Re: [ubuntu-uk] Buying from and supporting Linux Hardware Suppliers
http://www.clown-fish.com/shop/ -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] suck it and see
On 21/06/07, Ian Pascoe <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > In fact here's a challenge for you all to do on those rainy evenings. Get > Orca up and running - it's part of the Gnome desktop from 6.06 onwards - > turn your monitors off, no cheating now, and have a go at doing some of your > normal tasks to see what I mean. Well that is an experience I certainly do NOT want to repeat. Open Synaptic and installed gnome-orca, (ORCA seemed to have nothing to do with screen reading, it does something with routers and SMTP I think). I typed "orca" in a terminal and it muttered something about Braille and nothing happened. I turned on assistive technology support in preferences and logged out and logged back in again. Checking preferences it said screen reader was unavailable (darn) So I ran "orca" from a terminal. Huge mistake, catastrophic mistake, one of the worst things I have ever done in Linux[0]. What did it do? Displayed a message about Braille, displayed some trace backs for something that looked like python (something about get voices failing). And the froze, but not only did it freeze, it froze the terminal and it froze all the commands. I could move my cursor but could not click on anything. Well nuts to this I shall kill it,Ctrl-C in it's terminal. Nothing, hmm Alt-F2 to get a command line, nope nothing. Ok this looks serious time to break out the big guns Ctrl-Alt-F1 to get me console access, wtf that's didn't work either. Push the power button in a hope that at some level the kernel will see it and perform a shutdown, nope, Push and hold and power the system off. Reboot, login and oddly Orca is started for me ands works, well I say works but really I mean it does something. Move my cursor around and hear a garbled voice. I can make out it says something about system settings, as I had my monitor a notice that my cursor is on my System menu. Not wanting to cheat I turn the monitor off. Right now to open FireFox, helpfully I have a shortcut to this on the toolbar. I wave my mouse upwards and get the system menu again, right a bit nothing, right a bit more, nothing until I get what sounds like "terminal" Ah must be the terminal shortcut. Wave mouse around a bit more I must be near, and for the life of me all I get is the system menu description. NOT HELPFUL. Stuff this, Alt-F2 it mutters something (I forget what) I hit 'f' it says 'f', I hit 'i' it says 'f' (odd), hit 'r' 'e', it says 'fire' ah makes sense, I boot up FireFox. It says something I don't understand, then it says profile chooser, I hit enter. Now It says Welcome to Ubuntu, or something similar and "HTML BOX" (or similar), that's a fine description of the Ubuntu start page for you. I try to find the URL bar with the tab key, nothing, nothing, toolbar, ah close nothing, something I can't quite work out. type in gmails address, it won't describe the page and hitting tab is not helping. I give in. Turn screen on and it appears I typed the URL in the search box. Oops. Am I doing something wrong here? Andy [0] Other stupid things I have done i Linux: 1) Used ndiswrapper with an unsupported windows driver (hung the kernel) 2) wrote a kernel module for an arm system and did the IO access a bit wrong, crashed the kernel. -- Computers are like air conditioners. Both stop working, if you open windows. -- Adam Heath -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] suck it and see
On Thursday 21 June 2007 22:56, Chris Rowson wrote: > > A most interesting mail Ian. To familiarise myself with the issues I > > decided to take up the challenge of installing gnome-orca! > > Me too, I tried installing it too and the installation finishes with > > You need to configure ORCA by changing /etc/orca.conf. > Once you're happy with that setup, you can start the > daemon by typing /etc/init.d/orca start''. > > > When I try to configure /etc/orca.conf there's nothing there! At least you got further than me! I had various errors, probably related to my trying to install orca on Kubuntu. I have Ubuntu on my main system running in a VM, so I shall see how it works there before I start installing the Gnome stuff which I suspect is missing from the KDE version and needed for orca. Mark -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] suck it and see
> Me too, I tried installing it too and the installation finishes with > > You need to configure ORCA by changing /etc/orca.conf. > Once you're happy with that setup, you can start the > daemon by typing /etc/init.d/orca start''. > > > When I try to configure /etc/orca.conf there's nothing there! > I stand corrected - typing orca creates the file. On first impressions (and this may just be because I don't know how to use the software properly) Orca seems pretty poor. For instance, when I hover the mouse over a menu, Orca doesn't verbalise anything - It only indicates the availability of a menu option when I click on it to activate it. Part of my day job, exposes me to some accessibility Windows software like ZoomText (and I forget the other one we use tbh), but it seems much more advanced than Orca. Does Orca work better when it's all set up nicely then, or is it really not very good? Chris -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Skype
Chris Jones wrote: > Hi > > Tony Travis wrote: >> What are other people's experience with Skype under Linux? > > I use it for several hours a day (unfortunately) and it's been quite > painful. I pretty much have to reload it after each call. > They do have a new beta out which has a significantly less annoying > interface, but it seems to use what sounds to me like a lower bandwidth > codec, so it sounds all muddy and horrible. Hello, Chris. Well, they have a version for Feisty but not Dapper :-( I've downloaded the 'generic' static version: http://www.skype.com/go/getskype-linux-static Just tested it, and it works fine under Dapper 6.06.1 LTS. Problem solved - thanks! Tony. -- Dr. A.J.Travis, | mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Rowett Research Institute, |http://www.rri.sari.ac.uk/~ajt Greenburn Road, Bucksburn, | phone:+44 (0)1224 712751 Aberdeen AB21 9SB, Scotland, UK.| fax:+44 (0)1224 716687 -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] suck it and see
> > A most interesting mail Ian. To familiarise myself with the issues I decided > to take up the challenge of installing gnome-orca! Me too, I tried installing it too and the installation finishes with You need to configure ORCA by changing /etc/orca.conf. Once you're happy with that setup, you can start the daemon by typing /etc/init.d/orca start''. When I try to configure /etc/orca.conf there's nothing there! -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Buying from and supporting Linux Hardware Suppliers
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > > On Wed, 20 Jun 2007 17:27:28 +0100, norman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > >>> I'm about to start a job in the real-world (after having been forced >>> to use Windows, I get to sell, support and consult on Linux from the >>> 2nd July!) and one of the things I will need as part of my job is a >>> solid supplier of hardware that I know will run linux and run it well. >>> >>> As dell are refusing to sell Linux-based computers outside of the US >>> (even the redhat/SLED servers seem to only be sold over there), can >>> someone supply me with contact details (a website will do nicely!) of >>> a company that are preferably based in the UK and supply >>> servers/desktops that will run linux or come pre-installed with Linux? >>> >> Best of luck in your new job. There are, of course, suppliers of >> computers who sell them without pre-installed systems. Perhaps one of >> those could be interested. I have had excellent service from World of >> Computers who are in Cambridge. >> > > Thanks for the heads-up, do they have a website? > > M. > > > Well done! we are all pleased for you, and look at CCL computers they make then without OS installed if required. Bill Smith -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] suck it and see
On Thursday 21 June 2007 20:27, Ian Pascoe wrote: > > In fact here's a challenge for you all to do on those rainy evenings. Get > Orca up and running - it's part of the Gnome desktop from 6.06 onwards - > turn your monitors off, no cheating now, and have a go at doing some of > your normal tasks to see what I mean. The voices are fun to play with as > well if you're running Fiesty. And you may actually find it useful to have > the text to speech engine running as you write as it's a dam site easier to > spot spelling mistakes as you're using two different parts of the brain. > A most interesting mail Ian. To familiarise myself with the issues I decided to take up the challenge of installing gnome-orca! To slightly complicate matters, I use Kubuntu, but I managed to install the program without any obvious problems. Annoyingly, it has fallen at the first hurdle - attempting to launch either orca or orca-setup results in errors being listed on the command line. Although I am sure I can sort those for my own use, it would perhaps cause a partially sighted user (or indeed a fully sighted, but new to Linux user) to give up before they had started. I will check if these issues have been flagged up to the project already before I begin sorting them out. Mark -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] suck it and see
Hi Norman Well let's turn the tables on this thread - I use Windows in preference to Ubuntu! Now for those of you who didn't delete this mail straight away here's the reason why. As you may have gathered from a couple of other postings I've done I'm partially sighted and use screen readers a lot to navigate my way around the desktop - I have some residual sight but it's a strain . There are two major problems with Ubuntu, and being fair as well, for any Linux distro. These are: * A very small proportion of Linux apps are compatible with the various Assistive Technologies * There is no graphical web browser that is compliant . However, that being said, FF3 is having LOTS of work done on it to rectify this problem. It is still too bleeding edge at the moment to make it a viable alternative in Linux - Windows is fine. The biggest problem is the former - the only way you can find out if an app works with the assistive technologies is to download it. Which cannot be done through Synaptic as it's not compliant! So I'm afraid that at the moment although I am a true advocate of FOS, I have to still use Windows. This is because of M$'s dictatorship actually being a positive influence in that most applications that are written and uses the normal MS APIs for GUI have this interface in built and therefore is instantly useable. To end on a plus point though, the guys working on Orca, the user interface that links the Assistive Technologies together in Gnome, are doing absolutely superb work even though a month or so ago IBM withdrew their developer resource on the whole Assistive Technology project. It wobbled for a couple of weeks but things are back on track now thanks to the work of the peeps at Sun and the commitment from the IBM developers to still work on the project but in their own time. In fact here's a challenge for you all to do on those rainy evenings. Get Orca up and running - it's part of the Gnome desktop from 6.06 onwards - turn your monitors off, no cheating now, and have a go at doing some of your normal tasks to see what I mean. The voices are fun to play with as well if you're running Fiesty. And you may actually find it useful to have the text to speech engine running as you write as it's a dam site easier to spot spelling mistakes as you're using two different parts of the brain. In fact the only area where you have no chance of using Linux at all is if you rely on Speech to Text conversion - there was a proof of idea app built by those nice people at Sun about 3 years + ago and that's where it's remained. A couple of projects have tried to take on the idea but unfortunately failed. I would go so far as to say that once FF is launched Gnome running on Linux is going to be the platform of choice for the disabled worldwide and that's not just on cost - my Windows compatible screen reader retails at ?350 on top of any other apps required, but is on the fact that the stuff works and works well without the long development times associated with Windows products. (with the above bourne in mind). reading this back the post seems a bit dis-jointed but you get the general idea. E -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of norman Sent: 21 June 2007 17:29 To: ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com Subject: Re: [ubuntu-uk] suck it and see It's really great to read about all the applications that folk use with Ubuntu. It makes a wonderful change from kicking Windows and expounding on its problems. Every time that that OS is mentioned it is drawing attention to it and this, all good and true Ubuntu users, do not want. The motto should be that Ubuntu is the greatest because of what it is not because of what it isn't. Norman -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/ -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] suck it and see
