The Smorgasbord

I’ve had a Toshiba laptop with Windows Vista Home on it for the last two years. It’s my main work machine, the one I do all my blogging and web site work on. In that time I’ve had to reformat it back to it’s original “storebought” state twice (the last time about 10 days ago). That’s always a pain because first you have to backup all of your photos, music, and files to an external drive. Then, once you format and reinstall you have to spend a few hours removing all the crap installed from the factory, and installing all the software you need to work.

It’s a dual-core machine with 2GB of RAM, and sometimes it just gets too damn slow for the resources it should have available. I had a virus once, and it was a PITA to remove. A few weeks back the computer got some kind of a glitch, where it would keep trying to load DLL’s that didn’t exist. This was hanging the machine, and it would literally take 5-8 minutes just to open a file folder. I knew the machine HAD to be reformatted and wiped again, because the restore disk only has the option to install from scratch - there is no “repair over the top of existing Windows” like there is from a real original Windows (non-OEM) disk.

I’ve used Ubuntu on my 1.2Ghz 512MB of RAM 7 year old Gateway machine in the basement for the last 5+ years. It stays on 24/7, it has 3 100GB hard drives in it, and I reboot it maybe 5 times a year. I use it almost every night when I play guitar to listen to mp3’s and play along, and I also do web work on it, lookup lyrics, and write content from time to time. It does have WINE of it for Windows emulation, and I did install (and use) TaxCut on it once a few years back with no problems.

I thought about installing Ubuntu on the laptop when I first got it, but didn’t because I have to have a Windows box to login to work remotely using VPN. It requires Internet Explorer, ActiveX, and all that jazz. Since I knew that the laptop had to be reformatted anyway - I decided to try Ubuntu on it and see how it would work before reinstalling Windows. If I had problems, then in with the Vista restore disk and back to MS-land again. I sent to the Ubuntu Web Site and downloaded the 32-bit ISO to burn and install.

If you haven’t used Ubuntu Linux before - you should try it. The install is painless and as easy as Windows, and to most people that don’t know any different - it’s just a “PC”, and they have no problems using it at all. Case and point, we have relatives that were calling me every 3 months because their computer kept locking up and getting viruses. I was sick of it, so I formatted the disk and installed Ubuntu. I installed Java, Flash, Firefox Windows Media plugin and never looked back. I never told them it wasn’t Windows (they aren’t computer people or techie at all) - and they don’t know any different. They think it’s actually some new version of Windows other people don’t have. They’ve had it one year now, and have never called me to ask “how do I do…” anything, and they have not accidentally screwed it up or gotten a virus at all. In fact, both adults in the house were taking online courses at the college using that PC (and printing out papers) with no problems - AND they never called me to setup the printer! I think that’s really saying something about how far Linux has come the last few years.

When you boot from the Ubuntu CD the first option you have is to “boot live and try”, so I decided to try that first and make sure all the hardware worked. Once the desktop came up, I tried a web browser, and everything (including sound) worked great! All drives and hardware components showed up, even my card reader. I plugged in an external drive, no problems there, and the wireless was fine. There was an icon on the desktop “install” - so I took the plunge. In less than 15 minutes I had wiped the disk, installed Ubuntu 8.10 and was on my new desktop.

I set about installing the things I would need to work, Firefox and my required addons, windows and other (quicktime) media codecs, the latest version of Flash, an Acrobat reader, FTP, telnet, some graphics and movie editors, etc. Then I remembered that there were two things I STILL needed Windows for. The first was to login to work via VPN, and the second was to install and edit my Line 6 PodXT tones for my guitar rig. These were both two very specific things I wouldn’t be able to do in Linux at all.

I remembered at work that they were starting to convert the data center over to “virtual machines”. Instead of buying hundreds of rack mounted servers, they were starting to install virtual machines on the mainframe and really big super-computer servers. This had become really big in the IT business world, but had it translated over to mainstream linux yet?

It turns out it has, and Sun is leading the way (or so it appears). Sun has software called Virtual Box, and the personal license is FREE! I was skeptical at first, but downloaded and installed it on my now Ubuntu laptop. I installed the downloaded .deb package, but you can do it from the command line or with Synaptic no problem. USB support is disabled by default, but that’s easily fixed with a tutorial like “how to enable USB in Virtualbox.

