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Topic: Ubuntu

Ubuntu 13.04: The Linux desktop for everyone (gallery)

Summary: Linux power users may not love Ubuntu, but everyone else can.

Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols

By for Linux and Open Source |

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Ubuntu and Firefox

By default, Ubuntu uses Firefox for its browser. Of course, if you want to use something else, Ubuntu also makes it simple to switch to another one of your preference. Ubuntu is all about freedom of choice. 

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Topics: Ubuntu, Linux, PCs

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23 comments
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  • Nice unbiased analysis, Stevie

    It looks just like the last 3 builds. And, yes... it's for "everyone" so long as they know the names of the applications they're using, otherwise finding stuff in the menu is tedious. It's like a less user-friendly Windows 8.

    Do your readers a favor... Do a review of Linux Mint's LDME 201303 or Linux Mint 14. Debian and Ubuntu (respectively), presented in a much more user-friendly manner.
    Big Sparky
    Reply 1 Vote

    • MINT is beautiful...

      ...but I can't see all the issues people have with Unity. It lacks a "start menu" style menu with every singe application listed automatically with one click, but the dash is far more useful that you appear to give it credit for. It searches on application name but also keywords for the application based upon the .desktop file for the app. So words in the description field of the .desktop will also make an application show up in a dash search. Ubuntu is no longer my *favorite* distro, but it is hardly a "less user-friendly Windows 8". 'dems fight'n words!
      Lovebiscuit-kawasaki
      Reply 1 Vote

    • I just dont get the obsession

      With start buttons.
      mikedees
      Reply 3 Votes

    • Mint 14?

      Or maybe he could wait to review Mint 15, instead....
      Metallinatus
      Reply Vote

    • Agreed.

      It still takes some work for find installed apps. Imagine the screaming you'd hear from Windows users if they had to first search for their apps instead of them being organized in the menus. I love Ubuntu, but it still has issues... like supporting USB wireless devices. I spend 7 hours trying to get a "certified" USB wireless card working... but had to use the ndiswrapper (windows driver) to finally get it working.... and it still is flaky at best. As I said, I love Ubuntu, but until it supports mainstream simple PNP hardware, it will still be on the fringe.
      littlebokey@...
      Reply Vote

  • Ubuntu 13.04: The Linux desktop for everyone (Gallery)

    But you said its not for linux power users who are the majority of linux users so its not for everyone and anyone who don't want third rate apps.

    "Ubuntu 13.04's Unity interface is attractive and very easy to use even if you've never used Linux before in your life. "
    Just the opposite, looks terrible and is uneasy for the end user.
    Loverock-Davidson
    Reply 2 Votes

    • Meh!

      .
      daikon
      Reply 1 Vote

    • What did you find difficult to use?

      Just wondering what you found uneasy about the user interface?

      When switching from an OS like Windows it can take a day or so to learn the layout of unity, but no more so than going from Windows 7 to 8. If you are used to Windows 8, it'll actually be easier to adapt due to Windows 8's similarities to unity's dash.

      If you don't like it you could try kubuntu which is the same OS with different display environment, lubuntu, xubuntu, mint.... You can install any Linux desktop environment on ubuntu... Or any Linux. Remember Linux is all about choice and customisation; if you like an OS but don't like a call those developing it have made, change it.

      Definitely give it a go. I was a late switcher to ubuntu from Debian during Karmic, I've not looked back. Proof is in the pudding; in the 11 years I've used Linux I've never seen so much tech buzz about a distro- specifically a single release, especially just a 6month update; interest is growing.
      MarknWill
      Reply Vote

    • Don't project your limitations onto others

      you've doing this for years. Just because you can't understand how to click an icon, it doesn't mean anyone else has the limited knowledge and skill you present.
      deaf_e_kate
      Reply Vote

    • Balony!!!!

      I have absolutely no problems using the Sinmax external usb wireless card. I've used it for months. The only problem is that it shuts itself off from time to time. For the most part, it works like a charm.
      shadowmane
      Reply Vote

  • Great job ubuntu!

    This centerpiece of great UI design really will get some notice and show people the power of linux and open source. Some of you guys like to make fun of linux but Raring Ringtail will teach you a big lesson! Congratulations on the great efforts that the team well deserves!
    DrWong
    Reply 2 Votes

    • DrWong I think really

      it's a pos
      Moosehouse
      Reply 1 Vote

      • why you little...(choke)

        DrWong
        Reply 1 Vote

  • the Linux desktop for everyone.

    There is no Linux desktop for everyone. And for the record the average user (mac and windows users) don't have to resort to the command line to install apps. Linux simply isn't for everyone. And that's fine. I do like unity though. And dash is just fine with me. Its functional, fast, and responsive. Though admittedly I spend most of my time either in chrome or in Bash.
    mikedees
    Reply Vote

    • Neither do most Linux users.

      It happens to be a GUI entry.

      Of course, if the user WANTS to use the command line, it isn't hard to do so.
      jessepollard
      Reply 1 Vote

    • command line? Bash?

      You are so last century.
      Linux has obviously changed faster than you, so if you must make a comment please try and keep up with what the modern distributions do.
      Agnostic_OS
      Reply 1 Vote

    • Linux is for everyone and anyone

      ... unless you make your money repairing Windows.

      If you make your money repairing Windows, then you're going to be afraid of being out of a job, soon. And that can't happen soon enough.

      The FUD machine has about run its course... gnu/linux is standing its ground everywhere on the server, on millions of desks world-wide, and everywhere embedded. PC sales preloaded with Windows are at an all-time low, and NOBODY wants Windows 8 lockin with its danged UEFI boot-system. Linux has critical mass and Microsoft has begun its death throws. Its just a matter of time, particularly with young people and modern corps.

      The cool thing about Linux desktops is that if you don't like it (for some reason, doesn't matter) it can be changed easily. Windows is ONE size that doesn't fit anyone... Linux has many sizes, one of which will fit just about anyone. The only people that don't like it are the folks who make their living patching up windows products; surfing the FUD wave.

      I have not been using Windows products anywhere since 1998. I even have my mac dual booting into Mint linux ... and I run my mac mini on the linux side about 70% of the time. I have used every single linux desktop gui and have found them all useful for one reason or another. At the moment my personal favorite is Mint Cinnamon. I'm also a 'power' user, but most of the time I don't have my power tools out. I'm happy on the gnu/linux command line ... and I'm very happy on the desk gui. It just works, and it works well without all the Windows side-affects.

      Cheers,
      marcushh777
      Reply 1 Vote

  • Hey Stevie Boy

    Is it the year of Linux again? I also hear that Betamax is going to make a comeback.
    Moosehouse
    Reply 3 Votes

    • Has been the year(s) of linux already

      in so many ways. Has anyone sold billions of "licenses" for a linux-based desktop OS? No. By that metric it will never be the year of linux. However, that's the only measure of windows success. Profit and sales has little to do with linux and that's a good thing. Its about pure software, not having the bottom line get in the way like with MS software. Metro anyone?
      DrWong
      Reply 3 Votes

      • Not in the US ... but there are many emerging markets

        that may not be interested in paying hefty windows licensing fees.

        http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2012/11/ubuntu-pc-sales-skyrocket-in-2011
        DBAnderson1
        Reply 1 Vote
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