It has been a long while since I’ve used a Linux + GUI. Ubuntu, I understand probably isn’t the most bleeding edge, but just out of the box it has all the candy of Windows 7 plus lots of 3rd party enhancements and drivers or OS-X with the same. I’m honestly amazed that the OS is THIS feature packed. Everything one needs is installed to get going. The other amazing thing is evident in some measurements. These are all done so far on a Dell Inspiron 1720 Laptop, Intel Dual Core with 4 GB of RAM.
- Memory utilization on is about 70% of what Windows 7 uses for similar tasks. I dare not even compare it to Vista. It runs almost on par with Apple’s OS-X.
- Processor utilization to accomplish the same tasks (i.e. word processor, spreadsheet calcuations, launching web browsers, or straight executing heavy calculations) is a fair percentage lower than Windows 7. Generally around 5-10% lower utilization. This is noticable in longer battery life.
- Ubuntu, regular Desktop Edition, has a 5-25% longer batter life than using Windows 7.
- .NET Framework Code Execution on Mono/Linux is noticably faster than running the same code on Windows 7/.NET Framework/IIS.
- Boot time to load (see GUI + Desktop Features Listed Below) with all features is approximately 10-25% of Windows 7 with default load + 3rd Party Tools Added to match functionality (such as Winsplit Revolution and other tools).
Windows + W = Current Running App Windows for the Desktop that is in focus. Use the arrow keys to select the window to focus on.
Windows + E = Desktops, use arrow keys to select the one you want.
Alt + Tab = Switches between apps, pretty standard GUI Functionality.
Functionality enabled for the Dell Inspiron 1720 without loading a single driver manually:
1. The Func + F1 Combo Works to put the laptop to sleep.
2. The Func + F3 works to provide the battery status on a laptop.
3. The Func + F5 for scroll lock.
4. Func + F8 for CRT/LCD switching.
5. In addition to that the scroll on the track pad works with a default Ubuntu Installation, both vertical and horizontal.
6. Video Card was loaded, update was detected, and an updated driver was downloaded.
7. Network Card, Blue Tooth, and Other Network Drivers where all loaded.
8. Chipset, and other drivers needed for hardware, etc, all loaded.
All in all, the Ubuntu Organization has done and excellent job of building an operating system that easily rivals OS-X or Windows 7.
