Sunny Man’s Blog

February 27th 2008

(1) Wubi - Ubuntu on Windows

Internet, Linux

The last few years has seen the unprecedented intrusion of Linux into the desktop computer operating system market. While Microsoft still continues to dominate the OS market with it’s many incantations of Windows, Linux (along with Apple’s Mac OS X) has walked into Microsoft’s house without even wiping its feet. Perhaps the most publicised or most widely known flavour of Linux is Ubuntu and its many forks. This is probably the distribution that has made the most waves in the houses of the average Joe around the world. One of the major aspects of any Linux operating system is the perceived complexity of installation and general use. Ubuntu and many other flavours are challenging this view and with the adoption by Dell of Ubuntu, are challenging Microsoft’s dominance over the market. One piece of software which hopes to step up to the challenge and convert the faithful Windows users to Ubuntu is Wubi.

Wubi is an unofficial Ubuntu installer currently in beta that takes the risk out of installing Ubuntu alongside an existing Windows partition. It runs Ubuntu from within Windows from a disk image. Its aim is to get the Windows user aquainted with Linux and Ubuntu. Anything that prevents me from wiping my hard drive or braking partitions gets a thumbs up from me. But, does it do what it says on the box?

Installation

On running the Wubi executable, you’re presented with one screen where you choose which drive to install your choice of Ubuntu or one of it’s forks. One click and it does it magic. It downloads the required disk image and then works even more magic. Afterwards you’re required to restart. If the post finishes here, it means I broke it.

Using Ubuntu

Unfortunately, on reboot and selecting Ubuntu from the menu resulted in several freezes when trying to active the swap partition so I didn’t actually manage to get into Ubuntu. I was surprised however that the experience provides the experience of Ubuntu but without the risk of installing it as an inexperienced user. As it is in beta I am not surprised that my experience failed however I have high hopes for the software and its part in the spreading of Ubuntu, and Linux in general, into homes around the world.

Conclusion

Wubi allows the quick and risk-free installation and uninstallation of Ubuntu and its many forks which makes it an ideal piece of software for those not experienced with partitioning and the like.

The ease of installation and uninstallation surprised me and even though I didn’t get to actually use the installed OS, it would appear that if the experience is just the same as installing Ubuntu manually, it could be an invaluable tool to convert people to the world of free software. Go and give Wubi a test drive today: download.

February 27th 2008

(1) Looking Back - Sunny Man’s Blog

Blogging, Life

Considering I usually write about things in a rather dull and boring manner, I’m quite astounded about how much my little tiny blog over here has grown. Spawned from a dark corner on Blogspot (remember that :)) in 2004, it moved to its current home in October 2005. Below is a graph of unique visitors, hits and pages served over this time. Some interesting trends.

Still going strong and I got a post coming up for you all tomorrow. Thanks to those that read it.

February 11th 2008

(2) Morals or Gold?

Life, Politics

When it was announced that China would be hosting the 2008 Olympic games, I was quite literally disgusted. Since then, China has built (and is still building in some cases) the facilities for the summer event. This has come at a cost to both the population and the government. Hundreds, if not thousands of people have been forced out of their homes. Dogs have been dragged off the streets. Murdered in front of their owners. Homeless people have been kicked out of Beijing. Builders are working under conditions Health and Safety here in the UK would have a field day with. All because the Chinese government want to present an image of Beijing that satisfies western ideals. Just so that we feel comfortable going there.

Today, the Daily Mail and several other papers report that British athletes are being forced to give up their right to freedom of speech in order to compete. It honestly makes me sick. I’ve always said we should boycott these Olympics. I still believe this. Why are we supporting China? They’re still a communist dictatorship.

What are your views?