Ubuntu Christmas Edition and Linux Mint Review

[newbie2]

Flash, propitiatory media codecs, propitiatory video drivers - none of these items are included with the standard Ubuntu install by default. Now it's worth pointing out that the codecs can easily be installed by simply activating the proper repositories and then adding the packages. But when it comes to installing video drivers, you have got to be kidding me.

Granted I can download and install my NVIDIA drivers, edit my xorg.conf and even write a simple script to make toggling between dual and single monitors a snap. For most people, however, this is not realistic and a quick browse of the newbie section of the Ubuntu forums will show you what the aftermath of this looks like pretty quickly.
http://www.osweekly.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2448&Itemid=449
:-\"

[Minyaliel]

I wholeheartedly agree. *sits back waiting for automatix to finish the codecs install*

[prizrak]

Hmm didn't have a whole lot of problem with gstreamer and ffmpeg codecs. I'm using Feisty tho so it probably has newer stuff.

[raptros-v76]

sudo nvidia-xconfig. set up xorg.conf very nicely.

[Artemis3]

I have tried Mint and its good, but you need to hand install java as Bea comes with 1.4.2.
They also added a gui thingie for wireless networks, and Openoffice 2.1 (english).
Amarok and K3b instead of... you know. Comes with encoders and other "illegal in usa" stuff.

A shame i wasn't able to access automatix page yesterday, i was needing it for a kubuntu install. Easy Ubuntu is not good, things like flash are left out. Tried gnash, youtube won't do... ubuntuguide as a fallback. I'm waiting to see the Feisty "illegal" metapackage in action.

Laws in USA are laws for USA. It's shameful enough they let themselves to be controlled by corporations; to let us be controlled by them as well. No thanks.

[WinterWeaver]

well... as far as I'm aware of, feisty will have some of these installed automatically, like propriatory video drivers etc. XGL as a standard etc.

I believe that automatix or something similair will be include in the isntalation..... can't remember where I read it... so don't take my word for any of this.... :P

WW

[prizrak]

well... as far as I'm aware of, feisty will have some of these installed automatically, like propriatory video drivers etc. XGL as a standard etc.

I believe that automatix or something similair will be include in the isntalation..... can't remember where I read it... so don't take my word for any of this.... :P

WW

Feisty is supposed to have proprietary video drivers and compositing enabled (not XGL) by default but as of Herd 2 it didn't.

Automatix or anything like that will never be included what you read about was giving things by default that are not legally questionable but do the same thing.

For instance Java is GPL'ed now so it will come with the distro the only issue is the Firefox plugins. Gstreamer plugins from the "bad" category and possibly installing xine for DVD playback handling (libdvdcss still won't be installed). Basically things like that, that are legal in all countries and are free [enough] to be installed.

[Mateo]

i hope they don't include xine by default, i'll just have to uninstall it. unless.... it doesn't come when you just upgrade from the Upgrade Manager, right?

[macogw]

Mateo, why no xine? It seems necessary for DVDs. GStreamer doesn't work well. I don't think GStreamer does wmv either.

[RAV TUX]

moving to Debian (and derivatives) forum