I have just been updating my home computer to the latest version of Ubuntu Linux. I realised recently that I had not been getting updfates as I had it set to only take the Long-Term Support (LTS) versions that only come out every two years, but there are other releases every six months. I am not running a mission-critical system and I would like to have the latest software to play with. There was a time when I would eagerly await each update as it would usually fix some issue, but it has been really stable for a long time.
I was trying to think back to when I first started using Ubuntu, but I conveniently have a blog where I recorded such events. It was in June 2005 that I first installed it after previously using Knoppix (KDE version of Gnoppix). Before that I used Mandrake and Red Hat. It must be about 15 years since I started using Linux and almost as long since I gave up on Windows for general use.
So my first Ubuntu was probably 5.04 (Hoary Hedgehog). Each version has a code name and the number represents the year and month of release. Before this week I was on 18.04 (Bionic Beaver), but now have 19.04 (Disco Dingo). Note the default wallpaper that illustrates the current mascot.
I find that Linux can do just about anything I need and most of the software is free. The main apps I use are:
- Google Chrome browser. It just works and it remembers all my settings if I log in on another PC. I also have Firefox and Brave. These can be useful when I need to access different Steem accounts.
- Thunderbird email. I have used this for a very long time. I expect a lot of people mainly use webmail, but I still have my own domain and need to access that account. I use Gmail too.
- eSteem is a great desktop Steem application that I am writing this post with.
- For communication I use a mix of Facebook messenger (on the web), Skype, Google Hangouts, Discord and Keybase (which is very secure).
- Libre Office is a full office suite that is very compatible with what Microsoft offers.
- When I feel creative there is Gimp (graphics), Audacity (audio editor), Ardour (multi-track recording) and various video editors. I do not do a lot of video, but the available apps are adequate for my needs.
What is missing from this list is games as I just do not play them much. I play a bit of @SteemMonsters and still go back to Doom now and again. I am out of touch with the current gaming scene.
My PC can boot into Windows 10, but I hardly ever do that. My son wanted it for some school stuff, but now he has his own laptop. I do not force my kids to use Linux.
I would like to do more software development, but have not found time for it lately. Most of the popular languages are available on Linux and I know a lot of developers prefer it as a platform.
I stopped using Windows for various reasons. It was not really about the cost as I do not mind paying for software I will use, but it seemed designed to limit what you can do and I like my freedom. Linux has come a long way in the last 15 years and for some time I feel it has been usable by most people. A lot of people do not need much more than a browser anyway. It is less susceptible to malware too. I am not aware that I have ever been 'infected' and I do not run any anti-virus. You still need to be wary about what you click on.
Computers have become appliances, but they are amazingly complex systems. I value the choice that Linux gives me. I can choose from a vast range of distributions, but I have been very happy with Ubuntu. I rarely need to go looking for support.
If you have questions about Linux I can attempt to answer them.
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I have been learning Linux with my server. I’m a Mac man but I’ve been impressed with Linux.
It’s a bit of a learning curve and it’s hard to find good instructions online because there are often many ways of doing something.
I find the many installation options confusing.
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Which distro are you using? I didn't think there were any more options than Windows, but it's been a while since I did a fresh install. It's very different to the early days when you had to mess around to just get graphics and sound working. I am able to use various peripherals such as webcams, audio interfaces, scanner and colour laser printer.
I have started using Linux mostly Linux Mint from 2009 with Linux Mint 7. Linux desktops have come a long way forward.
I did try Mint at some point, but I just don't have time to experiment too much. I just want it to work.
i need to upgrade my Mageia Linux too. Another thing on the all too long todo list.
Seems we have lots of Linux users around here. I think people just find it does what they need
When I installed Mandrake Linux the first time in 1999, I remember that people wrote about it as if it was now Linux was ready for the mainstream. Mandrake was really easy to install compared to what I had had to go through with the Microsoft products at the time, but there was so much hardware that didn't work properly. When I finally moved over for real I kept a double boot Windows installation for many years. Now I can work entirely on Linux and never thinks about Windows. It has been some very fascinating and enriching 20 years.
Linux has got a lot easier over the years. Now most stuff just works, but I expect there are still issues with some exotic hardware. Maybe someone will read my post and give it a go.
Top stuff Steevc!
