Ubuntu Users' Stories
Below you will find Ubuntu Stories submited by people all around the World. Most of them are in english, but we are also allowing other langauges.
If you want to contribute add your own story, help us to make this page more popular by telling your friends, posting it on your blog, digging it (etc), or contact us at ubuntustory@centrologic.com if you are able to translate it to your native language.
Who is using Ubuntu?
Check out who and why is using Ubuntu Linux. Read the stories below.
Noumaan, Blogger/ Writer
I installed Ubuntu two years ago. The primary reason to install Ubuntu was to get rid of proprietary MS Windows OS. Like every one else, I had difficulty getting used to a new computing environment. But then I started loving Ubuntu for its security, stability, easiness, visual appeal and productivity. Ubuntu improved the quality of my work as a blogger and writer. Now I don't worry about configuring my system, removing spyware or combating with viruses and trojans and I can spend more time on my actual work.
Since I write in both English and Urdu Languages. Ubuntu is the best choice as it has the best Urdu support available. It has fonts, keyboard layouts, right to left directional support and better font rendering. And I can install Urdu support by simply downloading one meta package. Urdu support alone was quite an strong reason for me to dump MS Windows.
Ubuntu also brought me closer to people who worked as a community to promote the usage of free and open source software. I made new friends and this provided me a better understanding of software freedom and provided me an opportunity to be a part of this wonderful community.
Leslie, IT System Management
IBM Thinkpad 770E - ReBorn
Old machine will start only with choke...
One of my colleagues gave me a prehistoric IBM Thinkpad 770E notebook - the very first "notebook" of my life. It is really arrived from prehistoric times, the BIOS date is from 1999, the hardware specs are the following:
- PII 266 MHz
- 160 MB RAM (it is the official maximum limit)
- DVD-ROM reader (instead of floppy drive)
- 20 GB HDD (it is also a newer part)
- 56 Kbps modem
- PCMCIA ethernet
- supposedly there are 2 USB connections available, althoug I saw only one.
Pic: http://www.thinkwiki.org/images/b/ba/ThinkPad770z.jpg
Recently I spend more and more times with Linux, so I've decided to use an Ubuntu-spawn. I have Windows on my desktop machine and I didn't want to spend a day with installing XP...
Ubuntu's basic window manager is GNOME but I thought that the available amount of memory can be too less and this is the reason, why I also dropped Kubuntu because it requires more amount of memory than GNOME. The possible alternatives were Fluxbuntu and Xubuntu. Flux was not so nice for me (I believe that it can be so customized) and I translated an article from Full Circle Issue 3, so I've decided to install Xubuntu 7.04 with alternate install (I've omitted 7.10 because there are a lot of bad experience with this version). Of course - because I was the translator of that article - I made awful mistakes with great success.
I remembered that I have some Xubuntu iso-s on DVD; fine, I have a Desktop and an Alternative also... of course for x86-64 platform, so I went to Xubuntu's homepage. First I've downloaded the Desktop iso and burnt onto a rewritable CD because the CD is required only for installing, after then I will download everything from the Internet. The machine is booting from the CD... Khmmhmm... where is the text-mode install??? I opened the Full Circle - of course I've downloaded the wrong iso. Ok, let's go with the LiveCD. I had a coffee and a smoke while I have the desktop. Ok, now there is the Install icon, doubleclick... I did a doubleclick... Achso, so have U received the signal? Nice :) I went through until the partitioning. The previous system was a TinyMe Linux with 2 pieces of 8 GB partitions; I do not need these, so use the whole disk. After killing of the first partition, I had an error message, that the partition table is not readable... Ahha, understand... or don't because the previous system worked properly. Well, I couldn't bypass this, so I've tried a different one.
I've burnt the Alternate iso to the CD, the machine have booted and more, I could step over the partitioning screen. The base system installation began... and it stopped around 82% with the message that the base kernel image couldn't be installed... Thanks, it's nice. After the reboot I was asked about which kernel image should be installed. I've choosen the latest one and the installation goes on... until the installation of applications, where there was another defective file. Fascinating, now it is around 22:00 CET and I didn't make any progress. Reboot, I've selected the Checksum of the CD, error at 99%. Okay, continue on tomorrow.
