Deconstructing Linux and Building a ‘Heaven & Hell’ Linux PC
Over the past few months, and on account of a failing hard drive in one machine and wanting to build a PC for my sister and brother-
in-law, I have been fiddling with different derivatives of Debian Linux (Ubuntu, Linux Mint, etc.) as well as experimenting with some other odd Linux distributions on older PCs I have kicking around. I tried Linux Mint 10 (Julia), using the Gnome desktop and both 32 bit and 64 bit versions. I also tried Ubuntu 10.10 64 bit (with the Gnome desktop). I really liked Ubuntu 10.10 and I am considering putting it on the PC I intend to repair and rebuild. If not, then I will use Linux Mint 10 as the main operating system (OS) for that computer.
Linux Mint Explained
Linux Mint is derived from Ubuntu and focuses more on a casual user: basically meaning a user who does not want to fiddle with his/her computer. It comes with needed software to play most media and much of the administrative functions are streamlined in the form of a useful GUI, with accessible menus mostly replacing command line activities. Since Ubuntu is developed by a corporate entity 
(Canonical), it is respectful of and stays completely clear of any copyright and license concerns. Many other distributions add all kinds of functionality (like playing commercial DVDs out of the box) that at times exist in legal grey areas. This sometimes takes the form of hardware drivers and such. So, while Ubuntu is often considered as one of the most user-friendly version of Linux, it still can be daunting for casual users who plunk in a DVD thinking it just plays on any hardware. Linux Mint fills that gap while trying to provide most functionality and simplifying common but complex functions. It is so easy to use and secure that I have my mother (who is in her seventies) using a laptop running Linux Mint 9 and am building a computer for other members of my family that will be running Linux Mint 10.
It is in my estimation that the free and open source operating systems that centre around Debian and Ubuntu, and which includes all kinds of other software such as the Gnome or KDE desktops, and other versions based off of all this (such as Linux Mint) represent a branch of F/OSS operating system development that could (if it doesn’t already) compete with the major commercial, mass markets OSes out there. While I have not yet tried them, I have also heard that Mepis, PCLinuxOS, and Ultimate Edition are also friendly for newcomers to Linux.
Deconstructing Linux-based Operating Systems
A few years ago now, when I first made the decision to learn more about Linux, one of the central problems I had was wrapping my mind around what it actually is. I have used DOS and UNIX in the distant past, as well as various incarnations of Windows (1.0, 3.1, 95, 98, 2000/ME, XP, Vista and Windows 7). Likewise with Mac OS (including some of the earlier ‘System’ OSes, as well as OS 9 and OS 10.x). With Windows and Mac OS, the operating system is easily understood as there are basically discreet versions. However, with Linux, it is not so straight-forward. Firstly, there is the Kernel, the foundation for any operating system. And the Kernel is what is properly called Linux. Other software that forms the rest of the operating system is a collection of discreet but interconnected pieces of software. The user really does not directly interact with the operating system to any great extent but instead will more likely use other software packages that sit on top of the operating system such as word processing software, video editing software, etc. But that is not the end of it. Operating systems made for PCs and which use the Linux kernel come in different flavours, each made by different but interconnected communities of individuals. In the Linux world there are a few main distributions (such as Debian, Slackware, Fedora, etc.) from which many other distributions are built. So, in the case of the OSes mentioned above, Linux Mint is derived from Ubuntu and Ubuntu is derived from Debian. (To get a handle on the various ‘distros’ out there, search for “Linux Distribution Timeline” (an image search might be most useful) and it could lead you to a place like this: http://futurist.se/gldt/).
With distributions like Ubuntu and Linux Mint, there are in reality specific collections of operating system software, using a Linux Kernel, and packaged with associated bits of user software packages. On top of all that, these versions might come in different flavours of desktop environments (Gnome, XFCE, KDE, Unity) which offer different functionality and levels of complexity. As you can probably tell, I am most familiar with Gnome but I intend to explore some of the other desktops out there in the future. So, for someone coming from a Windows and Mac OS experience, all of this variability can be hard to comprehend.
Building a ‘Heaven & Hell’ Linux PC
All the versions of F/OSS Linux-based OSes have taken interesting lines of development, mostly catering to specific uses/needs and/or communities of users. Some are used for PC recovery and trouble-shooting, some for home theatre PC needs, still others for use in a network attached storage device or public kiosk PCs. Then there are others that cater to specific audiences and demographics. Scientists, media artists, computer and network technicians, and casual users have distributions directed at them and there are even distributions that are meant for spiritual, ideological, and aesthetic purposes.
