LTS: The Long Term (Ubuntu) Solution
Ubuntu 8.04, codename Hardy Heron, is an LTS, or Long Term Support release. It gets three years of support and updates on the desktop. This release provides the perfect solution for those looking for a stable system that will stand the test of time, as well as provide new features for their computer.
I recommend this release over any other previous Ubuntu release for new users. It has the sease of use classic to Ubuntu, the Windows Ubuntu Installer, and three years of support on a stable desktop. So, what does this release mean for the Linux desktop?
Time has shown that most average computer users are not interested in upgrading to the latest and greatest system. Even now, Windows XP, a six year old system, is still used by 70% of Windows users. While that number is diminishing, it is diminishing slowly, and is a result of Windows Vista not providing a satisfactory upgrade for most users. Ubuntu is free, and is supported for the next three years, providing a stable, yet freely upgradable installation option. Also, Windows XP will be left unsupported at some point, leaving most users left with the feeling that they will have to upgrade.
Ubuntu 8.04 is the long term solution for Linux. People will, at some point, look to alternatives for their software as the older versions become outdated and unsupported. At the moment, most average users contemplate a switch to either Mac, Vista, or this thing called “Linux.” In my opinion, Ubuntu will become the new competitor in the desktop market for Linux, but it will take the effort of the thousands of volunteers to make this release the best yet as far as desktop penetration is concerned. If you want in on this Long Term Solution, go ahead and download or order Ubuntu 8.04 LTS now.
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With posts like this, is Works With U guilty of “hyping” Ubuntu? I raise the question because I want to point out a few things for readers:
1. Contributors like Jon Regan are passionate about Ubuntu. Jon takes time out of his super-busy schedule and participates in the Works With U dialog. I respect his thoughts and writings … but we also welcome intense reader debate. So bring it on!
2. As the site co-owner and editorial director, I will always strive to deliver the pros and cons of Ubuntu. However, our contributors — and our readers — are welcome to share differing opinions. Jon, for instance, is incredibly upbeat about Ubuntu. Other readers may be skeptical.
That’s fine. In fact, that’s the point of an interactive blog: Healthy debate, constructive criticism, and — hopefully — progressive ideas.
Thanks for starting the dialog, Jon.
Is Works With U guilty of “hyping” Ubuntu? Maybe so just a little. Is that such a bad thing? When I began my venture into the world of Linux and eventually Ubuntu a year ago this upbeat attitude was one of the things that led me to give Ubuntu a try. For the most part people over at the Ubuntu forums are always very helpful and polite. I’m sure they have to get tired of the questions of how to get a Broadcom wireless card or a certain video card to work, especially after seeing them for the 100th time. Yet, they still answer very respectfully to the new user. Other distros do not always have this family feel to them. Not to mention that as the slogan says “it just works” and for the most part it does and improves with each and every release.
If Works With U hypes Ubuntu a little bit it is well deserved. While at the same time I have also seen many of the negatives brought out. Every OS has bad points and good, atleast those in the Ubuntu world and GNU/Linux world in general aren’t afraid to discuss them and see that they are fixed.
[...] some nice short-term benefits, but the real upside involves Canonical’s long-term support. Here’s why, according to Works With U, a new site that tracks Ubuntu. Ubuntu 8.04 has some nice short-term [...]
[...] LTS: The Long Term (Ubuntu) Solution [...]
Joe> “With posts like this, is Works With U guilty of “hyping” Ubuntu?”
Well, Joe, for a site like yours, which is kind of “devoted” to Ubuntu, that’s more than ok - it may even be expected.
Is it a bad thing? Definitely not. While I still think that Debian is superior in the long term (and sometimes also for new users of Linux), that’s just my personal opinion. I have nothing against Ubuntu, and I’m supporting it myself (as a hardware vendor who offers prebuilt Ubuntu systems, I have to).
It’s important that people understand why open source matters. From which direction they approach it is of secondary concern.
best,
Wolfgang