Windows 7 V/S Ubuntu (My Exp.)

[H2O]

I shifted to Windows 7 about 6 months back and have been using it regularly and this OS has grown on me such that, I can say by far it is the best OS I have used in quite some time.

Now to the Ubuntu part, I've been experimenting with Ubuntu since 8.04 and those days when I was on XP, Ubuntu seemed ultimate. But, I just installed and uninstalled Ubuntu 10.10. I must say Ubuntu made the simplest things so hard. I can't believe it.

For one I must note, the installation procedure has gone many changes and all for the better.

The simple things I talk about include, I use an Acer 4740 Travel Mate.
There is no default indicator for Caps Lock :S, that's just weird. Also, the OS has not changed for the better in terms of functionality or usability. I understand the inclusion of software center, but the software center did not find Google Chrome, though it found Chromium and yes I checked all the sources in Preferences.

Also the OS failed to adjust my laptop brightness. Also, I don't understand with why the password menu keeps popping up, last time I remember when Vista had a strict UAC everyone was complaining, about permissions. Though there might be a way to remove this, again complicated.

Also, did anyone talk about the lack luster looks ? Also, what is with copying the Mac ? I'm not talking about stupid effects where windows move as if everything is made of elastic. I'm talking of something which adds aesthetic appeal without compromising usability of any sorts.

I'm a very big supporter of Linux and all things open source and really appreciate free software, but I think in 2 years Ubuntu has gone the wrong direction.

For, Windows all I can say is that Windows 7 is leagues ahead of XP, and if your still using XP and your system has the required juice UPGRADE.

With inclusion of features such as the Super bar and Libraries, the experience is really smooth.

I hope I haven't hurt any sentiments and in no way do I plan to start a flame war.

Thank You, for your time for reading this.

 

[vishalrao]

Windows 7 sure is a nice release and like you said if you have the desktop horsepower (who hasn't these days) then go for it.

Note that Ubuntu is not the only Linux out there. There are also different desktops like GNOME and KDE.

So you could try other distros/variants like Kubuntu, Fedora.

Both platforms (Win/Linux) have their pluses and minuses - I for one have been mainly (full time) running Ubuntu for over a year now with pretty much zero need to boot into Win7

 

[net]

r u using the unity desktop? then change to ubuntu desktop. I have ubuntu on 100+ systems in my office and it kicks butt.

 

[jojothedragon]

Ubuntu 10.10 is my 1st linux distro. I'm just exploring and learning. That password pop up thingy, i'm used to it as i was a full time vista user, so i don't care much. the elastic desktop is quite refreshing imo. this is my 4th day of linux exp. :ashamed:

Nice article anyway.

 

[H2O]

Windows 7 sure is a nice release and like you said if you have the desktop horsepower (who hasn't these days) then go for it.

Note that Ubuntu is not the only Linux out there. There are also different desktops like GNOME and KDE.

So you could try other distros/variants like Kubuntu, Fedora.

Both platforms (Win/Linux) have their pluses and minuses - I for one have been mainly (full time) running Ubuntu for over a year now with pretty much zero need to boot into Win7

True. I am yet to try out other distributions. The only other I have tried is Mandriva which was way back in 2009 so I'm guessing KDE has come a long way. Its good to know that you have fully customized Ubuntu to suit your needs and are essentially happy with it.

One of the biggest reasons for me trying Ubuntu was that, it is one of the most widely acclaimed distribution. I will be closely following its development and will be using Ubuntu as I am studying Computer Science and Eng. and in my college the labs come equipped with Ubuntu, itself. I'm delighted to know that a senior member decided to reply back to my thread.

I've always wondered about when your running Linux for over a year, and Ubuntu having a 6-Monthly release cycle, how do you update your distribution to the latest one ? Do you do it for every release or just for the LTS releases ?

r u using the unity desktop? then change to ubuntu desktop. I have ubuntu on 100+ systems in my office and it kicks butt.

No I am not using Ubuntu Unity Desktop, also I do not think it comes pre-activated on 10.10. IIRC, it has started with 11.04 (alpha, now alpha2) unless there is some way to activate it which I missed.

Anyway, I am not saying that Ubuntu is a bad OS to get your office work done. It might surely kick ass at that. I still believe that it is much more fine tuned than XP in certain aspects. What I am saying is that it has developed but in these 2 years of me using it and tinkering around with it I expected a bit more.

Like I've stated there are many PC's running Linux in my college on which we program in Java.

Ubuntu 10.10 is my 1st linux distro. I'm just exploring and learning. That password pop up thingy, i'm used to it as i was a full time vista user, so i don't care much. the elastic desktop is quite refreshing imo. this is my 4th day of linux exp. :ashamed:

Nice article anyway.

Thank You, for your kind words. Its nice to know that the native Windows user is adventuring out of his shell to work on new technology.

