Linux Machinations

Kubuntu Rocks!!! - Ubuntu+KDE for the uninitiated

It really is amazing. I used to think Linux as similar to kung - fu. Arcane language, command line acrobatics and what not.

Now, I'm not unfamiliar with computers but I'm no geek either. Yet I was able to install Kubuntu all on my own. My laptop was up and wearing its Linux cool within hours (it took just under 3 hrs). In fact the longest time was taken for downloading the CD image of the distro.

This says a lot about how far Linux distros have come, especially a specific few like Ubuntu. This has got to be one of the most accessible distros out in the wild. Yet this not to say that Linux can compete with windows any time soon. It's not even close. While installing apps and games has been made more streamlined, it is still confusing for the average person looking to switch from windows.

While everyone may vent at Microsoft's crappy software, they still expect things to work with minimum effort from them. A typical user does not want to hunt around for packages and software to do even the basic things, figure out internet settings, Wifi, Bluetooth etc and do all this all over again every time Linux is installed.

To add to all of this, every new install is different. What worked for me on my computer may not work for you and vice-versa. Got Linux working on your laptop? Don't expect things to be hunky dory on your PC.

Still I have to say, it's very satisfying to install Linux and see it working. All I can say is that if I can do it, most anyone can. I wonder what adventures await me in Tux land!

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