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If Envy's the answer to Ubuntu users' proprietary graphics drivers installation dreams, then Automatix2 is the answer to everything else.

In essence Automatix2's a GUI that automates the installation of some of the most popular applications in the latest versions of K/X/Ubuntu and Debian -- including a few of the naughty ones. Which is why it opens with a warning about what not to install if you live in the US. (Funny, I always thought America was supposed to be the land of the free...)

After updating your source list, Automatix2 gives you a choice of what to install from a nice GUI-fied menu...


Each selection brings up a choice of applications to install (look away American readers!)...



...and you just click the checkbox beside the ones you want to add. Uninstallation works the same way so it couldn't be simpler.

Here's a sample of some of the useful apps Automatix2 installs...
  • Acrobat Reader
  • Microsoft Office OpenXML Translator
  • OpenOffice Clipart
  • DVD Ripper
  • xDVDshrink
  • Skype
  • W32-DVD Codecs
  • MPlayer Plugin for Firefox
  • CrossOver Office Pro
  • Extra Fonts
  • Google Earth
  • Google Picasa
  • Java JRE and JDK
  • Archiving Tools
Of course virtually all of these can be downloaded and installed outside of Automatix2, but a lot Linux newcomers either aren't aware of their availability or are still coming to grips with their new environment to be bothered with arcane installation instructions. And old hands like yours truly appreciate the one-click availability of all this stuff.



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Posted by Geoff Palmer on December 9, 2007 6:47 PM |

Comments

I've had Automatix break things before. BUT usually the older versions of it and usually when its been installed on a not-so-fresh linux install anyway.
I find installing Automatix in a fresh linux install works every time. If you install it on a system thats been hacked around some, or after you've tried unsuccessfully to install the goodies manually you might strike trouble.
When I'm setting up a linux box for a windows user, I put automatix in straight after the system install - works every time

Posted by: chris | December 11, 2007 8:04 AM

Automatix works for most people, but in the cases that it doesn't work, it's been known to break systems beyond repair, forcing the user to reinstall the entire O.S. Since its core audience is people new to Linux and/or uncomfortable/unfamiliar with doing what Automatix does themselves, they're left with the impression that their problems are Linux/Ubuntu's fault, and they run back to Windows.
Ubuntu developers have made Automatix just a little bit more obsolete with each release. Gutsy comes very close to achieving this; only a few of the things available from Automatix aren't quickly accessible from a default Ubuntu installation.
Have a look here for more info and technical explanations as to why you should not use Automatix: http://mjg59.livejournal.com/77440.html

Posted by: mike | December 10, 2007 9:10 AM

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