Once I installed the software I created a new “Virtual Machine” and called it “WindowsXP”. I gave it 10GB of disk space and 256MB of Ram, 8MB shared video. It said to put in a CD to install, so I popped in an old WindowsXP disk and let it rip! I took about 10 minutes to install and reboot, and about 20 more minutes on Windows famous “first time configuration” runs, and then the “virtual” PC rebooted and presented me with a login screen. I promptly changed the settings to 1024×768 display (my laptop is widescreen 1680px). When I logged in everything was perfect! I fired up an IE browser and downloaded Firefox. I installed quicktime, flash, and acrobat reader. I logged into my desktop PC remotely - no problem! All from within “virtual Windows XP” window on my Ubuntu Linux desktop. When I went to close the Window I was prompted, do you want to “save the state of the virtual machine”, “power off”, or “reboot”.

Wow, I had to think about the power of what all this meant. Let’s say you had an ubuntu box with a 500GB hard drive. You could install Virtual box with WindowsXP, Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000, or even other versions of Linux if you wanted. Personally I would stick with Windows XP, but you could install all your software on it you normally use (like Office), and then “save the state” of the machine. Let’s say you have 3 kids in the house that are notorious for screwing up your PC (or relatives or friends). Give ‘em each their own virtual machine. If they screw it up - make another!

Kids like to play Windows based games, need a Windows PC for work - all “virtual machine”. Guess what? VirtualBox has versions you can download and install for both Windows AND Mac (free!) too! So, you can download on Windows and install Linux virtual machines, or even other Windows virtual machines. Install on a Mac to install Windows or Linux virtual machines! The possibilities are endless, and it’s all FREE!!

I’m glad I downgraded my Windows Vista laptop to Ubuntu and Windows XP - it’s the best thing I ever did!

Is there a google shell, a google command line, or a google operating system?

There is a version of Linux supposedly used within google called Goobuntu, or google on “Ubuntu” linux. Many have speculated for years that google intends to market this, but they have repeatedly denied it. I myself have installed “gOS” which stands for “green OS” - many mistakenly call “google OS” because it such an insanely web based version of linux. Their new catch phrase is “Linux meets MySpace”. I can attest it works well because I replaced relatives Windows XP with this install and they are fine with it. They still don’t understand that they don’t have Windows - and they don’t even know what Linux means. Despite this, they’ve had no problems using their computer for the last year, and I’ve not received one single phone call regarding a virus, trojan, or other crippling PC problems like they used to have.

Get a live preview of gOS here (I’m not sure which version it is):

I found something cool today that calls itself the “unofficial google shell“. Really it’s just an ajax app that allows you to do a cool “command line like” web search. Check it out - I think you’ll really dig it!

Asus Eee - Linux Finally Beating the Piss out of Windows?

The sale of new PC’s with windows is declining! The average person watching TV would think that Mac is winning this war, with all the “Mac vs PC” and the new Mac Airbook. Just read Windows caught between Mac and Linux. It reveals that Mac’s operating system share went from 9% to 14% from 2007 to 2008. That’s only 5% - but it’s significant. PC’s grew 9 percent in shipped units, but Mac’s saw 60% growth. In 2007 Wal-Mart sold out of their Everex Green PC’s (gPC) with Linux installed - but they sold out online. The retail versions were pulled from store shelves. I guess this only shows that geeks purchase online, but the popularity of the $199 Wal-Mart Linux PC’s should have been a great indicator to how well these Eee PC’s would do for Asus.

This post of part of The Smorgasbord Tech Reviews series!

Although no one is really tracking Linux PC sales (linux sold on a brand new PC) - the Asus Eee PC 4G Surf is all over the Amazon top selling “Computers and Hardware” list taking 8 out of the top 25 spots, including #4 and #4 beating ALL the apple models. The “Asus Eee PC” takes up 9 of the top 25 spots for Amazon’s Best Selling Notebooks category, here taking #2 and #3 spots beaten only by the Sony VAIO - and again beating all Mac’s. Maybe that’s why Asustek’s chairman predicts they will be selling 2 million Linux PC’s in 2008.

Why is the Asus Eee PC so popular?

