Well, after some problems downloading the 3.3GB image of Fedora Core 5 and then my PowerBook not recognizing the DVD media (no, I was not about to re-download all five install CD images and burn them to CD…this is not 1993 again with installer floppies everywhere…and I did not have any other DVD media on hand), I decided to try a different flavor of Linux: Ubuntu. A few people that I I have been talking to recently either prefer Ubuntu, or have recently tried it, like Tim. Since the install image is only 644.5MB, I decided it might be the time to try it out.
From the very beginning, I was impressed. I first had problems with my install because of a CD error, but to my delight, the Ubuntu installer gav eme an option to set up a web server with a click of a button which served all the installation log files so I could look at them and find the problem. When I got home, I burned another copy and while my Comcast connection was out (TV and internet!) I installed and configured Ubuntu with ease.
What I really like so far about Ubuntu:
- small install (one CD worth)
- Ubuntu recognized all my hardware without me having to hack anything!
- the ability to run Ubuntu from a CD (live CD)
- awesome documentation in the help menu…the “Tips and Tricks” rock, and answered most of my questions
- the “Snaptic Package Manager” which easily allows you to install packages
- after installing packages with the “Snaptic Package Manager”, the new applications are put in appropriate menus, etc!
- the great little sounds I get when clicking on buttons and icons 😉
So far, I am extremely happy with Ubuntu and look forward to using it more and more. It is plenty fast and if all goes well, I may see how it runs on my Apple cube so I can get that back into play. As of now…this is, by far, my favorite flavor of Linux I have played with (Yellow Dog, Mandrake (Mandriva), Redhat, and Fedora FC3, FC4). If you are looking to run Linux, give Ubuntu some attention – it gets the Jappler stamp of approval!
PS. Happy 5th birthday to Mac OS X today. Five years ago, Mac OS X 10.0 was released!
[tags]Fedora Core 5 PPC, Ubuntu PPC, Snaptic Package Manager[/tags]
Doug
I have an old live CD on my desk of ubuntu that I never used. Can you save configuration files on a memory stick or something so you don’t have to make any reconfigurations post boot?
jenz
I am not sure about the memory stick, that would be nice. You can always ftp, put the settings on a network server, or email them to yourself. Although, how to get a read-only system to change the location of where to look for settings. The Live CDs are best for more of a “try before you buy”.