[...] Linux Operating System – Things I’ve Learned About This System Over the Years I would have to say that my experience with Linux over the years has been a blast. I feel like I am in control. I have never had to take my computer in to have it serviced. Which I might add was why I switched from Windows. I was in service a lot and paying big bucks to have someone fix it because I couldn’t afford to call support and get them to try on the phone to fix it. I was very frustrated to say the least. [...]

I agree with you in every word; however, for someone like me who uses Photoshop extensively and specific features in Microsoft Office 2007, it’s almost impossible to completely switch from Windows. I’ve tried GIMP, and it’s good for the average stuff; however, it’s no good for professional use. And about the Microsoft Office specific features, Open Office still needs a lot of improvement to become better than Microsoft Office. May be that’s for me, but for the average user, the most annoying thing would be the lack of a Ribbons interface. A feature that is making life easier in Microsoft Office.

Also when it comes to working with 3d applications like 3dsmax and Maya, it’s almost impossible to completely replace them with blender. I know that there’s a native version for Maya and some other Autodesk products; however, they are not sufficient to completely replace a Windows workstation.

Another thing that gives me a headache is when I try to package a program for different Linux distributions. In Windows, I usually create an installer with some program like NSIS, and it works on every modern computer; however, on Linux you have to make a .deb package, a .rpm package, and a .whatever package for other distributions. This can be a big pain for a developer who wants to create a single installer with a GUI that works on as many distributions as possible.

Another thing that I’ve found irritating in Linux is how the hdd drives are arranged. For newbies, it is easier indeed to understand how Windows puts everything under My Computer, than to understand how Linux deals with such a topic. Personally, I’ve had problems understanding how to find my Bluetooth mount appoint among several others.

The most irritating thing I’ve experienced with Linux is that my printer doesn’t work with Linux. I own a Canon LBP3010B whose Linux driver is pretty outdated that it doesn’t work anymore with modern distributions. The lack of Linux drivers sometimes makes it impossible to switch to Linux.

Something that is annoying in Linux is that it lacks Nokia PC Suite. It’s become an essential application for business use. I’ve tried several alternatives on Linux; however, either they don’t work, or they have far less capabilities than Nokia’s PC Suite. This is another point that proves that Companies should care more about Linux.

At the end I have to say that I’m not against Linux; I really love the idea that there’s a free operating system for those who can’t afford to pay for a proprietary one, or want to be able to have a fine degree of control over their PCs, which is something Windows doesn’t offer. Yet I have to say that Linux lacks the support of companies like Adobe and Autodesk, and I believe that will not change much through the coming years because Linux is built to be free, which goes against the idea that those companies only sell proprietary software. Actually it won’t be fare if we ask them to give their Photoshop or 3DSMAX for free. Those people have worked hard to produce such a program, and can’t just release its source code. Another issue that can make Linux a better OS is to develop more device drivers for it, so no one like me would be kept away from Linux because it doesn’t support his Printer or iPod.

CDs for Linux vary in price. You can also download the ISO image and burn your own.

There are over 25,000 packages but about half are libraries; functions that are shared between applications. Still, there are over 10,000 applications.

Updates can be automatic (the default on many systems). This means all software, the OS, applications and libraries will be checked for updates daily.

Most FLOSS (Free/Libre Open Source Software) are available for Windows and OSX too. Check out their home pages for download info.

Support for Linux is all on-line. There is no call centre where with friendly, accented voice telling you everything is all right. That’s why newbies are told to install Linux as a dual-boot with their old OS. That way, if things go wrong, they can get on-line and ask for help.

The Internet and the WWW were developed on UNIX, the forefather of Linux. Linux has decades more experience with security, especially for the net. This means its security is more robust.

It should be pointed out that as in the first post Linux may or may not be for you. I know 2 professional graphics people that love Gimp and removed Photoshop. As for blender? Well look at a little movie call big buck bunny. As for Windows ribbon interface I find it VERY annoying. Many users at work feel the same, some however Love it.. its all a matter of taste. That said.. When you buy a printer etc.. you look for some thing that will work with what you have. I have no driver issues with any of my stuff because I wanted to make sure it works with Windows, Linux and my Mac. I know my Mom for example would rather take her PC in to be serviced then try and fix it herself. So for her Mac or Windows is the better option, she lives too far away for me to support her and my Dad. That said I could not imagine not running Linux or using Gimp, Open Office, Inkscape etc..

