The New Year Linux Resolution: Switching to Linux for a Week
January 1, 2009 by AshPringle
Filed under Gear
The plan: Ring in the new year by switching over to Linux for a week, documenting each day of the transition.
Day One, Research and Installation.
Other days: Day Two, Day Three, Day Four, Day Five, Day Six, Day Seven
My impressions of the Linux operating system are coloured by memories of the first time my computer-whiz friend unveiled his sort-of-new copy of Redhat Linux to me. Check this out! he said. This OS doesn’t suck like everything Microsoft makes! It came in an over-sized jewel case with 4 CDs, handed down second-hand from another computer-whiz friend who recommended we try it.
Upon installing it we were greeted with an unceremonious command console that might as well have been written in the ancient tongue of the long-dead tribe of Gnitth Shhta Star-God worshippers. We had no idea what to do, and it was exciting. Linux had that combination of sparseness, functionality and seriousness that gave it the feel of being a real operating system, unlike that flighty Windows 95. In short, Linux seemed cool.
But that was my first and last encounter with Linux. In the ten or fifteen years since that first Linux install other operating systems have shown up, like XP and OSX, that have mostly pulled my attention away from Linux. Now my impression of Linux is bundled up with old memories of screwing around with the config.sys file on my DOS computer in order to allocate enough virtual memory to get Ultima running. In short, Linux to me has always been synonymous with “command console,” and although command consoles may work well, they definitely aren’t easy to use.
All these year later, now that those newer and simpler operating systems are available, I find myself wondering: why use Linux at all? Why go through all the trouble of installing an operating system that’s difficult to use, when almost everyone has a perfectly fine operating system already installed on their PC? I’ve never seen the reason to make the switch.
But I’ve also heard all the reports about how Linux is different nowadays. It’s easy to use! they say. It’s even easy to install, and it’s way more stable than Windows! they insist. It’s not like the old days; Linux has changed, man! Just give a try, all the cool and smart and handsome people are using it! Linux still has that indie cred that I experienced all those years ago that makes it seem just a little bit more elite than its competitors, and power-nerds everywhere seem to be cajoling me into trying it.
Lucky for them I have an incredibly weak will. So I’ve decided to give in to peer pressure, light me up some Linux, and trip my way through the alternative operating system carnival in the sky.
All open-source operating system programmers are required by law to look like scary hobo versions of Alan Moore (Credit: Russ Nelson)
Step one is to research what Linux has to offer nowadays. I know absolutely nothing about it, other than the fact that it is associated with penguins and guys with crazy beards, and that I remember it having all the subtlety and ease of use of a sledgehammer to the patience-center of your brain. But my plan is that I shouldn’t really need to know much of anything about it; if all the reports are true, and Linux is no longer the battleaxe it used to be, I should be able to head out and find the most user-friendly version of Linux on the market, pop it in and get all Linuxed up.
So where to start? From what I remember there are at least two or three version of Linux, so I’ll need to narrow down my choices. Unfortunately, my google search for linux os that doesn’t suck doesn’t turn anything up, so I’ll have to turn to the Internet user’s best friend: Wikipedia. A quick Wiki search reveals that there is actually a few more than two or three Linux builds; in reality there is roughly 158,000 million types of Linux, each of them named after a different type of hat.
Ten-gallon Linux sounded a bit old-fashioned, and Beret Linux really looked too pretentious, so I made my choice to try the decidedly un-hat-like Ubuntu on for size.
At the Ubuntu site I found a cute logo that looks kind of like a red, yellow and orange gun barrel pointing at my eyes. Later on, while eating my lunch, I would realize that it was actually representative of three people holding hands, presumably to keep each other from running away to a Mac or XP operating system.
My goal is to do this as painlessly as possible, so I hurriedly look for a copy of the OS and blissfully ignore anything that looks like a guide or set of instructions. I find a download location, and it turns out that downloading things is pretty easy. (You click on the button that says download.) So that’s one point for Ubuntu; good job on making use of basic http protocol, Ubuntu!
The file downloads quite quickly given its size, and a little bit later I’m ready to go. The file is an .iso, so I burn it to a CD, pop it into my drive and reboot.
I’m greeted by a colourful and clear menu, which gives me a series of options for installing. One of them is to try Ubuntu without installing, which is a clever idea for the creators to include, but I decide not to opt for it; my plan is to install Linux as an alternative to Windows and use it consistently, so there’s no point in trying it just yet when I will presumably have it installed in its entirety soon.
So I opt for the full install option. Since I want to keep Windows intact, because it has all kinds of Windowsy things I need, I am going to install Ubuntu on an external hard drive, which I’ve already connected to my computer. Next I select the full install option, after which I am greeted with an earthy-looking background and am serenaded with a truly bitching drum solo. I figure this will probably take a while, so I leave the room to marinate a steak for supper (with garlic, onion and horseradish if you must know.)
As I return I realize I’m actually pretty excited to get this thing installed and try it out. Gleefully I hop into my room to find… it’s locked up. The mouse won’t respond and the screen is stuck in a desktop with a beige background.
Ubuntu Linux probably won't shoot you in the face
So much for the simple install. With the latest development I abandon my bull-headed approach and decide to get some help. Luckily the support forums on Ubuntu’s site have a thread that looks like it addresses my problem. According to the forums it looks like I have to press F4 at the install menu and enter graphic safe-mode; either that or do something with an alternative install CD that I really don’t want to deal with.
I heed the advice about the safe-mode, the installer doesn’t lock up this time and I’m grooving to sick bongo beats once again. I follow the dialogue box, select what I think is my external hard-drive to install on, enter some more basic information, experience a moment of powerful apprehension and potent dread that I might have picked the wrong drive to install on and might end up screwing up my Windows drive, press back a whole bunch, then finally build up the guts to go through with it.
The install process takes about half an hour, during which time I cook up my well-marinated steak (it was delicious, thank you.) I restart my computer and I’m feeling that excitement and wonderment again that I felt all those years ago in those heady days when me and my buddy first experimented with alternative installs. Then my computer starts to boot and… it locks up.
Damn, I think, Something must have gone wrong with the install, which I did on my external hard-drive so that it would be completely separate from my Windows hard-drive so I wouldn’t have to worry about anything.
Disappointed that I’ve run into another road-block and won’t get to use Linux just yet, I unplug my external hard-drive so I can boot into Windows and go to the support forums for more advice and… my computer locks up. It tells me that GRUB is loading, and to please wait, and also that Error 21, which is presumably the Linux-talk equivalent of two middle fingers and a crotch-thrust in my direction.
Now I’m super-screwed; the computer I use everyday has somehow gotten a whiff of the aromatic Linux that I was installing on my external hard-drive and is now throwing a hissy fit and not talking to me any more. I ask my roommate if I can use his computer, log on to the Ubuntu support forums once again, and post a thread: Subject: AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH, Body: AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH OH GOD OH GOD OH GOD.
Luckily the Ubuntu forum staff are able to interpret my well-considered communication and they inform me that I need to boot from a Windows XP install CD to repair the boot-sector of my XP drive.
