I got Ubuntu on my work laptop. I was able to do it using USB stick build. Same idea as boot from CD only with.. USB stick :-)
The install was light years smoother. Also a lot faster to boot and get files onto the hard drive. I liked it so much I put Ubuntu Netbook Edition on my EEE 900 Netbook the same way.
The question is "well how has it been?"
Very good. I am currently using the OS right now. With the world moving to cloud computing, the web browser is becoming THE APPLICATION that is used the most. I have already learned this in Windows, but on Linux it takes on another whole level.
I am using Ubuntu 10.10 in a Microsoft shop. A BIG WINDOWS AD/ MICROSOFT SHOP. Everything at the company is Microsoft; the OSes, Servers, DBs, workstations you name it. So how has it been. First the truth is, Ubuntu boots much faster than my Windows 7 install. Cant argue about it. BUT... My Windows 7 install logs directly into the AD. Ubuntu does not, you log in locally. My personal Windows 7 machine at home boots just as fast IMHO. Also unless your Exchange Environment has IMAP turned on (many dont like mine) then email will be hell on Earth to setup. I have been unsuccessful getting a Linux Exchange Client to properly work. I have been using OWA for email. Another big issue I am running into is TSCLIENT. Lets face it, I feel it just isnt as good as the Microsoft integrated one. I need the TSClient more then ever now on a Linux workstation. To add to the problems Windows 2008 Servers have issues with all Terminal Server Clients (Microsofts own as well). But on Linux, my machine crashes when the client crashes. Not Good. My last major issue, DNS. All my web browsers, terminal sessions and TSCLIENTs wont default to the local DNS Servers. I have to enter FQDN every time to access a resource. I feel this is an education problem. There must be a way around it.
Now for the plus side. I am really enjoying the Linux install. Learning as much as I can. I am now looking to add a number of Linux servers to my home network. For learning reasons I may add a Linux server as a Media Server to contain the family pictures and music. Excellent way to learn Linux server and hosting. I absolutely enjoy the Linux network settings much better than windows. Setup a connection, give it a name and turn it on or off as needed. Cant get any easier than that. Helps me when I bounce between the office and home. Plus at home I have direct connections and wireless.
Wait your wireless works??!?!! Yes I got it to work on Linux. The issue: My security settings were too weak on the router. Ubuntu wouldnt even connect to it. Took the time to revamp the settings, make changes and bamb worked like gravy. Only problem? My HP Laptop Wireless LED is blinking.. and blinking.. and blinking.. I see that a number of Ubuntu users are having the same issue since 8.1. Will look into it when I can.
Circling back around to the major question: Can a Linux Workstation be used in a pure Microsoft Shop. Simple answer is yes with alot of forgiveness. There will be problem, there will be odd issues. I fully admit that I love Windows 7 with Powershell. Add MS SQL to the equation, ya your going to have issues. However in the world of VMs, who says you can have either a Windows 7 VM install on the workstation or better have Windows VM on the network. I am currently doing the later and it seems to be working well.
On a side note. VMWare's vSphere Client does not have a Linux Version. This is insane in my professional opinion as the host servers are a Linux bred OS. Getting VMWare Client on WINE has been useless, and I am not the only one with that issue.
Plenty more to come on my Linux adventures.
-Boston Tech Guy out
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