I enjoy using Ubuntu because, like many others on the list I'm really impressed with the ability to quickly get and install good quality free programs! I use Dapper servers at work where I can (internet/intranet mostly), because unlike my Windows Server 2003 servers, I can just set them up and leave them alone. I've set up one Feisty desktop at work just to see how people use it. Somewhat unsurprisingly now it's difficult to get sat at the computer as people seem to prefer it to the XP desktops we get issued with. Again, this is probably for two reasons. One - when you run them side by side, browsing the web, playing movies etc seems much quicker on Ubuntu (although granted, you've got to muck about getting it set up properly first!) Two - when we need a bit of software for a task we don't usually do, usually a quick search in add/remove programs will provide whoever is looking with a good tool for the job. (which is infinitely better than having to jump through hoops getting authorisation to purchase new software!) I also use a Feisty laptop at home (and set up the missuses with it too) for the reasons above. It's also pretty good not having people who I've put onto Ubuntu calling me up whinging that their computer isn't running properly because of viruses and spyware (especially those who enjoy frequenting the seedier sides of the internet!) Software I like: Firefox The Gimp Open Office Draw Qemu (thanks popey!) irssi K3b VLC Cheers Chris -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] suck it and see
Hi Mark Jose wrote: > Incidentally, Icculus also wrote the installers used on the official UT2003/4 > Linux installs and wrote the installers which the now defunct Loki Games I'm not sure if he is solely responsible for the Loki installer, but I'm pretty sure he ported UT2k4 to Linux (along with a host of other games - the guy is a porting machine). Cheers, -- Chris Jones [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.canonical.com -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] suck it and see
On Thursday 21 June 2007 17:30, Josh Blacker wrote: > On the leisure side of things, I've played around with a few games but > the only one I have really played with is Wormux, mainly for the > nostalgia of Worms :) I boot into XP to play Unreal Tournament, but > wouldn't mind being able to play it from Ubuntu... > Which version of UT Josh? UT2004 has a Linux installer on the DVD - it is a shell script which will install the game for youand UT2003 also includes a Linux installer. Earlier versions are catered for either by installing via Wine or, better still, using the Icculus scripts which are obtained from his web site at icculus.org. Those scripts need Wine, but tweak the settings per game for you. Very nice and straightforward. I play the original UT quite often (I find it more fun than the later versions) but occasionally play 2004. Incidentally, Icculus also wrote the installers used on the official UT2003/4 Linux installs and wrote the installers which the now defunct Loki Games used. Mark -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] suck it and see
Hi, On 6/21/07, Chris Jones <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Hi > > Josh Blacker wrote: > > nostalgia of Worms :) I boot into XP to play Unreal Tournament, but > > wouldn't mind being able to play it from Ubuntu... > > Isn't it available? I have the Linux version of UT2004 and it works fine > (shame it's not much fun ;) > > Cheers, > -- > Chris Jones > [EMAIL PROTECTED] >www.canonical.com Well I've got UT on an external ntfs hard disk (I can't remember why I did this!), and pretty certain that I don't know where the installation disks are. I have found a guide to installing it on debian but that asks for the disks! If there is a way to do run it under Linux from the external hdd, I haven't found it yet. -- Josh Blacker -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] suck it and see
It's really great to read about all the applications that folk use with Ubuntu. It makes a wonderful change from kicking Windows and expounding on its problems. Every time that that OS is mentioned it is drawing attention to it and this, all good and true Ubuntu users, do not want. The motto should be that Ubuntu is the greatest because of what it is not because of what it isn't. Norman -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] suck it and see
On 6/21/07, norman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Come on Ubuntu users, let's hear of all the things you like to use and > what gives you pleasure. Stop lurking and come out. > > Norman Being fairly new to Ubuntu (a couple of months now?), I've not had that long to look around too much. I've used FF on Windows XP for years, and have used OpenOffice on XP as well (though I must admit, with Office 2003 lying around I did tend to use it, and tried out the Office 2007 beta when it came out - my hard drive promptly failed about a month later and I lost it!). On Ubuntu obviously I use FF and will, when uni starts again, be using OpenOffice to write my essays (and e-mail them in .odt format - regulations say they must be 'in a format compatible with college computers, e.g. .doc' or words to that effect, but I will swiftly point out that OpenOffice is installed on college computers...). On the leisure side of things, I've played around with a few games but the only one I have really played with is Wormux, mainly for the nostalgia of Worms :) I boot into XP to play Unreal Tournament, but wouldn't mind being able to play it from Ubuntu... Working on a student newspaper (for which we use Photoshop and Indesign on Macs, naturally) I've had a look at both the Gimp and Scribus but haven't had a good play around yet - now that summer's here (and until I get a job) I've got plenty of time to! -- Josh Blacker -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] suck it and see
Hi Josh Blacker wrote: > nostalgia of Worms :) I boot into XP to play Unreal Tournament, but > wouldn't mind being able to play it from Ubuntu... Isn't it available? I have the Linux version of UT2004 and it works fine (shame it's not much fun ;) Cheers, -- Chris Jones [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.canonical.com -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] fit for the purpose
Chris Jones wrote: > Hi > > Tony Travis wrote: >> I use 6.06.1 LTS for the reasons you state. >> I rest my case ;-) > > I was only disagreeing with you in the situation where the user's > hardware is too new for the current LTS release, sorry, I wasn't > especially clear about that. Hello, Chris. Are there any 'point' releases of the current LTS planned? It might resolve some hardware problems if new kernel modules were included in, say, a 6.06.2 LTS release, and existing LTS users could get the same updated modules from the package repositories. I've got to admit, I have put Feisty on a desktop at home to try it out but I use Dapper LTS with my port of openMosix 2.4.26-om1 on our Beowulf cluster. This is one reason why I want to use the LTS version. I'm also use a Dapper 6.06.1 LTS derivative that I've created called 'biobuntu' as part of an EU-funded genomics project. I've put up a demo server at: http://nbx2.nugo.org I've built a live/install DVD for this using "Reconstructor", but it's not quite ready for public release. I use 'biobuntu' on my laptop ;-) Best wishes, Tony. -- Dr. A.J.Travis, | mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Rowett Research Institute, |http://www.rri.sari.ac.uk/~ajt Greenburn Road, Bucksburn, | phone:+44 (0)1224 712751 Aberdeen AB21 9SB, Scotland, UK.| fax:+44 (0)1224 716687 -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] suck it and see
norman wrote: > > Come on Ubuntu users, let's hear of all the things you like to use and > what gives you pleasure. Stop lurking and come out. > > Norman > > Well on my desktop I'm still running Ubuntu Edgy (x86 version on an Athlon 64 3000+). I have a couple of Cron jobs setup to record some internet radio streams for a couple of shows that I enjoy listening to. Mplayer dumps the stream to the hard disk and then I generally re-encode it into OGG (for playing at home/work) or into MP3 for playing in the car. Other than that I also mainly use Firefox, Thunderbird, OOo and Inkscape. I also have in the past had a play around with Audacity to do simple audio editing. I use K3B for all my CD writing needs which I find is a far better application than the NeroLINUX trial I downloaded recently. I also run FreeNX on my desktop PC to remotely share X sessions. My server also runs Ubuntu Edgy (server version) and it mainly acts as a big file store for any music/videos/pictures and what not that I have. It also runs VMWare Server (the free version - although I believe it isn't the GPL'd version) which has an SME Server 7.1 virtual machine running which acts as a mail server. Doing this enabled me to consolidate two machines into one to save electricity and room in the loft. I did dabble with Xen but I couldn't find any decent documentation when I built the server on how to run SME Server as a Xen domain. At work I used Xubuntu Dapper as the base for an audio playout system at the local county show (Devon County Show) on my employers stand (Gemini FM) using Campcaster and OGG audio. Doing this saved a considerable amount of money on a specialist playout system. I just used an old Dell PC with a couple of cheap sound cards in it. It also furthered a colleagues interest in Linux. Also at work I have Ubuntu Feisty dual booting on my laptop with Windows XP and I have setup an Ubuntu Dapper server running Apache which runs pmWiki for a technical knowledge base which replaced Lotus Notes (plus we use it as a fax server to receive faxes from some broadcasting equipment and I also connect into it from home for quick easy text based access to things). All in all I always now tend to use Ubuntu (or another flavour of Linux, such as Debian) where ever possible. I only tend to suggest Windows PCs at work as a last resort (such as running a program which requires some unsupported specialist hardware). Rob -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] fit for the purpose
