OS differences (Was: Re: My experience with Ubuntu...not great)
2009/11/9 Daniel Mons : > Microbe wrote: >> I have no problem with Ubuntu or Linux as such, my issue was that >> Ubuntu in particular is being touted as a windows replacement. > > By whom? > Good question... > Ubuntu is not designed to "replace Windows". No Linux distribution is. > I think you'll find that when it comes to development of Linux, the > people actually writing the code generally aren't doing it to replace > some other bit of software, but rather just because they are interested > in developing their own system for their own needs. > The often touted "Year of the Linux desktop" is not the right phrase as it depends on who's desktop are we talking about. In the past I have been involved with a non-profit organisation that refurbished computers and gave them to consession card holders and those that could not afford them. Linux desktop for - Technical Support Help Line: possibly if they also have access to a Windows machine for replicating faults. - Accounts department in a largish company: only if they can get obtain accounting software that complies with the taxation laws. - The CEO - Unless demanded, I'd say heck no as a new tools and workflow needs to be learned. We noted that those that would accept the Linux desktop the quickest were those that had not used a computer before. It partly comes down to preconceptions of where something can be found and how do do something. Some things are too hard, different to what you have learnt before or back to front from you knew from before. Part of the exercise of learning a new OS (or even differences between distributions) is putting aside some of what you learned before and learning with a new slate of curiosity. I find that it can be helpful to have a table of common tasks and the steps required or the location in the GUI. Certainly if something is broken, then report it on Launchpad. If something could be better documented, edit the wiki or blog about it. With any system sometimes the worst people to ask for documentation are the developers themselves as they are seeing the system from the code perspective and not the ends users. Regards George -- ubuntu-au mailing list ubuntu-au@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-au
Re: My experience with Ubuntu...not great
Microbe wrote: > I have no problem with Ubuntu or Linux as such, my issue was that > Ubuntu in particular is being touted as a windows replacement. By whom? Ubuntu is not designed to "replace Windows". No Linux distribution is. I think you'll find that when it comes to development of Linux, the people actually writing the code generally aren't doing it to replace some other bit of software, but rather just because they are interested in developing their own system for their own needs. Objectively speaking, if you don't like Ubuntu you have two choices: 1) Assist in it's improvement (this can come in all shapes and sizes: coding, testing, constructive criticism) 2) Stop using it. Note in (1) the use of the word "constructive". An important point. Throwing around phrases like "just for geeks" and "not recommending it" aren't constructive criticism. Instead, jump on Launchpad, create an account, and start listing the problems you are having and what you think a better way of doing things are. Particularly when it comes to small/annoying issues with the user interface, the "100 papercuts" project is something you should look at: https://launchpad.net/hundredpapercuts If all of that is not your cup of tea (and that's fine if it's not - some people would rather do other things than assist in software development and that's OK), then feel free to quietly walk away. Fly-by insults being flung at the Ubuntu-AU mailing list is not the way to assist anyone at anything ever. Nor is it a way to gain sympathisers to your issues if at some point in the future you want help. -Dan -- ubuntu-au mailing list ubuntu-au@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-au
Re: My experience with Ubuntu...not great
Actually, it was never intended to be a "challenge", I thought that my experience might have been a contribution. Clearly it isn't seen that way. Some "community" this is...sigh... On 8 Nov, 17:04, Andre Mangan wrote: > Come now folks, this is becoming very much like an evangelistic Sunday night > meeting where every one has to stand up (after being challenged) to declare > their allegiance to the one true god who is Ubuntu Linux (as most > intelligent people would know). > > I agree with you that Ubuntu is absolutely fan-bloody-tastic but ... would > someone, please, get out the mosquito lotion or the Glen 20 (that is > supposed to kill microbes) to dispatch this irritant who is having fun > stirring up the Ubuntu-au community. > > "Boy, am I going to be popular ;-)" > > Andre > > 2009/11/8 Andrew Swinn > > > On Sun, 2009-11-08 at 15:04 +1000, Lisa Milne wrote: > > > On Sat, 2009-11-07 at 20:13 -0800, Microbe wrote: > > > > Maybe that's it. > > > > > I can now see why someone described this whole process as dependency > > > > hell. > > > > > It is a frustrating tail chasing exercise. > > > > > Bye Bye Linux. > > > > > I'll be back when you are ready. > > > > I tend to think it is more a case of you'll be back when _you_ are > > > ready. At present you're trying to drive a car as though it were a > > > motorbike, and blaming the car. > > > This prompted me the think about the whole Linux IS NOT Windows thing. > > > Seehttp://linux.oneandoneis2.org/LNW.htm > > > Expecting Linux to behave the same is not correct and it should be said > > that there is still a need for awareness and what expectations you > > should be setting for your experience/needs. > > > That document above to be a very good one to point out for anyone > > looking for some clarification on this issue and some assistance on what > > you should expect. > > > I also wanted to point out a personal success with Ubuntu 9.10. I have > > this old IBM workstation that has always frustrated me because it > > wouldn't work with my 1440x900 monitor resolution. Only ever displayed > > the 4:3 ratio resolutions (ie 1024x768) and never looked right on a > > widescreen. Loaded 9.10 on it yesterday and lo and behold it is > > displaying 1440x900 from the get go. A big box full of win for me. > > (Note: your experiences will vary greatly, as will be the same in the > > Windows world too). > > > Regards, > > > Andrew Swinn > > > -- > > ubuntu-au mailing list > > ubuntu...@lists.ubuntu.com > >https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-au > > > > -- > ubuntu-au mailing list > ubuntu...@lists.ubuntu.comhttps://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-au -- ubuntu-au mailing list ubuntu-au@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-au
Re: My experience with Ubuntu...not great
Finally I have gotten it all working after a lot of frustration and experimentation. But that was my point really. I have no problem with Ubuntu or Linux as such, my issue was that Ubuntu in particular is being touted as a windows replacement. To be successful at that everything has to be REALLY easy for the mugs. Being the local geek, I do family and friends tech support so I know how little people really know. They want it to work out of the box. If they install something e.g. skype, their experience and expectation is a click or three and it is done. In this case it was pretty much a nightmare, but as I say to people "you only learn by doing it" so I persevered and through a few hints (but no real answer) in the right direction, I solved the problem. It ended up that the key was to be at a command prompt and use "aptitude install" but I had to figure to add sudo in front and then trial and error gave me package names. Adding audio codecs was similar. Each time I tried to play something new I had to go get the codec and the process, while not difficult for someone with geekiness, was not intuitive. Actually, I think the root of the problem was that nowhere was there advice to reload repositories in the synaptic program manager. That seemed to be something that made the difference ultimately...I think :P Anyway, where I was about at the point of giving up, I now have Ubuntu running pretty much as I want it...for a shed :) I figured how to start firefox on boot, straight to my favourite online radio (www.abc.net.au/dig) and skype is good so I am happy. Thanks to everyone who made a suggestion and to the trolls, I assume you look like one as well :) -- ubuntu-au mailing list ubuntu-au@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-au
Re: My experience with Ubuntu...not great
If you follow Lisa's original instructions, you should be fine. Medibuntu should be straightforward to get going, and it takes care of all the dependency rubbish that you shouldn't have to think about. You have asked a reasonable question, but unfortunately some of the responses have been far more complicated than they should have been. No wonder you've been scared off. I don't think that Linux is hard, it's just different. As an open system, there are lots of ways to do the same thing, but for most stuff you'll want to do there's a relatively easy way that is generally recommended by the community. In this instance, it's setting up the Medibuntu repository and then installing Skype via the normal Software Centre. 