This weekend I needed to format my desktop and clean up the multiple files built over months of installation, moving, and deletion. For the past three months I have been reviewing options beyond using Windows because I just want out of the proprietary operating system. So, after doing some final checks I decided on trying out Ubuntu. The great thing about this operating system is the disc actually lets you try it out first before installing. In order to make everything work I had to follow a few short steps:

1) Burn the Ubuntu.iso file onto a CD-R

2) Enter into C-MOS and change boot settings so my CD-Rom was the first to boot up

3) Reboot the computer (be sure the Ubuntu CD disc is in your CD-Rom)

When I rebooted, I saw this really cool logo that Ubuntu uses with some options of how I wanted to proceed. I chose the test option for which the operating system then proceeded to place files on C: as if it was a real install but in essence it was temporary. I would say it only took about 10 minutes to run through this trial install between my CPU speed and RAM size. (3.0 gig CPU and 512 meg RAM)

Once it was completed, a peachy looking background appeared with a few small icons along the top and some along the left side. It was actually quite nice as the desktop was very open and not crowded with icons like Windows usually is on a desktop. To enter the Programs, Applications, and so forth you clicked on the name and there was a drop down of each section.

The user could actually set up how they wanted their desktop very easily by going through the drop down menus. There also was a help section available to guide them if they needed it. Another option available to use was called gadgets and they could be downloaded from the Internet by clicking on what is wanted and after installation they are either added to the list or automatically added to the desktop. I didn’t install everything to test it but I found the most intriguing game called Atomic that really tests your skill. It reminded me of the Windows Mastermind but this one was actually better. How it worked was giving you a chemical make up of something like HOH then it would show you two H’s and an O on this maze like board. The player’s job is to get the letters exactly like the photo. What makes the skill is really having to pay attention how you move the letters otherwise you cannot move onto the next level. Anyway, I only made it to level two as I am very addicted to those sort of things and didn’t have time to sit and fuss around with it. It is a lot of fun though for anyone who likes mind challenging games.

I tested out the Open Office programs that are pre-installed and I am impressed. I have used Microsoft Office for years so it was quite interesting to see how close in comparison these applications are. Ubuntu even comes with its own version of a Project application which I was quite impressed by.

I have not installed Ubuntu yet however it is something which I am keeping and I will be reviewing it again when I get a larger hard drive. Another review will be made either before or after then since I can review the operating system without installing it. Secondly, I want to install Windows Vista however I need a larger hard drive. I discovered after reading, Vista is requesting a 40 gig hard drive and unfortunately I have 40 gigs worth of data that needs saving so I need more space before an installation can take place.

Once I have had the ability to install and try out Windows Vista, I will be posting my opinions.