So I’m making a valiant effort to move to Linux, and stay in Linux.  I like how easy it is to install development stuff (servers, compilers, libraries) and I like the ethos of open source software. I installed Ubuntu a few months ago, and again on my new HP laptop. Everything is snappy and responsive, but I have had a few problems…

General ATI troubles

I had already heard that Nvidia cads tend to play better with Linux, but the laptop was a bargain for the spec, and the card is a new HD2600. It’s a very powerful gaming card, but it’s been a drag under Linux.

Compiz-fusion doesn’t work unless I install the proprietary drivers.

Compiz-fusion doesn’t work if I’m using my external monitor in a dual-head configuration.

I can’t drag windows between screens.

The movie players Totem and VLC crash hard when I’m using the proprietary drivers and dual-head.

Sleep

As with falling, sleeping is not the problem. Restoring is where things go wrong – and I’m often faced with a blank screen when trying to bring the computer back from sleep. Also, it doesn’t hibernate. At all.

Browser problems

I’m a bit of an Opera fan, and it seems a bit ropey under Linux. The Flash player seems to be a bit CPU heavy in it sometimes. Gmail and other ajaxy sites sometimes act a bit strangely (sort of hangs after sending a request – needs a refresh to bring it back). Some fonts are rendered a little squashed on my widescreen. I think it’s mainly Arial.

Still, on balance I like Linux a whole lot, and I’m very grateful to everyone involved for their hard work. I’m not really posting this as a winge – more as an honest report of my experience so far in case others are considering the move. I’ll be looking into fixes and I’ll report back if any of these situations improve.

*Actually, they still do things in Windows here. In VirtualBox, inside Linux. Which deserves a post of its own.