2009/11/8 Microbe : > Maybe that's it. > > I can now see why someone described this whole process as dependency > hell. > > It is a frustrating tail chasing exercise. > > Bye Bye Linux. > > I'll be back when you are ready. > > > On 7 Nov, 21:13, Timmy wrote: >> try it on a different computer >> >> sounds like your hardware is incompatible >> >> On 4 Nov, 23:00, Microbe wrote: >> >> >> >> > Hey folks, >> >> > I thought I would share my experience installing Ubuntu. As >> > background, I am the guy friends, family and neighbours call when they >> > have trouble with their Windows PC and am pretty good at it. I can >> > also find my way around a Linux terminal OK. >> >> > Having read about how good desktop Linux is nowadays I thought it was >> > time to give it a go. >> >> > The install of 9.10 was easy as you could want. The whole thing works >> > well and boots and shuts down quick smart. >> >> > I should add that the computer I was experimenting on is in my shed >> > (don't ask!) so not much at stake. All i do is listen to music, Skype >> > sometimes and look up something about my latest tinker project. >> >> > Well, the first problem was listening to music. MP3s were associated >> > with the movie player. I managed to sort that out easy enough but >> > even when I pointed MP3s at Rhythmbox, no go...it can't play layer1 >> > MP3s or something. Not a good start. >> >> > OK, let's get Skype going. I downloaded the proper version only to >> > have the install fail with the friendly message about a dependency >> > needing dbus >= 4.3 I think it was. At this point I can imagine the >> > average mug giving up and I wouldn't blame them, but I was >> > determined. >> >> > It took me a while to find dbus to download but I did it. Oh shucks, >> > it depended on something or another XML. I grabbed that and guess >> > what...on and on it went. It was just too hard. >> >> > The long and short of it is that I never did get skype or music >> > working and can only assume that the idea that Linux is ready as a >> > windows replacement for the average punter is someone's fantasy. >> >> > It is a shame really because there needs to be an alternative (apart >> > from a Mac) but right now, this isn't it. >> >> > This is not meant as a troll, I am genuinely disappointed and look >> > forward to hearing from people about what you think...maybe even some >> > solutions, but I fear it is going to be ongoing dramas every time I >> > try to install something. >> >> > Which reminds me, a couple of games I from the built in installer? >> > Guess what >> >> > Over to you, penguins. >> >> > -- >> > ubuntu-au mailing list >> > ubuntu...@lists.ubuntu.comhttps://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-au >> >> -- >> ubuntu-au mailing list >> ubuntu...@lists.ubuntu.comhttps://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-au > > -- > ubuntu-au mailing list > ubuntu-au@lists.ubuntu.com > https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-au > -- Bring choice back to your computer. http://www.linux.org.au/linux -- ubuntu-au mailing list ubuntu-au@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-au
Re: hardy heron, dell 6400 & wide screen TV
On Mon, Nov 9, 2009 at 9:30 AM, Paul Gear wrote: > Paul Gear wrote: > > bryn mitchell wrote: > > > i am running hardy heron on a Dell inspiron 6400 and want to connect it to a > wide screen panasonic HDTV via a VGA connection. > the closest resolution i can use is 1280x768 but it still leaves about 40% > of the desktop display off the television display. it re-positions the task > bar up the laptop monitor and shortens it so that it can be seen on the > television display bu the rest of the desktop is lost on the TV. > the laptop is about 3 yrs old and hardy heron was installed thru XP home. > how can i fix this problemo to allow me to see all the desktop? > > Connecting my PC to my samsung LCD TV I have to set the mode on my TV to just scan so it takes the picture and manually scales it to fit when I reboot my computer the TV automatically goes back to it's preset 16:9 mode which has a similar problem to yours. So you might want to check the settings on your TV Barry -- ubuntu-au mailing list ubuntu-au@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-au
9.10 daily live
What happenned to the daily live CD? http://cdimage.ubuntu.com/daily-live/ seems to be stuck on 2009-10-28 was hoping to get a CD with the latest bug fixes -- ubuntu-au mailing list ubuntu-au@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-au
Re: hardy heron, dell 6400 & wide screen TV
Paul Gear wrote: > bryn mitchell wrote: > >> i am running hardy heron on a Dell inspiron 6400 and want to connect it to a >> wide screen panasonic HDTV via a VGA connection. >> the closest resolution i can use is 1280x768 but it still leaves about 40% >> of the desktop display off the television display. it re-positions the task >> bar up the laptop monitor and shortens it so that it can be seen on the >> television display bu the rest of the desktop is lost on the TV. >> the laptop is about 3 yrs old and hardy heron was installed thru XP home. >> how can i fix this problemo to allow me to see all the desktop? >> >> > If this is a normal desktop, i suggest running a more recent distro than > hardy. For most desktop users, the latest Ubuntu version is usually > stable enough for everyday use. At the very least i'd suggest upgrading > to jaunty now. P.S. Not that this is a guarantee that your problem will be fixed... It's just more likely that features which enable that sort of thing will be present on more recent distros. <> smime.p7s Description: S/MIME Cryptographic Signature -- ubuntu-au mailing list ubuntu-au@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-au
