![Ubuntu 8.04 [Hardy Heron] releasing today](http://www.chillnite.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/804countdown_00days.jpg)
The best of Linux distros Ubuntu/Kubuntu 8.04 [code name Hardy heron] is scheduled for release today. Those of you who are still reeling from the pangs of Vi$ta Micro$hit this is your time…switch to Linux. Ubuntu/Kubuntu works on nearly every new laptop [Apple aside] released so far. All the glitzy features of your laptop like bluetooth, wireless lan and even in my case the touch-strip on HP Pavillion work with Ubuntu/Kubuntu. Ubuntu and Kubuntu are basically the same engine but with different environments. IMHO you will be comfortable with both but Windows users will find Kubuntu more appealing.
Ubuntu/Kubuntu are free operating systems and are loaded with top quality software(s) from productivity suites like Open Office [complete replacement for Microsoft Office], games, media software like Amarok [replacement for ITunes], Firefox [replacement for shitty Internet Explorer]…and guess what nearly 90% of these softwares are free. And you can download them without visiting a shop or website. There is a software manager which shows you a complete catalog of softwares and all you do is pick, connect to net and install.
In case of power users like me, I run VMWare workstation which allows me to install and run various Windows opertaing systems from XP to 2003 inside Ubuntu//Kubuntu. This may happen with you if you need applications like Visual Studio, Dreamweaver, Photoshop etc which are not available for Linux.
For those of you with high bandwidth connections, you can download Ubuntu/Kubuntu from their website and burn on a cd and install, or alternatively you can ask them to ship it to you for a minimal shipping charge. So go ahead kick Micro$oft where it hurts most…in their wallet and experience quality experience with Ubuntu/Kubuntu.
Download Ubuntu [LINK]
Download Kubuntu [LINK]
The trouble is, ppl are so used to Microsoft that it’s hard to switch over, especially when you rely on PC-based games to diffuse your stress!
On another note, would it be secure & stable enough to act as a residential gateway for both my gamining PC & Mac Powerbook?
@Aggressor: True that we have all been brought up in windows environment and are majority are hooked on to it.But in terms of productivity and stability ubuntu/kubuntu has never failed me. As an example the last time it asked for a restart was when I actually first installed it, since then all the software are seamlessly installed and work out of the box. There are hundreds of games available from basic to high end 3d which are available in *buntu.
As for stability, there was a contest recently to hack into mac,pc and ubuntu and both pc and mac were hacked in couple of minutes, where as ubuntu was declared unhackable. As long as it is installed and configured properly ubuntu/kubuntu is ideal for both desktop and server environments.
well, it really difficult to switch, but once you do its easy to realized that you’ve been brain washed.
Anyway, I’ve used Ubuntu 7.10 on desktop and it was fun but I couldn’t use it on my Laptop. It works just perfect on some other laptop but mine no.
To run Windows based application you can install a plug-in called wine which suppose to make .exe files operates on you Linux platform.