Why does Linux (ubuntu) have SOOO many bugs?!?
 

I'm curently using a dell mini n series running linux with ubuntu. I had to reinstall my operating system because, according to Dell, I shouldn't do updates on my mini because the newer packages of linux take up too much room on the hard drive. I'm sorry could you repeat the question?!? That to me makes NO sense. After reinstalling my operating system I tried to link up to my wireless router, which went fine for two days. Today, everytime I open a web browser page it will stay open for aproximatly two mins before it closes by itself for no reason other than to annoy me apparently. Also, it isn't saying any of my bookmarks. After all that, I tried to click on my link to restart my mini & the entire top panel just disappeared?!? I had to turn it off by holding down the power key for 2 seconds. Anyone have ANY of these issues? Please, help, I really want to uninstall linux & install windows but I can't because I only have enough space on the hard drive for linux, which is complete trash! Thanks in advance for any help.

Buy windows, insert the CD, let it do the rest. Works fine.

If you don't like that, stop whining and start asking about particular issues.

Ubuntu has so many bugs because it's an Debian based OS without being Debian if this makes any sense. If you have some basic knowledges in Ubuntu than you can easily switch to Debian, personally I prefer Debian Squeeze. Debian it's far more stable and more practical than Ubuntu is or will ever be, at least in my personal opinion.
I used Ubuntu in the past and I had many problems like the image was flickering in GoogleEarth tough my video card was installed properly, mplayer crashing suddenly and so on, many bugs and many small inconveniences. But because Ubuntu it's an linux OS that can be burned on a regular CD and not a DVD as many linux distros need, because it's so easy to install and work with it after installation, because it has many preinstalled features it still worths if your not that pretentious. If you want stability and versatility than I strongly advise you to switch to Debian.

Just one quick example: I had dvips segfaulting (testing as well as stable) just in the moment I wanted to apply for a job... (of course, downgrade to stable helped)

If you really MUST advocate debian and you want to argue with "stability", at least advocate the stable release :rolleyes:

But, in fact, I really think the OP should buy a copy of windows 7. It's a nice little OS after all and he'll get customer support.

Sure but Debian lenny it's not that up to date this it's why I think Squeeze it's better. As for Squeeze aka Debian testing i was amaized by it's stability. I do upgrades about two times a week and I have no stability or incompatibility problems in any kind of aspects, and I use the same Debian installation I've did six months ago.

Right, but, apply some realism please ;) I know how to manage a debian-dist, you know it, too, that's called experience. I once recommended ubuntu to ppl who just wanted an alternative to windows and they suffered stability problems, so I won't do this again. I experience similar things in debian squeeze. I have the experience with all the apt-tools (as well as strace, gdb, etc if it is necessary) to solve situations like that. Other's don't.

I'm sure i could solve stability problems in ubuntu, too, if I wanted to. But if I really want to recomment a rock stable system to anybody not having this level of experience, I'd definitely go for debian/stable. Right, lenny is "old" -- so how old is windows xp sp3? It's still in widespread use and doing a good job for those still shocked by vista and therefore reluctant with trying win7 ;)

edit: on a side note ... I'm running debian on my desktop since "potato". The only time I did a complete reinstall was the move from i368 to amd64 architecture. And even then, i at least kept my "dpkg --get-selections" and stuff like /home, /var, /usr/local etc ;)

Than you rock, and Debian rocks too. But to be honest this it's a linux questions forum, not a windows questions forum. And yeah I agree Windows XP was the greatest Microsoft achievement, 'cause let's be fare Vista and Win 7 are kinda crappy. Personally I wouldn't recommend anyone to install one of those two.

zirias and Tux*;
You two remind me of two dogs I once owned---they would fight with each other over whose turn it was to bark at the postman. Mostly amusing, but it could get annoying.

Regardless, if you are not going to help the OP, then please do not continue this.


First, while it is plausible that you are having some issues, Linux is not "complete trash". Many of us use it on a daily basis.
As to your specific question, you CAN install Windows---it will take the space currently used by Linux.

If you have any other specific questions, we'll be glad to help....

Could you stop the personal insults please? In fact, you didn't say anything i didn't already mention in my first post. This thread is completely pointless.

please tell us who is insulting you.

I'm very sure you know yourself, so please stop this stupid game.

