Posted on Wednesday 28th of March 2007 at 13:54 in Linux

Review of Ubuntu Feisty Fawn (Alpha 5) for new users

In the same way I revisited PCLinuxOS2007 beta 2 recently using my new methods of reviewing distros I'm returning to this Alpha 5 release of Ubuntu Feisty Fawn.

As covered previously, I review distros from an XP user's point of view because this is what I am primarily and I think it's important to evaluate exciting releases such as this one in this light. There are hundreds of people more qualified than me to explain what makes Ubuntu a good distro for Linux users but I am more interested in how these new releases make life easy for users who are used to Windows and assume Linux is just "a big headache".

Ubuntu is the poster child of usable Linux and it's looking like Feisty Fawn is only going to hammer that flag deeper into the landscape



So let's begin. The first step in the review was to obtain an Internet connection and retrieve a video file from my home network - this was done as simply as ever. Ubuntu picked up my ADSL connection in seconds and through the Synaptic Package Manager downloaded GFTP (an FTP client of choice) to connect to my home FTP server. I downloaded a video of Family Guy directly to my desktop (as per the PCLinuxOS review).

How hard was it to get a DVD-ripped video to play?
This is where Feisty was always going to gain bonus points because it's been openly discussed that codecs will be downloaded when needed. I double clicked on the Family Guy episode and it didn't play... But I was presented with the screen below:

Ubuntu finding codecs

So without issue Feisty informed me the video wouldn't play, isolated the missing codec and provided me with a couple of downloads. Within a minute the situation was resolved - the codecs were downloaded and Family Guy was playing as it would in XP.

family guy playing

As I said when reviewing PCLinuxOS - it's important for users moving from Windows that media playback is as simple as possible in Linux because you *expect* it to be hard. However, both PCLOS and Ubuntu have impressed me by making video playback easier than it is on a fresh install of XP. So that's a big tick for Ubuntu then.

After Ubuntu breezed through media playback, it's not shocking everything else "just worked"



Browsing the Internet, listening to MP3's, watching videos - Feisty (Alpha 5) strolled through the tasks like (as I suspect it was) built for them. The average computer user wants around this level of functionality with no fuss - and there was less fuss here than there is in XP and that's no bad thing at all.

I still find it amazing how free software can be this good



Playing with the system, downloading and installing packages, browsing the Internet and generally the whole look and feel of Ubuntu give across a well-rounded feel. It's well made and the quality shines through - of course it's open to interpretation whether you prefer KDE or Gnome but I personally think that this distro will help Ubuntu fight for it's right to remain the poster child. I feel that PCLOS will put up a good battle so Ubuntu needs to be ready.

Conclusions
Overall, I've been very impressed with how simple Ubuntu makes things. It's less "out of the box" than PCLOS because there's simply less installed to begin with - not that this is a problem of course when you can browse through Synaptic. A really good distro that I would really find difficult to not recommend to a new user. Of course, we'll see what the final release is like but it's looking promising. Ubuntu has a massive number of followers and if you can't see why from doing what I've just done - then maybe you need help (or a Mac -joke).

 

Enjoy this article? Why not subscribe to the full RSS feed?

Add Your Comments








Comments

Showing most recent 20 of 32 comments [View all comments]

That’s something,That's what I was thinking.Brilliant idea.
That’s something,That's what I was thinking.Brilliant idea.
Fancy knowing that.I'm counting on you.
Purple Ugg Boots 5819 classic Cardy Model:1010307
$260.00 $100.00
Save: 62% off
Inspired by the popular UGG Australia Classic Crochet, the Women's UGG Cardy is the footwear equivalent of your comfiest cardigan sweater. With soft, wool-blend knit uppers and lowers, this style features 3 oversized buttons that allow you to wear the uppers fully buttoned, partly buttoned, slightly slouched or completely cuffed down. Light, flexible, grooved outsoles deliver excellent traction, and suede heel guards enhance durability. Inside, soft sheepskin sock liners deliver cushiony comfort and breathability all year round. 15" tall. Imported.
Australia Sheepskin UGG Boots Sale,Wholesale and Dropshipping Available.
The Best Discount
you can click here to know more:
http://www.shoesiii.com; --UGG boots,timberland boots
http://www.mylacoste.com/ --NFL jerseys
http://www.ghdlinks.com --hair straightener flat
http://www.hibose.com/ --Bose In-Ear Headphones
Timberland Roll-Top Boots menwaterproof leather for comfort, durability and abrasion resistance; Direct-attach, seam-sealed, waterproof construction keep feet dry in any weather ; Padded collar for a comfortable fit around the ankle and help keep out debris ; When rolled down the leather lining is exposed ; Durable laces with Taslan? fibers and rustproof hardware for long-lasting wear ; Footbed and inside of shoe is completely lined with soft, breathable leather ; Non-marking, rubber lug outsole for traction and durability
watches for salereplica watchesAlain Silberstein watchesreplica Breitlingreplica Franck MullerLady Watch for saleBean pendant Tiffany
Fashion News alway take me some ideas,becaust it ,I fell vey cool.If you want to buy some fashion clothes,you can come to see it.
your change can change lives
http://www.myjerseysky.com/products_all.html
your change can change lives
http://www.himk4.com/
your change can change lives
http://www.myjerseysky.com/products_new.html
your change can change lives
http://www.ghdprincess.com/
your change can change lives
http://www.brawbuy.com/

