February 1, 2005
Hands on Ubuntu Linux
As I promised in my Gentoo Linux review a couple of weeks ago, I would also review Ubuntu Linux to see if it was a viable alternative. Between now and then, I've also had the wonderful opportunity to test VidaLinux Desktop OS, which already has turned into my default operating system. I knew before installing Ubuntu that it would be virtually impossible for it to convince me to switch distro again, and perhaps that biased me a bit. Anyway, my impression of Ubuntu is that it has potential for people who don't want to fiddle too much with their system, but it's far from perfect. Read on to get the details...
The Installer
Quite surprisingly for me who got the impression that Ubuntu were trying to make one of the easiest-to-use distros out there, the installer is text-based, meaning no mouse support and not the familiar graphical interface. While even the Windows XP installer is text-only, most people never have to install it, so it's not meaningful to compare the two. The most confusing part for newbies would probably be to figure out how to move between elements. Some screens required you to use the Tab key, but it wasn't documented anywhere. In the Fedora and VidaLinux installer (anaconda), there are always a line at the bottom of the screen explaining what keys to navigate with. In Ubuntu, you just had to know how to navigate, and I can assure you the installation would have ended right there if I were to ask e.g. my girlfriend to do it. Alternatively, I would have to stand behind her back and instruct her, which would make her even more frustrated. ;) So despite my assumptions, installing Ubuntu was actually harder than installing any other Linux distro I've tried so far (except for Gentoo, of course).
Another annoying thing with the installer: when choosing language it automatically chose keyboard layout and locale. I like having my operating systems in English, because I often spend time helping people with their computers and it helps having an English setup so I can give the exact instructions, not some lame translations. However, the Ubuntu installation forced me to choose keyboard layout, language and locale in one step, so I had to choose Swedish since my keyboard us using the Swedish layout.
On the other hand, the installer was pretty clever in one respect, as I mentioned yesterday. It didn't leave my system in an unbootable state just because I had used a broken CD-RW disc. The anaconda installer (at least in the Fedora releases I've tested) always halted whenever it detected problems with a package due to a CD read failure and this was quite frustrating at a time when I didn't know what was wrong with the CD's I burned (it was my SD-RAM memory chips that were faulty).
One final note about the installer: there's no choice of which applications to install. Defaults are used for everything, including Gnome, Evolution and Firefox. For me (a geek), this is a bit annoying, but at the same time I think regular users will not care much about changing defaults, so it's not a big drawback. You can always install or uninstall programs once you're up and running.
The Desktop
Once all applications are installed and you've created a default user, you get to the Ubuntu login screen (which is gdm with an Ubuntu theme). The desktop is brown, as shown in the screenshot. I'm not too fond of the appearance, but of course, that can be changed with a few clicks. The Gnome menu was arranged in a different manner compared to other distros, and I must say I liked that arrangement better. Ubuntu uses Program and Computer instead of the default Gnome setup which is Applications and Actions. Ubuntu's choice made more sense for a former Windows user.
Being used to hack a lot on my Linux systems after using Gnome and VidaLinux for a couple of weeks, I was quite surprised when I found out that I couldn't even log in as root in a virtual terminal. I then realized that the installer hadn't asked me for a root password! After spending some time trying to find the solution, I tried the Root Terminal item in the Program menu. It asked me to enter my password, so I entered the only password I've created so far (the one for the djst account) and it worked! In other words, I had direct access to the root account, by just using the password for the current account. Very strange, to say the least...
Synaptic Package Manager
This is the reason I was so sure beforehand that I wouldn't like Ubuntu as much as a Gentoo-based distro like VidaLinux: the package system. As with most Linux distributions, Ubuntu uses pre-compiled programs, also known as packages. This means that you can't easily install programs directly from the source code and optimize it for your hardware. Instead, you download pre-compiled packages that are built with generic optimization to work on most PCs. But that's just the minor downside of using packages. The major reason why I think a system like Portage (which uses source code instead of packages) is superior is the vast amount of software available. A server hosting pre-compiled packages needs someone to compile it and distribute it. That's not needed to the same extent when using plain source code. This all translates to a much higher probability that you'll find the software you want in Portage than it is with a system like the one in Ubuntu.
Here's to prove my point: On the default Synaptic server, I couldn't even find mplayer. MP3 support is not included either, for legal reasons. Firefox is strangely listed as version "mozilla-firefox (version 0.99+1.0PR.1+revertedto0.9.3-0ubuntu3)". Wow, that's a fancy name for Firefox 0.9.3. I can't wait for their "mozilla-firefox 2.0+2.0PR.1+revertedto1.0-ubuntu3" upgrade...
If I had the motivation, I could probably find out how to add more repositories and probably find both mplayer and MP3 support, but this is just the tip of an ice berg. I would eventually find programs not listed, or not being able to upgrade a program that was just released because of dependency problems. This is one of the reasons I never really liked Fedora. The ability to really customize your system is too limited.
