Ubuntu Linux Install Gets Even Easier

Never heard of Ubuntu? It is a Linux based operating system, similar to Microsoft Vista and Mac OSX. The idea of running Linux on a desktop or laptop computer may sound like a crazy idea for casual computer users. There is a prevailing thought that you need to be an expert in computers in order to use Linux. However, the developers at Ubuntu are trying to destroy all of the preconceptions of the difficulty using Linux by offering an operating system that is easy to use, balanced with the ability to accomplish every day tasks that can be performed on Microsoft Windows Vista and Mac OSX.

"But Everyone Uses Microsoft Windows"

Most computer users are familiar to desktop layouts and software offered by Microsoft. There is a certain comfort zone found with the Microsoft layout. It is like driving car, everyone knows where the steering wheel, the brake, and gas pedal are. There is a sense of familiarity in seeing the same old blue login screen and the little start button on the lower left corner of the screen.

Security Concerns

Although Microsoft Windows has been a mainstay for PC operating systems over the years, there is a big problem with what is under the "Microsoft" hood and it is becoming more apparent every day. The XP operating system is nearing it end of life. Microsoft has threatened in the past to end support for XP. However, Windows XP got a little extension in life due to the lack of interest by many to upgrade to Vista.

Speaking of Vista, it is still prone to the same old viruses and malware that the rest of the Microsoft line of products. Windows 7, Microsoft's latest and greatest operating system has been released in beta, and viruses are also already appearing the Microsoft's flagship product that was going to correct all of Vista's ills. When you go out a buy a new PC with Windows 7 on it, do you still want to be dealing with computer viruses?

The other option is Mac OSX. It has based on BSD Unix, which which has a similar design as the Linux operating system. In fact, most of the commands are the same, and the OSX desktop is based on Darwin, which is based on code from KDE. If you install Linux with a KDE desktop, you can make your computer look and behave just like OSX Leopard, minus some of the cool applications that are included with OSX.

With OSX, you do not have the virus problem that you have with Microsoft products, Generally viruses and malware for OSX do not exist in the wild. However, hackers have turned to social hacking techniques to infect Mac computers. They write software and think of cute methods to gain superuser access to Macs to infect the machines.

In addition, hackers are releasing their own version of pirated OSX software. If you are lucky enough to have the money to own a Mac OSX computer, then stick with applications that are produced by reputable companies and stay away from pirated software. This will cost you money as Mac products tend to be expensive.

Lock down your computer with Ubuntu

Ubuntu has many advantages as an alternative computer operating system to Microsoft and Mac. There are no virtually no viruses and malware to deal with. In fact, you can safely surf the web and perform everyday tasks without the need for any virus protection, and extra programs weighing your processor down. If you are really nervous about viruses, you can go ahead and find Linux versions of virus protections software from most major vendors like McAfee and Symantec. There are also many free and open source options that are available.

The Ubuntu Linux is an open source operating system with hundreds of thousands of developers pouring over it code daily for security loopholes. If a hole is found, an update is quickly issued, usually within a day or two. Microsoft has been known to sit in security loopholes for as long as month or two. There have even been accusations of both Mac and Windows company hiding known problems with their operating systems.

Can Linux read my Windows Documents like a Mac does?

Just like Mac's OSX computer, there are many programs that run in Linux that are compatible with Microsoft formats. In addition, it is now possible to run a large number of Vista and Windows applications on a Linux computer using an application called Wine.

For example, if you are into using Microsoft Word, then you can use Open Office for Linux. It can read all kinds of file formats, including the latest .docx format used by Microsoft Word 2007.

Freedom

Ubuntu is also completely free and Ubuntu gives you freedom. You get a full operating system with applications, such as office productivity, photo editing, and a full suite of Internet application at no cost. But what does freedom mean? This means that you have freedom from commercial licenses. You can make as many copies of Ubuntu, and its underlying source code and use it for practically anything you want. At home, school, or your business. There are no licenses, you do not have to pay re-curring fees. Nothing.

OK sounds great, what's the catch.

There are some drawbacks to using Ubuntu. If you like to play computer games, then you will have a hard time finding many titles that run under Linux. You may be able to get some games to run using Wine, and if you do, you will likely find that your Windows game actually performs better using Wine with Windows, since there is no virus software to slow things down.

Running Ubuntu Linux on a laptop is a tricky proposition if you want to use wireless communications. This is because wireless card manufacturers are hesitant to release the code for their devices. They is a strong argument in some cases because, modification to the source code could cause their cards top operate in different radio frequencies, and it would violate FCC rules.

How do I get Ubunt to work with a wireless laptop?

There are card makers that have tightened up the design on their devices, and you can now purchase laptops with Ubuntu pre-installed, that are fully wireless capable.

In addition, you can install a program called ndiswrapper. This is a wrapper program that will allow you to install your Windows based driver onto your Ubuntu laptop. In many cases ndiswrapper is sufficient, but there are cases where it does not work at all.

Your best bet would be to by a laptop with a wireless device that is fully compatible with Linux.

If you are planning to make a new laptop purchase, or maybe want to revive an old PC, then take a good hard look at Ubuntu.