Success! My computer is un-ruined. But I’ve had enough excitement for one day, and decide to call it. The forum staff explain to me that they can tell me how to set up Ubuntu on my external hard drive so that it works properly, so tomorrow I’ll take another swing at it.
To put it softly, installing Ubuntu was hell. I ran into more problems than I ever imagined I would, and for a moment I thought my computer was reduced to a pretty silicon and plastic paperweight. The simplicity I was looking for was not there, and I’m not exactly planning to recommend that my parents replace their Mac OS with Ubuntu any time soon, given that they would probably have given up when they couldn’t figure out what an .iso was.
Nonetheless, I’m willing to give Linux the benefit of the doubt; I imagine that the majority of users don’t encounter the sort of problems I have, and I’m willing to concede that my hardware is likely to blame for all the peculiar issues. And while it wasn’t an easy process, the Ubuntu forum staff were very helpful and I was able to solve all my problems fairly quickly. Thumbs up for the support!
So tune in tomorrow, when I put the install problems behind me and move on to testing Ubuntu for the first time!
Other days: Day Two, Day Three, Day Four, Day Five, Day Six, Day Seven
Stumble It!
wisd0m on Fri, 2nd Jan 2009 2:18 am
Most users will not try to install to an external drive. I think that “installing Ubuntu was hell” is you fault. My mom (computer illiterate) is using Ubuntu with no prior instructions and doing fine.
Aaron on Fri, 2nd Jan 2009 5:17 am
You’re taking a Mac-user mentality and applying it to Linux, which is a recipe for failure before you even start.
If you’re going to approach this half-cocked and not do a proper install, you need to make a bootable USB drive with Linux on it (made mind-numbingly easy as of Ubuntu 8.10) and set your BIOS to boot from that. There is no reason to try and do an install of ANY operating system in the way you have just described. Installing to an external drive and expecting the boot loader contained on ANOTHER drive to boot to it without being overwritten is just daft.
This is why people think Linux is so “hard to use” – because unless there’s an iApplication to take care of everything, they don’t know what they’re doing. Please engage brain before fingers.
iampriteshdesai on Fri, 2nd Jan 2009 5:40 am
You can also install integral softwares like Microsoft Office 2007 in Linux without any terminal hacking, it works beautifully:
http://helpforlinux.blogspot.com/2008/12/install-microsoft-office-2007-in-ubuntu.html
CoolGoose on Fri, 2nd Jan 2009 6:30 am
Stupid question but what computer do you have ?
Also the live cd test is always good to have. you know.. to see if it actually works ?!?!?
Vincent on Fri, 2nd Jan 2009 8:23 am
Whaha, I’m going to follow this if only for the hilarious writing style
And yeah, I wouldn’t recommend most anybody to install Ubuntu… Though I can highly recommend buying a PC with Ubuntu pre-installed, which is a lot easier (installing any OS is difficult).
Also, somebody’s going to recommend Wubi to install Ubuntu at any time, so I might mention it now anyway, but though installation is easier with that, I’d recommend to get the full install if you can, because that’s less likely to cause problems during use. The website: http://wubi-installer.org/
The New Year Linux Resolution: Day 2 | zMogo Tech Stuff on Fri, 2nd Jan 2009 6:14 pm
[...] The New Year Linux Resolution: Switching to Linux for a Week [...]
Bryan on Fri, 2nd Jan 2009 6:28 pm
Another install option would be to use wubi, which can be downloaded from the ubuntu website. Wubi will install ubuntu on your windows partition, without damaging or repartitioning it, and give you the option on boot to choose which OS you want to use.
http://wubi-installer.org/
AshPringle on Fri, 2nd Jan 2009 6:44 pm
Thanks for the comments everyone, they are greatly appreciated.
I understand where some of you are coming from, but I also stand by my approach. I only wanted to go about installing the OS in a manner similar to the way an average computer user might, and the average user isn’t going to know what a boot loader or BIOS is; they’re just going to pop the CD in and go, so that’s what I did. When I was running the installer my external HD was available as an option, and there was absolutely no indication given that it would do something to my main Windows drive. If it messed up for me, then there is no reason to think it won’t mess up for other average users.
Basically, I think that if Linux is going to make its way to the masses it will have to appeal to the masses, and the masses have no idea what is the right or wrong way to go about installing an OS. Telling the average user that it’s their fault, not the OS’s, that it screwed up, when they have no reason to think they’re doing anything wrong, is just going to intimidate them and scare them away, which is hardly any way to spread the Linux love.
Anyways this whole project is all in good fun. Vincent, the above poster, is correct: installing an OS may never be easy, which is why I’ve given Ubuntu the benefit of the doubt and carried on.
Thanks again for the comments everyone, and if you want to read my second day’s experience, check it out here:
http://www.zmogo.com/gear/the-new-year-linux-resolution-day-2/
Mark on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 3:17 am
Install windows to an external drive without instructions or issues or STFU about Ubuntu sux. Also insted of using your roommates pc boot Ubuntu from cd on yours no roommate needed and a good way to diagnose and repair your only pc.
david on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 3:17 am
Be sure, to check out this site once you’re up and running.
http://ubuntuguide.org
carl on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 3:18 am
That’s a picture of Alan Cox not Alan Moore (as far as I call tell)
ted on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 3:29 am
I think this is great. I like how you are giving it a chance, even with the difficulties you have had. I had actually moved to Feisty when it came out, and had some problems, due to my PCI-IDE controller card. Once I got all that out of the way, I haven’t really turned back. I do have Vista on a partition, and I rarely boot into it at all.
Vincent is right, I will definitely be following this due to your style of writing.
qwertzui on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 3:43 am
Try to install Windows (XP?) on an external hard drive and please report back if THAT works…
John on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 4:03 am
You should also try installing Windows on an USB-harddrive on a machine that has Ubuntu installed from before. Good luck on that.
antemon on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 4:26 am
Wubi. Seriously.
Pop the CD in while in Windows and just install it like a regular program…
no need to partition or installing in a different drive ETC ETC ETC…
reverting back to windows, if you wish to do so, is as simple as an uninstall also.
Strigare on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 5:00 am
The problem is that there is no operating system that will do what you are asking. Of course you’ll run into problems if you try to do this REGARDLESS of the operating system you are trying to install. If you had run a normal installation it would have probably worked right. I understand that you are just trying to insert the CD and get the system running but it’s not a magical operating system either because what you are trying to do is not a normal scenario.
Kraln on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 5:06 am
You said:
I understand where some of you are coming from, but I also stand by my approach. I only wanted to go about installing the OS in a manner similar to the way an average computer user might, and the average user isn’t going to know what a boot loader or BIOS is; they’re just going to pop the CD in and go, so that’s what I did.
I say:
I’d like to see you try to install windows anything to that USB drive without destroying your bootloader. Or OSX. In fact, I’d like to see you try to install windows to your main drive without destroying your current bootloader. The ‘average’ user uses the operating system that came with their computer, so while you declare yourself to be an average user, you are /trying to change out your operating system, making you not an average user/.
You also specifically stated that your goal was to ignore documentation.
Say what?
There’s about a billion hits for ‘install ubuntu on usb drive’. It’s well documented. This reads very much like “Linux is hard, m’kay”.
