Ron Schenone

Call It A Cloud OS And They Will Come, Or Will They? First Look Peppermint Linux OS

Posted by on May 11, 2010 | 8 Comments

I haven’t installed a new Linux version in a long time, so when I read all the hype about Peppermint Linux OS, I downloaded and installed a copy. Hint: When you go to the download page on the Peppermint’s site, select the link at the bottom of the page:

Mirrors

  • Provided by the mintCast podcast Team @ www.mintcast.org ::    Download Here >>

    • The download from this mirror is fairly fast compared to the others and I recommend you use it.

    I have a test box which consists of a dual core AMD at 3,1GHz, 4 GB of RAM and I used a sata drive I had sitting on the shelf for the install. As with most Linux versions I have used recently, Peppermint installed without any issues. This Linux version boots very fast. In fact my first thought was lightening fast when the OS started.

    The first thing I did was connect to my wireless network which was easy. After which I opened Firefox browser, which is the new 3.6.3 version and was immediately on the Internet. So why is this OS called a ‘cloud’ OS? According to the folks who produced Peppermint they state:

    Peppermint OS One features automatic updates, easy step-by-step installation, a user-friendly interface and increased mobility by integrating directly with cloud-based applications; it is also ready to use out of the box and is free.

    Built into the OS are all of Google’s popular apps like Doc’s, Gmail, Reader and Calender. Plus you have Facebook, Hulu, Mozilla Prism, YouTube and more. Here is a a screen shot running Prism running Seesmic and Hulu:

    This Linux version is very easy to use and so for I like it. I will be playing with for about a week or so and will report back my findings. In the mean time if you would like to give Peppermint a try, let us know what you think.

    Comments welcome.

    Source – Peppermint

    Reblog this post [with Zemanta]
    • Dick

      OK, you talked me into it. This will be my 4,876,234th Linux install. I’ve got it down to a science. Will let you know.

      • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

        Hi Dick,
        I look forward to what you have to say. As a side note, you can run it from CD as well.
        “This will be my 4,876,234th Linux install” LOL You got me beat!

    • Pingback: How Do You Pay for Your Geek Gadgets? ~ Chris Pirillo

    • Dick

      OK, here’s my quickie test for a new Linux distro.
      Start it up on my laptop with a Wired connection. It’s an old reliable 2.8Ghz 1.2 gb with a 40 gb drive. It’s on a network with my XP and my wife’s Win 7 and a WD Live media player in the Living room.
      1. Does it automatically connect to a plain old ethernet wire?
      YES
      2. Does it see the other machines on the network?
      Click Menu/Accessories/File Manager/Go/Network
      Wait about a minute and “Windows Network” appears
      Dbl Click it and wait, wait…….. Now 5 Min later and still
      waiting.
      10 Min later and nothing FAIL
      3. Why go on? It doesn’t integrate in any way with my network which is absolutely necessary.

      To be fair, only Pardus 2007 has done this with no problems at all. Stick in the disk, click file manager, click Network, Workgroups, DicksXP, and POOF! play an song on my desktop from my laptop. The next release of Pardus did not work.

      PCLinuxOS 2007 with some minor tweaking did it too but the next release did not. Broken again.

      This is what is keeping me from Linux. I have no problems running a virtual WinXP under Linux and getting all my Windows only critical apps to work. But it does me no good with flaky network connection.

      I can take any Win XP/ Win2k/Win7 machine and stick in the ethernet cable and instantly see all the network machines. I may have to set permissions, etc. to use them but I can see them. I know this because I am the go to guy for the family computers so often have “visiting” machines on my network.

      Peppermint: Cute candy icon. Cute screen. Ugly functionality. By the way had to hunt for file manager and then hunt for a way to connect to the network. Found it under the “Go” menu choice. Boots pretty fast from Live CD. Nothing special. OH! one more thing. When you shut it down, it tells you to “Blow it out your ear”. Nice sentiment from a sharp professional team, eh?

      Now I can erase my CD-RW and ready it for the next Linux test. I used Ubuntu for awhile but had to type in IP for network machines under “Connect to Server” choice on the “Places” menu. Pain in the butt. That works for all

      Maybe if these folks would quit trying to make a “Gee Whiz” appearance and make the darn thing functional, Linux would take off like a rocket. Connecting to the Internet, getting mail, and chatting is NOT enough. Moving data around your network of mixed machines IS functional and critical. Pardus 2007 did it so I know it can be done.

      • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

        Hi Dick,
        I hear you about the network integration. Same here, and yes, it is absolutely necessary for myself as well since my printers are networked.
        I’ll see if I can find you another distro to play with, #4,876,235! LOL
        Thanks for trying it and for providing feedback.

    • http://justenrobertson.com Justen

      I’ll check it out, thanks for the heads up. I put Jolicloud on my wife’s (previously Winblows Vista) netbook and she’s been very happy with it. I’m eager to see what competition brings us in this field.

      • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

        Hi Justen,
        Pleas share your thoughts with us if and when you try Peppermint.

    • http://ccskguide.org Cloud Security Guy

      As a hybrid operating system, Peppermint offers users functionality both locally and in the cloud. It’s important for users to be aware of the risks and advantages of working in the cloud.

      We at the csskguide.org take a look at the security issues surrounding cloud computing and help prepare candidates for the CCSK Cloud Security Certification. Check our blog post on Peppermint OS:
      http://ccskguide.org/2011/01/peppermint-os/