A Newbie Switches to Ubuntu: What Worked and What Didn't?

by Sam Dean - Jan. 12, 2009Comments (25)

I got a kick out of reading AshPringle's series about his New Year's resolution to switch from Windows and the Mac to Linux for a week. (You can find the daily entries at the bottom of this first entry.) Remember how, when you first took the SAT, people told you to "go with your first answer--it's probably correct?" This series is by no means written by a Linux expert, but several of the off-the-cuff impressions about using Ubuntu, add-ons and more are interesting precisely because they are off-the-cuff. Here were a few of the good takeaways that I spotted in the conclusion post of the series.

Here are AshPringle's dislikes after his forced week of Ubuntu use:

Too many confusing names--KDE, Compiz, Compiz Fusion, Wubi, tomato, potato.

OpenOffice's spellcheck--he couldn't get it to work.

The inflexible wallpaper--he couldn't customize wallpaper for different desktops.

Hardware issues--Wireless adapters, graphics accelerators and other peripherals didn't work properly.

Notably, though, Ash's list of likes after his week of Ubuntu use is longer than the list of dislikes. Among other things, he likes:

The speed--"every operating system should run this fast," he says.

The comprehensive antivirus software--this is a tongue-in-cheek reference to his conclusion that nobody running Linux needs to be bogged down by antivirus software.

The cost--it's free!

The pre-loaded software.

The Add/Remove Programs option--he likes how easy Ubuntu makes it to get compelling new applications.

Ash ends up concluding that he will use Ubuntu as a third operating system, but won't abandon Windows and the Mac, which happens to be how I work as well. I find all three platforms to have their advantages.

Among Ash's list of pros, I definitely concur that Linux distros of all stripes need to do a better job of hardware compatibility. Whenever people switch to Linux, they immediately start caterwauling about Wi-Fi compatibility and the like. The Linux Foundation has done some good work toward getting better industry-wide handling of drivers, and more buy-in from hardware makers, but there is still work to be done.

On Ash's list of likes, one item that really jumps out to me is his quip about anti-virus software (you don't need any on Linux). I don't recommend going without AV software on any platform, but it is true that both the Mac and Linux are becoming more attractive as security problems persist for Windows. If you use Windows, you constantly have to scan for malware, and often use multiple products to do so because of the sheer volume of nastiness aimed at the platform.

Ash serves up quite a few more interesting conclusions. Good reading.


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25 Comments
 

I agree with some of these conclusions, and not with others. I use Linux full time, as it meets my needs better than Windows. But it's far from perfect.


My Linux good list:

*Free

*Secure

*Tends to not deteriorate and gradually break down like Windows

*Innovative


My Linux bad list:

*Slow, memory intensive, and increasingly complex architecture

*Many unstable, immature applications

*Arcane, haphazard distribution of files and installed programs

*Package repositories and complex package dependencies

*Spotty hardware support

*New versions often cause more regressions than improvements


Linux is still improving, and it IS usable, but I hope my bad list starts to shrink pretty soon here.


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I second the above commentors post completely. The only thing I would add is to the "good" list and that is "when you press OFF it turns OFF pretty much straight away". no "windows is shutting down....for 5 or 10 minutes.


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one word - Dual Monitor Support - yeah yeah go ahead say it was there in 8.04 and better in 8.10, but it is still buggy as crap and probably the only reason I do not use Ubuntu as my main OS. For anything beyond that gripe you can


a. Install Virtualbox

b. Learn how to use a computer


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DUMB DUMB DUMB


The speed--"every operating system should run this fast," he says. - HMM.. this could be argued..


The comprehensive antivirus software--this is a tongue-in-cheek reference to his conclusion

that nobody running Linux needs to be bogged down by antivirus software. - DUH!


The cost--it's free! = DUH!


The pre-loaded software. = it hardly comes with anything pre-installed.. except basics


The Add/Remove Programs option--he likes how easy Ubuntu makes it to get compelling new applications - agreed this is good.


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Ubuntu isn't polished enough to be any good. Try mint, its based on ubuntu but has a few more months of work put into it so it works with no problems.


I've had the wireless problem and standby problems with just about every linux distro, except for mint.


