Ubuntu/Kubuntu pros/cons

TheFlyingGerbil

I think I need more slashes in my title.

I had a copy of Linux (not sure which one though) years ago and while I installed and got it to run fine I couldn't really do much/anything on it! I know windows is evil but you can't say it's not easy to use.

Anyway, I am thinking of having another go and as far as I can see Ubuntu seems to be the most moron-tolerant version out there - not to mention the fact you can get it on CD for free. I can see the difference between the two is KDE and GNOME. Which is 'best' - subjective I know! How different are these two? eg:-

1. would a program work in both of these or would you need a separate copy of the programfor each?
2. Can you have the KDE version and then get just the GNOME bit and install that as well and switch between the two so I could see what both types were like or would I have to download the full (~700mb) file for each?
3. Which is most intuitive to use (maybe most graphical?), the most efficient in use of hardware?

Do you know of a better implimentation of Linux?

Loads of questions I know, I hope they don't sound too stupid as I am trying to become more tech savvy. You guys have all been great with other questions I've had - very friendly and using language I understand without sounding patronising and I think if I went into a Linux/Ubuntu forum I'd be in over my depth, so anything else you would like to add about Linux in general I would love to hear your opinions.

Joe

GaryS

I use Ubuntu on my laptop, dual booting with XP.

I have installed Ubuntu and then added the KDE desktop, I feel that gives it a good graphical interface.

There are programs that work with Gnome and KDE, and some that only worjk with one or the other.
You can remove the Gnome interface after you have added KDE desktop if you wish, but then you will lose some apps as well.

As I have previously posted, my 11 year old son also uses this setup dual booting on his PC. He finds his way around it easy enough.

Darksun

You can have both on the same install, you don't need to download both, just download one and you can use apt to get the other (there should be instructions somewhere on the Ubuntu site). I personally prefer KDE, but it's a matter of choice. If you have all the libraries, a piece of software should run on both KDE and GNOME.

There are a few other desktop environments, such as IceWM, which is designed to have very low resource usage.

The Ubuntu forums are great for complete newbies, very patient, friendly and helpful.

Skint1

Hi I use Ubuntu installed it about 6/7 months ago. There are two downloads that can make getting all the software you need easier after installing Ubuntu. They are Automatix and Easy Ubntu. They will install loads of stuff for you like Flash, Realplayer etc . I use Automatix it realy made life easy. Check out the forums for advice.:D

http://www.ubuntuforums.org/

wolfman

I generally prefer the Gnome implementation nowadays, although was brought up on KDE.

For me the main cons are:
- Wireless support is still problematic and not quite out of the box. It's something you really need to be able to get working straight away without needing to download anything or go online for a tutorial.
- Graphics drivers. Can sometimes be hit and miss. The latest 6.10 seems to have a problem with my ATI card whereas 6.06 doesn't. Fixable, but again would be nice if the generic driver worked a little better out of the box.

That's about it really. They still need to clean up the repositories a bit, and the add/remove programs. It'd also be nice if there was an "advanced" option or version of the installer for those that want to customize a little more.

The pro's are quite obvious:
- Free, secure, constantly developed.
- Automatix, excellent tool for installing all those commonly used apps and codecs.

Remember it takes time to switch. I personally still like and use the Windows environment, and use them both. Will be interesting to see how Vista does.

Darksun

wolfman wrote:

For me the main cons are:
- Wireless support is still problematic and not quite out of the box. It's something you really need to be able to get working straight away without needing to download anything or go online for a tutorial.
- Graphics drivers. Can sometimes be hit and miss. The latest 6.10 seems to have a problem with my ATI card whereas 6.06 doesn't. Fixable, but again would be nice if the generic driver worked a little better out of the box.

Bit of a chicken and egg problem here. Manufacturers don't want to put resources into developing Linux drivers unless it's worth it in terms of users, and people don't want to switch to Linux till there's better driver support.

poppy10_2

Gnome is for gnerds, stick with a KDE which is a lot more similar to XP and therefore easier to get used to. Kubuntu is OK, but Suse 10.1 is my favorite for sheer usability. You can still use GNOME applications, you just need to install the gnome libraries which are included on the DVD.

culpepper

ubuntu/kubuntu has quite good peripheral driver support.
I used to have red hat but couldnt get it to see my camera or telephone.
Ubuntu sees them without having to do anything special.
I mostly use windows because my embroidery machine doesnt have linux software and linux doesnt like my lexmark printer or my old cannon scanner.
However ubuntu is so easy to use as it is menu based.
Its amazingly secure too without adding a firewall although they are available for free and the same re virus handling.
If you want to swap files between linux and windows, make a fat32 partition as linux has trouble reading ntfs(not impossible but needs a bit of messing around with).

GaryS

"Wireless support is still problematic and not quite out of the box"

I had no problems whatsoever with my Dlink 520 pci card and G604T router.
The 650 PCMCIA card needed a little tweak to get it going.

Not sure about any other hardware, maybe posting info on wireless kit that works or kit to avoid would be useful.
There is probably more info on the Ubuntu forums regarding this.

HTH.

wolfman

GaryS wrote:

"Wireless support is still problematic and not quite out of the box"

I had no problems whatsoever with my Dlink 520 pci card and G604T router.
The 650 PCMCIA card needed a little tweak to get it going.

Not sure about any other hardware, maybe posting info on wireless kit that works or kit to avoid would be useful.
There is probably more info on the Ubuntu forums regarding this.

How did you get WPA working?

For Ubuntu you typically have to either download NetworkManager, or configure it yourself via a terminal window (which I can never remember off the top of my head although I have a tutorial saved to disc). Either way for first time users, you can get stuck if you don't have a wired connection to use before getting the wireless setup.

GaryS

The 520 PCI card was found without any problems when configuring the network, all I had to do was add the WEP code, etc and it worked.
Not as secure as WPA granted, but I also use MAC access list and hide my SSID.

The 650 PCMCIA card on the laptop needed a little tweak to a file - I have details of this on the home pc so will add it when I am back home. (Working at the moment)