The desktop effects are subjective in my opinion, its good to know that there is a user base which appreciated it. For there will always be haters and lovers. There are people who object to how Aero looks, while I find it very soothing.

Hope you have a happy time with Linux.

 

[arun687]

No doubt Windows 7 is probably the best Windows ever made till date. Never have I had such a worry free experience with Windows. No unnecessary crashing, slowing down after months of not formatting, security issues etc. (when coupled with a good security suite), good performance overall and good UI enhancements to make usability much better.

I understand the problems you're facing with Ubuntu. If your hardware is well supported, then it's a breeze. If you want to try Linux for the first time, go with one of the below.

Linux Mint
Simply Mepis

Ubuntu is not necessarily the most newbie friendly linux out there. KDE 4.6 is miles ahead of Gnome, IMO.

EDIT: Since you've been with Ubuntu since 8.04 days, maybe its time to move up the ladder and set up Arch linux. You'll thoroughly enjoy the experience and you've a system that's optimized just for yourself.

 

[ReVo_007]

+1 to Linux Mint... Its a better form of ubuntu with the basic software included ...I was surprised to find that ubuntu didn't have the most common media codecs inbuilt .

I am thinking of trying to setup Arch Linux ... but don't know why the setup doesn't start after the commands they tell us to enter.. Used Unetbootin to set it up on USB and then booted ... I need some help on it ... Am still a learner .. using Linux for past 6-8 Months ,Now . Familiarized myself with the commands and their working a little bit.

 

[avi]

I was a windows user, using Win 7 from its release. After Ubuntu 10.10 everything has changed. I say they made installation procedure quite easy. Using Wubi, installation is a kids play. Problems you mentioned are specific with your lappie, I am not facing any of those [oh, you have an Acer ]

I am 200% satisfied with Ubuntu. Not going back to Windows [except for gaming ]

Ubuntu 10.10 + Macbuntu + Wine = Super Fcking Awesome Machine

My Lappie screenshot :

Anyways, nice write up and go on experimenting other distros too

 

[jojothedragon]

+1 to Linux Mint... Its a better form of ubuntu with the basic software included ...I was surprised to find that ubuntu didn't have the most common media codecs inbuilt .

I am thinking of trying to setup Arch Linux ... but don't know why the setup doesn't start after the commands they tell us to enter.. Used Unetbootin to set it up on USB and then booted ... I need some help on it ... Am still a learner .. using Linux for past 6-8 Months ,Now . Familiarized myself with the commands and their working a little bit.

Maybe this software can help Universal USB Installer – Easy as 1 2 3 | USB Pen Drive Linux
I used it to install ubuntu with my usb stick. And it supports archlinux as well.

 

[H2O]

I was a windows user, using Win 7 from its release. After Ubuntu 10.10 everything has changed. I say they made installation procedure quite easy. Using Wubi, installation is a kids play. Problems you mentioned are specific with your lappie, I am not facing any of those [oh, you have an Acer ]

I am 200% satisfied with Ubuntu. Not going back to Windows [except for gaming ]

Ubuntu 10.10 + Macbuntu + Wine = Super Fcking Awesome Machine

My Lappie screenshot :

Anyways, nice write up and go on experimenting other distros too

Nice, you seem to enjoy your installation a lot.

I don't want to criticize you but, this is what I talk about when I mean mimic mac. Ubuntu should carve out a special look for itself, which should not depend on how Aero is on Windows or how Mac OSX looks.

Also, you are quite correct, Dell is way more compatible with Ubuntu than my current Acer (which by the way I got from my college) I've seen this on the laptops of few of my family members.

 

[avi]

Nice, you seem to enjoy your installation a lot.

yeah

I don't want to criticize you but, this is what I talk about when I mean mimic mac. Ubuntu should carve out a special look for itself, which should not depend on how Aero is on Windows or how Mac OSX looks.

Yeah, I totally agree on this...

 

[Dark Star]

Before I point out something you wrote. I agree with you, but my perspective is kind of different.

I shifted to Windows 7 about 6 months back and have been using it regularly and this OS has grown on me such that, I can say by far it is the best OS I have used in quite some time.

Windows 7 is no doubt the best MS OS . However I still find XP to be bit snappy and usable than 7.



Now to the Ubuntu part, I've been experimenting with Ubuntu since 8.04 and those days when I was on XP, Ubuntu seemed ultimate. But, I just installed and uninstalled Ubuntu 10.10. I must say Ubuntu made the simplest things so hard. I can't believe it.

I liked Ubuntu till 7.04 Feisty Fawn probably their best release, after that never got used to it.



For one I must note, the installation procedure has gone many changes and all for the better.

The simple things I talk about include, I use an Acer 4740 Travel Mate.

