ubuntu 7.10

[Collins Richey]

On Dec 30, 2007 7:36 PM, Bob Hemus <ol.bob at sisqtel.net> wrote:
>

> I was just wondering about what kind of sneaky, neat tricks Collins or
> some of the others are doing to it?  I'm just starting to install
> theflash movie player, etc..

 Collins is well known for his sneaky little tricks. Here are a few
with regards to 7.10

1. 7.10 is the best Ubuntu release ever. Even network-manager (an
abomination on prior releases)  and most wireless cards actually work
on 7.10

2. Familiarize yourself with the Ubuntu wiki (especially the
instructions for installing restricted software) and forums. They are
excellent and responsive to new users.

3. Keep careful notes about what you install, since you'll be doing
one of 2 things in 6 months - try to upgrade to 8.? (sometimes it
works, sometimes it don't)  or reinstall 8.?

4. You may prefer Collins' final sneaky trick - move on over to sidux.
Be sure to read the benefits/caveats.

Sidux benefits
------------------
1. Based on Debian sid - the development branch
2. Pretty bleeding edge, but always up to date
3. In the classic Debian manner, you install it once then upgrade
regularly (read: at least every 2 weeks) forever.
4. Maintained by top-notch Debian developers
5. It's a kde distro. If you're a Gnome freak, you can certainly
install it and maintain it, but there aren't very many Gnome users, so
you may box yourself into a corner.
6. Excellent Livecd
7. Very peppy - expecially startup and shutdown.
8. Very simple procedures for installing most proprietary stuff such
as nVida or madwifi
9. Uses standard sysv runlevels 1-5 unlike most of Debian/ubuntu.
10. None of the Ubuntu sudo nonsense. There is an actual root user.
11. Relatively friendly support on the forum, and the developers
participate fully.

Sidux negatives/caveats
------------------------------

1. Very restricted updating methods. Due to the fact that sid software
is in development, the only permitted upgrade method is 'apt-get
update; apt-get dist-upgrade' performed at runlevel 3 (no X running).
Users are strongly cautioned not to use apt-get upgrade, aptitude, or
any of the gui updating methods. These methods are not very robust at
resolving the squirrelly dependancies encountered on sid.

2. Needs to be updated REGULARLY. If you let it go several months,
even dist-upgrade may break.

3. The best updating method is a sidux script 'smxi' that enforces
shutting down X, performing any kernel upgrades (recommended reboot),
performs dist-upgrade (maybe several steps if tricky changes have been
committed), upgrades fonts, upgrades proprietary stuff like nVidia,
etc., etc., then resumes runlevel 5.

4. No server version. Who wants to run a production server with sid?

5. Installation only from gui Livecd - no alternative installer.

6. Occasional breakage. Sid developers don't do much testing at major
xorg upgrades.

7. Due to crazy/stupid/asinine German laws, you are not allowed to
discuss the deployment of any software that provides DVD playback -
mplayer, etc. Any references to same will be quietly sanitized.
However, you can discuss the Unmentionable on irc.

8. If you install more than a month after an interim release, you will
be looking at 200-400 package upgrades (be sure to use smxi). Debian
sid does not stand still. If you can install right now, there is an
xmas interim release on DVD only that is up to date as of Dec 25. If
not, you might want to wait for the 8.1 release in February or March.

As regards the caveats, I've encountered exactly 2 problems in 4
months. 1. xorg flaked out badly 3 months ago, but the fix came in 2
days. 2. After one kernel upgrade, nVida module failed to build and
work. Had to revert to free nVidia driver for a short while. Also
fixed in 2-3 days.

Since the time of problem 1, the sidux developers have taken to
blocking dangerous updates until more testing has taken place.

Final Caveat
----------------

The sidux developers have tired of screwing with that POS known as an
ATI video card and have given up providing fixes. If you have such a
worthless beast, run don't walk to the CompUSA closeout sales and buy
a unit with nVida or Intel card.

Enjoy, and have a Happy New Year.

-- 
Collins Richey
     If you fill your heart with regrets of yesterday and the worries
     of tomorrow, you have no today to be thankful for.