I’m doing my work, writing code, atop of Linux these days. 10.04 Ubuntu LTS
- the Lucid Lynx to be exact.
What have I noticed in not having to use a typical Windows SOE (Standard Operating Environment)? A list of the up sides:
- Fast startup and shutdown
- instant wireless connection
- low memory usage without the slow inevitable creep upwards
- balanced CPU usage and a fast / responsive system
- advanced software packaging system (really fantastic)
- enough memory and CPU left to run my IDE + database + GIS mapping services + …
- a platform that’s geared towards the open source world
- and last but not least, a decent command line.
And the hassles / downsides?
- I had to search the internet and fix some post upgrade services (like hibernate/resume) for my particular machine. I’m not talking install from 15 floppies here, but it was annoying until I had it sorted (I’m a little anal).
- it’s different to Windows – one has to adjust but that’s true moving in either direction
- Ctrl-shift-C and Ctrl-shift-V for terminals but Ctrl-C / Ctrl-V for apps really does take some getting used too (but terminals really don’t like Ctrl-C…)
- Ubuntu is Debian and not RedHat in terms of systems administration. I’m now adjusted but it took a while and I’m still a NOOB. RPM’s really weren’t that great, APT is far more advanced – it was just a comfort thing yet again.
- Some sites provide what seem like bleeding edge builds for their Linux release. Now I would like stable versus development to always be an option. Some sites happens to be one - Google Earth – where I had to search the web and change a config entry to allow it to start without crashing. Again not a big issue, but I’d like stable and boring please.
I’ve probably missed a lot of things, but these seem top in my mind and I have really been enjoying having a lean fast platform! After all I use it all day and then some.
