Ubuntu 8.04 wireless troubles

I have been using Ubuntu (a Linux operating system) for years now. (Other Linux distributions for years before Ubuntu)  I have loved using Ubuntu and other Linux OS’s.  The whole concept of using a “Free” operating system is genius in so many ways.  I won’t get into all the reasons and/or my opinions.  The main reason for me is, Why be “forced” into using a proprietary system only the way “they” want me to use it.  With “Free Open Source Software” (FOSS) one is free to use it and distribute it as you see fit.

On to the troubles:  Ubuntu (Version 8.04-codenamed Hardy Heron) is AWESOME.  My only “beef” is with wireless support.  Previous version 7.10 worked flawlessly with my laptop.  When I upgraded to 8.04 wireless died.  Searching the Ubuntu forums and other on-line sources provided some fixes.  Wireless now works on my laptop but it is unbearably slow (10-40K) compared to windows our my wired PC (250-400k).  Ubuntu themselves don’t seem to be too concerned about it. (in my opinion)  I am, by far, not the only one having this issue.

Right now in the tech world, there is alot of talk about Linux OS’s building up for a “market” dominance battle.  I am 110% in support of this!  I find it kinda hard for this to happen if Ubuntu (the dominant “contender” in the Linux world) can not work out this “basic” hardware issues.

Safari for Windows

I am currently writing this post via Safari on Windows Vista. (What is it with me using Micro$oft today?!)  It installed when I updated iTunes.  I didn’t know that Safari has been available of Windows since last summer.  

I can’t say that I’m impressed with it. (at all)  No complaints really, just doesn’t have anything better than Firefox.  Actually it doesn’t have anything of use except basic web browsing. (Maybe the Mac version is better, wouldn’t know, not a Mac guy).  To me Firefox is by far better.  Better extensions, plug-ins, overall usability.

iTunes and “other” MP3 players

Today I thought I would boot up my laptop to Windows Vista. (Just so that I could be reminded on how much I loath Micro$oft.) After waiting like 5 minutes to finally get to the point were I could use Windows, it prompted me for updates.  Yeah, usual windows stuff.  So, I updated and it restarted.  After the restart (and waiting another 5 minutes) it yet again prompted me for updates.  Wow! Windows needs updates, who would have thought?!  This time it was Vista service pack 1.  Anyway, after and hour and 6 minutes, Vista is up and running.

Later in the day I was adding some tracks to my MP3 player via Rhapsody (terrible software by the way) and a dialog box popped up asking to update iTunes.  I had forgotten that I had iTunes installed!  (I used to have an “old” ipod.  Junk now…won’t recharge…replaceable battery…don’t get me started!!!).  I let iTunes update.  To shorten this all up…iTunes DOESN’T work with other MP3 players besides ipods and iphones!  Wow!  Here is Mac (Apple) and their proprietary stuff again!!!

Why must we “conform” to “big business” and all that.  Sure we don’t HAVE to but it is pretty hard not to.  Example being my Rhapsody account.  The idea of subscribing to a music service is AWESOME.  I can listen to all the music I want, at anytime, anywhere…oh! there’s the catch!…only ANYWHERE if you use their software (Windows only) to upload to an MP3 player…hence why I booted up Windows today.

See, if you suffer through all my ranting it will eventually make sense (mostly, kinda, probably not)