bjoernvold.com

Here.

Cue the Ubuntu release parties — Ubuntu 11.10 has arrived. Ars Technica has a very positive summary of the changes in 11.10; Joe Brockmeier's piece of a few weeks back explains the return to Xen to Ubuntu and the introduction of Juju (formerly Ensemble). Asks an anonymous reader: "Any outstanding reasons why I shouldn't upgrade?" YMMV, but as a long-time Ubuntu user, and like many other users, I have mixed feelings about the concerted (and now complete) move away from a conventional WIMP interface to the new Unity. With previous versions, it was possible to choose a "classic" look rather than the default of Unity; now, for good or ill, the left-hand vertical menu is a permanent desktop element. It looks great to me, in the way the Canonical developers intend: as a consistent, replicable, supportable interface to recommend to (for instance) my parents — but I'm used to (and prefer!) more traditional WIMP environments, so at least for now have switched to Linux Mint's Debian Edition.

Interesting. Mint might very well take over Ubuntus top spot at Distrowatch, thanks to Unity.
Unity was a purely negative experience when I tested it briefly. In fact I gave it up. Now I must have another look at it of course.

I'm not in love with Unity, but think it has its positive points. Overall I like it, although it does seem a bit "simplified" for everyday use for me. I'm hoping Mint takes off like a shot - once it does, and I have my computer back and am settled, I'm in. I like it a lot; it's one of the few deb distros that my computer will run.

Yes The Ubuntu guys have got some things right. The have a clear Idea of who they are talking to:
The average Windows users! And that is consistent, so it is clear that there are professionals behind the communication and market strategy. Not one technical term on their initial web page.
They relate it to your favorite programs that will work in Ubuntu too. They are the only distro making a serious effort of winning over normal Windows users. And I can understand why average Joe thinks that Ubuntu is Linux. They have the only web presentation that he will care to read. Arch and Fedora speak to (already) Linux users. Opensuse and Mandriva try to speak to everyone with a semi commercial approach and look. Mint is not communicating to the brand new Linux user either. So Ubuntu really is alone in that noble cause.

Now my Unity testing was before I was shocked by Gnome3 and before I recovered from the shock of Gnome3
I went to the VB installation and started Ubuntu and got a nice and clean popup that 11.10 was released and if I wanted to upgrade (Watch and learn Mandriva!) Then I chose to click the button and just do it. It changes the repos automatically and prepares my box. And the information is pure and simple.

Time to reboot - it is suggested so I only have to accept and......

One of the main fortes of Linux are the multiple workspaces; it is something that sets Linux apart from Windows and it is the one thing that bothers me the most when I am in a Windows session.
The Unity approach to this is still horrible and I just don't get it. I cannot drag application between workspaces. I have to scroll down that menu on the left to find workspaces every time (it takes a loong time). And when I finaly get there I don't know what to do with it.

I hit the Windows key and get an application window and a search function:

So if you think the Icons are big in Gnome3 you get overwhelmed here. But the search function is OK and the applications are there. And if you should lack some programs there is the Ubuntu software center where you can find other software to install. It actually starts out as a webshop for games that you can buy. But if you scroll down the free programs are there too.


Impression:
Ubuntu is going all the way with the "smartphone" look here. Many newcomers might like it. I am pretty sure no experienced Linux user likes it. So Mint has a bright future.
If I did like it?
No it sux! In fact I will give up testing any further this time too.
Switching between workspaces is a pain. The flexibility is gone (as it is in Gnome3). If you thought Gnome3 is holding your hand then Unity is holding your entire Arm.
Installing and finding new software is real easy and a clear strong point for Ubuntu. On this point the competitor Opensuse is a disaster and Mandriva is falling behind - but still pretty good.
Newcomers might find Ubuntu attractive and like the eye-candy. But I think it is to much - also compared to Gnome3. It is horrible.
So it is not for me - and probably that is the calculated risk canonical is taking. They want to Win over Windows users as stated above. But is this better than Windows?
The positive thing about Ubuntu 11.10 is that if it can manage to stay on top in the Linux world (Distrowatch list) then Linux has to grow! Given this "fact" I hope Ubuntu 11.10 manages just that!

But I seriously doubt it........

One thing I don't like about Canonical is its use of proprietary software in the distro with no regard for licensing. They just hand it out on a silver plate, and say "here".

Is that TRAUMA I see in the application list (part of Humble Bundle)? I always wonder when I see these things with Ubuntu, if the user has bought it or got it from the distro.

Yes that is TRAUMA you can buy it for 6.99! I am not against a pragmatic approach regarding software as long as it makes things work (drivers etc). But I am against building dependencies towards Microsoft who has an active strategy of planting software to destroy Linux (Embrace Extend Extinguish).

There are several graphical problems too.

viking60 wrote:Ubuntu is going all the way with the "smartphone" look here

I have been preaching that for a long time...

Even posted in the Mandriva Forum they should consider an Android UI look.

viking60 wrote:Yes that is TRAUMA you can buy it for 6.99! I am not against a pragmatic approach regarding software as long as it makes things work (drivers etc). But I am against building dependencies towards Microsoft who has an active strategy of planting software to destroy Linux (Embrace Extend Extinguish).

However, I do not mind paying for Linux to support the developers for a job well done. That is why I paid for Mandriva Power Pack.

Yes I agree. If you use a software to the point that you depend on it, you better make sure it is developed properly (support it). Powerpack is a way of contributing but the handling has been unprofessional.
You will always get the "I have rights" argument - which is true - and that means that the company must guarantee their product to a certain point. If they would call it a donation with access to some goodies I think it would put everyone on the same page.

And that Unity smart phone look is a hopeless fashion thing. Like Disco music - big for a short time - and after a while nobody will remember what it was good for.

In my opinion the Smart Phone UI is more proper for today's technology. Can be applied to ATMs, Cars, Phones, Tablets, TVs, Computers and such. Becomes natural the way to interact with devices. My grandkid touches TVs like one big tablet to find out that does not work like that, is becoming the De Facto. That is what I am getting at. The amount of Real State on a phone or car dictates the way of touchscreen and voice recognition software; no room for a keyboard and freedom of design by no integrating mechanical switches/buttons. Also, makes it for a sealed unit that is environment resistant.

That is why is imperative to start looking that way.

Well I'll admit that it is natural for children - and then they learn to write We used to point at big pictures back in my early days to:

This is a H O R S E and then we had to go to the blackboard and try to write it. After a while we had to write a lot without the pictures.
Now it seems someone is reversing this.