To Wipe the Drive completely

http://www.pendrivelinux.com/install...using-windows/

Happy Trails, Rok

Suggesting Windows 7 on a Dell Mini seems counter-productive. (Perhaps Win XP, but 7? :scratch:)

Anyhow, from the OP's handle, I suspect that some more polite and responsive answers might be helpful.

Now I've never used a Dell Mini, but I suspect that downgrading to a older version of Ubuntu might solve many of the problems she's having. Perhaps switching to another small, stable release using an older kernel might help. (The newer kernels sometimes seem to be confused by "less capable" hardware.)

Is there someone looking at this thread that has used other Linux distributions on a Dell Mini? Is the Ubuntu they (Dell) ship with their "Mini" tweaked for the Mini's hardware? (Perhaps the kernel is compiled with Mini-specific options, and the "generic" Ubuntu kernel is not appropriate. :scratch:)

Although I don't know the exact specs of dell mini, I know win7 is working on my institute's VERY old research thinkpad (still has IBM logo) better (faster, more reliable) than XP, so, I'd really give it a try here :)

And for the rest; sorry, but either it's "just another stupid troll" and not worth the effort .. or else, giving more specific problem descriptions WILL result in helpful responses here :)

Let's try that again. I'll confess to being a little slow sometimes, but I'm not playing games.
The normal etiquette here is to simply answer the question---especially when a moderator is asking.

Oh, should i bow down now? Really, we COULD discuss this in private, and I still assume you know what I'm referring to ... but in case I'm mislead on this: I just consider comparing humans to dogs quite insulting.

(And I still think this thread is nothing more than a stupid troll -- working quite well, given your reaction *scnr*)

My apologies if my comparison was unclear. The comment has to do with what I always found amusing behavior on the part of the dogs. Humans do the same thing all the time. My point was--and is--ONLY that we had two members arguing with each other as opposed to helping the OP.

No, please don't
You may contact me at anytime by e-mail or PM

Any further posts to this thread must be on the original topic

Ok, acknowledged. Sorry, but my assumption still is that the OP doesn't really seek help. If I'm wrong on that, we will see :)

OK---now lets just all wait and see if OP returns

Hi, A Friend have the same Netbook and problems at least you got help from Dell--Ubuntu Is NOT Linux and surely Not Trash If you want to Buy Windows by all means Do So, Now I know that the Sr. members and Mods. Know more than I do, But Debian Testing IS Not for New Users (Play with it myself)Download and Install Linux Mint 9 Based on Ubuntu Uses the same Repos. You might want to Try PCLinuxOS or Mandriva or you might try the Distros in the other Posts,From where I set You need an Easy Distro Mint Is Easy and What Ubuntu Should Be, Just remember Ubuntu Is NOT Linux, Linux Is NOT Ubuntu--Whatever You Do, Good Luck

How is Ubuntu not Linux?

Please Do a Google Search-- Ubuntu Is an OS one of many As You Could Say Any Distro Is Linux As in a Cola is Not a Coke.

I have no idea what you are saying.

First. let's accept the common interpretation that Linux is an operating system--as is Windows, Mac OS-X, etc.

Ubuntu Linux is a version of Linux. Therefore, using common English usage you can say: "Ubuntu is Linux." The sense of this is that Ubuntu is NOT Windows, Mac OS, Unix, VMX, etc. The statement would commonly be interpreted as "Ubuntu is a version of Linux".

You of course can NOT say: "Linux is Ubuntu."

I don't have, either, but ...

... I'd rather call THAT a common misconception (unless, of course, you define "operating system" by just that part of code running privileged, aka, the kernel, but that's not-so-common).

I'm really not a fan of RMS, but he's right on THIS one: Linux is "just" the kernel.

Although it is often said that way, that's wrong. Ubuntu is an operating system distribution containing Linux.

zirias;

This issue came up in another recent thread, but I don't recall where.

In common usage, Linux is the name of the complete operating system. The best evidence of this is found at the websites of most major distros, including the "grand old man": http://www.slackware.com/
In the other thread, I did not cite this, but the same de-facto definition is here: http://distrowatch.com/

Given that the usage is so widespread, I think "misconception" is a bit harsh. How about "convenient simplification"?

