Some More Thoughts on Ubuntu

I must say I’m really enjoying Ubuntu on my laptop. I use my laptop a lot now. Before, with XP, my laptop was running slow (even after reformatting), but with Ubuntu it runs at least twice as fast, if not three times. I don’t use it for much, mostly just browsing the net, blogging, and talking with people on IM (using Pidgin). I would like to get into DVD ripping and burning on it, as well as some graphics editing. I’ve not found anything similar to DVD Shrink or DVD Decrypter on Linux yet, but haven’t really looked. So if anyone has any suggestions on those pieces of software, I’d appreciate some direction.

What is great about Ubuntu is I can find out how to do anything with just a few searches on their forums or on Google. I can find packages I need with ease via the Synaptic Package Manager or via GetDeb.net. I had my mom briefly look at Ubuntu and she could even find her way around things. It really is that easy. That being said though, it still has some catching up to do in order for a casual user from the world of Windows to be able to use it. I know nothing about command line, but that’s ok, because I can always find the command I need by searching, but most people don’t want to spend the time searching for something they should just be able to do. (Again, the package manager and Add/Remove programs helps a lot in that area). For a world run on Windows though, many users will not switch because it requires the terrible thing of learning something new. Most casual computer users don’t want to learn. They use computers to make their lives easier, and learning something new is not easy. I think if Linux gets to a point that people start learning it from an earlier age (say, Linux in the classrooms) then it would be easier to migrate more users to Linux. It’s the chicken and the egg though. You need more users to be a force, but you can’t get more users unless they know how to use it (or even know about it to begin with). I doubt I would have stuck with it if I didn’t’ get my wireless to work. I did, however, and am thankful for each moment on the OS. I doubt another OS will ever make it back on this laptop (though, a different flavor of Linux isn’t out of the question, just out of curiosity).