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Question of the Day: Have you ever ordered a product online and received a fake knock-off?
Is Ubuntu only for certain people?
- Thread starter 0ilslick
- Start date
MyWorld
Executive Member
Probably the Gnome. Try Kubuntu, or the XFCE *buntu.
Sackboy
Executive Member
I couldn't get used to it either. There was a lot of pressure to see what the fuss was about and a feeling of forced appreciation for open-source technology. Perhaps it takes time, but I wasn't prepared to forgo the many advantages of MS Windows in order just to be 'greener'. Maybe in 10 years, maybe.
guest2013-1
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whats the difference between kubunutu and normal ubuntu?
I want to try it on my laptop
I want to try it on my laptop
Shake&Bake
Party Liaison
Kubuntu uses KDE whereas Ubuntu uses Gnome as a desktop manager/interface (if I have the terminology correct)
I like the look of KDE and have actually downloaded Kubuntu.
Just want to format my PC and get things in order to run a dual boot and give Kubuntu a try.
Is it possible to run and load a linux distro (Kubuntu in this case) from and external HDD?
SuperAntMD
Expert Member
Personally im running gnome and loving it.
The trick to ubuntu is to customise the **** out of it as soon as you get it: getting a better looking theme, install a dock, delete a panel or two, get some nice backgrounds and enable everything that compiz has to offer.
Im using intel on-board graphics which are pretty ***, and my ubuntu is running like a dream, responsive and beautiful.
www.gnome-look.org
The trick to ubuntu is to customise the **** out of it as soon as you get it: getting a better looking theme, install a dock, delete a panel or two, get some nice backgrounds and enable everything that compiz has to offer.
Im using intel on-board graphics which are pretty ***, and my ubuntu is running like a dream, responsive and beautiful.
www.gnome-look.org
voidzero1
Well-Known Member
I'm using Kubuntu. Took me a good long time to get use to Linux in the first place since I grew up on Microsoft's products since the days of MS DOS.
Linux isn't for everyone. It's for those who are willing to take a leap of faith and enjoy the freedom of OpenSource software. It's difficult, no lies about it. BUT, the community of OpenSource technology is vast! Everyone is always willing to help. Not like those useless people at Microsoft. If you don't have a "retail" version of Windows, you don't get full support! Oh, you didn't know? Yes people, you look at your OS and see that your License shows you that you have an OEM license, GOOD LUCK! Try getting a Microsoft engineer/support consultant to help you THEN! Don't get me started on that crap they use for UPDATES!? JEEZ! Their "Automatic Updates" have more crap that you shouldn't download than what it's worth! They do more harm! From the amount of calls I've received after someone has done an update... geez now I know why Hackers write so many viruses!
Ever since I've been converted (and I have Mark Shuttleworths Tuxlabs to thank for that), I've never looked back. I struggled, but now I'm very satisfied with Linux. I've tried Mandriva, Suse, Fedora, Ubuntu and now Kubuntu. And I'm hooked on Kubuntu. If you're use to Windows, the KDE setup would be an easier transition. I would advise using Kubuntu 8.04 currently since it's user friendly and stable. I'm currently on 8.10 Intrepid Ibex. Looks similar to Vista. Drivers are also a thing of the past. Hotplug hey!!!! Just plug in your device and use it! SUPER simple! And if there's no driver on the system, you'll find it easily available on the Net. Might I also mention, viruses is now a thing of the past for me. My engineers use to bring their flash drives to work and ask me to copy something for them. I use to get viruses constantly thanks to them. Now my Dual Core at work is ever more the happier processor. No more viruses thanks to Linux. Linux is vunerable, but if you know how, you can protect yourself.
I don't claim to be a pro at Linux... I'm also still crawling. But hell I'm enjoying every new thing Linux has to offer. Did I mention that it's free? Where would windows products offer you a repository full of applications that would ever be free to the public? Ummm.... how about NEVER?!
Linux, depending on the distrobution you choose, is always a pleasure to work on. If you don't have the bandwidth to download a distro, why not order the discs. I know Ubuntu/Kubuntu allow you to order discs. I've always ordered mine. For free as always!
Just register and order 
If I've left anything out, please do add! I'm trying to convince many others to convert off the Bill Gates monopoly. People are scared of what they don't know of, so let's educate them. One PC at a time!
