Dust Off That iBook: Ubuntu MATE PowerPC Support Is Coming

Lubuntu used to be the favored choice

In an era dominated by Intel, 64-bit and multi-core processors the idea of actively opting to use an old PowerPC computer seems…hipster-ish.
 
Not that it should. Few of us would raise a stare at the sight of an old single-core Intel Atom netbook being used in a cafe, nor question the ‘point’ of turning an old Intel Core Solo tower into a cheap DIY media server. 
 
But someone choosing to use an iBook? Ewww.
 
(Apple’s push for cultural obsolescence, where people drop year old products like hot potatoes for fear of being seen as “last gen”, played a big part in shaping this perceptual difference. But that’s a different post for a different blog). 
 
While Apple don’t support their old world Macs any longer, they’re still out there. As Linux so often proves, old hardware can be brought back to life. Once cutting edge machines now a little long in the tooth, granted, are still capable of plenty of things.
 
So before you drag that polycarb-clad iBook or PowerPC Mac Mini to the trashcan, why not give Ubuntu MATE PPC a whirl?

Ubuntu MATE PowerPC

Although Ubuntu officially stopped supporting PPC builds of Ubuntu after 6.10, with the community take over, it dropped build support entirely back in 2013. Lubuntu picked up the slack, and continues to release PowerPC builds of its LTS releases.
 
Now, Ubuntu MATE, with a Long Term Support release firmly under its belt, is stepping up to give dusty iMacs and iBooks loitering under beds and in damp garages a second chance.

PowerPC – Know Thy Limitations

PowerPC is not a dead platform as is often assumed. The architecture fell out of grace with the Cupertino elite, and thus mainstream desktop computing, but PowerPC (now ‘Power ISA’) remains in use elsewhere, servicing the needs of super computers, games consoles and even space robots! It’s also still actively supported by the Linux Kernel.
 
On the flip side, just because a Linux distribution will run on an old 800MHz PowerBook does’t mean it will run well or without issue. Depending on the device, there may be graphics driver issues (the single biggest issue when running PPC Linux builds), non-working Wi-Fi and possible performance issues. Lowly processor speed, limited RAM and an old, well worn mechanical clicky hard drive are all factors of an old PC that can’t magically improve with a fresh OS.
 
Finally, not all apps available on a regular x86-based version of Linux can be compiled for or are compatible with PowerPC (e.g., Chromium, Flash).

Help Test Ubuntu MATE 14.04 LTS (PowerPC)

But none of the above matters if your device spends 365 days tucked under a pile of 2005-era Mac Format magazines. Repurposing an old and unloved PPC machine with Ubuntu MATE makes for a neat weekend hack, a novel “can do”, and is a great way to get involved in a community project.

While it’s still early doors for Ubuntu MATE on PowerPC, and it remains a little way off being classed as wholly stable, what is there works well enough. You can browse the web with Firefox, watched videos in VLC, and get all misty eyed over the GNOME 2.x era layout and all related goodies.
 
As is typical for Linux PPC builds, Yaboot is used as the default boot loader. GRUB also features to make booting from an ISO a little easier.
 
We’ll be keeping an eye on PPC builds going forward, and we’d love to hear your feedback on it too. If you try the test builds out let us know how you fare in the comments below. 
 
~ Joey-Elijah Sneddon

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Windows XP User? Here’s 4 Reasons to Switch to Lubuntu This April

Support for Windows XP officially ends on April 8, 2014. After this date Microsoft will no longer issues security updates, patch exploits or provide any other means of official, direct support to its users

For the majority of us the axe can’t fall soon enough. At twelve-years old, XP is a crusty, cob-web laden old-codger of an OS, one that has trundled on well past its best-buy date.
 
But in relieving themselves of the Crayola-coloured burden, Microsoft are throwing an estimated 25% of PC users in to a minefield of security issues.
 
The company will be hoping that the fear of vulnerability will spur the frugal XP hold-outs into upgrading to (read: buying) a newer version of the Windows family. Canny; Windows 8 appears to need all the help it can get!

