Tag: Linux

Ubuntu: The Open Source Apple Challenger?

Mark Shuttleworth’s vision I know I’m not the only Ubuntu user blogging about Mark Shuttleworth saying he wants to make Ubuntu better-looking than OS X in the next two years. He also says I can’t say we will succeed at this, but we will make a significant attempt to elevate the Linux desktop to the… Continue reading Ubuntu: The Open Source Apple Challenger?

Sometimes Linux users crack me up

Hey, I’m a Linux user and have been for over three years. I love the community. They’re helpful and giving. They’re often idealistic. Sometimes, though, they’re a little bit crazy. Recently, Best Buy has started stocking boxed versions of Ubuntu in many of their stores. When news of this hit the Ubuntu Forums, there were… Continue reading Sometimes Linux users crack me up

Does Ubuntu need antivirus?

This is a very common question that comes up on the Ubuntu Forums from new users migrating from Windows. The answer, of course, is “No, Ubuntu doesn’t need antivirus.” Linux (and sometimes Mac) users often get accused of being smug or complacent for saying they don’t need antivirus, so I think I have to clarify… Continue reading Does Ubuntu need antivirus?

Explaining Linux lingo to non-Linux users

The other day, I was trying to explain to my wife why I wanted to install Ubuntu on my Eee PC in place of Xandros. She is not tech-stupid. She’s quite tech-savvy actually. She just isn’t that Linux-savvy. I found myself spewing out a whole bunch of words I knew she wouldn’t understand. Why would… Continue reading Explaining Linux lingo to non-Linux users

Got-to-have-it-now software installers

Every now and then, someone on the Ubuntu Forums complains that it’s difficult to get the latest versions of software and that the software in the Ubuntu repositories is several months old. I don’t get this. That’s the whole point. That’s a benefit. It’s one of the great things about Ubuntu (and lots of other… Continue reading Got-to-have-it-now software installers

Teach kids computer skills, not computer programs

Frequently, in online discussions of the putting of Linux and/or open source in schools, the idea of preparing children for the Windows-dominated workplace comes up. The idea is that most workplaces use Windows and Microsoft Office and will sometimes even require proficiency in certain Windows applications, so how would putting Linux and open source software… Continue reading Teach kids computer skills, not computer programs

Why is Firefox in Windows better than Firefox in Linux?

I like Firefox. I use it at work. I use it at home. I get annoyed when I have to use other people’s computers and they don’t have Firefox installed. I have to say, though, as a three-year Linux user, that Firefox on Linux sucks, and that there’s absolutely no good reason for this suckage.… Continue reading Why is Firefox in Windows better than Firefox in Linux?

Wake-up call: Apple won’t port iTunes to Linux

Introduction I want to bring iTunes-loving Linux users back to reality. As you can see from the following Ubuntu Forums threads, some Ubuntu-ites are deluded about the idea of Apple porting iTunes to Linux: Why Apple doesn’t want to release iTunes for Linux Petition – iTunes for Ubuntu Should Apple port iTunes to Linux? The… Continue reading Wake-up call: Apple won’t port iTunes to Linux

The writers who cried YOTLD

If you have followed tech news closely at all within the last ten years, you’ve probably heard the phrase year of the Linux desktop before. This is the year that Linux makes a breakthrough with home users, and suddenly Microsoft’s dominant market share comes toppling down. I believe people have been proclaiming various years as… Continue reading The writers who cried YOTLD