This is my fourth review of the Quantal series with Ubuntu, Kubuntu and Xubuntu already reviewed. Lubuntu, the fastest of them all but the one with the most boring look. Nope! Like the other three, in my article, I'll compare the latest release with Lubuntu 12.04 (no there was no 12.04.1 like others!). However, a reminder - the previous release was not a Long Term Release (with 3-5 years of support). Support is for 18 months in both and it makes sense here to upgrade to the latest distro, possibly.
To the uninitiated, Lubuntu is a lightweight LXDE based operating system from the Ubuntu stable and it offers a complete package of applications for daily computing needs, plus it allows users to access and download thousands of applications from the very rich Ubuntu repository. Primary applications in Lubuntu are:
High Level Results
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| From Ubuntu 12.10 Comparison |
- Graphics: GPicView, MTPaint, Simple scan
- Multimedia: Audacious music player, Gnome MPlayer for videos, guvcview webcam
- Internet: Chromium, Sylpheed email client, Pidgin IM, Bittorrent client
- Office: Gnumeric spreadsheet, Abiword wordprocessor, Xpad notes, Osmo calendar, Evince pdf viewer and pdf writer
- Accessories: Calculator, Leafpad (notepad), Screenshot, Xfburn CD burner, Archiver, Catfish search
- Games: Ace of penguins
- Programming languages supported: Perl, Python, Bash
High Level Results
| Parameters | Lubuntu 12.10 | Lubuntu 12.04 |
| Size of ISO | 726 MB | 722 MB |
| Booting time (post installation) | 8 sec | 8 sec |
| Desktop | LXDE | LXDE |
| Linux kernel | 3.5.0-17 | 3.2.0-29 |
| CPU usage (live boot) | 1-5% | 1-5% |
| RAM usage (live boot) | 134 MB | 149 MB |
| CPU Usage (post installation) | 0-5% | 0-5% |
| RAM usage (post installation) | 123 MB | 119 MB |
| Installation time (with 1 MBPS connection) | 30 min. | 30 min. |
| Wifi detection | Immediate | Immediate |
| Touchpad detection | Works by default | Wnorks by default |
| Ease of use | Really smooth to use | Really smooth to use |
| Eye candy factor | Interface still looks bland in spite of a new icon theme and a new wallpaper | Interface looks bland |
| Repository | Lubuntu Software Center | Lubuntu Software Center |
| File Manager | PCManFM 1.0.1 | PCManFM 0.9.10 |
Essentially, you see here not much difference between 12.10 and 12.04, except for an updated Linux kernel (3.5.0-17.28 Ubuntu Linux kernel which is based on the v3.5.5 upstream Linux kernel). The developers have tried to give a face lift in Lubuntu 12.10, through a new set of icon theme, Lubuntu Box and a new wallpaper but still eye candy factor is missing from this incredibly fast and high functional distro.
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| From Ubuntu 12.10 Comparison |
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| From Ubuntu 12.10 Comparison |
Ubuntu did undergo a major change in the new release through web apps, but none of the other three did. The incremental changes in Lubuntu 12.10 are limited to:
- A new version of pcmanfm (file manager), including at lot of bug fixes, external thumbnailer support, multiple screen support.
- Notification-daemon have been replaced for xfce4-notifyd on the default installation, to display notifications.
- Catfish, a searching utility, have been added to the default installation.
- A new grub to account for the UEFI secured boot in Windows 8 machines.
- Migration-assistant removed: The tool responsible for migration of user profiles from existing operating system(s) is no longer part of Quantal.
- Python 3: Still, Python 2 is supported.
- No OpenJDK6: Now Ubuntu has totally moved to OpenJDK7 as the default Java implementation.
Bottomline
Thus the bottom-line, in my mind, is to upgrade to the latest 12.10 to avail the latest applications and security features. Desktop is slightly better in look and feel in Quantal. You can upgrade through the upgrade option or by typing the following on the LXDE terminal:
sudo do-release-upgrade -d
Lubuntu 12.10 is a good stable OS and really smooth to use. Alongside, it is very light on resources and very useful for low resource computers as well.
