Ubuntu: The distro that might break the barrier
A few weeks ago I was really pissed at my Windows XP system. I had spam pop-ups that were caused by a spyware program. I used three different spyware removers, and they found all kinds of crap that I had no idea was there, but they didn't remove the pop-ups.
When I logged onto Windows, I was greeted with anti-virus programs, spyware removers, and nag screens by Microsoft, bugging me to get my automatic updates that I didn't want. Lets face it, Windows is a disaster, and we continue using it because they make it easy to use, not because it's a good product.
Admittedly, Linux isn't as easy to use as Windows, but the newer distros are making headway. Linux-XP is an example. They make Linux look and act as much like the old familiar XP as they can, so users can make the transition painlessly (more or less). Linux is usually free, but LXP costs a very small amount, which is more than fair.
I haven't tried LXP, so I can't comment on it. This article is about Ubuntu. To be honest, I'm glad Ubuntu doesn't try to look like Windows. I like knowing I'm making a clean break from Microsoft.
Installation:
Ubuntu, like many other distros, is available on a Live CD. This means you can try it without installing it. Put the disk in your CD drive and reboot. It will run slowly, because it's not on your hard drive, but it will give you a good idea of how it works. The Live CD is a fully functional operating system that will do just about everything the full install will, but it locks you out of your hard drive, so you can't mess up your system. It's very safe.
There are two ways to get the Ubuntu CD. You can get one free from Ubuntu (even the shipping is free!), or if you're impatient, you can burn a CD from a downloaded copy . Download the *.iso file, and use the Amazing CD and DVD burner in Windows to burn it to a disc.
When you're sure you want to install it on your system, look for the "Install" icon on the Ubuntu desktop, and run it. Remember, Ubuntu will format your hard drive, so be sure you're ready to proceed. You can partition your hard drive and install Windows on one partition, and Linux on the other. This usually needs to be done before you install Windows, so if you're not ready to give up your old files, do what I did and install on a different hard drive. Hard drives are cheap these days.
When you install Ubuntu, it will ask you to create a user and password. This is serious business. Choose a password you'll never forget, or you won't be able to install software in the future. You won't even be able to log into your system. That's because Linux was designed with security in mind. They're not constantly patching holes in their system like Microsoft. It's a very stable, secure environment. The cost to you is a little inconvenience. Trust me. The extra passwords and "inconveniences" of Linux pale in comparison to the hassles of Windows.
Using Ubuntu:
Well, using Ubuntu is pretty much what this blog will be about. For my wife, using Ubuntu is just like using Windows. All she needs a PC for is web browsing, and web-based email. In Linux, those tasks are exactly the same as in Windows. If you're like my wife, install Ubuntu, and you're just about set forever. Enjoy.
If you use more than just your web browser, join me in exploring Linux in my future articles.
When I logged onto Windows, I was greeted with anti-virus programs, spyware removers, and nag screens by Microsoft, bugging me to get my automatic updates that I didn't want. Lets face it, Windows is a disaster, and we continue using it because they make it easy to use, not because it's a good product.
Admittedly, Linux isn't as easy to use as Windows, but the newer distros are making headway. Linux-XP is an example. They make Linux look and act as much like the old familiar XP as they can, so users can make the transition painlessly (more or less). Linux is usually free, but LXP costs a very small amount, which is more than fair.
I haven't tried LXP, so I can't comment on it. This article is about Ubuntu. To be honest, I'm glad Ubuntu doesn't try to look like Windows. I like knowing I'm making a clean break from Microsoft.
Installation:
Ubuntu, like many other distros, is available on a Live CD. This means you can try it without installing it. Put the disk in your CD drive and reboot. It will run slowly, because it's not on your hard drive, but it will give you a good idea of how it works. The Live CD is a fully functional operating system that will do just about everything the full install will, but it locks you out of your hard drive, so you can't mess up your system. It's very safe.
There are two ways to get the Ubuntu CD. You can get one free from Ubuntu (even the shipping is free!), or if you're impatient, you can burn a CD from a downloaded copy . Download the *.iso file, and use the Amazing CD and DVD burner in Windows to burn it to a disc.
When you're sure you want to install it on your system, look for the "Install" icon on the Ubuntu desktop, and run it. Remember, Ubuntu will format your hard drive, so be sure you're ready to proceed. You can partition your hard drive and install Windows on one partition, and Linux on the other. This usually needs to be done before you install Windows, so if you're not ready to give up your old files, do what I did and install on a different hard drive. Hard drives are cheap these days.
When you install Ubuntu, it will ask you to create a user and password. This is serious business. Choose a password you'll never forget, or you won't be able to install software in the future. You won't even be able to log into your system. That's because Linux was designed with security in mind. They're not constantly patching holes in their system like Microsoft. It's a very stable, secure environment. The cost to you is a little inconvenience. Trust me. The extra passwords and "inconveniences" of Linux pale in comparison to the hassles of Windows.
Using Ubuntu:
Well, using Ubuntu is pretty much what this blog will be about. For my wife, using Ubuntu is just like using Windows. All she needs a PC for is web browsing, and web-based email. In Linux, those tasks are exactly the same as in Windows. If you're like my wife, install Ubuntu, and you're just about set forever. Enjoy.
If you use more than just your web browser, join me in exploring Linux in my future articles.
2 Comments:
Well, you already know a great deal more about Linux than I do and you have the rare ability to explain things clearly. I think you should consider making an even larger contribution to the Linux community by blogging at Lockergnome. You'll find Chris Pirillo's open invitation at the top of this page. Since Chris asked to invite all my Linux-using friends to sign up I'll add my own hopeful voice to that invitation.
There's not really a great deal I can contribute but that hasn't stopped me from trying with my own Lockergnome blog and on my website.
Anyway, come on in dood, the water's fine.
If you are wanting to have windows and ubuntu on the same hard drive it is crucial you install windows first(if you already have windows installed you can skip this). Now this is because windows will write over grub and ubuntu will become unbootable unless you use a grub bootdisk like super grub disk.
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