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@Patrick Hogan about Dual Monitor Support


I don't know what a "bug" means for you but I don't think there is much more work to get done here. My understanding of the problem is that driver makers (proprietary) often fail to comply with standard subsystems provided by X. The GUI you get under Ubuntu is just a front end to things like XRandr... which do works pretty well.


Under windows, if something does not work properly when you install new hardware, the fault is on the driver, not the OS. It seems that we tend to argue the opposite when under a Linux system.


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I think he is doing it the wrong way. His mindset was wrong from the start. I have been using Ubuntu for more than two years, and I now use it for 98% of the time, in fact for all the serious computer work. Windows has now become a plaything. But it didn't start that way. When I installed Ubuntu, it was something to try out, to see what people are talking about. I certainly didn't use it then for any serious stuff, just used it to play around to see what it can do. Gradually, over a period of months I began to use Ubuntu more often. Then I configured the PC to boot straight into Ubuntu because I was using it more. And today I rarely use Windows. I use Windows soley to update the security software and to access some programs (eg itunes) and just a handful of websites which are written for IE and use DirectX. So it was never my original intention to use Ubuntu, it gradually developed with no concious effort. If people would try Linux over a period months with an open mind they will be pleasantly surprised. I still am after two years.


OpenOffice spellcheck works fine for me.

Yes, hardware is still a problem. The rewards there for those who try to get it working. In 2009 this should be easier but it is improving with more hardware vendors getting on-board.

Confusing names? Please. Learn it, as you have done in the Windows world.

Wallpaper? Believe me there greater rewards using Linux than being not able to change a wallpaper.


Cold switching to Linux for a week I expect complaints. I totally virgin PC user would be the same using Windows for a week.


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my sisutation: i have 2 computer in my room 3 if you count my linux xbox.One runs xp pro,and the other ubuntu/anti x.

the xp is a core 2 duo.and the linux box is 733mhz.


and believe it or not the xp only gets touched when editing video.


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Um, you don't need antivirus software with Windows, you just have to train yourself not to open those random PowerPoint presentations that people email you. Don't download random crap and run it and you'll be fine.


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You only have yourself to blame if you install Ubuntu on a MS Windows computer and it doesn't work. That isn't Ubuntu's fault or a problem with GNU/Linux. You need to buy a GNU/Linux computer that has the support you desire. GNU/Linux has better compatibility than any other operating system on the market (that is Vista or Mac OS X). Just because your system doesn't have 100% hardware compatibility doesn't mean GNU/Linux hasn't got the best hardware compatibility.


I'll give you the names thing-


I have no idea what you are talking about in regards to the desktop and spellcheck. Both my parents are clueless GNU/Linux users and neither have had problems with either-ever. One came from Mac OS X about a month ago and is still getting familiar with GNU/Linux applications and the other has been using Linspire 5/Freespire 2 for three or four years now. Both are now retired. One was a teacher the other a programmer analyst (not technically adept at anything new- barely able to figure out the mouse/surf the web/email) .


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o Ever tried to install windows xp on virgin computer ? yup you get basic system with 800x600 screen resolution and no network, no video drivers, no sound etc etc


I have been using Ubuntu since version 6 and am as much impressed with it now as I was 2 or 3 years ago. Simply one of the best OSes out there.

The issue with different wallpapers on the desktops - no issue in Windows since you only have one desktop to work on.

Now I can see the Mac fanboi cringe and start to raise their hands - I tried to use OS X but I find it is so dumbed down that reasonably intelligent person can't use it effectively plus you pay for all software.


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sounds like a pretty good first week. as previously mentioned though those can be common problems to any OS that people are not familiar with, here's a few tips to help resolve some issues:


Too many confusing names--KDE, Compiz, Compiz Fusion, Wubi, tomato, potato.

-The names are less familiar but not any less confusing then any other OS would be to a virgin user...what is Direct X, expose, Gimp(lol I could only imagine people faces...), etc if you've never used them? These scary and odd sounding names until you have learned what each item does. Just give it time and effort. You didnt learn windows/mac osx in a week.


OpenOffice's spellcheck--he couldn't get it to work.

-That is odd, sounds like it may be an issue a OOO forum or Ubuntu forums could resolve for you, sounds like a bug rather then a OS specific issue.


The inflexible wallpaper--he couldn't customize wallpaper for different desktops.

-Never used a dual monitor setup at home where I run Ubuntu so I have not had this issue. Customizing the desktop is easy or easier then any other OS and I would expect there to be a solution. I can really call any dual monitor setup ive used easy to setup though lol.