So why is the “Asus Eee PC” a sleeping giant? Let see what Wikipedia has to say about the Asus Eee PC. It’s a “subnotebook” (or “minibook” in the UK) and the three EEE’s stand for “Easy to Learn, Easy to Work, Easy to Play”. They came out and sold 300,000 units in 2007. Some say it’s a response to the OLPC or One Laptop Per Child initiative. You get a lot of bang for the buck with the EEE PC models ranging in price from $300-$500. The 7″ display (800×480) doesn’t take up all the space within the lid because the remaining room is left for optional speakers, microphone, and camera (0.3 megapixel 30fps) in the top. The Eee PC’s use solid state drives or “SSD” instead of traditional spinning disk, which means it’s less prone to damage from shock if it’s dropped. The SSD drive’s are soldered to the motherboard to reduce costs, so you won’t be upgrading that. You also get an MMC / SD memory card slot, 3 USB 2.0 ports, headphone jack, VGA out, and Kensington lock slot. You get Wireless b/g and 10/100 wired ethernet connections. The wireless connection is supplied by the installed card in the PCIe mini-card slot, a second PCIe slot is empty. Some models have DDR2 So-Dimm ram that can be expanded, it’s one socket expandable up to 2GB. I did read that currently the Xandros kernel supplied only uses up to 1GB of RAM anyway. I read that earlier models were “slotted” RAM, but there was no access door to reach it so buyer beware on that too.

The Eee PC’s reported boot in about 20-22 seconds, and Xandros Linux is preinstalled (which of course is a version of Debian). Most versions come with Firefox, Open Office, Skype, Tux Paint, E-mail and Internet radio apps, google Docs, and a Wikipedia lookup tool. The 4 cell Lithium-Ion batter has about 2 hrs 45 minutes of life, and the entire unit (Eee PC) weighs about 2 lbs. Processor in most of these models is 900 Mhz Intel Celeron. The measurements are 8.9 x 6.5 x 1.4 inches and you get a one year warranty on parts and labor.

The bottom line is, these things are sleek, fast-booting, open source gadgets that are cool looking (available in 9-odd pastel colors), purportedly long lasting (SSD drives), and cheaper (and a helluva lot more functional) than both an iPod Touch or iPhone. And - they’re only 2 lbs! I think every geek should have one.

I think the proof is the reviews of actual users. In Amazon reviews of the Eee 4G Surf (the 800 Mhz, 512MB Ram, 4GB HD black version) the score is 4.5 out of 5 stars and 167 reviews. I think that’s pretty damn respectable. The reviews I read said “the Eee PC made a great media player” and another guy said “make a great little Windows computer”. Apparantely the Eee PC ships with very simple instructions to replace Xandros Linux with a licensed copy of Windows XP. Some people use a 4GB SD card for additional storage. One guy writes “very user friendly” despite the fact that he was “never a huge Linux fan”. Also “highly recommended for adults and kids, recommended for all ages”. That’s probably because with this small form factor the keyboard and touchpad are noticably smaller. One reviewer said “beware for people with large hands”. I would imagine that means this small device is a boon for kids with small fingers and hands.

Other reviewers write “perfect traveling laptop”, “cheaper than iphone”, “outstanding”, and “great for personal use”. There are of course comments from not so happy people compaining about the lack of software choices, small keyboard, small amount of storage, and connecting to certain digital devices (cell phones and PDA’s). Many of these reviewers admit they were not familiar enough with Linux - to the Eee PC’s may remain a bit slanted to the “geek” crowd for now. But selling 2 million of these in 2008 means that there are a lot more geeks nowadays!

Here are 2 video reviews on YouTube, one is for the Linux version of the Eee PC, and the second is for Windows XP installed on the Eee PC:

Where can I get the best deal on a “Asus Eee PC“?

The Asus Eee’s are best sellers on Amazon (17 different models currently listed in various colors), but you can also find lots of them on eBay now as well (500+). I’m going to give you links below to the various models available and you can look for the best deal. The little Linux powerhouses are definitely worth the money!