Linux isn't for everyone. It's for those who are willing to take a leap of faith and enjoy the freedom of OpenSource software. It's difficult, no lies about it. BUT, the community of OpenSource technology is vast! Everyone is always willing to help. Not like those useless people at Microsoft. If you don't have a "retail" version of Windows, you don't get full support! Oh, you didn't know? Yes people, you look at your OS and see that your License shows you that you have an OEM license, GOOD LUCK! Try getting a Microsoft engineer/support consultant to help you THEN! Don't get me started on that crap they use for UPDATES!? JEEZ! Their "Automatic Updates" have more crap that you shouldn't download than what it's worth! They do more harm! From the amount of calls I've received after someone has done an update... geez now I know why Hackers write so many viruses!
Ever since I've been converted (and I have Mark Shuttleworths Tuxlabs to thank for that), I've never looked back. I struggled, but now I'm very satisfied with Linux. I've tried Mandriva, Suse, Fedora, Ubuntu and now Kubuntu. And I'm hooked on Kubuntu. If you're use to Windows, the KDE setup would be an easier transition. I would advise using Kubuntu 8.04 currently since it's user friendly and stable. I'm currently on 8.10 Intrepid Ibex. Looks similar to Vista. Drivers are also a thing of the past. Hotplug hey!!!! Just plug in your device and use it! SUPER simple! And if there's no driver on the system, you'll find it easily available on the Net. Might I also mention, viruses is now a thing of the past for me. My engineers use to bring their flash drives to work and ask me to copy something for them. I use to get viruses constantly thanks to them. Now my Dual Core at work is ever more the happier processor. No more viruses thanks to Linux. Linux is vunerable, but if you know how, you can protect yourself.
I don't claim to be a pro at Linux... I'm also still crawling. But hell I'm enjoying every new thing Linux has to offer. Did I mention that it's free? Where would windows products offer you a repository full of applications that would ever be free to the public? Ummm.... how about NEVER?!
Linux, depending on the distrobution you choose, is always a pleasure to work on. If you don't have the bandwidth to download a distro, why not order the discs. I know Ubuntu/Kubuntu allow you to order discs. I've always ordered mine. For free as always!
Just register and order If I've left anything out, please do add! I'm trying to convince many others to convert off the Bill Gates monopoly. People are scared of what they don't know of, so let's educate them. One PC at a time!
Electronics is my job and computers my hobby, and that includes Linux. I do keep a copy of XP running, but thats for stuff like online work while away from home, etc. I've used K/Ubuntu since before the Dapper Drake edition (and plenty other distros too) and I love everything about linux. Nothing beats getting a webserver or ftp server or anything like that up and running from your own pc at home... and just for the hell of it. Linux needs to be treated as your hobby...if you don't have the basic interest in that type of thing then it's not for you.
I usually install Ubuntu (Gnome DE) and Kubuntu (KDE DE) and tripple boot with XP. All great fun
I usually install Ubuntu (Gnome DE) and Kubuntu (KDE DE) and tripple boot with XP. All great fun
Last edited:
Whether (Ku/U/Xu)buntu is for you or not depends on what it is you'd like to do.
If you aren't the kind of person who likes to tinker for the sake of tinkering (and getting LOADS of control over how your computer works), then it's likely not for you.
If, on the other hand, you like to customise your computer to the max, then you should give it a try.
Most developers enjoy the environment. Personally, I like it a lot. I have access to all the tools I want to use (IDEs, etc), everything just works, and it's a breeze to use. But that's me. Obviously for .NET developers, it's not the best choice.
Many people are concerned with the look. If you're after eye-candy, then you should look at running Compiz (but obviously make sure that you have a system capable of handling it; it can be quite demanding when you turn effects all the way up). The other issue regarding the look that concerns people is the usability. People tend to find it hard to adapt to a Gnome / KDE way of doing things when coming from a Windows environment. Personally, I find Gnome extremely easy to use. Everything is where I'd expect to find it. Many recommend KDE as a good starting point for those coming from Windows. I disagree. Gnome, although it has a dead simple and (arguably) ugly default look, finds its power in the fact that you don't have to undo all the "niceness" in order to add your own personaly niceness.
The difference between Ubuntu and Kubuntu is that Ubuntu comes with the Gnome desktop environment while Kubuntu comes with KDE (the K desktop environment).
Desktop environments are things like Gnome and KDE (the two most popular).
Window managers are things that... you guessed it... manage windows They deal with the way the windows behave.
