Where is this dreamland in which Windows “just works”?

First of all, I have to say it is not my intention to bash Windows. I am not a Windows hater. I actually like Windows. I use it at work every weekday, and I have found ways to have a generally pleasant experience with it. I like Mac OS X better than Windows, though, and… Continue reading Where is this dreamland in which Windows “just works”?

A professional musician switches from Mac to Ubuntu Linux?

I just read Linux Music Workflow: Switching from Mac OS X to Ubuntu with Kim Cascone, and I have to say I’m shocked, especially after reading Kim Cascone’s Wikipedia entry. Kim is a serious musician, not just some schmoe dinking around in his basement. I’ve been a full-time Ubuntu user for a little over four… Continue reading A professional musician switches from Mac to Ubuntu Linux?

The 6 Best Ways to Secure Windows

Introduction Step 1. Install Windows updates automatically Step 2. Make your primary account a limited user account Step 3. Use Firefox with the NoScript extension Step 4. Read up on social engineering and how to avoid being the victim of it Step 5. Do not pirate software, music, or movies Step 6. Avoid all “antivirus”… Continue reading The 6 Best Ways to Secure Windows

Google Chrome OS isn’t Linux?

Add one more to the tech journalism hall of shame. From PC World‘s “Google’s Chrome OS May Fail Even as It Changes Computing Forever”: First, Google will compete with another operating system, Linux, that has tried fruitlessly to replace Windows on consumer PCs. The Linux camp will give it another go with a Linux variant… Continue reading Google Chrome OS isn’t Linux?

Vanilla Ubuntu on the HP Mini 1120nr

Anyone who read my last post knows I am not a fan at all of the HP Mobile Internet Experience. It was a huge disappointment that made me almost regret buying the HP Mini 1120nr. Good thing I didn’t give up on it, though, just because of the bad MIE interface. I installed vanilla Ubuntu… Continue reading Vanilla Ubuntu on the HP Mini 1120nr

Inspiron 15n: Dell finally properly prices its Ubuntu option

Every now and then, Linux users get outraged because Dell prices the base model of Ubuntu cheaper than the base model of Windows, but when you match the specs of the two computers, Windows ends up being cheaper. This happened for the Dell Mini 9s when they first came out, for example. What I’ve noticed… Continue reading Inspiron 15n: Dell finally properly prices its Ubuntu option

Know why software installation is difficult on Linux? It’s a secret. I can’t tell you.

I love this line from Preston Gralla’s latest bit of anti-Linux propaganda: But when you try to install new software [in Linux], or upgrade existing software, you’ll be in for trouble. I won’t get down and dirty with the details here, but believe me, it’s not pretty. Actually, I don’t believe you. Why should anyone?… Continue reading Know why software installation is difficult on Linux? It’s a secret. I can’t tell you.