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Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

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December 8th, 2006

Ubuntu "Feisty Fawn" 7.04 alpha

Posted by Adrian Kingsley-Hughes @ 4:14 am

Tags:

Over at the PC Doctor HQ I've been busy experimenting with a variety of Linux distros. One of the distros that shows the most promise as a Windows replacement on some of the systems here is Ubuntu so I decided to download and have a look at the Ubuntu "Feisty Fawn" 7.04 (Note - I carried out this installation into a VMware virtual machine).

Overall, I was impressed, but I did run into crashes and problems (pretty much immediately after installing - something I've not seen with previous installations of Ubuntu I carried out). More on that in a moment.

Loading ...

Installing Ubuntu

Installation was a snap. No problems at all. I really like the Live CD idea a lot because it offers a great way to try the OS before installing. The installation wizard is also pretty straight-forward and easy to follow.

The installation was over in about 15 minutes - not bad at all - and the OS was ready to use.

Running Ubuntu

In the past I've found Ubuntu to be rock solid, but I found this particular release flaky at times. In fact, I started seeing crashes almost instantly when trying to access information about the build. Not good! This happened consistently even after rebooting (and later after reinstalling).

I also had another annoying problem with broken packages - no matter what I tried using Package Manager, the problem remained (although it did vanish after reinstalling - and hasn't reappeared yet).

General feelings about Ubuntu

Overall, I like Ubuntu. It's a great solution for someone looking for a free and easy OS to install that doesn't need too much in the way of computer power. It's also nice in that installing the OS also installs a load of useful tools and utilities (as well as some cool games).

Ubuntu is also pretty easy to use (well, it is until it goes wrong, or that's the feeling that I'm left with after the troubles I've had with this release). A little bit of clicking around should bring anyone with a basic understanding of Windows up to speed on using the basic features of Ubuntu.

Complete gallery of images here.

[Updated: Dec 12, 2006 @ 4:15 am] Sorry for the alpha/beta confusion that I introduced in this article. "Feisty Fawn" is an alpha release, not beta. It is currently scheduled for release on 19 April 2007.

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes Adrian is a technology journalist and author who has devoted over a decade to helping users get the most from technology. He also runs a popular blog called The PC Doctor. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations

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ubuntu feisty: Ubuntu feisty is easy to use, if you are willing to learn some things. First off, you need to check out the IRC support channel #ubuntu on irc.freenode.net they can answer just about any question you ... (Read the rest); Posted by: bluefox83 Posted on: 04/24/07 You are currently: a Guest | Log in | Terms of Use

