Going LoCo for Ubuntu, And Driving Linux Adoption

Since Ubuntu is such a large project, it can be hard to determine how you can help bring new users to the operating system. In my opinion, one of the best ways to help in the advocation effort is through Local Community Teams, simply called “LoCo” for short.

Evangelizing Ubuntu becomes much easier if you’re a member of a LoCo team. All you need to do is see the main LoCo site for teams in your state or province.

If there are none, you can always start one for your area, and other LoCo members will be glad to help you get started. In the map above:

• Green states = areas with approved LoCo teams
• Yellow states = new LoC0 teams
• Gray = states that still lack a LoCo team
• Yell star = New city with LoCo team
• Green = approved city with LoCo team

But wait. You’re not done.

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Making Ubuntu Play Nice in a Windows World

If you’re like me, your Ubuntu machine is on a network that is dominated by Windows machines. Fortunately, Ubuntu comes with some very easy and quick tweaks to help you get along nicely with your Windows counter parts. Here’s how.

Here Come Ubuntu Servers

I believe we’re about to see Ubuntu reach another tipping point, this time on the server. While thousands — perhaps, millions? — of users discover Ubuntu desktops, the Linux operating system is beginning to gain traction on servers as well.

The latest example: System76 Inc., a small but well-respected Ubuntu PC supplier, has announced a line of  systems certified for Ubuntu 7.10 Server Edition. You can find more info about the rack-mount servers at http://system76.com/servers.

This isn’t an isolated event. It’s safe to expect some big name companies to evangelize Ubuntu servers sometime this year — especially as Ubuntu 8.04 (code named Hardy Heron) approaches its April 2008 release.

How I Shopped for An Ubuntu Laptop

So, I’ve been shopping for a new laptop for a few months. I’ve got an old Thinkpad T23 that is showing it’s age — both in terms of performance and functionality. It has developed a number of minor quirks over the years, as most well-loved laptops do. Numlock is flaky, the PCMCIA port is flaky, everything is just broken enough to be annoying — but not broken enough to fix.

Well, that changed recently when the optical drive failed. It was time to go shopping for an Ubuntu laptop. Here’s a recap of my decision process.

The Top 100 Ubuntu Linux Partners

Who are the world’s top Ubuntu Linux partners? To find out, All About Ubuntu has launched a global survey that will identify 100 of the world’s top Ubuntu integrators, solutions providers, VARs and channel partners.

Here are some quick details.

• Survey Background: You’ll find that here.
• Actual Survey: You’ll find that here.

The survey only takes a few minutes to complete and it’s free. Companies that appear on the Ubuntu 100 list will receive free, high-profile publicity on our media sites (All About Ubuntu, MSPmentor and The VAR Guy) and across the open source industry. Plus, existing and prospective Ubuntu customers will more easily discover your expertise.

Pardon Our Appearance

We’ll be making some changes and improvements to the site over the next few days. AllAboutUbuntu will remain online and all of our content will remain accessible throughout these efforts. However, you may notice some design flaws and dust as we spruce up the place. Thanks for your understanding and readership.

The State of Ubuntu Laptops: Looking Good

What is the state of Ubuntu on laptops? Two bright spots come to mind: Dell’s support of Ubuntu, and the rise of ultra-portables at the sub $500 price point. Many folks argue ultra-portables are the future of laptops and mobile computing. I am referring to the Asus eee PC, the Everex CloudBook, and the OLPC. Here’s a look at the rapidly changing Linux Laptop landscape.