Hi Tony Travis wrote: > Are there any 'point' releases of the current LTS planned? https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/ubuntu-devel/2006-November/022542.html I've not seen any more recent communications about it, but I may well have missed something. > It might resolve some hardware problems if new kernel modules were > included in, say, a 6.06.2 LTS release, and existing LTS users could get That's a pretty tough proposition as it requires backporting drivers from newer kernels, which is a bear pit of problems. > 'biobuntu' as part of an EU-funded genomics project. I've put up a demo cool :) Cheers, -- Chris Jones [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.canonical.com -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] suck it and see
norman wrote: > Come on Ubuntu users, let's hear of all the things you like to use and > what gives you pleasure. Stop lurking and come out. Thunderbird, Gaim, Skype for comms Firefox (of course) and Liferea for info Rhythmbox for downloading podcasts GnomeBaker for CD burning EasyTag But my killer app (and hardware)? SlimServer music server software for my two wireless Slim Devices Squeezeboxes (driving hi-fi in conservatory and lounge), plus various amazing plugins (especially MusicIP mixer, running as a headless service). I've run this music system under XP and Ubunutu, and all I can say is that with Linux it is utterly reliable(!). Good question, Norman. There's so much that makes Ubuntu a delight - and all of it free - that we don't need to inflate the importance of that other OS by spending our lives criticising it. Thanks, and best wishes -- Diana -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] suck it and see
norman wrote: > It's really great to read about all the applications that folk use with > Ubuntu. It makes a wonderful change from kicking Windows and expounding > on its problems. Every time that that OS is mentioned it is drawing > attention to it and this, all good and true Ubuntu users, do not want. > The motto should be that Ubuntu is the greatest because of what it is > not because of what it isn't. Hello, Norman. People compare Windows and Ubuntu because they are different solutions to the same problem. If Ubuntu can't bear comparison with Windows, or MacOS, or openBSD or any other operating systems then it's not doing what people want a computer to do. Yes, Ubuntu is the greatest and deservedly so because of many years of effort by the FLOSS community. Windows users benefit from FLOSS too and many people who are locked into that proprietary world at work use the same applications that we use under Ubuntu like FireFox and openOffice. FLOSS is not limited to these applications: Cygwin is an almost POSIX compliant environment for Windows and can run most GNU software. I've even run the GIMP under Windows - just because I could :-) What matters to me are questions like "Why would I run Ubuntu when I've already got Windows installed on my PC"? My answer would be that Ubuntu does the same job a lot better and is 'free' in both senses of the word. Best wishes, Tony. -- Dr. A.J.Travis, | mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Rowett Research Institute, |http://www.rri.sari.ac.uk/~ajt Greenburn Road, Bucksburn, | phone:+44 (0)1224 712751 Aberdeen AB21 9SB, Scotland, UK.| fax:+44 (0)1224 716687 -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
[ubuntu-uk] Skype
Yes, I know it's not really 'free' software ;-) I noticed a few people mentioning Skype and I wonder of anyone has the same problem I have on my HP Pavillion 5000 laptop. Skype works fine, except for microphone input at my end. People can just about hear me, but it's garbled. I've tried the Skype test number and I now see what they mean! Sound generally, works fine on my laptop under 6.06.1 LTS, including the microphone input. The problem seems to be Skype dropping packets going out. it doesn't make any difference if I'm at work on ATM or at home on broadband. Same problem. What are other people's experience with Skype under Linux? [My Skype name is "ajtravis" is you want to chat] Tony. -- Dr. A.J.Travis, | mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Rowett Research Institute, |http://www.rri.sari.ac.uk/~ajt Greenburn Road, Bucksburn, | phone:+44 (0)1224 712751 Aberdeen AB21 9SB, Scotland, UK.| fax:+44 (0)1224 716687 -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Skype
I've only used it a couple of times, but it worked fine for me - no complaints from the person the other end. Is it a built-in mic, and does it work with other audio-capture programmes? I guess those would be the two main issues to look. Josh On 6/21/07, Tony Travis <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Yes, I know it's not really 'free' software ;-) > > I noticed a few people mentioning Skype and I wonder of anyone has the > same problem I have on my HP Pavillion 5000 laptop. Skype works fine, > except for microphone input at my end. People can just about hear me, > but it's garbled. I've tried the Skype test number and I now see what > they mean! > > Sound generally, works fine on my laptop under 6.06.1 LTS, including the > microphone input. The problem seems to be Skype dropping packets going > out. it doesn't make any difference if I'm at work on ATM or at home on > broadband. Same problem. > > What are other people's experience with Skype under Linux? > > [My Skype name is "ajtravis" is you want to chat] > > Tony. > -- > Dr. A.J.Travis, | mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > Rowett Research Institute, |http://www.rri.sari.ac.uk/~ajt > Greenburn Road, Bucksburn, | phone:+44 (0)1224 712751 > Aberdeen AB21 9SB, Scotland, UK.| fax:+44 (0)1224 716687 > > -- > ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com > https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk > https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/ > -- Josh Blacker -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Skype
Hi Tony Travis wrote: > What are other people's experience with Skype under Linux? I use it for several hours a day (unfortunately) and it's been quite painful. I pretty much have to reload it after each call. They do have a new beta out which has a significantly less annoying interface, but it seems to use what sounds to me like a lower bandwidth codec, so it sounds all muddy and horrible. Cheers, -- Chris Jones [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.canonical.com -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] fit for the purpose
Hi Tony Travis wrote: > I use 6.06.1 LTS for the reasons you state. > I rest my case ;-) I was only disagreeing with you in the situation where the user's hardware is too new for the current LTS release, sorry, I wasn't especially clear about that. Cheers, -- Chris Jones [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.canonical.com -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] fit for the purpose
Chris Jones wrote: > Hi > > Tony Travis wrote: >> I don't dispute that, but what's the purpose of the LTS distribution? > > to be supported for a long time. If you bought a server or a workstation > last year and want it to run for a few years and not have to worry > about upgrading the whole OS, an LTS release is perfect. Hello, Chris. This thread is about problems inexperienced users have upgrading. I pointed out the difference between upgrading and updating... I use 6.06.1 LTS for the reasons you state. I rest my case ;-) Best wishes, Tony. -- Dr. A.J.Travis, | mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Rowett Research Institute, |http://www.rri.sari.ac.uk/~ajt Greenburn Road, Bucksburn, | phone:+44 (0)1224 712751 Aberdeen AB21 9SB, Scotland, UK.| fax:+44 (0)1224 716687 -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] suck it and see
Firefox (with 'Scrapbook' extension excellent for collecting data for research etc), Thunderbird (with 'Lightning' calendar extension), Scribus, Kate, OOo Audacity, Amarok DigiKam, free version of Lightzone, Gimp, Inkscape Netbeans & Java, just starting Quanta (for web dev) and, on a seperate partition, UbuntuStudio I also use BasKet Notes but I understand this is no longer in development which is a shame. Just some of the apps I use :-) This lot would have bankrupt me in Windows - a big thank you to all those developers out there! Eddie -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] fit for the purpose
Hi Tony Travis wrote: > I don't dispute that, but what's the purpose of the LTS distribution? to be supported for a long time. If you bought a server or a workstation last year and want it to run for a few years and not have to worry about upgrading the whole OS, an LTS release is perfect. Cheers, -- Chris Jones [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.canonical.com -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] fit for the purpose
Chris Jones wrote: > [...] > That's not always true, e.g. Dapper is already old enough that it > struggles on newer hardware. Hello, Chris. I don't dispute that, but what's the purpose of the LTS distribution? Best wishes, Tony. -- Dr. A.J.Travis, | mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Rowett Research Institute, |http://www.rri.sari.ac.uk/~ajt Greenburn Road, Bucksburn, | phone:+44 (0)1224 712751 Aberdeen AB21 9SB, Scotland, UK.| fax:+44 (0)1224 716687 -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] suck it and see
On 21/06/07, norman < [EMAIL PROTECTED] > wrote: One of the many advantages of Ubuntu to old codgers like me and those of us who depend on our computer for passing the time is the vast range of free software and applications available to be tried and tested. Mostly these are easy to install and uninstall and generally work with the hardware we have. Sometimes, like Mythtv for example, it is necessary to get a new bit of hardware but the cost of such is relatively minimal. I get tremendous pleasure from applications such as the Gimp, the many sound and video applications and if I want to use something which requires Widows then I will see if it will work in Crossover Office. (Note, Crossover is not free but what you pay goes to help the developers of Wine). Come on Ubuntu users, let's hear of all the things you like to use and what gives you pleasure. Stop lurking and come out. Norman gnuCash is quite cool.. saves tons of time when I'm doing my personal accounts. Tomboy Notes, just because I have a memory like a sieve for small details (I have to have a written todo-list pad on my desk at work). Playing with GIMP is also good.. you don't quite realise how powerful it can be till you start playing (Layers > Colours ... is very useful...) -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] suck it and see
On 21/06/07, norman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: One of the many advantages of Ubuntu to old codgers like me and those of us who depend on our computer for passing the time is the vast range of free software and applications available to be tried and tested. Mostly these are easy to install and uninstall and generally work with the hardware we have. Sometimes, like Mythtv for example, it is necessary to get a new bit of hardware but the cost of such is relatively minimal. I get tremendous pleasure from applications such as the Gimp, the many sound and video applications and if I want to use something which requires Widows then I will see if it will work in Crossover Office. (Note, Crossover is not free but what you pay goes to help the developers of Wine). Come on Ubuntu users, let's hear of all the things you like to use and what gives you pleasure. Stop lurking and come out. Norman Dear Norman, Great to hear how you are enjoying Ubuntu- Gimp suddenly jumped up the other day when I was opening a photo being sent by emailhaven't had a chance to playbut your email has made me want to! Thanks for being so cheerful and encouraging! Caroline (lsp) -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/ -- --- London School of Puppetry www.londonschoolofpuppetry.com -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] fit for the purpose