In order to update software, you have to download all the new versions, then install them. The updater downloads everything then installs everything (as opposed to download one, install one, download next, install next, etc). So if there are a LOT of updates, you need a lot of disk space. If you don't have it, your disk fills up and then the update fails - and it doesn't automatically "clean up" after itself. The full disk will then cause more problems.

In general, some hardware doesn't like some distros. Since you're having problems with Ubuntu, you have two options: 1) Try and fix Ubuntu, or 2) Try another Linux distro or even another OS entirely. Honestly, the second is probably the better option for you.

And because distros do differ, for you to say "Linux is trash" based on your experience is like if you said "RVs are trash" because you bought an RV and the toilet backed up and then the engine exploded.

While not intending to veer off-topic, I would like to point something out.

You list Linux Mint 9 as your distro of choice. Are you aware that this distro is based on Ubuntu? Perhaps you should put your money where your mouth is. Otherwise, OP doesn't need your hypocrisy.

To address the OP--

Ubuntu is a little heavy in terms of resources. And judging by your description of this Dell Mini, it doesn't have a lot of memory, RAM, or CPU under the hood. You may want to give a lighter distro like Puppy a spin. Hey, even a netbook-specific distro like Eeebuntu may be in order.

"All software has several kinds of "defects" at any given point in time. Defects can be resolved over time through effective software and systems engineering. On the other hand, "bugs" like cockroaches seemingly come out of nowhere and will be with us long after all of us are dust." --- from a trade show keynote speech years ago.

You might get better quality answers by asking more specific questions. Ask yourself questions along these lines:

