Yesterday, I did an install of Ubuntu 7.10 (Gutsy Gibbon) on the Dell Dimension E520. The install went well; I haven’t experienced any hardware problems (yet), but I’m near tears for all the (minor) experience issues.

I’ve been using Ubuntu since the first release three years ago, and maybe I should be used to the problems, but with a new installation they are back in my face. My passion for Ubuntu, open source and free culture, also makes it hurt more — probably a good thing.

There is more to why it hurts. Complimenting my natural critical thinking, I have spent over seven years developing an eye for software issues, so my discomfort with each of the issues is definitely heightened, but I’ve learned in working with people on the software problems they are experiencing, that minor problems resonate and eventual exasperate people.

Part of me is begging the other part of me to switch to a Mac, but my pain is the pain I have the largest stake in healing, so here I am starting to work through the problems. Although a high cost, I’m willing to pay it, because I can and the benefits are well worth it!