What is Digg?150 Comments
- schestowitz, on 10/17/2007, -2/+49No new information here, but it's Linux in the NYTimes again, which is a good sign.
- parax, on 10/17/2007, -1/+33No, not eye candy either. What it takes is a massive influx of high quality games. Triple A titles. More drivers, more off-the-shelf software that works with Linux. When you switch to Linux, there's a definite feeling of being left out when it comes to new releases of software and new games. When that problem is solved, people will switch in droves.
- shethinkmefunny, on 11/08/2007, -0/+261. Ubuntu (and indeed, most distributions) ship new versions more as a convenienve than anything. You can typically install a prior version of any GNU/Linux distribution and update it through the provided package manager to the newest current version. The released versions are provided so you don't have to, say, install Ubuntu 6.10, and then wait 2 hours to download all the newest software and updates if you're making a fresh install.
2. Typically, when playing a "restricted" file format, the first time you attempt to play it, a dialogue box will pop up alerting you of the situation, and ask you if you'd like to download the appropriate codec pack. The process from there is entirely automatic - the codec will be downloaded and installed with no user intervention. Once installed, you never see the nag screen again.
3. The Linux kernel doesn't provide drivers for each individual device, but rather the chipset it's based on, which doesn't change as often as new models of hardware come out. Ergo, a driver for a certain chipset (e.g. the Envy24 sound chip) will work with a large selection of devices. Linux actually has a larger bank of supported hardware than Windows. The very newest hardware may not necessarily be supported, but is often supported within weeks of hitting the shelves.
4. The hardware available from any OEM is typically just standard PC hardware. The performance is up to the drivers provided. Typically, the drivers provided will get the maximum performance allowable, within the constraints the OS itself imposes. I.E. I can get better download speeds and lower latency through Linux than I can through XP, though right now the Windows nVidia driver is marginally faster than the driver nVidia provides for Linux. Only marginally though.
Overall, Linux is best suited to people that really have a fervor for learning about their systems, and those that just want to use it and not worry about how it works. The concept of the software repository is one of Linux's greatest strengths for new and seasoned users alike. You no longer have to go out and search for a specific application from potentially shady sources. You simply type in a keyword or two describing the name or function of the program you desire, and a list is provided for you to select and install. The download/installation is taken care of through a server maintained by the people that work on the distro itself, greatly minimizing the risk of acquiring compromised software.
Linux also provides these advantages over Windows:
- its file systems are set up in such a manner as to minimize fragmentation, and the system does micro-defrags whenever idle anyway, to remove the necessity of defragmentation
- the vast majority of spyware and viruses are written for Windows for a variety of reasons, namely its ubiquity and its design, which allows such software to flourish more easily. Linux prevents malware from destroying the entire system. Typically, the worst a virus can do is destroy your own user, in which case if you can't remove it, you simply log in as Root (administrator on steroids), delete the afflicted user, and create a new user.
- Linux is subject to constant and very rapid development by a large and diverse array of professional and hobbyist programmers. In the event a vulnerability or bug is discovered, a fix is usually issued within a few hours, compared with weeks, months, or occasionally not at all with Windows.
- Linux is designed to be interoperable - it has drivers built in for damn near any file system known to man, codecs available for nearly every multimedia format out there, certainly all commonly used ones, and can render nearly every document format out there, be it .doc, .lwp, .xls, .odf, ad nauseum. Furthermore, the Wine project is developing a Windows compatibility layer, allowing Linux to run many (but not yet all) Windows programs directly on your Linux desktop, further easing the transition to Linux. Once properly configured, you can more or less forget Wine is there. Simply double click a Windows executable, and it will open like any other application out there. There are commercial products based on Wine code, that improve it in certain areas, e.g. ease of installation or better game compatability.
- the free software community is all about choice, so there are many programs available for nearly any task you wish to accomplish - everything from photo/audio/video editing to recipe databases to full office suites to CAD and 3D modeling programs.
