October has been a busy month with the launch of Windows 7 but Windows 7 isn’t the only new version of a desktop operating system being launched this month. Ubuntu 9.10, the very popular Linux distribution, was released yesterday and should prove to be popular among Linux fans and hopefully gain some new users too. For those who don’t know, Ubuntu is a Linux based operating system which can easily replace Windows on your PC. It costs nothing to download and it is completely free to use without any charge.
As you know every PC needs an operating system (OS) to provide a user interface and control the hardware (like memory, video, storage and sound). It is clear that Windows is the most popular OS for desktop PCs and Microsoft is hoping that its fortunes will improve with the release of Windows 7. But Windows isn’t the only OS out there. Ubuntu is a free to use OS which offers all the modern luxuries that PC users demand. There is of course a full (and cool) user interface with all the modern bits and bobs we all like and of course there are a whole bag load of applications to run as well. Many popular applications for Windows like Firefox and OpenOffice.org are also available on Ubuntu (and OS X to be fair to the Mac).
Unlike Windows (which is released every 2 or 3 years), Ubuntu is released every 6 months so the advances aren’t as gigantic as say the differences between Windows XP and Windows Vista. But if you take the 4 to 6 releases that happen in the Ubuntu world while Windows is still cooking then the improvements are massive and unlike Windows you get hold of them every 6 months. So what does the latest version of Ubuntu (9.10, meaning it is the October 2009 release) have to offer.
Probably the most important update is the integration of ‘Ubuntu One’ as a standard component of the desktop. Ubuntu One is Ubuntu’s online side of the desktop. It is an online service which lets you “backup your life”. You can use it to back up, store and sync your data. You can also share documents and pictures with other Ubuntu One users. The basic 2GB account is free. If you need more space, 50 GB is just $10 a month.
"Ubuntu 9.10 gives users more reasons than ever to seriously consider Linux at a time when many are thinking again about their operating system options. We are delivering a platform for users interested in an easy-to-use, great-looking, web-friendly operating system,” says Jane Silber, COO at Canonical. "A faster, more beautiful boot and login sequence, file and contact synchronisation through online services and great experiences on the most popular notebook, desktop and netbook models continue to drive Ubuntu into the mainstream of computing choices.”
Ubuntu also has something special for netbook owners and there is a special version of Ubuntu called the Ubuntu Netbook Remix (UNR) which is similar to the Windows 7 Starter version in that it is designed especially for small form machines.
Other than the latest software like Firefox 3.5 and the inclusion of Ubuntu One, 9.10 also features a redesigned, faster boot and login experience, a revamped audio framework, and improved 3G broadband connectivity.
Ubuntu Desktop Edition is entirely free of charge and can be downloaded from www.ubuntu.com as of yesterday.
15 thoughts on “Ubuntu 9.10 – Real Alternative to Windows 7?”
I’ve been using computers since 1980, have owned Macintoshes at home since 1984, and have used Microsoft operating systems since the early DOS days. Last summer I attended a Windows 7 preview webinar, and I thought, “This is roughly comparable to Ubuntu 9.4/Mac OS 10.4 — why bother?”
After dipping my toe in the Ubuntu pool in 2009, I am now a complete convert to Ubuntu, which combines the best features of Mac OS and Windows in a well-documented, well-supported, stable, configurable, and easy to use operating system. My iMac isn’t exactly gathering dust, but it’s not getting much use either.
excellent review and article!
Yes, BUT:
You forgot the most important thing: Ubuntu (and many other GNU/Linux-Distros like Fedora, Debian, openSUSE, Sidux, Gentoo, … and many other programs like OpenOffice.org, Latex, the Firefox, the GIMP, …) is not only available free of charge, it is also free as in freedom.
That is the important aspect when we talk about free and open source software (FOSS): In a society that is transforming to an information society, in a society that is more and more dependend of software, this software should be controlled by the public, not by few large software companies (like MS or Apple).
Just tried ubuntu 9.10
It’s really great!
When Ubuntu is able to do serious work…in terms of production and motion graphics….give me a call.
Til then, no thanks.
Thanks everyone for your comments, please keep them coming, I love to hear about your views…
In reply to micu:
I agree that the open source aspect is very important for developers, IT strategists and for philosophers, but the reality is that my aunt Nelly doesn’t care about it. What she does care about is that she can browse the net, stay safe against viruses and malware (which she can really well with Ubuntu), listen to music and see photos of her family without having to pay £100 for the privilege.
Add to that Ubuntu One so she can backup her most important files and Ubuntu is an excellent solution.
Comments anyone?
