David A. Harding
Sunday, 15 Jan 2006
Ubuntu is an ancient African word that means, ``all your base are
belong to us.''
Dave Harding
In November I bought a new computer and, with Jeff Waugh's LUG/IP appearance fresh in my mind, I installed Ubuntu GNU/Linux. Yesterday, on that same computer I purged Ubuntu and installed Debian GNU/Linux (the distribution I run on my other computers).
From a technical perspective there's a lot to like about Ubuntu. It was easier to install than Debian—especially if you're new to the install process. The default installation is sensible, pretty, expandable, and secure. I had no problems using it as my default workstation and I even learned about some neat software (keychain was my favourite discovery). Ubuntu also has friendly community with a number of cool people.
But from a software freedom perspective, Ubuntu isn't so likable. Not only do they provide non-free software on the install CDs, but they are actively switching their website from free software services (the Bugzilla BTS) to proprietary software services (Launchpad and the Mallone BTS). The Bug Tracking System may be invisible to most of Ubuntu's users, but to an advanced user and sometimes patch-submitter like me, it's an essential part. I already feel like I'm acting un-ethically when I use web services like Google that I know are proprietary. Contributing patches using a proprietary service to a company that uses the result of my goodwill to build and enhance proprietary sercices is not acceptable to me. I wonder if that's their goal: start free and slowly replace the free elements with proprietary ones until the users and developers are trapped.
Debian may not be as nice as Ubuntu for the new user, but it's free. And it's freedom that makes GNU/Linux worthwhile, not the new user experience.
Give me a lever long enough and a Free OS to set it on, and I can move the
world.
Steve Langasek