• What was I trying to accomplish? (edit a file, upload an image)
• How did I try to accomplish that? (use 'abcd' program)
• What did I expect would happen?
• What actually happened that was different than expected?
• What do you know about the various parts involved ?
• What do you want to know so that you might resolve your own situation?

~~~ 0;-Dan

I gotta' wonder if this marine's wife could use the latest Lucid Puppy Linux 5.01, which I'm currently using on my systems here. It takes up little room, has a lot of apps that are used by most folks, and seems to be pretty stable so far. She could download the iso file, burn it to cdrom, and run it live to test it. She could also create a usb installation from the live cd. Either of these could be used for testing, and the cd can be used, of course, for installation. Seems like a trouble-free solution that takes little time or effort to try out.

Ok, somewhere along the line of this thread I have:
Been told I am a "troll"?!?
Been told I am whinning?!?
Been told Ubuntu is NOT Linux?!?
Been told Ubuntu IS Linux?!?
Been told that I CAN install Windows 7?!?
Been told that I can install different versions of Ubuntu?!?
And so on & so forth...

Let me address everything now:
I am NOT in fact a "troll", I am in fact an aggravated Ubuntu user.
I am NOT in fact "whinning", I am exasperated with with my Operating System.
I am utterly confused on the Ubuntu is/isn't Linux debate.
I in fact CANNOT install Windows 7 on my Dell n series Mini at this time because of the simple fact that Windows 7 requires more gbs than my mini has at this time, it has 4 gbs NOT the 7 that is required to install Windows.

Now, to address the issue of the comment I made about Linux being trash.

I apologize in advance to anyone that is a hardcore Linux fan. I, personally, have no use for Linux. I find that, FOR ME, it is not user friendly. I, personally, have had nothing but problems with Linux as an operating system on MY dell mini. I am not happy with the performance of the Linux system on MY dell mini.

Now, if you are an avid Linux user & you love the system, it works great for you, you couldn't do without it, you would recommend it to everyone, ect., please, don't try to persuade me to the Linux Fan Group. The only thing that is keeping me from installing a different OS is that I would have to invest in more gbs for my mini & am unable to atm.

I was asking a question, NOT debating if Ubuntu is Linux or not, wether I'm whiny or not (which as my husband can assure you, having a marine who has been to Iraq makes you really reconsider whinning about ANYTHING. My husbands favorite line is "There are Marines in Iraq that are dying, being shot at, dehydrating or watching any of that happen to their buddies so PLEASE don't complain about...", wether or not I can/ cannot run Windows, ect. If you have a comment on why Linux has so many bugs then PLEASE by all means comment if NOT, then please, for the sake of all that is holy, do not start another post about any of the above.

Thank you.

You can install Windows 7 . . . It only requires 16GB for 32-bit, or 20GB for 64-bit. http://windows.microsoft.com/systemrequirements
Your hard drive, when blank, is at least 20GB, I assure you. A Mini n-series should have a 160GB hard drive in it.

I'm sorry that you have had such a frustrating time with Ubuntu.

In case you care, the reality is that Ubuntu is Linux, but not all Linux is Ubuntu; kinda like all squares are rectangles but not all rectangles are squares.

Why does Ubuntu have so many bugs? The short answer is that it is a large, complex piece of software. All such large, complex pieces of software have bugs . . . it's just a matter of how many can be found and squashed.

THANK YOU! I am not entirely sure how to wipe my hard drive to get it to the base gbs so that I can install Win7? Any help would be VERY much appricieated! The whole Linux/Ubuntu or Ubuntu/Linux issue is very complex & even more confusing. Thanks for trying though, maybe I am in fact that daft?

I am not trying to keep a "troll" post going (though anyone who has a valid argument now days is considered a "troll", I just want to look at my mini & NOT want to throw it in the middle of a busy highway.

Thank you

Any windows installer (including win7's one) will take care of that if you select "use entire drive" and confirm to delete everything... (of course, to be able to do that, it has to be started by booting from the installation CD, NOT inside a running system!)

You really should adjust your notion of a "valid argument". What are you trying to argument anyway? You want to use windows on that thing, well, go for it, it's not that hard.

Not to sound rude but do you even know what a Dell Mini looks like? If the above was possible WITHOUT AN EXTERNAL DRIVE, I would have done so by now.

As for this...

You may very well be Einstien's long lost cousin but I unfortunately am not & really don't appreciate the comment "You want to use windows on that thing, well, go for it, it's not that hard" If it was easy for me I wouldn't have the need of a post on a linux page. Your level of "ease" may be different than mine, or the next persons, ect., so please, don't be rude just try to address the issue & go from there. Please, don't even attempt to make me feel inferior to you simply because I might require some advice on a subject that you happen to have knowledge on.

Not having any prior knowledge about whatever subject is no problem at all -- joining a linux forum, whining about "it's all buggy and all sucks" without even posing a SINGLE clear question definitely is. If you WANT help, post some details about what exactly you need help with. If not, leave your personal linux frustration elsewhere...

Let me be clear AGAIN, I am not in fact "whinning" & never refered to anything in such a "teeny bopper" manner as "it's all buggy & all sucks". Either learn to read or find some other post to release your pent up agression out on. I did, however, state before that I, MYSELF, am not a huge fan of linux. Now, are you trying to say that I should be posting about linux on a Windows or Mac forum? How redundant would that be? As far as a SPECIFIC question. Here's one for you, since you're so keyed up' Please, explain to me how it is that I have the newest Java downloaded & am still not able to play media from a media downloader using this linux system? Or better yet, please, explain to me why it is that even though I have click on the "lock to panel" option my top panel disappears at random? Or maybe even this, I still have not been able to use the applet player on a gaming website even though the entire rest of the site loads as does the applet but it will not show the games or finish loading?
