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By : vasanth
After Ubuntu gained popularity, some distributions switched to Ubuntu as their base distribution and many new Ubuntu based distributions started to appear. Most of these can be categorized based on the following criteria,
- Customized based on Desktop Environment (KDE, GNOME, XFCE, etc.)
- Customized based on country/language/religion
- Customized with extra applications/drivers/multimedia codecs
- Customized for a specific purpose (scientific, forensic, academic, etc.)
Ultimate Edition (UE) falls into the third category. Notable distributions in this category include Mint, gOS, Freespire, PC/OS, Ulteo and UE. UE differs from these in terms of selection of applications and the release cycle which is very close to the Ubuntu release. UE 2.0 was released on Nov 11th, just eleven days after Ubuntu 8.10 was released.
I've downloaded the 1.7GB DVD image, burnt into a DVD and started the installation. UE does not customize the default Ubuntu installer and hence it worked as expected.
Working with UE:
Hardware Detection:
UE detected all of my hardware components and configured them correctly. The front panel multimedia keys on my DELL Inspiron also worked without any issues. The 'Suspend/Resume' also worked as expected.
Look n Feel:
UE modifies the default Ubuntu GNOME desktop heavily with custom grub/boot/splash/desktop themes. The UE developers (or only TheeMahn?? ) have put extensive amount of work in customizing the look and feel of the desktop. The download size of the theme pack is around 475MB and the installed size of the theme is around 1.1GB!!!. The latest release 0.0.5 also has KDE customizations.
UE also includes screenlets, gdesklets and avant window navigator which increase productivity as well. The 3D effects were enabled by default and worked without any issues. I installed the fglrx driver and when desktop effects were enabled, video playback was corrupted.
Issues:
PulseAudio in UE was buggy and I was not able to hear audio at times. I had to remove all the PulseAudio related debs from the system to get the sound working with ALSA. Another issue was when mounting an ext3 partition, I received an error message but the partition was mounted successfully. There was also an icon "Upgrade" on the desktop but when clicked, reported that it will work only for 'Feisty' based distributions.
Applications:
The main reason for one to choose UE over other Ubuntu based multimedia enabled distributions would be the selection of applications. Some of the notable applications that are added to Ubuntu 8.10 are
- Qemulator
- Blender
- Inkscape
- Amaya
- Pidgin
- Screen/Quanta Plus
- Audacity
- Wine
KDE3 & KDE4 Applications:
I always look for a KDE variant in any distribution release notes as I'm very much used to KDE applications like Amarok, Konquerer/Dolphin, Ktorrent , K3B, KPowersave, SMPlayer, etc. UE has made a careful selection of KDE3/4 applications to satisfy the KDE lovers and here is the list of notable KDE applications included,
- Amarok
- Ktorrent
- Dolphin
- QTParted
- K3B
- Konquerer
The applications listed under "Sound&Video", "Programming" and "Internet" are extensive. All the applications I've used so far including the KDE3/4 application worked without any issues.
Applications I would like to be added in the next version of UE are
- SMPlayer (the best front end for MPlayer and not sure why this was not included)
- digiKam/gphoto (there is no application to manage the photos from a digital camera - screenshot below)
- ATI/NVIDIA binary drivers???
I was not able to test/install applications from UE repository as I was having issues with my Internet connection.
Important Links:
Conclusion:
As UE does not add its own tools/applications the chance of new bugs other that the ones found in the Ubuntu release is very little. UE is one of the best spin of Ubuntu and if your objectives are out of the box multimedia support, KDE3/4 applications besides GNOME, and visually pleasing desktops, then UE is the ultimate distribution for you.
Re: Ubuntu Ultimate 2.0 : Ubuntu 8.10 Well Customized GNOME Multimedia Codecs KDE Goodies
the ati fglrx corrupted video/3d problem is a result of the ati driver,not UUE.
The pulse audio problem is also related to the driver. On my system pulse audio works fine.
the fglrx problem is solved by updating to the newer kernel version and fglrx driver
Re: Ubuntu Ultimate 2.0 : Ubuntu 8.10 Well Customized GNOME Multimedia Codecs KDE Goodies
horrible mixture or everything, bloated shit full of alpha/beta software, ugly incostistant gui and so on..
Re: Ultimate Edition 2.0 : Ubuntu 8.10 Well Customized GNOME Multimedia Codecs KDE Goodies
I have to say that 6205 is right.....
UE is way to bloated...... i wouldnt call it a distro.... just a very bad done remix....
