Precise Pangolin: the Latest Ubuntu Release

You know, it’s not THAT often I get to post, these day, about technology.

It really isn’t.

But right at the moment I’m thinking my eyeballs are — frankly — just about to pop out of my head.

But … 

Phew … !

Remember, this morning, I mentioned I was updating the operating system on my mother’s old desktop … ?

Well, I’ve finally managed to get it finished.

Or, get the actual install finished.

I’m now in the process of just doing the fiddly stuff: transferring over things like bookmarks, photos and files.

Which is — if not boring — then certainly time consuming!

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But just so you know … ?

I had originally gone with Kubuntu 12•04 Precise Pangolin, the most recent release of the Ubuntu variant: but found setting up extra user accounts just a touch too technical for my tastes.

So, me being me, and occasionally having a thing about brown … ?

I’ve decided to use Ubuntu 12•04 Precise Pangolin: mostly because the OS is the most user friendly of the bunch, and it’s one my family are familiar with.

Funnily … ?

I’ve also got a feeling it’s one I’m more comfortable with: as, since the 11•10 Oneiric Ocelot release, late last year, /the mainstream Ubuntu release seems to have gotten rather … familiar … lookingª.

Especially to someone, like me, who’s been using versions of Mac OS and Mac OS X for some years*.

I’ll be frank while I’m at it: if I may … ? 

I’ve got to be honest, this is actually the first fresh install — of anything — that I’ve done for a while.

Personally … ?

Personally, I’ve enjoyed it.

The ONE shame of it — and the one thing I’m very aware stops more people taking up the Ubuntu family of operating systems — is the simple fact that there’s no version of iTunes available for them.

Something I know has stopped Kevin from using using it.

And something I think is caused equally by both Apple — who do like to keep strict control on their products — AND Canonical, the makers of Ubuntu, who seem just as keen to make sure everything on Ubuntu meets both their and the Free Software Foundations, standards.

Oh, well … 

Here’s hoping the day comes sooner, rather than later … !

*        And, yes, before you ask, I’d LOVE to be running Mac OS X 10•7•x, Lion on Bruce: but I seriously doubt he’d be able to take the pace … !

ª        I’ve actually had to stop myself using trackpad gestures setting up my account on Mum’s machine: typically for me, I’ve set the mouse up to be used left handedly.   There’s one or two other things.   The Workspaces feature in 12•04 feels reminiscent — to me — of Exposéº, and their Dashboard — down the side — is equally reminiscent of the OS X Dock, and Mac OS Launcher.   I also found the System Settings menu VERY helpful … And oddly familiar … !

º        On my older wired Apple mouse, I had the squeezy side buttons set to trigger this handy feature.   I was instinctively doing that with Pangolin … … 

BBC News - Russian President Medvedev asked to fund Windows clone

OK …

BBC News - Russian President Medvedev asked to fund Windows clone

THAT’S a first …

Sort of thing …

I think …

Hmmm …

Debbi, Grub, Nina … ?

Do the three of you think I should start trying to make coherent sense … ?

Yes, I should, shouldn’t I … ?

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You see, that link at the top of the page, there, is to a little news article I noticed, yesterday, on the BBC’s News websites technology pages.

About an open-source operating system called ReactOS: one that describe’s itself as a Windows NT clone.

Complete with the ability to — so it’s makers claim — use Windoze applications.

Hmmm …

That’s …

Odd.

Yeah, that’s the word, I’m thinking, here, odd.

You see, I’ve always been if not a proponent of open-software, then certainly someone’s who’s encouraged people to look at it as an alternative to Windoze.

In fact, I think in the shape of some of old friends — Tim and Dr Kevin — I’ve even managed to persuade someone to look at it as a viable alternative.

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At any rate … ?

At any rate, there’s something of a point to all this.

My point … ?

Actually, that’s a good point, there’s one in here, somewhere …

Yeah … !

My point is that I’ve always felt that there’s alternatives to the mainstream. We have both the right to make an informed decision about what software and hardware we use.

AND the responsibility to explore our options, before we make our decision about these things: not just be convinced by the salesman.

I’m also very aware that one thing limiting the uptake of many fine open-source operating systems … ? Is the simple fact that my favourite hard makers — Apple, themselves — don’t do a version of iTunes for anything other than OS X or the Windows family of OS’.

If they did a version for Ubuntu — as an example — I’m thinking the open source world would SUDDENLY get a much bigger audience.

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Which, obviously, is where something like ReactOS comes in, I’m thinking, here.

OK, I’m very aware that Mr Medvedev’s agreeing to fund the project was very much a political move. After all, the Russian government is in as much hock to Microsoft as many others are. What self respecting government wants that?

I wouldn’t, in his shoes.

But the ability to use the applications one already has, without paying money to upgrade an operating system to one run by a multinational that is, in effect, a law — and foreign power, if you will — unto itself?

I may not like the idea of a clone of Windoze: I don’t in, fact, I’d FAR rather people go exploring.

But it’s a valid an option as any other.