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Progress of A Gutsy Traveller


So four months after downloading Ubuntu gutsy, I am compelled to report that my Linux experience has been an eye opener.
I am using the latest version of Ubuntu in a desktop computer. I have a Pentium 4 2.4 Ghz, 1,024 mb of RAM and a GEForce Nvidia 64mb video card.
The Gibbon is not without its bugs. Sometimes the panels disappear for no reason at all. Application freezes are frequent especially Evolution and Rhythmbox. I do suggest that anyone new to Linux or Ubuntu configure and select the default settings first before going into the woods. If you do go into the woods, be sure you have the contacts in the Ubuntu forum to turn to if you need directions.
I used to dual boot with XP when I was using Ubuntu feisty. It was a fine transition but my goal is to be freed from Microsoft and proprietary software. Open Source and free software just gives you that freedom. That's all.
With Gutsy, no more anti virus, anti malware third party software to run everyday to keep my data safe. I don't have to run defrag to take care of the hard drive because Linux runs in ext3 format.
So far I have steered clear of the dreaded command line by using the front end GUI that comes with the latest Ubuntu version. Hopefully, they come up with an easier way to backup my email, contacts, documents, photos, mp3 files, multimedia files and settings in a built-in GUI with just two clicks to make the backup and forget it. Backing up should not be the big deal activity for a very busy computer user who just want to feel secure with his data.
The Ubuntu GUI has saved my sessions in more times than I can remember. It has saved my settings and personal data countless times.
The Ubuntu GUI made it easier to change the desktop appearance, change the browser appearance and behavior. Or change it back to where it was.
I am more confident now of ext3 that I have all my mp3 files and songs and photos in my hard drive.
I am looking forward to the coming upgrade to Ubuntu hardy this coming April. I am looking to a solution to install it clean and just use my saved settings for the new version. A solution will do great for better adoption of Ubuntu.
The community of Ubuntu developers and artists are awesome. Support from the community is what keeps me from using other distros.
Ubuntu and Linux in general loves your old hardware. They run fast in old less "capable hardware" than say Vista. It requires less resources.
I have switched from firefox 2 to Epiphany browser to try less resource hungry browsers. At present I am running by default the beta version of firefox 3. Firefox 3 is more than half as resource hungry as its predecessor. Hopefully, Mozilla solves the bugs and releases this upgraded firefox to the public soon.

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