Hi Tony Travis wrote: > important. However, the 'backports' repository also means you can have > the latest software under LTS if you want it. I would not recommend the some of the (almost) latest software, maybe. backports repositories certainly don't have everything and they are far less tested than main repositories. > latest release of Ubuntu to inexperienced users unless they have help > available from colleagues or friends who do know about Linux, and they That's not always true, e.g. Dapper is already old enough that it struggles on newer hardware. Cheers, -- Chris Jones [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.canonical.com -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] suck it and see
On Thu, 2007-06-21 at 12:53 +0100, norman wrote: > One of the many advantages of Ubuntu to old codgers like me and those of > us who depend on our computer for passing the time is the vast range of > free software and applications available to be tried and tested. Mostly > these are easy to install and uninstall and generally work with the > hardware we have. Sometimes, like Mythtv for example, it is necessary to > get a new bit of hardware but the cost of such is relatively minimal. I > get tremendous pleasure from applications such as the Gimp, the many > sound and video applications and if I want to use something which > requires Widows then I will see if it will work in Crossover Office. > (Note, Crossover is not free but what you pay goes to help the > developers of Wine). > > Come on Ubuntu users, let's hear of all the things you like to use and > what gives you pleasure. Stop lurking and come out. > > Norman > > Hi After reading the Planet Ubuntu posts about Open Street Map I have been using my rather old gps receiver to map my local area. At first I was simply collecting track logs and pulling them off the gps with gpsbabel. http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/index.php/Main_Page http://www.gpsbabel.org/ Then I found a link to JOSM via the OSM wiki. Although it uses java it's turning into quite a useful application. I definitely recommend that you install Sun's JRE to get the best out it. Hopefully JOSM will find it's way into the repos soon. http://josm.eigenheimstrasse.de/ I must admit that I have become rather addicted to collecting tracks. It has certainly changed my attitude to travelling, always trying to find new ways to get to places, often via long detours. I didn't score as highly as some on the (funny) purity test though. http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/index.php/OSM_purity_self-test It's also a great excuse to get out for a walk/cycle too. Steve -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] suck it and see
> Come on Ubuntu users, let's hear of all the things you like to use and > what gives you pleasure. Stop lurking and come out. As a music lover, Amarok is the killer app on Linux for me. Even to the extent of running it (a KDE app) on Ubuntu's Gnome desktop. However, Exaile (a GTK app) is now beginning to look like a variable alternative. I have to also mention Firefox, Thunderbird, AbiWord, and Gnumeric that all also run under Windows, which help me swap between Windows and Linux boxes. -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] suck it and see
norman wrote: > One of the many advantages of Ubuntu to old codgers like me and those of > us who depend on our computer for passing the time is the vast range of > free software and applications available to be tried and tested. Mostly > these are easy to install and uninstall and generally work with the > hardware we have. [snip] > Come on Ubuntu users, let's hear of all the things you like to use and > what gives you pleasure. Stop lurking and come out. > Streamtuner + XMMS for Internet Radio! -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] fit for the purpose
Chris Jones wrote: > Hi > > Tony Travis wrote: >> Believe me, Debian/Ubuntu is much, much easier to upgrade! > > That doesn't excuse regressions. I'm sure the QA team would love more > help in reporting, tracking and solving them :) > > I would have to agree with norman though - FOSS brings people a lot of > advantages and features they can't get elsewhere, but selling it as a > utopia is doing potential users a dis-service. If they know that it's a > perpetual work-in-progress by a community and that they can be part of > that community, they will likely be more forgiving of the flaws than if > they are rudely shocked by some failure or other and feel isolated by it. Hello, Chris. We need to be clear what we mean by an upgrade, which involves changing from one realease of an OS to another (e.g. Dapper -> Feisty, or Win98 to WinXP). My own strategy is to continue using Dapper 6.06.1 LTS, but keep it up-to-date. This does NOT involve upgrading to another version of the OS. It only involves updating packages in 6.06.1 LTS as security patches and bug-fixes are released. This is analogous to Windows update. Ubuntu offers users OS stability in the LTS releases, which I think is important. However, the 'backports' repository also means you can have the latest software under LTS if you want it. I would not recommend the latest release of Ubuntu to inexperienced users unless they have help available from colleagues or friends who do know about Linux, and they want to learn about Linux. This is not in any way to criticise people who do use the latest release because they are actually testing and debugging the next LTS release :-) Best wishes, Tony. -- Dr. A.J.Travis, | mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Rowett Research Institute, |http://www.rri.sari.ac.uk/~ajt Greenburn Road, Bucksburn, | phone:+44 (0)1224 712751 Aberdeen AB21 9SB, Scotland, UK.| fax:+44 (0)1224 716687 -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] suck it and see
This may seem odd, but on the "Feisty Laptop", I have precisely three applications that I use: - Firefox - Thunderbird - OpenOffice.org On the server, I have an awful lot more, but these days, it's the servers that are doing all the "heavy lifting." Two years ago, we used lots of applications on the desktop. A year ago, we used a lot of server-side code for tracking our activities. Anything that requires input from more than one person in the team lives as an entry in a database/wiki/whatever rather than client-side apps. This year, a lot of the "intelligence" of the business is in the form of mashups - our geographical information about customers, for example is a mashup of our own code, google maps (for display) and code.google.com (for mapping UK postcodes to Lat/Long). Goodbye legacy mapping applications... Ajax has really helped here. I must confess that I still have a Windows laptop, also running OpenOffice.org, Firefox, and Thunderbird. The reason I still have a Windows laptop is that I still have a training course I run on a vertical application that is only available for Windows. I left the company last year, but every few months, I go back for a couple of days to train their trade customers :-) Because I have the Windows PC, I tend to use that for audio/video editing/CD/DVD production, and use (relatively old versions of) the Adobe products for those. I can't believe that I'll ever buy a Vista PC - Feisty just seems a superior product now for when I next change machines. Mark norman wrote: > One of the many advantages of Ubuntu to old codgers like me and those of > us who depend on our computer for passing the time is the vast range of > free software and applications available to be tried and tested. Mostly > these are easy to install and uninstall and generally work with the > hardware we have. Sometimes, like Mythtv for example, it is necessary to > get a new bit of hardware but the cost of such is relatively minimal. I > get tremendous pleasure from applications such as the Gimp, the many > sound and video applications and if I want to use something which > requires Widows then I will see if it will work in Crossover Office. > (Note, Crossover is not free but what you pay goes to help the > developers of Wine). > > Come on Ubuntu users, let's hear of all the things you like to use and > what gives you pleasure. Stop lurking and come out. > > Norman > > > -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] suck it and see
On Thursday 21 June 2007 12:53, norman wrote: > Come on Ubuntu users, let's hear of all the things you like to use and > what gives you pleasure. Stop lurking and come out. > > Norman As well as general things such as email, I use my systems for Genealogy - using the excellent GRAMPS program and phpGedView Gaming . Yes, people really do game in Linux - I play Unreal Tournament, Quake3, Doom3 and several other commercial games as well as free games such as Battle For Wesnoth, Cube, Nexuiz and a whole raft of others. Also a lot of emulation using Dosbox, ScummVM,Spectemu and many others. Wildlife photography and webcamming - using the various photo apps for the camera work and camstream for the webcam along with motion if I am using the IR camera at night to catch badgers or foxes. The IR cams are either commercial IR security cameras or self converted standard webcams, hacked to view IR only, coupled with an IR light source. All running through my Kubuntu boxes. Temperature monitoring - using an old OU monitor from a now defunct course or a very small probe I purchased a few months ago. Both run via serial ports and use rrdtool to create graphs of the fluctuations. I run modified perl scripts to "talk" to the devices and good old cron to take the readings at regular intervals. Mark -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] suck it and see
Hi Matthew Macdonald-Wallace wrote: > Automatix/Non-free codecs. At risk of getting a complete shoeing for > this, I don't care about wether my computers are free of non-gnu > software, I just want it to work. Automatix and the win32codecs give well automatix is dangerous, and everything it does is documented on the help wiki :) win32codecs isn't just a free/non-free issue, you're effectively pirating proprietary windows software. Even if you do have a legal Windows licence and have downloaded and accepted EULAs for all of the other software which provides those codecs, you still might not be legally entitled to use them in Ubuntu, but IANAL. FWIW, the excellent chaps at Fluendo now sell a licenced codec pack which includes most of the popular windowsy formats (although only for gstreamer, obviously). Cheers, -- Chris Jones [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.canonical.com -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] suck it and see
On Thu, 2007-06-21 at 12:53 +0100, norman wrote: > Come on Ubuntu users, let's hear of all the things you like to use and > what gives you pleasure. Stop lurking and come out. > > Norman > Inkscape makes various bits of me tingle. In a good way. So does Dasher. I am also quite a fan of the various simple puzzle type games available for those killing-time moments. (I've done a blog on my top ten here - http://tinyurl.com/3924z6 ) And if that's not enough, I'm regularly amazed by the wide, wide, WIDE range of programs available for installation. Example: probably not something a lot of people need but I recently needed to make a cross-stitch sewing pattern. I anticipated having to draw it in Inkscape (pu) and then (tediously) make the pattern by hand in either Inkscape or GIMP - but a quick search on Synaptic revealed there is a piece of software (kxstitch) that does all the pattern making for you. It's not perfect yet but the fact it's there, for free and free, is just wonderful. -louisa :) -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] suck it and see