Hardware issues--Wireless adapters, graphics accelerators and other peripherals didn't work properly.

-Again already mentioned, there's a chance you will have the same problem for any other OS if your drivers are not built in. In windows you still have to hunt down drivers for for said devices but in my experience with Ubuntu Wireless never works with the Live CD but after a full install it functions perfectly after entering in my wireless info (ran on both a custom built desktop and compaq laptop). For graphics accelarators you have to enable the restricted drivers...Ubuntu 8.10 actually gave me a pop up telling me this...its just a matter of enabling them and rebooting and your good to go. For Windows you have to:

-go to ati/nvidia's website

-look up your specific device/os

-download and install the driver

-reboot

-and it gets worst when you go to update...

Much easier when you know what your looking for IMO!


I may sound like a broken record but usually people have problems because they dont know how to do something, not because it is impossible or terribly difficult. It takes time to learn the ins and outs of any OS, im sure you are still learning new things in Mac OSX and Windows today..I am! People always tend to favor what they know best, what is good is trying what else is available and seeing it if offers them advantages over what they are use to. In this case the tester did have many positive things to say about the OS. Just get those couple issues straighted out and he will be good to go.


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I was going to write one of these myself (I still might, but it won't be read by anyone, so I'm going to summarize here).


Pros:

+ A lot of important stuff is installed already. Movie player, picture viewer, iPod support, OpenOffice.

+ A lot of essential programs are available for free. Firefox, Thunderbird, Pidgin (IM Program), Songbird (iTunes like program)

+ Stable

+ Pretty

+ Very customizable

+ Easier than you would think to use

+ Constant updates to increase security and make things work. Things that didn't work in the beginning started to work later.

+ Easy to find solutions to most problems


Cons:

- GIMP is not Photoshop. It might be as powerful, but to me it feels much much clunkier to use. I still go back to my Windows laptop to use Photoshop.

- GnuCash is not Quicken. It ALMOST is; the version I tried is missing the memo field, which is a deal breaker for me. I do my finances on my laptop.

- Palm Pilot synching. Can't get it to work. It's there, but just doesn't work.

- Flash on Linux is flaky. It normally works (like a great majority of the time) but there's definitely times it's not right. Sometimes it eats up all your processor and slows your machine down to a crawl, requiring you to close your browser. Sometimes (rarely though) it appears like a large blank white area that covers the whole web page making the page unreadable and unusable.

- PDF support is... ok usually, but definitely as robust. I've had like 7 PDFs open and 1 loading and then suddenly have had all 8 PDFs close because it didn't like the data in the last PDF.

- Games support is crappy. I was considering trying to install a game to see what it was like and man, it's really hard to do. Some have all sorts of crazy pre install requirements.


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"you don't need antivirus software with Windows"


Ah no ? Ever heard of RPC viruses ? Don't make false statements over something you don't know anything about ...


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I'm another Windows guy taking a gander at Linux.


I started blogging about my experiences as well. I'm a techie so I got into the details of what I did to fix things, etc.


6 articles so far with more to come (one every week or so). By the end of the year I should be able to tell you if I'm happy ;-)


Quite the adventure so far!


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The blog is http://vistavitals.blogspot.com/2008/12/topic-linux.html by the way...


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I spent an enormous amount of time trying to get Ubuntu 8.10 running on a virgin machine a while back - never did get networking running so that my Windows PCs could see the Ubuntu machine's files or the Ubuntu machine to see the shared folders, and files within them, on the Windows PCs. I read so many forum postings, made lots of postings of my own, found some very helpful people - but I never was able to get networking running. I gave up after following lots of instructions about Samba and a host of other things whose names escape me now. Oh yes, and after reading dozens of posts with the same problem - all as frustrated as I.


I must say that other than networking, which is a killer level of problem, I was stunned at how easily Ubuntu installed and how smoothly everything ran. The automatic updating of every installed package with only a single reboot at the end almost brought tears to my eyes as I remembered updating Windows itself with its many separate downloads and multiple reboots. Absolutely amazing - bravo to the Linux team!


I read all the comments above about the many confusing names and the admonitions to "learn this OS just like you did Windows." I must respectfully say that I believe this response misses the point of the complaint - Ubuntu doesn't need to be so foreign.


