PC Reb has been experimenting with Linux since 1996 and each distribution of this free operating system is disappointed. Each version was always too complex and required a bit more knowledge that a newcomer could offer. Linux was an unfulfilled promise.

That is until this year. Ubuntu stared making the buzz among enthusiasts. Then consumer publications began to tout Ubuntu as the Linux that is “user friendly” – a catch phrase not used to promote computer technology since the late ’80s. But our curiosity finally got the best of us when was saw an issue of Linux Format included the latest version of Ubuntu and devoted an entire issue to the Ubuntu Starter Pack.

After a few months of testing, PC Reb has concluded that Ubuntu may just be the Linux that can finally dethrone Windows. In fact, Ubuntu is the only Linux we use!

Curious? Here’s what we did.

We took an old laptop that was collecting dust on one of our lab shelves and devoted it to Ubuntu. None of this dual boot stuff. We wanted to test it exactly as you might. Then we followed the step by step instructions included with the guide. A similar step by step guide can be found here.

We are happy to report installing and customizing Ubuntu Linux was easier than any Windows installation since Windows 98. Our laptop was so old, it even didn’t have an ethernet port so when we plugged in a wireless 802.11 g PCMCIA card, and Ubuntu recognized the device, installed drivers for it and gave us access to the internet through the nearest wireless router. Connecting to our lab’s printer was as easy and pluging in a USB device. It was THAT easy! And our old laptop (and a lot of it’s unique hardware) has a new lease on life.

Ubuntu Linux is bundled with a some of the best Linux software in circulation, including our favorite office suite, Open Office. Other software installed with the Ubuntu operating system includes a really sweet media player, DVD ripping and burning software, a very flexible instant message client, a Vista-like 3D “flip” desktop, the amazing Firefox web browser, Evolution email client, photo editing and management,  plus a bunch of games to challenge you during your coffee break.

When it coomes to security, Linux is, by design, more secure and less prone to security flaws found in Windows. Ubuntu also includes a firewall, but no anti-virus (at least not on the distrubtion we had). Fortunately, Avast has a free Linux antivirus package that fills the bill.

Using MP3 players, such as your iPod is not something we tested. But we are aware of third party solutions that bring iPods into the Linux fold. See this link for using an iPod with Linux (a process not yet tested in our labs). We also know about a multimedia version of Ubuntu, something called Ubuntu Studio, that’s rumored to support iPods, stand alone media players, video and still digital cameras, and is more geared to the needs of audio visual enthusiasts. We’ll check out Ubuntu Studio and get back to you.

There are a couple conventions you’ll need to get use to, such as understanding how to manage user accounts in Linux, but PC Reb found Ubuntu is the free Windows alternative for the common casual computer user. If your computing is mainly internet surfing, writing documents and using spreadsheets, edint family photos, playing casual games, using Java and Flash apps, and watching YouTubes, Ubuntu is the Linux you’ve always wanted!

Ubuntu.com offers both the desktop OS we’ve reviewed here, and a Linux server operating system (which we’ll review at a future date).

Visit the website devoted to Ubuntu by clicking here and free yourself from the chains of wallet-slimming bloatware.

One caveat. If you have other devices that include an embedded Windows OS, such as smartphone, Ubuntu currently offers no “active sync” capability. Hopefully Google’s Android phone OS will give us a reprieve.

PC Reb

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