On the next day I've downloaded a PCLinuxOS2007HU system, because the TinyMe is a PCLinux-clone; I assume that if TinyMe had worked, then it will also. That's too bad that the theory and the pragmatics are not the same - as I experienced. Booting from CD, LiveCD selected, the screen went black... It was a long-time black, so it became doubtful; I pressed the DVD's door opening button and after some noise, it has been opened. Nice, so the system didn't do anything otherwise I couldn't open the door... Ok, let's have a closer look of the CD. At the edge of the disc, I have seen a lot of scratches. I replaced the CD, burnt Xubuntu 7.04 Alternate iso, CD-checksum ok, installation goes over without error. At the end of the setup, the DVD door had been opened to don’t let the disc in - although there is an option on the CD's menu to boot from harddisk.
I don't have experience with the newer Thinkpads but I explicitly dare to say that these kind of old machines are not desultory nerve-patient... The machine starting leisurely and then the Xubuntu bootsplash is shown. Little red joystick is working perfectly without any magic, I've logged on and the Ubuntu + Xfce combo is shown to me as Xubuntu. I have four virtual desktop, filesystem and home icon on the desktop, menu is upper left, thrash is lower right - as I like :)
Ok, let's have some customizing: Mailchecker to the tray, Weather forecast isn't work, Gaim icon went also to the tray with a CPU-load display. Ok, but it is not the whole system monitoring, let's have a search. On a hungarian forum it was recommended to install Conky. Nice, good and fully customizable... but the Conky's display is flashing. There is an option in the configfile but it didn't help.
Before I've deinstalled Conky, I've checked the values: 92.5/160 MB of RAM used with 50/455 MB of swap with Conky, 2 terminals and a FF window. Very good...
At the booting stage, the system is a little bit slow but after the desktop is shown, the usage of it is smooth. Of course, the speed is not comperable to a modern system because if CPU and memory limitations... but I use it gladly and it is available for translations and for blogging.
Pic: http://viszlat.extra.hu/desktop_res2.png
Old machine will start only with choke... but it can please to anybody, who knows how to play on.
(Hungarian versions are available at
http://logout.hu/iras/ibm_thinkpad_770e_reborn.html
http://ubuntu.hu/blog/sh4d0w/ibm-thinkpad-770e-reborn)
Nolan, Electronic`s Engineer
Just got fed up with how MS was taking money and putting out junk software so i swithed to Ubuntu and now my systems work better than ever. Thank You
adolfo horacio guitelman, ingeniero civil
Great operation system to make you daily job
never again to return to other privative systems
Anonymous, web designer
I have used DOS and Windows for about 10 years. After all this time i decided to move to Free and Open Source software.
But changing behaviors is not so easy.
I have looked and tryed many distributions, but none helped me enough, only because of my way to see things.
Then i have found Ubuntu. I think this is the most simple GNU/Linux distrubution, but yet the most powerfull.
I have about a mounth now, since using Ubuntu. I'm using it on my desktop system, but also on my servers. This is the best OS for me.
nasrullah, security officer
I did have an old pc AMD K6 which Windows 98 SE crashed most of the time.Being a great reader of IT Mag I came across an article about Mark Shuttleworth and Ubuntu I ordered for a free installation CD (2004) from that time I am an user of the famous and robust OS Ubuntu......Many thanks to Mark Shuttleworth and Linus Torvald for our freedom.....
Chris, Support Engineer (Mostly Windows Systems).
Ubuntu is great operating system. That's not just because it's well built, stable and well maintained. But because it's supported by an unbelievable community who will stop at nothing to help out users of all levels.
Because of my job, I spend a lot of time using Windows XP/2000/2003 and so know them quite well. It's nice to come home on an evening and power up my Ubuntu laptop safe in the knowledge that I'm not going to have to worry about viruses/spyware and malware.
Ubuntu is a great desktop and server OS. I can testify to both. Download it and give it a go. What's the worst that could happen?