However, for people who only need the mainstream software and who are not interested in staying up to date with updated software releases, Synaptic is probably sufficient. After all, it's really easy to use. As an example, I tried to install the Apache server software and within a minute, the http server was up and running. It even started itself automatically, so I have no idea how to turn it off. I assume /etc/init.d/apache2 stop is specific to Gentoo.
Harware Support
This was the biggest surprise for me. When booting, I got a lot of errors from modprobe about permission problems on modules and problems with hotplug. Either the installer is known to have problems with hardware or my computer is extremely unique. I couldn't get my sound card to work at all, and I tried to use all sorts of settings (ALSA being the one that really should work). Even though I've had problems with the sound card on every distro, it has always worked, just not properly. In Ubuntu it doesn't seem to work at all. Also, Totem Media Player couldn't play any of my videos. It just closed itself without leavning a trace of error messages or anything.
The verdict
This is of course my personal opinion, but I'd say there's no reason to use a package-based Linux distro when source-code-based distros exist. Even the installer was more convenient in VidaLinux when comparing with Ubuntu's, so you can't even argue that it would be easier to install a package based distro. Ubuntu and VidaLinux offer roughly the same default programs and roughly the same setup, but what's really making the difference is the ease of maintenance offered with a Linux distro using Portage. The ability to install anything, anytime is hard to beat. The system takes care of all dependency problems for you and you don't need to wait until someone else compiles the package for you.
The bottom line: if you're looking for an easy to install and easy to use Linux distribution, yet you want the ability to customize and optimize it, install VidaLinux, not Ubuntu. It's easier to install, easier to maintain and so much more flexible.
Posted by djst at February 1, 2005 10:05 PMI was quite surprised when I found out that I couldn't even log in as root in a virtual terminal.
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in fact, that's a feature. in ubuntu the root account is disabled by default. instead of it you use sudo, a tool to give some privilegs to an user without giving him total control over the machine.
if you want a root password just use "sudo passwd root"
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As with most Linux distributions, Ubuntu uses pre-compiled programs, also known as packages
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take a look at apt-build
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A server hosting pre-compiled packages needs someone to compile it and distribute it. That's not needed to the same extent when using plain source code. This all translates to a much higher probability that you'll find the software you want in Portage than it is with a system like the one in Ubuntu.
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you have deb-src repositories
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MP3 support is not included either, for legal reasons.
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actually. it just makes sense.
sudo aptitude install libmikmod2
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Firefox is strangely listed as version "mozilla-firefox (version 0.99+1.0PR.1+revertedto0.9.3-0ubuntu3)". Wow, that's a fancy name for Firefox 0.9.3. I can't wait for their mozilla-firefox 2.0+2.0PR.1+revertedto1.0-ubuntu3 upgrade...
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this is because at first they had firefox 1.0 in warty, but because of a bug żin firefox? they went back to 0.9.3
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This was the biggest surprise for me. When booting, I got a lot of errors from modprobe about permission problems on modules and problems with hotplug. Either the installer is known to have problems with hardware or my computer is extremely unique.
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shpchp and pciehp? it's not an error. just add it to /etc/hotplug/blacklist so ubuntu won't try to load it
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Also, Totem Media Player couldn't play any of my videos.
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gstreamer-ffmpeg?
Well, it's like OSX. The first user you create is an admin. That means he has the right to use sudo. So sudo -s works but not su. Gnome-terminal uses sudo to start a root terminal.
Also, add universe and restricted to you deb line in sources.list, then everything like mplayer is there.
But warty lacks some features, it's not that great. Hoary on the other hand is going to be the best dist ever!
Posted by: Ernst Persson at February 1, 2005 11:39 PMUbuntu is an odd mix of new-user-friendly and jump-in-and-use-terminal. The fact that it tries to keep you away from the console is great for new Linux users. However, I had to do some major hacking to turn sound on (David, hint:
sudo nano /boot/grub/menu.lst and change kernel /boot/vmlinuz-2.6.8.1-3-386 root=/dev/hda4 ro quiet splash to kernel /boot/vmlinuz-2.6.8.1-3-386 acpi_irq_isa=7 root=/dev/hda4 ro quiet splash) as well as get wireless working, and some other stuff.
It is also an odd mix of polish (best-looking default theme and login screen ever; the unity is awesome) and roughness (the text installer). I'll bet Hoary will be great; this distro is going places. It's just not quite there yet.
Posted by: Seth Kinast at February 2, 2005 1:03 AMPossibly the least sensible review of a distribution I have ever read. I used gentoo for a year: after a while, it just gets boring. The number of unmasked packages you end up with to have anything vaguely recent ( eg gnome 2.8 at the point I left) is just unbelievable. To people who say gentoo is never unstable: please. I have had enough of source based distros for quite a while.
And given that you have installed gentoo, calling ubuntu "the hardest to install" is just laughable.
I think debian based distros are shaping up to be the best of both worlds : compile stuff that is actually worth compiling (apt-build), and get on with your life the rest of the time.
How can you say these things?!
Doesn't Ubuntu access more packages than portage? There are 15,000 in Debian alone.
The "optimized for your machine" thing with source distros seems to be unsubstantiated.