I'm sticking with 18.10 at the moment but I'd be interested to hear how you go with 19.04
I'm a long time Linux user too, since 1998/99? starting with RedHat. It's come a long way since then.
Due to previous work setups, I'd been 'forced' to use Windows systems for a long time, and like you, I have duel boot into the 'slower' Windows 10 OS when I need to.
Unfortunately, I still rely on some mission critical software that's only available in Windows, but I'm in Linux most of the time.
I ought to log into Windows now and again just to get the updates, but I just don't need it. We use Windows at work, but a lot of that could use Linux.
19.04 is supposed to have some performance improvements, but it's not feeling too different so far. The look of it changed a little in 18.10, which I only used for a couple of days before upgrading again. Overall it is all very stable and usable.
My Upgrade notification popped up today and I'm now dancing with Disco Dingo too.
Good idea to boot up Windows every now and then just to keep it up to date, even if you don't use it often.
Otherwise, when you do need it, you may find it lagging while it tries to get up to date in the background making the task you needed to do frustratingly slow or close to impossible.
I've hardly used Win10. Still on 7 at work. I've just not had a need to use it at home.
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Your desktok is great im using xubuntu 18.04 and the perfomance and the quality of apps is the best option for minimalist like me, i wanna upvote to you because ubuntu is great
We have lots of options in software to use. It's all part of the freedom of Linux. Enjoy it
Is that the Gnome version?
I'm using KDE now. Very low resource usage. And waaaaay more customizable than Gnome. I love them both. But, after trying out the KDE Plasma, I can't use any other desktop environment.
Oh and btw, I use arch. xD I have to do it on every linux post.
I used Kubuntu for ages, but decided to try the standard Gnome last time I did a fresh install. It's okay and I don't tend to customise much. I expect KDE has improved since I used it. I've not used Arch, but I hear it's good.
Yeah if youever get a chance, try ManjaroKDE. It's arch based but way easier to install and setup. It's very nice. I use it as my main OS and haven't used any other in over a year. I won't touch windows unless I absolutely have to. Yuckk.
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Time is the issue. Ubuntu is doing what I want, so I'll stick with that for now. Out of interest, what are the main advantages you see with KDE?
Less resource usage. RAM usage is at least half of what Gnome is. I have over 200 process running and only using 2gb of ram right now (youtube video playing, 3 chrome tabs open). Off a fresh boot with nothing running kde is only ~600-700mb of RAM. CPU usage is also a lot less. I've had some problems with Gnome on certain processors for some reason. Then the interface. You can make KDE look and act just like gnome. But, I like the more classic desktop layout it has by default. and EVERYTHING on KDE has a setting and is customizable out of the box. You can customize Gnome a bit, but you need to download gnome tweaks, gnome extentions, etc.
I sound like I'm knocking Gnome. I'm not. I do like it. I think it's neat and unique. But, I just find KDE a lot better for it's purpose.
Yeah if youever get a chance, try ManjaroKDE. It's arch based but way easier to install and setup. It's very nice. I use it as my main OS and haven't used any other in over a year. I won't touch windows unless I absolutely have to. Yuckk.
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I have been using Ubuntu for a year now and it is great indeed!
However, on my home PC I run windows because it is the best for gaming imo.
I didn't know about the naming convention of the versions, that was a real fun fact :D
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I hear that a lot of games work on Linux now, but it's just not something I am into. Maybe it will be viable for all gamers soon.
UBUNTU is my SO software since more than 12 years ago...It has everything I need and it simply works very well, always. Good post.
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I think it has more users than most people think. It has been possible to buy computers with it installed, but Microsoft try to ensure that is kept to a minimum. Many people do not realise they have the choice and that is a shame.
Didn't realise Ubuntu was looking so fresh!
I used it for about 2 years back in 2010, but the lack of support for most educational software means I use Windows still (sigh).
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It is very slick these days. My family use it with no real issues and I think most Mac or Windows users could easily adapt.
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Btw, I use Arch.
Well... Manjaro, but still, Arch nonetheless.
I am slowly moving most of my main machines over to Linux. I think for quick web browsing and stuff like that, you can't really go wrong with a Chromebook either. Besides my work computers, it is usually pretty rare that I fire up my Windows machine at home.
Good to hear that. We have a Chrome book, but it is not getting the latest updates. Need to see if I can install something on it
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