Gary
Valid points, and I would argue that keeping an Ubuntu desktop running stably requires less effort and technical knowledge than Windows (even if Windows were not a virus magnet), but there is still the problem of branding. I really hope that Ubuntu goes viral through word of mouth, but I’m not holding my breath. Perhaps the best scenario is that the more technically minded install Ubuntu on friends’ computers, and it spreads that way.
I have little hope for the “average” computer user to swim upstream and go against the advertising might of Microsoft. Even Apple’s current ads are indirectly (although hardly flatteringly) promoting name recognition for Windows 7. Wwhere, aside from the web and the rare technical column in a newspaper, does one hear the word “Ubuntu”? Certainly not on television.
In reply to the comment by GarySims on October 31, 2009 @ 7:10 am:
Yeah, but this was my point. The typical luser like aunt Nelly might not care, I agree. But he or she should! ;-). Even if he or she is not able to code, or isn’t hackish in any other way. Of course, the freedom aspect about FOSS is much more obvious to a developer. But it is very important to the normal user as well—it is important for the whole society. Why? As I said above: In a society that is transforming to an information society, in a society that is more and more dependend of software, this software should be controlled by the public, not by few large software companies (like MS or Apple). And these four freedoms of free software (especially the last one) make it possible that the whole society can benefit from it, not only the developers. I have to mention this article again, because it is best explained here.
So aunt Nelly doesn’t care? She should, and in order to make her care we need to improve our education to explain to her and to all the other normal users out there, why they should care.
But you are right, all the freedom does not help, if the usability of the system is bad. So
is prerequisite that FOSS can work.
I have been supporting Ubuntu since 2008. Ubuntu has been the best operating system compared to Windows and Mac. Once I have experienced this fully packed open-source operating system, I have never turned back to Windows or had the hunger to head to Mac. Every so often I purchase a new PC or think about purchasing a Mac. The first thing I would do is turn it on and insert the Ubuntu CD. There was only once that I had tried to go back to Windows again just to see if I would need it. Turns out that I don’t need Windows. Ubuntu has become my replacement for Windows and looking at the Mac operating system, I much rather look towards Ubuntu. Ubuntu is packed with thousands of open-source software and it’s ecosystem is open-source. I use Ubuntu in all my computers in the office. My company, PRA Enterprises, has already made Ubuntu our default operating system. I, the Chief Executive Officer of the company, have personally head over to churches, schools, and other non-profit organizations and recommended Ubuntu. Ubuntu is the truly the best operating system. Open-source will dominate the desktop, mobile, and web. Already the Google Android mobile operating system has dominated the mobile market share. Many shout for the iPhone, however I shout for Google; it’s open-source strategy is superior. Spread Ubuntu with your friends, family, work, schools, everywhere. Ubuntu is the best operating system and I will continue to use Ubuntu. Google Chrome OS is coming out 2010 so we’ll see what Google has to offer. In my opinion, Google is going to open doors for many Linux distributions to become stronger and better. Google will become the trademark of open-source advancement. Thanks Ubuntu! Thanks for becoming my default operating system. People, consider using this operating system. Ubuntu is the future of operating systems.
For several days now, I’ve had Ubuntu 9.10 64-bit installed on the quad-boot system in our living room (we have more than one computer).
To put it plainly, I think this is by far the best desktop Linux release I’ve seen yet. Though fanboys would consider it blasphemy, I have to say I like it better than Windows 7 (which is not only horribly overpriced, but kinda slushy and slow compared Ubuntu, and getting slower every day) OR Snow Leopard (which is at times unstable to the point of kicking me back to the login prompt…no matter how many times I do cache clearing/rebuilding maintenance).
Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala on the other hand is fast, free, rock-stable, and more secure than either Windows or OS X. What’s not to love?
I think Ubuntu does compare very wellwith windows 7. However, although ubuntu has more people developing it, I prefer microsoft as it is more of a brand name these days.
I personally prefer Windows rather than Ubuntu. Mostly peoples are not aware of Ubuntu because its not user friendly. You have to learn it before used it while Windows 7 is one of the great windows OS MS have released after Windows XP. What do you think about Mac ??
ALL operating systems and computer applications require learned behavior. Having used Microsoft operating systems since the DOS days, Macs since 1984, and Ubuntu since June 2009, I am very familiar with all three. Ubuntu has become my preferred environment because it is fast, stable, and very easy to use. Mac OS X remains the most polished of the three, but at the expense of greater hardware demands. In my experience Windows 7, while an improvement over XP (and a vast improvement over the wretched Vista) offers no incentive to upgrade my netbook from XP. Neither Windows 7 nor Microsoft applications operate with the degree of consistency I expect, and get, from the other two. Put another way, Ubuntu frustrates me less than Windows XP or 7.