Quoting norman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>: > One of the many advantages of Ubuntu to old codgers like me and those of > us who depend on our computer for passing the time is the vast range of > free software and applications available to be tried and tested. Mostly > these are easy to install and uninstall and generally work with the > hardware we have. Sometimes, like Mythtv for example, it is necessary to > get a new bit of hardware but the cost of such is relatively minimal. I > get tremendous pleasure from applications such as the Gimp, the many > sound and video applications and if I want to use something which > requires Widows then I will see if it will work in Crossover Office. > (Note, Crossover is not free but what you pay goes to help the > developers of Wine). > > Come on Ubuntu users, let's hear of all the things you like to use and > what gives you pleasure. Stop lurking and come out. Beryl - it rocks. My laptop has never looked so good and still remained easy to work with! Automatix/Non-free codecs. At risk of getting a complete shoeing for this, I don't care about wether my computers are free of non-gnu software, I just want it to work. Automatix and the win32codecs give me the media-functionality and compatibility of windows and the ease of use and power of ubuntu - I can have my cake and eat it! Can't think of anything else off the top of my head, but if it comes to me I'll let you know... M. -- Matthew Macdonald-Wallace Group Co-Ordinator Thanet Linux User Group http://www.thanet.lug.org.uk/ [EMAIL PROTECTED] GPG KEY: http://pgp.mit.edu:11371/pks/lookup?op=get&search=0xFEA1BC16 -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
[ubuntu-uk] suck it and see
One of the many advantages of Ubuntu to old codgers like me and those of us who depend on our computer for passing the time is the vast range of free software and applications available to be tried and tested. Mostly these are easy to install and uninstall and generally work with the hardware we have. Sometimes, like Mythtv for example, it is necessary to get a new bit of hardware but the cost of such is relatively minimal. I get tremendous pleasure from applications such as the Gimp, the many sound and video applications and if I want to use something which requires Widows then I will see if it will work in Crossover Office. (Note, Crossover is not free but what you pay goes to help the developers of Wine). Come on Ubuntu users, let's hear of all the things you like to use and what gives you pleasure. Stop lurking and come out. Norman -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Ubuntu Users
On 21/06/07, [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: ** Copy of blog post ** People may know me from the Ubuntu-UK loco team, especially IRC, i'm MooDoo in irc.freenode.net #ubuntu-uk, thats all well and good but there's one thing - I don't know you. With this in mind i'm in the process of creating Ubuntu Users [www.ubuntu-users.org], please note there isn't anything there yet. I blatently stole the idea from the creators of Behind Ubuntu [behindubuntu.org] with the aim of getting to know the Ubuntu user community a little better, you might find out something interesting your self. So my shout out to the ubuntu community goes like this: what would you like to know? What questions, apart from the obvious [name location etc] would you like to ask members of the ubuntu community. What would you like to tell everyone? Please leave your questions etc as comments on this blog and i'll create the questionaire this weekend. You can also catch me on #ubuntu-uk irc.freenode.net Come on let's get to know each other. Please also reply to this email. Cheers Paul -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/ Did you require my password ? I've been told never to give it to strangers. Robin -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Ubuntu Users
On Thu Jun 21 12:01 , Matthew Macdonald-Wallace <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> sent: >Quoting "[EMAIL PROTECTED]" [EMAIL PROTECTED]>: > > >> Please leave your questions etc as comments on >> this blog and i’ll create the questionaire this weekend. > >URL? > Oops it's http://www.paulmellors.net :) -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Ubuntu Users
Quoting "[EMAIL PROTECTED]" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>: > Please leave your questions etc as comments on > this blog and i’ll create the questionaire this weekend. URL? > Please also reply to this email. girlBloke: HOW OLD R U??? ROTFLMAO :):):):) manNymph: @girlBloke - A/S/L??? On a more serious note, a list of where people work if they work with Open source (and even if they don't!) would be useful in case there are things that we could all help each other on in a business environment? Skill sets (apart from Ubuntu!) and experience of other distros? A few thoughts, M. -- Matthew Macdonald-Wallace Group Co-Ordinator Thanet Linux User Group http://www.thanet.lug.org.uk/ [EMAIL PROTECTED] GPG KEY: http://pgp.mit.edu:11371/pks/lookup?op=get&search=0xFEA1BC16 -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
[ubuntu-uk] Ubuntu Users
** Copy of blog post ** People may know me from the Ubuntu-UK loco team, especially IRC, i’m MooDoo in irc.freenode.net #ubuntu-uk, thats all well and good but there’s one thing - I don’t know you. With this in mind i’m in the process of creating Ubuntu Users [www.ubuntu-users.org], please note there isn’t anything there yet. I blatently stole the idea from the creators of Behind Ubuntu [behindubuntu.org] with the aim of getting to know the Ubuntu user community a little better, you might find out something interesting your self. So my shout out to the ubuntu community goes like this: what would you like to know? What questions, apart from the obvious [name location etc] would you like to ask members of the ubuntu community. What would you like to tell everyone? Please leave your questions etc as comments on this blog and i’ll create the questionaire this weekend. You can also catch me on #ubuntu-uk irc.freenode.net Come on let’s get to know each other. Please also reply to this email. Cheers Paul -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Ubuntu (linux) vulnerabilty?? Comment please
Hi Matthew Macdonald-Wallace wrote: > with SE-Linux, but it looks like it's gonna take a while to master... Indeed. I'm somewhat doubtful that the PolicyKit chaps can actually wrangle it into a useful form for a Desktop, at least without extensively bothering the user for privileges. I for one am glad we have a top notch security team who respond quickly enough that we are almost always amongst the first to patch holes :) Cheers, -- Chris Jones [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.canonical.com -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] fit for the purpose
Hi Tony Travis wrote: > Believe me, Debian/Ubuntu is much, much easier to upgrade! That doesn't excuse regressions. I'm sure the QA team would love more help in reporting, tracking and solving them :) I would have to agree with norman though - FOSS brings people a lot of advantages and features they can't get elsewhere, but selling it as a utopia is doing potential users a dis-service. If they know that it's a perpetual work-in-progress by a community and that they can be part of that community, they will likely be more forgiving of the flaws than if they are rudely shocked by some failure or other and feel isolated by it. Cheers, -- Chris Jones [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.canonical.com -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] fit for the purpose
< big, big snip > > Thank you for the encouragement. You're right, I'm elderly (and now > sllow-witted), rural dwelling and socially immobile and therefore > isolated. Most of the local LUG list is technically far above me but > I live on in the belief that a direct query to a Ubuntu list will > bring forth a valid solution. Robin Snap, more or less. I'm getting on a bit and my wits are somewhat slower than 10 years ago. I live in St Davids which is fairly well off the beaten track and spend much of my time at my computer because I am somewhat immobilised due to arthritis. But I am happy, realistic and enjoy the company one gets from lists such as this. I have recently started playing with Mythtv and that list is world wide and extremely active. If you enjoy a challenge and are interested in television, videos and making your own DVDs have a go, it is great fun and mentally stimulating. Norman -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Ubuntu (linux) vulnerabilty?? Comment please
Quoting Chris Jones <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>: > Hi > > Matthew Macdonald-Wallace wrote: >> 2) A link is setup from given directories in each app's jail to >> /downloads which is read only. > > How do I now upload my photos to some website, or any of the other > myriad things which internet applications want to do that involves > either reading or writing data locally? > > It sounds like a serious mess. Perhaps Fedora's SELinux/PolicyKit stuff > can do a better job. Quite probably, I really didn't think it through, it was just a five minute distraction from Windows Support really, I'm starting to play with SE-Linux, but it looks like it's gonna take a while to master... M. -- Matthew Macdonald-Wallace Group Co-Ordinator Thanet Linux User Group http://www.thanet.lug.org.uk/ [EMAIL PROTECTED] GPG KEY: http://pgp.mit.edu:11371/pks/lookup?op=get&search=0xFEA1BC16 -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Ubuntu (linux) vulnerabilty?? Comment please
Hi Matthew Macdonald-Wallace wrote: > 2) A link is setup from given directories in each app's jail to > /downloads which is read only. How do I now upload my photos to some website, or any of the other myriad things which internet applications want to do that involves either reading or writing data locally? It sounds like a serious mess. Perhaps Fedora's SELinux/PolicyKit stuff can do a better job. Cheers, -- Chris Jones [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.canonical.com -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Ubuntu (linux) vulnerabilty?? Comment please
Hi Scrase, Eddie wrote: > Firefox should only install an extension without warning if the site is on > it's trusted list, which defaults to just mozilla.org. Obviously this > assumes that the attackers haven't hacked into Mozilla's site... Firefox will only install an extension from a trusted site. Period. It will also always display a dialog which requests confirmation from the user to install the extension and the "Install" button will always be inactive for about 5 seconds. Clicking on an XPI link from an untrusted site will produce an error telling the user that the operation was blocked. They can then add the site as trusted in order to continue (although of course they can save the XPI locally and install it from there). It should *never* *ever* *ever* install an extension without a warning. Cheers, -- Chris Jones [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.canonical.com -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] fit for the purpose
