Quite frequently on the Ubuntu Forums, someone will make a suggestion that Ubuntu (and/or Linux distros in general) adopt a feature or approach that Windows has to handling a task. Inevitably, someone else will counter that Linux is not Windows and then link to the appropriately titled article “Linux is not Windows.”
The problem is that logically (and I believe the author of the article in question would agree) it doesn’t make sense to say that just because Linux is not Windows that Linux should never under any circumstance adopt features or approaches that Windows has to user interfaces. After all, desktop Linux already does share some features in common with Windows:
- Alt-Tabbing to switch between windows, bringing minimized windows to the front.
- Allowing maximizing of windows.
- Generally closing applications once the last window of the application is closed.
- Having Alt-F4 be the shortcut to closing a window.
- Having a menu like the Start menu that allows you to access programs and documents.
The list could go on and on, but these are all features and approaches to user interfaces that Windows and Linux distros have in common that Mac OS X does not. It’s not a question of originality. I don’t really care if Windows copied *nix systems or vice versa. The point is that the two sets of operating systems can and do have some things in common.
To be sensible human beings (and not fanatics), we have to avoid two extremes. I’ll be the first to tell people that Ubuntu (and/or Linux at large) should not be a Windows clone. But we should not make Linux in every respect the antithesis of Windows either, nor can we. The best approach to creating a usable operating system is the adoption of the best of several approaches. If Windows does something right, then Ubuntu should have no problem adopting that approach. If Windows does something wrong, then Ubuntu should avoid adopting that approach. Ubuntu fanatics, please understand, though, that I love Ubuntu a lot, too. Yet, somehow, I’m able to recognize that Windows does some things that Ubuntu should also do. Package management in Ubuntu is a great way to install software—perhaps something Windows could learn from Ubuntu. Previewing photos before you upload them in a web browser is a basic expectation that many desktop users have‐perhaps something Ubuntu could learn from Windows.
Linux is not Windows. We get it. We get it already. But Linux can learn from Windows occasionally, and that would not be a “free software sin.”
“The best approach to creating a usable operating system is the adoption of the best of several approaches”
I think you got it spot on there. If someone else has found the best way to do something we shouldn’t ignore it just because of who they are. Even M$ gets it right occasionally!
Sometimes I hear or see people say that Ubuntu or Linux should do some arbitrary thing *because* Windows does it. I don’t like that, however, I have on occasion commented that Ubuntu should do a particular thing either at all or better because “even *Windows* does that!” with the “and Windows sucks” being understood!
I don’t really have a view on how much a Linux UI should be like the Windows one.
Linux can be quite a lot like Windows when you want it to, and nothing like it if you don’t. It’s the ability to tailor what you use Linux for (washing machine, cell phone, web server, ipod, desktop) and the way you use it that makes it such an attractive option.
So encourage developers to add functionality (and let users apply it) in whatever way they choose and the diversity of options will continue to expand. Either way, Linux is the winner.
Good call!
What I loved about Ubuntu when I first installed it was that it was similar enough to Windows (with respect to the things you listed above) that it was really easy to use.
Then, when you really get into it you can customise the heck out of it. Make it completely different if you want to. It’s great.
I’ve always had the feeling that it is quite common for software developers of the different platforms to borrow, steal and or copy ideas from each other. This is how stuff gets standardized across all the platforms. Because of this a user can work on multiple platforms with relative ease. The thing I like about Linux is that I can change the desktop to suit me as I don’t have any MS Win envy. I use Xubuntu which has the Xfce desktop.
Hi!
As a long-time windows user with both moral and technical hatred of the system, I am THRILLED that a linux alternative is available – however that’s not why I’m posting.
I would like to thank you for your sterling work in creating the best Ubuntu for Dummies on the net to date. Your pages saved my ass and really have helped me to transform my PC.
From the bottom of my heart, I am filled with gratitude for your efforts – you’ve made me smile today!
Cheers, Pete
That’s great to hear. Thanks, Pete!