Love it or hate it, generally speaking most people fall into one of the two camps for Ubuntu Linux. Whatever it may be, people everywhere have strong opinions on the idea of Linux being ready for most people. It’s a debate, in which everyone seems to be “right”.

One thing that may help Ubuntu along however, is the continuation of the Paper Cuts program. These are generally UI issues that need to be addressed, but are minor enough not to warrant being called bugs.

This time around as work continues on Ubuntu 10.04, developers hope to have addressed all confirmed Paper Cuts with that release before it goes live. Based on my experience, as good as Ubuntu can be, it’ll never happen. Hell, they have often released with bugs that I feel should have been addressed, but this is again up for debate I suppose.

I am very skeptical about Google’s Chrome OS having any real clear advantage on the security front. Yes, it will have different advantages, but as the article points out, there are some big issues before calling it secure.

First off, what is being done about phishing? Because unless this is firmly addressed, the entire project is a bust. Secondly, if an account can be easily compromised, then it’s just as bad as having been affected by some random malware issue.

In the end though, the really frightening thing no one seems to want to address is the fact that there is no clear means of truly ensuring your data is secure. I mean, it’s remotely hosted. Even with encryption, it will be a heavy target for malicious types. So I am not at all sure I would call this secure.

The idea has already be done way back when with PeoplePC. And while that was terribly unsuccessful, there are two very different things in play at this point. One, those PCs were never really free. They were offered more like mobile phones, in exchange for using their Internet services.

Secondly, Google has access to their own OS and the ability to strip out unneeded processes. This means that users can use a very low-end netbook but will not come out at the bottom with performance. At least in theory, that is.

Google is banking on technology vendor Teracent, to provide the kind of experience for the end user in which advertising could be solid enough to support the cost of super-low end netbooks. Where I see real issues up front however, is the upfront cash needed to get this off the ground. Even on a smaller scale, this will cost a fortune in start-up costs.

I will provide my thoughts on the article with the following:

1. There are only three reasons why one “needs” Windows. Specialized peripherals, Windows gaming, legacy/enterprise required software.
2. Properly set up and managed, it has been proven over and over that countries outside of the US bubble have been using Linux on the desktop in schools, governments, and at home for years.
3. The US market disliked the offerings of Linux that were presented due to the sellers doing an AWFUL job across the board. No documentation outlining the differences, lacking clarification as to how software works vs how it works with Windows, the list goes on. The sellers failed, not the platform. Big difference, folks.
4. Most of the early PCs bundled with Linux were using substandard hardware. Hence, them running SLOWER than XP.
5. When something goes wrong, there’s rarely a Linux guru in town to call on in most instances. Windows has an army of techs in any town of any size. Do the math.

I will however, agree that there remains a HUGE problem with coordination between hardware manufacturers and Linux distributions. But again, the Linux sellers could have eased this pain as follows.

1. Documentation with a list of working peripherals. Big box stores do not feature hardware with the “compatible with Linux” logo on it even though it does exist elsewhere. It’s not pretty, but it is needed and doable via the existing CUPS and SANE databases. Maybe interacting with a salesman with access to the database? Imagine, people talking to people to match up peripherals — the horror!
2. No one installs their own OS outside of power users/Admins/hobbyists. Buy pre-installed, problem solved.
3. Target an audience that wants it. In marketing speak, it’s called qualifying the customers! Duh! Many people just want to do the basics. Even those who want a bit more  from their computers will find the software they need to make this happen. This does not mean that Linux is right for everyone, mind you — my wife is a Mac nut. But I work with regular people every day that I have switched over. Half of them think it’s a new Windows release — they have no idea. Some of them are using GIMP and designing Web sites with FoSS software. Yet magically, even with the more advanced needs, they’re quite happy with the experience. Sheer madness, I tell you!

Properly managed (I earlier acknowledged this shortcoming)… it’s ready for many segments of people. But pundits are too shortsighted to mention that. Guess it’s not important for them to offer the complete picture?

I do agree, however, that Google or someone out there needs to step up to address the stuff above. Sorry, but the South African company behind Ubuntu may do well with development, but its marketing is frankly a bit frightening. I really don’t want to do things with Ubuntu short of running my computer, thanks.