Quoting alan c <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>: >> I'm happy to give Ubuntu to anyone I know - I know that I'm going >> to have less hassles than I get with the windows boxes I've >> installed! > > That is great! Unfortunately most of the non technical people I know > would not even know what USB, or a modem was. > > I would also be interested to know more about the adsl usb modem you > mention. My understanding to date is that adsl with USB (rather than > ethernet) is likely to give problems, even with 7.04. To what extent > is this true now? > > (Presumably it is a non router - adsl usb modem only?) Alan, As Far as I am aware, it is a bog-standard USB [EMAIL PROTECTED] speedtouch jobbie that you get with most DSL connections these days. It uses the Eagle chipset and apparently is supported in Ubuntu by default (I didn't know this until this person installed it!). If I could, I'd switch everyone I know over to a router instead of a modem, however I often get the "why do I need another box to use linux, i didn't need it with windows" and a failure to understand that the switch to a router has nothing to do with the switch to Linux, it's just another improvement that I can make at the same time. I think that this is mainly a failure to communicate at my end, but there we go! M. -- Matthew Macdonald-Wallace Group Co-Ordinator Thanet Linux User Group http://www.thanet.lug.org.uk/ [EMAIL PROTECTED] GPG KEY: http://pgp.mit.edu:11371/pks/lookup?op=get&search=0xFEA1BC16 -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] fit for the purpose
Robin Menneer wrote: > On 21/06/07, alan c <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >> >> [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: >> > >> > >> > On Thu, 21 Jun 2007 08:41:53 +0100, alan c <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >> wrote: >> >> Tony Travis wrote: >> >>> alan c wrote: >> norman wrote: >> > I believe that the very laudable efforts in promoting the use of >> >> Ubuntu >> > need to be tempered with an element of caution. As far as I can >> tell, >> > the server application is well covered and taken care of and my >> >> concern >> > is with the desktop user, of which I am one. >> >[...] >> > >> > Norman >> >> I concur with your view, and sympathise, counting myself fortunate >> that so far - as far as I know, I have not had similar problems, >> though I do have an important machine with a scanner - via usb - >> rarely used, I will need to check it. When I have time. >> [...] >> >>> >> >>> Hello, Norman and Alan. >> >>> >> >>> Have you ever upgraded Windows? >> >>> >> >>> Or MacOS? >> >>> >> >>> Believe me, Debian/Ubuntu is much, much easier to upgrade! >> >>> >> >>> However, I use 6.06.1 LTS for all the reasons you mention :-) >> >> >> >> Personally I can handle it, and I agree absolutely about windows (not >> >> used Mac) - for me windows was something I could never trust and >> >> caused a lot of worry. That why I use Linux. Linux added 10 years to >> >> my life! >> >> >> >> However my point was that since I am in the voluntary 'business' of >> >> active advocacy, I am aware that if novices install (Ubuntu) and then >> >> need support, they will not get it yet from a Friend or Family Member >> >> (FOFM) as they currently do using windows - except me! and my skill is >> >> spread pretty thin. >> >> >> >> So I can see myself possibly holding back and not encouraging some of >> >> my contacts into Ubuntu, because from what I know (about them) they >> >> will have no support. (FOFM). >> >> >> >> My expectation is that this will change with time, soon I hope. >> > >> > I currently work on a windows-based helpdesk. I gave a copy of Ubuntu >> to one of our users who is renowned (and happy to admit) that they are not >> technically minded or hugely skilled at using computers - they know enough >> to do their job but that's it. >> > >> > This user was able to install Ubuntu, configure it correctly to use a >> USB ADSL modem for internet access, configure the mail client and install >> flash etc. following the "instructions" in Firefox. >> > >> > I'm happy to give Ubuntu to anyone I know - I know that I'm going to >> have less hassles than I get with the windows boxes I've installed! >> >> That is great! Unfortunately most of the non technical people I know >> would not even know what USB, or a modem was. >> >> I would also be interested to know more about the adsl usb modem you >> mention. My understanding to date is that adsl with USB (rather than >> ethernet) is likely to give problems, even with 7.04. To what extent >> is this true now? >> >> (Presumably it is a non router - adsl usb modem only?) >> >> -- >> alan cocks >> Kubuntu user#10391 >> >> -- >> ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com >> https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk >> https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/ >> > > I got Ubuntu loaded on my machine because I was led to believe that the > updates that I gratefully receive are distributed in order to keep my > software healthy, I have thought that Ubuntu is reliable, free and > friendly - apparently not ? > I'm not interested in comparing with Windows because I'm using Ubuntu. I > don't need updates which are likely to make my life more difficult. > Bewildered, Robin there is a nice article with a family flavour about ease of use at http://lxer.com/module/newswire/view/88684/ -- alan cocks Kubuntu user#10391 -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] fit for the purpose
On 21/06/07, alan c <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Robin Menneer wrote: > On 21/06/07, alan c <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >> >> [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: >> > >> > >> > On Thu, 21 Jun 2007 08:41:53 +0100, alan c < [EMAIL PROTECTED]> >> wrote: >> >> Tony Travis wrote: >> >>> alan c wrote: >> norman wrote: >> > I believe that the very laudable efforts in promoting the use of >> >> Ubuntu >> > need to be tempered with an element of caution. As far as I can >> tell, >> > the server application is well covered and taken care of and my >> >> concern >> > is with the desktop user, of which I am one. >> >[...] >> > >> > Norman >> >> I concur with your view, and sympathise, counting myself fortunate >> that so far - as far as I know, I have not had similar problems, >> though I do have an important machine with a scanner - via usb - >> rarely used, I will need to check it. When I have time. >> [...] >> >>> >> >>> Hello, Norman and Alan. >> >>> >> >>> Have you ever upgraded Windows? >> >>> >> >>> Or MacOS? >> >>> >> >>> Believe me, Debian/Ubuntu is much, much easier to upgrade! >> >>> >> >>> However, I use 6.06.1 LTS for all the reasons you mention :-) >> >> >> >> Personally I can handle it, and I agree absolutely about windows (not >> >> used Mac) - for me windows was something I could never trust and >> >> caused a lot of worry. That why I use Linux. Linux added 10 years to >> >> my life! >> >> >> >> However my point was that since I am in the voluntary 'business' of >> >> active advocacy, I am aware that if novices install (Ubuntu) and then >> >> need support, they will not get it yet from a Friend or Family Member >> >> (FOFM) as they currently do using windows - except me! and my skill is >> >> spread pretty thin. >> >> >> >> So I can see myself possibly holding back and not encouraging some of >> >> my contacts into Ubuntu, because from what I know (about them) they >> >> will have no support. (FOFM). >> >> >> >> My expectation is that this will change with time, soon I hope. >> > >> > I currently work on a windows-based helpdesk. I gave a copy of Ubuntu >> to one of our users who is renowned (and happy to admit) that they are not >> technically minded or hugely skilled at using computers - they know enough >> to do their job but that's it. >> > >> > This user was able to install Ubuntu, configure it correctly to use a >> USB ADSL modem for internet access, configure the mail client and install >> flash etc. following the "instructions" in Firefox. >> > >> > I'm happy to give Ubuntu to anyone I know - I know that I'm going to >> have less hassles than I get with the windows boxes I've installed! >> >> That is great! Unfortunately most of the non technical people I know >> would not even know what USB, or a modem was. >> >> I would also be interested to know more about the adsl usb modem you >> mention. My understanding to date is that adsl with USB (rather than >> ethernet) is likely to give problems, even with 7.04. To what extent >> is this true now? >> >> (Presumably it is a non router - adsl usb modem only?) >> >> -- >> alan cocks >> Kubuntu user#10391 >> >> -- >> ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com >> https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk >> https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/ >> > > I got Ubuntu loaded on my machine because I was led to believe that the > updates that I gratefully receive are distributed in order to keep my > software healthy, I have thought that Ubuntu is reliable, free and > friendly - apparently not ? > I'm not interested in comparing with Windows because I'm using Ubuntu. I > don't need updates which are likely to make my life more difficult. > Bewildered, Robin It is reliable, free and friendly and I have no hesitation in saying that. That is not saying that you will never need to use either some experience or a more knowledgeable helper. There is a very wide range of support, local groups meetings and online, and companies offering paid for support. My comments have not applied to these, they have applied to novice users, possibly elderly, who use windows, have friends with windows, but would have no friends except myself, using Ubuntu. I am only oine person locally... an dmy skill is limited anyway. It does not stop me helping a neighbour to buy a new dell desktop yesterday online and installing Kubuntu dial boot, which is already arranged and appreciated. Please do not be bewildered Robin. I believe Normans original point included using applications which were not exactly mainstream. I tried Pan for example and preferred Thunderbird. My USB connected all in one printer only ever worked properly with Linux because the windows xp drivers often gave trouble. hth -- alan cocks Kubuntu user#10391 -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/ Thank you for the encouragement. You're right, I'm elderly (and now sllow-witted), rural dwelling an
Re: [ubuntu-uk] fit for the purpose
< big snip > > I got Ubuntu loaded on my machine because I was led to believe that > the updates that I gratefully receive are distributed in order to > keep my software healthy, I have thought that Ubuntu is reliable, > free and friendly - apparently not ? > I'm not interested in comparing with Windows because I'm using > Ubuntu. I don't need updates which are likely to make my life more > difficult. Bewildered, Robin I sympathise with you Robin and I assure you that Ubuntu is not all that bad. The trouble is that as soon as any adverse criticism is levelled at Ubuntu you can guarantee that someone will attempt to divert attention by telling you how awful Windows is. No one takes the trouble to explain why these problems arise and tell us what is being done to put them right and what attempts are being made to prevent them happening in the future. It is much more useful to be upbeat and truthful about Ubuntu than it is to tell us about other operating systems. Bugs are bugs and most systems have them and developers very frequently rely upon users to bring them to their notice. However if and when anything is done about them probably depends on how important the developers think the bugs are and how many users raise them. In conclusion, I have used CP/M, DOS, Windows 3.1 and onwards and I am not interested in hearing how Ubuntu compares with them. All I care about is how Ubuntu develops and how one version of Ubuntu compares with another. Norman -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] fit for the purpose
