Ubuntu UNR will Stay on my Dell Mini March 13, 2009
Posted by AlisterComputeron in Operating Systems.Tags: Dell Mini 9, Linux, Ubuntu, Windows
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Earlier this week I posted about installing Ubuntu Netbook Remix (UNR) on my Dell 9. I said it runs great, and the apps, such as Firefox, open and run very well on Ubuntu. However, I also said that I thought it wasn’t ready for mainstream yet.
During my lunch hour today, I browsed over to ABC.com to catch up on Scrubs. Didn’t realize ABC is still playing re-runs of episodes 1-10 of Season 8, so no new episodes today. Anyhoo, my Dell Mini was booted to UNR, so when I clicked on one of the episodes, I was greeted by a message that essentially said ABC.com only supports Mac OS X and Windows. Bummer.
My frustration level with Linux began to rise again, as I booted back to Windows. I thought a lot today about running Windows exclusively on the Mini, since I can’t run everything under Ubuntu, and just uninstalling Ubuntu. However, every time I thought about how much more quickly Firefox, for example, launches in Ubuntu than it does in Windows, I just can’t stand the thought of moving back to an inferior OS after experiencing Ubuntu, even with its own set of flaws.
Ok, Scrubs is the only thing I watch at ABC.com, and this is its last season. I should probably watch streaming movies from Netflix on my larger screen MacBook. And I don’t use mobile broadband all that often.
So Ubuntu stays.
Must-have Apps March 11, 2009
Posted by AlisterComputeron in Mobility, Operating Systems.Tags: Evernote, Motorola Q, PdaNet, USB Modem, Windows Mobile
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I recently upgraded my Moto Q from WinMo 6 to 6.1. The upgrade process wiped out all my installed apps – no big deal, as I was warned of this prior to the installation, and I can easily reinstall my apps.
The first app I reinstalled was USB Modem by Mobile-Stream that lets me use my Q as a high-speed-ish modem for Internet access when wi-fi is not available (or not available for free). Unfortunately, that app doesn’t seem to work WinMo 6.1, and there doesn’t seem to be an upgrade available.
I am currently testing PdaNet from June Fabrics as a replacement for USB Modem. It’s working great on my Windows Vista notebook and my Windows XP Dell Mini. I haven’t tried to make it work on my MacBook, yet.
The next app I installed was Evernote. I was out shopping the day other before I had a chance to reinstall Evernote, and you just don’t realize how important your key apps and your data are until you really need them.
What about you? What’s the first app that gets reinstalled when you do a reinstall or new install of an OS?
My Dell Mini 9: Remixed March 10, 2009
Posted by AlisterComputeron in Operating Systems.Tags: Dell Mini 9, Linux, Ubuntu, Windows
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Well after six calls to tech support and four trips to the repair shop in Texas, my Dell Mini 9 is finally fully operational. So what do I do with it now that it’s working like new? I install the alpha version of Ubuntu 9.04, code name Jaunty Jackalope. I installed their netbook remix, called, Ubuntu Netbook Remix, or UNR.
The Mini 9 works even better now. I installed Ubuntu using the Wubi install within Windows. If you’re not familiar, Wubi allows you to install Ubuntu as if it were any other application. It’s a great way to try out Linux without leaving the comfort of Windows, and it’s an easy way to maintain a dual-boot computer. If you don’t like it, simply to Add/Remove programs in the Windows Control Panel and uninstall it – just like any other app.
The only two things I can’t do with Ubuntu that I can do with Windows is watch the on-demand stuff from Netflix, and tether the computer to my cell phone for Internet access. On the other hand, I can play streaming audio through Songbird within Ubuntu, while I was unable to do so in Windows.
The 9.04 alpha version of Ubuntu is quite stable and seems complete based on other versions of Ubuntu that I’ve played with. And I really like the application chooser that Ubuntu built into the remix.
I still think Ubuntu isn’t quite ready for the mainstream, but this is a huge step forward.
These two links will give you excellent help on installing UNR:
- Zimbio.com – This article talks about installing UNR on the MSI Wind netbook, but I found it works for the Dell Mini, too.
- Ubuntu on the Dell Mini 9
