Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
What version? Not Complete!!, July 18, 2008
Okay, this is not a bad review of Ubuntu Linux as I have been using it for a while now and like it. Rather this is a poor review of this particular offering and it's description (lack thereof).
Like any software (operating systems in particular) Ubuntu has ongoing releases with version numbers. Ubuntu releases a new updated version every six months and as of this review the latest release is v8.04.
This listing does not mention what version of Ubuntu is being sold! They could be selling the latest version OR they could be selling 3 versions ago. Who knows? That is strike one.
Additionally, while the all of the functional bits of the operating system can be burned to a single CD-ROM (as this listing indicates) it is not "complete". Additional software and updates are located in the Ubuntu Repositories. Repositories are centralized software locations where you can obtain additional features and programs that are not installed on a "default" system. The Ubuntu Repositories are hosted online but there is a an official version where the Repositories have been burned to disc, but this is not it.
For that you need the DVD-ROM which has both the complete OS AND the Ubuntu Repositories. Additionally, to save enough space to squeeze v8.04 onto a CD, quite a few "whiz bang" features were left in the repositories.
Rather than this product I would highly recommend purchasing the official DVD package from Canonical (the actual distro supporter). It is both more complete and less expensive!
Ubuntu 8.04 DVD
If you are not sure about using Ubuntu Linux and want some sort of "personal helpline" visit Canonical's offical site to purchase support or visit the Ubuntu Forums for free.
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12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Ubuntu is Great, July 9, 2008
The requirements listed might be confusing. Ubuntu is an operating system (it is a version of Linux). You would run Ubuntu *instead* of running MS Windows or Mac OS. (It is, however, possible to keep Windows or Mac OS on your disk and choose which to boot.)
Once you are running Ubuntu you will have a ton of free software to run. Some will be installed when you install Ubuntu, others you can easily install from inside Ubuntu.
One benefit of Ubuntu is that it is more reliable and more secure than Windows.
Another benefit is that it is "open source" software. That is, anyone (at least any programmer who understands it) can get a copy of the source code and see how it works, and even make changes. With open source software it is completely legal to pass on copies to others; it is even encouraged.
Ubuntu is available for free for download if you have a fast internet connection, though if you buy this product you also get 60-days of technical support, which might be very helpful.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Ubuntu Linux is Great, But don't buy here., January 7, 2009
I just want to second what the previous reviewer wrote: Ubuntu Linux is a great linux distribution, but buy it from CANONICAL (go to [...]) - or some other linux store.
If you have a good network connection, you don't need the DVD version because everything you really will want (in addition to what comes with the operating system install) you can get quickly from the internet using the administrative software called SynAPTic.
This is one of the easiest distributions to run for the person just starting with linux and I recommend it. That being said, if you are a gamer, this is probably not for you as it seems all the best games are on the Mac/Windows platforms. There ARE games available, but I think because most linux users like their software free or cheap, game studios that did develop for linux have more or less stopped developing.
The standard suite of card games, board games and the like are installed automatically.
Ubuntu also comes with Firefox, [...] (a fantastic freeware "Microsoft Office" clone), A great email product called Evolution, editors, music players, etc. The list of software available for quick install over the internet is just way too long to know where to begin listing it.
There are many comparisons of linux vs. Windows/Mac OS X out there and many reviews as well (mostly from Windows or OS X users). I happen to be an OS "junky" and have used and run just about every desktop operating system known on my computers. The difference between linux and the others is that linux is designed to be highly customizable, whereas the other two (Win/OS X) are designed to be installed and run without the user having to think at all. Because of this, the user has to be slightly more involved with the workings of the operating system; but in this case, or should I say 90% of the time, a user can simply pop the Ubuntu CD/DVD in a drive, install and away he or she goes. It really is that simple. For the other 10% of the time, the Ubuntu forums (or purchasing technical support) or Google is the way to go.
Next, I will mention Synaptic. Synaptic (based on APT) is a software packaging system that is simply magical. You use it to install or remove software on your computer. You select what you want to install (which is no easy task if you are a software collector like me, since there are literally thousands of packages available), hit the Apply button and the magic begins: Synaptic checks the package against your own system, determines what libraries and configuration will be necessary, tells you in simple terms what it will do, then does it. That's it. No "DLL Hell" as they call it, not conflicts (or if there will be, it tells you what it can do to fix it or gives you the option to stop the install).
Finally I want to write briefly about "free software and drivers." Linux is about open source and Canonical (Ubuntu) carries that tradition on in many ways, but one of the ways most frequently mentioned (and berated by reviewers) is drivers. By default, all the graphic and sound support that is installed is free, as in it was written by people in the community and the sources are offered up with no strings attached. To get the NON-FREE (which does NOT mean that you have to PAY, it simply means that the SOURCE CODE is not available for your use) software and drivers, you simply open the "Software Sources" administrative application, click one checkbox, "Software restricted by copyright...", refresh the package list (it will prompt you to do that) and the latest version of Ubuntu will actually PROMPT you to quickly install a driver whenever you try to play a sound format that is restricted, or if you click on "Hardware Drivers" in the administration applications, and there is a restricted video driver available, it will again prompt you and install it for you.
I am running Ubunty 8.10 (year, 200[8], month [10] - that is how they number their operating systems). A new release is due on 9.04. With every release Ubuntu becomes easier to use, and more fun to play with. I highly recommend it.
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