How I switched to Ubuntu

Yesterday, I decided to install Ubuntu on it own dedicated, ext3 partition, to get full performance (sometimes, on my Wubi-based install, a process called mount.ntfs takes 00% CPU and freezes most applications).

But prior to installing Ubuntu, I first had to shrink my Windows (ntfs) partition. Here is what I did, only using free software:

1. Removed unnecessary data to from Windows (I removed about 14 Gb of junk!)
2. Made a backup of my Windows partition. I first tried ghost but our corporate version is old and I did not succeed in detecting my Samba shares on my home server (CentOS). So I dowloaded and installed Macrium Reflect Free Edition. Great software. Run flawlessly.
3. I shrunk my Windows partition. To do this, I used EASUS Partition Manager. Again, this worked flawlessly.
   

At 10h30PM, I finally realized I didn't have any blank CD to write my Ubuntu installation CD! So I decided to use my USB key. To write the ISO file to my USB key, I used UNetbootin. It was very simple to use and I was able to boot the Ubuntu installed just a few minutes later.

That's it. Now I run Ubuntu natively. It's so fast, now!

A new fan of Ubuntu

I installed Ubuntu (using the Wubi installer) on my Dell Latitude last week. It just rocks!

I was still under the impression that installing and configuring a Linux system was not an easy task (I have been a Linux user since the early '90s, I installed CentOS 5 just a few weeks ago on a server at home). I was just plain wrong. Installing Ubuntu 8.10 took just matter of minutes. Configuring the internet (wireless access + openvpn) is as intuitive as it can be.

Moreover, In the past couple of years, it took me hours to configure my HP printer on Windows XP. With Ubuntu, all I had to do was inserting the USB cable in my laptop et voilà!.

I'm sold to Ubuntu!

Now if I can take the time to ghost my machine and install Ubuntu on a native ext3 filesystem... I would unleash the full potential of my laptop (Wubi installs Ubuntu on a virtual drive, a file on an ntfs partition.).

VoiceObjects acquired by Voxeo

Voxeo, a company I mentioned a few times in the past, announced yesterday the acquisition of VoiceObjects, a company located in Cologne, Germany, with which Nu Echo has developed a great relationship in the past eighteen months.

I'm very excited by this acquisition. This will certainly create new opportunities for VoiceObjects in the US, and Voxeo will extend its reach on the old continent.

But more importantly, I'm very happy for the all the people I know at VoiceObjects. I have a lot of respect for their work, their attitude, and their professionalism. Voxeo not only acquired a great technology and platform, they have joined their forces to a great team.