Normal ubuntu and 20 mins of time will make a better choice ;)
Re: Ultimate Edition 2.0 : Ubuntu 8.10 Well Customized GNOME Multimedia Codecs KDE Goodies
well, i like it
am using it now
Re: Ultimate Edition 2.0 : Ubuntu 8.10 Well Customized GNOME Multimedia Codecs KDE Goodies
It seems that with the inclusion of so many Kde apps it would be better just to use a Kde distro. I'm really not sure what the purpose of this distro is.
Ultimate Edition 2.0 Gamers Edition
I like this bloated gamer distro.
Games:
Supertux
Actioncube
Assaultcube
Warsow
Wesnoth
Glest
Scorched3d
Dreamchess
Sauerbraten
Gridwars
Vgacardgames
Alien arena 2007
Brikx
Nexuiz
Vertris
Openarena
Pokerth
Snowballz
Chromium
Gnome-hearts
Open arena
Scorched3d
Urban terror
Re: Ultimate Edition 2.0 : Ubuntu 8.10 Well Customized GNOME Multimedia Codecs KDE Goodies
I'm with Manokayat - I'm using it right now.
it's a winner with me. The Ultamatix also works on Mint.
Re: Ultimate Edition 2.0 : Ubuntu 8.10 Well Customized GNOME Multimedia Codecs KDE Goodies
The ultimate ubuntu distro!! ubuntu is the only OS on the planet!this is linux at it's purest form! wow!
Re: Ultimate Edition 2.0 : Ubuntu 8.10 Well Customized GNOME Multimedia Codecs KDE Goodies
have tried many distros and i like this 1 everything there strait from the box. using it now and enjoying
Re: Ultimate Edition 2.0 : Ubuntu 8.10 Well Customized GNOME Multimedia Codecs KDE Goodies
This distro is an absolute disencouragement for someone who wants to have a dual operatingsystem on his computer.
Have tried to install from dvd, buth the installprocedure want the whole diskdrive for it's use.
If you want to point it to a partition it can use, it stops and does not make it's own use of that partition.
If you try to install it from withing an other OS you are presented with a load of commands in a terminal you're not familiar with.
So, why do Linux people always think that there is nothing else on this planet than Linux?
I know that I wil get the whole Linux community over me by saying I should read
TFM. But if I install XP on my system it goes where I say it must go. and after installation
there's no need for a f8cking manual, because you get a tour through the system how to work with it.
No thank you, this distro is rubbish for any wouldbe linux user.
Re: Ultimate Edition 2.0 : Ubuntu 8.10 Well Customized GNOME Multimedia Codecs KDE Goodies
@ Martin:
The GRUB (the boot loader in Ubuntu Variants) detect and boot the existing Linux/Windows installations
without any issues. If you can explain your problem, we may be able to help.
Re: Ultimate Edition 2.0 : Ubuntu 8.10 Well Customized GNOME Multimedia Codecs KDE Goodies
I have Ultimate installed on 2 home-built machines and for the most part have few issues with it. There are some notable exceptions to be taken, however. The stock desktop and theme is both ugly and not workable due to its rendering of black on black which is unreadable in certain programs. Changing to any of the other themes and your own choice of wallpaper is easy and that solves that. The other problems or exceptions have to do with freezing of the system when using certain programs or games. Audacity in particular freezes after random amounts of use while editing music. In like manner, the KDE4 version of the Shisen Sho game will freeze randomly. Unfortunately, it is necessary to do a hard "quit" turning off and re-booting the machine to fix this. Other than these two items I find Ultimate a pretty good system.
Re: Ultimate Edition 2.0 : Ubuntu 8.10 Well Customized GNOME Multimedia Codecs KDE Goodies
Installed 2-25-09 on Dell Inspiron 8200, 64mb Nvidea discrete card and all works fine so far.Installed on disk w/xp already on 10gb Primary part, with another 10gb part avail. Tried to partition from DVD at install, but wouldn't accept. Did have option to resize xp part w/rest of 10gb for UE, But chose to use full disk this time. Would've liked to have option for/home on own partition. This is my first Linux Install, only played w/live cds a little. Anyways, Great Job I say, looks great and works great w/out alot of hacking just to get a desk, especially on a laptop.
Re: Ultimate Edition 2.0 : Ubuntu 8.10 Well Customized GNOME Multimedia Codecs KDE Goodies
I have in the past tried other distro's and had plenty of
hardware issues. I know these could have been worked
around but I'm a noob so couldn't be arsed (I haven't got
a permament internet connection either, which don't help!)
