January 24, 2008 by Alpha.

I’ve been playing around with the new version of Ubuntu Linux named Gutsy. I can’t get over how nicely it installs and how smooth everything works. No more compiling source code to install applications. There is a large repository of precompiled binaries that have been packaged to work on Ubuntu Gutsy and there is a very nice package manager that is installed by default with the OS. Ubuntu’s mantra is “Linux for human beings”, and I think they live up to it. Besides the fact that the entire OS and all the apps are free, easy to install (easier than any version of windows I’ve ever installed anyways), and the entire Ubuntu community who can provide support, the coolest thing about the OS is Compiz Fusion. Compiz Fusion is a compositing window manager that comes preinstalled with ubuntu. It comes preinstalled with a bunch of plug-ins and there are a bunch more out there for you to play around with. All you have to have is a video card that is capable of running it. Don’t worry, it’ll run on pretty much any video card that has 3D acceleration, its much less stringent than the Vista Aero requirements.

Here are some screenshots from Ubuntu Gutsy with Compiz Fusion running:

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June 29, 2007 by Alpha.

I was able to convince that stingy Electron Frog to fund a new computer for me, I’ve already received the parts and will be putting it together over the weekend. I will be posting the review of the entire experience on the wiki soon. Just as a preview the computer is a E6600 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo with a nvidia 680i SLI motherboard.

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