Linked by Thom Holwerda on Fri 10th Dec 2010 22:54 UTC, submitted by Debjit
Yet another possible change in Ubuntu's core components: they're mulling over replacing GDM with LightDM. Why? Well: "Faster - the greeter doesn't require an entire GNOME session to run. More flexible - multiple greeters are supported through a well defined interface. This allows Ubuntu derivatives to use the same display manager (e.g. Kubuntu, Lubuntu etc.). Simpler codebase - similar feature set in ~5000 lines of code compared to 50000 in GDM. Supports more usecases - first class support for XDMCP and multihead."
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Member since:2008-07-15
" but a slow and steady approach that ensures things are done right is best. Not a fast and loose barrage of half-implemented changes that confuse and confound users.
You are assuming stable releases won't be stable. I think that's a big assumption. And, if stability is your main objective, just use debian proper or one of the other distros you mentioned. "
Given that Ubuntu is supposedly the Linux for the masses, one would think stability would be a top priority. After all, Linux is so much more stable than Windows could ever be, right? As for the changes breaking something, I think one need only look back at previous Ubuntu releases, particularly every release after 8.04, to see just why people don't like it when Ubuntu does drastic changes. They seem to do changes for the sake of changing things, not always because it's a better or approach and they never test anything very well besides. Sorry, but six months between releases is not enough time to do it properly, and Ubuntu's track record proves it. The one change they've proposed that I think *must* be implemented is to separate out the software repositories so that people don't have to upgrade their os to get the latest Firefox via software center. Imho, that one should take top priority, as it will help the masses more than any visual or display manager change. Follow it up, naturally, with replacing X as the core display technology. Then, and only then, worry about trivial things like the login display manager or visual theming. What good is a theme when the rest of your os is half-baked?
Member since:2006-01-14
Ubuntu has become "Linux for the masses", or at least the most popular distro, by doing exactly what you criticize them for, not by being "half-baked" and not being scared to innovate.
I don't think everything they do works out perfect. When you make an omelette, you have to break eggs. I think they are moving in the right direction. And, I still like Ubuntu. Having said that, it can be annoying to pay the price of innovation. I moved to Debian from Ubuntu a couple of years ago because I got tired of Ubuntu updates breaking small things. But, I've never felt like Ubuntu was half-baked. And, I am planning to reinstall Ubuntu in the next couple of weeks. I forgive the rough spots because they get ironed out. And, the end result is worth it.
I just installed Ubuntu on my 74 year old dad's laptop. He's way happier with Ubuntu than Vista. It runs so much faster. And, because he was already using Firefox and Thunderbird, he never missed a beat.
More on topic, isn't it possible that some of the troubles that Ubuntu runs into with innovating due to legacy code in X or code that just isn't required for their audience? Getting rid of code that doesn't support your mission might result in fewer rough spots and free them up for even more innovation.
Chill out. Focus on the end result, don't dwell the rough spots and in the end, you will probably have a distro that you can proudly recommend to friends.
Edited 2010-12-11 16:15 UTC
Member since:2006-01-07
As for the changes breaking something, I think one need only look back at previous Ubuntu releases, particularly every release after 8.04, to see just why people don't like it when Ubuntu does drastic changes.
Funny, I'm using 10.10, the latest Ubuntu release. It's the most stable I've seen yet. I'm quite pleased with the latest changes, especially the fact that this release boots in 16 seconds on my old decrepit computer - back when I was running stable Red Hat, it would take 45 seconds.
Ubuntu developers: please keep those changes coming.
Edited 2010-12-12 04:25 UTC
Features
Linked by Thom Holwerda on 05/24/13 17:26 UTC
So, the Xbox One disaster continues. Microsoft's policy for dealing with the used games market has reportedly leaked - and it's a clear and direct attack to destroy the used games market. Prices for used games will be set at the retail value of a new game, and retailers have to hook into Microsoft's computer systems and comply with Microsoft's terms and conditions.
Linked by Thom Holwerda on 05/21/13 21:38 UTC
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Linked by Thom Holwerda on 05/11/13 21:41 UTC
"Windows is indeed slower than other operating systems in many scenarios, and the gap is worsening." That's one way to start an insider explanation of why Windows' performance isn't up to snuff. Written by someone who actually contributes code to the Windows NT kernel, the comment on Hacker News, later deleted but reposted with permission on Marc Bevand's blog, paints a very dreary picture of the state of Windows development. The root issue? Think of how Linux is developed, and you'll know the answer.
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Linked by Thom Holwerda on 04/29/13 21:06 UTC
Oh multitasking. That staple of computing that got thrown out the window with many modern smartphones. We got some rudimentary thing in its place - but even as multitasking on phone and tablets improves, its user-visible side remains cumbersome. Windows 8 has a neat implementation, and now it's time Android follows in it footsteps.
Linked by Thom Holwerda on 04/24/13 22:24 UTC
They're here! Whether that excites you or not remains to be seen, but the Galaxy S4, which will most likely become the best selling Android smartphone of the year by a huge margin, has been reviewed by all the major sites, and there's lots of interesting conclusions in there - although I think most of you will get the gist.More Features »
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Member since:
2006-01-14
You are assuming stable releases won't be stable. I think that's a big assumption. And, if stability is your main objective, just use debian proper or one of the other distros you mentioned.
I think you mght be over reacting.