[Ubuntu] Wubi, the Windows Linux Installer

During one of my StumbleUpon sessions, I came across Wubi, the self-proclaimed "Easiest Way to Linux" for Windows users. That was a pretty interesting tag line and given my relative laziness to go about trying to get a copy of the latest Ubuntu distribution (I don't have a CD burner), setting up a partition and all that, I have yet to get onto the Ubuntu bandwagon. This seemed like a promising way to do it.

So I downloaded the decently-sized installer (around 9Mb), ran it, made my selections about the amount of space I wanted to give Ubuntu and other options, rebooted my computer a few times (as instructed) and presto, I can now dual-boot for Ubuntu (7.04 Feisty Fawn)! At least now I can finally get around to writing first-hand experiences about Ubuntu as opposed to just general news about it.

My only challenge so far is getting the screen resolution right - I'm using a wide screen LCD monitor and it never looks quite right no matter how much I play with the settings. More on this in the weeks to come.

So if you're (1) a sad Windows user like me and (2) interested in trying out Ubuntu, this might be the best way for you to do it. It worked pretty easily for me so far and Windows XP still seems to be running decently thus far.

[Ubuntu] Installing gOS over Ubuntu

If you want to install the cool gOS look over Ubuntu Linux, do the following.

1. Edit your software repository list to include gOS. Open a terminal window (Applications>Accessories>Terminal), and type sudo gedit /etc/apt/sources.list.

2. Enter the following:
deb http://packages.thinkgos.com/gos/ painful main

3. Save the file.

a. You must also add the key so that aptitude will not warn you that the source is untrusted. At the terminal enter
wget http://www.thinkgos.com/files/gos_repo_key.asc

b. Add the key by entering the following on the terminal
sudo apt-key add gos_repo_key.asc

c. Update aptitude through this command
sudo aptitude update

4. To install gOS via terminal, I suggest using aptitude instead of apt-get. It makes the removal easier (in case you want to revert to plain Ubuntu). Note that you need an Internet connection for this one. Enter the command
sudo aptitude install greenos-desktop

5. After installation, log out. In the login screen, press F10. Click on Select Sessions, then click on Enlightenment. Click Ok.

6. After entering your user name and password, you will be prompted whether to make Enlightenment as the default desktop. If you are just checking, click Just this time.

And you will now see the default green theme.



To remove gOS, issue this command at the terminal:

sudo aptitude remove enlightenment

Aptitude will automatically remove greenos-desktop package.

ADVANCED MODE:

Enlightenment DR17 is the environment used by gOS. If you want the latest version installed, add this line to the repository list (follow step one above):

deb http://e17.dunnewind.net/ubuntu gutsy e17

On the terminal, use aptitude to install the latest Enlightenment:

sudo aptitude install enlightenment

Note that DR17 is still under heavy development, and may be buggy. The upside is that you get the latest modules and gadgets (like the mixer and network gadgets).

If you want to try the beta of the new version, named Rocket, add this to the repo list instead of the one stated at step 1:

deb http://packages.thinkgos.com/gos/ reloaded main

Be warned, though. According to a post in Ubuntu Forums, installing Rocket will remove several packages, including network-manager.

(Steps taken from the unofficial gOS Forum.)

[Software] Impressions on Enlightenment over Ubuntu

I have been using Ubuntu (technically, more later) for the past month on an MSI VR320 K2 laptop. I have three desktop environments and one window manager installed - Gnome, KDE, Xfce, and Enlightenment (which comes as default desktop for gOS).

I first installed Ubuntu, and I experienced two problems with the default environment - GNOME. One was that nagging ad infinitum drum sounds; I had to mute the sound to get rid of it. One solution offered somewhere was to include the Gutsy backport repository and do an update, but Synaptic and apt-get always report that the repository is empty.

Anyway, as stated earlier, I had installed 3 environments and 1 window manager. Currently I am using Enlightenment with the default gOS theme. I was able to recreate the dock, but with several gadgets installed. I have 3 shelves on the desktop. On top contains an iBox (if you minimize a window, its icon is placed in this gadget). At the middle right is the iClock gadget. And the shelf below contains an iBar (gOS' dock), the Pager (desktop pager), and temperature, battery, and CPU monitors.

This setup works for me, since the desktop is easy to the eyes, looks great, and is not cluttered. And I can play music without the nagging sound that I always get when I use GNOME.

I was also able to install GNOME PPP. This means I can use my 3G phone as modem, which is nice. I don't have to use Windows just to browse the Web when I'm home. I haven't tested the WiFi yet, but will do so when I get the chance.

I will post more impressions next time. Suffice to say that I like my Enlightenment setup now.

I will try to use KDE and Xfce in the next weeks, and will post my impressions soon. Will save GNOME for last, as I intend to savor Desktop and Rotate Cube effects. Take that, Windows!

And oh, don't forget - unless you are very sure, do not press Shift+Backspace.