If it was good enough for Vista... tarball | 12/08/06

and NOT even BETA.. mdsmedia | 12/10/06

not entirely correct Justin Carmichael | 12/12/06

Wow... hatfira | 12/11/06

What do you expect out of beta? Linux User 147560 | 12/08/06

This is just wonderful. xuniL_z | 12/08/06

Because I have never seen one take the OS out... Linux User 147560 | 12/09/06

I have to concur dave.leigh@... | 12/09/06

I would have to concur... Jim Blaine - Bellingham WA. | 12/09/06

My experience is good with both NonZealot | 12/10/06

NZ you are aware of methods... mdsmedia | 12/10/06

I only know of 1 way NonZealot | 12/10/06

There is another way tf2RI52WC873 | 12/11/06

I was only being kind. xuniL_z | 12/11/06

I would deploy Ubuntu, but I live in dread Too Old For IT | 12/11/06

Again.... hatfira | 12/11/06

The point of any comparison is to compare maldain | 12/12/06

read his correction!! mdsmedia | 12/10/06

Windoze = WGA, DRM, Spyware, and Kill Switches Ole Man | 12/11/06

more like ALPHA! EDinNY | 12/11/06

I'm somewhat curious 999ad@... | 12/08/06

Try Ubuntu 6.1 jasonp@... | 12/08/06

Ummmm, T42! Yagotta B. Kidding | 12/08/06

Kubuntu dave.leigh@... | 12/09/06

dave, Yagotta B. Kidding, & Jason; 999ad@... | 12/11/06

thinkpad shryko | 12/11/06

Ubuntu an alternative for Windows ? mKind | 12/08/06

Re: Ubuntu an alternative for Windows ? 999ad@... | 12/08/06

dual boot or virtual machine jshaw4343 | 12/08/06

Exactly! slow_descent | 12/08/06

I'll say the direct opposite mdsmedia | 12/10/06

re: Open Office is slow to start up blaze1024 | 12/12/06

Follow up blaze1024 | 12/12/06

Alternatives thumbknuckle | 12/12/06

ALTERNATIVE... NOT YET. gmacartii | 03/02/07

Hoping it's refined when complete ejhonda | 12/08/06

Refined when complete...? David Cowell | 12/11/06

Not a Beta Modnarmai | 12/08/06

Just wanted to say that Vinko_z | 12/08/06

Yes, it is alpha Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

| 12/10/06

seems a bit early for a review (first alpha) Azriphale | 12/11/06

Have you tried Edgy? j0nn0 | 12/12/06

While Ubuntu's install is pretty slick Michael Kelly | 12/08/06

Flavors dave.leigh@... | 12/09/06

Exact Opposite compnstuff | 12/09/06

Different Hardware Preferences dave.leigh@... | 12/10/06

Ubuntu is very slick urwatuis | 12/11/06

RE: Ubuntu is very slick joe6pack_z | 12/11/06

RE: RE: Ubuntu is very slick joe6pack_z | 12/11/06

not so mzuvan | 12/11/06

Encrypted DVDs..... LazLong | 12/11/06

Watching DVD blaacksheep | 12/12/06

egdy 64 bit pesky_z | 12/08/06

i'm glad someone can use 64bit linux. every distro i try crashes on the re- wessonjoe | 12/12/06

To everyone who voted "yes"... PB_z | 12/08/06

What it means it people are trying to take power back! nomorems | 12/08/06

Give us some FUD: explain "Forced" John Zern | 12/08/06

Simple frgough | 12/08/06

Oh, it's more subtle than that. NetArch. | 12/08/06

Thanks frgough ... nomorems | 12/08/06

Ohh, I see. You're one of them John Zern | 12/08/06

It's a common practice jshaw4343 | 12/08/06

Keep in mind, most people wants windows NOW... nomorems | 12/08/06

nomorems . . . jlhenry62 | 12/09/06

Easy! nomorems | 12/09/06

jlhenry62. LazLong | 12/09/06

Why do OEMs care about the OS? NonZealot | 12/09/06

Very Interesting NZ... LazLong | 12/09/06

and that makes you either.... mdsmedia | 12/10/06

Bass-Akward Thinking Ole Man | 12/11/06

I Agree. hatfira | 12/11/06

Mr Zern hold it a sec Quebec-french | 12/08/06

Thanks for agreeing, John Zern | 12/09/06

Who remembers DR-DOS vs MS-DOS? ProfTheory | 12/11/06

I Do! D-cat | 12/13/06

RE: Thanks frgough ... joe6pack_z | 12/11/06

Microsoft and Force mosborne | 12/08/06

Note the caveat ... Confused by religion | 12/11/06

Do you think Dell.... bportlock | 12/08/06

Do you think, period. seosamh_z | 12/08/06

Reality mosborne | 12/08/06

You think it'd different for Linux? John Zern | 12/09/06

I'm thinking so... hatfira | 12/11/06

Forced............ lederhoden | 12/12/06

You're mistaken Chad_z | 12/08/06

Interesting argument. enduser_z | 12/08/06

i disagree with you phburks | 12/08/06

Welcome to 2006, PB! Tony Agudo | 12/08/06

The judge's analysis of alternatives looked to the future PB_z | 12/08/06

What a disgusting statement NonZealot | 12/08/06

Exactly PB_z | 12/08/06

Get a clue PB_z! nomorems | 12/08/06

It doesn't have any legal effect... PB_z | 12/08/06

Get another clue PB_z nomorems | 12/09/06

MS Monopoly? mzuvan | 12/11/06

Ridiculous davedufour | 12/11/06

Microsuckies like Dung Beetles Ole Man | 12/11/06

MS Never had a Monopaly sugoiicreative | 12/11/06

The existance of improving competition does not mean Microsoft is suddenly DonnieBoy | 12/08/06