Re: hardy heron, dell 6400 & wide screen TV
bryn mitchell wrote: > i am running hardy heron on a Dell inspiron 6400 and want to connect it to a > wide screen panasonic HDTV via a VGA connection. > the closest resolution i can use is 1280x768 but it still leaves about 40% of > the desktop display off the television display. it re-positions the task bar > up the laptop monitor and shortens it so that it can be seen on the > television display bu the rest of the desktop is lost on the TV. > the laptop is about 3 yrs old and hardy heron was installed thru XP home. > how can i fix this problemo to allow me to see all the desktop? > If this is a normal desktop, i suggest running a more recent distro than hardy. For most desktop users, the latest Ubuntu version is usually stable enough for everyday use. At the very least i'd suggest upgrading to jaunty now. Paul <> smime.p7s Description: S/MIME Cryptographic Signature -- ubuntu-au mailing list ubuntu-au@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-au
Re: Problems with Ubuntu 9.1
Peter Goggin wrote: > ... > I am gradually putting equivalent application on my Linux box and when I > can find a video editing program like VideoReDo , a good genealogy > program and a photoediting I will thankfully wave goodbye to Windows and > Microsoft. I don't know whether it will meet your requirements, but i've used kino quite successfully for basic video editing. For simple photo editing (like crop, rotate, resize, etc.), i usually use gthumb, but gimp is better (albeit with a steeper learning curve) for the tough stuff. Paul <> smime.p7s Description: S/MIME Cryptographic Signature -- ubuntu-au mailing list ubuntu-au@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-au
Re: Mobile broadband connection 9.10 Huawei E1762
On Sun, 2009-11-08 at 12:29 -0800, Slawek Drabot wrote: > Hard locking the DNS config to OpenDNS has worked like a charm. So far some > dozen connections without fail. No worries, enjoy. I use openDNS a lot when I travel, both with Optus 3g and further afield - the wifi in my currently hotel is rubbish so I am using a static IP and openDNS without a problem. OpenDNS bypasses the dns blockholing in china. Sure I give up some privacy for reliability, sometimes it is the price I am willing to pay to be able run my business on the road :) Cheers Dave -- ubuntu-au mailing list ubuntu-au@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-au
Re: My experience with Ubuntu...not great
On Sun, Nov 8, 2009 at 4:04 PM, Lisa Milne wrote: > > I tend to think it is more a case of you'll be back when _you_ are > ready. At present you're trying to drive a car as though it were a > motorbike, and blaming the car. > > Don't feed the trolls. ;) -- ubuntu-au mailing list ubuntu-au@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-au
Re: Mobile broadband connection 9.10 Huawei E1762
Hard locking the DNS config to OpenDNS has worked like a charm. So far some dozen connections without fail. Thanks! --- On Tue, 11/3/09, Dave Hall wrote: > From: Dave Hall > Subject: Re: Mobile broadband connection 9.10 Huawei E1762 > To: "Slawek Drabot" > Cc: ubuntu-au@lists.ubuntu.com > Date: Tuesday, November 3, 2009, 11:28 AM > On Tue, 2009-11-03 at 02:09 -0800, > Slawek Drabot wrote: > > That explains annoyance 1. > > > > Can you suggest tools to manually check/enable DNS to > circumvent annoyance 2? > > I have seen this happen with both optus and vodafone. > Last time I used > 3 they didn't seem to have this problem, neither does > telstra. Maybe it > is just a problem with the huawei modems - dunno > > If using network manager to control your connection there > is an option > under the IPv4 tab to specify the DNS servers you want to > use. I use > opendns for my 3g modem - 208.67.222.222 and > 208.67.220.220. > > Cheers > > Dave > > -- ubuntu-au mailing list ubuntu-au@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-au
Re: Synaptic Package Manager query
more info here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu_%28operating_system%29#Package_classification_and_support On Sun, Nov 8, 2009 at 5:51 PM, Mike James wrote: > According to the icon legend in the help menu, it means that the > "Package is Supported", although Im not sure what that really means either. > > Geoffrey wrote: > > In the list of packages there is a column between the select box and > > package name columns. It is either occupied by the Ubuntu logo or is > > blank. > > What is the significance of the Ubuntu logo? > > Geoffrey > > > > > > > > > -- > ubuntu-au mailing list > ubuntu-au@lists.ubuntu.com > https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-au > -- ubuntu-au mailing list ubuntu-au@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-au
