CrunchBang - Code, Design & GNU/Linux

Back in the Land of Ubuntu

My desktop system is now running Gutsy. After the initial upgrade failure I downloaded the LiveCD and attempted to perform a fresh install. This failed too, although I wasn't surprised as I couldn't get Feisty to install on my desktop using the LiveCD either.

I then downloaded the alternative install disk and tried again. On the third attempt my system decided to play ball and completed the Gutsy installation process. I have a rather eccentric old system and it doesn't like to be played with until it's been thoroughly warmed up — a bit like an old motor car.

I'm sure that my troubles have nothing to do with the Ubuntu install process and everything to do with my desktop being slightly old and knackered. Having said that, it is slightly puzzling as I've not had any trouble with the system since!?

Next week [there's no rush as I'm currently on leave] I'm planning on updating my laptop. It's a much newer system and hopefully it'll provide me with a better idea of how quick and easy the process can be.

First impressions of Gutsy

I like it. I've only been using it for a couple of days but from what I've seen so far I've been impressed. I'm not really one for whiz-bang effects and I'm pleased that the default Compiz effects have been implemented in a subtle/conservative manner — wobbly windows, I shudder at the thought :|

I'm also pleased to see that gedit [I use gedit an awful lot] has had some improvements. Namely, it now supports syntax highlighting of both HTML and PHP in the same document. This has come at a cost though as it's not now possible to edit the syntax highlighting styles through the "preferences" dialog. This has rendered my little to-do hack useless and in need of updating.

Other than that, there seems to have been a lot of effort put in to making the distribution more user friendly and easier for beginners. For example, the installation of additional codecs for media playback is super simple and involves just a few mouse clicks. As does the installation of Adobe Flash.

All-in-all it appears at first glance to be an incrementally solid update. I'm pleased that I took the time and trouble to install it on my aging desktop. Thanks and congrats to the Ubuntu developers :)