Comments on: Mossberg's Ubuntu Linux verdict: Nope

Ubuntu doesn't measure up to Mac OS X or Windows for average users, influential WSJ tech reviewer concludes.

[linuxless]

I never had a clue

I've been using computers since 1984. Not a techie or a geek. But I've been able to solve some problems on my own and have used OS's from DOS 3.2 through 3.3, 95, 98, ME and XP.

I've downloaded Damn Small Linus and Ubuntu but here's where the problem comes in. I can't figure out how to set them up. I've tried everything I can think of but those damn CD's just sit there.

Could someone please point me toward a tutorial for Ubuntu. I need to know the absolute first, second, and third steps in succession. For example, in first step, "click on ????".

thanks

[e-mail]

[The_Decider]

sure

1. Insert disk

2. Reboot computer(make sure you bios is set to boot from CD/DVD)

3. Push the 3 or 4 buttons in the dumbed down Ubuntu install

4. Let the installer run, adding in things like passwords when required

5. um, thats it.

Phew, that was hard work, took 25 minutes or so.

[recursionist]

HP Compaq n620c experience / opinion

I had a similar experience with a Compaq laptop, which suffered stability problems after I upgrade it to XP SP2. The more patches MS sent, the more unstable the laptop became. The blue screens of death told me it was a memory problem. However, running MS?s memory diagnostic program for a full 48 hours yielded absolutely nothing. I completely reloaded the system twice. No joy. I then tried loading Vista basic. Again, no joy. However, I downloaded and Ubuntu without any problems. It cured the stability issue. I was pleasantly surprised that all of the drivers loaded automatically, including those for two different brands of WiFi cards. My only complaint is with the help system, which is not nearly as good as those of MS and Apple.

I might add that for ten years (1975-1985), I was involved what we then called data processing. I began my career as an analyst / programmer and ended it as what we would no call the chief information officer of a nationwide manufacturing firm. During those ten years, I both trained many people to use computers and helped subordinates to train people to use computers. I have since helped many friends with their personal computers, which ranged from HP?s original CPM PC to the latest offering from Windows and Apple. IMHO, Ubuntu is more than adequate for the average person to use, but it is beyond the ability for the average user to maintain. The same can be said of Vista and Tiger as well. The question for the average user of Ubuntu is whether they have access to someone who can help them when they get into trouble maintaining their computer.