be enough... just one fact to point out... this site is primarily IT oriented (correct me if im wrong there please) and yes... ubuntu is supported here. bout time ubuntu started truly supporting us back on the nitty grittys.

2010? ill try in april and october again happy
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Windows works out of the box???? Since when?
The Mentalist 23rd Dec 2009
Try installing windows without any proprietary drivers, compare that experience to installing Linux without any proprietary drivers.

Then we'll talk.
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I think you're a bit confused
John Zern 23rd Dec 2009
but we'll just write that off to you having a bit too much booze at the company Christmas party happy

HoHoHo!

Have a Happy Holiday!
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Confused?
The Mentalist Updated - 23rd Dec 2009
and then you say you "think"

That's something I'd like to see, you struggling to think and a pig wearing a tie.
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I bet you see lots of pigs in ties
bobiroc 23rd Dec 2009
with the medication they give you at the mental institute.
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I'm looking at you, ain't I?
The Mentalist 23rd Dec 2009
Doesn't that mean your bet was right on money?
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NO NO
bobiroc 23rd Dec 2009
we are not even in the same room... you are looking in a mirror again.
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Experienced
bobiroc 23rd Dec 2009
I have and Windows runs all my software, provides the features I want, and does it all with relative ease.

As far as proprietary drivers go, isn't that true for all OSes. The drivers have to be written or compiled for the OS you want to use them on. I mean you cannot install a Linux driver on Windows or vice versa.

So when any flavor of Linux can do all that then we'll talk but right now it still works with less hardware and peripherals, is compatible with considerably less software and even trying to emulate Windows for some software is mediocre at best, and offers more functionality than Linux out of the box. Sure you can hunt and peck and find a flavor of linux that can do certain things but why would I when Windows does it all. I use linux when the the situation calls for it but mainly for a server for a specialized function but as a Desktop OS linux is at the bottom for most people.
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You give Windows too much credit
eMJayy 23rd Dec 2009
Without massive proprietary support and an
available Internet connection during setup, any
attempt at a Windows 7 installation would have
been a miserable experience for most people.
What amazes me about the Ubuntu team is that
they've been able to get a large variety of
systems up and running without the proprietary
support and without the requirement that you
have an Internet connection available to pull
down a bunch of proprietary drivers.

The whole concept of working 'out of the box'
has been radically distorted. As far as I'm
concerned, if you can't take Windows to the
North Pole or to the Sahara desert or to the
moon and successfully install it there in most
cases, it doesn't really work 'out of
the box'.
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What FUD
bobiroc 23rd Dec 2009
Windows 7 has very good driver support and I have installed it on many computers without an internet connection, but yes simply plugging in a network cable to your internet or entering your wireless info during install makes it that much easier seeing as Windows offers support for so many network cards wired or wireless out of the box. I mean since internet is one of the most used functions of computing why would they want to make it easy for it to go to the internet to get drivers.

So obviously you have never installed Windows 7 because the ONLY drivers I have had to search for were some OEM specific drivers for the shortcut buttons on laptops and sometimes a multicard reader but 95%+ of the functionality is there. And if you buy a New laptop with Windows 7 it will most likely have a full restore option or give you the necessary drivers on disc.

Windows XP back in the day was good too and only got difficult when SATA Hard Drives became standard. Many OEMs included the necessary SATA drivers on their Windows disc so it wasn't that bad but on a custom built PC with no floppy drive was a tad difficult. Still a million times better than Linux driver support though.
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not entirely
eddyrox1@... 24th Dec 2009
actually i don't give anyone any biased credit.. i got my laptop with vista.. and i chucked it right out of the window for ubuntu and i stuck with it too.. each has its plus and minus and you have to accept none of it is perfect.

what i am getting at though is.. since the advent of windows 7 there's been some serious support being added to the update process making a lot of CD hunting absolutely redundant. for laptops you'd have to hunt for some stuff, ubuntu or windows.. no exceptions.

but thats still not what i was getting at. for you and i its all good. we know our way around.. but what about the typical "inexperienced" user? i'm being frank here. i honestly like ubuntu and i see it as the potential free os of the future. but where's the real bit about it being linux for humans.

example.. gutsy told me about my wireless drivers being proprietary. and its message if i recall right was something along the lines of ubuntu not supporting proprietary... please correct me if im wrong..

