Could Ubuntu replace Vista?
April 27, 2007 by Tris Hussey
Filed under Jobs
That’s the premise of an article on InformationWeek’s site. Do a head-to-head Unbuntu 7.0.4 (Feisty Fawn) vs Vista. Install, applications, basic stuff we all do.
The test covered three different kinds of machines from a laptop to a desktop to a VM install. Bottom line? Ubuntu was close, but …
There is always that “but” isn’t there? I’ve had the same debate with myself. Heck I even Twittered it. I went as far as downloading Ubuntu, thinking maybe a dual boot Vista-Ubuntu would be cool. The bottom line came down to, why?
What is there so cool about Ubuntu that I would risk wrecking (again) my Vista install? This is my work machine afterall. If I f*ck it up, I have to get it back up and running asap. Believe me, that’s no fun. Especially when friends and girlfriends wonder why you did it in the first place (your machine was working great … why did you mess with it? because I’m a geek of course).
So if you’re thinking of trying Ubuntu instead of upgrading to Vista … think long and hard about it. Ubuntu is cool and it is easier than past Linux installs, but there is still a geeky factor to deal with (like compiling applications … like I’m going to compile an app to use it … not).
Linux ready for mom and grandma? Almost, but not quite. Do you really want to have to tell them how to execute a command in a UNIX/Linux terminal window over the phone? I didn’t think so.
Well, I have the same feeling. There’s always a small something missing. Vista doesn’t look as cool as Ubuntu and lacks interface consistency and ergonomics.
Vista, like XP, works and does the job. Sadly, with very poor application integration, but it works.
However… Ubuntu is so gorgeous… See that Beryl stuff, compare to the cheap effects requiring insane GPU with Aero…
Oh yes, I’m definitely going to risk my Vista install.
Are you crazy?
Sure Ubuntu has the option of compiling an app, but im not sure you’ve heard of the Add/Remove integrated app they added a while back, any software from office to internet to graphic design, to movie editing can be found, and installed with one click.
And for the amount of ANYTHING a computer user uses a computer for, ubuntu is perfect for. Internet, Office, Movies, Music, etc.
Sadly Gaming has yet to be perfected. And i have had a few issues with some drivers, but with a little know-how only once is required to set up the system, and it works flawlessly, much faster than vista, stable, and without pointless enhancements as Compiz-Fusion plugins that are experimental, you’ve got yourself a snazzy, organized system.