I have just been updating my home computer to the latest version of Ubuntu Linux. I realised recently that I had not been getting updfates as I had it set to only take the Long-Term Support (LTS) versions that only come out every two years, but there are other releases every six months. I am not running a mission-critical system and I would like to have the latest software to play with. There was a time when I would eagerly await each update as it would usually fix some issue, but it has been really stable for a long time.
I was trying to think back to when I first started using Ubuntu, but I conveniently have a blog where I recorded such events. It was in June 2005 that I first installed it after previously using Knoppix (KDE version of Gnoppix). Before that I used Mandrake and Red Hat. It must be about 15 years since I started using Linux and almost as long since I gave up on Windows for general use.
So my first Ubuntu was probably 5.04 (Hoary Hedgehog). Each version has a code name and the number represents the year and month of release. Before this week I was on 18.04 (Bionic Beaver), but now have 19.04 (Disco Dingo). Note the default wallpaper that illustrates the current mascot.
I find that Linux can do just about anything I need and most of the software is free. The main apps I use are:
- Google Chrome browser. It just works and it remembers all my settings if I log in on another PC. I also have Firefox and Brave. These can be useful when I need to access different Steem accounts.
- Thunderbird email. I have used this for a very long time. I expect a lot of people mainly use webmail, but I still have my own domain and need to access that account. I use Gmail too.
- eSteem is a great desktop Steem application that I am writing this post with.
- For communication I use a mix of Facebook messenger (on the web), Skype, Google Hangouts, Discord and Keybase (which is very secure).
- Libre Office is a full office suite that is very compatible with what Microsoft offers.
- When I feel creative there is Gimp (graphics), Audacity (audio editor), Ardour (multi-track recording) and various video editors. I do not do a lot of video, but the available apps are adequate for my needs.
What is missing from this list is games as I just do not play them much. I play a bit of @SteemMonsters and still go back to Doom now and again. I am out of touch with the current gaming scene.
My PC can boot into Windows 10, but I hardly ever do that. My son wanted it for some school stuff, but now he has his own laptop. I do not force my kids to use Linux.
I would like to do more software development, but have not found time for it lately. Most of the popular languages are available on Linux and I know a lot of developers prefer it as a platform.
I stopped using Windows for various reasons. It was not really about the cost as I do not mind paying for software I will use, but it seemed designed to limit what you can do and I like my freedom. Linux has come a long way in the last 15 years and for some time I feel it has been usable by most people. A lot of people do not need much more than a browser anyway. It is less susceptible to malware too. I am not aware that I have ever been 'infected' and I do not run any anti-virus. You still need to be wary about what you click on.
Computers have become appliances, but they are amazingly complex systems. I value the choice that Linux gives me. I can choose from a vast range of distributions, but I have been very happy with Ubuntu. I rarely need to go looking for support.
If you have questions about Linux I can attempt to answer them.
Steem on!
The geeky guitarist and facilitator of the 10K Minnows Project.
- I'll buy guitar picks for Steem
- Get a Wirex Debit Card to spend your crypto.
- Get some passive income with Mannabase
- Get paid to search at Presearch
- Battle for cards on Steem Monsters or drugs in Drug Wars
- I have Steem accounts to give away to worthy people!