Or finally, why is that since according to you, linux is the best OS, it is not supported by A LOT of highend streamers?

Typical troll attitude, now you're trying to get that heated. That's just pathetic. Unfortunately for you, I'd never call linux "the best OS" or something like that. So, no flame for you here, sorry :p

Ok, sorry, not looking for a "flame", I am looking for a way to enjoy this system. A better way of addressing this would be to answer my questions, maybe give me some pluses about linux, ect. Not sit there, smug as you want to be, calling me a "troll", pathetic, ect. If you can't or won't answer the questions then just keep your nasty attitude to yourself & move on. Again, thank you for the lovely answers thus far & I hope eventually you can be of some help to someone else.

You can easily show your REAL interest by taking ONE problem and just describing it IN DETAIL, so it is even possible to get an idea what could be the cause.

Unless you are willing to do this, your style of posting here is -- to say the least -- inept.

And: "Tell my why XYZ is happening" is NOT a detailed description.

BTW: No, I don't know your piece of hardware. If it doesn't have a cdrom drive, this could be a problem indeed. Maybe a bootable USB drive would do.

edit: here's the first tutorial google returns: http://www.intowindows.com/how-to-cr...7-dvdusb-tool/ -- You should find a lot more by yourself.

@marinegruntswife: while we welcome you as LQ member you must understand that the way you entered LQ saying things like
and
does not sit well with some of our members. Venting your frustration may be your way to get things off your chest but speaking in that way about GNU/Linux does not help us help you solve your problems: deal with it and please refrain from making negative remarks.

In turn our slightly overreacting junior LQ members (yes, that's you zirias) should understand that they should rise above troll-calling especially since a fellow moderator already indicated you are expressing yourself in a way that is not productive: deal with it or keep yourself from posting.

Really, you should learn what the term of "moderator" means. FOAD, period.

For violating the LQ Rules, persistent immature behaviour and a lack of respect for all we stand for you get some timeout. I'll be contacting you by email.

All Operating Systems have a learning curve, bugs and fixes. So lamenting bugs is not at all interesting or productive. If you really want to enjoy your Mini then you best make a choice: learn how to use GNU/Linux or choose the Other OS.


Reduce installation footprint with vLite as shown here?

* Please note if this discussion moved towards installing the Other Operating System then the thread should be moved to the /General forum.

Here is a link about how to install Windows 7 after booting from a USB pen drive.

http://www.intowindows.com/how-to-in...working-guide/

Problem is, you'll still need a DVD ROM of some kind to make it work. Unfortunately, there is really no way around this. The good news is that you won't need the DVD ROM for anything else after OS installation, so you aren't looking to buy, just borrow for thirty minutes or so.

Is there anyone out there you know that has a USB, Bluetooth, or FireWire DVD ROM? Heck, even a running machine with an internal drive could be workable.

I've never tried a network install of Windows, but surely it is possible . . . if that's what you need to do, let me know and maybe I can help you find a good guide for it.

I Think You are trying Something New, and it's not working for you.
If you Find Linux Is Not for You It's no Shame to Go to Windows, I know Linux is not for Everyone.
Surely Someone around You Could Help you, With Linux if you still want to try it, Or loan You a USB DVD Drive To Install Windows (I would help You with Linux if we were Near-and you will find Most Linux users is the Same.
Whatever You Do Good Luck, May God Bless You and Your Family In This War Time.
Many of the Posters Know what I mean when I say Linux is not Ubuntu-Linux is the name of the Kernel by Linus Torvalds
Linus Torvalds + Richard Stallman = GNU/Linux.
Ubuntu is not Linux- How many Distros is DistroWatch Tracking Now? I think you know what i mean,PhotoShop,PowerPoint, Coke, Words we use.
As for Mint based on Ubuntu, Mint is what Ubuntu Could Be. IT Works and Mint Devs. Send many Fixes Upstream Without Mint and Ultimate You would Have Many more Bugs- Which was the OP's Question. I do think if she could install Mint it will Work on her Dell. Was going to address a lot more But what the Use. To the OP If you want to try Linux I might be able to help by E-Mail.

Wouldn't it be better if you could share your knowledge here (on a public forum) where others too can learn and participate, instead of encouraging OP to respond through emails ?

Sorry for posting something off-topic, but I find your usage of capital letters interesting. I'm trying to find a pattern here, but so far I haven't found one. Is it just random capitalisation?
I am not trying to criticise you or something. It's a genuine question. Whereas most languages have similar rules related to capitalisation, there may be some that are governed by some other rules, eg. AFAIR, In German EVERY noun starts with a capital letter, etc. What do you go by when you decide whether a word should start with a capital letter or not? I'm interested in linguistics. That's the only reason I'm asking about it.
Once again, sorry for posting something off-topic

One of the reasons for the existence of forums is that everyone can benefit from the information posted here. Using emails to solve problems restricts potential beneficiaries to just one person. But then again, you are free to do whatever you want to do:)

I don't think anyone's benefiting from most of what's been posted in this thread. It should have been either locked or had big swathes of posts deleted ages ago.

Fair enough, but any instructions on how to install linux can be beneficial for many people out there having similar hardware specifications.

But this thread was never meant to be about installing Linux. It was meant to be about why Linux has so many bugs ;).

Part of the answer is that Ubuntu has more bugs than some other distributions, because its based on Debian Unstable and it sticks to release dates instead of releasing "when it's done."

Having used Debian Unstable, I'm amazed that the Ubuntu team gets it as usable and maintainable as it is. Twice a year.

You want a distro that usually has fewer bugs? Try Slackware or Debian Stable. The tradeoffs there are obvious and not everyone agrees that they're worth it (I do though).