- because of the modularity of a GNU/Linux system, if you decide to familiarize yourself with the workings of the OS (it's surprisingly fun), you can recover a borked system nearly 100% of the time without a re-format
- there are no drive letters; you can delegate partitions to dedicated folders. I personally have my home directory (the Windows analogue would be documents & settings) on a 200 gig partition, so that in the event that I do decide to wipe and load the system, upon my first boot after installation, all my settings, documents, music, aesthetic tweaks, etc, are intact. I never need to go through and totally reconfigure my system after a reinstallation. Also, this has the added bonus of the reduced risk of data loss in the event something does manage to screw up your Linux partition.
There are others, but my hands are getting tired :P
Just keep in mind that Linux is as different from Windows as Mac OS X is. You can not expect a drop-in Windows replacement from Linux. You will have a period of getting to know the system, discovering how it's different, what it's capable of, what it isn't, etc.
Everyone I have shown Linux to has absolutely loved it after playing with it for a while, and continue to be impressed with it the longer they use it. If your expectations are properly set, I don't see any reason why you would be any exception.
As a final note, don't assume one particular distribution = all of linux. If one distribution doesn't work for you, try another. If Ubuntu isn't your cup of tea, try PCLinuxOS or SimplyMEPIS, or any of the many other beginner-oriented GNU/Linux distributions out there.
Check out www.distrowatch.com for more information if you're interested. - Alex2, on 10/21/2007, -7/+26Cancel or Allow.. Cancel or Allow.. Cancel or Allow?
Ok, where the hell do I get this linux thing? - chrisxkelley, on 10/17/2007, -1/+16Not really a new idea... Although the fact that they're integrating the composite window managers into the os is great- up until now, for almost all end users, installing beryl/compiz has been a complete pain in the ass.
- mvent2, on 10/17/2007, -1/+15What the hell is with the MS shills making and digging unmerited comments? Linux has been about point and click for ages, and with GNOME 2.20 its now actually simpler than Windows. Linux has lots of programs available, and always will if you're looking for the function instead of the brand. And to install those programs you click on it from a list, much easier than searching on the internet for them.
At least try Linux before you all make fools of yourselves. - evilregis, on 10/17/2007, -0/+13Yeah! And they should call it... Kubuntu!!!
- Phenax, on 10/17/2007, -0/+101. You automatically update any time you want, pretty much effortlessly. Macro-updates are just a way to keep release media up with the hundreds of minor updates.
2. Not much effort.
3. Most hardware is already "natively" supported, if the live disk works - it should work.
4. The hardware Dell provides on Linux Dells works well with both Linux and Windows. - zulfy26, on 10/17/2007, -8/+17For widespread adoption to work, a linux distro needs to support windows apps out of the box. The way it is now, I can't use 70% of the programs I use in a windows environment, as well as can't play most games.
- smek2, on 10/17/2007, -1/+10Linux got this kind of feature for at least a year before Windows and Mac OS, right?
- srg13, on 10/25/2007, -0/+9Just stole the idea? One of the biggest strengths of Open Source is the ability to share great code between projects, and this is what is happening here.
Maybe if the Ubuntu developers were taking credit for AGIX or Compiz Fusion or something, then your comment would be valid. - idiotwithastick, on 10/19/2007, -0/+9Adobe Photoshop.
- mattsw84, on 10/17/2007, -6/+14It will mean mother will be confused by the fact she cant just "click on it and make it work".
- undersky, on 10/17/2007, -1/+9I am no computer expert and know nothing about linux, but I would love to try ubuntu. Now, I probably represent the majority of the early adopters. If ubuntu is going to be popular, it has to be easy enough for people like me. So let me tell you what my concerns are, and hopefully some of you could give me some answers.
1. There seems to be a new copy of this ubuntu every so often, definitely more than once a year, does that mean every year I have to reformat my computer? Or is the upgrade as easy as, let's say, from xp to vista?
2. ubuntu seems not to support mp3 natively, due to some royalty reason, but can be quickly outfitted with such capability with a bit more effort on the end-user part. Well, exactly how much effort is required out of me, in order for me to have a comparatively functioning system? I mean, it at least has to do everything I expect my Dell to do.... .doc editing, photo editing, browsing, flash player, quicktime player, watch dvd, spread sheet, divx, wmv, zip file, chinese input, etc.
