February 02, 2012
Ubuntu 12.04 LTS Precise Pangolin Alpha 2 Released

Video and screenshots of Ubuntu 12.04 LTS Precise Pangolin Alpha 2 Released. Some nice tweaks in there, I wish they’d hit some of the bigger points (ie: why can’t the dash be on the right, what about multimedia keys working in Amarok, etc), but still, great to see progress (and this is only alpha 2 after all).

Ubuntu - Posted by Arcterex at 11:50 AM
November 01, 2011
Ubuntu Desktop Designers: 'Unity Should Be Configurable'

Ubuntu Desktop Designers: 'Unity Should Be Configurable'. Good, glad it's on their radar. Turns out it was supposed to be, but other higher priority tasks were in the way. I was hoping that the break between 11.04 and 11.10 would give them the time to add that configuration in, but I guess not. Fingers crossed for 12.04.

Ubuntu - Posted by Arcterex at 10:52 PM
October 20, 2011
Looking Back on Ubuntu

OMG Ubuntu has a look back at previous versions on Ubuntu's 7th Birthday, which is today. Fun walk back down memory lane.

Ubuntu - Posted by Arcterex at 01:47 PM
October 18, 2011
My Quick Review of Ubuntu 11.10

So Monday morning I finished the Ubuntu 11.10 install on my work laptop and got a bit of a feel for the new UI and changes. I posted on my Google+ account two posts that might be of interest:


Ubuntu - Posted by Arcterex at 09:12 AM
October 13, 2011
Ubuntu 11.10 Review From Lunduke.com

Lunduke.com has a good ยป Ubuntu 11.10 Review. Short story, he likes it.

And they pulled it off. By Jove, they pulled it off.
Ubuntu - Posted by Arcterex at 11:54 AM
Ubuntu 11.10 Released

Yup, after a full day of releases in the Apple world yesterday, today is all about Ubuntu, with Ubuntu 11.10 released by Canonical. If you haven't had a chance to hear about this, check out the tour (which by the way, is about the coolest thing I've ever seen, a full HTML5 (I assume) UI of the Ubuntu desktop... wow. Check out what happens when you install an application in the software center).

Check out the full desktop features here.

Not a huge amount else to say, download, install and enjoy. That's what I'm going to be doing tonight after work (or to be safer, this weekend when I'll have time to un-break anything that messes up as this is my work machine) :)

Huge congrats to the Ubuntu team!

Ubuntu - Posted by Arcterex at 09:12 AM
September 19, 2011
Recent Ubuntu Updates Pre 11.10 Release

OMG Ubuntu has a nice list of the Recent Unity Updates upcoming in the October 11.10 Ubuntu Linux release.

Ubuntu - Posted by Arcterex at 12:45 PM
August 26, 2011
Ubuntu 11.10 (So Far) Screenshot Tour

Jonobacon has the Ubuntu 11.10 (So Far) Screenshot Tour. Looks like things are shaping up nicely for the October Ubuntu Linux release.

Ubuntu - Posted by Arcterex at 08:29 AM
August 25, 2011
Ubuntu 11.10 Update

OMG Ubuntu has the latest in the Ubuntu 11.10 Update progress. Some (IMHO stupid) changes in regards to button behavior, but lots of other nice and slick updates for the upcoming release of Ubuntu's desktop OS. Also looks like they're adopting the alt-~ "alt-tab switch windows of the same app" feature from MacOS. Interesting.

Ubuntu - Posted by Arcterex at 02:27 PM
May 16, 2011
Elliotth on Ubuntu 11.04

elliotth's blog has his review of the new Ubuntu 11.04 Natty Narwhal.

If Mac OS is the continuing evolution of Steve Jobs' vision of how we should use our computers, it's becoming increasingly clear that Ubuntu is Mark Shuttleworth's indirect request that we all just fuck off and get ourselves an OS from someone who actually gives a shit.