FWIW, I do not currently run any linux machines.
William Nett on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 6:06 am
If the average end user with the commitment to actually try a different OS goes forth, then say goodbye to your Windows partition. What you should have done was backup your windows apps and docs, and then just ‘gone for it.’
Your approach is half-assed at best right now. It also sends a very wrong and negative message, “Hey everyone, lookit me! I have been driving a car for years, so now I’m gonna try and drive this formula one car fer a week! Oh crap I keep crashing! These cars must be poorly built!”
Learning a new OS is a process, just like when you learned to use Windows. You seem to have forgotten that you needed patience, and you probably picked up a book or two along the way?
Jimbo on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 5:15 am
While I share your sentiments that computing should be idiot proof where possible, I think this blog post is unfair because you have accidentally stumbled into doing the one thing that no OS out there can do easily (installing on an external drive) and in spite of the fact Linux is really easy to install if you do it on an internal drive you have now dismissed Linux as flawed.
If you had bought a Dell with Ubuntu pre-installed and then tried to install Windows on an external harddrive you would have just as much trouble getting it to run.
bacony on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 5:16 am
I tried installing ubuntu and had similar mouse-lock probs. Happily, I found some helpful forum posts suggesting that I ensure the BIOS was fully updated. Nothing but smooth sailing after that!
Jeff Olson on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 5:21 am
Now I’m going to have to go see if Windows XP will boot off of an external drive…
John Mason on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 5:31 am
I made the switch from Vista about 3 weeks ago. Wish I would have done it YEARS ago!
Jess
http://www.privacy-center.be.tc
Angoth on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 5:50 am
“is you fault” – Post 1.
“which is a recipe for failure before you even start.” – Post 2.
“like Microsoft Office 2007 in Linux without any terminal hacking” – Post 3.
“to see if it actually works ?!?!?” – Post 4.
“I wouldn’t recommend most anybody to install Ubuntu” – Post 5.
“Another install option would be to use wubi” – Post 6.
You’ve *got* to be kidding me!!! Seems as if his approach and his goals were perfectly valid. Install Linux on an external hard drive and try it out for a week. This is the kind of fanboy flak he gets?
That’s rich.
Sure, it can do a million things. Sure, it’s highly configurable….he only wanted it to do 3 things. Install, work and not screw up his already working OS. You know….the one you all hate?
Turns out that after 2 tries, it didn’t do either one of the 3.
And it’s his fault?
You bash him?
That’s rich. Can you guys stop looking down on Windows users long enough to realize that most people want an OS that works, out of the box, and doesn’t mess up your already perfectly working setup without performing rocket surgery?
Is that a bit beyond your comprehension?
When Linux gets there, give me a call. Yes, I’ve installed it. Yes, this was a trip down memory lane, though. But, I’ve got a flash for the author. EVERY app you install is this way. And, the fanboys will blame you for not knowing what they know and doing it right to begin with.
Enjoy. I’ll check back in on your progress. Good Luck.
pops on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 5:55 am
Or….If your drive with Windows has enough free space just defrag it 2 or 3 times(a must) and when it comes to the partitioning stage of the Ubuntu install choose the RESIZE AND USE AVAILABLE SPACE option.Always remembering to back up first of course.
Having a 2nd machine to mess around with would be an even better alternative of course.
My family & i have now used Ubuntu for most of the 3 years we`ve used computers(had 4 months with Windows before discovering Ubuntu & Co)…If you asked me what a “partition” was back then i would have told all about the horrid Japanese room devider my wife has in the room so lack of knowlage means nothing.All that matters is your willing to learn.
Figuring out even the basics of Ubuntu just takes a bit time & patience…..look how long you gave Windows after all:)
LLothar on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 6:05 am
Just a thought – Installing Ubuntu on external hard drive was not very easy, but in just one day it was up and running. Try installing XP or Vista on external hard drive
. It will be hell much more hell-ish than with Ubuntu 
.
javaman on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 6:19 am
While I admire your decision to carry on, I do have to take issue with the whole direction of this story. You state:
“I only wanted to go about installing the OS in a manner similar to the way an average computer user might, and the average user isn’t going to know what a boot loader or BIOS is; they’re just going to pop the CD in and go, so that’s what I did.”
First of all, the average user isn’t installing a second operating system onto their computer. And if they are, you need to research how it’s done BEFORE you do it. You don’t just jump into a semi-truck and begin to drive it down the road without getting instruction on how to drive it first.
Please don’t blame Linux on your ignorance. Take the responsibility and read/study before you try and install a 2nd operating system on your computer. If you had done that, you would have known about GRUB and the MBR (Master Boot Record) that even Windows uses.
I wish you well as you keep going, but maybe slow down, do some reading online, magazines, and books first.
beyboo on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 7:06 am
Really wondering aloud who would torture their parents to install an OS on an external hard drive.
It really surprises me to know that ppl will curse Ubuntu and other distros for their user unfriendliness at installation in an external hard drive (which btw is a breeze with Vista !), but not comment on how rock solid, stable the framework is. Free software u need for anything just available in add/remove for free again.
Its sad ppl are happier using software which will go down every now and then, make them spend money for anything new they want to get done !!!
Sheldon on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 7:35 am
You should try gentoo.
Linux Too on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 8:37 am
2009 really must be the year of the Linux desktop. So far, at least, it seems to be the year of the Linux noob blogger.
Here’s a guy, a bit more experienced than you with Linux, that’s doing the same thing with openSUSE Linux.
Daniel R Killoran PhD on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 7:52 am
Don’t try ANY of this on a PowerPC! The main trouble with Linux is that is simply is not designed for anything except Intel-platform computers, which you obviously have and your “Mac OS using” parents probably are not. Also, don’t try using ANY kind of Linux on an “Old-World” Macintosh!
geekTips on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 7:58 am
The first photo in this post really freaks me out
Karmiktrance on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 8:06 am
AshPringle…
Your approach to using Linux as an “average user” would is flawed. Average users do not install any operating system. You state you are a Mac OSX user.. did you install that operating system onto your Mac? Have you ever installed a Macintosh OS? Better yet, have you installed a Microsoft OS, preferably DOS, Win 95 or 98.. or in recent times Vista pre Service Pack 1? Restore Disks from Dell don’t count..
Also, as far as Ubuntu messing with your windows drive.. Any OS installation would do that. And you’re right, normal users would not know that if you want to dual boot Windows/Linux, Linux has to install its boot-loader (GRUB or LILO, Any OS would do this btw, its not linux specific), and it just uses the space already occupied by the previous bootloader (stored on your main drive where Windows is installed).
So normal users would not understand that if you install an OS to external media, and the Boot loader is written to a separate drive, when the OS drive is absent, the Boot Loader is going to take a crap and give you an error. Googling “GRUB Error 21″ would’ve told you this.
Point being, Normal user’s do not, or rather – should not install or re-install operating systems. I’d say Windows XP has the easiest installation routine of any OS I’ve encountered, and I’ve seen people still manage to screw it up.
Bob on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 8:07 am
Hah, I had the exact same problem when I tried to install Linux on an external drive. The problem is that GRUB, the menu that lets you choose which operating system to use, gets put on the external drive as well so once you unplugged it, your compy had no idea what to do anymore.
