ubuntu 7.10

[Bob Hemus]

On Sun, 2007-12-30 at 20:58 -0700, Collins Richey wrote:
> 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.
Oooo, bleeding edge??  Gotta remember I'm not as bright as I thought I 
used to be.  I kinda like the Ubuntu notifications.  
And thanks, Kurt for <Just the stuff listed
on the wiki to get unsupported video and audio formats working.>  That
prolly is easier than the way I figgered it out on 7.04.
Again, thanks, all.
Bob