Monopoly tgsammy | 12/11/06

MS's supposed monopoly is irrelevant. horsedreamer | 12/08/06

You're right PB_z | 12/08/06

He is an advanced computer user. nomorems | 12/09/06

Hmm, interesting suggestion! NonZealot | 12/09/06

IPod is a monopoly! John Zern | 12/09/06

Linux is availble factory installed from major vendors sugoiicreative | 12/11/06

Please don't get "want" . . . 999ad@... | 12/12/06

Interesting point... mdsmedia | 12/10/06

Ease of Use compnstuff | 12/09/06

Huh? dankasnitzel | 12/11/06

you're not going to overthrow the ruling HunterShoptaw | 12/14/06

Adrian, have you ever looked at Mepis 6.0? LazLong | 12/08/06

Naaa, all those distros are crap, try Tnuwryha Linux markbn | 12/08/06

re: my favorite distro Arm A. Geddon | 12/08/06

it's crap markbn | 12/09/06

Mepis 6.0 is on my list to examine ... Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

| 12/10/06

Could you please correct the TITLE and references mdsmedia | 12/10/06

Already done ... Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

| 12/11/06

Ubuntu: Feisty Fawn is not to Beta stage yet phburks | 12/08/06

Talk about seriously sloppy journalism bantamdraper | 12/08/06

Apologies for that ... Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

| 12/10/06

How about a fair examination rhomp2002@... | 12/11/06

PCLinuxOS XJRider | 12/11/06

I'll give it a whirl ... Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

| 12/11/06

A whirl? ElCuervo | 12/13/06

RE: PCLinuxOS joe6pack_z | 12/11/06

PCLinuxOS better than Ubuntu, Adrian agentmouse | 12/11/06

I have been using PCLinuxOS for a while npbwbass | 12/11/06

Nothing new here OneDayMatt | 12/11/06

unfair bbarabas@... | 12/11/06

Positive impressions on Ubuntu npbwbass | 12/11/06

Positive impressions on Ubuntu ecbenn | 12/11/06

I had the same problems on SATA drives npbwbass | 12/11/06

Ubuntu is a good alternative for some. Joe Dufflebag | 12/11/06

Ever tried to get an answer from a help desk overseas immediately? rhomp2002@... | 12/11/06

