So, I have been using Ubuntu Linux now for about five years. And just yesterday they released their newest version Ubuntu 11.04. But whereas normally I would already be writing this blog post from my shiny new installed version of Ubuntu, I am still on 10.10. The reason for this is simple, I have decided to abandon Ubuntu Linux as my main distribution of Linux. 

While it has served me well over the time that I have had it, it has become apparent to me that Ubuntu is being developed more and more for new users and too be foolproof. And as such I feel it is super bloated, with UI for everything, even things that I feel do not need it and apps that I do not need nor do I want. And I am far from what you would call a new user. eleven years of Linux use now, and before that, Unix dumb terminals with green on black screens. 

So I have been looking around for something that will fill the gap nicely. I don't want to use something like Gentoo and spend all of my time waiting for things to compile (I have been through that compilation hell before), but a system that allows you complete control and customisation of the system, doesn't install unnecessary software on my system, and doesn't make me compile everything, but allows me to if I wanted to. Enter Arch Linux.

While I am yet to install it, Arch Linux seems to tick all the right boxes. 

I have two machines, one eeepc that I use when I need a portable machine to use as I move through my apartment, and my main laptop that I use for development and that stuff. Both currently run Ubuntu 10.10, but I will be installing Arch Linux on the eeepc sometime this weekend, and seeing as I have just ordered myself a new Lenovo Thinkpad T520, I am wondering whether I should just wait, and install a new distro to go with the new laptop. But in any case I will have the eeepc with which I can play around and tinker until my new main laptop does come along.

Making this decision gives me the feeling of a new beginning and being Linux reborn. No long shall I feel as if I am using a distro that is moving towards giving me the feeling that it is a toy distribution. I do not need a distro with training wheel. 

Anyway, bye Ubuntu, thanks for the memories, it's been emotional.

The march of the penguins continues!