For the last two weeks or so, I went all-out and upgraded my computer from Windows XP to KUbuntu Linux, version 9.10. I spent several days getting stuff setup how I wanted, but honestly, it wasn't that much worse than having to setup a Windows install from scratch.
Now, I have a pretty good setup - I can run Runescape at near-fullscreen sizes,
16x AA, I have good clean fonts(a requirement for me), sound and video works properly, and I have my chosen chat client(Trillian 3.1) working.
I also have all sorts of better-than-vista, faster-than-XP desktop features and effects enabled.
Lets take a look, shall we?
The Cube:
http://robbiethe1st.afraid.org/images/2009...ube-madness.pngI have this feature whereby I have four "virtual desktops", four complete sets of windows. I switch between them either by pressing a key(I have f9,f10,f11,f12 for 1,2,3,and 4 respectively), or by holding down my middle-mouse-button(which shows the above screen), and I can rotate as needed.
Widget-desktop:
http://robbiethe1st.afraid.org/images/20091108-shot1.pngThis is your desktop. However, unlike in windows, you have an option: Either simply display files, windows style, or use the so-called "widget desktop", which allows you to place widgets on the desktop. I have a system-monitor and folder-view window shown there, mainly because I don't *see* my desktop all that much.
My main RS setup:
http://robbiethe1st.afraid.org/images/20091108-shot3.png I have Runescape running in a no-bars Firefox setup, a -Windows-chat client running through WINE seamlessly, and Audacious for music.
The Main Menu:
http://robbiethe1st.afraid.org/images/20091108-shot4.pngMy main setup, showing the Kickoff menu position with its default screen
Applications menu:
http://robbiethe1st.afraid.org/images/20091108-shot5.png"Leave"/shutdown menu:
http://robbiethe1st.afraid.org/images/20091108-shot6.pngFile manager, Dolphin showing my current defaults:
http://robbiethe1st.afraid.org/images/20091108-shot7.pngFile manager, in an image directory:
http://robbiethe1st.afraid.org/images/20091108-shot8.pngNote the previews in the folders, and the zoom/size adjustment in the lower-right.
http://robbiethe1st.afraid.org/images/20091108-shot9.png details-view.
Full-size previews:
http://robbiethe1st.afraid.org/images/20091108-shot10.pngSmall size previews:
http://robbiethe1st.afraid.org/images/20091108-shot11.pngControl panel:
http://robbiethe1st.afraid.org/images/20091108-shot12.pngThe great control panel. All sorts of options, pretty well laid-out.
Now, a note: In all these images, my chosen window chrome is black, a fairly simplistic theme. This is deliberate, not because I can't have transparency. No, I could duplicate the Windows Vista theme almost exactly, but I choose not to - Its incredibly distracting.
Also, I'm running
KUbuntu. Note the "K". This means I am running the base Ubuntu operating system with the KDE desktop system. This can either be installed *after* installing Ubuntu, or *with* Ubuntu by downloading a Kubuntu CD vs a Ubuntu one.
Everything I have shown here is 100% free, BTW.
Like it? Want to know more? Heres what you do:
1. Go to
Kubuntu.org and download an ISO image.
2. Burn the image to a CD.
3. place the CD in your computer and restart/ You should be presented with a menu asking you if you wish to try Kubuntu without any changes to your computer. Choose that, and Kubuntu will boot(at 1/10th or less of normal speed) from the CD.
If you wish to actually -install- Kubuntu, you have two options:
One, you can use the Windows Based Ubuntu Installer(WUBI), and install it from windows. the entire OS will go into a folder, and you will be able to boot it from the windows boot screen.
Two, you can install it as a full OS. Boot onto the CD, click Install. Install it however you wish, and you will have a good setup. And yes, you can dual-boot windows and Ubuntu.
Done and done.
-Robbie