tell me how many newbies are NOT going to wonder what the hell that is... ok granted some of em will forget reading and just press ok... but human psychology. ubuntu = new os that just kicked windows butt.. lets read their stuff since its new.. it happens.. i did support for my friends for a while at university. and yeah..

ok.. too long a post.. but i hope you get the general idea. i give windows credit where it is due. and i give ubuntu credit where it is due as well... my post was just to point out why ubuntu still hasn't made it out there. happy (hope that was all good *thumbs up*)
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The reason the sound did not work ...
MisterMiester Updated - 23rd Dec 2009
... is because the Intel HDA 82801I (ICH9 Family) specification for that particular sound card was incorrect. The fix was very easy as listed in this post:

http://ubuntuforums.org/showpost.php?p=6610142&postcount=2

It's hard for developers, such as the ALSA team or Ubuntu, to anticipate the failure of Intel to publish accurate and correct information about their own sound cards.
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Oh yeah
bobiroc 23rd Dec 2009
that is so much simpler than just having Windows Update look for it which works most of the time or going to the manufacturer's page and getting the installible driver. I bet my grandma could do that simple linux fix.
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Your grandma installs her own operating system?
MisterMiester Updated - 23rd Dec 2009
So you expect your grandma to:

1) Figure out that she needs an "update" and already knows how to use Windows Update.
2) Has to determine the make and model of this thing called a "sound card".
3) Do a web search for the manufacturer's website.
4) Navigation through the website to find a "driver" from the myriad of choices since the manufacturer has several.
5) Download and install the driver. How she installs it of course depends on how the manufacturer packaged the driver.
6) Reboot the system and hope/pray that fixes the problem.

If your grandma can do all of that then she can open a file and add one line to make a settings adjustment. See the ALSA module in Ubuntu works fine but only needed some additional information because of a specification error.

You didn't even read what I wrote, but only assumed this was a driver error since your experience with Windows is click, click, click. Anything else and it's a reinstall.

Now run along and play, the adults are busy right now.
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Making it a bit more complicated aren't ya.
bobiroc 23rd Dec 2009
The steps you described are a bit off don't ya think for most OEM built machines so I will break it down for you.

Method 1:
Step 1: Run Windows update
Step 2: Notice it has updated drivers and one says Sound.
Step 3: Click checkbox next to update and other updates you want.
Step 4. Click install and reboot if necessary

Method 2:
Step 1: Go to computer's website (in this example I will use Dell) like www.dell.com
Step 2: Go to support/Drivers and Downloads
Step 3: Enter serial number or select your computer model from list.
Step 4: Choose the operating system you are using.
Step 5: Select and download and install the driver you want.

As far as the adult comment goes I have been working on computers for over 20 years which may not be as long as some but I have experience with most computers, hardware and operating systems including Windows, Various flavors of Linux, Novell, and MacOS.

but seeing as Windows update will most likely detect the missing driver automatically she can just let Windows install it. Also many individual driver sites have their own detection utility these days but that does not change the fact that WIndows 7 finds drivers for many devices on its own.
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You haven't answered my question ...
MisterMiester 23rd Dec 2009
... which is that you expect your grandma to gather all of this information to update a driver but somehow she can't open a file and append one line?

All that was needed was a settings change with the ALSA module to enable message signaled interrupt generation since it defaults to pin-based interrupts which the majority of cards accept without any problems. Updating the module would have made no difference.

For someone that has worked on computers for over 20 years you seem to have a real problem with reading comprehension.
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Speaking for most grandmothers
bobiroc Updated - 23rd Dec 2009
They will look at that line with all the slashes and command line code and say WTF. Looking at options in Windows or on a website in plain english (or whatever language they speak) with links to click on is a lot easier. I mean look at your second paragraph in this post. You expect a average computer user to know that ALSA stands for Advanced Linux Sound Architecture or what pin-based interrupts are? I have no problem with reading comprehension, but I do have a problem with pompous asses like you who try to make people believe that the headaches of trying to fix something in linux is always super easy and all it takes is for one to append a simple command line or script.

