Ubuntu vs. Windows

Differences from a home final user point of view between the Ubuntu 8.04 (Hardy Heron) and the Windows XP SP2 features, on a Dell Inspiron 9400:

Colors:       = Yes, out of the box.       = It is possible with user invervention.       = It is not possible.

Hardware: Dell Inspiron 9400 Ubuntu 8.04 Windows XP
Free and legal download and installation YES NO
Creates Windows/Linux dual boot menu YES NO
System auto-upgrade YES NO (only patches)
Applications auto-upgrade YES NO
WEP and WPA wireless

Wireless card: Intel® PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection

YES Install Intel drivers
Screen resolution

Resolution: 1920x1200. Graphics card: ATI Mobility Radeon x1400

YES Install ATI drivers
Sound card works YES Install SigmaTel drivers
Touchpad clic detection YES Install Synaptics drivers
OSD for the case buttons YES Install Dell drivers
Secure web browser YES (Firefox) Install Firefox
Secure mail client YES (Evolution) Install Thunderbird
Office suite YES (OpenOffice.org) Install OpenOffice.org
PDF reader YES (Evince) Install Adobe Reader
Decent text editor YES (gedit) Install Notepad++
RAR decompression apt-get install unrar Install 7-Zip
CD/DVD recorder YES Install DeepBurner Free
DVD player Insert the DVD disc and complete the wizard Install VLC
MP3 player Open the MP3 file and complete the wizard YES

More distributions, more laptops

Websites with links to other pages like this but for more Linux distributions on more laptops:

Contact information

Please, send your feedback to samuel aaat islabinaria dooot com.


Note: this document can contain light translation mistakes.

Last modification date: 2008-05-04