For what it’s worth, when I tried the same thing with Windows, it flat out refused to install to an external drive.
brian on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 8:26 am
The average user will not be installing Linux on an external hard drive. The average user does not install an operating system. If the average user needed to install an operating system, they most likely would be re-installing from the manufacturing disks or would be installing a fresh copy on the first drive. So if you are going to be honest, instead of the hatchet job that you are currently providing, do a default install, which is what the average user would perform – if at all.
Haris on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 8:29 am
Just a question: would an average user even _think about_ installing linux on an external drive? I’d think that most would just pop the CD and install on their internal HDD
Chris on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 8:38 am
“I only wanted to go about installing the OS in a manner similar to the way an average computer user might, and the average user isn’t going to know what a boot loader or BIOS is; they’re just going to pop the CD in and go, so that’s what I did.”
With all due respect, I don’t know of an “average” user who is going to try to install to an external hard drive. For most, the thought wouldn’t even occur to them.
But, if you want to do it, wouldn’t it work to boot using the live CD, go to System>Administration>Create USB startup disk?
I have a copy of Xubuntu running off of a 4GB USB drive this way. You even have the option of saving data across boots.
Anyway, I don’t necessarily want Linux to be for the masses. Windows is for the masses, and it tries to second guess my intentions and fence me in at every corner.
I want to be able to tear sh** up if I so desire.
Acm on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 8:45 am
How about also try to install XP or Vista to an external disk without entering hell or wiping your primary disk?
bullfrog on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 8:49 am
quoting AshPringle
“Basically, I think that if Linux is going to make its way to the masses it will have to appeal to the masses, and the masses have no idea what is the right or wrong way to go about installing an OS.”
The “masses” wont install an operating system to external disks.
If you’d install ubuntu on the same disk as windows or on a separate internal disk, the installer would automatically detect your windows install and display a menu for you to choose which OS to boot at startup.
StephSD3 on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 8:52 am
hey there, great idea to play aroun with Linux, you’ll find it very interesting, you’ll see.
And further: did you ever get a XP install on an external HD up and running the first 4 times you tried it? I didn’t at least…
the ‘normal’ install on an internal HD is without problems.
anyway: Great idea
Jebus betterthanu on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 10:17 am
Your wrong. Flat out, your just wrong. First off, most “average” user’s don’t install their own OS. Second, any average user that does try to install their own OS, usually misses things. Important things. Such as updates, programs to make video run, codecs, etc. And then they wonder why it doesn’t work. Thirdly, the “average” user is not going to be installing to an external hard drive. (And if they are, they better be RTFM as you found out) It’s people like you, who give GNU/Linux a bad name, because you don’t even know what your talking about. Good, I’m glad your trying it out, but don’t knock it just because you tried to install in an unorthodox way, without RTFM. Had you looked around a bit more, you would have found excellent howto’s for installing to a USB drive. But you didn’t. You ever tried installing windows to an external? No. Didn’t think so. Ya, that ain’t to flippin’ easy either.
Now, whats the point of all this you may be asking yourself? Well, it’s got to do with this line that you wrote here. “and blissfully ignore anything that looks like a guide or set of instructions” Ya, thats right. Your ignorant. Maybe, just maybe, had you read these little manual’s you wouldn’t be so quick to judge. So just remember to RTFM! RTFM!! RTFM!!
Jebus betterthanu on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 10:20 am
scaring people away from linux is not cool, and that is exactly what this article will do.
the0wl on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 10:28 am
Anyone who considers installing any OS onto a removable drive needs to consider carrying his brain in a bucket and see how well it operates his body…
That being said, I’ve been using Ubuntu for 3+ years on a dual-boot laptop beside XP. My install was painless compared to what you’ve described, and I even had to re-partition my drive to do it.
You just might wanna consider that anyone installing an OS by choice likely has at least some experience installing another OS somewhere along the way, and will likely understand that they should at least be there to attend the install.
Cheers;
the0wl
Jon on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 10:33 am
“When I was running the installer my external HD was available as an option, and there was absolutely no indication given that it would do something to my main Windows drive.”
Yes, there was. It’s called Advanced Options, Install Grub to which hard drive and you will see that it installs to the first hard drive in your boot order. Anyone dual booting needs to be aware of this and do your homework before you install.
Dave on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 10:36 am
You should have tried Gentoo, you would have experienced true hell
Boo Radley on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 10:37 am
“in reality there is roughly 158,000 million types of Linux”
I know you’re being comical here, but in actuality there’s just *one* type of Linux, a few types of package managers and of course a thousand or so distributions
Abhiroop Basu on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 10:44 am
I disagree Ash.
MOST people would not install on an external hard drive. Out of every single person I know who owns a computer not ONE owns an external hard drive. Slowly people are buying them but for most it is an uneccesary expense. Anyway leaving that aside, have you tried installing windows on an external hard drive? I can’t imagine you’d be any more succesful than Ubuntu.
I have installed Ubuntu at least 7 times on 3 different machines and it has gone of without any problems.
If you need any assistance comment on my Ubuntu blog…
http://ubuntuextreme.blogspot.com/
Cheers
PARTH BUCH on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 12:00 pm
its because of idiots like you that windows xp and vista ans mac os x is still in the scene…
check my website http://www.tan-ubuntu.com for a complete installation guide and work around for each and every problem you face or may face…
Joseph Brower on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 11:18 am
@AshPringle:
If you really want to install it like the average user, then you should install it on an internal harddrive. Try installing windows onto an external harddrive… I think you’ll find it just as difficult.
Bob on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 12:01 pm
Well you didn’t make it easy for a “test run”. In fact you tryed to install Linux on an external drive while the competition is not even able to do the same … unless you like it the hard way: http://www.ngine.de/article/id/8.
And based on your own assumption:
“I only wanted to go about installing the OS in a manner similar to the way an average computer user might, and the average user isn’t going to know what a boot loader or BIOS is; they’re just going to pop the CD in and go”
Well name me one “average user” that came to a tech and asked “Could you please install my Windows XP on my external drive”.
Sad, but you failed your credibility before even starting the test. I’m neither a Windows or Linux fan, both have their pros and cons… but a little bit of rigour would be good. You’re trying to put a computer savvy problem as if it was an average joe problem.
Occas on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 12:23 pm
I would actually contend that Wubi has been made specifically for the masses, the average Windows user who wants a simpler solution. I’ve installed Ubuntu both from a bootable cd and from Wubi, and I found Wubi so much easier and as of yet (6 months of dual-booting with Vista) I have not had a single grub error or anything else wrong boot-wise, whereas with my previous install occasionally my bios would change it’s mind on what drives were device 0 etc and not load anything. eek.
Great reading so far and will be keen to read days 3-7 as well!
Dave on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 12:43 pm
I second what some of the other people said…
First, if you put an ubuntu cd in your machine and it asks if you want to try a “LiveCD” always give it a shot. What can you lose? Nothing. It MIGHT give you a heads up about hardware issues down the road. (It can miss things sometimes which ended up giving me a bit of a headache at first, but that soon passed.)