• CompuLab FIT-PC2 Linux Nettop PC
• Beginning Ubuntu Linux: From Novice to Professional (Beginning, from Novice to Professional)
• Bootable 4 GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive - Preloaded with UBUNTU Netbook Remix 9.10
• Linux Tux Decal Sticker
• Beginning Ubuntu Linux, Fourth Edition
• Hacking Exposed: Network Security Secrets and Solutions, Sixth Edition
• Ubuntu Linux Toolbox: 1000+ Commands for Ubuntu and Debian Power Users
• Ubuntu 8.10
• Ubuntu 9.10 and Kubuntu 9.10, 4-disks DVD Set Includes Linux Training Library, "Introduction to Linux" video-DVD, also includes printed Quick Reference Card of Linux commands, 32-bit Set
• Ubuntu 9.10, 4-disks DVD Set, Includes "Introduction to Linux" video-DVD, Linux Training Library and printed Quick Reference Card of Linux commands, Contains both 32-bit and 64-bit versions
• Linux and UNIX for a Beginner Training Suite, includes Training Library and four UNIX Academy Certifications, 5DVDs + CD, Complete Edition v.2009
• Ubuntu and Kubuntu 9.04, 3 DVDs+1CD Set, including "Introduction to Linux" video DVD
• Ubuntu 9.04 and Kubuntu 9.04, 4-disks DVD set includes Linux Training Library and "Introduction to Linux" video DVD. 64-bit set

Yet another promising project rocking the latest in file sharing. Seems to work well on my LAN, I expect the same except that I had some issues with miniupnpc in the background. Apparently BaShare was not able to work with my network setup. Turned out that even though it does have an effective, be it slow (it grays out for a minute) uPnP tool, one must still open up the ports on their IPTables. I use gUFW, so this was easy enough.

From a practical standpoint, I can see this being very useful. Considering how much down time I have seen personally, as have others I collaborate with using Ubuntu One, this is a great collaboration utility for file sharing.

Assuming you able to get it working with uPnP or are willing to use the ports provided, I see BaShare being a very handy collaboration tool over time. Still think it needs a bit of documentation as most people will have no idea how to get it working with IPTables, but outside of this, it appears to work nicely for me.

Honestly have some mixed feelings about GnoMenu’s current release. The idea, is awesome. And assuming this is a very beta product, it works fairly well on Ubuntu 9.10. However it is clearly not finished as the only theme that really works as it should, is the XP theme.

When selecting menu themes, I found that many application categories were showing up, but once clicked merely opted up a random app from within its own category. Not very helpful.

Frustration aside, once this project has a bit of time to grow, I think many people will be able to find it really useful. Just one thing missing - its called documentation! Seriously, help with a project and by George, we document everything clearly while even providing forums. It’s be nice had I known that this was to be added via the add to panel function rather having to figure this out myself. Just saying.

Ask any seasoned Linux user, they will tell you immediately there is a world of great MP3 players beyond the limited world of the iPod. Besides the fact that one must hack the hell out of the latest version to get them working, it soon becomes evident that Apple wants little to with Linux. Awesome, I feel the same way STEVE. ;)

Look, if you want a great Apple-free music experience that not only does more than what the iPod does, but also supports open formats such as Ogg Vorbis, go with a Cowon player. Better still, take a look at this round-up linked here for some ideas.

For my money, nothing beats the Cowon players…especially if you are into solid players that are not locked into the Apple anti-Linux mentality. No one expects them to create drivers for the devices, but to actively DRM it so it is unusable without specific software is just stupid. Hence, why I leave Apple product ownership to others.

I want to be excited about this, I really do. Yet sadly I could honestly careless. To me Chromium gives me all of the excitement of Zonbu with a giant G on it. Web based, browser is its buddy, I am unable to put any real faith in being able to do anything outside of working with lots of Web 2.0 crap.

Clearly based on Ubuntu, it seems like Chromium is pulling focus off of other distros that already offer Google based functionality and instead, make it something official for Google.

Chrome and it’s open source component, Chromium, are clearly trying to target netbooks as it means there is no real let down when wanting to use this as a full blown OS. Again, if you want an open source operating system that is cloud based, I’d stick with something like gOS. Then again, I am an Ubuntu user who is none too keen on trusting Google with yet more data.