Window decorators are things that... you guessed it... decorate windows They deal with the way the windows look.
X servers are required for desktop environments to run on top of. In the old days, we had X Windows. These days we generally use Xorg.
Gnome and KDE each come with a software suite that is designed to run on the respective DE. For example, KDE comes with Kate (a text editor) pre-installed, while Gnome comes with GEdit (a text editor) pre-installed. Both Kate and GEdit WILL work on both DEs, but will obviously require the respective dependencies to be satisfied. In the same way, there are many pre-installed applications that differ between DEs.
Hope this was useful in helping you make the decision!
Oh, and to those who want to install on external drives, YES! You most certainly can install on an external drive. You can even install on a USB Flash disk! This is a great option! Only thing (if you don't want to modify your default boot-sequence) is that you will need to make your computer boot off USB to boot into Linux.
If you aren't the kind of person who likes to tinker for the sake of tinkering (and getting LOADS of control over how your computer works), then it's likely not for you.
If, on the other hand, you like to customise your computer to the max, then you should give it a try.
Most developers enjoy the environment. Personally, I like it a lot. I have access to all the tools I want to use (IDEs, etc), everything just works, and it's a breeze to use. But that's me. Obviously for .NET developers, it's not the best choice.
Many people are concerned with the look. If you're after eye-candy, then you should look at running Compiz (but obviously make sure that you have a system capable of handling it; it can be quite demanding when you turn effects all the way up). The other issue regarding the look that concerns people is the usability. People tend to find it hard to adapt to a Gnome / KDE way of doing things when coming from a Windows environment. Personally, I find Gnome extremely easy to use. Everything is where I'd expect to find it. Many recommend KDE as a good starting point for those coming from Windows. I disagree. Gnome, although it has a dead simple and (arguably) ugly default look, finds its power in the fact that you don't have to undo all the "niceness" in order to add your own personaly niceness.
The difference between Ubuntu and Kubuntu is that Ubuntu comes with the Gnome desktop environment while Kubuntu comes with KDE (the K desktop environment).
Desktop environments are things like Gnome and KDE (the two most popular).
Window managers are things that... you guessed it... manage windows
They deal with the way the windows behave.Window decorators are things that... you guessed it... decorate windows
They deal with the way the windows look.X servers are required for desktop environments to run on top of. In the old days, we had X Windows. These days we generally use Xorg.
Gnome and KDE each come with a software suite that is designed to run on the respective DE. For example, KDE comes with Kate (a text editor) pre-installed, while Gnome comes with GEdit (a text editor) pre-installed. Both Kate and GEdit WILL work on both DEs, but will obviously require the respective dependencies to be satisfied. In the same way, there are many pre-installed applications that differ between DEs.
Hope this was useful in helping you make the decision!
Oh, and to those who want to install on external drives, YES! You most certainly can install on an external drive. You can even install on a USB Flash disk! This is a great option! Only thing (if you don't want to modify your default boot-sequence) is that you will need to make your computer boot off USB to boot into Linux.
Shake&Bake
Party Liaison
Whether (Ku/U/Xu)buntu is for you or not depends on what it is you'd like to do.
If you aren't the kind of person who likes to tinker for the sake of tinkering (and getting LOADS of control over how your computer works), then it's likely not for you.
If, on the other hand, you like to customise your computer to the max, then you should give it a try.
Most developers enjoy the environment. Personally, I like it a lot. I have access to all the tools I want to use (IDEs, etc), everything just works, and it's a breeze to use. But that's me. Obviously for .NET developers, it's not the best choice.
Many people are concerned with the look. If you're after eye-candy, then you should look at running Compiz (but obviously make sure that you have a system capable of handling it; it can be quite demanding when you turn effects all the way up). The other issue regarding the look that concerns people is the usability. People tend to find it hard to adapt to a Gnome / KDE way of doing things when coming from a Windows environment. Personally, I find Gnome extremely easy to use. Everything is where I'd expect to find it. Many recommend KDE as a good starting point for those coming from Windows. I disagree. Gnome, although it has a dead simple and (arguably) ugly default look, finds its power in the fact that you don't have to undo all the "niceness" in order to add your own personaly niceness.
The difference between Ubuntu and Kubuntu is that Ubuntu comes with the Gnome desktop environment while Kubuntu comes with KDE (the K desktop environment).