My mother is a grandmother and she was able to Install Windows 7 all by herself. I would have done it for her but she said she wanted to try it herself and she did it on her 3 year old laptop. You know what, there were 2 drivers it did not have on first install. One for the sigmatel sound and the other for her SD card reader and Windows being as hard as it is went to the internet and downloaded and installed them automatically. The only question she had was about her touchpad and why the scroll did not work. I told her she needed the more advanced drivers from Alps and I provided the download link for her. Maybe she could install Ubuntu or something but if a device did not work she couldn't easily go to the internet to get the appropriate driver now could she. Maybe for some things, but command line..forget about it.

In other words and to make a more direct answer to your question. No, not in most cases. They want to download the file, open it and click next a few times and let the driver file be smart enough to detect and install the appropriate settings for their hardware. They do not want to have mess around with command line, they just want a computer that works and runs the software they want. Simple as that.
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@bobiroc - You are ridiculous ...
MisterMiester Updated - 24th Dec 2009
Typing an entire dissertation about how easy Windows is when updating drivers and your anecdotal evidence of your mother installing Windows 7 plus some other nonsense that people would rather scour the internet looking for drivers then opening a single file and adding one line of information is beyond belief, almost comical for most people.

Ubuntu has become dead-pan easy including a LiveCD mode that allows you to test all of your hardware before you install since all of the drivers are located within kernel space. Even Microsoft can't make this claim. If your missing drivers after you install Windows it's off for a scavenger hunt

Everyday people like yourself are just grasping at straws trying to find any flaw that can justify the existence of the Windows ecosystem. Nobody in the right frame of mind would ever discourage the use of a free operating system unless they had a vested interest in keeping the status quo. Basically it comes down to Cui Bono, who benefits. The simple fact is that as more and more people realize the can get off the Microsoft merry-go-round the level of rhetoric increases exponentially.

Some version of Ubuntu is installed on the half-dozen computers in my household with a virtual server ready to dish up a copy of XP for the occasional Windows only application. I spend less time administrating all of them then when I use to run XP on just a couple of systems. I have more time with my family, less headaches, and I keep more money in my pocket. It would have cost me a small fortune to upgrade all the computers I have to Windows 7. All the money I saved on not buying Windows licenses I spent on Christmas presents for my kids.

So go ahead, stand on the highest hill and praise Windows to your hearts content because personally I don't care.
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sorry
eddyrox1@... 24th Dec 2009
but the sound didn't work for me.. i kept working at it for three months.. and tried that method too but it kept stuttering.. koala went right though... but then there were other reasons that i had to stick to windows cos i'm in serious .NET dev now.. and i need my expression studio..

but yes.. completely agree about the latter bit of the post ..
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it never does
Loverock Davidson 23rd Dec 2009
but the linux fanboys live in denial about the many flaws in ubuntu.
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I knew you were coming, I just knew it
The Mentalist 23rd Dec 2009
Something kept telling me that a momentous fart was about to grace the Earth and now here you are.
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I beg to differ ...
MisterMiester 23rd Dec 2009
"... and it?s not the distro with the biggest penetration of any major market.

According to Wikimedia Ubuntu has a 0.71% share which by far exceeds all linux distros, including Android, combined:

http://stats.wikimedia.org/wikimedia/squids/SquidReportOperatingSystems.htm

Do you always make these off the cuff statements without doing any research?
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Apple Will Eat Everyone's Lunch 2010!
CowLauncher 23rd Dec 2009
Got your attention.

Merry Christmas everyone!
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Ubuntu 2007,2008,2009, etc. is my code word!
leopards 23rd Dec 2009
I've been using Ubuntu since early 2007, so 6.10, I'm now using 9.10 and expect to keep using it for the foreseeable future! I left WinXP and never looked back!
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Still using Windows and Fedora
Boot_Agnostic 24th Dec 2009
both work well for my needs, so I've never given Ubuntu an install. Fine for those who do wish to use that distro of Linux. Use your Mac, Windows, and Linux to your own hearts content and not someone else's intent.
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Still using Windows and Fedora
twaynesdomain 24th Dec 2009
Very, very well put. My feelings exactly.
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Year of the Linux Desktop
orionds 24th Dec 2009
I never felt this should be an important issue as long as the Linux on the desktop continues to evolve securely delivering speed, stability and compatibility.