I have been GIMP longer than I have used Photoshop. comfortable with both, I will remain steadfast in my statement that when run on desktop Linux, GIMP is lightyears faster than anything else out there with similar level of ability.

Sadly though, it’s not Photoshop which translates into it not being widely accepted by people who prefer the Adobe based alternative. Then comes this news - Ubuntu is opting to remove GIMP as it is believed to be too complicated for their target audience. Uh, newsflash - I am your typical user! And I think removing it is a mistake.

All of this aside, at least it will be available for easy installation via the repositories. And sticking with F-Spot, is not going to go well with new converts. Sorry, but that software has a ways to go before it is really going to be useful to most people I think. I’d gone with gThumb any day of the week for simple editing, but this is just my take.

Generally speaking, Banshee is my preferred music player on Ubuntu. It offers the functionality I am looking for, despite STILL lacking Amazon integration. I cannot blame it for that though, being it is up to Amazon at the end of the day.

So what new features are available from the latest Banshee? Blockbuster movies? Kindle access? None of the above? Yes, nothing that most people will actually care about, sadly. While the technology behind the Internet Archive functionality is cool, the content is about as stunning as a typical Creative Commons movie.

As some others have likely already pointed out, Banshee needs to stick to the music. Despite being unable to do something cool with Amazon MP3s and OneBox, at the very least spare us with useless features no one outside of the nerdiest of the nerdly are going to give a flying rip about. Seriously, Internet Archive? Why??

I am all for SourceForge keeping their image as business friendly as possible. But this latest press release highlights one of the dumbest things I think I have ever read. Seriously, someone needs to be taken to task over this.

Apparently SourceForge is being renamed “GeekNet”. Yes, instead of having a name that indicates source code and forging something, we are going to see the title merge into something that sound like a social network. Geek-Net - really, this is the best you guys came up with?

Again, I get the need for a name change. There is a network of websites involved, so trying to capture them all with a new company name is kind of a big deal. But for the love of common sense, just because geeks are among those using your services does not mean this is how you name the company!

An Open Office Mouse? Actually, yes and no, depending on how you look at it. Yes in the sense that in addition to other functions, this mouse is designed to work well with the Open Source Office Suite.

No, as it was recently made clear that this mouse was not actually made by the Open Office team, rather another company. So where does this leave us? Well we now have a mouse with a lot of buttons available. Assuming you are used to using advanced mice such as this, this would not present a big problem for you.

Yet for those of us who are not into LOTS of button functionality will likely do better with a more run of the mill type of mouse. Perhaps it’s just too much of a good thing. Guess it really comes down to perspective if anything.

I have been using Ubuntu full time for a few years now and Linux as a whole, for much longer. So realize I am writing this as a guy who uses the desktop - not a Windows using hack trying to stick up for Windows 7.

The above being said, Ubuntu us not really something that I would point to for bragging about ease of upgrades. Myself personally would say it’s about 50/50 with regard to doing an upgrade successfully from PC/release to PC/release.

I do agree with the piece however, that out of the box, there is much more software readily accessible to the end user. And the hardware compatibility is pretty darned good as well. So would I say it is easier to install than Windows 7? Yes, but which it easier to configure depends on your point of view I think. I found Win 7 to be a fairly smooth setup overall. But not enough to fork over that kind of cash for an OS.

Skype is one of those applications available for Linux that I love to hate. It’s annoying because of its proprietary nature. So when it craps out, too bad. Yet at the same time, it remains the best VoIP app I have ever used.

But it appears that there may be a new day for this telephony software after all. I discovered that there is very serious talk of Skype going open source. Perhaps not with the protocol, but with the client itself. And to me, this makes a lot of sense as it has in the past been the client on Linux that has provided some frustration.

Do I care that Skype is not using something like SIP? No, if I wanted SIP, I would simply using one of the available SIP clients. To me, the news of the otherwise problematic client is going to be a good thing. After all, it took them all this time to get the Ubuntu client working reasonably well with pulseaudio.

It sounds impossible at first pass. Yet as you read on through this article, you slowly begin to realize something. Drivers made for specific hardware is done largely for the benefit of Microsoft’s OS. Same goes for software. But what about proprietary software, Linux doesn’t allow it? Hogwash - I use proprietary programs on Linux all the time. They simply are not bundled.

