Comments on: Ubuntu makes Linux brilliantly simple http://thewayoftheweb.net/2009/04/ubuntu-makes-linux-brilliantly-simple/ Digital Content, Marketing and Disruptive Technology Consultancy Sun, 12 Feb 2012 22:14:32 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Dan Thornton http://thewayoftheweb.net/2009/04/ubuntu-makes-linux-brilliantly-simple/#comment-4770 Dan Thornton Tue, 05 May 2009 19:35:15 +0000 http://thewayoftheweb.net/?p=963#comment-4770 Wow! Thanks for a fantastic response, and you've definitely raised some great points. I totally agree that the biggest barrier with Ubuntu is in installing new applications as most don't allow you to install without compiling, which is going to stop many people. However, I do think that perhaps there are two things in Ubuntu's favour. One is that as a technical professional, you're likely to need to install far more applications than many users. And there's probably quite a large group of people running Windows etc at the moment who will never actually install a new application, as they just want to browse the web, write the occasional CV or letter, and that's about it. And with OpenOffice and Firefox installed, they're effectively sorted. The other aspect is the increasing amount of applications which run 'in the cloud' or are installed as Firefox plugins, for example, which remove much of the need for desktop installs. If Firefox usage continues to rise, and more people become familiar with the ability to install functionality quickly and easily into their browser, this could be a major plus point for Linux/Ubuntu for those who aren't interested in taking everything apart for every application they might want to install! Personally, I'm probably not proficient enough with installing applications and playing around with Ubuntu yet, but in my case, it's something I wanted to try and learn.... Wow! Thanks for a fantastic response, and you’ve definitely raised some great points.
I totally agree that the biggest barrier with Ubuntu is in installing new applications as most don’t allow you to install without compiling, which is going to stop many people.
However, I do think that perhaps there are two things in Ubuntu’s favour.
One is that as a technical professional, you’re likely to need to install far more applications than many users. And there’s probably quite a large group of people running Windows etc at the moment who will never actually install a new application, as they just want to browse the web, write the occasional CV or letter, and that’s about it. And with OpenOffice and Firefox installed, they’re effectively sorted.
The other aspect is the increasing amount of applications which run ‘in the cloud’ or are installed as Firefox plugins, for example, which remove much of the need for desktop installs. If Firefox usage continues to rise, and more people become familiar with the ability to install functionality quickly and easily into their browser, this could be a major plus point for Linux/Ubuntu for those who aren’t interested in taking everything apart for every application they might want to install!
Personally, I’m probably not proficient enough with installing applications and playing around with Ubuntu yet, but in my case, it’s something I wanted to try and learn….

]]> By: Dan Thornton http://thewayoftheweb.net/2009/04/ubuntu-makes-linux-brilliantly-simple/#comment-5910 Dan Thornton Tue, 05 May 2009 19:35:00 +0000 http://thewayoftheweb.net/?p=963#comment-5910 Wow! Thanks for a fantastic response, and you've definitely raised some great points. I totally agree that the biggest barrier with Ubuntu is in installing new applications as most don't allow you to install without compiling, which is going to stop many people. However, I do think that perhaps there are two things in Ubuntu's favour. One is that as a technical professional, you're likely to need to install far more applications than many users. And there's probably quite a large group of people running Windows etc at the moment who will never actually install a new application, as they just want to browse the web, write the occasional CV or letter, and that's about it. And with OpenOffice and Firefox installed, they're effectively sorted. The other aspect is the increasing amount of applications which run 'in the cloud' or are installed as Firefox plugins, for example, which remove much of the need for desktop installs. If Firefox usage continues to rise, and more people become familiar with the ability to install functionality quickly and easily into their browser, this could be a major plus point for Linux/Ubuntu for those who aren't interested in taking everything apart for every application they might want to install! Personally, I'm probably not proficient enough with installing applications and playing around with Ubuntu yet, but in my case, it's something I wanted to try and learn.... Wow! Thanks for a fantastic response, and you’ve definitely raised some great points.
I totally agree that the biggest barrier with Ubuntu is in installing new applications as most don’t allow you to install without compiling, which is going to stop many people.
However, I do think that perhaps there are two things in Ubuntu’s favour.
One is that as a technical professional, you’re likely to need to install far more applications than many users. And there’s probably quite a large group of people running Windows etc at the moment who will never actually install a new application, as they just want to browse the web, write the occasional CV or letter, and that’s about it. And with OpenOffice and Firefox installed, they’re effectively sorted.