Robin Menneer wrote: > On 21/06/07, alan c <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >> >> [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: >> > >> > >> > On Thu, 21 Jun 2007 08:41:53 +0100, alan c <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >> wrote: >> >> Tony Travis wrote: >> >>> alan c wrote: >> norman wrote: >> > I believe that the very laudable efforts in promoting the use of >> >> Ubuntu >> > need to be tempered with an element of caution. As far as I can >> tell, >> > the server application is well covered and taken care of and my >> >> concern >> > is with the desktop user, of which I am one. >> >[...] >> > >> > Norman >> >> I concur with your view, and sympathise, counting myself fortunate >> that so far - as far as I know, I have not had similar problems, >> though I do have an important machine with a scanner - via usb - >> rarely used, I will need to check it. When I have time. >> [...] >> >>> >> >>> Hello, Norman and Alan. >> >>> >> >>> Have you ever upgraded Windows? >> >>> >> >>> Or MacOS? >> >>> >> >>> Believe me, Debian/Ubuntu is much, much easier to upgrade! >> >>> >> >>> However, I use 6.06.1 LTS for all the reasons you mention :-) >> >> >> >> Personally I can handle it, and I agree absolutely about windows (not >> >> used Mac) - for me windows was something I could never trust and >> >> caused a lot of worry. That why I use Linux. Linux added 10 years to >> >> my life! >> >> >> >> However my point was that since I am in the voluntary 'business' of >> >> active advocacy, I am aware that if novices install (Ubuntu) and then >> >> need support, they will not get it yet from a Friend or Family Member >> >> (FOFM) as they currently do using windows - except me! and my skill is >> >> spread pretty thin. >> >> >> >> So I can see myself possibly holding back and not encouraging some of >> >> my contacts into Ubuntu, because from what I know (about them) they >> >> will have no support. (FOFM). >> >> >> >> My expectation is that this will change with time, soon I hope. >> > >> > I currently work on a windows-based helpdesk. I gave a copy of Ubuntu >> to one of our users who is renowned (and happy to admit) that they are not >> technically minded or hugely skilled at using computers - they know enough >> to do their job but that's it. >> > >> > This user was able to install Ubuntu, configure it correctly to use a >> USB ADSL modem for internet access, configure the mail client and install >> flash etc. following the "instructions" in Firefox. >> > >> > I'm happy to give Ubuntu to anyone I know - I know that I'm going to >> have less hassles than I get with the windows boxes I've installed! >> >> That is great! Unfortunately most of the non technical people I know >> would not even know what USB, or a modem was. >> >> I would also be interested to know more about the adsl usb modem you >> mention. My understanding to date is that adsl with USB (rather than >> ethernet) is likely to give problems, even with 7.04. To what extent >> is this true now? >> >> (Presumably it is a non router - adsl usb modem only?) >> >> -- >> alan cocks >> Kubuntu user#10391 >> >> -- >> ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com >> https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk >> https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/ >> > > I got Ubuntu loaded on my machine because I was led to believe that the > updates that I gratefully receive are distributed in order to keep my > software healthy, I have thought that Ubuntu is reliable, free and > friendly - apparently not ? > I'm not interested in comparing with Windows because I'm using Ubuntu. I > don't need updates which are likely to make my life more difficult. > Bewildered, Robin It is reliable, free and friendly and I have no hesitation in saying that. That is not saying that you will never need to use either some experience or a more knowledgeable helper. There is a very wide range of support, local groups meetings and online, and companies offering paid for support. My comments have not applied to these, they have applied to novice users, possibly elderly, who use windows, have friends with windows, but would have no friends except myself, using Ubuntu. I am only oine person locally... an dmy skill is limited anyway. It does not stop me helping a neighbour to buy a new dell desktop yesterday online and installing Kubuntu dial boot, which is already arranged and appreciated. Please do not be bewildered Robin. I believe Normans original point included using applications which were not exactly mainstream. I tried Pan for example and preferred Thunderbird. My USB connected all in one printer only ever worked properly with Linux because the windows xp drivers often gave trouble. hth -- alan cocks Kubuntu user#10391 -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] fit for the purpose
On 21/06/07, alan c <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > > > On Thu, 21 Jun 2007 08:41:53 +0100, alan c <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >> Tony Travis wrote: >>> alan c wrote: norman wrote: > I believe that the very laudable efforts in promoting the use of >> Ubuntu > need to be tempered with an element of caution. As far as I can tell, > the server application is well covered and taken care of and my >> concern > is with the desktop user, of which I am one. >[...] > > Norman I concur with your view, and sympathise, counting myself fortunate that so far - as far as I know, I have not had similar problems, though I do have an important machine with a scanner - via usb - rarely used, I will need to check it. When I have time. [...] >>> >>> Hello, Norman and Alan. >>> >>> Have you ever upgraded Windows? >>> >>> Or MacOS? >>> >>> Believe me, Debian/Ubuntu is much, much easier to upgrade! >>> >>> However, I use 6.06.1 LTS for all the reasons you mention :-) >> >> Personally I can handle it, and I agree absolutely about windows (not >> used Mac) - for me windows was something I could never trust and >> caused a lot of worry. That why I use Linux. Linux added 10 years to >> my life! >> >> However my point was that since I am in the voluntary 'business' of >> active advocacy, I am aware that if novices install (Ubuntu) and then >> need support, they will not get it yet from a Friend or Family Member >> (FOFM) as they currently do using windows - except me! and my skill is >> spread pretty thin. >> >> So I can see myself possibly holding back and not encouraging some of >> my contacts into Ubuntu, because from what I know (about them) they >> will have no support. (FOFM). >> >> My expectation is that this will change with time, soon I hope. > > I currently work on a windows-based helpdesk. I gave a copy of Ubuntu to one of our users who is renowned (and happy to admit) that they are not technically minded or hugely skilled at using computers - they know enough to do their job but that's it. > > This user was able to install Ubuntu, configure it correctly to use a USB ADSL modem for internet access, configure the mail client and install flash etc. following the "instructions" in Firefox. > > I'm happy to give Ubuntu to anyone I know - I know that I'm going to have less hassles than I get with the windows boxes I've installed! That is great! Unfortunately most of the non technical people I know would not even know what USB, or a modem was. I would also be interested to know more about the adsl usb modem you mention. My understanding to date is that adsl with USB (rather than ethernet) is likely to give problems, even with 7.04. To what extent is this true now? (Presumably it is a non router - adsl usb modem only?) -- alan cocks Kubuntu user#10391 -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/ I got Ubuntu loaded on my machine because I was led to believe that the updates that I gratefully receive are distributed in order to keep my software healthy, I have thought that Ubuntu is reliable, free and friendly - apparently not ? I'm not interested in comparing with Windows because I'm using Ubuntu. I don't need updates which are likely to make my life more difficult. Bewildered, Robin -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Linux Jobs (was Re: Buying from and supporting Linux Hardware Suppliers)
> Where are you based at the moment? Over near Hull - East Yorkshire - Currently working in the public sector. Chris -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] fit for the purpose
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > > > On Thu, 21 Jun 2007 08:41:53 +0100, alan c <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >> Tony Travis wrote: >>> alan c wrote: norman wrote: > I believe that the very laudable efforts in promoting the use of >> Ubuntu > need to be tempered with an element of caution. As far as I can tell, > the server application is well covered and taken care of and my >> concern > is with the desktop user, of which I am one. >[...] > > Norman I concur with your view, and sympathise, counting myself fortunate that so far - as far as I know, I have not had similar problems, though I do have an important machine with a scanner - via usb - rarely used, I will need to check it. When I have time. [...] >>> >>> Hello, Norman and Alan. >>> >>> Have you ever upgraded Windows? >>> >>> Or MacOS? >>> >>> Believe me, Debian/Ubuntu is much, much easier to upgrade! >>> >>> However, I use 6.06.1 LTS for all the reasons you mention :-) >> >> Personally I can handle it, and I agree absolutely about windows (not >> used Mac) - for me windows was something I could never trust and >> caused a lot of worry. That why I use Linux. Linux added 10 years to >> my life! >> >> However my point was that since I am in the voluntary 'business' of >> active advocacy, I am aware that if novices install (Ubuntu) and then >> need support, they will not get it yet from a Friend or Family Member >> (FOFM) as they currently do using windows - except me! and my skill is >> spread pretty thin. >> >> So I can see myself possibly holding back and not encouraging some of >> my contacts into Ubuntu, because from what I know (about them) they >> will have no support. (FOFM). >> >> My expectation is that this will change with time, soon I hope. > > I currently work on a windows-based helpdesk. I gave a copy of Ubuntu to one > of our users who is renowned (and happy to admit) that they are not > technically minded or hugely skilled at using computers - they know enough to > do their job but that's it. > > This user was able to install Ubuntu, configure it correctly to use a USB > ADSL modem for internet access, configure the mail client and install flash > etc. following the "instructions" in Firefox. > > I'm happy to give Ubuntu to anyone I know - I know that I'm going to have > less hassles than I get with the windows boxes I've installed! That is great! Unfortunately most of the non technical people I know would not even know what USB, or a modem was. I would also be interested to know more about the adsl usb modem you mention. My understanding to date is that adsl with USB (rather than ethernet) is likely to give problems, even with 7.04. To what extent is this true now? (Presumably it is a non router - adsl usb modem only?) -- alan cocks Kubuntu user#10391 -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
[ubuntu-uk] Linux Jobs (was Re: Buying from and supporting Linux Hardware Suppliers)