3. Where can I buy hardware that's natively supported by ubuntu? Last time when I installed it on my HP, the graphic looked like crap on my ATI 256MB 800XT. I had to plug the monitor to the mother board built-in video card in order to get good graphic. In other words, it couldn't use my video card. Do I have to run into these compatibility problems? How about web-cam? MSN Messengers? skype? HP LaserJet? BlackBerry and iPhone synch?
4. Now you probably will tell me to dual boot so solve problem #3 and buy an OEM from Dell to solve problem #2. Now that leads to my problem #4. If I buy a Linux Dell, can I also install a copy of xp to dual boot, while maximizing hardwares for both OS? In other words, will the hardwares that Dell uses for Linux performs below optimal standard under XP environment?
Thanks for answering my concerns - Kelmon, on 10/17/2007, -0/+7This no doubt goes against the beliefs of the Linux community, but have you considered advertising? You could turn Linux into the best looking, easiest to use and most secure OS ever and it wouldn't penetrate the desktop market unless you advertise it properly and stop relying on other companies and magazine articles. Run a high-profile Switch campaign on TV, magazines (not Linux Monthly but something your target audience reads) and newspapers. How else do you expect people to be attracted to your product? Mind you, how you'll reconcile this with the 1001 Linux distributions is quite beyond me...
- coredump0x01, on 10/17/2007, -0/+710 seconds to open a folder? I didn't think anyone was still using an IBM PC XT as their main desktop computer.
- idiotwithastick, on 10/18/2007, -0/+7But was it in the actual paper itself?
- euvirtual, on 10/17/2007, -0/+6It's "Internet -> Firefox web browser" actually. See. Something to browse the web. I wonder what that does.
- steffl, on 10/17/2007, -1/+7...before they open the menu and see a nice choice of software sorted nicely into their categories, so everybody can find what he searches for without worrying about all the names.
If they are not satisfied with that, they can even add more software from huge repositories, without to google for hours to find the fitting freeware. - evilregis, on 10/17/2007, -0/+6No everyday programs? Give me a break. Games, yes. Everyday programs, no. I just put Ubuntu on my wife's PC because I was sick of dealing with various Windows annoyances. From a vanilla installation of Ubuntu a user is able to, with two mouse clicks:
Play a game of Solitaire, Freecell, Minesweeper, Chess, Blackjack, Tetris
Begin sorting photos (F-Spot Photo Manager)
Edit those photos (GIMP -- no Photoshop replacement, but for image retouching, certainly acceptable and FREE and BUILT-IN)
Create a presentation (OpenOffice)
Create a speadsheet (OpenOffice)
Rip CDs (Juicer)
Browse the interwebs securely (Firefox -- with EASY flash player installation)
Instant printer configuration (HP 1020 Laser installed on its own without a single mouse click)
To me, those are everyday programs, tasks that people perform. You install Windows XP and you are searching the net for most of the above save for the games and the browser.
If I want to add software it's a couple of clicks away. Linux's package management system is, to me, it's greatest strength.
So by all means, give Windows the nod when it comes to gaming but to suggest Linux isn't practical for everyday computing is not true at all. - aiten, on 10/17/2007, -0/+6He said 'lean and mean', not 'fat and slow'. You also appear to lack understanding of the phrase 'I want every ounce of performance'.
- hpfilter, on 10/17/2007, -2/+8"""Wednesday, a new version of Ubuntu—code named Gutsy Gibbon—will be introduced sporting the sort of three dimensional effects that are the trademark of Windows Vista and Apple’s OS X Leopard."""
They are joking, right ??? - schoate09, on 10/17/2007, -0/+5Was that a question or a statement?
- SimonGray, on 10/25/2007, -1/+6And what good are dots and commas if you're not going to use them?
- idiotwithastick, on 10/17/2007, -2/+7Maybe by providing for most people want?
- steffl, on 10/17/2007, -2/+7You can't blame any Linux Devs, if some companies don't want their software to run on Linux. Wine is trying hard, but can't be perfect of course, as long the proprietary software developers don't have any reason to support Linux.