As you can tell he doesn't pull any punches :)

Ubuntu - Posted by Arcterex at 01:38 PM
April 26, 2011
Try Ubuntu Online

Want to give the new Natty Narwhal version of Ubuntu Linux before it's out? Using some cool remote desktop stuff you can now Try Ubuntu online before you download. Not 100% with the 3D stuff, and it's only a 15 minute session, but it definitely is neat to check things out first. Kudos for the test drive guys for setting this all up.

Linux , Ubuntu - Posted by Arcterex at 09:39 AM
April 15, 2011
In-depth Design Review of Unity in Ubuntu Natty Narwhal

Sadly this In-depth Unity Design Review is really a video of screenshots, but it brings up a bunch of good points. While I haven't used Unity yet, this video and the description of how it works has made me really nervous about Ubuntu's Natty Narwhal, scheduled for release in a couple of weeks.

Ubuntu - Posted by Arcterex at 11:48 AM
April 10, 2011
The Register on Ubuntu 11.04

Natty Narwhal with Unity: Worst Ubuntu beta ever. In case you can't tell from the article title, they didn't like it.

Ubuntu - Posted by Arcterex at 10:13 PM
April 06, 2011
Linux Releases: Banshee, Ubuntu 11.04 Beta, "Jupiter"

Before you ask, yes, I am going through a backlog of RSS on OMG Ubuntu :) Here's some nifty stuff from the last few days:

Linux , Ubuntu - Posted by Arcterex at 12:43 PM
January 12, 2011
GNOME Elementary Project - Jupiter OS

So you like Ubuntu and GNOME and have played with the various "elementary" themes. If so, you might be interested in the elementary Project, essentially a Ubuntu "complete mod" using the elementary look and feel, and eventually including various custom built elementary apps to replace nautilus, rhythmbox, etc.

GNOME , Ubuntu - Posted by Arcterex at 09:59 AM
January 11, 2011
Ubuntu Devs On Unity

Interesting interview by Jon-o-Bacon with some Ubuntu devs where they talk about the "Unity" development, and what's going to be going on for the next Ubuntu release. If you're unfamiliar with Unity you can get more information about it.

GNOME , Ubuntu - Posted by Arcterex at 11:12 AM
October 12, 2010
Ubuntu 10.10 Released

I know it's a bit late, but if you didn't know already, you should be informed that Ubuntu 10.10 was Released on Sunday. Main new features include:


  • New "ubuntu" font
  • Updated and improved installer
  • Faster boot process
  • Changed and updated some program (photo manager changed, faster Evolution mail client, better Gwibber twitter client, and improved sound applet integration).
  • Many more...

Hit up Ubuntu.com for details and downloads.

Linux , Ubuntu - Posted by Arcterex at 09:38 AM
September 30, 2010
Ubuntu 10.10 Release Candidate Available

Well, the RC for the latest version of the Ubuntu Linux distro is available! You can get Ubuntu 10.10 RC (Maverick Meerkat) now. You may want to check out the known issues first though. They do consider this a stable RC ready for all though.

[...] we formally announce Ubuntu 10.10 Release Candidate. Codenamed "Maverick Meerkat", 10.10 continues Ubuntu's proud tradition of integrating the latest and greatest open source technologies into a high-quality, easy-to-use Linux distribution.

We consider this release candidate to be complete, stable, and suitable
for testing by any user.

Here's the announcement email.

Linux , Ubuntu - Posted by Arcterex at 11:07 AM
August 26, 2010
Ubuntu fixes 100 Paper-Cuts

The "100 paper cuts" initiative for Ubuntu's next version, has hit it's goal.

Ubuntu - Posted by Arcterex at 03:00 PM
August 12, 2010
A Mac-like Ubuntu

Think that your Ubuntu install isn't quite Mac-like enough? Check out the Five tips, hacks and tweaks to get a Mac-like experience in Ubuntu from the guys over at OMG Ubuntu.

Ubuntu - Posted by Arcterex at 11:08 AM
July 23, 2010
Great Ubuntu Ad

The best advert for Ubuntu you probably never saw via OMG Ubuntu.