Only thing that goes against Lubuntu, in my mind, is its bland looks. Even the face lift hasn't helped much and the other themes, provided by default, make Lubuntu worse than the default theme; I tried them all! Even a bit of web search didn't actually provide me useful suggestions to transform Lubuntu. I did my experiments and here is the result:
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| From Ubuntu 12.10 Comparison |
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| From Ubuntu 12.10 Comparison |
Nice. I love lubuntu. Thank you for review. :)
ReplyDeletewow what did you do to make your desktop look so good???
ReplyDeleteThanks :). Simply by moving Lubuntu panel top, appearance set to solid color with opacity, space wallpaper search in google and a cairo dock ;)
DeleteIt seems to me that a major factor to consider in whether to upgrade hasn't been considered in this or any of the reviews (Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Xubuntu or this one.)
ReplyDelete12.04 was an LTS release of Ubuntu, the base for Lubuntu. As such, it is intended to be solid and stable, and after a couple of months to get the bugs out, LTS releases do tend to be solid.
12.10 is not only not an LTS release of Ubuntu, it is the first release following an LTS release and so tends to be where many new features get their first trial. It isn't Beta, but probably nobody would argue seriously that it will be as trouble-free as a six month old LTS system.
For Ubuntu and Kubuntu the arguments are strongest because in addition to the expected stability, one gets five years support. For Xubuntu one gets three years support. In Lubuntu, even without an extra support period for 12.04, I'd suggest the likelihood of added stability is worthwhile in and of itself.
bc
Good point, definitely stability is a compelling argument. But, given that Lubuntu hasn't changed much from the last release, my argument is in favor of upgrading to the latest release. Regards, AS
Deletedoes Lubuntu 12.10 have the same problem with the older AMD cards like Ubuntu 12.10? Meaning so you need the work around to get it to work?
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried Lubuntu on any AMD PC. So, not sure on this. Does Linux Mint too have issues with older AMD cards?
DeleteYes, Lubuntu 12.10 has the same problem with ATI Radeon 4xxx series and older, but has the same workaround as regular Ubuntu - https://launchpad.net/~makson96/+archive/mesa
Deletecorrect link:
Deletehttp://www.unixmen.com/ubuntu-12-10-and-amd-catalyst-problem-solved/
Excuse me sir, may I know if your Lubuntu 12.10 does not have issues on some of the tooltips that is on a black background with black fonts?
ReplyDeleteI think the reference is to GTK 3.0 applications (Gnome MPlayer). If you take a look at settings.ini file for the default theme you'll see:
Deletetooltip_bg_color:#000000
tooltip_fg_color:#000000
Black letters on black background. Feel free to correct me if I am mistaken
Sorry, my mistake. Yes, I checked, it is, black color with black background in GTK 3.0 apps. I didn't try but can't we change it as root?
DeleteI've been using Lubuntu on and off for a couple of years. It has gotten steadily better with each version.
ReplyDelete12.10 has a noticeably quicker, smoother Software Center.
12.10 has a new desktop "WNCKPager" that has all of the Gnome pager's features.
The panel is VERY customizable...once you finally figure out how customize it.
I love the way Lubuntu is so "modular." Your OS is'nt so tangled up in gnome dependencies and filled with junk like Compiz and Pulse Audio.
The PCManFM is lacking in two ways: It doesn't have Nautilus's easy file sharing feature and when you open a compressed file you can end up with a mess of files to organize. Nautilus automatically creates a pre-named folder to contain your files.
HOWEVER, PCManFM can transfer large of amounts of encrypted files at over 10 times the speed of Nautilus!!!!!!! So one needs only to install Nautilus for most uses and use PCManFM for fast efficient backup duties.
The "Customize Look and Feel" and "Openbox Configuration Manager" are confusing and overlapping in their functions they should be merged.
All in all I much prefer Lubuntu 12.10 to Ubuntu with Unity or Gnome 3. It's wickedly fast and far more efficient to work with when using a desktop or laptop computer.
"HOWEVER, PCManFM can transfer large of amounts of encrypted files at over 10 times the speed of Nautilus!!!!!!! So one needs only to install Nautilus for most uses and use PCManFM for fast efficient backup duties."
DeleteSince these GUI Apps are front-ends of the terminal commands, I found that closing the GUI allows the background file transfers ... but not sure if this increases or affects the speeds / times.
Thunar is my preference, since it has the most flexible file-renamer in Linux. Open 2 of these, then copy files. Close the GUI. Seems ok to me
It's wonderful. Built in GMA 500 (poulsbo) kernel support, fast choice of standard or netbook desktop!