Have you tried... hatfira | 12/11/06

What about home users mames1701 | 12/11/06

Games.... LazLong | 12/11/06

No replacement tgsammy | 12/11/06

I agree tsbond@... | 12/11/06

What I (and probably most) People Hate Ole Man | 12/11/06

Then change it tgsammy | 12/15/06

Change What? LazLong | 12/15/06

No Question Here Ole Man | 12/15/06

Unbutu, so so danmarce | 12/11/06

alpha ; kubuntu; wireless; inevitable Stan@... | 12/11/06

Reviewing an alpha release is silly way_z | 12/11/06

Ubuntu, Windows replacement? jonseemor@... | 12/11/06

So unfair as to seem tendentious angemalaika@... | 12/11/06

Reasons Ubunto cant compte: Avid, Photoshop, .... sugoiicreative | 12/11/06

Linux is still for enthusiasts and academics andyILM | 12/11/06

Be nice if peoples statements..... XJRider | 12/11/06

Avid and Photoshop for Linux kokuryu | 12/11/06

Ubunto? Dave_H | 12/12/06

Why review 7.04 when 6.10 is the official release? drjoewebb@... | 12/11/06

RE: Ubuntu "Feisty Fawn" 7.04 beta lawrence.keel@... | 12/11/06

Ubuntu "Feisty Fawn" 7.04 beta rfennimore@... | 12/11/06

Ubuntu and Home Network deefburger | 12/11/06

Viable alternative if you put your mind to it... theuns@... | 12/11/06

Like higher prices? davedufour | 12/11/06

"Monopoly is used far to often" sugoiicreative | 12/11/06

monopoly *is* appropriate in this case kayosiii | 02/10/07

Why do you need to replace Windows? Narg | 12/11/06

Your Right sugoiicreative | 12/11/06

You're Right Too Ole Man | 12/14/06

Great! Ole Man | 12/11/06

Feisty and/or Windows marianne.popp@... | 12/11/06

Ubuntu is OK joe6pack_z | 12/11/06

Repositories mzuvan | 12/11/06

RE: Repositories joe6pack_z | 12/11/06

my curiosity is engaged mzuvan | 12/11/06

Examples XJRider | 12/11/06

That should have read advantages.. XJRider | 12/11/06

RE: That should have read advantages.. joe6pack_z | 12/11/06

Agreed XJRider | 12/11/06

PCLinuxOS v UBUNTU thatgreenguy | 04/14/07

They have rhomp2002@... | 12/11/06

Crashes and Windows Replacment heydabop@... | 12/11/06

OEM's other than Windows nabeel_z | 12/11/06

variations in local laws? mzuvan | 12/11/06

I disagree, agreeably npbwbass | 12/11/06

Yes, in some cases. chromeronin | 12/11/06

An Unrealistic Review rerice | 12/11/06

Ubuntu colomont@... | 12/11/06

? (Note - I carried out this installation into a VMware virtual machine). digitrog | 12/11/06

An Unrealistic Review rerice | 12/11/06

That should have read advantages......... XJRider | 12/11/06

Again a comparison that was stacked again the non-windows OS clareJ | 12/11/06

Getting there, but not there yet gene_fitz@... | 12/11/06

Ubuntu Feisty Fawn review kevin.katkins@... | 12/11/06

Alpha Rdewey | 12/11/06

When I was a Lad alec@... | 12/11/06

Ubuntu as Windows Replacement hawggoblin@... | 12/11/06

Ubuntu ready to replace Windows? asg749d | 12/11/06

More FUD blaze1024 | 12/12/06

Ubuntu Bobby Joe Reed | 12/11/06

Ubuntu Not There Yet areyes20@... | 12/11/06

Problems with Edgy Eft 64-bits. Still not Windows-like sad

armingaud@... | 12/11/06

flash9 for linux plugin mad-man | 12/12/06

Fawn is alpha, 5 months away from daylight sdavmor@... | 12/11/06

100% true ! I moved to Linux to avoid red tape. armingaud@... | 12/11/06

Use Ubuntu 6.10 instead of 7.04 for a fair review masinick@... | 12/11/06

OSX WINS moffett.john@... | 12/11/06

PC Linux OS tbg42@... | 12/11/06

PC Linux vs. Open SuSE D-cat | 12/11/06

Ubuntu? Not yet. VM? Try again. lostinspace | 12/11/06

PCLinuxOS ator1940 | 12/11/06

You should apologize to the programmers SeniorMoment | 12/12/06

very good OS chahine | 12/12/06

Mephis Linux a clean alternative to Windows pcpinkerton | 12/12/06

Ubuntu vs Kubuntu rtb | 12/12/06

Edgy Eft 6.10 Mnighthawk | 12/12/06

Enterprise requirements wmr02@... | 12/12/06

re: Enterprise requirements blaze1024 | 12/12/06

RE: Enterprise requirements LazLong | 12/12/06

RE: Enterprise requirements barterpc | 01/29/07

No, but PCLinuxOS is, f**k Ewebuntu... Linux_Fanboy | 12/12/06

My spec's... Linux_Fanboy | 12/12/06

Huge omission giotsas@... | 12/12/06

It's an ALPHA version barterpc | 01/29/07

Closer, but not there yet vspeeds7 | 12/12/06

Try easyubuntu for media mark.hill.smt | 12/13/06

My Experience Ole Man | 12/14/06

Linux Mike106132000@... | 12/15/06

Try PCLinuxOS RJ59 | 12/16/06

Lacks "Basic Stuff" genek6@... | 12/15/06

Try Different Distro Ole Man | 12/15/06

Lacks "Basic Stuff" barterpc | 01/29/07

Are you stacking the deck? fragos | 12/15/06

IT's AN ALPHA YOU IDIOT angrykeyboarder | 12/19/06

My 2cents wgralinw@... | 12/26/06

Completely premature review kevin.katkins@... | 01/09/07

REALLY !?!?! barterpc | 01/29/07

OSX is Ok But barterpc | 01/29/07

Instability fairly normal at this stage of the dev cycule kayosiii | 02/10/07

adding my voice to the flames flowbee777 | 02/26/07

ubuntu feisty bluefox83 | 04/24/07

What do you think?

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Hardware 2.0

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

December 8th, 2006

Ubuntu "Feisty Fawn" 7.04 alpha

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Hardware 2.0

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

December 8th, 2006

Ubuntu "Feisty Fawn" 7.04 alpha

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What do you think?

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