Multitouch coming to Ubuntu 10.10

If you're a Linux fan, you're probably familiar with Ubuntu. This free operating system will run on almost any system. The next release of Ubuntu is 10.10 and it will be supporting multitouch gestures. That's great if you have a multitouch screen or a touch/track pad like Apple's Magic Trackpad.

Do you have an older PC that's just sitting around? Try installing Ubuntu and experience the world of Linux. You might actually like it.

Ubuntu on the ThinkPad X200 Tablet

I'm a big fan of Ubuntu because it's a free Linux operating system and it's always getting better with each release. The latest version is 9.10 and they even have a "netbook remix" version for netbooks.

I have an older ThinkPad X200 tablet PC (this model does not include a capacitive multi-touch screen). Although my tablet supports passive touch, it won't support multi-touch gestures. Ubuntu works just fine on my ThinkPad and it's a nice alternative for users who wish to avoid using Microsoft Windows.

Ubuntu 9.10 is now available

You can now get Ubuntu 9.10. Ubuntu is a free Linux operating system that will run on almost any computer. If you're looking for a relatively simple and free operating system, then you should try Ubuntu. You can even install Ubuntu within Windows and create a dual-boot system with ease.

So what makes Ubuntu so popular? It's because you can get so many free applications for it. Of course, there are many other benefits associated with Ubuntu:

• stable OS
• nice interface
• easy to use
• free
• and much more
  

If you haven't tried Ubuntu yet, you should give it a try. You have nothing to lose.

The Ubuntu CD saves the day!

So, the other day I happen to be somewhere and the only working laptop suddenly had a problem with Windows XP. It simply stopped working. People tried System Restore, etc. They simply needed a machine that could access the Internet for some clients and they were starting to panic.

I happen to have an old Ubuntu CD for version 8.04 and I offered to start the computer up using that CD. I didn't install Ubuntu - I simply started the computer using this disk and we were up and running very quickly with Firefox. You don't have to be a Linux pro to use Ubuntu. The interface is so simple that anyone can pick it up very quickly.

The lesson for the day is simple: keep a Ubuntu CD around in case you ever need to start up your broken PC.

Google is creating an operating system for netbooks

Well, it's about time, isn't it? Google is developing a simple but functional operating system for netbooks. Google Chrome OS will be an open-source OS that will be sleek, light, and (hopefully) very fast. The Chrome web browser has been surprisingly useful and I'm hoping that Chrome OS will mirror that. Many people thought that Google was going to take Android and modify that for netbooks. Maybe Chrome OS will be very similar to Android. We know that we'll be living in the world of Cloud Computing.

So, how will such an OS get used? Will it replace Microsoft Windows XP, Vista, or 7? Or, will people use Chrome OS as a dual-boot option? That's how I use Ubuntu. To be honest, with the quick boot time of Windows 7, I'm not sure that I'll need Ubuntu in the future. I'll have to see how Chrome OS fits into the mix.

Have You Tried Ubuntu 9.04?

Ubuntu is one of the most user-friendly Linux operating systems. If you have an older PC that you don't really need, you may want to install this free operating system and take it for a test spin. Why? I think it's beneficial to gain experience using multiple operating systems. You become a better computer user if you've played around with the different versions of Microsoft Windows (including XP, Vista, and now Windows 7). Plus, if you know how to navigate the Mac OS X, then you're in an even better position to help with troubleshooting and other technical problems.

Ubuntu is free and it also comes with many applications such as a web browser, presentation, document and spreadsheet software, instant messaging, and more. Why not take Linux for a spin? One of the nice things about Ubuntu is that you can install the operating system within Microsoft Windows (this is referred to as the Wubi installer). If you use the Wubi installer, then you'll end up with a dual-boot system.

Configuring a Server in a Medical Office

How large is your physician office? Do you have more than 10 computers? I've been asked by several people about the viability of running either XP or Vista on a "server" (I'm going to be using the term server loosely here). What about Windows Home Server? How secure are these operating systems?

XP, Vista, and Windows Home Server has a limit on how many computers can connect with your designated "server." The limit is 10. Only 10 PCs can connect to that shared folder on your server. Will that meet your needs? Also, consider the data security issues associated with running a server.

If you have more than 10 computers, then you'll have to either run Windows Server 2003 (good luck finding that now) or Windows Server 2008. These operating systems are much more expensive, so consider your needs before you immediately jump to Windows Server 2008. These sever operating systems are much more robust in terms of data security.

What many people may not realize is that Windows 7 allows you to connect up to 20 computers to that shared folder. Nice! Will Windows 7 offer the same level of data security as Windows Server 2008?

I think it's time for me to play around with Ubuntu Server Edition.

Android Netbook

Android is a smartphone operating system created by Google (who would have thought that Google was going to develop operating systems?). There are rumors (or maybe they're no longer rumors) about a netbook that will run Android. What do you think about that? Anyone try Ubuntu 9.04 Netbook Remix?

Windows 7 Release Date

Rumors have it that Windows 7 will be out this October. Can't wait! I've been running build 7100 (also known as the Release Candidate) and it's been a great operating system. In fact, it may be the most efficient OS release from Microsoft. I'm comparing it to Ubuntu 9.04 on some of my systems and I'll report what I find.

Dell Adamo Laptop

So, what do you think about the Dell Adamo ultra-thin and light laptop? It looks really nice, but at $2k, it's hard to justify. Plus, a non-user replaceable battery? What's the purpose of an ultra-light mobile PC if you can't replace the battery when you run out of juice? That just doesn't make any sense to me and I think that the Apple MacBook Air has set a poor example.

I have had several Dell PCs and I even use one right now to run Mac OS X (x86 mod/hack running OS X 10.5.2). I also run Ubuntu and XP, so it's currently configured for triple-boot. I've been happy with Dell and I've recently purchased some from the Dell outlet for a small medical office practice. I think the Adamo has tremendous potential, but the lack of a removable battery is a deal breaker for me. I'l stick with my Lenovo Thinkpad X200 tablet and continue to use that until someone comes out with a battery that will last over 24 hrs.