Linux Cookbook

Distros, and Tracking New Ones

Linux isn't like Windows in a lot of ways. One big one is that almost every Linux distribution--and actually almost all open source software--gets upgraded, frequently. So the poky little Linux distro you tried and didn't like much a couple of years ago could be the greatest thing going, this year.

One place I like to go to check up on (and search for) the hottest Linux distributions is Distrowatch. Online since 2001, this is the place to go to get the latest on all Linux distributions, and to see what's hot and what's not.

But I stumbled over another good source: Tux Enclave, a WordPress newcomer. I'll be adding this one to my links section (look to the left of the screen), if only so there's a good place to keep track of new releases. Not just distributions, but also news about major open source projects like KDE and Compiz--as well as various other editorial goodies like reviews and how-to's.

Another good blog, more cool open source software

Check out Little Ubuntu for some good stuff like this list of Awesome Ubuntu/Linux Apps you might not know about and this followup, Awesome Ubuntu/Linux Apps you might not know about V2.

Adding Applications to Ubuntu

Ubuntu Linux is pretty awesome, especially if you're new to Linux, because it's so easy to set up and get going. But it's not always obvious just how to add the applications you want--or even to know that you want something different from the default applications. And because of Ubuntu's stance on non-free software you can't do some things (like view Macromedia Flash content) on a fresh install.

Don't worry: The  LINUX ON DESKTOP blog has many answers for you. First, there's 13 Must Do things on new Ubuntu 7.04 Feisty Fawn installation, which tells you what and how to get plugins and other software to run video, audio and other multi-media content; Microsoft TrueType fonts; and more.

There's also a nice summary of more than 35 Cool Applications to install on Ubuntu 7.04 (half a dozen were added after the fact). Screenshots, links to the application websites, and quick instructions for getting the software installed are there, along with nice little write-ups about why you'd want the software.

More Ubuntu-related applications

Here's a nice little list of notable but not widely noted applications for Ubuntu from the nice/new Little Ubuntu blog/website.