Second, for a first time installer and if you just want to get comfortable with the OS and not the “how-to-get-it-running” after it breaks down on the side of the road, definitely go the Wubi route. In one screen it asks all the information you should need to give it and does the rest for you. And after two restarts at the most, it’s good to go.
Hopefully, if you’ll take these few things into consideration, and try Ubuntu again, you’ll see that it might not be too bad of an install experience. Otherwise, always resort to plan B – Hammer.
Barius on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 1:19 pm
Um…you try to install an operating system, *beside* an existing system, *without* reading the instruction and then claim that Linux is at fault? Puhleez.
You are not anything near an ‘average’ computer user. The fact that you install your own hard-drives makes that clear. Average users will buy a box with Linux already installed, the same as they do for Windows and Mac.
The fact that your little jaunt into I’m-too-good-to-read-the-manual land resulted in some headaches only indicates one thing: you’re an idiot.
Adrian on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 1:50 pm
Just a thought. An average user might take a look at one or both of the Ubuntu Wiki site or Forums for proper instructions on doing what you’re trying to do (without screwing up your computer). Also, an average computer user wouldn’t even be trying this, so we can throw that pretense out the window. Go to the ubuntu website and read some of the guides instead of doing things in exactly the way a first time user shouldn’t, and then writing an article about how the technology sucks. Things really do tend to work well when you ask for advice!
There are fixes to your boot loader problem on the forums too… Without going there you’ll likely be looking at reinstalling windows. And no, I’m not trying to be a jerk, I just am a jerk, so take that for what it is worth, but please, also take the advice.
Darius Grey on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 3:50 pm
Let’s forget for a moment about the Windows/Linux thing … Installing a (new,unknown) OS on your machine without taking the precaution to backup your data ? And how many OS(es) do you know that work “out-of-the-box” on external/removable storage ? For you next “article”, why don’t you try to install AIX on a “old” Apple (same arhitecture,right ?), or maybe Tru64 on x86. And while we are on the subject, install Windows on any kind of removable storage (bonus points for installing on a RAID of removables), and then you’ll have something to bitch about. Until then STFU and RTFM.
d00d on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 3:50 pm
Auto-detect the winmodem in my laptop, or at least give me drivers that work, and I’ll switch. Until then, Linux is worthless to me.
Will on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 4:50 pm
if you happen to still be reading your comments – here’s what i did for Ubuntu: i am also running windows happily, so i installed ubuntu on a virtual machine. check out sun microsystems’ virtualbox (it’s the virtualization software that plays the nicest with ubuntu). this way you can run ubuntu in a virtual computer without affecting windows at all.
ted on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 5:31 pm
@ Everyone
has anyone actually read these comments before posting their own? it was so repetitive. obviously there was an easier way to do the installation, but that was the way he chose. there was no need to rip him apart for it. simply post the easiest way, and be done with it. i have always had no problems asking for help on forums, and not worry about people ripping me apart for a question that may sound so simple to them. this seems like many of you took it personal because he blamed linux. give me a break.
i found this very entertaining, and yes, i do agree that it may scare someone away from linux. i find it funny due to the fact that i have used ubuntu for awhile now, and i know the troubles that he had.
Mohammad on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 6:43 pm
Did you try installing Mac OSX on your external hard drive? Wait a moment. Is that even possible?
The New Year Linux Resolution: Day 3 | zMogo Tech Stuff on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 6:20 pm
[...] Comments ted on The New Year Linux Resolution: Switching to Linux for a WeekWill on The New Year Linux Resolution: Switching to Linux for a WeekPaul Nguyen on The New Year [...]
Asdf on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 6:24 pm
I switched to Linux at age nine and I had no trouble whatsoever.
It’s obvious he was messing with things he had no idea about, and his issues could have been resolved with mere minutes of searching, but he was stubborn enough to state that he was attempting this without any glance at documentation.
He couldn’t do it? I say good riddance.
AshPringle on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 6:35 pm
Um, woah. How’s everyone doing tonight?
Thanks for the posts everyone. I’ve learned a lot from my experiences so far, and learned some things to do and to avoid doing.
I also believe that the more user-friendly an OS is the better. I want Linux to be successful just like most of you, and I hope it continues becoming easier to get into.
I agree about installing XP; I’ve had to do it before, and it was true hell. If I had to do it again I probably wouldn’t be typing right now, because I would have shot my own face off.
For those that want to know, I use both XP and a Mac. I like using the Mac better, but I need Windows for some things.
I’ve moved past all the problems I’ve had though, and I’m on to day 3. If you’d like to check it out, here’s the link!
http://www.zmogo.com/gear/the-new-year-linux-resolution-day-3/
Steve Kudelko on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 7:27 pm
I loved your style of writing, but I hated the crybaby responses of all the Linux lovers jumping down your throat because you didn’t bow down to the Ubuntu Gods the second that you put the CD in your drive.
The way I see it: You were writing about your experience, and I agree with what you said. If installing an OS to an external drive is not going to work, the OS should tell you it won’t work. It doesn’t matter if Windows won’t work on an external drive either. In that case, Windows is also wrong. Linux isn’t perfect, but neither is any other OS. Instead of pointing the finger and saying “well, Macs and Windows do that too” just fix it. (and for what it’s worth, to whoever said you can’t install the Mac OS on an external hard disk, you’re dead wrong. i’ve installed everything from Mac OS 7 to Mac OS X 10.5 on external drives, including SCSI, Firewire and USB 2.0 without a single problem).
Comments like this make me not want to try Linux at all. Instead of offering assistance or taking feedback and saying “in the next version of our installer, we’ll include a message that says installing to an external hard drive is not guaranteed to work”, Linux lovers just pick at people and let you all know that Windows doesn’t work either. No shit, we get it. Quit crying like little girls because someone gives an honest recount of their own personal experience with Linux.
Steve Kudelko on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 7:33 pm
Oh, and also, never once in his article did he say that Linux sucked or that it was awful. In fact, he is very honest in the last paragraph and says that most likely the majority of switchers wouldn’t have his problems, and that it was most likely his fault. Why do you people take things so personal? You’re like little girls. Just because he mentioned one or two things he was upset about during his Linux install you all are going to flip out? How childish. I think the people who leave comments in this blog and other Linux related stories are going to do more damage to people wanting to switch than this article will. Give me a break!
scott on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 8:41 pm
Do not install on an external HD…that was your problem. I would recommend trying OpenSuse or OpenSolaris, as well.
Jesus on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 11:28 pm
My 64 year old roommate installed ubuntu on his computer all buy himself with no problems. I have installed many flavors of linux without any problems on more computers than I can remember (this includes gentoo). This article is completely one sided from a person who obviously loves OSX and winbloze a little too much. Don’t get me wrong, I do love OSX, but I could love it a little more without all the DRM, I left windows 3 years ago when vista would not install on my comp without problems, I put Ubuntu on it instead and kept XP for gaming only.
Oh btw, the bash console in linux is the most powerful feature of any operating system, period. Learn to use it, and you will learn how to really take control of your computer without having to click millions of boxes. Read the book: “Learning the BASH shell,” or any howto that you can find in the google.
shamil on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 11:46 pm
The author is being a child and making sure to sabotage himself every step of the way.