ReplyDeleteI agree, I recall I had a tough time with 11.04 Natty which didn't have GMA 500 support. Now all of them works well with Intel GMA 500 support. Lubuntu worked really well with my netbook.
DeletePlease do a review of Quelitu 12.10 when it comes out at the end of November. It is Lubuntu with many improvements and better looks. It has an HUD-like feature, a few custom apps (Qx Backup, Qx Maintenance Center...).
ReplyDeleteSee description in blue on this page:
http://wavesofthefuture.net/computers/download-telecharger-descargas-free-gratuit-gratis-quelitu.shtml
Sure, I'll do it once it is released.
DeleteThanks.
Lubuntu is my favourite linux distro and I'd like to mention that you can change its "bland look" with some of GTK3 themes from gnome-look.org. Some of them works very well with most of applications in lubuntu and can improve its look.
ReplyDeleteGood point. Thanks, I'll try out some GTK3 themes from gnome-look website.
DeleteOk I need help here... I've recently switched from Windows to Linux. Started out with Ubuntu 12.04 - then I switched to 12.10, then I switched to Xubuntu 12.10 (mostly because of the increased speed and I don't feel like I really need the HUD, cool as it is, its just glitter sprinkled on top).
ReplyDeleteSo as pleased as I am with Xubuntu - would I benefit switching to Lubuntu? I'm not that great working outside of a GUI-thingy (see? I'm learning the lingo!) and as eager as I am to learn I would prefer to not HAVE to.
I work allot on my computer as an illustrator and need that to work smoothly but beyond that (and the future steam-release) its really nothing heavy weight.
Xubuntu is less cluttered than the original Ubuntu (with Unity DE) but it uses the same amount of RAM (around 160MB idle) while Lubuntu uses almost a third of this (57MB). If you think you need the 3 year support to have a stable and reliable system all the way then stay with Xubuntu 12.04
DeleteIf you want to try something else/something possibly snappier (the difference is mostly notable on aging hardware) then try Lubuntu. You may need to perform a clean upgrade every 18 months, or just enjoy the recovered usability.
Eventually your motto here should be:"If it ain't broke don't fix it" so if Xubuntu works great on your computer then don't mess it up.
Bland desktop etc. really isn't such a problem, (for me anyway).
ReplyDeleteMajority of my time is in a browser (Chrome for me), so DE isn't an issue.
Or even OS
I never really see it, and appreciate the extra responsiveness of Lubuntu (on refurb netbook).
I have a 30gb SSD, done all the tweaks, (no swapfile, paged stuff to RAM etc,), really zippy.
I would like to see booting to RAM though.
Regards
gvnmcknz
Good point! Lightweight Linux like Puppy, etc. can boot to RAM. It'll be really awesome if Lubuntu does it too.
Deleteproblem installing via usb ... tried both unetbootin and linux live installer ..... not working
ReplyDeleteThere is a Windows installer as well, if you have Windows XP or 7 installed. Also, could you please provide details of the problem you are encountering? Problems with live boot or in installation after live boot?
DeleteArindam,
DeletePlease do a review of Quelitu. I have read some of your other review...
Quelitu 12.10 is out. It is a much improved Lubuntu with better looks and more lightweight. It has both an Lxde and an E17 (lighter) interface.
ReplyDeleteSee Release Notes/Download:
http://wavesofthefuture.net/computers/download-telecharger-descargas-free-gratuit-gratis-quelitu.shtml
Thank you for your comprehensive review. I intend to use Lubuntu loaded on a live memory stick to allow for a fully portable operating system. By using the Universal USB Installer I can set it up with persistence and about 3GB of extra space for expansion and download captures.
ReplyDeleteAs long as any computer has USB boot capability, all I need is my memory stick. Makes for very light packing.
Not a good idea to use a USB stick for more than just testing. Thumb drives have low-quality memory chips and their lifetime is already short without OS-intensive writes.
DeleteGood quality memory cards could be an option, but the more important is still to have all your important data (/home) on a HDD (and/or sync'ed with your safe and secure cloud space).
I agree Viktor. Actually I have observed operating systems to perform better and faster when installed on hard disc, even if you set aside the short shelf life of memory sticks. Anyway, it takes mere 8-10 GB of space on hard disk.