Ubuntu is definitely a great distro among, of course, the other great distros. So far, I have stuck with Ubuntu after trying some others because of its wide support and huge community.

Ubuntu has allowed me to save a few ancient PCs and notebooks, all of which are now zipping along much faster than when they had XP in them.

There is no need to displace Windows. I just hope that there will be enough growth and acceptance of the Linux desktop to reward developers for their effort - whether monetarily or otherwise. We can see the effort by the community to provide all the wonderful distros to be enjoyed by all.

Merry X'mas and best wishes for the New Year to Linux and those who love and use it!
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RE: Your 2009 code word was Ubuntu
wifikadel 24th Dec 2009
Just before hitting 80 I bought a very little box running Ubuntu. It recognised a keyboard and mouse that took an 80+ MB driver to function in Windows,my wifi connection and four year old printer.Under WXP its driver without an install ex would have been a mayor headache for most.
It updated to Karmic Koala without a hitch, OpenOffice opens all documents, Pidgin is less elaborate than Messenger but functions, as do all internet paraphernelia.
It's been al long road since C/PM, DOS et all.Since I never thought of a computer as a way to to learn how to kill or to drive dangerously Ubuntu suits me perfectly.
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I can't afford Linux
twaynesdomain 24th Dec 2009
Good article; it prompted me to once again do a little research. Open Source and Linux in all it incarnations are great efforts by some very fine people. But there are major problems that should be faced and have to be oversome:
1. Drivers just don't exist for many peripherals, both old and new, especially with new computers. Without drivers, two of my major peripherals can't function; a printer and a scanner.
One must just about build or purchase a computer by planning it around Linux to be sure you'll have the functionality you actually need.
Newbies? Fine - it'll serve most newbies VERY well; they won't miss what they never had. With OO and browsers etc., all the basic tools are there. But for even the semi-pro, it's a headache.
I looked up the issue on a few Dell machines and they consisted of, in part:

-- PS2 not supported; must use USB for KB & Mouse
-- Broadcom ethernet functionality not known or doesn't work.
-- 3D acceleration, ATI's flgrx drivers doesn't affect OpenGL (?) but X is much slower with them. "Dell Wireless 1450 Wireless USB Adapter" not working at all (optional device). Microphone and digital video untested
-- Live CD's caused the monitor to return an "out of range" error, but can be used when booted into safe graphics mode.
-- Second Display will clone only
-- X crash after login (on gdm), invalid display for linux console on boot if Video MEM != 8MB in BIOS Ubuntu Server : 8.04 and 8.10 both work flawless
-- When I boot the live CD of Gutsy I received the opening menu with several boot/install options, but when I make my selection the computer basically locks.

There is a lot more but I don't understand most of the modifications that were necessary to configs and various other things to make stuff work, like audio for one.

My exact model (T3400) wasn't mentioned, but ... with problems like that, and missing the drivers I already know are missing, how/why should I give Ubunty much attention unless it's just a curiousity thing? Or actually, any flavor as they all have similar lists of problems when they're in the real world.

I'm what I think is an intermediate user with a simply fair capability to write code so I'm neither newbie nor expert. IMO only a newbie would be satisfied with it out of the box, and only an expert could get it to do everything he needs, including probably having to write drivers for it, and then it might now be possible.
Besides the turn-key out-of-box expertise of Microsoft, I really think what holds Linux back are the shortcomings I listed above. My own system would end up seriously crippled no matter which flavor I look at. Then there is also the Microsoft "grip" on customers that seems to be weakening in the face of Open Source, but not in the case of an OS.
While I use every Open Source application I can find instead of a Microsoft product, or any product really, even then I am left with problems because I can't find applications capable of what I have now. I am a graphic and video editor and one big area is replacing PaintShop Pro and my video editing/rendering applications. No, Gimp et al will not replace PSP Pro for the features in it that I need. As for video there is almost nothing competitive out there even though it's an area where I could likely make a switch. So I can't even go Open Source for everything BUT the OS. Oops: I lied unintentionally. I also cannot let MSO Word 2002 go because I use features in it that Open Office Suite 3.1 still cannot handle.
Add to all that OO.o's refusal to go back now and clean up some of the old bugs requiring wasteful work-arounds, and even OO.o gets annoying. When one program performs a task flawlessly and another requires workarounds to do the same thing, the workarounds get pretty annoying. Printing envelopes is probably one of the simplest, most glaring examples of all that. With Word I can create a new envelope in seconds, even if it's not a standard size which is pretty unusual. But in OO.o's Writer, even a #10 business envelope can't be printed without making several adjustments unless your machine wants you to feed it face up and left aligned, I think it is. Neither of my printers work that way. Making the obvious setting changes fails miserably. I'm not about to fart around creating a new envelope in OO.o's Writer when I can switch to MS Word and have it done in seconds, including typing the address. When time is money, it's just not productive to fart around going thru non-working features and getting them to do what you want. You can't even open and MS Word envelope template in OO.o; all you'll have is trash.

