Catch Up Thoughts

Well, I really called it on the Windows Vista. Bloatware first class. On top of that, they went to far to the right in terms of security. Security isn't much good when it reduces the system's functionality. So, now they're coming up with Windows 7, which is getting warm reviews even from the anti-Microsoft crowd. That's pretty impressive. I may in fact get a Windows 7 machine in the future. I seriously doubt it will work on my current hardware. For right now, Windows XP is fine for what I use it for.

On a related note, I've been bitten by the Ubuntu bug. I used to enjoy Linspire (formerly Lindows until MS got bug up their shorts and decided to sue over the name. They lost the suit in the US, so they took their act on the road and won the suit on the Netherlands). Anyway, the head of Linspire Michael Robertson sold Linspire to Xandros without informing investors. So, Linspire no longer exists. Click N Run, the software download system for Linspire is also pretty much dead too. Which is a shame.

I needed to find another Linux distro to champion, so I decided to check out Ubuntu as I've been hearing loads of great things about it. I must say I am thoroughly impressed. It helps that, though I tried Intrepid Ibex (v8.10), my working system is using Jaunty Jackalope (v9.04). Everything just worked right off the bat. Not like Linspire where there was no WiFi support.

On another related note, you might call it a segue, I bought myself a netbook. Partly to say, I have one, and partly to use while I travel for vacations and the like. I got an Acer Aspire One, primarily because I have been having great luck with Acer portables lately. It has 1GB of RAM and an 8GB solid state drive. It originally came with Windows XP installed, and as much as I like WinXP, it's not exactly the best OS for a solid state drive. There are a limited number of writes on an SSD, and Windows writes constantly, even when you're not using the thing. So, I went to the Canonical site and downloaded Ubuntu Netbook Remix, a version of Ubuntu that designed for the small form factor of a netbook computer. Then, I handily "burned" the image to a 2GB USB drive and booted the netbook from the USB. It installed very easily after that. I used a non-journaling file system for Ubuntu Netbook Remix so that the OS isn't constantly writing to the SSD.

This baby runs much faster and smoother with UNR than it did with Windows XP, and outside of high level gaming, this system does just about anything that my full sized WinXP notebook (also an Acer). So, I am happy doing the Ubuntu thing, plus there is a version update coming soon (Karmic Koala; don't you just love those kitschy names?).

So...that's what I've been up to. Sorry it's a bit geeky, but hey, I'm a network admin, what do you expect. :)

Blows Dust off the Table

Wow. Been a while, hasn't it? What can I say? With all the things going on in my life between work and...extracurricular pursuits. It doesn't help that R'y'sha got me hooked on World of Warcraft. Whenever I can get a chance to play it. If you're ever running about and come across a female Tauren named Angulabova, well, that's yours truly. I love those cow girl warriors. I could see myself as a Tauren. :)