GLOSSARY:
Shelf - technically, a container where you can place gadgets
Gadget - a piece of software that can convey information (like a battery meter) and contain several icons (iBar and iBox)
Synaptic - the graphical package manager for GNOME
Repository - a central location where you can find packages
Packages - applications that you can install

[Software] A short look at gOS

Green OS (gOS) is an Ubuntu Linux derivative and the default operating system installed in gPC, Everex' entry into the cheap PC arena. gOS sports a different user interface and includes mostly Web-based applications (though it also includes offline apps like OpenOffice.org). gOS explores the idea of all apps being online (with the OS "bundling" mostly Web-based apps); this might be the first iteration of a thin-client.

The first thing you will notice is the UI. Unlike Ubuntu, gOS uses the Enlightenment windows manager, which makes the desktop look like that of the Mac OS X. It has a dock, where you can select an application to use (you can add another app to the dock as well). The main menu is represented by the green leaf at the left of the dock, and it works like Windows' start menu. A Google search form is at the top right. The system clock is represented by an analog display at the right, below an icon of two monitors. By default, clicking on that will show you networking options via exalt; you can customize the menu that is displayed as well - that is, if you know command line interface (CLI).

At the top of the desktop you can see all the disk drives you have. If you attach a removable drive, it also shows at the desktop. This is similar to Ubuntu's Gnome desktop.

If you have been using Ubuntu, using gOS is very straightforward. The choice of the network manager is not. Exalt is the network management tool used by gOS, and by golly it is not the most helpful tool out there. Using an MSI VR320 K2 laptop (dual boot with Windows XP), I cannot connect to a friend's WiFi network, even if Windows can connect without fuzz. I got to connect once, but it was useless - I couldn't go to any Web site; even ping gave up.

Web connection is necessary so that I can install Gnome-PPP. Without Gnome-PPP, I cannot use my Sony Ericsson P1i as 3G modem - my only Internet connection at home.

I loaded a DVD movie. Xine is the default movie player for gOS. Unfortunately, when the movie was played, all I could see was gibberish; the audio was OK. Must be a graphics driver problem. RhythmBox is the default audio player for gOS. While it can play music, it was not able to detect my iPod Video. gOS detects the iPod, and places an icon at the desktop to denote the disk. Using RhythmBox's Scan removable media did not work for me.

The official unofficial support for gOS is at FAQly. Unfortunately, it was cluttered, and for me it was not the right way to provide support. Fortunately, unofficial support forums are taking the slack. Unofficial forum is at GOSForums.org (this one is more organized, but relatively new), and the official one is at Cafe Linux. Since gOS is a relatively new distro, expect few answers to questions, but that would change a few months from now, when more power users test this operating system.

gOS is a nice Ubuntu derivative. It is lightweight, and it has the snazziest UI around. It doesn't work for my setup, though, so I am back to Ubuntu. How I wish I can change the Ubuntu desktop to gOS (without exalt, please). Maybe I'll try again with gOS when online support matures, and a new version appears.

[Microsoft] Enter: Vista

Today's the "big" launch of Windows Vista, the latest version of the Windows Operating System.

Of course the question on everyone's mind is if it's worth the time, effort and most of all money to switch to the new OS already. The Geeky Guide has been doing its part to research possibilities, and here's what we've come up with in terms of research data.

Dropping by CNET.com, there's a lot to be said about Windows Vista, of course. There have been some disappointments for XP users upgrading to Vista since the new license policy doesn't allow for a clean install - you need a certified version of Windows XP still installed on your PC. Furthermore, experts are saying Vista isn't worth solely the security aspect in terms of a purchasing decision. Vista for now performs similary to a well-patched Windows XP so security alone shouldn't force a decison. Heck, most users are going to end up with the home edition, won't even get all the security features that the Microsoft marketing folk keep ranting about.

I guess if you really want to experience Aero, then go right on ahead and upgrade. Otherwise, it's better to wait it out some more while the other software and hardware companies catch up in making their products fully compatible with the new OS.

PC World also had a lot of interesting things to say about Vista's release. They have both a list of 15 reasons to switch and why you shouldn't as well, and both sides present some pretty interesting arguments. Of course for those wanting to just know more about what it's all about, try checking out this extensive guide. Lastly, if you're just after the look-and-feel of the new OS, you might want to experiment with these Windows XP hacks to make your PC run like Vista.

On the other side of the fence are those that argue that this is also a good time to consider switching to a new OS since migrating to Vista will have a learning curve factored in as well. You can consider going Mac now or perhaps trying Ubuntu Linux as some bloggers argue. (Credit to Digg for that last reference.

Personally, I think it's too early to tell if it's worth the switch. For now I'm staying with XP unless I need to get a new computer. Only then will I consider going the Vista route, or perhaps I'll finally make that switch to Ubuntu, hehe.

Related Links:

• Engadget: Windows Vista in pictures
  
• CNNMoney.com: Microsoft launches Vista worldwide
  
• CNET.com: Windows Vista Complete Guide
  
• CNET News.com: Vista's actual launch? Think whisper, not bang
  
• ZDNet News: A frat party for Vista's debut
  
• Gizmodo: Vista Launch Party Schwag Bag: Add It Up