Sometimes New Versions Just Plain Suck Part I

The suckiest of new versions? Vista. I have a customer who would return the computer, if she could (she threw out the boxes & using UPS packaging would be frightfully expensive). HP won't help with drivers for XP so that we can safely downgrade. Actually, XP is an upgrade> from Vista, but I digress.

Meanwhile, Ubuntu just keeps getting better. If you are a Windows user and want to try Ubuntu, I recommend its brother, Kubuntu or its extra light/extra fast little sister, Xubuntu.

The downside to the Ubuntu family is that compared to Windows 

• they are faster
  
• they can run well on older, less powerful computers
  
• they are more secure
  
• they run thousands of programs - including Windows programs (even Windows Vista has problems running Windows software);
• most software for Ubuntu is free, while most software for Windows is quite expensive
  
• they (the Ubuntu family of computer operating systems) are free 
  • Windows' latest version - Vista - has several versions; the  cheapest version retails for $199.99 at Target
  • Vista's most expensive version is priced at Amazon.com for $399.99

Hi, Honey. I'm Home (Part III)

The hiatus is over. Black Box and all of its invaluable tips, tricks, and traps will be back soon.

Until then, here is another quick tip:

You don't have to put up with Windows at all. You don't have to endure Microsoft's exorbitant prices and shoddy quality.

There are alternatives.

1. Apple's Macintosh computers are one alternative. It's a pricey alternative, but the quality is there.
2. Linux, specifically Ubuntu Linux (oo-boon-too) is a great alternative. More specifically Kubuntu - which is Ubuntu's non-identical twin. They are the same on the inside, but look different to the user.
   

15-18 years ago, Linux was clunky and not very reliable. Over the years, Linux has improved dramatically. Ubuntu (and all of its siblings) are my operating system of choice: they are simple to use and much more reliable and safe.

There is very little that you can do with Windows that you can't do as well - or better - with Ubuntu.

1. Ubuntu can run several thousand Windows programs.
2. Ubuntu (and all versions of Linux) have thousands and thousands of alternative software that is better than, comparable to, or at least very similar to the Windows offerings. Ubuntu has approximately 1000 programs built in, plus a universe of good, free software just a download away.
   

Ubuntu and its FREE software excel at all of most people's computer tasks:

• searching and reading the World Wide Web (Internet)
  
• using e-mail
• creating documents (especially homework, letters, and spreadsheets)
• keeping track of family finances
  
• saving, editing, sharing photos
  
• Internet chat
• playing games
  
• listening to music
• creating music CDs
• designing and building web sites
• blogging

There are some drawbacks to Ubuntu:

1. Ubuntu (and family and friends) is FREE! It costs ZERO. Zip. NADA. Nothing. Keep your money (to spend on gasoline).
2. Downside #2 is that almost all software for Ubuntu is also free (zero, zip, zed, etc.)
3. Ubuntu, &c, perform faster than a comparable computer that is running Windows.
4. Sadly, Ubuntu doesn't crash as often as does Windows. Darn! I just love getting Windows' Blue Screen of Death and losing time and data.
5. Linux/Ubuntu's internet work (and fun) and e-Mail are nearly risk-free. Microsoft Windows, by design, always has been - and always will be - inherently insecure and vulnerable to attacks from outside (and inside).
6. Documents created using Linux-based products can be shared back-and-forth (usually) with Windows documents and Macintosh documents.

Last, but not least, in Ubuntu Linux's dark side: every time someone switches from Microsoft products to Ubuntu/Linux, it devalues my Microsoft stock. It also hurts Bill Gates' shares of Microsoft stock. Now I know how it feels to own General Motors stock and watch its value evaporate every time I see a Prius go by. Woe is I.