__/ [ Ericew ] on Monday 11 June 2007 05:21 \__
> Besides something like KDE are there any other desktop applications
> under linux that would be considered "killer apps" that are simply
> unavailable or unmatched under either Windows or Mac? These are apps
> that would make people think twice before moving away from Linux like
> Quicken makes people stick to a Windows Desktop.
>
> So where are the Linux desktop "killer apps"?
KDE is not a desktop application, but it contains many "killer apps" such as
AmaroK and K3B. These two applications, for examples, are enough to make
users of other platforms envious, assuming they have actually tried them. To
me, KNode is a killer application as well. Konqueror and Kate embody a lot
of function that you simply cannot elsewhere. What about XPDF/KPDF? Many
Windows and Mac users are still very afraid of clicking links that lead to
PDFs. Why? Acrobat Reader. It's a resource pig.
KDE has a desktop environment has many strengths as well. Not even OS X can
match them. GNOME has some functions and widgets that are wonderful and I
tried to request that/ask if the same gets implemented in KDE too. Some of
that function can be introduced using some addon software, but it tends to
drain resources, be poorly integrated, fragile, and prone to
incompatibilities (e.g. when updating or changing a distribution).
If you turn to look at specialised system, Linux has a lot to offer. Consider
the fact that virtually any machine in the film industry runs GNU/Linux
(maybe a little 'proprieterised'). Maya 3D, for instance, is a UNIX
application. Also, let's not forget clustering capabilities, but again, this
is just an example of something which may not appeal or be relevant to you.
Maybe people don't reach good utilisation of their home PCs only due to the
limitation of the only software/platform they know.
The point to make here is that Linux servers, for instance, are growing at a
huge pace for a reason. Linux desktops are also used extensively on desktops
where Web surfing isn't a needed function (e.g. production studios). Linux
might not be a "killer platform" if you work in a place where everyone
absolutely must use Quicken (even that can possibly be
emulated/virtualised/run using a compatibility layer).
You may never know Linux "Killer Apps" unless you use them and become
familiar with them. This can take years. Moving to Windows then seems and
feels like an impossibilty, based not only on personal experience, but also
based on what you can find in the (digital) literature.
--
~~ Best of wishes
Roy S. Schestowitz
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