Ubuntu 'Feisty Fawn' is easier to install than Windows XP

Ubuntu Linux is ready for mainstream deployment and use!

It is now official in many quarters that Ubuntu (and other similarly usability focused flavours of Linux) has brought Linux to a point where it can be installed an used by people who have some to live the simplicity of Microsoft Windows. DELLs decision to start offering Ubuntu as the installed operating system to some of its customers is a well-though out and timely move. I just wish that the other big manufacturers such as HP, and Gateway will soon follow suit.

To get to the point, I previously tested Ubuntu in the "Live" version because I did not want to go through the setup nightmare that Red Hat Linux 7.x had given me a few years prior. I have had the time and courage to finally install Ubuntu Linux on a fresh PC, and I am liking it every day.

If you started off with MS-DOS and the earlier versions of Windows with a robust command-line, you will not have any fears switching to Ubuntu Linux. Not that you will have the need to type any commands to install and use Ubuntu (I only had to type two lines of command to install Internet Explorer on Linux - Yes, you ca do that too, and I was able to get concurrent installations of Internet Explorer 5.0, IE 5.5 and IE 6).

The installation process
I am knowledgeable enough in installing software, but this is not want makes me say that installing Ubuntu was a breeze.
- I downloaded the Ubuntu 7.04 CD image from www.ubuntu.com , double-clicked the file and it opened my CD burning software and asked me to insert a blank 700MB CD. After about 5 minutes, the CD was ready,
-I put it into a DELL Dimensions 4700 PC that was previously in storage because it was infested with viruses and now had a "blue screen of death".
- I restarted the PC, and it booted right into Ubuntu Live without me touching a single button.
- After playing with the Ubuntu 7.04 Feisty Fawn Operating system to see how it works, I decided that the best way to rid myself of the instability of Windows, was to make the jump to Linux.
- I double-clicked the "Install Ubuntu" Button on my desktop, and the installation ran for about 15 minutes before Ubuntu started asking me a few questions to determine my locality, language preference etc (with the detected defaults selected).

The installation was that easy. I did not have a network cable plugged-in when I was doing the installation, but as soon as I plugged it in, Ubuntu detected the network and even downloaded updates. Try Ubuntu Linux and let us know what you think about it.

NB: I am not all negative and rejecting of Windows or other Microsoft applications. I recognise and use what is good. I still have two installations of Windows Media Center (a great application for Home Theatre).