Ubuntu Hardy Heron - Comments Page 1

I've been using Ubuntu for about a year now, and I've switched a few friends computers to Ubuntu in that time. Although very easy to use, especially for those used to windows, Ubuntu had some problems installing on a lot of hardware, and OOo made a good MS Office replacement only if you don't need to read others people's documents, or send them docs that you made. Now, after only 2 days with the newest Ubuntu Hardy, I am as close as ever to saying that it can replace windows. On four computers, two of which have very problematic hardware, Ubuntu installed just fine with everything working. Even things that are a pain to configure in windows (printer, webcam) just work in Ubuntu Hardy. And it comes with open office 2.4, which reads word files almost perfectly! This is it, other than games, there is absolutely no reason to still be using windows anymore. The only thing that gave me trouble was Firefox 3 which is still beta and did not work with my extensions (so I replaced it with firefox 2).

If you can live without a printer or scanner, then Linux is fine. Third party drivers is the main weakness for any version of Linux.

EDITOR'S NOTE: That's a little harsh. I've had pretty good success with most commercial printers I've tried. I'm going to install Hardy and see if it'll play nice with my HP L7780 All-In-One...

I've been an Ubuntu user for about 4 years now. Until recently, Ubuntu served me well, but I recently switched to Windows Vista. I found myself wanting to do things on my computer, such as watch and record tv, and the hardware support for many things in Linux is nonexistent. Flash support for web surfing has been a problem too, but it looks like the bugs may be finally solved there, which is a good thing.

I spent a long time being a "fanboy" of Ubuntu and even converted a few of my friends to using Ubuntu instead of Windows. I like the stability, security, and freedom Linux provides, but I had to ask myself, "What do I want my OS to do for me?" That is why I currently use Vista now instead of my former favorite OS.

EDITOR'S NOTE: I mentioned MythTV in the article, which acts as a PVR so you can record and watch TV shows.

A thought from a former Ubuntu User. Before you decide to completely commit to Ubuntu or Linux in general, you should test drive it.

Thanks for the good writeup on Ubuntu 8.04. I have been using linux for two years w/two computers running xp-ubuntu8.04 and debian-etch/Mepis7.0. I have very few occassions to use xp anymore, when ms pulls support I will not use it on the internet at all. I will never load another ms operating system.

Hi Bob,
I have tried Ubuntu distros on and off for about two years now, Gutsy Gibbon in my opinion being the best yet. I found Hardy Heron a little disappointing in that you still have to hunt around for codecs to be able to play DVD's, and with the sad demise of Automatix2 this can be a pain. It also might put "newbies" off from trying it.
The best distro in my opinion, which I have tried and now use permanently as a replacement for Micrososft XP and their activation/licence nonsense, is Linux Mint Daryna. It is very stylish, and everything really does work "out of the box". All the codecs are installed etc. The only thing one has to do is install extras for the XSane Scanner from the Synaptic Package Manager, but that is no problem as everything is explained in a very good manual which you can download. The latest version named "Elysaa" comes out some time in May. Can't wait!

this OS is great!! but I have a problem install my HP Photosmart printer. the OS Ubuntu 8.04 has the printer listed but to select a connection I am lost appsocket/hp jetdirect,internet print protocal (pp),lpd/lpr host or printer,win printer via SAMBA. WHICH to choose from??

EDITOR'S NOTE: I'd try the first one, and see if it works.

This is a great OS. I started using Ubuntu with Gutsy Gibbon, and have used the development versions of Hardy Heron right up to the final release. It has quirks, but what OS doesn't? Really, to complain about Linux in general for hardware compatibility is silly. Windows has issues there too. I am a Windows and Ubuntu user at the moment. I paid for Windows (I expect perfection - and don't get it), and Ubuntu was free (I don't expect perfection - don't get it, but it works as good as Windows for my usage). I think Ubuntu is a perfect OS for a general user who is doing email, writing the odd document, surfing the web, and messaging friends.

Anyone considering Ubuntu should be aware that there is another (in my opinion, better) version of it called Kubuntu. The only difference is the interface: Kubuntu uses KDE, while Ubuntu uses Gnome which offers far fewer configuration options. If you don't like Ubuntu, give Kubuntu a try! You may prefer it, I know that I do.

I've used Ubuntu since Breezy Badger, I have Vista Dual booted on my computer and I boot into about every two weeks to update everything in it. By then I have had about all of the waiting around for apps to work and boot back into Ubuntu. One error in your article, Medibuntu is a Repository not an Application. It does have the Codecs and such that Ubuntu can't package because of copyright restrictions, however you kind of need to know what to look for. Most issues can be solved quite easily with a little patience and a search of the Ubuntu Forums. Oh and I have hardly used the command line for a couple of years now, But I can if I need it. I compare it to driving a a new Ferrari instead of a 1957 Desoto!

EDITOR'S NOTE: That's funny... I consider the command line to be the hotrod. :-)