Linux Mint in Number 1 Spot?

So I was messing around this afternoon on Distrowatch (my favorite Linux website) and I noticed their Page Ranking section on the far right side of the page.  And something odd caught me eye.  The fact that Ubuntu was no longer in the very top #1 spot anymore.  What?!  Could it be that another distribution has made the jump to pop up the list a little ways?  Even over the Ubuntu giant?

Seems it's true.  As of this writing Linux Mint was now in the top seed.  This is pretty crazy, especially since Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu (at least one version of it is, the other is Debian based).  So my next thought is, why?  Did Canonical ripple the waters enough with the exclusion of the traditional desktop when they chose Unity as the default desktop environment?  Is Ubuntu outgrowing it's own community?  Who knows.

A screencap I took to convince my
eyes it's real!

I have my own reasons for why Ubuntu 11.10 isn't necessarily my first pick anymore when it comes to Linux Distributions.  However, regardless of my personal opinions there is a reason Ubuntu is one of the most used Linux Distro's in the world.  It's good, slick, and most everything works right out of the box.  I truly believe that some user's got fed up with Canonical's direction and decided to go looking elsewhere for their Linux fix.  Either way, this exposure is no doubt a big deal for Mint.  Especially with version 12 just right around the corner.

Kudos Linux Mint!

If you want to check it out for yourself, visit:
http://www.distrowatch.com
http://linuxmint.com/

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Installing LXDE in Ubuntu 11.10

As we continue our search for alternate desktop environments for Ubuntu 11.10 'Oneiric Ocelot' we now arrive at LXDE.  LXDE is short for the "Lightweight X11 Desktop Environment".  It's mission is a simple one: to be "extremely fast performing".  LXDE is great for older computers or computers with lower resources than most have by today's standards.  Running LXDE will give you the best of both worlds: a great experience as your desktop environment, and the latest advantages with Ubuntu.

The great thing about LXDE is that even if you don't use Ubuntu, you can install LXDE in other distributions as well.  Another perk for LXDE is it makes a nice desktop environment for people who are trying to migrate from the Windows world.  You can even customize LXDE to a certain extent as well.

So without further delay, feel free to give our video below a watch:

Ubuntu 11.10: Installing LXDE

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Ubuntu 11.10: Switching Login Managers

I received several emails after our posting our video about installing KDE in Ubuntu 11.10 concerning the login screen being changed.  If you followed along with our video we actually set the login screen to use KDM instead of the default for Ubuntu 11.10 which is LightDM.  Both login screens work the same way, but they look very different.

If you decide you like the original Ubuntu 11.10 login better than KDM's login screen, then watch the video below.  It's under 3 minutes long and a simple Terminal command will have you back up with LightDM in no time.

Ubuntu 11.10: Switch Between KDM to LightDM Login Screens

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GNOME Classic Panel in Ubuntu 11.10

It's no big secret that I'm not the biggest fan of the Unity Desktop Environment being included in the latest Ubuntu releases.  Call me 'old school' or maybe just set in my ways.  But I like the look of what now has been dubbed the 'Classic Ubuntu' look and feel.  Naturally, after Ubuntu 11.04 was released; one of the first tasks at hand was to figure out how to ditch Unity and jump back into good, old Ubuntu as I've always known it.  It was simple, just pick the option at log in to jump into 'Ubuntu Classic'.  And all was well.

Not the case with Ubuntu 11.10 'Oneiric Ocelot'.  Looks like with the release of 11.10, the 'Ubuntu Classic' environment was completely stripped out of Ubuntu.  So naturally, I tried to install the Classic Panel in Ubuntu 11.10.  And to be completely honest, it's terrible.  Much of the cosmetic filler that gives the panel a nice smooth appearance is missing.  The time and date is misplaced and over all it just looks bad.

For those who want to check it out for themselves, this video will walk you through installing it.  And who knows maybe it will be fixed by the time you install it for yourself (that would be great).  But as far as my tastes are concerned, until the issues with the GNOME Classic Panel are resolved (if they get resolved); I'll more than likely be using Ubuntu 11.04 in Ubuntu Classic mode for my Ubuntu fix.  It would be nice if Canonical would throw Ubuntu Classic back in for future releases.  But unless enough people complain about it, I seriously doubt they will.  Especially since Unity is the direction Ubuntu is heading anyways.  After all, isn't one of the core foundations of Linux the fact that user's have options to make changes as they need/like.  I'm not a programmer, so aside from a working solution to using GNOME without Unity than this may be a great opportunity to try out some other Linux distributions.  Time will tell.

