Now on Ubuntu Hardy Heron

I learned about the release date of Hardy Heron (or 8.04) –  Ubuntu‘s latest version — from my classmate Max last month, but I got to install this user-friendy Linux operating system only last Sunday.

I was using Gutsy Gibbon (7.10) before I upgraded. Probably due to the various experiments I was doing with my PC, as well as some incorrect and incomplete program installations, my PC started getting sluggish. My Firefox 3 Beta kept on freezing and turning gray, and there were instances when the system kept on restarting on its own.

So after learning that the newest version is ready to be downloaded, I starting sorting my files and backing up on DVDs those that I needed to keep. I also downloaded and created a Hardy Heron installation CD for AMD64 systems.

Last Sunday, I finally completed the backups, so I proceeded with the upgrade. I chose to wipe out everything on my PC as I wanted to do a clean install. The process, however, was interrupted by an error with the LiveCD that I was using.

I had to install an older version first so I could download another copy of the installation CD. This time, I followed Ed‘s advice to burn the ISO file at a lower speed. I also created an extra copy, just in case the first one malfunctions.

I was relieved when my installation — with Tagalog as the system languange — was completed successfully. I noticed that Hardy Heron was already using the Firefox 3 beta version. There was no need to tweak my router settings as it worked perfectly, and my Internet connection seemed faster than usual.

Installing the Flash plugin is easier with Hardy Heron — I was done with just a few clicks on the Synaptic program manager. I was able to watch YouTube videos later. My USB speaker wouldn’t work, however. A system restart after configuring the sound settings solved the problem.

I then installed Thunderbird, an e-mail client; Epiphany, a web browser; KTorrent, a torrent client; Twitux, a Twitter client; and NetSurf. Twitux and Netsurf have since been removed: I didn’t like the first; the second did not work.

Next on my to-do list is the installation of JPilot so I could sync my Palm Treo 650 with my Ubuntu-powered PC. Based on my past experience, I should not even worry about it. I shall tell you about when I’m done.