So like many desktop Linux users drank of the Ubuntu Kool-aid once again and as expected, I am finding myself both loving it while also being disappointed with issues that were totally preventable.

Fix number one- Loving PulseAudio, it was a long time coming and it brings us to even set to Windows Vista. I can maintain complete control over both channels of a YouTube video while also being able to listen to music in the background or hear Skype running in the background. Trivial for Windows users I suppose, but a big deal for those of us using Linux. Glad to see Ubuntu catch up with Fedora…again.

Falter number one- With PulseAudio, I needed to install most of the components to take full advantage of it. Yes, there is only so much room on a CD, but come on, drop one of the lamer default programs to make room for Pete’s sake. Seriously, while the basic GNOME volume control is provided, where the heck is the one for PulseAudio that gives me all of the coolness listed in the previous “fix” above?? I had to install it. Fine for me, as I know what to look for, but Joe Newbie is going to be wondering what he is missing.

Fix number two- Wireless detection for natively supported devices, such as the Edimax EW-7318USG work out of the box now, without any blacklisting as they did with Ubuntu 7.10. Big props here, as these guys actually support Linux by using GPL RaLink driver modules. WPA-Personal, no problem whatsoever. Very nice.

Falter number two- Because Ubuntu devs are so intent on adoption at any cost, they foolishly included a module for those chipsets put out by Broadcom, which are best suited for OS X or Windows. The module, known as b43, replaces another now dated module that rarely worked. And like its predecessor, it rarely works and even offers a little bonus - with some Broadcom chipsets, it will send your machine into an infinite loop during an installation or a LiveCD session. Way to go, guys! This alone has given Heron really poor press because it was so painfully stupid to provide something that would have been better left alone. Fact- b43 is alpha, at best.

My philosophy - use Broadcom or ATI (<–better these days, but still) on Linux, you are on your own with whatever you can find to make it run. Stop supporting hardware that does not really support your OS well the first time.

Fix number three- For many users, we have found that the latest Ubuntu runs faster and smoother than with previous releases. A lot of smoothing has been put into place, so kudos for that.

Falter number three- Unfortunately, some people are experiencing a cluster of confusion with something that is part buggy kernel, part something unidentified yet. Thus far, it appears to simply be kernel related which again, for those affected had this been a problem for myself, can be corrected, but this is hardly appropriate for newbies.

So why does it seem like Ubuntu has more bugs than other distros?

In all honesty, it is because Ubuntu promo work neglects to mention that each of us are really part of a “test pilot” project. Because Ubuntu development is largely pulled from Debian testing, it is basically like rolling down a hill with no breaks. Chances are you will be fine, but should you need to stop or do something that is not involving screaming down a hill without any breaks, things might get a little sticky. Ubuntu is bleeding edge Linux. Not stable, not cutting edge - it is bleeding edge, which means it is full of unknowns.

So does this make Ubuntu bad or unworthy of testing? Not at all. But I do wish Canonical would be more forthcoming as many Windows users trust that these releases are totally bullet proof. This is definitely not the case. With all of this said, Ubuntu is a tremendously fun desktop for those who realize what could happen and in some cases, will happen when things are upgraded or updated. With patience, it can save you a fortune in new hardware and lots of time as well. Unfortunately, it does not start off this way for new users.

Looking for stable?

If you want stable, cutting edge (not bleeding) and a desktop from people who generally watch Ubuntu make it mistakes first, I have three suggestions for you in no particular order of importance.

1. Freespire- Why? Four words - because I said so. It is stable to a fault and while issues had take longer to be remedied due to a slower release cycle, for many people, they find having updates not hosing their system to be a good thing. I have begun passing on my own suggestions to them directly and if you have ever asked me a Linux related question off list, you know that my methods generally work well. When the next release of Freespire comes out, you will see one thing missing from it that was a show-stopper in Ubuntu. That and you are not left trying to explain the finer points of US IP law to your grandma when you install the OS on her PC. All of the restricted codecs are legit (again, US law) and this means it is much easier to distribute without seeing codec warnings when installing restricted codecs on Ubuntu. Either that or just get them for Ubuntu legally. While the patents claimed by Microsoft against Linux have never been proven, those with regard to distribution of some codecs have. The alternative is using Free Codecs such as Ogg Vorbis or Theora.
2. Linux Mint- Wait, is this not just re-branded Ubuntu? Well, it may have started off that way. But today, it branched off of Ubuntu 7.04 code and then took a strong right into their own development. You get new kernels, new packages and new improvements with each release. Very stable, very easy to use. If you tried it a few months ago, check again, it is very different.
3. PCLinuxOS- Based on Mandriva (Mandrake), this distro is stable, logical and simple to use. While it is not my first choice, for desktop users it is one of the first I point to people when they had a bad experience with Ubuntu. You will like the install and the control panel after the install. It is fast to load and fun to use.
4. Windows XP- If you have existing hardware, do not have a lot of patience and are not interested in changing the way you do things, I would suggest Windows XP. With SP2, it is stable and should you adequately protect you machine with a strong security suite, along with keeping clone of the hard disk, will serve you well for many years. Stable, easy to use and compatibility is never an issue.
5. Windows Vista- Cannot really recommend Vista for notebooks without first making sure you have a hardwire connection to first update the latest patches. After that, wireless will work just fine for you. While most legacy software will work just fine with compatibility mode, some issues do come up. Best suited for new pre-loaded PCs from my own experience.
6. OS X- Gorgeous, easy to use and despite not feeling like Windows, provides a stable experience that balances compatibility. For people looking to move away from Windows, yet not feeling good about trying out Linux on their own, just get a Mac. Tons of software and you will find both MS Office along with freely available Neo Office available for this platform.