Ubuntu - Posted by Arcterex at 09:11 AM
July 20, 2010
5 things to look forward to in Ubuntu 10.10

Via OSNews is a link to the 5 things to look forward to in Ubuntu 10.10 at techthrob.com. Biggest thing for me is #2, the use of UbuntuOne to sync configurations into the cloud, allowing you to (theoretically) boot up a new Ubuntu install and have it look like your previous install without having to copy your configuration files around.

Ubuntu - Posted by Arcterex at 08:45 AM
June 01, 2010
Ubuntu Lucid Lynx Video Review

So a cool Ubuntu Lucid Lynx Video Review over at OMG! UBUNTU! By a girl. Who likes Linux. You may pick your jaws up from the floor now nerdy guys. It's a nice overview of the OS and the newest features, hitting both the high and low points of some of the more prominent UI issues.

Linux , Ubuntu - Posted by Arcterex at 03:52 PM
May 28, 2010
Ubuntu 10.10 Application Menu now available for Testing

You know, I love Linux, and while I used to be an extremest, I'm not (as much) anymore. However I find it really funny that while the Linux-heads are denouncing "CrApple", the golden child of Linux (Ubuntu) is moving more and more towards Apple-esque conventions. Case #1 is this new Ubuntu 10.10 Application Menu, which follows not that long after the debacle about the window menu buttons moving from the right of the window to the left (same as on OS/X).

Granted, this is for the netbooks, so it does make sense...

Ubuntu - Posted by Arcterex at 02:47 PM
May 26, 2010
Ubuntu 10.04 Benchmarked And Reviewed

Toms Hardware has Benchmarked And Reviewed Ubuntu 10.04 Lucid Lynx. They have, as always, been thurough in their testing and evaluation.

Ubuntu - Posted by Arcterex at 08:21 PM
May 19, 2010
Mockups of Ubuntu 10.10 Windicators

Ayatana has posted some great mockups of "windicators", the new feature penciled in for the 10.10 Ubuntu release.

Ubuntu - Posted by Arcterex at 10:45 AM
May 09, 2010
Ubuntu Concerns

I just finished installing Ubuntu 10.04 on my own machine as an upgrade, this article got my attention, as well as it's other article with the 10 days of 10.10 feature requests. Good stuff all around, competition is good and all that.

Ubuntu - Posted by Arcterex at 07:48 PM
May 03, 2010
Ubuntu Meerkat Innovation Starts

The controversial decision by Ubuntu for moving the window control icons from the right to the left might become a bit more interesting now that some of the documents about what's to be done is coming to light. Mark Shuttleworth has posted some mockup drawings of the things that will be able to be done in the next version of Ubuntu now that the right side of the window border is freed up.

Linux , Ubuntu - Posted by Arcterex at 12:06 PM
April 29, 2010
Ubuntu 10.04 LTS Released

Merry Ubuntu release day!!

As of this time, the home page of Ubuntu.com hasn't been updated, but I got the email that Ubuntu 10.04 LTS (desktop and server) has been released to the world (or will be very very soon).

Release notes are here and the mailing list announcement.

Update: The home page and tour is updated.

GNOME , Ubuntu - Posted by Arcterex at 10:28 AM
March 22, 2010
The "Buttons on Left" Discussion @ Slashdot

In a story entitled Source Is Not a Democracy, Slashdot takes on the debacle that's been created by Ubuntu moving the window buttons from the right to the left in the latest iteration of their Linux Desktop release. Probably the most best comment is the one entitled -1 Troll, where Ubuntu is noted as just a contributer with a very popular source tree, and it's noted that everyone who runs Ubuntu also has the ability to change the buttons to be wherever they want (where or not they can or not is another question).

Personally I think this is the biggest non-story to create a story in the open source community, but then again, I'm a linux and mac fanboy who can deal with buttons on either side of the window, as long as alt-f4, ctrl-w or alt-tab work like they should :)

Ubuntu - Posted by Arcterex at 04:34 PM
March 19, 2010
Ubuntu 10.04 LTS Beta 1

After a slew of Alphas, the latest release of Ubuntu has hit Beta. You can see more information at the Ubuntu 10.04 LTS Technical Overview page. Looking forward to seeing how this works on my home machine!