So with the exclusion of a working 'Classic' mode from Ubuntu 11.10.  This will launch our new video series highlighting ways to install other Window Managers/Desktop Environments from within Ubuntu 11.10.  Later this week our first 'alternate' desktop will be KDE.  So tune in then!

Ubuntu Classic in Ubuntu 11.10

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Review: Ubuntu 11.10 'Oneiric Ocelot'

This past week Canonical rolled out the latest version of Ubuntu with version 11.10 'Oneiric Ocelot'.  Right off the bat, you'll notice some really nice changes to the system.  I absolutely love the new login screen.  It looks really sharp.  For fans of Unity, you'll love this release because by default (and short of using the GNOME 3 Shell) Unity is all we get as far as a desktop environment is concerned.  This time around they have stripped out the 'Ubuntu Classic' desktop completely.

Otherwise, you'll immediately notice that the Unity bar looks a little better.  We have lenses built into the Dash that allows you to download more lenses to extend the Dash's functionality (I really like this idea).  And finally, the Ubuntu Software Center has had a huge makeover and looks and functions a lot smoother than previous versions.  In my opinion, this release would probably have to be one of the most user friendly versions ever released if being approached from the standpoint of someone new to Ubuntu.  But for those of us who have used Ubuntu for years and are set in our ways, (at least for me) it isn't the easiest to get used to.  But it does look nice.

So checkout my review:



Review: Ubuntu 11.10 'Oneiric Ocelot'

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Ubuntu One Cloud Storage Now for Windows too!

Ubuntu One is Canonical's answer to cloud storage and has been included within the last several Ubuntu releases.  Simply put, you sign up for your free 5GB account (that was previously only for Ubuntu users) and start syncing your files to "the cloud".

You can stash pretty much any kind of file you'd like on your Ubuntu One "Cloud" and that grants you the ability to access your files on the go from literally any internet connect computer or mobile device in the world.

My previous solution to cloud storage was Dropbox.  However, seeing as how I have multiple Ubuntu installs working across several VirtualBox machines on my Windows host, this may very well keep me from even messing with VirtualBox shared folders between guest and host.  And simply use Ubuntu One instead.  Not to mention, with access to Ubuntu One on Windows and Ubuntu, it is also available on iOS and Android devices.

Every user gets 5GB's of data for free and can purchase additional space should you need it.
Check out Ubuntu One at:http://ubuntuone.com/

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Upcoming Review for Ubuntu 11.10

Even though it is still in beta, I should have an incoming review based on Ubuntu 11.10.  I'm eager to see what (if much) has changed since the introduction of Unity in Ubuntu 11.04.  Hopefully I should have it up around the weekend or so!

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Canonical Brightens the Future of Both Ubuntu and App Developers

Ubuntu is probably considered by most to be the most popular Linux distribution.  As of this writing, if you use Google to search the term 'Linux'; you may not be surprised to see that Ubuntu is the first hit to be returned.  And for good reason.  Ubuntu has been built up with great hardware support, ease of use for new users, and it has a higher chance of 'just working' out of the box.

One of the things that it seems like everybody wants more of are apps.  Whether it be on their iPhones, iPods/iPads, Android devices, and even some operating systems now include access to app stores or markets.  Even web browsers are getting in on the action.  So, it only seems to make sense that other operating systems try to further their application support.  And what better way to do this by assisting developers with creating, packaging, porting, and submitting their programs or applications to the Ubuntu Software Center?

That is what Canonical is aiming to do with the release of the Ubuntu App Developer Portal.  They even include a tool called 'Quickly' that is aimed at helping you build your app.  And what is even better, is it is free to use.  'Quickly' also helps with submitting your app to the Software Center.

What is even cooler?  You can either release your apps for free or for a price.  That's pretty cool.  I'm sure we'll start seeing the Ubuntu Software Center offerings grow as more people get turned on the the Developer Portal.

