Breezy Badger out (Ubuntu)

Probably old news, but you can now download the newest version of Ubuntu Linux, named Breezy Badger 5.10.

I installed it on my AMD computer, works great after a bit of tinkering.

http://www.ubuntulinux.org/ Can be downloaded directly from several mirrors around the globe, or you can order it from the site at no cost not even for shipping. My 5CDs are on their way.

Some useful sites if you\'re interested in trying it out (and if you\'re a complete Linux newbie)

http://ubuntuguide.org/ - Has guides for the most popular problems.

http://www.ubuntuforums.org/ - Great community with many HOWTOs.

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/ - Not as in-depth as Ubuntuguide.

Just for someone who barely uses Linux, what are the advantages of using Ubuntu over something like XP?  Just price and variety or are there some things Ubuntu just excels at much better?

From my limited experience the big difference is not having to worry about spyware in Linux. I also enjoy the freedom of Linux, though I\'m not an advanced user I still have done some things to Ubuntu so it fits me better, you can slim it down quite a lot, take away all the "bloat" if you wish.

Once you have it up and running in the way you want, its a very nice experience. My old AMD system now feels as fast as my newer P4 system. In fact my AMD system now has a shorter start-up time compared to the P4.

Both systems are very stable when managed properly. Linux is probably more secure though.

If you\'re interested in Ubuntu download the LIVE CD, you can run the OS from the CD without having to dump/change anything on your harddrive. That’s how I started out, booted up the OS a few times got to know it a little bit and then took the jump to install it on a hard drive. I have no regrets.
It has been a fun experience to learn something new in a safe environment. If you have any problems or questions there is always a nice community which can help you (Ubuntuforums for example). Ubuntu probably has the best community out there, very nice people and many of them.

The only thing I miss when using Ubuntu is Photoshop, I use that quite often on the Windows PC. Other then that Ubuntu pretty much has a Open Source version for all the basic stuff you use in Windows.
Also there are ways to emulate the Windows environment in Linux to make Windows software work (even games!), I haven’t tried that yet but it seems pretty interesting.

If it weren’t for lack of game support and no Photoshop I would probably have converted fully :P

[Living-In-Clip]

If spyware is your best reason, then you need to dig further. Using Firefox, I don\'t get spyware. Not to mention careful installing.

Oh and GIMP..

Yeah, as a gamer/power user (as opposed to a network administrator) I don\'t know why I\'d ever consider an alternative to XP.

It does everything I need, well. Including security.

[videoholic]

Yeah.  I don\'t get it either.  It\'s like just wanting the ablility to say, "Hey, I\'m diferent!"

Or because you want to try something new?

Good luck with the new OS Fastson, there\'s plenty to learn, which makes it fun again. Almost like when you first got Windows.

[Evi]

Oh and GIMP..

What about The GIMP? I use that on XP all the time.

Almost like when you first got Windows.

Doom on Windows 95. Those were the days.

I have mixed emotions about GIMP.  I was forced to use it in a professional environment and there\'s just too many kinks in it that make me long for Photoshop before the day\'s done.

I can\'t argue with the price though, and it\'s pretty powerful for being open-source.

[Evi]

I was forced to use it in a professional environment and there\'s just too many kinks in it that make me long for Photoshop before the day\'s done.

I agree. It seems a bit disorganized as well...kind of hard to find things.

I can\'t argue with the price though

It does a lot for being free.

Originally posted by Samwise
Or because you want to try something new?

Good luck with the new OS Fastson, there\'s plenty to learn, which makes it fun again. Almost like when you first got Windows.

Precisely .

I almost feel like when I first started up Windows 3.11 on my 486dx100 and tried to get JetStrike to work.

If spyware is your best reason, then you need to dig further. Using Firefox, I don\'t get spyware. Not to mention careful installing.    Oh and GIMP..

Thanks for the suggestions.

I have used GIMP, but to me it feels like a few things are missing when compared to Photoshop, and its a bit disorganized like EX pointed out. I\'ll give it more time though.

Yeah. I don\'t get it either. It\'s like just wanting the ablility to say, "Hey, I\'m diferent!"

Then I would be goth, not a linux user.
Linux users are not that different any more, Ubuntu has in a short time become very popular. If anything, Im mainstream.

One thing I LOVE about Ubuntu is ease of multitasking, I love the idea of different workspaces. Have Firefox in one workspace, XMMS or bit-torrent in another. Very nice.