David Pipkin, Web Application Developer
I switched to Ubuntu full-time about a year ago. Previously I was running Windows XP and Ubuntu has blown it away in every respect. I'm still using Windows Vista at work because our network and servers are all Microsoft-based, but I think the company I work for would benefit with a complete upgrade to Ubuntu desktops and servers. The price of {value} alone seems like motivation enough, and the functionality doesn't hurt either. With Ubuntu you also get constant updates and practically no threat of viruses and malware.
If it's visuals you're after, compiz-fusion blows aero and aqua away in my opinion. Ubuntu is actually easier to use than Windows or Mac OS for the common user because it comes pre-installed with most of the applications you will need for everyday computing; and to add new ones is as simple as browsing and clicking. No need to fork out extra cash for Microsoft Office or Apple iWork, OpenOffice is completely compatible and will be available to you the first time you boot Ubuntu.
If you're a developer who is used to Windows and want to become more familiar with Linux, Ubuntu is a good way to go. You can still perform your everyday tasks with ease while you experiment with Linux programming, compiling, and just general functionality as well. And if you're a .NET developer, Mono and MonoDevelop are a perfect open-source solution for you on Ubuntu.
Mike Ness, Sales / Computer Enthusiast
I have a Dell Dimension 8100 that I purchased back in 2000. I came pre-installed with Windows ME which is quite possibly the worst and least supported release from Microsoft. After 7 years of fighting that OS it finally crashed. I ended up wiping the drive and reinstalling ME. Even after the installation the system would only run a couple of hours before it would lock up forcing me to pull the plug to restart the system. I finally got tired of that and looked toward Linux.
I'd been reading about Ubuntu for three or four months but was always hesitant to install it. I finally got up the courage to try the Live CD. I was amazed that everything work immediately. I decided to take the plunge and install it on the HD. I took me two days to prepare the system by doing defrags, back-up's, burning CD's, and just reading everything I could find in case I encountered a problem. My fears were completely unfounded. The install went flawlessly. Within 45 minutes I was up and running.
Ubuntu breathed new life into my old, old computer. The computer seems to have the old snap that it use to have when it was new. It's rock solid stable. I go weeks without having to reboot, and then I'm probably only doing it from force of habit. I've never had the computer lock up or freeze on me yet. With Ubuntu, computing is how I remembered it to be. Fun and interesting.
I'm planing on purchase a new computer within the next few months and Ubuntu will be the only OS installed on that system. I couldn't be happier in having made the switch.
Arno Takuya, Student
To put it simply, Windows really can't compare to Ubuntu. Ubuntu is fast, efficient, and incredibly customizable for those who wish to do so.
Like Martin, I started off with a dual-boot setup, and found that Windows was just being unused.
To those who haven't tried it; you're missing out real bad :)
Semir, Student / English Teacher (EFL)
There was a CD with Ubuntu on it, in a computer magazine. At that time I was using Windows XP (which I think is a very good piece of software). But since I had a slow PC, XP with all the anti virus/firewall and other security software was so slow that it was not easy working with it. An then out of curiosity I took that Ubuntu CD and booted it. I was amazed by the fact that I didn't need any drivers or security software and that I could connect to Internet by making few clicks. To make it short, Ubuntu does what it should do, in a fast, simple, and secure way. And this is what I need.
PS: I must admit that it took me some time to get used to the way Linux functions.
K. Eldridge, Student/Security guard/Freelance Computer Tech
I had heard of Linux years ago, but it wasn't for me then. I had grown up rather literally with Windows, from pure DOS to 3.2, (yes, 3.2) then 98. I was given an old Thinkpad a30 before starting college (after coming out of the Army) and XP did not really run quite right on it. Little too slow for me, so I put Ubuntu 7.10 on, and it even ran compiz pretty smoothly. I was hooked.
I used that little laptop till the system board died. (My little brother is trying to resurrect it)
I duel boot with XP now on a nice Inspiron 1520, and the only thing I boot into XP for is to play games and to watch movies on Netflix. (grr @ Netflix)
Ubuntu is seriously one of the most stable, polished OS I have come across. And no, you do not need a degree to get it working, or to pay for support. The forums are all ya really need.
