The Adventures of AlisterComputeron

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:

1. Zimbio.com – This article talks about installing UNR on the MSI Wind netbook, but I found it works for the Dell Mini, too.
2. Ubuntu on the Dell Mini 9