Computer and Technology | Ubuntu Linux | Web Development

I’ve been using Linux for over 5 years now I guess.  I’ve used Fedora, Slackware, Xandros, Mepis, plain Debian, Xubuntu, Kubuntu and now Ubuntu.  If you’re used to Windows or Mac, you’re probably surprised (or maybe confused) at the many different Linux distributions available.  Among these, I personally favor Ubuntu. 

Prior to my Linux days, I used MS-DOS (and PC-DOS), Windows 3.1, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows XP and now Windows Vista.  I had my laptop configured so that I can choose to boot in Linux or in Windows.  For years, my default was Linux and I only booted in Windows when I need to test websites and web applications I design across different browsers.

For years, I was satisfied with Linux.  I’ve never encountered a single virus and I never have to worry much about security issues.  But Linux has its downsides.  New hardware such as printers and webcams seldom work or require tweaking before they worked.  Also, I’ve always had ACPI problems in Linux – either it won’t suspend/hibernate right or the LCD brightness won’t work and yes, I can’t even have a decent voice/video chat with my friends on Yahoo.

Linux has its strengths especially when it comes to security.  In fact, I think it’s the #1 alternative to Microsoft Windows and it allows many tasks to be done but still I find it lacking in many aspects.  I know that Linux is not to blame for the lack of support for certain software and hardware but that’s beside the point.  Actually, Linux developers are working hard to develop alternative software and compatible drivers to make the Linux user’s life as easy as it can be.

I don’t like Windows.  It’s expensive and highly susceptible to viruses, trojans and worms.  I haven’t installed any antivirus software in Linux and that’s something that I cannot do in Windows.  It would be akin to killing myself if I don’t take the necessary steps to secure my Windows-based machine.

But yet, I’ll be going back to Windows, more specifically Windows Vista.  So I fired up my Laptop’s system restore disk and gave control back to the monstrous Windows Vista.  Logging in was like going to hell but I guess I just have to endure the flames until I get used to it.  Don’t get me wrong – Linux wasn’t heaven either.  I chose to make compromises and get the best of both worlds instead.

To do that, here’s what I did after restoring Vista to my laptop.

1. I removed all unneccessary applications that came with the laptop bundle, namely
   • All the pre-installed games
   • MS Office Trial
   • MS Works
   • McAfee Antivirus
2. I then installed the following applications:
   • Open Office – as replacement to MS Office
   • Digsby – for my multiprotocol chat client
   • Yahoo Messenger – for full YM support
   • Google Chrome – as my main browser
   • Mozilla Firefox – for websites that won’t work in Google Chrome
   • VirtualBox – so I can run Ubuntu inside Windows

After doing those, I then installed Ubuntu using VirtualBox.  This allows me to access Ubuntu inside Windows enabling me to setup my Linux-Apache-MySQL-PHP (a.k.a. L.A.M.P.) development environment.  Under Ubuntu, I also installed the following via Ubuntu’s Synaptic Package Manager:

• Bluefish – as my PHP editor
• Meld – my “diff” viewer
• SVN-Workbench – my subversion client
• Subversion – my commandline subversion client
• Gimp – my graphics editing software (already pre-installed)

I also removed the following from the default Ubuntu install because I already have them (or have something similar to them) in Windows:

• Open Office
• Firefox
• Pidgin
• Rhythmbox
• Totem
• Games

I also configured VirtualBox to use “Host Interface” networking so I can test the websites and web applications from my Windows-based browsers.  For those who don’t know, VirtualBox allows you to install a separate Operating System under your “main” operating system.

Now, I’m back in Windows and still use Ubuntu at the same time.  This I believe will be going to my “setup” for the next few years.  It’s not perfect but it’s the only solution I can find that allows me to get the best of both worlds.  I hope I get settled in this new environment really quick.

Here’s what I did to install the Group Message plugin for Pidgin on my Ubuntu Intrepid machine. Note that this worked for me but doesn’t mean that it will work for you. If you’re using Ubuntu or any of the Ubuntu flavors then you might want to give it a try.

Note: You have to do the following as root

Step 1: Get the Build Dependencies

$ apt-get build-dep pidgin-plugin-pack

Step 2: Prepare the Source

$ mkdir pidgin-plugin-pack; cd pidgin-plugin-pack
$ apt-get source pidgin-plugin-pack
$ cd purple-plugin-pack*

Step 3: Enable the Group Message plugin

$ rm groupmsg/.abusive
$ touch groupmsg/.build

Step 4: Build the Pidgin Plugin Pack Package

$ dpkg-buildpackage -b -nc

Step 5: Install the Pidgin Plugin Pack Package

$ cd ../
$ dpkg -i pidgin-plugin-pack*

Step 6: (Optional) Do some clean-up

$ cd ../
$ rm -dfr pidgin-plugin-pack
$ apt-get autoremove

Now, all you have to do is re-start Pidgin and enable the plugin. Remember, with great power comes great responsibility. Don’t spam people with this plugin.

I hope this helps!