3 Fundamental Problems with Ubuntu
I
love the Ubuntu Linux operating system. I love the philosophy behind it, the community that
sustains it, and the way most things work so beautifully out of the
box. I am an Ubuntu convert, and would never consider going back to
Windows.
However, there are three fundamental problems with Ubuntu that make me
reluctant to recommend it to friends. These problems are central to the
everyday user experience of almost all computer users, and until they
are solved, I can't see Ubuntu entering the mainstream.
I'm aware that the blame for these problems usually lies with hardware manufacturers rather than Ubuntu developers. Nonetheless, I think Ubuntu
developers should engage in serious and sustained dialogue with
manufactures about resolving these issues.
The problems are these:
1. Printing. I have an Epson printer. With much ado and
fuss, it will print documents from Ubuntu. However, whenever it is used
in Ubuntu, the ink will run out after 10-20 pages. So not only is
printing in Ubuntu a hassle that usually involves restarting the
printer multiple times, it's also very expensive. When I need to replace
ink, there is no utility in Ubuntu to tell me which colour ink
cartridge has run out and needs replacing. So I have to load up Windows
to find out.
2. Wi-fi and Stand-by mode. After Ubuntu goes into standby
or hibernation, it will not connect to Wi-Fi. I understand that this is
a common problem with Linux, and not unique to Ubuntu distributions.
This is extremely frustrating, and means I waste a lot of energy
because when I leave my computer for an hour, I can only turn off the
display. Everything else must be left running, or I will have to
restart my computer when I return to it, losing everything that I'm working on.
I see this as the biggest problem facing Linux today. Computers are
responsible for as many emissions as airplanes. Ubuntu has an ethical
stance, and should be taking the lead on reducing emissions. Until
Linux puts together a viable standby mode that does not disable WiFi, I
will remain highly reluctant to recommend it to anyone.
3. Display. This is a smaller issue, but still a key problem. My computer is less than one year old, yet its
graphics card is incompatible with Ubuntu. Even with the hardware
drivers installed, I can't get visual effects to work. Installing the
graphics card driver actually slows down and ruins the basic graphics
rather than helping. Although this is less fundamental than standby
mode, as it's still possible to use a computer without visual effects,
it's disappointing only to have a basic experience on advanced hardware.
What are your thoughts and experiences of using Ubuntu and other Linux distributions?