Desktop environments are things like Gnome and KDE (the two most popular).
Window managers are things that... you guessed it... manage windows
Window decorators are things that... you guessed it... decorate windows
X servers are required for desktop environments to run on top of. In the old days, we had X Windows. These days we generally use Xorg.
Gnome and KDE each come with a software suite that is designed to run on the respective DE. For example, KDE comes with Kate (a text editor) pre-installed, while Gnome comes with GEdit (a text editor) pre-installed. Both Kate and GEdit WILL work on both DEs, but will obviously require the respective dependencies to be satisfied. In the same way, there are many pre-installed applications that differ between DEs.
Hope this was useful in helping you make the decision!
Oh, and to those who want to install on external drives, YES! You most certainly can install on an external drive. You can even install on a USB Flash disk! This is a great option! Only thing (if you don't want to modify your default boot-sequence) is that you will need to make your computer boot off USB to boot into Linux.
Thanks for your (and the other peeps' replies) and thanks for answering my questions
I'll put some research into how to get it done
voidzero1
Well-Known Member
Super write sn3rd!
Oh I forgot to mention... should you ever (and god forbid), want to still run windows... you can run dual boot. Or if you want to get fancy, you can run windows inside linux. Just download "VirtualBox"(for free) and install Windows in it and you'll have a running Windows in Linux, whilst running Linux! hahahaha!
Keep the comments coming guys! People need to learn and know!
Oh I forgot to mention... should you ever (and god forbid), want to still run windows... you can run dual boot. Or if you want to get fancy, you can run windows inside linux. Just download "VirtualBox"(for free) and install Windows in it and you'll have a running Windows in Linux, whilst running Linux! hahahaha!
Keep the comments coming guys! People need to learn and know!
voidzero1
Well-Known Member
I'd say yeah, it can run from an external HDD. You'll just have to set your BIOS or on the newer Mobo's you can press F12 and choose your boot drive. Dual boot is also possible with Linux's GRUB installer (which is a boot manager allowing you to choose your OS to boot from). Some distro's allow you to create a USB bootable version of the OS. Take a look and see.
Kubuntu uses KDE whereas Ubuntu uses Gnome as a desktop manager/interface (if I have the terminology correct)
I like the look of KDE and have actually downloaded Kubuntu.
Just want to format my PC and get things in order to run a dual boot and give Kubuntu a try.
Is it possible to run and load a linux distro (Kubuntu in this case) from and external HDD?
Shake&Bake
Party Liaison
I tried Ubuntu with VirtualBox (IIRC) at a friends place and didn't like it.
This obviously being Linux in Windows.
Ubuntu didn't appeal to the eye of this beholder and it was rather sluggish.
So I'd like to tinker with either the dual boot option or booting from my external HDD.
Thing about me wanting to run/boot from the external HDD:
Would I still have access to my other files on there and be able to make use of them?
Sorry my geek level is uber low 
This obviously being Linux in Windows.
Ubuntu didn't appeal to the eye of this beholder and it was rather sluggish.
So I'd like to tinker with either the dual boot option or booting from my external HDD.
Thing about me wanting to run/boot from the external HDD:
Would I still have access to my other files on there and be able to make use of them?
Sorry my geek level is uber low
Shake&Bake
Party Liaison
Thanks, I think a dual boot may be the better option, rather than running from the HDD.
But I'll certainly look into both options and see what works for me.
Thanks again for your responses all.
voidzero1
Well-Known Member
HAHAHAHAH! Yeah, VirtualBox is kinda a pig. It wants MEMORY! HUNGRY! So make sure you have a good amount of that. Also the Virtual Drive you're creating for it would also need some space. So ja, just make sure it's sufficient to power what you want it to do.
I would expect it to run Linux crap in Windows if you tried Vbox. Windows is such a toad! YUCK!
I would expect it to run Linux crap in Windows if you tried Vbox. Windows is such a toad! YUCK!
I tried Ubuntu with VirtualBox (IIRC) at a friends place and didn't like it.
This obviously being Linux in Windows.
Ubuntu didn't appeal to the eye of this beholder and it was rather sluggish.
So I'd like to tinker with either the dual boot option or booting from my external HDD.
Thing about me wanting to run/boot from the external HDD:
Would I still have access to my other files on there and be able to make use of them?
Sorry my geek level is uber low
Ok...