20100105Ccyf
Purchased Ugg Ultra Short on sale for my wife, who was not an Ugg Boots Nightfall chocolate fan. she is now! They are ideal for our frigid weather and heavy snows. I am wearing these boots and I love them, got them in online purchase! I am an Ugg fan and I do have to say these are comfortable! Excellent purchase! Also they look so cute with jeans and leggings, an edgy change from the usual Ugg Black Classic Short Boots and trust me I have many a pair! You will not be sorry. 5 stars all around
I love these UGG New Arrival Chocolate boot! I ordered them on this online site! it is so fast. I have never been so excited about a pair of boots before.I love these ugg cheap classic cardy! They are my 3rd pair of UGG New Arrival Chocolate boot; I also have the classic short and mini. I like how these are sturdier, and less of a slipper feel. They do run small on the calves. I do like the snug fit though

20100105Ccyf
Awesome! The ugg classic short dark are great, beautiful in fact, and true to size. I have another pair of Ugg Cheap Classic Tall so I ordered then in the same size 8. They're very comfortable. But be mindful, I recommend you buy the Ugg protector because the leather seems to mark easily. Just from taking them out of the box and trying them on I saw scratches and marks on them Ugg Boots Nightfall Chestnut are incredibly comfortable, warm, and cozy. I felt that they were very snug at first, almost uncomfortable, but after two wears, Women's Ultra Tall Chocolate molded into the shape of my foot. Now they're perfect! I've also been getting lots of compliments
2 Words: Love them! They are so comfortable. They fit perfectly. My mom even wants a pair ugg Classic Mini bootsnow. She also loves Ugg Slipper; the way they look and how comfortable they are. Great delivery service also. Would recommend them to anyone who likes comfortable, stylish boots.
With the growing popularity of smart phones, smart phones have become people’s first choice for purchase.
It's a good idea .Thank you.
Your site contain a many useful information.
it's good.
http://www.6inchboot.com/
http://www.blessjersey.com/
http://www.mbtking.com/
ugg boots
timberland shoes
Ugg boots sale
Ugg cardy
Ugg boots cheap
Ugg store
ghd hair
straighteners
ghd straighteners

MBT shoes are made for peoples' health.discount mbt shoes from our mbt shoes sale store.
replica watchesreplica Bvlgarireplica Lady WatchYachtmaster replicaIWC watches
20091228CcyfAnyone who is not familiar with them should consider ugg classic short on sale slipping one on! They are remarkably soft and luxurious. They offer an excellent level of comfort and a wonderful style as well. They are very warm and cozy. Your feet will be in shoe heaven! Come on our website shop, you will choose the best infant Ugg for your baby and
Ugg Ultra Short Brown Bootfor your girls.

I really appreciate your help, it is very useful for me,you will get good grades!
You will be successful.
Here is the best Tiffany shop online.Tiffany jewellery and Tiffany uk Tiffany jewelllery uk Tiffany jewellery sale Tiffany jewellery london silver jewellery Tiffany jewelry
tiffany rings
tiffany sets
tiffany bracelet
tiffany necklace
tiffany pendant
tiffany earrings
The fashion Timberland Womens Roll Top Boots are made from the skin of sheep and boots womens locarno are very soft. You can take a long walk wearing them and they are available in many colours like ugg nightfall.
I really appreciate your help, it is very useful for me,you will get good grades!
You will be successful.

Subscribe to the RSS Feed

Stay up to date with Seopher.com by subscribing to the RSS feed, either in your browser or subscribe via email using the form below

Updates by Email

By subscribing by email you’re also subscribing to the Seopher.com newsletter; a periodical email outlining new reviews, competitions and other subscriber-only content

  • Wordpress Campaign Manager
  • 125x125 banner only $50 pcm
Want to give your product/website exposure?

Paying for a featured review is a great way to give your product, service or website exposure. For as little as $50 you can have a full review on the site forever.

Advertising Bundle! Review + Banner = $70

To kick start the new improved Seopher.com, buy a review and get a 125x125 advert half price. Your banner gets displayed on over 450 pages for a full month.