Quoting Chris Rowson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>: >> I'm officially going to be "Technical Manager" for Cariss ( >> http://www.cariss.co.uk/ ) dealing with Sales, consultancy and >> implementation of CCTV, Desktops, LTSP and similar things for >> anyone in Thanet/Kent/the wider world who is interested! >> >> Finally, I'll be able to have Beryl on my work desktop... ;o) >> >> Matt. > > Well done Matt :-) > > It's got to beat the hell out of supporting Windows for a living! - That's what I'm hoping - I'm supporting windows at the moment and it's a PITA! > Now, if only I could find something like that :-D Ask your LUG ( http://www.lug.org.uk/ ) if anyone's got any thing going. That's what I did and it worked for me! Alternatively, run a local SFD event and invite as many local companies as possible to it, one of them might employ you! Where are you based at the moment? Cheers, M. -- Matthew Macdonald-Wallace Group Co-Ordinator Thanet Linux User Group http://www.thanet.lug.org.uk/ [EMAIL PROTECTED] GPG KEY: http://pgp.mit.edu:11371/pks/lookup?op=get&search=0xFEA1BC16 -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Buying from and supporting Linux Hardware Suppliers
> I'm officially going to be "Technical Manager" for Cariss ( > http://www.cariss.co.uk/ ) dealing with Sales, consultancy and implementation > of CCTV, Desktops, LTSP and similar things for anyone in Thanet/Kent/the > wider world who is interested! > > Finally, I'll be able to have Beryl on my work desktop... ;o) > > Matt. Well done Matt :-) It's got to beat the hell out of supporting Windows for a living! - Now, if only I could find something like that :-D Chris -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] fit for the purpose
Alan Pope wrote: > Hi Tony, > > On Wed, 2007-06-20 at 22:41 +0100, Tony Travis wrote: >> Have you ever upgraded Windows? >> Or MacOS? >> >> Believe me, Debian/Ubuntu is much, much easier to upgrade! > > A very good point. I think often we take for granted some of the > features of Linux (specifically Ubuntu) that are just light years ahead > of Windows. > > * Software installs. A straightforward way to install, remove and > upgrade individual packages and their dependants. Something Windows > doesn't have and never has. > > * Release upgrades. As Tony points out, Windows upgrades are pretty > painful. A significant number of applications break after an upgrade, at > least comparable with the issues reported by Norman. Note it's just not > possible to boot an XP kernel on Vista to resolve a "scanner not > working" issue as he had. > > Worth noting that as a result of it upgrading well, and because Ubuntu > runs on lower spec hardware, people are _more_ likely to upgrade than > under Windows where the hardware requirements go up tremendously with > each release. The vast majority of Windows users never upgrade their > operating systems so when they move to Ubuntu and complain when > something breaks in an upgrade, they often don't have a comparison under > Windows because they've never done it. > > * Fast installs. Installing Ubuntu is way faster than Windows. Even > installing from a recovery CD is painfully slow. Some suggest as a > counter argument that "nobody ever installs windows" (due to it being > pre-installed) which is of course incorrect. Many Windows users > reinstall their desktops repeatedly during the life of one computer, > often due to malware infestations, viruses and general system slowness. > > * Upgrades of _all_ software in one go. I recently _had_ to install XP > (to apply a BIOS update) and once the product recovery CD had done it's > work (which incidently took around 4 times longer than an Ubuntu install > on the same host - and installed one 5th of the amount of data/apps) > there were applications shouting at me to update them. With Ubuntu you > just have one little icon to worry about - the update icon on the task > bar. > > * Flexible installs. With Ubuntu you can take a backup of your /home, > and a list of packages you have installed and can reinstall (or install > a new version) and get back to a running system very easily. I did this > recently. I plugged a USB hard disk into my ubuntu laptop, booted to > recovery mode and copied the entire /home onto the drive. I wiped the > internal disk, installed XP (as detailed above) and then copied my /home > back from the USB drive. All my data, settings and preferences were > retained. > > * Moving disks to another machine. I recently had a motherboard failure > in my wifes old computer. I just yanked the IDE hard disk out and put it > in another computer. I only had to reconfigure the (different make and > model) of video card - _no_ reboot required - and it Just Worked. > > And all of this is without even mentioning the fact that it's free and > open! How marvellous is that!? Let's try to remember some of these > fantastic innovations when we draw comparisons with other operating > systems. Nicely put! I totally agree. However, in 'marketing' Ubuntu I am aware of some people who use a friend or family member for windows help, but would not have this if the used Ubuntu. Hopefully time will change things. I try to target my advocacy more to the FOFM for this reason, because they will influence five others. Groups and forums are my FOFM! -- alan cocks Kubuntu user#10391 -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] fit for the purpose
On Thu, 21 Jun 2007 08:41:53 +0100, alan c <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Tony Travis wrote: >> alan c wrote: >>> norman wrote: I believe that the very laudable efforts in promoting the use of > Ubuntu need to be tempered with an element of caution. As far as I can tell, the server application is well covered and taken care of and my > concern is with the desktop user, of which I am one. [...] Norman >>> >>> I concur with your view, and sympathise, counting myself fortunate >>> that so far - as far as I know, I have not had similar problems, >>> though I do have an important machine with a scanner - via usb - >>> rarely used, I will need to check it. When I have time. >>> [...] >> >> Hello, Norman and Alan. >> >> Have you ever upgraded Windows? >> >> Or MacOS? >> >> Believe me, Debian/Ubuntu is much, much easier to upgrade! >> >> However, I use 6.06.1 LTS for all the reasons you mention :-) > > Personally I can handle it, and I agree absolutely about windows (not > used Mac) - for me windows was something I could never trust and > caused a lot of worry. That why I use Linux. Linux added 10 years to > my life! > > However my point was that since I am in the voluntary 'business' of > active advocacy, I am aware that if novices install (Ubuntu) and then > need support, they will not get it yet from a Friend or Family Member > (FOFM) as they currently do using windows - except me! and my skill is > spread pretty thin. > > So I can see myself possibly holding back and not encouraging some of > my contacts into Ubuntu, because from what I know (about them) they > will have no support. (FOFM). > > My expectation is that this will change with time, soon I hope. I currently work on a windows-based helpdesk. I gave a copy of Ubuntu to one of our users who is renowned (and happy to admit) that they are not technically minded or hugely skilled at using computers - they know enough to do their job but that's it. This user was able to install Ubuntu, configure it correctly to use a USB ADSL modem for internet access, configure the mail client and install flash etc. following the "instructions" in Firefox. I'm happy to give Ubuntu to anyone I know - I know that I'm going to have less hassles than I get with the windows boxes I've installed! Cheers, M. -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] fit for the purpose
Tony Travis wrote: > alan c wrote: >> norman wrote: >>> I believe that the very laudable efforts in promoting the use of Ubuntu >>> need to be tempered with an element of caution. As far as I can tell, >>> the server application is well covered and taken care of and my concern >>> is with the desktop user, of which I am one. >>>[...] >>> >>> Norman >> >> I concur with your view, and sympathise, counting myself fortunate >> that so far - as far as I know, I have not had similar problems, >> though I do have an important machine with a scanner - via usb - >> rarely used, I will need to check it. When I have time. >> [...] > > Hello, Norman and Alan. > > Have you ever upgraded Windows? > > Or MacOS? > > Believe me, Debian/Ubuntu is much, much easier to upgrade! > > However, I use 6.06.1 LTS for all the reasons you mention :-) Personally I can handle it, and I agree absolutely about windows (not used Mac) - for me windows was something I could never trust and caused a lot of worry. That why I use Linux. Linux added 10 years to my life! However my point was that since I am in the voluntary 'business' of active advocacy, I am aware that if novices install (Ubuntu) and then need support, they will not get it yet from a Friend or Family Member (FOFM) as they currently do using windows - except me! and my skill is spread pretty thin. So I can see myself possibly holding back and not encouraging some of my contacts into Ubuntu, because from what I know (about them) they will have no support. (FOFM). My expectation is that this will change with time, soon I hope. -- Kubuntu user#10391 -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Buying from and supporting Linux Hardware Suppliers
On Wed, 20 Jun 2007 17:27:28 +0100, norman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > >> I'm about to start a job in the real-world (after having been forced >> to use Windows, I get to sell, support and consult on Linux from the >> 2nd July!) and one of the things I will need as part of my job is a >> solid supplier of hardware that I know will run linux and run it well. >> >> As dell are refusing to sell Linux-based computers outside of the US >> (even the redhat/SLED servers seem to only be sold over there), can >> someone supply me with contact details (a website will do nicely!) of >> a company that are preferably based in the UK and supply >> servers/desktops that will run linux or come pre-installed with Linux? > > Best of luck in your new job. There are, of course, suppliers of > computers who sell them without pre-installed systems. Perhaps one of > those could be interested. I have had excellent service from World of > Computers who are in Cambridge. Thanks for the heads-up, do they have a website? M. -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] Buying from and supporting Linux Hardware Suppliers
On Wed, 20 Jun 2007 16:56:16 +0100, "Chris Rowson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >> As dell are refusing to sell Linux-based computers outside of the US >> (even the redhat/SLED servers seem to only be sold over there), can >> someone supply me with contact details (a website will do nicely!) of >> a company that are preferably based in the UK and supply >> servers/desktops that will run linux or come pre-installed with Linux? >> >> Thanks, >> >> Matt. > > There are a couple in the States, but I don't know of any in the UK > doing Linux desktop - (perhaps there's a business opportunity in that > somewhere!) - I'm sure someone will know somewhere though! > > What are you off to do then Matt? - You going self-employed like > LoudMouthMan or have you found yourself a company to work for. (Round > here there are zero OSS software companies :-( ) I'm officially going to be "Technical Manager" for Cariss ( http://www.cariss.co.uk/ ) dealing with Sales, consultancy and implementation of CCTV, Desktops, LTSP and similar things for anyone in Thanet/Kent/the wider world who is interested! Finally, I'll be able to have Beryl on my work desktop... ;o) Matt. -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