‘At 12 years old, XP is an ancient, crusty, cob-web laden OS.’

While newer versions of the Windows operating system will require newer, faster computers to run on (i.e. expense) there are other, cheaper (i.e. totally free) solutions. In fact, there are versions of Linux designed specifically to run on ageing computers, breathing new life in to hardware that would otherwise be considered obsolete.

Meet Lubuntu

 

So let’s say you’re running Windows XP right now. You like it; it does what you need. But, at the same time, you don’t want to gamble on security. It’s a wise and sensible thing. But what to do?
 
Lubuntu is a free, Linux-based operating system that supports a wide range of computers and hardware. It’s fast, safe and secure (Linux doesn’t require virus software, for example) it’s also really easy to use, and there are thousands of applications available for it.
 
Not sold? Let’s take a look at some of those points in a little bit more detail.

Lubuntu is Maintained & Supported

Microsoft has supported Windows XP far longer than they originally planned. As such few will blame them for finally redirecting their time and effort into their more modern systems designed for newer hardware.
 
But that doesn’t mean those on ‘old’ computers are left to the wind. Lubuntu is one of several Linux distributions that aims to breathe new life into ageing hardware.
 
Lubuntu 14.04, due for release this coming April, will be updated with critical bug fixes and security updates as and when needed until 2017 at the earliest. After this date you’ll be given the choice to upgrade to the next major release — again, for free!

Lubuntu is Secure; You Don’t Need Virus Software

The biggest culture shock you’ll experience in switching is (actually) a nice one. Unlike Windows, you do not need to use anti-virus or malware protection software on Lubuntu. Why not?

You don’t need anti-virus software on Lubuntu’

Linux is built in a way that makes it very hard for viruses to run, much less do any sort of damage should they somehow find themselves installed. As long as you don’t install suspicious software from suspicious places you’re virtually immune to any sort of nasty or untoward threat.

Lubuntu Looks & Feels Familiar

Moving away from an operating system you’ve used for years can seems scary, I know that. The good news is that Lubuntu has a very similar layout to Windows XP. So while it looks a little different to what you’re used to working with the differences are largely cosmetic.

Take the desktop for example:

The panel along the bottom has a “Start Menu” with links to your apps; next to this is a “Quick Launch” area where you can put your most commonly used applications; next to this is the area where you switch between open windows and applications; finally, at the far end, is the ‘System Tray‘ and clock.

Your Favourite Applications Are Available

While not every single application you’re used to using is going to be available on Lubuntu, a good many will be.
 
There will be few new names to learn and icons to get familiar with, but when it comes to software Lubuntu offers all the same core functionality as Windows XP.
 
For browsing the web the modern, fast and secure Mozilla Firefox web browser is installed by default.  The Google Chrome browser is also available to download and install should you wish.
 
For video calls Skype is available; ‘Pidgin’ is a multi-service instant messaging app that can connect to Facebook, AIM and Yahoo! Chat among others; and ‘Sylpheed’ is just one of the many apps available for getting e-mail on your desktop.
 
Microsoft Office isn’t available natively on Linux, but there are a host of office applications, including spreadsheet and word processing tools, available that are compatible with Microsoft Office documents. Lubuntu also includes a document viewer for viewing PDF files.
 
More apps, most of which are free, can be installed from the Software Centre application preinstalled on your computer.
 
Some common “equivalents” to know:

• Windows Explorer = ‘File Manager’
• Windows Media Player = ‘Audacious’ (for audio) and ‘GNOME MPlayer’ (videos)
• Microsoft Paint = ‘MtPaint’
• Notepad = ‘LeafPad’
• Windows Update = ‘Software Updater’

Find Out More

For more information on Lubuntu you can visit the official website for the project. There you’ll also find details on how to download a copy, burn it to a CD and try it out for yourself without losing your files.
 

 
~ Joey-Elijah Sneddon

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