the linux blog

So I took the plunge. Again. I installed Linux on my desktop, and it's soon to be the sole bootable OS on my desktop computer. I went with Ubuntu because I've heard good things. I also like their versioning strategy.

The experience was amazing, let me say that much.

Upon inserting the CD into my computer, a Windows auto-run application popped up notifying me of three options: 1. restart to demo and install, 2. install like a Windows application but with some limited functionality, 3. learn more about Linux. While installing within Windows sounded interesting, I knew that I would want hibernation and a native disk interface, so I chose Option 1.

After rebooting I had a fully functional, albeit slow-as-poop-because-everything-is-loaded-from-CD, Linux system. I played around with it a bit in this state. I figured out the wireless connection, checked out a sweet disk utilization app, and even repartitioned my desired Linux drive all from inside this "demo." But alas, slow was unacceptable. Holding my breath, I double clicked the "Install" icon which was so conveniently placed on my beautiful brown-paper-bag-with-coffee-ring desktop. No, honestly, it's really pretty.

I was asked a few standard questions. What time zone are you in? What keyboard layout do you have? That sort of stuff. Then I was asked where I wanted to install. This part was pretty slick. The installer suggested that I resize my existing Windows XP partition and install Linux in the remaining space. I was amazed. The last time I ran Linux full time, the NTFS kernel modules were listed as "experimental." Back then you could try reading NTFS, but it seemed dangerous to write to it, not to even mention resizing it. I didn't need this option, however, because I was all ready with a separate hard disk for Linux. It was amazing nonetheless.

I believe the last step in the process floored me. The Ubuntu installer asked if I wanted any of my Windows profiles moved over to Linux. !!! It was willing to transfer my Firefox/IE settings, my documents/music/pictures, my wallpaper, even my XP user logon image all at the click of a few boxes. Talk about great migration options.

So it installed. It took about half an hour, but afterwards things looked just like the demo again, sans "Install" desktop icon. I was back online; I was even being notified of new software updates that are available. What's more, I was notified of hardware drivers that I may or may not want to download, depending on my free-as-in-speech/free-as-in-beer tastes. I stupidly closed this window hoping to jump back to it soon, but the notification went away. Fortunately the message and choices were easily re-found as the Hardware Drivers option of the Administration menu.

So that was my Linux install experience. It was pretty great. I have additional things I want to post here about my Linux travails, but they're more technical, and I'm not sure anyone cares. Bottom line: I installed Linux. I'm using it right now. I feel more... computery, somehow. I just hope cep doesn't get too frustrated with it.