Open Source is one of the greatest revolutions to ever hit the software industry, along with its new business models, etc. etc. etc.. But it's still a niche market, IMO, until it can be made to be a lot closer to being turn-key in driver and application ability both.

Fanatics can go rub rock salt, but should anyone have thoughtful, useful responses to anything I've said, I promise I will read them and give them proper consideration.
Since a large part of the problem areas above comes from vendor/source refusals (or inability) to support Linux drivers/applications, the ONLY recourse I can see for myself is to continue on my current path: Continue to support Open Source as best I can, and wait. "Wait" being the operative keyword there.
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Well stated reasons not to use Linux over Windows.
pfyearwood 24th Dec 2009
I will not give chapter and verse on why some of these complaints on Linux may or may not be valid. Like many other posting about Linux the phrase "Your Mileage may Vary" fits. It is obvious your needs are not met by Linux of any flavor. You have very specific needs that only Windows can meet. You tried Linux and found it not to your needs. That is all I as a Linux user can ask. I thank you for give it a try.

You and others have stated a major problem with Linux in that hardware vendors do not support Linux. They won't support Linux until there is a bigger user pool and people will not use Linux until there are more drivers and hardware support.

I have some apps that will not work with WINE in Linux that I use. They are not mission critical, as you stated that PSP is for your career. My needs are not your needs. You use what works for you, I use what works for me. You tried Linux and found it did not meet your needs. That is more than what many have done. Have a great new year.


Paul

An operating system is a tool, not a religion.
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An OS is not a religion nor is it a tool
tonymcs@... 24th Dec 2009
It's a platform to allow you to use tools. You have the option of choosing a simple platform with very few tools that less than 1% of the world uses or a platform that offers more tools than you could ever try out and is used by over 90% of the planet.

Linux is a hobby, like a custom hot-rod (although a custom Model T may be a better analogy). You may be able to make some money from a hobby or even run a business on it, but let's not pretend that it can support the needs of global business and consumers.

While OSS does have some gems (very few) the majority is dross. It's either bad copies of trailing edge software or so buggy and unsupported it's unusable. It provides a safety net for those who are unable or unwilling to buy modern software and it fulfills this function admirably. It's also worth noting that the few OSS gems exist because of the support of proprietary companies.

Yes I've used Linux a number of times and also wiped it and installed Windows a number of times. I also use a variety of OSS apps under Windows (the often unstable ones that you need to give constant attention) only because I'm prepared to invest my time and skills rather than have to find cash up front. However, honestly, if I had the money, I wouldn't be using any OSS wink

But you are quite correct, if your needs are met by Linux and OSS then go for it. I think Linux's adoption since 1992 in all of its various distros, shows that it meets the needs of very few.
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I can't say I agree with most of what you say....
LazLong 27th Dec 2009
But of course you are entitled to your opinion.

Drivers....
"Drivers just don't exist for many peripherals, both old and new,"
Like most all FUD, it is not necessarily completely untrue, but out of context and over hyped. I have never liked the idea of "driver loaded firmware" and consider it a excuse or device for exclusivity, obsolescence, software patents and/or some other monetary confabulation. What ever happened to things like HAL, Plug~n~Play or even BIOS/EFI. Imagine attaching a standard device, a drive or memory for example and not having it be recognised, irrespective of whatever OS.

From my experience I generally have had less problems with drivers for Linux than with the various iterations of Windows. Printers, scanners, cameras, flash, monitors, Ethernet, video, TV/capture cards, Drives etc, etc. Both my old and new hardware & peripherals all work usually the first time, without having hunt down drivers.

