But the release had a very noticeable annoyance, the Update Manager pops up a couple of times if you don’t have an updated system. It was unlike before when Update Manager only issues a notification on the notification area.

Fortunately, there’s a quick fix for that. Just go to your terminal (Applications -> Accessories -> Terminal) or press Alt-F2 and paste this:

That quick fix just fixes the annoyance, no side-effects or whatsoever!

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USERS OF PIRATED MICROSOFT WINDOWS, read this!

I’ve used Microsoft Windows as my primary operating system for around eight long years. But last year, I tried Linux. I was so amazed of my experience that I made the switch. I left Windows which was worth big bucks for a free and open source piece of software and never had any regret.

Here are some of the good reasons why switch to Linux!

• We don’t have any virus in the wild, yet. There could be in the future but to date, there is no Linux virus in the wild. In Windows, despite religiously checking removable devices for viruses and making sure the antivirus is turned on, odds are you’ll still get a virus. And once it’s there, there’s no turning back. Your antivirus may delete the infected or infectious file but the damage it made may remain unreversed. You know how tiring it is to reformat a hard disk over and over again just to maintain a clean system!
• There are Linux counterparts of most Windows programs. But if you really can’t find one, you can use Wine (Windows emulator) to run most of your Windows programs.
• It’s far more stable than Windows. Most web servers run on Linux. It’s because Linux is far more stable than Windows server (aside from the cost factor).
• Free support! Windows gives you a perception of support, but with Linux you get real support. For example, you choose Ubuntu – there’s the very reliable Ubuntu Forums. Once you’ve got a problem, chances are another person have asked that problem too. If not, you may ask it and receive answers in a matter of minutes to days.
• It’s ready for the typical desktop user. For the past decade, Linux had a reputation that it’s a “for-geek-only” OS. It’s not true anymore, promise!
• No need to commit another crime! This is applicable especially for those who use pirated copies of Windows. Since most Linux distributions are free, you don’t have to commit another crime!
• There’s Compiz Desktop Effects. You can apply desktop effects to your machine such as Desktop Cube, 3D Windows, Rain, Fire and other astonishing effects even with normal hardware. Also, they don’t eat that much RAM! Below (and one at the top) are some screenshots I took on my screen. I use Ubuntu 9.04 (Jaunty Jackalope) on my laptop.

‘Nuff of those screenshots. But if you use a critical built-for-Windows program (such as the ones used in nuclear reactors or air traffic controllers), then it’s not advisable to switch to Linux and run it using Wine. You might end up blowing up cities or airplanes.

Right after installing, I tried updating my repositories (list of packages, correct me if I used the wrong word). I’ve noticed that it stopped updating itself at one point.

You may experience this problem when clicking the Reload button on the Synaptics Package Manager or when shooting the sudo apt-get update command on the terminal.

Here’s a workaround to get it done. Now, all you have to do is to go to System -> Administrative -> Software Sources. On the Ubuntu Software Tab (the default), you will see a download from dropdown box. If you are downloading from the Main Server or your country’s server, try choosing other choices on the Other.

Try reloading the repositories again (or shoot of the sudo apt-get update command. That should work.

Too many people are updating their repositories right now, that’s why Main Server or your country’s local server is not cooperating that well.

If it won’t, then you’ve got to do more Google. Hahaha.

Finally, after the very long wait, Ubuntu 9.04 will be released tomorrow! For sure, I’ll download myself a downloadable ISO and boot it up on my laptop. I can’t wait to check out the new style for notifications, as seen here.

New features since Ubuntu 8.10 Intrepid Ibex includes improved boot performance (I need this!!), ext4 support which is rumored to slightly speed up performance on read/write intensive software and many more.

You may download a copy of the operating system once it’s out, or pre-order yourself a FREE (FREE in the sense of free beer) physical CD delivered right on your doorstep!