Josh B., Computer Engineering Student
Ubuntu is single-handedly changing the way we compute again for the first time in ages. It takes stability and simplicity and puts them together to create an operating system that rivals the stability of Mac OS X and far exceeds the graphical sweetness of both Mac OS 10.5.x and Windows Vista with just a little bit of tweaking. The graphical synaptic package manager makes it easy to find and install extensions to Ubuntu, and all of the software is open source (free): you can't beat that. You don't need to be an expert to use it, but all experts use some variation of what Ubuntu uses (Linux/Unix/BSD).
Michael Wright, High School Student
I was first introduced to ubuntu at 6.06 drapper drake. My computer teacher told us about this video he was watching about this new OS and said it was open sorce so I started to download it and it is now my prefered OS.
I crashed my first and second attempts with ubuntu and now 4 years later I am ready to download 8.04 and install it on my new laptop with vista (not me who bought it) and I Am spreading the Ubuntu way all over my small town of 10,000+. I am a Ubuntu man.
Tim K, Computer Work/Media Archiving
I love Ubuntu, fast, and non-demanding, but when you have a fairly good desktop as i do, Ubuntu really flies, still have to use WinXP for many Windows specific things, Windows it good at some thins, but nothing Ubuntu cant meet with some work.
When i use it i have many fewer prolbems, not knowing a lot about Bash, and the terminal makes it a little complicating, but in the best, most educational, and useful way that i know of. nothings perfect, not Windows or Ubuntu. but i know which one i prefer.
Andy , Factory Worker
As a windows user from the outset, I hadn't really looked at OSS. I was aware of it, but every time i had a look it seemed beyond my ability.
Then came live CD's and i tried Knoppix but was not very happy with it. I happened to come across Ubuntu ( 7.04 ) and tried it out and ended up dual booting with xp. Then came the new laptop with the dreaded vista and i wiped it completely and installed 7.04 followed by 7.10.
I was encouraged to try out linux mint and used it exclusively for a few months, but it seemed too easy, almost an xp replacement. Next i downloaded the beta for 8.04 and now have it installed as my only OS.
I love this distro, the security, the ease of use, just everything about it. I have turned into something of an Ubuntu evangelist, recommending it to all and sundry and have installed it for a number of family and friends who all love it too.
I have finally found an OS i enjoy using and the software that is available is amazing. Anyone out there with doubts...if i can do it, anyone can..
Jonas, Student
I decided to join the linux crowd in 2006, when it was clear what "Vista" was going to be like. I wanted to keep my "old" Hardware (A pentium m 1,6 ghz with 2gigs of ram), but I knew that im a person who always wants the newest Software available. Althougt i did use a lot of free software before i didnt think it was going to end well, but i was young and so i tried it out - now im compleatly "clear" of windows and i didnt feel sorry in any way for the swicht.
Mandla , Student
Why I tried ubuntu:
-I use Ubuntu because it is Linux based and i was told that Linux is only for geeks and tech fundi and i wanted to see for myself...
-I can't afford MSwin and Mac
-It has a South African name (which as far as I know has no English equivalent)
-It is sponsored by a South African
I stayed because:
-i like the freedom
-I like people thinking i am smarter than i really am
-I can make it look like MSwin and Mac
-It has a great forum that allows me to be lazy at times
Martin Rosberg, Enterpreneur
I started trying Linux about 1.5 years ago, after a couple of tests with different distributions I downloaded a Feisty live CD and tried it on my laptop. With no programing experience at all it was not so easy to adapt, but I managed to make it work perfectly on my computer and after 6 months of dual booting I found out that I was just booting on Ubuntu.
Since then I changed computers twice, and I only installed Ubuntu on them.
Kate Hudson, Web Designer/Developer
I started using Ubuntu a few years ago because Windows was annoying me with its viruses, adware, spyware, crashes and general sluggishness. I have used Ubuntu almost exclusively ever since. The only reason I keep a Windows partition is to play the Sims 2, which won't run in Wine.
I love the way Ubuntu is so easy to use, there's no worry about viruses, no defragmenting, no reformatting to get rid of unknown junk slowing things down. It just works the way I want it to work.
Share Your story
Please tell us why are You using Ubuntu. Share Your story!