Project Ubuntu: Report #1 - 48 hours

Here's the first field report from our intrepid Ubuntu explorer:

I immediately tried to import all of my files from my zip drive onto the computer, as soon as o put the zip drive in the computer recognized the extra drive and I moved my documents to the desktop. My music mp3 files however did not work on the new ubuntu system. I connected the wireless network at the loop lofts and played music on youtube to ensure that media played, which it did. So the volume was audible, however the new computer was unable to play my music files.

I decided to update the computer and ubuntu recommended over 800 updates most of which were language translation tools I did not need. The interface did not have a fast way to only install the tools I wanted, so I had to unclick all of the tools I did not need and then press install list, in the end I installed 225 items, and it took about an hour.

After the new updates however, the volume stopped working and when I tried to open up the volume control, a pop up appeared notifying me that the gstreamer volume device and or plugin was missing. I looked for the plugin online and on the ubuntu website, but I couldn't find a credible enough location to download from. So I called the 1800 number and the associate directed me to the terminal where we searched for the missing gstreamer volume plugin, the terminal could not find it, which was weird because the volume was definitely working earlier when I was listening to youtube. The associate then advised me to re install ubuntu using the cd package, I am currently in the process of completing that task.

The organization of the ubuntu is actually much more succinct than both Macintosh and windows. The security options are more extending as well. I also like the fact that ubuntu brings a lot of the best savvy addons and plugins right to the desktop right with the add/erase applications bar.

Ubuntu has a lot more applications for database storage and web development which especially excites me, and specifically the control the user has is either greater tan the control on a pc or much more transparent. For example I changed the size of the cursor from average size to biggest in a matter of seconds, I have never experienced that degree of control on other computers. The computer is really nice, just seems as if this particular one did not have ubuntu installed on it properly at buildup, but I'll reprogram it afresh and give it another try.

The run option that is available on windows the start menu is not available on ubuntu.
Nothing I have used this far works less efficiently than it would on windows but as I begin to work more with open office and programming capabilities of the computer through jedit and gedit I am sure I will see more discrepancies.