Check it out for yourself at: http://developer.ubuntu.com/

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The Future Path of Ubuntu

Another Monday is fixing to wrap itself up for the the day, and after doing some reading up over the last few weeks; there is a topic that I can't seem to shake out of my mind.  The direction of the very popular Linux distribution (and my personal fav); Ubuntu.  Ubuntu is an excellent operating system for new converts to the world of Linux and open-source software.  Canonical is obviously very progressive in their ideas (something other distro's seem to be lacking).  And for that I definitely give them props.

However; changing from the GNOME or KDE desktop environments to offer the Unity Desktop Environment, is a pretty risky jump.  I sincerely hope Canonical will make it easy to use GNOME or KDE.  It's not that I have anything against the Unity Desktop Environment; because I don't.  Personally, I think it's looking pretty sharp.  And for a netbook or a tablet, it looks to be an ideal way to navigate the OS.  But for a full fledge desktop install (yes, some people still use these beasts); I would prefer using a fuller featured desktop environment.  And from best I can tell the community of user's seem to be split on the decision.

Here is a screen shot of 10.04 running Unity:

Another change from the norm recently announced is that Ubuntu will be trying to move away from X for the windows manager, and picking up Wayland instead.  Personally, I would be more open to this change as opposed to being forced to use Unity.  However, I am also aware that it's not like Ubuntu will be rocking Wayland when Natty comes out in April either.  That change will take some time to implement.  I think we can all agree that X has it's issues and seems to be somewhat cumbersome at times.

Regardless of the changes coming to Ubuntu, it's still a wonderful system.  And once Natty hits the world, I will still recommend new user's checkout Ubuntu.  But, depending on the options given about the desktop environment; I'll either use Natty and use GNOME, stay on 10.10 for the time being, or might spread my horizons and try other Linux distributions whom I may have overlooked.

So whatever you're stance on Linux, Ubuntu, or open-source may be...It's a great time to be a geek!

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Making the jump to 'Maverick Meerkat'

Like so many others, I too downloaded the newest Ubuntu release version:10.10. Which happened to release on October 10, 2010. I did a fresh install today (over my existing 10.04.1 partition). From first glance, I honestly could't tell that much of a difference from 0.04. LTS). Sure, the new wallpaper looked nice. But the overall experience was still pretty much the same. Nothing seemed to be lost or gained in the new version of the Live CD.

Then, I launched the installer. And to my surprise, I was looking at a new install wizard. It had a few checkmarks denoting that my system had adequate free hard drive space, memory, and an Internet connection. Then I stepped through the somewhat simplified wizard and was underway with installing a lot quicker than I had remembered the process being. One of the big differences I saw were 2 new options before committing to the install.
1- Download updates during install.
2- the option to install 3rd party codecs like MP3 support during install.

I took both of the options for experimentation sake. And they worked flawlessly. My next steps were to download the restricted driver for my nVidia graphics card, run the Update Wizard (which came back as updated), and try out Gwibber. I was one of the many who were affected with Gwibber issues in 10.04.1 LTS. It just wouldn't function right (or at all in some cases).

For those who haven't used it, Gwibber is a social networking app that aggregates status updates from sites like Faceboook and Twitter (and several others). I setup my Twitter account with no issues. But the Facebook setup still wouldn't work. But no worries, Empathy picks up some of the slack; allowing access to Facebook chat instead of logging in only on the website. My next moves were to install some of the other apps I like to use (like Gimp and OpenShot). Which installed fine. I also setup Compiz with my desired effects, and downloaded Ubuntu Tweak (which I will have a review on very shortly).

After installing the Chrome web browser and downloading some custom wallpapers, and installing Docky to replace the bottom GNOME panel; I was once again happy with the way my Ubuntu install looks and feels. Cannonical has once again brought the world another great version of Ubuntu with many more features under the hood that I can't wait to try out.

By the way, a review will be showing up soon about the Ubuntu One features. And hopefully, I can find a way to replace my iTunes music shopping habits with the Ubuntu One music store that is integrated with RhythmBox. To my dismay, all of the songs I have purchased in the last week from iTunes for 99 cents, are on the Ubuntu music store for just 77 cents. What can I say, I'm cheap. LOL

Happy surfing!

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