Windows may have it's flaws, but those don't make it better or worse than Linux IN GENERAL. Rather, each person has a different experience with both Windows and Linux.
Running a virtualbox is a great idea for testing things out and playing with a new operating system to get a glimpse of what an install would be like. But for anything semi permanent, it should be avoided. It's not THAT slow if you have half decent hardware. But as far as I know, 3D graphics is still unsupported. So forget running your Windows games in a virtualbox. VMWare, I think, supports basic 3D functionality.
To install Ubuntu to an external drive or USB flash disk, just make sure your device is plugged in, and setup should find it. When it asks you which drive you'd like to use for Ubuntu, choose your device. At the last step, you have a choice (under advanced) to choose where to install the boot loader (if any). You should point this to your device, otherwise your Windows boot loader will be overwritten. If you'd like to be extra safe, unplug your hard drives before starting install, so that setup will ONLY see your device. Then, it's a matter of simply hitting whatever key your motherboard requires at POST to bring up the boot menu.
One last thing about Windows games. Sure, they don't all work as well in Linux as in Windows. Many companies have released native Linux versions of their mainstream games (Doom 3, etc). And there are plenty of games made specifically for Linux. These are great! And the more people play these games, the more serious Linux will be taken as a gaming OS. After all, it makes better use of your system resources than Windows. And without the initial cost of Windows, more gamers can afford to play games. And if they start taking it more seriously, games will be developed such that they can run well on Linux without modification! But if no one plays the games, waiting for things to get better, then things WON'T get better. No one wants to spend money developing for a platform that only MIGHT be popular. This is an example of vendor-lock-in
Windows may have it's flaws, but those don't make it better or worse than Linux IN GENERAL. Rather, each person has a different experience with both Windows and Linux.
Running a virtualbox is a great idea for testing things out and playing with a new operating system to get a glimpse of what an install would be like. But for anything semi permanent, it should be avoided. It's not THAT slow if you have half decent hardware. But as far as I know, 3D graphics is still unsupported. So forget running your Windows games in a virtualbox. VMWare, I think, supports basic 3D functionality.
To install Ubuntu to an external drive or USB flash disk, just make sure your device is plugged in, and setup should find it. When it asks you which drive you'd like to use for Ubuntu, choose your device. At the last step, you have a choice (under advanced) to choose where to install the boot loader (if any). You should point this to your device, otherwise your Windows boot loader will be overwritten. If you'd like to be extra safe, unplug your hard drives before starting install, so that setup will ONLY see your device. Then, it's a matter of simply hitting whatever key your motherboard requires at POST to bring up the boot menu.
One last thing about Windows games. Sure, they don't all work as well in Linux as in Windows. Many companies have released native Linux versions of their mainstream games (Doom 3, etc). And there are plenty of games made specifically for Linux. These are great! And the more people play these games, the more serious Linux will be taken as a gaming OS. After all, it makes better use of your system resources than Windows. And without the initial cost of Windows, more gamers can afford to play games. And if they start taking it more seriously, games will be developed such that they can run well on Linux without modification! But if no one plays the games, waiting for things to get better, then things WON'T get better. No one wants to spend money developing for a platform that only MIGHT be popular. This is an example of vendor-lock-in
Bismuth
Expert Member
I use Gnome, it is quite nice, want to try Kubuntu as well, as I liked using KDE in Suse previously.
I am forced into XP for certain things at work, and some gaming at home. One app that works flawlessly WINE, is mIRC. Well, for me at least.
The support in the Ubuntu/Linux community is great, I have found virtually all my answers on Ubuntu forums, and other places. If not, I try to figure it out myself.
B
I am forced into XP for certain things at work, and some gaming at home. One app that works flawlessly WINE, is mIRC. Well, for me at least.
The support in the Ubuntu/Linux community is great, I have found virtually all my answers on Ubuntu forums, and other places. If not, I try to figure it out myself.
B
guest2013-1
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thats the thing why I haven't gone Linux yet.
Sure, now I decide to use linux. But which one. SuSe, Redthingy... ubuntu. So I finally decide which ubuntu but now there's like 2 versions out for it. So which one now?!
Argh.. with windows you just know professional is better and go with that...
Sure, now I decide to use linux. But which one. SuSe, Redthingy... ubuntu. So I finally decide which ubuntu but now there's like 2 versions out for it. So which one now?!
Argh.. with windows you just know professional is better and go with that...