I wanted to test drive the new Unbuntu 15.04, being a Windows user for a majority of my career. Yes, I have worked with iOS for a while, but the call of open source echoed strong since more tools I’m working with in audio engineering and game development have more robust open source options.
Audacity, Brackets, PyCharm and Light Table to name a few.
These observations are from the eyes that never saw Linux from it’s infancy until now. Though Window’s console doesn’t frighten me in the least, there was something intimidating about Linux that held my hand. It was only until the option came for me to upgrade my Asus N550-JV laptop that piqued my curiosity. Windows 8.1 made the device sluggish to the point that booting took over 2 minutes and shutting down ranged about the same.
Also, I admit…I’m a cheap bastard and I didn’t want to purchase Windows 10 just because I had an OEM verison of Windows 8. That wasn’t going to fly. So Ubuntu, or Mint, was my last chance before I had to give up my wallet and get a new machine.
Well, I’m glad I did.
Unbuntu : The Good
Very Sleek and Friendly UI that’s a Mix of Windows and iOS
I was pretty pleased with my initial installation and test drive of 15.04. It was smooth, solid and all my laptop functionality was present such as touchscreen manipulation, audio drivers and plug and play devices. All worked right off the bat.
Productivity Software Was ‘On Fleek’!
LibreOffice was waiting for me to get to work! I had my other 3rd party software for my podcasts and coding experience right on tap. The Ubuntu ‘app store’ had everything I needed at my finger tips, so I couldn’t complain about lack of software options. Even though LibreOffice didn’t have a version of OneNote, CherryTree picked up the slack! NeverNote is an option too.
Online Documentation Was Superb
Anytime I was stumped, all I had to do was hit google and I found my navigational answers, kernel inquiries and installation steps right there. Not years old, but, at times, weeks old!
Deep/Dark Web Options
Tor is not only available, it is encouraged. The Linux community foams at the mouth when it comes to privacy and I love it. Deep web is a taboo world in generic PC use, but when you get into it…it’s not that bad; just less eyes to see your queries, datamine your preferences and market needless things to you. Yeah, there are criminal things there, but there are criminal things happening a few apartments away from yours right now, so what’s the point? I’m not saying you should do something nefarious, but if you want a clean and no fluff internet experience, this is it.
Unbuntu : The Bad
If You’re Afraid Of A Console, Then It’s Time To Get Over It
Installing, uninstalling, moving folders will all be in the console and you’re going to have to get over the fear of being in it if you want to be productive. Your mouse is just an over glorified accessory. This is not always a bad thing; getting over the fear of commands is not horrible. It is the pathway to becoming a power user and if you master one, then you can master all.
Using Old Plugins with Newer Builds
Since flavors of Linux are open source, they will constantly be updated and older things you have installed will break. So being vigilant is a must and backing up is a must.
Finding A Good Music Player Is A Pain
I settled with Rhythmbox, but only after having to deal with Celemintine, Amarock and others.
It’s okay.
The biggest issue was finding adequate plugins to install online radio stations and podcasts, which I never had a problem with when using Winamp or Nightingale (which, sadly, is no longer updated).
Gaming Devs Don’t Care About Support
I’m a gamer; not a casual wench, but hardcore. It’s stupidly hard to find games on Linux and even harder to find games that work. Either they are rife with crashes, lack of audio or the visuals are corrupted in some way. I don’t know how many devs I’ve contacted about issues only to get the perpetual shrug of : ‘Meh, it’s Linux’.
So, if that’s their response, I return the shrug and say: ‘Meh, you don’t want my cash’. That means any title on any platform. Thank you, GOG for being awesome and supporting the Linux platform. You rock.
So that’s the general rundown on Ubuntu, but I’m always eager to learn more from more established users about how I can get more from my Linux experience. I’ll tinker more and see how it goes.
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I’m not above asking for tips!
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