This is my look at the latest stable Ubuntu release: Lucid Lynx 10.04 LTS. It has long-term support from Canonical and is considered a major accomplishment in the world of FOSS.
I’ve checked out several distros and although I continue to use others for specific purposes I often choose Ubuntu for general usage.
At one time I considered myself a complete Linux noob. I still sometimes consider myself a noob. However, I do know that I am comfortable using Linux. I know how to get around using only a command line interface [CLI] and never hesitate pulling up a terminal when I need to either fix something or get access to something that cannot be done through a graphical user interface [GUI]. I tinker around with default software, their alternatives, and occasionally check out unstable repos.
Therein lies a problem. I have a favorite Linux theme, a Mac theme, and a Windows theme. The Mac and Windows theme had logos that replaced the main menu logo for Gnome and Ubuntu; but when it did, depending on the panel size, an arrow would show up above them and just look out of place. After searching for solutions I found a forum post that helped me download and install the source for Gnome-Panel, alter the code, and re-compile the program.
It worked, and I happily chugged along. I had been using Ubuntu 9.10, and then Update-Manager informed me that a new release – 10.04 LTS Lucid Lynx – I went on my merry way and updated my OS installation.
Everything seemed fine, I got new sources, downloaded and installed new packages, and removed those that were old or obsolete. Upon restarting I was surprised to find that Gnome-Panel did not start; nor could I get it to start, even with using the CLI. After searching for a solution to this new problem, I found that there were several causes, one most likely being the fact that I had customized Gnome-Panel. Most problematic was the fact that I couldn’t use Update-Manager to update packages, because it couldn’t seem to correctly access any repository. It wasn’t a wireless problem, I could still browse the web, but without panels I had to resort to opening a terminal and launching an application. There were other workarounds as well, but ultimately, my OS installation was moot.
And here’s the issue: I’ve had similar problems upgrading from 7.10 to 8.04, then to 9.10, and again to 10.04. Each time I did an ‘upgrade’ I would find my OS install broken. Luckily, I rigorously backup my data. Think I would have learned my lesson? No, each time I just told myself, “They’ll get it right next time…” Was I wrong.
Perhaps I’m being too harsh. Most ‘normal’ users wouldn’t be tinkering around with sources, repos, and system resources. Ubuntu, and Linux, has a decent chance at penetrating the desktop OS market, especially thanks to better hardware support and an increase in netbook popularity.
But as a ‘power’ user, I am somewhat disappointed that from now on, when I want to update my OS, I’m going to have to consider doing a complete backup and installing rather than upgrading.
The rest of the review, however short, is actually much praise for Lucid Lynx. The default and updated software are of great quality, and it has everything I could need. It’ll take some time to get used to and play around with new configurations; other than ‘upgrading’ problems I am very happy with Ubuntu.
Tags: canonical, cli, code, desktop, foss, gnome-panel, gui, install, linux, logo, lucid lynx, mac, market, netbook, noob, os, release, repos, software, source, terminal, theme, ubuntu, update-manager, upgrade, windows