DeleteFellow linux users, I have found that the most recent Lubuntu releases tend to crash when doing a full install on older amd desktops with nvidea cards? However, the older Lubuntu distros have no problems with the full install! This tells me that, in fact, that this wonderful distro has regressed not improved. As for it claiming to be a solution for older computers,that remains to be seen.Lubuntu has had many years of refinements and bug removal, unlike Linux Lite's first distro that for claiming to be fast, light and free, it is riddled with bugs,Lubuntu should need no excuses. When Lubuntu works, it is indeed, the fastest and most versatile distro in Linux land.
ReplyDeleteNice review thanks man :)
ReplyDeleteone day i may make a full switch to linux but i still need windows sometimes
Thanks for liking it!
DeleteThis is interesting and I may be giving it a try. I am running a Pentoim 4 Mobile 2.8Ghz on 1GB RAM and a 40GB HDD. HP Compaq NX9010 circa 2003. Ubuntu 11.04 does well on it but then I tried Ubuntu 12.10 and saw it boot into a dead desktop space with no HUD or Gnome. I had to insert a flash drive to invoke Nautilus and from there, being a novice, tried to use dconfig to get a usable desktop, but to'no avail.
ReplyDeleteI use LibreOffice for compatability with MS Office's ''X-files'' and Thunderbird with Lightning and Zindus as PIM organiser. No need for eye candy at any level as there is work to be done. If I need something nice to look at, Table Mountain is always there and so is Table Bay.
The OS just needs to be efficient and stable with the minimun fuss.
hmmm ... I have a similar spec desktop and even Lubuntu was a bit slow after the first update. Please check Lubuntu's performance and let me know if it runs well. Currently I am using Archbang on the same machine and it runs blazing fast.
DeleteI installed Lubuntu 12.10 in dual boot config on my Asus Eee PC 1005HA netbook. It runs very fast and smooth on this machine, much better than Win7. The only problem I've had is it won't connect to my dd-wrt flashed Linksys e1200 repeater, though Win7 does with no problem. It connects to every other router I've tried (all with OEM firmware). I've tried about everything, including ndiswrapping a Win driver, but no joy. I suspect the combination of this Linux kernel (I tried several other flavors of it before picking Lubuntu, and they all did it), the Atheros ar9285 network card, and dd-wrt is the problem.
ReplyDeleteHow much RAM do you have in your 1005HA? please email me back. antifa7 at yahoo dot com
ReplyDeleteTo run both those OSs, I mean.
DeleteI have only 1 GB ram on my 1101HA and Lubuntu and LM 13 XFCE runs very well on it.
DeleteI have 2 GB of RAM.
DeleteI should have also said it connects to the router wired, but not wirelessly. WICD gives a bad password error while trying to connect wirelessly; and yes, it's the right password, and it does this no matter what type of encryption I have turned on.
DeleteHi Baz,
DeleteOn 2 GB RAM, Lubuntu will just fly! Anyway, I use netgear wifi router daily will all my Linux installations (I have 2 laptops, 1 netbook and a PC, all running on different Linux distros). I never faced the problem you mentioned. Which router are you using?
How do you use USB headphones in Lubutnu?
ReplyDeleteWhat do you have to do when you plug them and don't hear anything? That is a very very common thing when you use, as it it claimed, an old PC.
Hi,
DeleteI use an USB headphone from my Lubuntu installation without any issue. Could you please let me know what brand of USB headphone you are using?
My non-descript USB headphone and keyboard, both work well with Lubuntu.
Regards,
Arindam
i have a intel celeron processor 857MHz and 512 mb of ram.lubuntu will work?
ReplyDeleteHi Rosu:
DeleteLubuntu should work for basic requirements on a celeron dual core processor and 512 MB RAM but you need to check if you are able to watch online live streams and movie files. I would recommend a lighter Manjaro linux with openbox DE. It looks good and runs like a demon on my Pentium 4 PC with 1 GB RAM. You can please give it a try.
Regards,
Arindam
Dear Arindam sir,
ReplyDeleteI have octacore AMD processor with 4Gb of ram and 500HDD, want to use Lubuntu using vmware. What kind of resources (processore/ram/HDD) should i provide to guest machine?
BTW Thank you for writing this page....:)
Lubuntu works well with 1 GB RAM and dual core processor. For space, I guess 8 GB is sufficient to begin with.
DeleteAnd thanks for liking my article :).