I realize that Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala was released two months ago. However, this is my first experience with Linux. So far, I have to say I am impressed with the Ubuntu experience.
Getting Ubuntu
Since it is so outwardly open source and free, getting a copy of Ubuntu is exceedingly easy, especially when compared to obtaining copies of Mac OS X or Windows. Simply go to the Ubuntu website and click on the big “Download” button. It is a 630+ megabyte file, so beware if you are on a limited internet connection and do not have much time on your hands. Once the disk image (a .iso file) has been downloaded to your computer, simply burn the disk image to a 700MB CD and just like that, you have a fully functional install and boot disk, ready to go.
Trying out Ubuntu
Something that I really appreciated in the Ubuntu Live CD was the option to boot off the CD and try the operating system before installing it. As someone who had never touched Linux before, this is an excellent way to check out the OS, use some of the bundled software, and get a feel for it to decide if it is really for you. This is something that one cannot do with Mac OS X or Windows without going to a retail store and trying it out there.
The experience was a little pokey, due mainly to the fact that running a computer off an optical disc is going to be slow, even on the fastest computers. The interface is clean and bright. OpenOffice, Firefox, and all the utilities are easy to find and ready to use.
Installing Ubuntu
I have not had the opportunity to install Ubuntu on a computer yet. I do have plans to install it on my mom’s crappy old Dell, with 256MB RAM (the minimum for 9.10) and a 2.4 GHz Intel Celeron processor. The hard drive in that computer is in dire need of repair, so it remains to be seen if it will be suitable for a new operating system. I have plans to buy a small FireWire 400/800 drive and use it as an alternative boot disk for my Macs.
Overall impressions
I have to say that, from initial impressions, Ubuntu is an impressive and mature alternative to proprietary desktop operating systems like Apple’s Mac OS X and Microsoft’s Windows. I look forward to using it and providing more details of my experience with it to you, my loyal reader.
The developer who produced the live video streaming iPhone application “Knocking™ live video” wrote an impassioned letter to Steve Jobs after the Pointy Heads, LLC-produced application was rejected. It was rejected for a very valid reason: it used a private API. This is a faux pas in most programming circles.
A private API in the iPhone SDK is an API that was included by Apple but is not supported officially in any way. The API was written and included mainly to assist Apple’s own internal development efforts, not those of third-party developers. Essentially, the Pointy Heads developers have built a tripod and one of the legs could disappear at any moment.
When one finds the “Knocking live video” application in the App Store, the ratings are less than confidence-inspiring. The average rating barely musters above one out of five stars. Many of the reviews simply state that the application did not work as advertised.
This only serves to emphasize the need for App Store reform. Excellent, experienced developers can have their applications rejected for arbitrary ridiculous reasons. However, if you are a mediocre developer but a good speech writer, then you stand a better chance of getting your app into the store right away.
When I or any of my friends work in the computer labs at IUPUI, we are there to assist you with the technology in the lab, not help you with your homework. I realize that this may seem like a fine line sometimes, but please try to recognize and respect the limitations placed on the people who work there and help you out. Do not leave garbage all over the place. It’s disgusting and immature.
I am not your teacher.
This may seem mean. I am in the lab to help you, right? Sure, but to a point. I will try to help you understand some fine point of Microsoft Office or help you deal with technical issues. However, I am probably not in any of your classes. I do not know the subject material as well as you should. If you are having difficulty understanding some part of your homework, that is between you and your instructor. Do not try to drag me or any of the other consultants into your academic or intellectual deficiencies.
I am not your bank.
As much as I would love to be an entity with billions of dollars of liquid capital at my disposal, I am not. You may not use my JagTag under any circumstances. I rarely use this word, but I will NEVER lend you money, ever. I am sorry that you were careless enough to send your JagTag through the wash or just plain leave it at home. It’s not my problem, you may not have my money.
I am not your mom.
I can understand that you are a busy person with a life of your own. However, as a user of the public computer labs on a public university campus, you should try to help keep the space clean for the other people who use it. I am fine with straightening the chairs, monitors, keyboards, and mice. I will happily sanitize every surface that is touched by human hands. Just don’t leave trash or crumbs all over the place. Don’t leave used tissues next to the computer. By doing these things, you are making me face my disgust with human bodily fluids (without any resolution) and deepening my resentment of all human beings. This general misanthropy will most likely lead to deteriorated service next time you visit.
Please respect the people who are in the labs, willing to help you out in any way we can. We do try hard to be patient and understanding but it would really make our lives easier if you just picked up your trash and didn’t ask us to teach you statistics.
Patrick Proctor was here 