US $479.99 End Date: Friday Nov-21-2008 14:13:54 PST Buy It Now for only: US $479.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $479.99 End Date: Friday Nov-21-2008 14:15:55 PST Buy It Now for only: US $479.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $245.50 (19 Bids) End Date: Friday Nov-21-2008 14:58:32 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

US $202.52 (26 Bids) End Date: Friday Nov-21-2008 15:08:48 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

US $200.50 (36 Bids) End Date: Friday Nov-21-2008 15:33:29 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

US $192.50 (16 Bids) End Date: Friday Nov-21-2008 15:42:26 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

US $79.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Friday Nov-21-2008 16:34:48 PST Buy It Now for only: US $79.00 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $202.49 (30 Bids) End Date: Friday Nov-21-2008 17:43:14 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

I just had to write about this one real quick too, this is one of the most needed and coolest Ubuntu Linux tools I’d seen in a long time. This articles shows how to create your own live cd with Remastersys. What does that mean? It means that you can create your very own Live CD or DVD backup based of your own system! Backup all of your system settings and essentials - AND making it a bootable LiveCD you can use on any computer anywhere? How can you beat that! Be sure to bookmark this one and pass it on to your friends!

I was looking at what was on digg this morning, and came across this list of Top 10 Free Linux Games. I’ve been using Ubuntu on several PC’s for 3-4 years now, and for some reason I had no idea that there were this many free 3D games that were Free for Linux! I guess I spend too much time building web sites and not enough time playing games! I’m definitely going to have to download and install some of these to see how good they are! I want you to check out the list for yourself, but here were the things that surprised me:

America’s Army: Apparently this game is owned by the US Government and has been out since 2002? WTF! It’s a “recruiting tool” to get people to join the army? I guess it’s very popular with 4,500 people playing at any given time.

True Combat Elite: This is a Castle Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory mod? It supports widescreen and letterbox, and has anti-cheat software!

Open Racing Car Simulator: This one really surprised me, mostly because it’s a racing game. Well - a simulator. Nearly all of the games I was familiar with for Linux were First Person Shooters, basically all like Quake copies. This is awesome, a racing game for Linux!

Frets on Fire: Now here’s a game I actually knew about, and played on Windows, but I didn’t know there was a Linux version. Frets on Fire is basically the Open Source version of Guitar Hero, and is just as fun to play! And there are tons of songs for it because it’s open source! This one I’m going to have to put on my Ubuntu box for sure!

Track Mania: is another car game, but this one has crazy short tracks with acrobatics and tricks. Very cool, another driving game for Linux I didn’t know about!

Again, be sure to visit the full list for all 10 games! Read the comments too, because there were lots of games listed there I didn’t know about as well, like Digital Painball 2, Gillo, and Sauerbraten!

Staying on the topic of Linux LiveCD’s, OPHCrack is a tool that you can use to break, crack, or retrieve any Windows Me, Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows Vista password quickly and effectively. Here’s the background….in our house friends and family know we work on computers and can fix and repair them. It seem like every month one is dropped off for on reason or another. Usually the problems are the same - the computer is slow because of heavy surfing on the web and has some kind of virus or trojan. But we got one the other day with a really simple problem - they setup a password to login and forgot what it was. The computer was a couple years old and Windows XP.

Seems like someone dropped a computer because of a forgotten or lost password a few years back, and at that time the only solution I managed to find after hours and hours of searching was a linux boot floppy with some tools to reset the password by editing the registry and some other file. My son found OPHCrack for this time around, and he managed to crack and reveal the lost password in just minutes. All you have to do download and burn the LiveCD, and then bootup using it on the computer with the lost password - then use OPHCrack to crack it and you’re good to go! There are some Linux tools out there that allow you to reset a Windows password (like the one I used to have), but this one just flat out cracks the password for you. It worked well for us, we were very pleased. The program is free and legal - just don’t be using it for illegal or illicit purposes! Bookmark the page, you might forget your own password someday!

Here’s another nice resource I found stumbling around, a list of 315 Linux Live CD’s for download. LiveCD’s are great because you don’t have to install anything on your computer to run a complete operating system. Nice to use as a guest on someone else’s pc, but more importantly it’s a great way to try out a Linux distribution without having to install it on the hard drive. This list is sorted by number of votes, so the more popular ones are on the top. Also - if you’re into Linux you may not realize how many different kind of distros are out there. Like ones specifically for education, gaming, medical, security, home entertainment. You may be surprised to find out though, that many liveCD’s contain tools for specific purposes. Like computer forensic tools, firewall tools, diagnostic utilities, data recovery, server clustering, and of course OS replacement. Download a couple and try a new version of Linux today!