As you may know, I have been using Ubuntu as my primary operating system at home for almost 6 months now. I am very happywith it, despite some small glitches and shortcomings. For example,the other week Gimp started to refuse to load. I had added GimpShop just before that happened, perhaps that is related. I am also having issues connection to work using Citrix, and of course my network administartor says that he does not support anything but Windows.
In the end of this month (on April 29), Canonical is releasing the next version of the operating system, version 10.04 (Lucid Lynx). This is a so called LTS (Long Term Support) release, meaning it will be supported for three years on the desktop and five years on the server.
I am currently running 9.10 (Karmic Koala) at home, and i have also installed that on several other systems, both my son’sdesktop and a friends laptop. She is however complaining that she need/want iTunes so she can manage her iPhone… So I guess i will see how good iTunes work in Wine.
Among the new features in Ubuntu 10.04are built-in support for social networks like twitterand Facebook, a new faster boot process, new themes, a music store, better file syncronisation with the cloud storage service Ubuntu One, and a manual. Yes, a PDF manual, so you don’t have to search the net for information.
Some changes have been made when it comes to the bundled programs. The video editing program PiTiVi is included, and Gimp have been removed. The focus on this version is to make the operating system as easy to use as possible, especially for first time Ubuntu users. Of course, it is easy to add any programs you want back, Ubuntu Software Center have been improved and it should be easier than ever to get programs for the operating system.
Personally I am very impressed by the number and quality of programs for Linux. For the few programs where I have not found a replacement of the Windows version, I simply use VMware. I also have the system set up for dual boot, if I want to I can boot straight into Windows, which is needed on occasion. VMware does not support IEEE1394 (Firewire), for example.
I will look for a program to download DV through FireWire in Ubuntu and start playing with video editing using PiViTi. I am currently using Sony Vegas in Windows for this. Slowly I am migrating off Windows more and more, a platform I have been using daily since Windows 2.03 back in 1988.
I intend to write about my favourite and recommended programs in Ubuntu within the next few days.