Linux Conversion, Complete.
Nov 12, 2007 Blogging, Bragging Rights, Geeky
This weekend, I committed myself to fully converting to Linux and to quit Windows. I took a look at my usual computer usage and what applications I really used and made certain I had a reasonable alternative.
I would admittedly rate myself as 4/10 on a scale from Linux Neophyte to 1337 Hax0r. I can navigate the file system, recover things, compile things, and understand the fundamentals of Linux. So, this was a daring challenge when I wanted to switch over.
Never fear, Wine is here. No, put down the Chardonnay, I’m talking about Windows Emulator “Wine is Not an Emulator” (WINE). I discovered that it isn’t just for installing some silly freeware Windows junk. You can literally take your software with you, if you have some time to get into it.
I was able to successfully run AOL 5.0 <g>, Microsoft Office 2003 and uTorrent. Amazingly, they all had compelling performance compared to their native counterparts. I was able to download a torrent at 95% of my connection speed, so it stayed. Office works like a charm, including all necessary fonts and glitz and glam. AOL actually works well* and renders FDO as its supposed to, but the browser doesn’t work because Wine lacks IE. Overall, I am quite satisfied.
* This statement is intended that running a Windows app is certainly a challenge, let alone something as proprietary as AOL. 
I’ve configured my Thunderbird, Firefox, Pidgin, and Skype with all their bells and whistles and am a happy computer user. So let me break down what the comparable applications are:
AIM/AOL/Yahoo/MSN/Gtalk/mIRC/IM: Pidgin
Office: Open Office, MS Office under Wine, Abiword
Winamp/iTunes/Music: XMMS, Amarok, Rhythmbox
Skype/VoIP: Skype, TeamSpeak
Command Prompt: Bash
Task Manager: ps aux, top, System Monitor (Gnome)
Photoshop/Paint Shop Pro/Graphics: Gimp, Photoshop under Wine
McAfee/Norton/AVG/Anti-virus Software: None! It’s Linux!
Dreamweaver/Notepad/Text Editor: Bluefish, Screem, Gedit (Gnome), vi
Windows/Operating Systems: Ubuntu, Debian, Red Hat, SuSE, Mandriva, and many others.
There you have it. No excuses. If you’re on the fence, you’ll enjoy the multitasking ability of Linux, no freezes or crashes and the impressive uptime.
I’ve included a screenshot for the curious. Enjoy!
Update 11/28: From the comments below, WINE probably means “Wine Is Not an Emulator,” instead of my own interpretation “WINdows Emulator.” Thanks, Ed!
Update 12/4: I went into further detail on the recursive acronym in the comments below, as well as struck out my typo. Thanks!
6 Reasons Why I’ve Switched to Ubuntu Linux
Apr 14, 2007 Geeky
In my quest for the ideal computing experience, Ubuntu is the winner. I’ve been switching between Windows XP, Windows Vista and Ubuntu [Feisty Fawn]; all in all, Ubuntu takes the cake for many reasons. If you are interesting in learning more about Linux then continue reading.
Why doesn’t Windows suit my needs? Performance and reliability. I am absolutely sick and tired of waiting for things to open. Windows is a self-mutilating operating system that has an inefficient. After many times fixing Windows Media hassles, I am done with Windows.
I tried Windows Vista Ultimate for about two weeks. Honestly, it isn’t much different, except it asks you for permission to do anything. Being annoyed beyond all belief, I disabled User Account Control — thereby defeating the “secure” advantages within Vista. It seemed the only real benefit was a few little aesthetics that only slow down the computing experience. Much like its predecessor, I have to reinstall everything all over again. From AIM to Word — I had to do it. Hours later, it was evident that Vista wasn’t much faster or improved anything.
I tried Ubuntu as well about a few weeks ago to test out and tinker with what it’s all about. The usability is by far competitive with Windows and Mac; and depending on your needs, exceeds all expectations. It does what I want, it makes the right about of recommendations for me, it is completely customizable, and comes pre-loaded with tons of free applications.
Here are my 6 reasons why Ubuntu is Better than Windows:
- Licensing - All software “out of the box” is GNU Public License (GPL) compliant. This means you do not have to pay a dime for any program. No activation, no hassle and fully legitimate. Whether you want to use Ubuntu for yourself, a friend, or a business — you’re encouraged to.
- No Viruses, Spyware, Adware. Zilch, nada, nothing. Windows pretty much requires you to install third party software such as Spybot, Adaware and also an anti-virus suite. Some of these applications take away from your computer’s resources.
- Firefox is built right in. Not that it’s necessarily hard to download and install, but the safest and most secure Web browser is pre-installed and makes it easy to use.
- Simple Installation Process. I’m willing to say that installing Ubuntu is as simple as Windows.
- Everything you need included for free. Everything you could want — a full-featured office suite, a multi-network chat client, e-mail, video, music, graphics, and even games. If it isn’t there, the built in Synaptic software manager quickly downloads and installs software.
- It works. Those two words couldn’t explain it any better. If you’ve got a problem (which you won’t) you can consult the Ubuntu Forums. This is a great source of information and getting fairly quick help when you need it.
And that’s it. It’s a relief to not have to deal with any more problems that Redmond sends my way. I recommend to anyone who is remotely interested to download Ubuntu and give it shot. You don’t even have to install it to use it. The “Live CD” lets you try it without any changes to your computer.
If you’re still on Windows, what hold you back from switching?
Customer Feedback Drives Dell to Linux
Mar 29, 2007 Blogging, Tech News
Computer system manufacturer, Dell, promises they will deliver Linux support to their desktops and notebooks. 
Will they deliver and what challenges are they facing?
Offering Linux is great because it can drop the price of their systems by $100 (no Windows license), but at the expense of support. Based on their recent poll, most Linux purchasers are content with online community support rather than the traditional Dell support.
Another concern Dell is aiming to resolve is driver support for a variety of peripherals and making it simple. I can only imagine what their call centers would be like if they released a Linux-based laptop to the masses; who don’t know the differences between Linux and Windows. This would create a negative customer experience, and thus a poor representation of Dell and Linux.
Another business challenge to consider is if offering Linux impact their existing Microsoft relationship? It’s my understanding that as an OEM, Dell receives a discounted price on Windows to bundle with their systems. Let’s say Dell does a rock solid job at offering Linux-based systems, where 10% of sales are Linux. That can be an astronomical value in the eyes of Microsoft.
Ideally, for Dell to sell Linux to the masses, is to sell a dual-boot system that has Windows Vista and Linux. Then just make Grub load Linux first. This can at least provide users the option on what system they want at little or no additional cost. Perhaps a friendly reminder on their sales process that describes what Linux is and explains the differences between them.
Dell is doing well (in the scope of corporate communications) by communicating with customers in their Direct2Dell blog. While I personally don’t own a Dell, I like to see them correcting their mistakes and blogging about a decision to support (or not to) is very noble of them to do.
I fully support Dell selling Linux. What do you think about Linux and bundling that with a large OEM such as Dell?
Ha! AOL on Linux?
Mar 25, 2007 Blogging, Funny, Geeky
Yes. I did it. Most Linux geeks would ask why — I just wanted to see what’s involved to get AOL working on Linux.
Screenshot:
How?
- Download and Install Ubuntu.
- Install Wine
- Download AOL from OldVersion.com
- Right click the executable, and click “Open with”
- Type “wine” and click OK.
And now you are presented with the installation for AOL. Proceed through it as you normally install AOL.
… and sign on. 
