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So.. I decided to try Ubuntu last weekend. Since it is now a long vacation until new year, I decided to add Ubuntu beside my Mandriva. I use Mandriva since years ago, if you see my articles about linux here, all are made under Mandriva (previously Mandrake).

Why I decided to try Ubuntu? First, I think it is the most “talk about” linux distro these days. Lots of support, forum, updated regularly and, not like Mandriva, all version are free. The hardware minimum requirement is only 256 mb ram, which is perfect for my old laptop (Toshiba Satellite 2400 with only 512 mb ram). I also want to try GNOME which is the default desktop environment in Ubuntu. And the main reason that I’m interested in Ubuntu is because their names are so cool … Dapper Drake, Gutsy Gibbon, Hardy Heron, Intrepid Ibex…. sounds so interesting rite !?

The installation is simple, simpler than Mandriva. But I missed the advanced option of disk-partition like in Mandriva. After first boot everything looks normal, clean and fast. However I can not play any multimedia files, even mp3! I must say that I was little bit shock … After updating some libraries everything run smoothly now. I find that GNOME is more simple than KDE, still trying to get used to everything in GNOME…

After Ubuntu installed I also add some software. First I installed vpnc to connect to university network. After connected to the internet, everything is easy. Maybe I will write an article about this vpn thing. To install a software I just go to add/remove program or Synaptic Package Manager, so far I haven’t use command line for installing something.

Applications I installed after Ubuntu installation:

Amarok – playing music, the default mp3 player in Ubuntu was so confusing. I took them off after a few minutes.

VLC – playing video files, Movie Player is disappointed ! VLC is packed with all libraries needed to play any kind of media files (except real media).

Kopete – for chatting, but I also trying this Pidgin, default IM in Ubuntu. let’s see which one is better.

Kgrubeditor – editing the grub. I think this should be embedded in Ubuntu. To edit boot loader is a necessity for the dual-boot user. Make it standard function like in Mandriva will be a wise step!

GNOME Commander – file management in GNOME

Wine – for running windows software under linux, I tried to install lowratevoip and totalcommander. The later works properly but lowratevoip still needs some adjustment.

What I like the most is the Tomboy Notes, I have been looking for this kind of notes under Windows since weeks. I just need simple notes where I can list my todo list and then make strikeout after I did the list. This is just scratching me right where I itch .

We’ll see if Ubuntu can completely replace my mandriva. Will keep you inform

My desktop with Dust Cold theme. Nautilus, Pidgin, and Konsole are running. Looks nice rite !?