Video: Installing Linux Mint 11 'Katya'

In our latest video we will step through the basics of installing Linux Mint 11 'Katya'.  'Katya' is the latest distribution release of Linux Mint with version 12's Release Candidate just being announced.  Mint is based on Ubuntu and in some circles is considered to be one of the best Linux distributions out there (next to Ubuntu).  There is also a version of Mint that is Debian based and features rolling distribution updates; meaning, you get the major updates as they roll out instead of doing a "mass-upgrade" on the entire OS.  That's nice.

The version of Linux Mint 11 being used in this video is the GNOME, 32bit version without Multimedia Codecs.  In our next video, we will step through quickly and easily installing these codecs.

Installing Linux Mint 11

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Heads up: Lubuntu 10.10 RMX

 Still on the Ubuntu note; if you are a fan of Ubuntu goodies.  You owe it to yourself to swing by OMG! Ubuntu and keep watch on their site for news based on the popular distro.  Yesterday they ran a quick mention about Lubuntu 10.10 RMX.

Most Ubuntu user's are familiar with Ubuntu (GNOME based) and Kubuntu (KDE based).  But most of the time Lubuntu gets overlooked.  So, what is Lubuntu?

Easy, Lubuntu is a derivative of the Ubuntu operating system (which in itself is a derivative of Debian Linux).  This version of Ubuntu runs on LXDE (Lightweight X11 Desktop Environment) instead of GNOME or KDE desktop environments.  This user interface is great for computers who have lower resources such as: older computers or even netbooks.  The 10.10 RMX version has a few added features and apps that are useful.  But also comes with multimedia codecs preconfigured.  So, if you have an older pc laying around, breath a little new life into and check this one out.

Linux Tracker: Lubuntu 10.10 RMX
OMGUbuntu.co.uk: Lubuntu 10.10 RMX article

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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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