Why not start with something simple when installing ubuntu. Like a standard dual boot scenario not on an external hard drive. Choosing an installation onto an external drive was obviously carefully chosen by the author to guarantee self sabotage.
Not even myself had an easy time getting linux to work on an external hard drive.
Do a normal scenario. Install linux on an internal hard drive, double check your bios settings for boot drive priority while your at it to help make sure grub works. Heck, even do what you do with windows, double check to see if the hardware will work with the computer you’re installing on too.
Quite certainly you only install windows on an internal hard drive. So why not do that with linux as well. You’re sabotaging yourself so obviously Ashpringle. I can tell you don’t want linux to work you pussy.
Nedu on Sun, 4th Jan 2009 1:52 am
Attention Linux fanboys:
He is doing a test based on reality as it is, NOT a linux fantasy world where everyone knows everything about computers.
In reality as it is, windows is already on the overwhelming majority of computers, with no extra free partition space. Only in a linux fanboy fantasy would someone need to install windows on an external drive.
A well written installer will hold your hand through the setup process properly informing you of your options in easily understandable terms and make it clear to you what it will and what it won’t do, without you having to abandon the setup and go online every other step of the process. If the installer cannot properly install on an external hard drive, it should warn you of that fact BEFORE it freezes up.
I am not a windows fanboy, nor a mac fanboy, nor a linux fanboy. All 3 systems have their crappiness. Some of the same crapiness exists in all 3 systems. Recognizing that crapiness honestly by paying attention to problems real people have with your system and working to fix it will put your system ahead of the pack. Fanboy whininess will not.
watson516 on Sun, 4th Jan 2009 1:56 am
I don’t understand.
Whats the big deal about using an operating system for 1 week? I could see if you blogged about switching for an entire year but 1 week? Really?
I could see maybe if it was 10 years ago but Ubuntu is ‘average user’ easy.
My New Year’s Resolution:
Moving my lamp 6 inches to the left for 1 week.
jaduncan on Sun, 4th Jan 2009 2:39 am
People have been somewhat unfriendly here, but I’d like to thank you for your feedback and thank you for trying things in the first place. The issues you are finding are just what we need to fix (including some community politeness, apparently).
The time you took to try Ubuntu and write these posts is appreciated.
oliver on Sun, 4th Jan 2009 7:10 am
Kudos for continuing despite the problems you encountered with Ubuntu installation. It’s good to hear from normal users what kind of problems they see. Regarding the “it worked fine for me, so you’re dumb” replies: after having installed various Ubuntu versions on various systems so far, I can say that in many cases it’s not as easy as it should be.
PS:
> experience a moment of powerful apprehension and
> potent dread that I might have picked the wrong
> drive to install on and might end up screwing up my
> Windows drive, press back a whole bunch, then
> finally build up the guts to go through with it.
Deja vu
Drunky on Sun, 4th Jan 2009 8:21 am
Most of you are idiots (but I mean that in the nicest, most endearing way of course).
I would posit that most people who are not familiar with Linux wouldn’t be aware of the “normal scenario” of partitioning the existing drive, using Wubi, or any of the other “obvious” suggestions you are throwing in his face.
I would imagine that to those who are not ‘l33t’ like all the fanboys, installing another OS onto an external hard drive would readily seem logical as to not mess up your primary hard drive.
AshPringle on Sun, 4th Jan 2009 10:06 am
@jaduncan: Glad to be of help
I like Linux a lot, and I hope it continues to become more user-friendly so that plenty of people can try it out. So far it seems to be a great alternative to Windows.
@oliver: Call me paranoid, but sometimes I just don’t trust my computer not to destroy itself because of one ill-advised click
@Drunky: That was exactly my thinking: why risk screwing up Windows when I could have both of them on different hard drives? Seemed like a great idea at the time!
@Everyone else: Thanks for all your comments, even those that questioned my intelligence
They are all appreciated!
Day 4 should posted on Monday, right after the weekend, if anyone wants to check it out!
Brandon Eubanks on Sun, 4th Jan 2009 12:18 pm
Sounds like you had lots of problems. There are a couple of things I would check if you had that rough of a time of it.
First I would MD5 check the iso image you downloaded and make sure it isn’t corrupted(the MD5 checksums for each file is usually in the same directory as the iso image itself, I use WinMD5Sum, but some burning programs calculate the MD5 of the image files for you). Once that’s been assured burn the image @ low speed, if you have the option have the program verify the written data. You might want to run the ubuntu live cd(try ubuntu without installing) so that you can figure out which drives are which by clicking on them(they will have generic names like 40GB partition) if you double click them the OS will mount them(the OS might complain but if the drive pops up on your desktop they’ve been mounted), you can then open them up and see whats on that particular partion and thereby get a feel for what your current partition layout looks like, and how you might want to change that from there on out simply follow this guide of course your only dual booting so you should be able to safely ignore the portion about the third operating system.
http://web.archive.org/web/20071024123008/http://www.hevnikov.com/blog/2006/11/13/triple-boot-xp-vista-ubuntu-with-single-boot-screen/
the things I think you might enjoy in the newest ubuntu.
add/remove programs opens up repositories of free software and allows you to search for available software that fits what you search for. It then automatically downloads it and installs it for you, as well as keeping said software up to date automatically. It does this for the operating sytem as well. The other major thing I think you might like(depends on how you work) is compiz-fusion which is a compositing manager. At first I didn’t find this usefull but as I got more used to separating my different workflows across multiple desktops(one for each side of cube) I feel like I’m able to multitask better here’s a guide on setting up compiz-fusion once you have your 3d Accelleration drivers and CCSM(compiz-fusion settings menu) installed
http://forlong.blogage.de/entries/2007/8/29/How-to-set-up-Compiz-Fusion
as always the ubuntu forums are your best friend. Chances are very high that if your having a problem or want to know how to do something that someone else has had the same exact issue. Search the forums!
For example DVD playback
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/RestrictedFormats/PlayingDVDs
sharing profiles for mozilla firefox and thunderbird between windows and linux(watch out if your running 64bit linux and 32 windows this may create some incompatabilities, although I’ve had not issues)
http://cybernetnews.com/2007/10/24/cybernotes-share-a-firefox-profile-between-ubuntu-and-windows/
Brandon Eubanks on Sun, 4th Jan 2009 12:36 pm
Sorry for the addendum but I also recommend installing in linux(some of these might have to be installed through synaptic):
compiz-fusion icon-quick access to compiz-fusion and window manager settings
screenlets-little programs that reside on your desktop, I set mine as widgets so they aren’t normally on the screen(u press F9 to toggle the widget layer, you have to enable the widget layer within CCSM) I’ve done away with my menu bar at the top, and used the main menu screenlet set as a widget to get at those menu’s when I need to
gnome-do-a program for quick launching applications, just hit your gnome-do launch key (Win + space for me) and begin typing the name of the program. It learns as you go along so that often used programs automatically finish the program name before you even get to far for example I usually only have to type the letter f before gnome-do guesses that I want to launch firefox
Windows alternatives
for multiple desktops workspaces on a 3d cube try:shock 4way 3d, its not as good as compiz-fusion but it works
http://www.docs.kr/
for quick launching applications without using the menu use executor
http://lifehacker.com/400566/executor-is-impressive-full+featured-app-launcher
Brandon Eubanks on Sun, 4th Jan 2009 12:54 pm
and last but not least if you are going to do a dual boot and you want to use Vista’s boot loader instead of GRUB(ubuntu’s boot loader) you should be able to figure it out using the hevnikov link above and my post here
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=569506
not that you should since grub is much easier to manage/edit
B. on Sun, 4th Jan 2009 1:49 pm
Go back to widows noob!