The other way around the situation is even much better. A lot of "Linux Software" has been ported to Windows already, even Windows doesn't have any projects like Wine. - mvent2, on 10/17/2007, -1/+6Welcome to the kind of zealots who will prevent us from ever seeing any value in Windows above. Who said anything about compromising? My Linux machine runs everything I want
- cmost, on 10/17/2007, -0/+5Vista simply can't complete with Linux when it comes to numbers of applications "built-in" (i.e., installed by default) or with flashy 3D eye candy. You might as well get that idea out of your head right now. By the time you add enough proprietary applications to Windows Vista to make it on par with what's available in Linux's pacakge manager, you'll have spent several thousand dollars (or hours upon hours downloading virus infected warez.)
- Sairgem, on 10/17/2007, -1/+6I'm just waiting for the inevitable comment about having to use a terminal to do everything.
- ISurfTooMuch, on 10/17/2007, -0/+5Amen, brother! I've been saying this for years.
After all, look at what that NY Times ad did for Firefox. - aiten, on 10/17/2007, -2/+6It's called 'any modern linux distribution'. Don't post comments about things in which you are not experienced.
- ISurfTooMuch, on 10/17/2007, -1/+5Remember, just because something is better doesn't mean it will succeed. By all accounts, Betamax was a better standard than VHS, but VHS won the VCR standards war.
It's all about marketing. You can have the greatest product in the world, but if you don't have good marketing, you will likely fail. - Sairgem, on 10/17/2007, -0/+4Gutsy takes 15-20 seconds to boot up for me.
- toggo, on 10/17/2007, -0/+4From the OOo website
"WRITER can of course read all your old Microsoft Word documents, or save your work in Microsoft Word format for sending to people who are still locked into Microsoft products." - ISurfTooMuch, on 10/17/2007, -1/+5The problem that Linux faces is the fact that Windows is almost always there first. By that, I mean that it comes preinstalled on a vast majority of PC's sold. Now, look at this from a consumer's point of view. Why would most people want to uninstall a perfectly good (in their view) OS just to have the privilege of installing something else that may or may not work as well? After all, they've already paid for Windows, and they know it works well enough for their purposes.
So, if new installs on new hardware purchased from a store or direct seller isn't an option in many cases, then what is? Well, how about those who've had their computers for a few years and are feeling pressure to upgrade Windows? They're likely running XP or maybe even 2000 and are seeing all the Vista marketing but can't stomach the idea of giving MS any more of their money. These folks are prime candidates for, if not moving completely to Linux, at least trying it out.
Another option is the small business market. Say you have a company with a few dozen users. Their computers may be fine now, but they'll eventually need to upgrade. That's where local computer shops can get involved. Most every city has a Chamber of Commerce, and many of these have regular meetings, breakfasts, etc. These are the perfect places to show off Linux to the business crowd. A local computer store (or, better yet, several of them) can come in and introduce these folks to Linux, explaining how it can cut the cost of their next round of upgrades, especially when other free software like OpenOffice is also used. Not only is it cheaper, but it's inherently more secure, and there are hardly any Linux viruses out there, so companies have no need to invest in expensive antivirus software. Even if you don't make a sale that day, it'll get people thinking.
And if businesses start adopting Linux, employees will get used to it, so they won't be so afraid of using it at home.
Don't get me wrong. Eye candy is quite nice, but people don't just make their decisions based on that. - DangerCollie, on 10/17/2007, -0/+4"Eye candy is quite nice, but people don't just make their decisions based on that."
Sadly, you're totally wrong. When developing applications the pretty, snazzy but ultimately useless whiz-bang stuff will greatly increase the acceptance of a new application. I've seen that over and over. You can write code that make code angels weep for joy, that is solid and user proof and productive. But if it comes in a plain wrapper it will get less acceptance and appreciation than if it's dressed up with some high tech eye candy.
Mark Shuttleworth is exactly right in what he's doing. It will be very effective in boosting both the perception and acceptance of Ubuntu. - mvent2, on 10/17/2007, -0/+4It's four clicks to turn off eye-candy in Ubuntu.
