Ubuntu Install
Last week, I decided to start running my iBook and my secondary (soon to be primary) PC desktop with Ubuntu. I was excited, nay exurberant, to say the least. With my Ubuntu install CDs in hand, I rushed home and started installing… but I didn’t get very far! The iBook has a very large video file that I don’t want to lose. I tried to back it up on a DVD, but the DVD file got corrupted (?). So, I have to postpone the iBook transformation until the video file is safe. Then came the PC. The install began nicely, but very quickly it turned into a blank screen over a CD that churned for hours and wouldn’t eject. Come to find out, the PC doesn’t meet the minimum specs for an Ubuntu install, silly me. I have a machine that I can cannibalize for RAM, now I just need the spare time ;->
During all of this, I found myself reconsidering my seemingly impetuous decision. I found myself wondering about how I would work without the trusty apps on which I had come to rely, such as Dreamweaver/Flash/Fireworks, and Final Cut. At the time, I was in such a state of infatuation, I might have thrown everything out of the window before taking adequate steps towards a proper migration. I am thankful that my actions were effectively tempered by the noncompliance of my equipment.
I am still quite enthusiastic about the operating system that takes its name from the traditional African concepts of “I am what I am because of who we are” and “humanity to others,” and I fully intend to operate my computing systems on Ubuntu GNU/Linux, but I shall migrate in a more intelligent and purposeful way… More on this later, eh ;->
August 28th, 2006 at 9:12 am
First, I’d say don’t feel bad for rushing in headfirst and then hitting a problem. We’ve all been there, sitting atop the wave of a new technology and riding it in, only to discover that the beach on which we land has those damn pointy seashells. What a horrible metaphor.
Having said that, your cautionary tale is a stark reminder that adoption of something like Ubuntu isn’t a wholesale replacement for Windows or OS X. It’s a succession. This is especially true for schools and businesses thinking of adopting an open source/free model – there are a lot of changes that come along with such a move, and there would have to be an architechture of support and training to accompany the shift.
August 28th, 2006 at 11:23 am
Excellent point, Simon. For better or worse, I am accustomed to the “road rash” of impetuous decisions, but with each little reminder my subsequent “falls” are a little less hard. Thanks ;->
Unfortunately, and as you aptly point out, it’s not so easy for schools and businesses to simply brush off the disastrous consequences of inadequate tech support and training. Since these areas are typically secondary afterthoughts on tech initiatives, it’s no wonder resistance to change runs high — it only takes one good “burn” to “innoculate” folks to what very well may be good for them.
October 31st, 2006 at 12:03 pm
heyas all.
my 40 gig drive is going to good use now. I have installed UBUNTU and have ordered KUBUNTU.
I dont know how to install the driver for my ati radeon 9600xt.
Actually i dont know if i am meant to be downloading and installing XFREE86 or the XORG version of the driver. I am downloading them both but i dont know how to do anything in Linux really.
I dont know where I am meant to set up my modem or set up a net account. (no INETWIZ.EXE)
So yeah, can someone help me out with getting my ATI driver installed?
and does anyone know of a good long PDF file i can read and wrap my brain around.
I’m still a Windows user, but I want to use Linux as much as possible.
Thanks.
November 1st, 2006 at 9:00 am
digital camera:
Here’s a link to a kubuntu install that includes instructions for the ATI 9600.
November 5th, 2006 at 10:37 am
Thanks, Steve… ;->