Jacky Frost on Mon, 5th Jan 2009 12:49 pm
First, I’d like to defend AshPringle’s statement about installing Ubuntu like the “average” user would. With Linux becoming more and more popular, “average” computer users are becoming increasingly curious about it and want to try it in a way that won’t fry their existing system. Yes, installing to an external hard drive was a mistake but….a mistake that a common user might make. This article at least lets other amateur users know that they aren’t alone and its okay to try something new. All you commenters posting “Noob” and “Go back to windows” aren’t helping the Linux movement. You’ll notice that after each problem, AshPringle noted that he received quick and helpful service from the Ubuntu forums.
That being said, I’m surprised nobody has suggested using Virtual Machines as a means to try alternate operating systems. I suggest Sun’s Virtualbox (freeware). It’s not extraordinarily easy at first so you will want to skim over the directions before trying or have a friend walk you through it but once you’re in it’s very easy. This will also let you run both operating systems at the same time for better comparison and with a small plugin, you’ll be able to pass files between your virtual machines. I can go on and on about the benefits of using virtual but you can just wiki it. Nice article, thanks!
The New Year Linux Resolution: Day Four | zMogo Tech Stuff on Mon, 5th Jan 2009 4:52 pm
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AshPringle on Mon, 5th Jan 2009 5:18 pm
Thanks for all the comments and suggestions everyone! It’s fantastic to hear from all of you.
@Jacky Frost: I am indeed going to try some virtualization software soon. Thanks for the suggestion!
I am on to day four. Check it out here, if you want!
http://www.zmogo.com/gear/the-new-year-linux-resolution-day-four/
Alexia Death on Tue, 6th Jan 2009 9:09 am
No other OS I know of installs cleanly on an external USB drive following the same procedure(take a standard install, run with it) either. I don’t see anybody bitching about that.
Mind, it may even have worked even if you had the internal windows drive disconnected or disabled in bios first…
The only thing this exhibits is commoners occasional strange assumptions on how things should work(ie assuming that installation on a removable drive is the same as on an internal drive just because they are both drives and there should be no difference for computers).
Carl on Tue, 6th Jan 2009 10:53 am
Try installing any flavour of Windows on an external drive and expect the original OS on the internal drive to boot properly.
Good luck!
You are demanding things from Linux that you cannot demand from any other OS, and certainly not Windows. I call that obtuse.
G Fernandes on Tue, 6th Jan 2009 11:26 am
[QUOTE]I only wanted to go about installing the OS in a manner similar to the way an average computer user might[/QUOTE]
Well, you did everything but. An average computer user installs an average OS on the main HDD on the system – not an external HDD. To be totally honest, installing on an external HDD is no better than running the Live-CD – so why didn’t you do that instead? What compelled you into choosing the most stupid combination known in documented history of installing an OS on a computer?
FYI, any modern GNU/Linux distribution – both ones with hat-like and ones with un-hat-like names – install at least a gazillion times easier than any version of Windows known to Man. Of course, you need to choose a sane installation strategy. For which, you’d be well advised to read through the installation notes for said chosen distribution in great detail and plan your installation strategy.
My personal advice to you – do one of:
1. Resize the Windows partition on your main HDD to create enough space for your GNU/Linux install and then install it. Most modern GNU/Linux distributions support resizing the partition at install time. You must, of course have free space on your HDD to achieve this.
2. Buy a new INTERNAL HDD. Install it as your secondary HDD. Install on this HDD. You’ll have to tweak GRUB configuration a bit post-install to enable booting into Windows. But this is the safest way to install GNU/Linux without touching the primary Windows HDD.
Dulwithe on Tue, 6th Jan 2009 11:38 am
Try Mandriva and Dreamlinux…
Try from the LiveCD’s FIRST!!! If the LiveCD doesn’t work right, then DON’T install it.
If you install Mandriva, you need to do a really easy (but elusive) fix to get hibernation working. (Mandriva Control Center, Boot, Next, Edit, then under Resume, remove “splash=silent”. Then it should work fine.)
Ubuntu works for some, but even as popular as it is, it is still REALLY buggy compared to some other distros. Most stable I have tried is PCLOS. You could try that, too.
Again, try the LiveCD’s first.
Dulwithe, The Dark Shadow
“Keep the rubber side down, wind in your face, and sun at your back!”
Mario on Tue, 6th Jan 2009 2:28 pm
What an unfair article. Try installing WinXP on an external hard drive. You won’t even get started!
andy on Tue, 6th Jan 2009 6:33 pm
I also agree with the majority of people here, what you have done is not the “normal” way to install any operating system! example: If you go to a generic PC repair shop and say can I have this operating system installed they do not install it on a external USB harddrive…. plus if you asked to have 2 operating systems installed they would dual boot not install one on a external USB drive.
I too would like to see you try to install a normal copy of XP on an external drive and try to get it to work. It wont! The boot loader when installing any native operating system is linked to to a hdd sata or ide slot, not USB. Thus you need to change values in the boot loader/grub. Plus if its unplugged at any point and you start your system you could also have problems.
I would go as far to say that this is such an unfair test. Everything will obviously be slower installing it on a external usb hdd, and you are not installing it the “normal” way. Then now your going to be installing it on a virtual machine which again is not a fair test, you do not get 3D acceleration in VMs and more than likely you will have problems with hardware. Why dont you just install it “normally” and see it work?
I have installed ubuntu on at least 10 desktops computers and a handful of laptops and never once have I had problems, its simple. My mum uses ubuntu…
AshPringle on Wed, 7th Jan 2009 6:07 pm
Hi there everyone. Thanks for the comments!
I may have installed in a manner that is not expected, but I’m sure other people make the same mistake as me. Whether or not XP is easy to install, I’m sure the developers of Ubuntu want it to be as user-friendly as possible and that means anticipating the sorts of mistakes people can make and making sure they can’t happen. I want Linux to succeed as much as the next guy!
Anyways, my fifth day is up if any of you want to read it!
http://www.zmogo.com/gear/the-new-year-linux-resolution-day-5/
Carlo Piana on Thu, 8th Jan 2009 11:03 am
@carl: yes, that hairy guy is Alan Cox. 100% him. And although he looks scary, he’s a perfect gentleman.
dr.bmartin on Thu, 8th Jan 2009 12:57 pm
Great stuff.
I am running a similar experiment on my laptop. I am using Ubuntu because its free and easy to use. I am trying to use nothing but free software, including my OS (thus Ubuntu), my blog hosting (Blogger), and anything else I need.
