Hi, my name is Linux Letdowns
May 10th, 2008So, for the last couple of hours I have been playing with some Linux stuff, Wubi/Ubuntu and Fedora 9.
I use an Acer 5050 laptop, just because I like cheap computers, as I’m often clumsy, and they’re pretty durable. If I drop it, or something happens, they’re pretty easy to replace. I would, of course, dig a Macbook, but I’ll wait until I’m filthy rich to be buying those.
The Acer 5050 is probably the ultimate Linux testing machine, because they’ve adopted the cheapest cooperate molested hardware. I’ve had Ubuntu on it a few times before, but often I got frustrated with dealing with problem after problem.
Due to the molested hardware.
I think Linux, with Gnome, is beautiful, and I love the idea behind Open Source, and I want (so badly) to use Linux! I even love using the command line, but not to get my OS running. I get letdown each time I fit a CD with Linux into my lappie.
Wubi/Ubuntu
First, I wanted to check out the Wubi installer for Ubuntu, which installed quite nicely, but as soon as I got Ubuntu started it let me down yet again, I couldn’t even escape the boot screen.
But Wubi let me uninstall Ubuntu pretty easily from Windows Add/Remove, which was nice.
Fedora 9
I love all the artwork that’s been put into Fedora, but it just doesn’t work. Again, I couldn’t even get past the boot screen.
Linux
I think the only way Linux is going to get a head is if a company like Canonical sells its OS on specific, reliable, hardware, like Apple does.
And I know they’re doing it with Dell, well kind of. I really hope it goes somewhere, maybe I need to do my part and get a Dell PC?
Well, I’m back in Windows Vista, and although everything works, I feel a little bummed that the latest distros did not work for me.
I just feel bummed.
May 10th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
I’m not an Ubuntu user and I’ve long since said good-bye to Windows so I have no need for dual booting. I’ve noticed that people are too quick to give up on Linux. It might have something to do with getting used to purchasing machines with the OS preloaded. Now that Microsoft is starting to dictate to the manufactures what to charge for their wares (Asus EeePC XP/Linux), we may regret giving them the keys to the Kingdom.
Some people install with no problems at all. Others encounter every glitch known to give Linux trouble. If your copy of Ubuntu worked as a LiveCD, then it will work installed. Did it work as a LiveCD? I noticed while searching the Internet for you that many people with your model laptop had issues (read wouldn’t work) with their wifi. Any computer that uses an Atheros or Broadcom wifi card will cause trouble for people new to Linux. It is not the fault of Linux but the fault of the manufactures. Linux gets blamed every time though. If people really want what Linux has to offer but cannot accept this type of hardware conflict then they can purchase their Linux from Linspire or Xandros or whoever is charging for it. The best trouble-free method for getting Linux on your computer is the old tried and true one, buy a computer with it preinstalled.
Laptops are the worst trouble makers. It all relates to the hardware. I’m not a geek but I’ve developed some strategies for trouble-free installs. Research your hardware. We use our computers to surf the Internet but when it comes time to attempt a complex task we’re content to “wing” it on our own. Be aggressive with your use of the Internet to help with installing Linux, or fixing your lawnmower for that matter. Always use the latest non-beta version of your chosen distro. Search the distros forums before asking questions. I’ve been using Linux for over three years and have never had the need to ask for help. Someone has aways asked the same or similar question before me. Try a different distro. My brother’s computer puked out four distros before SimplyMepis kicked its butt and made it obey.
This may seem like a lot of work but remember what you’re comparing it to. A preinstalled OS that’s second nature to operate because it’s usually the only OS ever known to the user. Linux takes a little work. If you want to partake in the fruits of a community’s labor, then you have to contribute something yourself.
Here are a couple of links that should help you in your efforts, or at least help you understand them.
This thread seems to be a good place to start.
Installation problems with Wubi 8.04 Beta (Ubuntu forums March 21st, 2008)
http://georgia.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=731563&highlight=wubi
It wouldn’t hurt to give this one a scan either.
Linux on the Acer Aspire 5050 (May 28, 2007)
http://nosrednaekim.wordpress.com/2007/05/28/linux-on-the-acer-aspire-5050/
May 11th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Linux (Ubuntu) has never worked as a Live CD on the computer. I had a Compaq a while back that it worked flawlessly on, given a few wifi hacks. So it does go on some machines and work really well, but then again, this Acer 5050 is a hell hole for Linux.
And, I know the manufacturers need to support Linux, and if they don’t Linux isn’t to blame - maybe there should be a working standard for drivers and/or the use of them?
But it just seems to dis earning when I can’t even get past the boot screen, and I have to find another computer to fix the problem.
I just think, like I said, that maybe my next investment may be in a Dell that is compatible with Ubuntu, or something of that nature.
Linux will always be third as long as it does not get itself on some reliable hardware. I am sure most aren’t aware of the Dell + Ubuntu thing going on.
They, maybe, should make that a big deal?
May 11th, 2008 at 10:41 pm
Don’t get locked into thinking that Ubuntu is your only Linux choice. It’s not. You should really try PCLinuxOS, SimplyMepis, Mint and anything else on the top ten list at Distrowatch.com. Even if you absolutely must have Ubuntu try the others anyway, they might just work and help you understand why Ubuntu isn’t working.
Another thing. Any installation that isn’t a straight to full hard drive install is more prone to problems. When I was scanning the Ubuntu forums Wubi kept showing up as causing problems.
Another thing part 2 (or is that 3?). The Ubuntu old-timers wait at least a month before installing the latest version. It has something to do with the pain of knowledge. They wait for the glitches to get worked out and so far Ubuntu hasn’t let them down (having glitches and working them out).