Software Review: Ubuntu 10.04 - Late Night Thoughts

Awaiting a highly anticipated release from Canonical, Ubuntu 10.04 (Lucid Lynx) has been hailed as the best Linux release ever. There has been enough written about it but I am adding to it as a non technical user.

I need to have everything working out of the box. Why would someone need to fire up terminal, type in inane command lines and expect something magical to come up? When I had shifted the to Linux platform (after being fed up of Windows and Apple Mac being way beyond my resources), there was hardly any distro worth mentioning except for Suse Linux. Yet, in those days, it was an expensive proposition; one had to pay for it. The Internet was not so pervasive and broadband was just another word.

As my awareness grew, I realized that it was very difficult to get adequate software for my needs. It was then during the course of discussions, Debian was mentioned and I needed to look no further. Ubuntu's earliest release came bundled with a bunch of free CD's which was indeed a revelation of all sorts. I haven't looked back since then.

Over the years (5 years to be precise), Ubuntu has blossomed into a full blown "movement". The community has grown and there is a huge ecosystem around it. Obviously, comparison's with other competing operating systems are imminent.

Apple Macintosh has kept a tight leash on the hardware it supports. It is akin to a single vendor lock in which means that with every new release, there is always "something better". It works in a way as an "incentive" to "upgrade" but this option remains limited to committed fan boys and a small user base given the premium it commands. Minor incremental improvements in processor speed or "better improved interface" is hardly any qualification to crow about on fancy home pages. Apple has persisted with "leaked media releases" and aggressive marketing to make itself "relevant".

Microsoft has stuck on with "FUD campaigns" and bullying the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) because the margins are thin for volume sales. It also helps as MS underwrites advertising campaigns for OEM's (which "recommend" Windows). The "Wintel" (Windows and Intel) combination has dominated desktop space for all we know much to the "loss of other systems" because it violates the right to choose.

From this "buzz" and factors working against it, Ubuntu has literally brought Linux in the mainstream. This is important because it has increased focus on the Free Open Source software, artists releasing their artwork on "open license" and releasing songs free of restrictions and making money too in the process, design factor improving with leaps and bounds and all the more improved overall performance on various platforms. Which means, irrespective of the combination of processor or motherboard or various accessories attached to your computer, there is someone toiling hard to make it work for you.

This brings me back to my choice. I made a conscious decision to stick to Linux, explore it and I am elated to have Ubuntu "work out of box". Wifi, Bluetooth, Web Cam...you name it, it works. Add to that, the design factor which has improved markedly over the previous versions(from brown "human theme" to much usable "purple theme"). With the release of Gnome 3 Shell (already in the repos), the next version of Ubuntu (10.10) promises to the be a revelation in terms of practical eye candy and tightly integrated applications. Compiz fusion already adds spunk to existing releases; just a matter of few clicks though to turn it "on".

Ubuntu One service is a focus on the "cloud" to encourage back up and synchronize files across various devices. With it's "me-menu", there is an increased focus on the social networking integrated out of box with the desktop panels. I am sure that it would go a long way not only to entice new users but would see more focus in the ensuing releases.

Ultimately, it boils down to a personal choice. Ubuntu should focus on the mobile devices where it would be more than adequate for fledgling Windows Mobile. With a cloud based service, design and oomph factor and a DRM free music store, it is time Ubuntu (and more specifically Linux and Free Open Source Software) to come in the mainstream.

The future holds the key. It is the present which is making all the difference now though.