Rob's Blog

For most people computer software is what comes with their computer. Usually this means some combination of Windows XP Home Edition, Internet Explorer, perhaps Microsoft’s Works suite and some CD/DVD writing software. The average user doesn’t tend to do upgrades either and as such, the uptake of open source software is relatively small outside the commercial and geeky community.

Things are slowly starting to change though; Firefox has managed to break through to some desktops and OpenOffice is finally beginning to look like a viable alternative to Microsoft Office. Despite the uptake of these (and other) applications, Linux remains a fairly unpopular choice for the home user. Perhaps it’s the perceived difficulty of installing and using Linux; or perhaps it’s simply that Windows does what most people need and are unwilling to change.

Whatever the reason, I’ve decided to take another look at Linux as a desktop-based operating system, something I haven’t done for a while. However I still need to use Windows most of the time and I really don’t want to lose any of my work. Lucky I use VMware, huh?

Anyway getting hold of Ubuntu is easy – just download the Ubuntu ISO or if you have VMware player you can download Ubuntu as a ready-to-run virtual appliance. Running VMware also helps you to save the planet just a small amount – no wasted CDs!

Booting into Ubuntu you are presented with a fully-functional Linux desktop system. Unlike many installation routines Ubuntu gives you the chance to experiment with the system and to see if you like it before commiting to the install. It also means you can give the CD to your friends (assuming you have some) and let them have a go with it too, although they may look at you a bit funny.

Ubuntu comes with a bunch of stuff that the average PC user needs – Firefox 2 for web browsing, Evolution for e-mail, the GAIM instant messenger and OpenOffice to write documents, spreadsheets and so on. It also automatically sets itself up to check for any new software updates so you’re always running the most up-to-date version of Ubuntu and these applications.

Anyway, after you’ve played with Ubuntu for a while and decided you want to keep it, clicking the “Install” icon on the desktop takes you through the setup routine. On my system it was extremely simple; choosing my localisation (English) and my time zone (London) was a breeze and then I was taken through to the disk partitioning wizard. Running on VMware it was a simple, single click – however from past experience I know that this step will allow you to rearrange any pre-existing partitions (for example from your Windows installation). Be very careful here as it’s one step where you can seriously compromise your system and destroy existing data.

Once you’ve successfully got past this point, you’re asked for your name, a login name, a password and a name for your computer. Clicking the “Next” button will set Ubuntu off installing your new system according to the preferences you’ve just set. It really doesn’t take long.

Anyway, after five minutes of copying files, you’ll be able to reboot, or to continue using the Live CD if you wish (I can’t quite see why you’d want to do that after installing but some people may). On rebooting, if everything’s gone well you’ll be presented with the nice shiny Ubuntu login screen. Log in and you’re ready to begin using it!