Seeing the variety and the endless examples of how computers are used is fascinating to me and I often spend time looking at different 
distros (at places like Distro Watch). And this led me to a fun little project for this past weekend. I decided to turn an older Dell workstation into a ‘heaven & hell’ PC. Recently, I came across two distributions based on Ubuntu but with radically different agendas: Ubuntu Christian Edition (UCE) and Ubuntu Satanic Edition (USE). Not surprisingly, UCE is built for those of the Christian faith and is themed accordingly and comes bundled with useful software such Bible software software. USE is not directed at Satan-worshippers but metal fans. It is themed accordingly and comes with open source metal music. While UCE is more serious, USE is a little more playful. As I understand it, early versions of USE were simply themed content for use with any version of Ubuntu but they ‘suggested’ that it should be installed over an installation of Ubuntu Christian Edition. At any rate, I found this to be a fascinating example of how different communities have taken the open source software world and build it around specific communities.
Consider some of these Linux variations:
#! (http://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=crunchbang): designed to be lightweight and minimalist in its design.
GParted LiveCD (http://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=gparted): built to be used ‘live’ and to partition hard drives.
Linux Mint (http://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=ubuntu): based off of Ubuntu (which is based off of Debian) but designed with more built-in functionality and for any casual user.
MeeGo (http://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=meego): Originates from Intel and Nokia open source projects and aimed at netbooks and entry-level desktops, handheld computing and communications devices, in-vehicle infotainment devices, connected TVs, and media phones.
Puppy Linux (http://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=puppy): designed to be extremely lightweight, including use on older hardware.
Ubuntu (http://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=ubuntu): based on Debian, Ubuntu has become one of the most used versions of Linux and is designed for casual users world-wide.
Vinux (http://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=vinux): A remastered version of Ubuntu optimised for the needs of blind and visually impaired users.
Yellow Dog Linux (http://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=yellowdog): built for PowerPC architectures and can be used specifically on the PS3 (at least, before Sony removed that functionality from the PS3).
Zencafe GNU/Linux (http://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=zencafe): designed specifically for public Internet cafés and includes auto-recovery features, Internet café billing and management software, and other graphical system administration tools.
So, back to the ‘heaven & hell’ PC. I have an old Dell Precision 360 Workstation (circa 2002) that I use to play with (which mostly means 
I install versions of Linux on it to try them out) and decided to install both Ubuntu Christian Edition an Ubuntu Satanic Edition. Since they are installed side-by-side and I can boot into either one at start up, I now have a ‘heaven & hell’ PC. So far, I like both. However, I did install a relatively old version of Christian Edition (simply because I didn’t want to set up a torrent on the PC I was working on to get the latest version… so I just found an old version on the web somewhere). There are nice features on both but I have not really had much time to explore. Although I would consider myself an atheist, I attended the Catholic school system up until high school and still like many aspects of the New Testament. I also understand and respect the sense of community that religion can foster, especially its most humane forms (it’s the fundamentalists, of any religion, that I dislike). So, I did spend a little time with the Bible software and that was interesting (and brought back memories). The Satanic Edition was fun (even though it is slightly disrespectful to the Christian Edition… which is partly the intent for some using it no doubt). The wallpapers and 
icons were very well-crafted and if the metal/satanic themes are your kind of thing then it would represent a perfectly useful version of Ubuntu. I have yet to check out the music but that is on the list.
A word of advice to anyone wanting to try this: since I was working with a slightly older version of Christian Edition, it may have causes some hiccups with the installation and the ability to dual boot so that you can select one or the other from the menu at startup. If I was going to do this again, I would install Christian Edition first and then install Satanic Edition. That way you will get the entries for each (along with the ability to boot in safe mode with each and use the Memtest software). Doing it the other way around left the Satanic version without an entry to boot from.
Even though this is not the PC that I do any work on, I will try these for a time, particularly for web surfing. And it is a fun little project if you have a spare or old computer lying around. But it was intresting on other levels too. As an aspect of culture, both provide meaning, psycholigical comfort and aesthetic pleasure to their audience. Case in point, take a look at the ‘Loser’ wallpaper from the UCE. I know that those who are religious often feel persecuted. And while some of that is brought on themselves and some of it is more perceived than reality (not to mention that it fits in with the dominant tropes of Christianity)there is some truth to it too. The ‘Loser’ wallpaper speaks to this. On the other side, USE does something similar. A marginal form like metal is not very well represented in mainstream OSes like WIndows or MacOS and USE provides a playful and humourous OS directed at metal fans (which fans would no doubt argue is akin to a secular religion).
Finally, in the end, this just shows how free and open source software (moreso than commercial versions) can cater to individual needs and very specific tastes… which is awesome.
Peace
.
PS. No harm nor disrespect was intended for either Christians or Satanists/Metalheads with the construction of this ‘Heaven & Hell’ PC.
Mint, Conky and #!
Before retiring an old computer that I had originally purchased second hand about four or five years ago, I used it an an experimental box to try out different versions of Linux. I kept it until I had my new ‘experimental box’ built. At any rate, I saved some screenshot of the desktop showing the last configuration it before its retirement: Linux Mint 8 and the latest version of #! (or Crunchbang Linux).
