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Ubuntu 9.10: First Impressions

Ok, I've been using 9.10 for all of 12 hours now. I must say, overall, the experience is improved, which was one of the main goals. Most of my papercuts are gone (yay Bluetooth audio integration!) but I have managed to find a few new ones...

Canonical, what the #*$%& were you thinking with your new Software Center!? Removing the ratings was the worst possible route you could take. Oh, and now I no longer need to see exactly *why* an install failed for a particular app? You just stall at 77% and give me no data? What's with that?

Oh, and don't get me started on wanting to replace Synaptic. Unless you plan on keeping all the features in, don't bet on me wanting to give it up right away. In fact, if removed, I can almost guarantee it'll become one of my defacto post-install requirements (Add Synaptic back in. Check).

Now, to give them the benefit, it does make sense to consolidate these programs, but for me, I always use the Add/Remove Programs app to do the big-level stuff and REQUIRE Synaptic when dealing with things like drivers and what nots. Essential maintenance, if you ask me.

I'll look for the idea storm on this one and watch it closely. I'd hate to see it get WAY off the tracks before users start bringing it back to earth.

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