Ubuntu 10.04 in Beta, Stable Release in Apri

notebooks.com ^ | 3/22/10 | Kevin Purcell

[nickcarraway]

Ubuntu is Linux for the rest of us. It is simple to install and use. Despite that, not that many users are on board with estimates of 1-2% of all computer users running various Linux operating systems. But with the release of Ubuntu 10.04, there might be a few reasons to give it a try. It is currently in beta, so you may not want to install it on your primary computer.

The stable release will come on April 29 according to the Ubuntu web site. You can download a live DVD image to give it a try. A live disc is one that lets you boot up the OS and run it as if it were installed on your computer. It is a great way to try it out without installing it alongside or instead of whatever OS you have installed on your PC presently. Download the image file, burn it to a DVD, and then boot the computer with the disc. A second option is to create a bootable USB drive.

Some of the biggest changes are …

The latest version of the Gnome Desktop interface

The latest Linux kernel

Faster boot process due to removal of HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer)

New driver for nVidia graphics cards which claims will enable faster bug fixes in the future and easier configuration

Integration with popular social media sites built in

New desktop themes

File syncing

Ubuntu One Music Store

Reportedly will support plug-and-play of iPhones and iPods so you can play your music

A netbook version based on Kubuntu using KDE instead of Gnome that of

[djf]

Has Ubuntu figured out that mouse thingie yet?

If I need to play with Linux, I prefer Knoppix.

[martin_fierro]

Has Ubuntu figured out that mouse thingie yet?

Yeah, they've gotten a lot better than pictured. Ubuntu now even recognizes (Logitech) wireless mice out of the box!

[djf]

Don’t get me wrong, I like the Ubuntu desktop, it’s very crisp and clean and user friendly.

But if it can’t even run a mouse, jeesh!!

And I tried like 3 successive versions of it on multiple machines and it always had problems so I got tired of downloading the ISO image...

Knoppix, otoh, is superb in it’s device detection, and totally portable.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

It is a Live CD....you can download it and then get a look at it as it runs from the CD...not gonna be fast of course.

I recommend thinking about a number of rearrangements for your computing needs....like two computers with a KVM switch...use one just for web browsing ...and the other for those things that you need windows for.

Could do the same with a laptop and separate computer...need routers.,...wireless router for the ;laptop etc...

Point is that to dream of doing everything from one computer is somewhat of an elusive dream ...dual booting is a hassle in so many ways.

[GregB]

Thanks I will let you know how I make out..

[GregB]

Can you talk me through a duel boot?

[mo]

Waiting for VMWARE/VirtualBOx standard...to run legacy xp...

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

I might have tried it some years ago...all I remember is that Windows doesn't tolerate it...so first you build the windows system then you do the Linux system ( not all Linux distros will look for other operating systems )

I would be no help ,..but the Mint Forum has discussion on dual boot & problems for example:

Windows 7 got rid of my GRUB.

[GregB]

I could put in another drive?

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

I think I might spend some time with that SuperGrub info...this might be useful for you:

BeforeInstallingLinuxAdvices

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

The way I handle different distros should work...it is a crude hardware way to do things....just build each on a separate disk and then use the MoBo Bios to select the disk containing the operating system you want to boot....thus each disk has on it's MBR the proper booting info...

Technically that is not dual booting....but not much different....in practice.

One caution when doing maintenance of a specific operating system I would advise physically disconnecting the disk containing the other operating system.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Lately I have evolved to a real hardward solution that I like which is using an inexpensive Kingwin 3.5" Internal Tray-less Hot Swap Rack....KF-1000-BK ...I get them a Fry's for 19.99....Works Good...

Then I get the OEM Hard Disk...and voila...build whatever I want.

I do have a lot of HDD's setting around idle though.

Newegg has them:

KINGWIN KF-1000-BK 3.5" Internal hot swap rack

Retail $17.99

$6.98 Shipping*

You will want a case where screw attachment is an option .

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

You will notice I get into my machine,...and I think Hardware solutions,,,,

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Another Drive is a good solution....do you mess with the hardware?

[GregB]

Yes I have put in HDD CD rom drives memory..etc..

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Perhaps this thread would be of interest:

AMD Launches Opteron 6000 Series 8 - 12 Core Processors

There are Freepers on here that (with the hardware ) go well beyond dual booting with Virtualization....

The thread has a link to a Youtube... talking about Virtualization...see post #31.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

OK...I like the Kingwin approach....relative inexpensive.