System - Appearance - Desktop Effects - None.
STKD, when does Microsoft normally send you your paychecks? I wouldn't mind quitting my job to be a paid astroturfer... - Giga, on 10/17/2007, -1/+5That sounds like nonsense. If a program works with Wine, it works at near native speed. The GUI is also very responsive, as fast or faster than Windows.
- spinalcracker, on 10/17/2007, -0/+4Well then Microsoft should raise their prices by three times because no one will ever be able to try anything else ... seriously... you want someone to clone Windows with having the programs called the same thing so they can get sued, because your parents can't learn new things? I think you underestimate them... they were fine when remote controls for the TV were introduced... fine when Microwaves came out... fine when Beta became VHS became DVD... or maybe they were not fine and are actually complete tards just like you
- spinalcracker, on 10/17/2007, -0/+4My guess is you have not installed and used Gusty for any length of time... I mean no one has.... after you do and you begin to see that for daily home computing needs Gusty blows Vista away, you will also realize what was meant by that comment.... simply... why do people continue to use an OS that costs a ton of money, is riddled with Spyware, Virus and Bloatware issues... when they can use open source software that has none of these problems and has grown to be better software for the home computer user.... People say, well Grandma will have a hard time with it.... com'on now.... Grandma has a hard time with Windows already... what you really mean is that you understand Windows because it's all you have ever really used extensively so you can show her what to do... don't be scared... learning Linux is easier than learning windows for 99% of the things you will do... and the 1% of the things that are power or advanced or whatever catch phrase suits you... there will be hundreds of How-to's and forum posts for you to easily follow. All most people know about computers is Windows... but computers are NOT Windows... Windows is just a program... you know how to use both Windows Media Player and iTunes right? Well it's the same thing.... sure the buttons are all not exactly the same... but they both do the same thing.... except in the case of Windows vs Linux... Linux does it easier, faster and for free, while being more secure.
- DangerCollie, on 10/17/2007, -0/+4I'm using Kubuntu at this moment.
- hifiDesign, on 10/17/2007, -0/+4I think you the nail on the head — the pain in the ass part. Linux is great, but as a non-Linux (mac & win) user, I'm pretty much lost without a relatively easy installation processes. Make Linux a lot easier to use and I'd consider it. Eye candy means very little — it's all-around usability that's key.
- dualscreenman, on 10/17/2007, -0/+3Double clicking a .deb isn't really that hard, you know...
- motang, on 10/17/2007, -0/+3Oh sweet it made the NY Times! Thats pretty cool, one step closer to bring in the curiosity in the general public.
- TeacherOfHeroes, on 10/17/2007, -0/+3Except that Vista doesn't seem to cache privilege escalation per application instance like sudo/gksudo does, so it'll ask you three times in one minute to confirm escalation while performing one administrative task. sudo asks you once, and then leaves you alone for a certain period of time (30 min?)
- dualscreenman, on 10/17/2007, -0/+3Don't be hatin' on Gnome. Although I prefer to use KDE, (See my avatar) Gnome is a nice DE as well.
- frazw, on 10/17/2007, -0/+3It's an extremely good point. The number of people who don't even know Linux exists is enormous. The number who do but don't know what it is is big too. Then there are those who are scared of it because they don't know enough about it.
Advertising would certainly accelerate Linux growth.
Canonical and Red Hat amongst others certainly have the money to do this. - jonesin, on 10/17/2007, -0/+3Man, who wrote this article? They think there are only thousands of part time contributors? Launchpad.net has 1.3 MILLION PEOPLE registered. Almost all of them have contributed in some way.
- srg13, on 10/17/2007, -0/+3Yeah, because it's not like there are simple graphical tools to download, install and update programs in Linux...
For the most part, it's just click and install. If they don't have Ubuntu packages, or only offer source, then it's a little more difficult - but not too hard to just follow a guide to do... - SuperDominO83, on 10/17/2007, -0/+3Umm... I do this all the time (Linux at home, XP at school). Linux can read flash drives too.
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