AmrH,

If there is any good reason to use a particular operating system, applications that you use that are written for that OS is one of the best. (the best being, “I prefer it.”)

As a long time Linux user (since 1995) it’s easy to think I might advocate Linux to everyone. But the reality is that every OS has people who are just happier with it than any other.

My advocacy of Linux is based upon two things, if the individual is interested in trying something new: Portable applications; problems with Windows itself.

Someone getting viruses while web browsing and doing not much more than that can really benefit from a switch to Linux. They might not even notice if they’re already aware of FireFox.

“Those people have worked hard to produce such a program, and can’t just release its source code.”

Yes, they can. Do you think F/OSS developers don’t work hard, too?

I must agree with Bob Robertson. The applications are the most important thing on a computer.

But those who rely on MS Office (for what ever reason, I prefer Latex, at least Latex works 100%) or Photoshop have options on Linux, too. At least they could demand from the software vendors a native Linux version.

Than there is Wine, Crossover, Cedega and as a last option a virtual machine, like VirtualBox.

>>Another thing that gives me a headache is when I try to package a program for different Linux distributions. In Windows, I usually create an installer with some program like NSIS, and it works on every modern computer; however, on Linux you have to make a .deb package, a .rpm package, and a .whatever package for other distributions. This can be a big pain for a developer who wants to create a single installer with a GUI that works on as many distributions as possible.<<

First of all, no it does not work on every modern computer. There are a lot of broken application from WindowsXP that are not working on Vista and 7. Even MS had to create a "Vista Compatible List". Second, even if the app does run on WinXP, Vista and 7, what about 32bit/64bit support?

And finally, you don't have to have a .deb or .rpm package for Linux (but it is the Linux way). Every user can install applications in the home directory and run them from there.

Linux is not an Operating System.
You have throughout your article failed to distinguish between an Operating System and a kernel.

Ubuntu != GNU/Linux

The biggest reason I won’t leave GM car is my old GM wheels don’t fit any products from Infinity.

I use Windows ONCE a year, when I need to run Tax Cut. For 99% of the work I HAVE TO DO, Linux is fine. The rest, I don’t need to do .. or .. for the difference in quality no mere mortal would notice.

Please, MAC users must be laughing their butts off.

Excellent!

Linux is slowly gaining ground in the desktop market thanks in part to these kinds of articles.

Keep up the good work and thank you.

My son graduated from university in June and left an eight year old Dell desktop at the house. Having used Windows since 3.0, I read a lot about Linux and decided to install Ubuntu on this very dated computer. I was amazed at how fast it ran and how quickly I climbed the learning curve. Bottom line: I’ve pretty much ignored my much newer Windows machine since. If it wasn’t for iTunes I would convert that over too. I am free from time consuming virus scans, spyware scans and constant security updates that require rebooting. The range of open source software covers what I want to do. Now, if only we could get Apple to produce a Linux version for iTunes…

@Captain Canuck

Actually, Ubuntu == GNU/Linux

You do understand that != means “not equal to” where as Ubuntu is equal to GNU/Linux, right?

To the Author,

You do fail to even mention GNU, Richard Stallman, the Free Software Foundation, or the GNU Project, which are the founding groups/people of the operating system.

You say “Things I’ve Learned About This System Over the Years” and you didn’t even learn who the founders are? Well, it is my professional opinion that you haven’t learned enough.

The first poster – AmrH – Seriously, you lost all credibility when you said [.. the most annoying thing would be the lack of a Ribbons interface.] I stopped reading your comment once I read that.

In general a fine article by Corbin. In case you all didn’t notice, Richard Corbin doesn’t write for the NY Times… Cut him some slack when you notice the odd incorrect technical detail. Sheesh… sharks…

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