But there are issues with some hardware & Linux but that is more the fault of the ODM/OEM. The ones that are limited to only Windows I consider defective and would not purchase. I would also point out the ones that have no difficulty with Linux also usually have no or less difficulty with Windows, Mac & others as well.

I do agree with you, that the ones that can most quickly utilise Linux are those at the opposite ends of the user spectrum. As they are less influenced by the marketing, FUD & Dogma. The casual/general user see's the computer as a tool/appliance and to them the nuts~n~bolts are equally Greek or Geek. The pro/enthusiast knows the fundamentals & understands the concepts and can utilise what it has to offer, it is the same 1's & 0's.

I am guessing you are refering to the Dell Precision T3400. I have used Precision workstations in the past and do not have experience with this model, but do have to wonder as Linux (Red Hat Enterprise) is available as a choice of OS.

You do seem to be having many issues, and I am sorry you are. It may not be worth your interest/time to overcome/correct them. It can also be worthwhile if you are interested in expanding your awareness/understanding of computers.

Even as with Windows some set-ups require the need to download & configure/reconfigure for optimum usage, although in most cases it is more automatic or wizard driven, it still needs to be done on occasion. And again as in Windows when you run in to and correct an issue you develop an understanding and it can become second nature to solve the next time.

Have you only tried Ubuntu? I say this not to preference one distro over another (Ubuntu is a great distro & seems to be the most popular) but just to see/compare
various liveCD/DVD's how they recognise & configure. After all they are all free. Other ones to look at Linux Mint, Mepis, Knoppix, Parsix, and others these are all Debian/Ubuntu based.
If interested check out http://distrowatch.com/
they some great sections major distros, search section, news etc.

One old trick when booting from a liveCD is to turn off ACPI in bios or load with the no ACPI option. As there are two main specs(scripts) for ACPI, MS & Intel guess which one sometimes has more difficulty.

You can compare (and sometimes even copy) a working /etc/xorg.conf file. that is where several if not many of the issues you have can be corrected. usb/ps2, Xinerama or appropriate ATI driver for multiple monitors, appropriate specs frequency range etc.

If you have one of the better/pro video cards FireGL/Quadro can't see why your having any issue, as there are/were good drivers both Open source & prop and things should be more automatic.

http://www.dell.com/us/en/enterprise/desktops/precn_t3400/pd.aspx?refid=precn_t3400&cs=555&s=biz

While all systems have their qualities; Advantages/shortcomings I am not sure anything you mentioned is the fault of Linux... as much as the ODM/OEM and the attitude/awareness/perception/understanding of the user.

Anyway sorry you are having issues, could all be hardware, if you have a real interest, it is (can be) worthwhile, (fun, educational, profitable) just as solving Windows issues........
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THANK You Ubuntu!!
maxtheitpro 24th Dec 2009
I started out with a Ubuntu 9.04 Live CD that was delivered to me for FREE here in Nairobi, KENYA -- within 1 week. Amazing. That installed very well on my Toshiba L305-S5944 lappie -- everything was detected perfectly. I did the software upgrade to Karmic Koala without any problems. But I had a teenie issue with Gnome-panel applet because I was mucking around and so I couldn't get back to using my desktop. Then I heard about Linux Mint, read the plethora of reviews and happily installed the new release, Helena version 8.

All I can say is WOW!!! Mint is the freaking **** -- period. My hats off to the Ubuntu team & Debian pioneers for making such a world class Operating System. I think 2010 is going to be the year of Desktop Linux. Already, Linux Mint 8 X64 is out and the reviews are very positive. I see Mint as taking Ubuntu and cleaning up a few warts here and THERE. Oh, I ran XP-SP2 in VirtualBox under Ubuntu and the speed was so fast. My setup is a 250 GB HD, 2.16 GHz Intel Duo Core, 2GB RAM, WIFI, etc. XP simply flew and then I showed it to lots of peeps down here in Nairobi -- and they LIKED it a lot. Suffice to say that I'm now sloowly installing Linux Mint 8 on laptops and desktops because people are fed up with antivirus and spyware apps hogging their Windows memory plus all those USB flash drive viruses/worms/trojans.