Consider your car for a moment - what if someone introduced an entirely new way to control it, no more pedals, steering wheel, etc. This new way might be demonstrably superior, even very superior. But, it won't sell, it won't migrate into the marketplace because people want/need a solution that is compatible with their established knowledge base. I'm a rather technical guy (I hold a U.S. patent, a degree in electrical engineering, have written code and designed circuitry, and maintained just about every type of computer around at one time or another) and Ubuntu stumped me - and I did take the time to read. I'm not so bothered by being stumped as I am by the apparent lack of need for the oddities that stumped me.


I sometimes get the sense that some in the Linux community are so convinced that they know better than the rest of us that they don't even think about how to make Linux approachable, how to make it, and I'll ask forgiveness right here, as much like Windows as possible. There, I said it. But, before you flame me consider how much easier it would be if Ubuntu's conventions were closer to those of Windows, or even the Mac. I'm not arguing for giving up the greatness of Linux and Ubuntu, I'm arguing for making it easier for those of us who have decades of experience driving with pedals and a steering wheel to get behind Linux and make it sing and dance. It really doesn't need to be as hard as it is.


I'll give it another try in a while. Maybe it'll get even better.


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in kde you can have a different wallpaper on all desktops (simply)(install the kubuntu-desktop package i think for kde)


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cons of linux:

-playing games (wine doesnt really do this very well)

-dvd support...the totem that comes with ubuntu 8.04 seems to hate dvds.

-microphone om my laptop doesnt work


other than these things, it is better than windows in every way.


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Guys try Linux Mint...its Far better than everything out there....


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Running Ubuntu since 2005. Total of 20 minutes to Ubuntu install and get cracking on Office docs. Comes with the software I need at the tip of my fingers Complete replacement for Windows on all my computers. Open Office does the job. With my help several friends ditched Windows for Ubuntu. It just works for them too. OFTB Linux supports all our printers, wireless keyboard, camera's you name it. No malware security or performance degradation makes Ubuntu and other Linux awesome.


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" Among Ash's list of pros, I definitely concur that Linux distros of all stripes need to do a better job of hardware compatibility. "


Linux having a poor hardware compatibility is a self-perception problem, in fact linux has a very large hardware support out of the box, way larger than windows. (see "Myths, Lies, and Truths about the Linux kernel" presentation at http://www.kroah.com/log/linux/ols_2006_keynote.html )


Most of the "hardware" problems comes from lack of automated process of configuring the hardware. In other words, sometimes to have the hardware work as intended requires the user to know his hardware and actually configure it.

The other major cause of hardware difficulties comes from the hardware manufacturer not supporting linux which forces linux users to make their own support for the hardware with no specifications.

In the minor realm of hardware difficulties we find vital things such as lack of feedback from users experiencing difficulties and lack of a one place to go to report difficulties, etc.


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Give a chance to FreeBSD, than we can talk about speed.


Try it,

- single repository for all the applications;

- single source tree (centralized structure) there is only one flavor;

- you can customize as you want;

- Better TCP/IP stack implementation;

- security: PF+ALTQ, try it;

- FREE;

- STABLE;


Go try it.


www.freebsd.org


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linux is pretty good if you can get nvidia drivers to work. The forums are not much good when the "experts" don't explain things for the new user, i have tried to get the drivers working for ages but all their confusing advice hasn't helped


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I've been using Ubuntu since 8.04 beta and while I have gotten my fair share of issues (Keep in mind I'm running untested software) Every time i hit a stable version, and often far earlier I have zero issues at all, everything works exactly as I tell it to. Even if I do encounter a problem, it is incredibly easy to fix it, be it by posting on a forum asking for help, or figuring it out myself, ubuntu has amazing documentation all over the internet.

Its faster, it boots in 17 seconds using 9.04 on a ext4 filesystem.

Who cares if you can't have multiple backgrounds if your desktop can be a spinning cube with lightning in the background and icons that you can throw around your screen?

Works perfectly out of the box too, I just install it, and it works, zero configuration on any dell/asus laptop.

For windows xp, I have to install a whole abundance of drivers, all of my internet drivers, graphics drivers, usb drivers, chipset drivers, sound drivers, its a real pain, all to just get the conficker C. virus.


Switch to Ubuntu, and your life will get so much easier.


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