LINUX BLOG SAFARI
Warning: Hardy Heron May Cause Linux Addiction

With the arrival of Ubuntu's Hardy Heron last week, it is perhaps an understatement to say that conversation on the Linux blogs was plentiful.

The news was picked up on virtually every forum out there, including Slashdot (where more than 600 comments had already been made just a day after the release), the Linux Loop, All About Linux and Foogazi, to name just a few.

Glowing Reviews

The reviews were nearly universally glowing.

"I think the part that's surprised me the most about their work is that they manage to do most of it without bastardizing the system and making things less flexible," Gerhard Mack, a Montreal-based consultant and Slashdot blogger, told LinuxInsider. "Quite often when Linux distros have gone for ease of configuration, you lose the ability to edit config files by hand. With Ubuntu, they seem to make sure users can hand-edit if they want.

"I've been watching Linux distros leapfrog each other for the past decade, and it's been fascinating how far things have come in that time," Mack added. "Things have gone from needing a very advanced user to get an install to where most distros are on par with Windows -- and some are easier to install."

Mainstream Launch?

"I've upgraded both my desktop and laptop to 8.04 Hardy Heron and it's really well-done," Foogazi blogger Adam Kane told LinuxInsider. "The Ubuntu and Canonical team are doing a great job with every release. Everyone keeps saying that this could be the version that launches Linux into the mainstream. I do believe it has the tools and the means to do so."

Now, we here at LinuxInsider have spent many words studying the notion of Linux on the desktop and Linux in the mainstream. And indeed, this isn't the first time we've heard it suggested that Hardy Heron may be what will make that broad acceptance on the desktop happen -- particularly now that Red Hat is out of that race.

If indeed the speculation holds true -- and Hardy Heron is the Chosen Release that will bring Linux to the Promised Land -- then it seems to us that those who already know and love Linux had better be ready to help smooth the way. Toward that end, we wanted to point out a few recent sources of handy tips, information and advice for those working with Linux.

Must-Have Skills

First, those with a penchant for programming and a liking for Linux -- but who don't already make it part of their day job -- may just want to do so as it gains broader reach. Foogazi's Kane has put together a compelling list of must-have Linux skills for those seeking a Linux-related job.

Apache, apt-get and chmod are among the applications any Linux programmer must have, says Kane, who has worked professionally for more than seven years with both small and large corporations that use Linux on the desktop and server.

"The post was intended for newer Linux users looking to start a career in the Linux industry," Kane explained. "Over time, I began noticing a trend and decided I would document the most common Linux applications I used time and time again. Sure, there are some things I left out from just plain forgetting, but thankfully the user-generated comments filled in a lot of stuff I was missing."

Must-Reads, Inside Tricks

Kane has also compiled a list of 20 must-read articles about Linux, a very helpful list even if it does neglect to include any gems from our ace team here at LinuxInsider. Just an oversight, we're sure.

Foogazi also includes posts on "The Best Linux Security Tools" and "5 Free Linux Backup Solutions," for those in need of such technologies. Then there's "10 Linux Commands You Probably Don't Use," which lists command-line tricks familiar only to those in the know.

On LXer, meanwhile, there's "10 Common Mistakes to Avoid When You're Installing Linux Software," while on Royal HeHe2-ness there's "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Linux Users" -- both helpful guides for making the best use of a Linux guru's time.

Are You Addicted?

Last but not least, any new release as exciting as Hardy Heron is bound to occupy a lot of time and mind-share among the Linux devoted.

When does "a lot" become "too much"? Check out "15 Signs That You Are Addicted to Linux."

Hint: If you know the African definition of the word "Ubuntu," you may be in trouble.... ;-)