I'm a windows guy. Always have been always will be. However, I like to see what the other side is like now and again. Usually when I want to scratch my Unix itch I turn to my old friend FreeBSD this is the Unix I used in collage and the one I'm most familiar with. This time though I heard about Ubuntu and their live CD, and I've got to tell you I'm really impressed. While I never really considered the actuall install process for Unix/Linux to be more difficult then Windows the configuration of Xwindows and the either the KDE or GNOME desktops can be quite a pain, VI and I don't get along. Ubuntu on the other hand has made the entire install and configuration so simple I'd go so far as to say it's easier then a windows install. They call it "Linux for human beings" and it lives up to its name.
If you'd like to play with the penguin for awhile here's the scoop:
First goto
www.ubuntu.com and download the desktop ISO image,
and burn it to CD
At this point you have several options
Super Cool No Risk Ubuntu preview from Live CD
-Boot your machine from the CD
-Ubuntu will load into memory and allow you full access to the entire OS. This includes by default the GNOME desktop so even the most die hard of windows zealots should feel comfortable.
The OS will not mount your Hard Drive so there is no risk of corrupting your current system.
Full Installation
If you have a spare machine, some unformatted space on your hard drive, or like me want to run from a
Virtual PC simply boot as before and click the install icon from the desktop.
A wizard will walk you through all steps needed to configure user accounts and netwoking
Ubuntu comes with a host of Free software pre-loaded the CD it really is a complete package, here's a small list of the included software:
FireFox (Web Browser)
Evolution (Mail and Calendar)
OpenOffice (Word Processor, Spreadsheet, Presentation, etc..)
GIMP (Photo Editor)
Games
Multi-media Players
I Say Check it out. Catch Ya Later
T