Check it out at http://fre-world.blogspot.com/
I am a Linux nube and am having a blast. I’ve had a few frustrations but nothing terrible.
I teach as an adjunct for a local community college and am putting together a free seminar on FLOSS for student and faculty. So many students break the bank on software that I just want to give them more options.
I’ll continue to follow these adventures. Funny stuff.
The New Year Linux Resolution: Day 6 | zMogo Tech Stuff on Thu, 8th Jan 2009 10:36 pm
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btmonzo on Fri, 9th Jan 2009 7:11 am
If you want to test next time: buy a new harddisk.
It makes _not_ using the documentation a lot easier.
I can’t take anyone seriously who doesn’t want to read and tries to make his/her primary computer a dual boot.
Vincent on Fri, 9th Jan 2009 8:29 am
@dr.bmartin – Blogger isn’t free in the sense you mean it with Ubuntu (I guess). It’s gratis to use but you can’t edit the source or host it on your own server on anything (like WordPress).
James on Fri, 9th Jan 2009 9:59 am
I too tried installing Linux. It didn’t seem to recognize the cdrom drive on my 486-66 thought, so I gave up. Meanwhile OS X on my Macbook Pro works like a charm. So much for Linsux.
Phil on Fri, 9th Jan 2009 10:12 am
You are a rare type of user….the kind that only knows just enough about what they are doing to screw something up.
Nobody is going to install an OS on an external drive like that (even though some Linux distros offer you a USB key version). Thats what someone with just enough knowledge to know they will overwrite their OS but not enough experience to know about partitions would do. Either a person will just want to write over their OS because they don’t want it and don’t know any other way to do it, or they will know what they are doing and would have used Wubi in the first place. You fall in between.
All in all this is just another FUD post of someone doing something ridiculous that wouldn’t work with ANY OS so they can write a blog about Linux not being user friendly. I’m simply not going to believe you are that dumb. Let people try and decide whether they like Linux for themselves instead of writing FUD articles. And even with the FUD its still no worse than Windows problems such as the one my coworker just had with installing XP on a Dell laptop but neither the Dell drivers or manufacturer drivers would get his internal wireless chipset to work. He ended up buying a card to use. Let this happen with Linux and though and its worthy of an entire blog article.
rich on Fri, 9th Jan 2009 11:30 am
The Windows drive needs to be defragged and data backed up before starting the Linux install.
Maternitus on Fri, 9th Jan 2009 11:41 am
Well, I had a great laugh while reading the piece and recognized some things here and there. My first encounter was also Red Hat and after a few weeks I tried Suse (in 1998) and the latter had already a graphical installer.
Any way, because of my studies I needed Windows, so with a prowling lip I turned my back on Linux. Somewhat 6 years ago I got so tired of all the crashes, bluescreens and so on, that I adviced a friend of me, who is an avid Linux user (and runs the OS on pretty much everything digital he owns). He gave me a neat 5 cd set with Fedora, helped me with the installation and explained everything he did. Like a live forum?
Since then I actually do the things that I left Linux for, which proofs to me that it was evolving. Because of curiousity I also tried Ubuntu and stuck with it for 3 years, just because I liked it. And now it is Mandriva and I probably will stuck with that for a few years and see what’s okay for me then.
I like that freedom.
Nice piece, but I have comment about it, though. I can see you use a Mac and a Win-PC, because your week has six days. Mine has seven.
Greetings and thanks for the fun!
Maternitus
John Bujack on Fri, 9th Jan 2009 2:23 pm
Hello Ash.
I have read your entire first five posts. I have to say you are the most humorous writers I have read in a long time.
The only idiot posts I have read (and I have read them all) are all by people who have not thoroughly read everything you wrote and also have no sense of humour, because if they did they would have understood that you were NOT finding fault with Linux. You were simply explaining your stumblings and successes in an entertaining way. In your own way I think you are indicating that you are rapidly becoming a Linux fan and why.
Don’t be deterred by the negative responses posted here. They do NOT represent the typical Linux user, they just think they do. Your series will do more to promote Linux and encourage new users than any of the negative responses ever will.
I have been a Mandriva user for 6.5 years (Mandrivausers.org member for the past 6 years),totally Windows free for the past 4 years. I only started using computers 7.5 years ago.
I hope you will consider continuing to post your adventures with Linux long after this one week. I too have had quite a Linux adventure but there is no way that I could write it so entertainingly and self-effacingly.
Cheers. John (74 years young)
andy on Fri, 9th Jan 2009 2:58 pm
@ Phil – I think your right, this guys done this deliberately for attention.
I don’t know where he comes from but if I asked anyone how you would install windows or any other operating system they would put in the CD and let it do its thing, which is installing it on the hard drive.. not going out and buying and external drive and installing it on that.
..next post – “Windows 7 beta review”
Installed normally on an internal hard drive of course..
The New Year Linux Resolution: Day 7: The Stunning Conclusion! | zMogo Tech Stuff on Fri, 9th Jan 2009 10:15 pm
[...] on The New Year Linux Resolution: Day 6marshal on The New Year Linux Resolution: Day 6andy on The New Year Linux Resolution: Switching to Linux for a WeekJohn Bujack on The New Year Linux Resolution: Switching to Linux for a [...]
AshPringle on Fri, 9th Jan 2009 10:38 pm
Thanks for the comments everyone!
@Phil: I have absolutely no idea what an FUD is and I’m too lazy to google it.
@Maternitus: I also enjoy the freedom of Linux. There are a lot of aspects to it that I wish were more common in other operating systems!
I will definitely give Mandriva a try at some point.
@John Bujcack: Thanks for the comment
It means a lot, and if at least one person understands the humour of it all, then I’m happy. I just want to give my honest experiences, but I also don’t want to take it all too seriously!
This week is over, but I do plan on continuing my posts about my Linux experiences, maybe with a post every week or two instead of every day.
My final day of the week is up, and you can read it if you like!
http://www.zmogo.com/gear/the-new-year-linux-resolution-day-7-the-stunning-conclusion/
AshPringle on Fri, 9th Jan 2009 10:55 pm
PS: @ carl: Alan Moore also has a hilarious beard though, and Alan Cox looks like a crazy hobo version of Alan Moore.
Amrith on Sat, 10th Jan 2009 9:14 pm
I’ve done something similar every now and then. I didn’t have such a bad time as you did.
My observations are at
http://technophilesdiary.wordpress.com/
Flesh on Tue, 13th Jan 2009 2:29 am
I’m not going to bash, but installing ANY Operating System on an External Hard Drive without prior experience is asking for trouble.
Ubuntu may be one of the easiest-to-use Linux distro’s. But it doesn’t mean you don’t need to know what your doing.
Same goes for all computers.
Ed on Fri, 16th Jan 2009 4:22 am
I have to agree you have to do it with commitment. It’s not windows, it’s not OSX. It is however very versatile, and fun. It has everything you need to do.
If you adopt the open source way of thought you have a full plate that will never run out. you can make a basic web enabled desktop with all the office capabilities.
Or make a
Quote of the day - Richard A. Johnson's Blog on Sat, 12th Feb 2011 1:06 pm
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