Tuesday, February 14th, 2006, 4:26 am
Linux is Easier than Windows
Filed under:
Few desktop environments can brag being as
user-friendly and simple-to-use as GNOME
widespread fallacy is that Linux remained command-line-based and customised to be used by geeks only. Those who have actually tried Linux throughout this century consider this presumption to be utter rubbish. Certain Linux distributions are as easy to use as Mac OS, let alone Windows, which requires security-related ‘skills’ and offers poor utilities at its base.
A larger-scale, market-driven survey concludes that Linux is not tougher to manage than Windows.
The proof is in a survey of 200 managers by Enterprise Management
Associates, a market research firm. It was sponsored by Levanta, which
makes a Linux-based change management product.Here’s the bottom line. According to EMA, “Sophisticated management tools now allow Linux management to be fast, effective, and inexpensive. With far lower acquisition costs, Linux is now a cost-effective alternative to Windows.”
Another timely article points out the value of Open Source in the corporate world.
A few years ago, releasing once-secret source code to the public would have been a highly unusual first move for a company with a newly acquired software product line.
Related item: Free Software – What Does it Truly Mean?
February 14th, 2006 at 6:56 am
Yes, I think if some of the people who are afraid of Linux tried some of the newer distros like Ubuntu, they would be pleasantly surprised. The default GNOME desktop in Ubuntu looks great and is easy to use. Although the fonts aren’t quice as nice as Windows and the UI doesn’t seem quite as responsive. In general, I am impressed by GNOME though. Linux has come a long way since Slackware in ’95.
February 14th, 2006 at 7:54 pm
Really? You actually like the Ubuntu defaults? Many people say the same, much to my surprise.
I am a bit reluctant to refer people to Ubuntu (gave a CD to a Windows-oriented colleague on Monday). I use Ubuntu at work, but I think that SuSE 10 or Mandriva 2006 look far more professional. Since they have graphical installers, they also give a good impression right from the very start. The down side: no Live CD!