What is truly frightening is not who made the statement that Microsoft ought to consider going further into the open source realm, but that they are pointing out that it eventually, may have to happen anyway.

Whether the business models of the future for an open source OS from MS is running proprietary or open source apps, must likely a combination of both, remains to be seen. One thing is for sure, Microsoft BSD would be a home run and Microsoft knows damned well it would be, too. It would allow them to create, the next OS X if they put their noses to the grind stone and left the idiocy that is NTFS and the Windows kernel.

I remember the first time I used Ubuntu. Already being a Simply Mepis and Linspire user at the time, the jump to Ubuntu was only odd based on the use of the GNOME desktop over that of KDE. A few weeks of use later, I found myself loving GNOME vastly more than my info overload with KDE.

Personally, I cannot name any one thing that would provide a reason for Ubuntu success. That being said, I think there are a number of reasons for Ubuntu success. Among them has to be in part to their frequent release schedule, bundled with using the latest cutting edge improvements from Debian testing.

Five years later since Ubuntu first rolled out, I am still amazed at how people still don’t get it. Rather than enjoying it for what it is, they bitch about it and exclaim that Windows is still easier. Yes, so is sitting on your butt and collective welfare. This does not mean that it’s the wisest approach though. Just something to consider. In the end, I am all about people using the right tool for the job. If that is Windows or OS X, awesome. But use that instead of complaining about something that was not a good fit for you. It would be like me complaining about OS X, which I detest by the way. It gets me nowhere.

For many new and even some existing Linux users, finding the kind of support they are looking for is a bit of a challenge. Not that it is unavailable, rather if it is being offered in such a way as meeting the needs for someone that wants support beyond email.

The idea is a common request for help via VoIP. And honestly, the technology there. SSH X forwarding and various VoIP apps such as Empathy or Skype. So the technology is there. Now it is simply a matter of making remote support more in-tune with the functionality most people want.

Remote desktop options such as NoName already exist, now let’s get the Linux desktop onboard with a solid, integrated VoIP option while repackaging SSH solutions for desktop control to make the process of sharing easier while still being secure.

My bank, along with other banks out there fully realize the importance of being accessible to their customers. And this means not actively blocking Linux users trying to login to your banking website!

Not even sure how businesses are still getting away with this, but thankfully there are a couple of easy options to get around it. The first option, is to simply inform the bank that you will be closing out your accounts and using any one of the other banks out there that do support Firefox and IE8, regardless of OS.

The second and much less intense option, is to use the Firefox extension “User Agent Switcher.” This is going to translates into you being able to keep your existing online banking setup while still maintaining your operating system dignity.

With the proper know how or at least a willingness to take a day to learn about a new operating system, yes, Ubuntu is a solid alternative to Windows. But not without taking time to get yourself out of the Windows mindset. I have used Ubuntu and Linux in general, for years. Today I use it exclusively.

It’s not a matter of being better or worse, rather the fact distros like Ubuntu lack a singular way to do any one thing. This tends to get people frustrated. See, I can broadcast with my webcams using WebcamStudio, snipe eBay auctions jBidder, use Twitter with various options and use OpenShot Video Editor for video editing as I know which apps are best. It was not even really a matter of learning to use them, as the UI for each is not that complicated. No, most people are under the false impression that there is a serious lack of software for Linux - nothing could be farther from the truth.

The trick, is getting out of the provided software repositories and discovering alternatives sources for apps. GetDeb.net, among others, make locating and installing new Ubuntu Linux software very simple. But because of the lack of cohesive cooperation within the community, only some users ever hear of these great options. How do you Google something specific if you don’t know what it is? This does, present an issue here.

Assuming you buy into this article’s statement that somehow Adobe likes Open Source, you might find yourself wondering why everything they produce seems to be proprietary! Flash, Photoshop, you name it, it’s not open source.

Despite my skepticism, it does look like on the back end of things, Adobe does have some open source code rolling along after all - “who’d thunk it”? But Adobe remains steadfast in not making Flash open source.

Why can’t we see Flash migrating over to the open source side of the fence? According to Adobe, one of the biggest issues is the patents surrounding Flash’s use of codecs. So that pretty much kills that idea. No, the best bet is likely going to be HTML 5.