This week at Digital Buz, we took our first look at the Ubuntu 9.04 desktop operating system (named "Jaunty"). Up until now, we’ve been using Ubuntu 8.04 "Hardy" for our PC’s. With 9.04, we’ve notice a whole bunch of improvements which we believe will make it a real competitior for Microsoft Windows!
Firstly, it is our opinion that for a Linux distribution to be able to replace an encumbent like Microsoft Windows, that the Linux distribution must be easy to install and easy to use.
Secondly, we believe that there must be comparable applications that run on Linux to replace those running in Windows, whether these be free or commercial software.
Up until now, these 2 requirements have never really been at a level to allow for a easier transition path for Windows users. But with Ubuntu 9 and with applications available today for Linux, there is a real chance for wider adoption of Linux as a preferred operating system.
Here’s a summary of what we found impressive about Ubuntu 9:
- When installed on a system with Windows already installed, it gave easy instructions for how to repartition your hard drive to make space for both Windows and Ubuntu
- The installation wizard defaulted to a basic setup, asking only for things like language, timezone, preferred username and password. Easy for anyone to follow.
- Ubuntu 9 installed the Grub boot manager without a problem, recognizing the Windows installation and allowing for easily switching between Windows and Ubuntu.
- Ubuntu 9 booted up recognising all installed hardware, with wider support of graphic cards, sound cards, and network cards (previously some hardware would require additional tweaking to get it to work)
- Ubuntu 9 has better support for USB connected hardware, such as web cams, MP3 players, digital cameras, mouse and keyboards.
- Ubuntu 9 has better support for USB connected drives including memory sticks, and will automatically make these drives accessible when you connect them.
- Ubuntu 9 has better support for memory card readers, and will automatically mount these for you.
- Ubuntu 9 takes a fraction of the time to start up and shut down compared to Windows