Ubuntu - Posted by Arcterex at 11:36 AM
March 04, 2010
Ubuntu Re-Branding and Ditching The Brown

The
Brand section of the Ubuntu Wiki has been updated with some of the nice and fresh look that they are teasing for the next LTS version 10.04.


The new style of Ubuntu is driven by the theme "Light". We've developed a comprehensive set of visual guidelines and treatments that reflect that style, and are updating key assets like the logo accordingly. The new theme takes effect in 10.04 LTS and will define our look and feel for several years.

I have to say that I like it. The brown isn't 100% gone, but it's mostly left, replaced by a clean look, with some sections (the menu bar and dark-grey on white icons) taking their cue from the Mac menubar (IMHO). More examples are here.

Ubuntu - Posted by Arcterex at 08:37 AM
February 25, 2010
Ubuntu 10.04 Alpha 3 What's new?

OMG Ubuntu has a nice look at the latest Ubuntu Alpha and What's new in Ubuntu 10.04 Alpha 3.

Ubuntu - Posted by Arcterex at 12:12 PM
February 02, 2010
Virtualization on Ubuntu With KVM

Nice HOWTO article on Setting up virtualization on Ubuntu with KVM for anyone who was thinking about it but a bit intimidated.

Linux , Ubuntu - Posted by Arcterex at 10:36 AM
December 18, 2009
First Look at Ubuntu 10.04 Alpha 1

Tombuntu has a quick First Look at Ubuntu 10.04 Alpha also known as Lucid Lynx.

Ubuntu - Posted by Arcterex at 04:19 PM
November 05, 2009
Is Karmic Ubuntu's Vista?

Seems not everyone is happy with the latest Ubuntu release Karmic Koala, asking Is Karmic Ubuntu's Vista?

Personally I've had no issues with it, so far anyway. There are a couple of minor issues, neither of which I don't think is related to the distro. One is my hard drive seems to be having some errors, but smartctl says there are none, and the other was it took some magic when I swapped video cards, trading an nVidia for an ATI. I documented how to do this here though.

Linux , Ubuntu - Posted by Arcterex at 10:23 AM
October 29, 2009
Ubuntu 9.10 Released

It's Ubuntu 9.10 release day! Check out the main page, or just head over and download it. I've been running the RC and Beta at home, and other than it being on an under powered computer, There's tour of features, and also Lifehacker previously had a look at the beta and has a nice article on the updates it's gotten from the 9.04 version as well as a lovely screenshot gallery.

Congrats to the Ubuntu team on another fine release! I'm really looking forward to the (rumored) big changes (ie: more revolutionary and less evolutionary) coming in the 10.04 LTS release of Lucid Lynx. This will (in theory) have the new GNOME 3.0 software which will make it a revolutionary release (or at least, not just some tweaks in GNOME).

Ubuntu - Posted by Arcterex at 08:31 AM
September 04, 2009
Kubuntu Gets Some Much Needed Updates

OSNews points out that Kubuntu Gets Some Love in the latest "Karmic" Alpha 5 that was just released. It's up to KDE 4.3.1, lots of improvements all around, etc.

Linux , Ubuntu - Posted by Arcterex at 01:27 PM
August 14, 2009
Top 10 Tricks for Making Your Playlists Rock

Top 10 Tricks for Making Your Playlists Rock from lifehacker.

Music , Random Linkage , Ubuntu - Posted by Arcterex at 08:22 PM
August 06, 2009
New 64bit Alpha of Flash Player 10 For Linux

My buddy Len pointed out that there was a new alpha refresh of Flash Player 10 for 64bit linux. He also noted that (on ubuntu) running:


sudo apt-get remove swfdec-mozilla libswfdec-0.8-0

Helped as well.

Linux , Ubuntu - Posted by Arcterex at 04:19 PM