About a week ago, I wrote these same words from the laptop of a CEO from a company down here. Her specs are: Toshiba Portege A600-135, Core 2 Duo U930 @ 1.20GHz, 250 GB HD, 2 GB RAM, Webcam, WIFI, Bluetooth, Finger Print reader, SD Card reader, etc. The only thing it probably doesn't detect is the stupid finger print scanner/reader. Big deal! I'm freaking amazed that it has the bluetooth icon showing that it's turned on but no devices are in sight. It simply saw the WIFI connection and then I added the WEP key --- connected to the Net with no problems. Then I browsed her Windows Vista partition and opened some of her Powerpoint presentations in Open Office 3.0 just to show her that she's not losing out on anything from Windoze. I showed her RythmBox, Gimp, F_Spot, FireFox (with Flash already working out of the box), Open Office Spreadsheet, Writer and some other goodies -- all ran crisp and looked great on her 1200 X 800 screen. And this is just a LiveUSB demo. I want her to get rid of X-Pee from her office PCs and this demo gave her something to think while she breaks for XMas in Miami.

To conclude, Linux Mint has arrived and it deserves all the praises because its creators went the EXTRA mile to make everything run PERFECTLY out of the box. Oh, those Huawei USB 3G HSDPA/EV-DO modems are automatically detected by Linux Mint (and Ubuntu too). Simply amazing. If I attach my Nokia 6070 EDGE celly to my laptop using a CA-42 cable, Mint already sees it and I just have to enter the APN, user name/password for my mobile operator. Wicked!!! On Windoze, I have to bloody download a 35 Meg Nokia PC Suite just to connect to the Net. Eeew!

I simply don't know what the Mint guys can do for version 9. Right now, version 8 (Helena) is as GOOD AS IT GETS. And I simply haven't felt the need to install VirtualBox on my lappie. I'm just waiting to find out if Ext4 is ready for prime time and then I'll switch from Ext3 file system.

News Flash: Linux Mint (and I'm sure Ubuntu would) ran flawlessly on these 2 machines today:
1) Dell Optiplex 760 N-series,Core 2 Duo, 2 GB RAM, with 22" LCD
2) Acer Aspire 1802 WSMi laptop with: P4 530 processor HT technology 3.0 GHz, 17" WXGA TFT, ATI Radeon Mobility X600, 512 MB RAM, 80 GB hard disk, 802.11 b/g WIFI (only thing that wasn't detected!), Bluetooth (detected and saw an HTC Touch Diamond Windows Mobile Smartphone.
3) Acer Aspire One netbook, Atom processor, 1 GB RAM, 160 GB hard disk (it ran flawlessly compared to XP which was slowed down with McAfee Anti-Virus which is actually an excellent app with great features)

All I can say is that Linux is ready for prime time on ALL hardware devices (laptops, desktops, servers, etc.)

Cheers!!

- Max (aka Max "The IT pro")
MaxTheITpro.com
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Why ubuntu makes me mad
doccpu 24th Dec 2009
I use linux for important stuff like web servers and file servers. No maintenance, run months with out a problem But i find ubuntu as a desktop un usable. Ubuntu has always been slower than xp as a gui.
8.04 is no longer supported by software or upgrades, 8.1 lost all usb wifi usability. 9.04 was squirrely, 9.1 locks up ever 10 minutes and changed the monitor discovery from xstart (gui) to boot time so if no monitor at boot the gui couldnt , wouldnt find the monitor and give you the choice of changing resolutions. They keep srewing it up as each version comes out. what worked no longer does and more probs as code gets bigger (better?not). I like linux but its a pain to get running, has poor operabilty, upgradeabilty, and gui runs slower than xp.
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RE: Your 2009 code word was Ubuntu
saalikr 24th Dec 2009
Hi there. I have used ubuntu on my laptop 'Compaq', and older desktop. EVERY time it has worked mstraight out of the box. I don't do anything fancy just web surf, photos, email, docs. Great for me.
Saalik
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As in Ubuntu wasted a golden opportunity in 2009
Johnny Vegas 26th Dec 2009
Proving yet again they "just don't get it" when it comes to the consumer market, Ubuntu let MS W7 before they could take advantage of the Vista situation. If Canonical was a real company Shuttleworth would be thrown out on his ass...

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