Intel: Linux has 'no place' on desktop

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It's Gaining

I think Ubuntu and Wubi have made big strides in putting Linux on the desktop. My first encounter with Linux was back in the early(?)/mid 90s. I installed an early Slackware version of Linux on my 486 (along with OS/2, PC/DOS, Win 3.1 and (later Win 95). Of course everything was command line with Linux back then (I also installed X Windows). Today, I have Ubuntu 8.04 installed on a Toshiba lap-top, Wubi (Ubuntu) installed on an Acer lapt-top (7.04 - had 8.04, but had to back off) and Wubi on my desktop. Both Wubi installs are on top of XP installations.

First, with the help of Ubuntu, Linux has come a long way if competing with Windows. Granted, it still has a way to go when it comes to drivers for all the "old H/W still in use. However, application-wise, for the AVERAGE user, it, IMO, has achieved parity with Windows. I have both Firefox and Opera installed on my lap-tops and both of them plus Netscape on my desktop. I also have Open Office installed. As far as other e-mail applications, I do not use them, but they are there.

I find the Synaptic Package Manager and the "Applications" Add/Remove facility quite handy when I need to find a package I wish to install. In some ways, this surpasses what is available on Windows.

What is needed is better support for H/W, especially older H/W that people are still using such as printers, scanners, etc. I still have not been able to get a Wireless Adapter (Netgear WG111v2) to work on the Acer (much less the built-in (IPN2220). Searching the forums has not been all that helpful.

Also, better documentation. When I select an item under Applications or the SPM, the information box provide a brief explanantion. While these is fine for many choices, when it comes to installing additional system support, a brief explanation is insufficient for the "newbie" (or even "not so newbie"). Telling a "newbie" to "google" the package for an explanation is NOT answer. One approach would be to have a "More Detail" button, where a "click" could take you to either a "man page" or connect to an appropriate internet site and web page (assuming one is available).

Support for RPM and Debian packages could be made much more transparent to the user. All the "newbie" should have to do is download the appropriate package and click on it. Much the same way an EXE package is installed on Windows (e.g., Zone Alarm or AVG).

Another problem area is "permissions". I find that I often have to go to a terminal window and use Sudo to perform an action that requires "root" privileges. I should be able to do this from a "window". The "System" -> "Applications" -> "Users and Groups" does not provide the ability. Again, a "newbie" does not want to mess around with "command lines".

Also, some of the existing packages could use some improvement. For instance, I find the video quality using the Totem Movie Player not to be as good as that provided by Windows Media Player.

I realize that Linux and all the supporting packages are FREE. I also appreciate all the hard work and effort by those dedicated developers who made all this possible. It is a tremendous and on-going effort.

People love "free". But they also hate to do a lot of reading and re-learning (although I find Ubuntu close enough to Windows to ease that burden). I understand that SUSE is also supposed to be an excellent implementation, but I have not tried it (maybe after installing VMWare or similar). I have tried KDE (Kubuntu) and was not as impressed as I was with Ubuntu (and Wubi). Altough it was also windowing, it wasn't quite as intuitive as Ubuntu for someone who has used Windows for a significant amount of time.

I'm sure some will also point things I may have missed. I am also sure some will disagree with me and say "they need to learn Linux (Unix)". To the former, thanksfor covering. To the latter, stop being a "purist". The average Windows user doesn't know beans when it comes to PCs. Some don't even remember there is an OFF/ON switch in the back of a desktop. To expect them to perform "command line" operations is absurd. All they want to do is get on-line and do their e-mail, google a few things, go to facebook, yotube and some other pertinent sites. A few others may do some word processing and some spread sheets.
Yes, those who use a PC at work may do more of the latter, but their PC usage will be dictated by management and IT. Of course, reduce the cost and the IT effort and business may be willing to move to a "workstation Linux" - especially if each new version of Windows requires new H/W (or upgrades).

Hopefuly, in another release or two, Ubuntu will surpass Windows (or at least be its equal in everyway). Also, with Wubi, it gives an opportunity to try Ubuntu without giving up Windows. At some point inthe future, Microsoft is either going to have to provide a new, INCOMPATIBLE desktop or keep rehashing Windows (introducing an occasional incompatibility over time) and also requiring H/W upgrades. At that point, Linux (Ubuntu) will have a real opportunity to dominate and replace.

Bob C.

Posted by: bobc4012@...   Posted on: 08/06/08 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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