There is no default indicator for Caps Lock :S, that's just weird. Also, the OS has not changed for the better in terms of functionality or usability.

What sort of indicator ? I never noticed any onscreen indicator in Win nor in Linux. Please clear this.



I understand the inclusion of software center, but the software center did not find Google Chrome, though it found Chromium and yes I checked all the sources in Preferences.

Have you refreshed the repos ?



Also the OS failed to adjust my laptop brightness. Also, I don't understand with why the password menu keeps popping up, last time I remember when Vista had a strict UAC everyone was complaining, about permissions. Though there might be a way to remove this, again complicated.

Its the Linux way, you just cannot install anything w.o any higer privileges. Plus here I think you are talking about Gnome keyring manager. Simply disable if you dont like.



Also, did anyone talk about the lack luster looks ? Also, what is with copying the Mac ? I'm not talking about stupid effects where windows move as if everything is made of elastic. I'm talking of something which adds aesthetic appeal without compromising usability of any sorts.

I'm a very big supporter of Linux and all things open source and really appreciate free software, but I think in 2 years Ubuntu has gone the wrong direction.

For, Windows all I can say is that Windows 7 is leagues ahead of XP, and if your still using XP and your system has the required juice UPGRADE.

With inclusion of features such as the Super bar and Libraries, the experience is really smooth.

I hope I haven't hurt any sentiments and in no way do I plan to start a flame war.

NO you haven't. Its just a software



Thank You, for your time for reading this.

Nice write up

 

[vishalrao]

I've always wondered about when your running Linux for over a year, and Ubuntu having a 6-Monthly release cycle, how do you update your distribution to the latest one ? Do you do it for every release or just for the LTS releases ?

I actually meant I've been running Ubuntu *full time* for over year I've been using various distros for over a decade now, since around 1998. I update regularly every release - by re-installing and not upgrading the system - I've found upgrades to sometimes be problematic, so prefer to do fresh installs.

 

[H2O]

Before I point out something you wrote. I agree with you, but my perspective is kind of different.

Nice write up

1>Since, my notebook does not come with an indicator when the I toggle the Caps Lock key on or off, I get a small pop up on Windows saying Caps Lock key is on. I hope you understood the thing I'm talking about, if not I'd be glad to post a screen shot.

2>I'm pretty sure the repos refresh automatically because once I changed the sources the cache was automatically updated. If that's not it then I will keep this in mind.

3>Like I said, I was pretty sure that there would be a way to remove the password pop up, but it was taking me more than average time to find it.

I actually meant I've been running Ubuntu *full time* for over year I've been using various distros for over a decade now, since around 1998. I update regularly every release - by re-installing and not upgrading the system - I've found upgrades to sometimes be problematic, so prefer to do fresh installs.

Do you format your home partition every time you upgrade ? Doesn't that lead to too many backups and loss of data/reinstalling every application, again ?

I hope I've able to answer your queries to your satisfaction,

 

[vishalrao]

Yep, I format my home partition everytime, I store my stuff in other disks/partitions which I dont format. But it does mean, re-configuring and customising the desktop after each install but I dont do too much customisation anyway plus once every 6 months is not bad, get to pick up any new info/quirks about the new release too

 

[avi]

But formatting HDD often, won't it reduce its life ?

 

[Gaurish]

I understand the inclusion of software center, but the software center did not find Google Chrome, though it found Chromium and yes I checked all the sources in Preferences.

That's correct. Google Chrome is not in repos. Because google owns the tramemark and it does not allow any third party to redistribute . Further, Chromium is exactly same thing as Google Chrome - minus the name & logo. It was done to avoid trade mark issues.

Further, if you do want Google Chrome. then go to http://www.google.com/chrome and download. Why complain?

 

[vishalrao]

But formatting HDD often, won't it reduce its life ?

No way, this is a regular format process (not any low level format) which is the same operation as read/write which happens daily/regularly Anyways, I'm on SSD which has limited read/write cycles but still going strong for over a year now.

 

[malefic]

i am using ubuntu for over 2 yrs. at first it was problematic but now i am used to it and for me it is the best distro ever.

i don,t play games and for coding it,s gr8.

 

[H2O]

That's correct. Google Chrome is not in repos. Because google owns the tramemark and it does not allow any third party to redistribute . Further, Chromium is exactly same thing as Google Chrome - minus the name & logo. It was done to avoid trade mark issues.

Further, if you do want Google Chrome. then go to Google Chrome - Get a fast new browser. For PC, Mac, and Linux and download. Why complain?

Who says I am complaining ? I'm fine with going to different websites and downloading the softwares, in fact I find that to be a better way so that I am sure I am getting the latest version. But, if it is going to come down to this, then why include a software center ?
Also, as you state certain applications do not have any third party distributors and they won't show up in the software center, then the software center should definitely mention this when it is run for the 1st time.