I have mentioned Linux Mint before and it has become my main Linux distro for the time being. I like it as much as Ubuntu and will follow its development for some time. Like versions of Ubuntu, it is very much oriented to a broad audience, including those that might be considered as casual users (those that don’t want to fiddle too much with their computer and want things to ‘just work’). In the screen shot, you can also see (in the top, right corner) a little program called Conky. (More on that in a bit… also, just to be clear, I don’t think the background image is from Mint, I think it is one I downloaded from a desktop wallpaper site.)
Installed next to Mint was the current version of Crunchbang… henceforth referred to as #! (just for typographical fun). #! is very different from Mint. #! is a small project that is based on Ubuntu/Debian and so has underlying resemblance to Mint. But as I mentioned previously, it has a sparse and minimal feel. It requires familiarity with using the terminal (command line) and so is intended for consideration by individuals with those skills. I also mentioned that #! is slightly beyond my skills. But I do really like the minimal aesthetic and how fast it is. Therefore, I installed it on my old laptop/netbook because for simple tasks like playing music and accessing the internet, it is both fast and quick. So, while I will not use #! for my main desktop needs (unless I become better at using the command line), I like it for those web-based purposes.
It too features Conky… and it is a default feature. Conky is a little program that can be (relatively) easily modified to sit on the desktop providing system monitoring and other information. I liked it so much when I saw it in #! that I installed/enabled it in my installations of Mint (Conky can run with most versions of Linux I think). While some people have installed scripts that can retrieve local/regional weather, I like using the simple functions like displaying information about your computer. It only took a little while to figure out how to modify the proper files (in Mint, I also had to install a script to get it to run 30 seconds after the system boots so that it would not conflict with the startup of another program). There is a lot of information online, including many excellent examples by other users. (It was in the Mint and Ubuntu forums where I learned about the script workaround just mentioned.) For the record, the modified version of Conky that you see running in the #! screenshot above is one I cobbled together from someone’s example that was shared with others in the #! forums.
I really find it useful to see the system resources being used. I could see that it would help with security (especially in terms of incoming and outgoing network traffic) but I really like it because it shows the usage or system resources like RAM, CPU, and the hard drive(s). I like it so much, I found a similar program for Windows 7 called RainMeter that I might install on my computer at work.
Anyway… when it comes to Mint, Conky and #!… I find all three to be really good open source software.
.
Linux Mint (on my laptop) and Open Source Software
I very briefly mentioned in the last post that I was planning to install Linux Mint on my old desktop. I still intend to do 
that (that is, once the rest of the parts arrive so I can build a new desktop) but I became impatient and decided to install it on my laptop Sunday afternoon. I needed to re-partition the hard drive anyway so I backed everything up and used an install CD that a friend gave to me.
If you don’t know about it, Linux Mint is an Open Source operating system that is community-made and free. Not only is it (the software) free but the source code is available to all (hence the ‘open source’). Linux Mint is based on another distribution of Linux known as Ubuntu (which itself is based on Debian, I think). Because it is open source, the code can be used and modified by anyone and redistributed (even commercially). The term ‘Linux’ is often used to refer to such operating systems but in a way, it really refers to the underlying kernel (a basic part of an operating system) that was famously written by Linus Torvalds. But all of that is representative of what Linux and open source software is all about: people from all over the world collaborating to build free software that anyone can use and contribute to (by volunteering or by donating money). Kind of a beautiful (and typically human) thing, really.
Linux as an OS (operating system) really took off for use as servers, especially because of the success of Apache (and open source web serer software package). But it has been gaining momentum as an OS for personal computers with the proliferation of people working on it (which explains all the different versions out there)… who are generally people that believe that software (and its underlying code) should not be proprietary and closed. Considering that a computer’s operating system is so crucial (for individuals, businesses and organizations), the question as to whether it should be solely in the control of a single corporation is exceedingly important. It might seem counter-intuitive but it has been shown that open 
source software is often more secure and safe to use. With the code being ‘open’ and many different people knowing what is in it, then there is less of a possibility of it being used nefariously or secretly (i.e. the software secretly collecting information without the knowledge of the user). Also, because it is community driven, there is less of a chance (none really) that other software or services or media will be excluded.
That is why I love the idea of open source software.
So, what about Linux Mint? It seems very fast and I have only run into one problem, the driver for my wireless connection. I am not worried about it because the version I installed was a slightly older one and this seems to have been fixed in the latest version of both Ubuntu and Mint. Otherwise, it is a little more user-friendly (than the older version of Ubuntu I had on there) and is really well-designed. Mint seems, in my humble opinion, to be one step closer to creating an OS that could be used by almost anyone. Right now, most people would probably find distributions like Ubuntu and Mint to be too intimidating but I could see that in a few years, versions of Linux aimed at casual or mainstream users will be a reality. So, people who might not want to fork over $150 to $400 for a version of Windows (depending if you by it pre-installed on a computer or in a box from the store) or who might not think that paying $2000 for a $700 computer is a good idea (I’m thinking of Macs) will soon have a very inexpensive alternative.
And I think that is a good thing.
At any rate, I will use Mint for a little while longer and then decide if I should upgrade to the latest version of it or Ubuntu for the long term.