The Ubuntu install is hard because you dont the familiarity of graphics and a mouse?! All you need is the return key!
I would also contend with Gentoo's ability to "install anything anytime". That doesn't sound possible without, as you say for ubuntu, accessing other repositories (or web sites)
Posted by: Todd at February 2, 2005 2:27 AMhttp://weblogs.mozillazine.org/djst/photos/2005-01-30/full.jpg
theres nothing tackier than using X-cookie cutter super model as your NERDLY desktop to help alleviate small dick syndrome, such as someone buying a dodge viper when they can barely make the payments each month.
Posted by: giant_suck at February 2, 2005 2:32 AMAgreed 1000%. I found the install process painful and geeky, and it was an unpleasant surprise to discover that it won't partition automatically the free space on a disk untouching the existing partitions. How can a non-techie install such a beast, that's just ridiculous.
Posted by: Daniel Glazman at February 2, 2005 6:16 AMWhat a lame review. Your mixing things up here. Your want a distro your girlfriend can install but with all the power toys a geek like you to play with. For someone who's spending his or her first hours with a pc or linux it does make sense to combine the question of keyboard lay-out and language.
@Daniel Glazman:
If you had selected the free space on your hard drive to install ubuntu it would give you an option to automaticaly create partitions leafing the existing untouched.
zootropo:
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When booting, I got a lot of errors from modprobe about permission problems on modules and problems with hotplug.
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shpchp and pciehp? it's not an error. just add it to /etc/hotplug/blacklist so ubuntu won't try to load it"
It sure looked like an error to me. Modprobe even said "FATAL ERROR".
Bert: What am I mixing up?
"Your want a distro your girlfriend can install but with all the power toys a geek like you to play with."
Exactly! In other words, I want software that's easy to install, easy to use and easy to maintain. What's wrong with that? That's what I love about Firefox for example.
"For someone who's spending his or her first hours with a pc or linux it does make sense to combine the question of keyboard lay-out and language."
For a person who's spending his/her first hours with Linux, it certainly doesn't make sense to wipe his/her hard drive by default.
While I can agree with you that it makes some sense for most people to combine the questions about keyboard layout and language in an installer, there should be the ability to choose a different keyboard layout anyway. The Swedish translation is not even complete and it's just annoying to see English mixed up with Swedish throughout the system. It's not a big deal, but it's something unique for Ubuntu, as no other distro I've tried has combined the language/keyboard questions into one before. Even the Windows XP installer offers the ability to set up a different keyboard layout than the language.
giant_suck: I even said in the review that I normally don't like screenshots but added it to show off the gDesklets I was using, but maybe you didn't read the actual review?
Todd:
"The 'optimized for your machine' thing with source distros seems to be unsubstantiated."
How so? Of course a build optimized for my P4 will be faster than a generic i386 build.
rjw: I've never said Gentoo is never unstable. I don't know what you got that from.
"And given that you have installed gentoo, calling ubuntu "the hardest to install" is just laughable."
Admittedly, I completely forgot Gentoo. :) I ment Ubuntu is the hardest to install _mainstream_ distro I've tried so far, which includes Red Hat 8 and 9, Fedora Core 1, 2 and 3, SuSE 8.0 and 9.0, Mandrake 8.0, 9.0, and VidaLinux 1.1. And with "hardest to install" I'm especially referring to the undocumented keyboard navigation, such as the use of Tab to navigate to the OK button when making selections in a list. The installation simply would have stopped there if I was a PC newbie and didn't know that a strange button with arrows pointing to left and right was used to navigate between UI controls. But I'm also referring to the strange default suggestion to wipe my hard drive. Thankfully, I'm not a computer illiterate and actively chose another option than the default...
To everyone else from the Ubuntu camp:
Stop taking things so personal. One again, this was my personal experiences with Ubuntu, shared in my personal blog.
And remember that I said positive things about Ubuntu too, such as the reorganization of the Gnome menu, and the installer's ability to recover from CD read errors. I also said Synaptic was very easy to use. Hey, I even said I was going to test the Hoary release once it's out, and I'm even looking forward to it!
Posted by: David Tenser at February 2, 2005 8:42 PM"This means that you can't easily install programs directly from the source code and optimize it for your hardware."
Er, what? Download tar.gz, unpack, configure, make, make install.
Posted by: Mike Bruce at February 5, 2005 8:00 AMUbuntu by default only has the CD enabled by default as a repository to install software, but has a few other repositories available. In Synaptic, click Settings on the Menu and select Repositories. Check the ones you want (if you want to compile I guess you check the deb-src repositories). There are two at archive.ubuntu.com, the second is universe, make sure you include it. I also enabled multiverse (just type it in the sections box). Click OK and Synaptic will refresh.
Posted by: Daniel at February 7, 2005 10:04 AMOh, one complaint I did have with Ubuntu when I installed it was that it wasn't a build-ready environment. Me being new to Linux I had no idea what to install. It took me a while, but now I can compile programs.
Posted by: Daniel at February 7, 2005 10:06 AM