The Linux Distributions page is a comprehensive listing of all the Linux distributions I have tried and basically what I thought of them from a “getting some work done” point of view, and also from a “wow factor” perspective. After all, both of these things influence what we use on a computer.
Ubuntu:
My Ubuntu Desktop
Currently, by far my favourite of all the different distribution. The operating system has a mastered the delicate balance between bleeding edge software and stability. Most of the everyday tasks have been well thought out, and can be performed without any need for doing anything silly (like using the command line).There are two general criticisms that are made of Ubuntu: (1) that the default theme is too brown and (2) that the command line is used to commonly. While I see both as being valid points, the brown theme is a very refreshing change from the greens and blues which have crept into most modern operating systems. The command line usage is an issue, and I believe the problem has roots in two places.
Firstly, Ubuntu only includes open source software in the default install, so any commercial audio codecs or programs need to be downloaded. The majority of the instructions on this front are given using command line (which is the simplest and quickest way for an experienced user to get the job done). The other cause is that Ubuntu is very community based, and thus the people working on it are (for want of a better word) computer freeks (its not a bad thing, I am one of those people too), who are experienced with the command line interface.
Ways to get around this have already been contrived with applications like EasyUbuntu and Automatix being real hits. While they require the ability to copy and paste some code into a terminal, they are infinitely faster and easier than installing other commercial software manually. Either tool can open up extra repositories, download Microsoft fonts, install graphics card drivers and prepare a computer for watching proprietary DVDs.
The things which Ubuntu does include that are, in my opinion, absolutely marvellous are often overlooked. Things like the debian package manager, the add/remove programs dialog, and the refined default desktop with enough programs to make your computer usable, but not too many that it becomes confusing. Ubuntu is a pleasure to use, and I’m sure you’ll read many an article that discusses its merits and ways to improve it.
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This article is incomplete. I am planning on adding Fedora, openSuse, Mandrake 10.1 (now Mandriva) and Xandros. Check back soon for more!
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