ABSOLUTLY EVERYTHING WORKED OUT OF THE BOX when I tried Ultimate
It also has a later/improved Linux kernal than Intrepid, which
doesn't mean much to me but it sounds important.
Re: Ultimate Edition 2.0 : Ubuntu 8.10 Well Customized GNOME Multimedia Codecs KDE Goodies
Where did all those backslashes come from?
Re: Ultimate Edition 2.0 : Ubuntu 8.10 Well Customized GNOME Multimedia Codecs KDE Goodies
@NedLudd:
That was my bad. Will take care.
Re: Ultimate Edition 2.0 : Ubuntu 8.10 Well Customized GNOME Multimedia Codecs KDE Goodies
This is GREAT, everything you ever wanted in a DISTRO. Yep! Thiers a bunch of "Linux Snobs" that wouldn't be happy with anything. This is good for new folks and old hats. Just dled 2.0 for a show, I'm sure it's fantastic.
Re: Ultimate Edition 2.0 : Ubuntu 8.10 Well Customized GNOME Multimedia Codecs KDE Goodies
This is by far the best Ultimate distro out. For the first time I had no issues and all the drivers worked on dell, toshiba, hp and Macbook Pro. I have also used Mandriva, Mint, Suse, and about 13 other linux distros. This one is the best by far. As far as the KDE question goes well it is nice to be able to use KDE Apps in the Gnome setting. It's an all in one because there are some useful KDE apps but without the sluggish KDE desktop I'm happy. Both the i86 and 64bit Ultimate Ubuntu 2.0 works beautifully. Highly recommended for newbies and experienced users. I'm concerned with 2.1 though because that one doesn't work as smoothly....what happened?
Re: Ultimate Edition 2.0 : Ubuntu 8.10 Well Customized GNOME Multimedia Codecs KDE Goodies
it's fine.
Re: Ultimate Edition 2.0 : Ubuntu 8.10 Well Customized GNOME Multimedia Codecs KDE Goodies
UE is the Best of the Best for anyone. Folks new to Linux can get a feel for many great apps. UE is also Great for us kids that have been around for longer than most "Linux Snobs" have been alive.
Its easy to install, its easy to use and easy to modify for your own needs or wishes. Vasanth said it best and with the spirit of Ubuntu....if you have problems with it, ask the forums we old folks love to help anyway we can.
Re: Ultimate Edition 2.0 : Ubuntu 8.10 Well Customized GNOME Multimedia Codecs KDE Goodies
i am using it..its really good..
Re: Ultimate Edition 2.0 : Ubuntu 8.10 Well Customized GNOME Multimedia Codecs KDE Goodies
For a freebie, this OS package rocks! Oh, by the way, installed
Re: Ultimate Edition 2.0 : Ubuntu 8.10 Well Customized GNOME Multimedia Codecs KDE Goodies
what a crazy mish-mash weird mix of kubuntu progs
Re: Ultimate Edition 2.0 : Ubuntu 8.10 Well Customized GNOME Multimedia Codecs KDE Goodies
what kind of numbskull mix's loads of KDE software together with Gnome ?
when I installed it I thought what the f*ck is this?
hidious ugly logo's and god awful wallpapers,..looks like an explosion in a students art college
every thing installed except the kitchen sink
its really not much better tahn a standard Gnome Ubuntu install
so what is it that makes it "ultimate"
Like XP
Re: Ultimate Edition 2.0 : Ubuntu 8.10 Well Customized GNOME Multimedia Codecs KDE Goodies
This Distro gives newbe's and Old RedHat's all the Linux Toys to play with in one distro. I love the way Gnome and Kde apps can be compaired. The ability to change "flavors" at will is fantastic. Thanks to "The Forum" any problems I have can be answered. This Distro should be for NewBes to learn on.
Re: Ultimate Edition 2.0 : Ubuntu 8.10 Well Customized GNOME Multimedia Codecs KDE Goodies
Complete waste of time.
A huge load of sketchy software bundled with a poorly designed theme and some butt-ugly logos.
I don't think I'd be so critical had they called it something less arrogant than 'Ultimate Edition'.
I can't help but get the impression that this was developed by a 12 year old who doesn't understand the concept of usability.
Re: Ultimate Edition 2.0 : Ubuntu 8.10 Well Customized GNOME Multimedia Codecs KDE Goodies
http://ultimateeditionoz.com/