The other aspect is the increasing amount of applications which run ‘in the cloud’ or are installed as Firefox plugins, for example, which remove much of the need for desktop installs. If Firefox usage continues to rise, and more people become familiar with the ability to install functionality quickly and easily into their browser, this could be a major plus point for Linux/Ubuntu for those who aren’t interested in taking everything apart for every application they might want to install!
Personally, I’m probably not proficient enough with installing applications and playing around with Ubuntu yet, but in my case, it’s something I wanted to try and learn….

]]> By: Cherbaka http://thewayoftheweb.net/2009/04/ubuntu-makes-linux-brilliantly-simple/#comment-4766 Cherbaka Sun, 03 May 2009 22:50:07 +0000 http://thewayoftheweb.net/?p=963#comment-4766 So, I too have recently forayed into Ubuntu. A technical professional with over 20 years in IT, I'm pretty well versed with computers and operating systems, having run various flavors of Windows, Macs and Linux over the past decade and more. I've installed and run Ubuntu for almost a year and, like you, agree it's easy to install and operate. But that's where it all stopped for me. You see, the "lure" of a free and open OS does little for me. "It's about the applications, stupid" is my mantra these days. I frankly don't care that my OS costs $100 or $200 or $300 to purchase if it means that I can (a) get tons of software to work with it, (b) have great support in terms of vendor fixes and community discussions/fixes, (c) spend little time figuring out how to install/patch/upgrade software or the OS, and (d) get sh*t done. The fact of the matter is, as much as I would LOVE to say to everyone that Ubuntu is the way to go, Windows is STILL the OS to run if you ask me. Linux is great for gearheads who love to hack away at their OS, but not for those of us who just want to get things done. And Apples' OSX (arguably THE OS for those who just want to get things done) is by far more elegant, somewhat safer, and (dare I say) a joy to operate compared to Windows and Linux, but the amount of software and drivers available for the Mac platform pales in comparison to what's available for Windows. Even taking into account Vista's application compatibility problems and driver issues (altho diminishing these days) and increased hardware requirements, I simply cannot fathom why anyone who's computing requirements go beyond simple web surfing, email, and running basic apps wouldn't run Windows (there are a few exceptions, I admit, namely graphics and music professionals who opt for Macs due to high stability and specialized software - altho this is changing). Regarding Ubuntu and Linux, I've heard all the fanboyz talk about how there are all sorts of apps on Linux that do what the apps on Windows do. But if it takes me (a 20 year IT pro) hours to figure out how to compile, make, and install an app, you've lost me. Fanboyz also point out how using WINE and other tools you can run all sorts of Windows apps under Linux; yeah, but again you sorta have to know what you're doing and it seems complicated. Why bother? I just run Windows and get to use everything. And finally, just about any piece of hardware I buy will come with Windows drivers and will work. Not so with Linux (or Ubuntu) - you face potential issues finding drivers, getting them to work, and in many cases no drivers at all. And for any more advanced computing, like running Audio, video, or photo software, dealing with codecs, integrating with various peripherals, handling iPhones/iPods, VPNs, etc. - Linux simply can't compare to Windows. Regarding switching to Macs, I DON'T believe that switching to a Mac will solve most of the afore-mentioned issues. Sure, OSX is beautiful, stable, and relatively secure (partly by design, partly by being an "obscure" platform in the eyes of malware writers), and it does have more applications and drivers than Linux does, but Windows is still THE platform to have for maximum compatibility and flexibility. Most of us don't care about "open" or "free". We want things to just work. One of the most closed, costly, but operative platforms has got to be Apple's iPhone/iPod Touch. But millions of iPhones and iPod Touch's have been sold. There's nothing "open" or "free" about this platform, yet it simply is THE best mobile platform on the market right now. Why? (a) it's elegant, (b) it works and (c) it has tons of apps (30k+). While I know many businesses and government organizations have Linux and Macs running, most of them have "standardized" on Windows. There are so many factors and requirements that business have that really keep them from moving wholesale to Linux or Macs. Read the forums around the net and there's always someone trying to get such-and-such Windows application to work on Linux or Mac, or looking for drivers for something, or trying to get smartcards or other security hardware to work, etc. Organizations without varied or complex requirements can indeed have Linux and Macs in their environments without too many issues, but my experience shows these to be few. So, unless you use your computer for mainly web-based activities, enjoy Ubuntu for a few days. Maybe even go to a Mac and OSX for a bit and enjoy the elegance of that platform. But I guarantee you will most likely end up back on Windows to just get things done. "It's about the applications, stupid." :) So, I too have recently forayed into Ubuntu. A technical professional with over 20 years in IT, I’m pretty well versed with computers and operating systems, having run various flavors of Windows, Macs and Linux over the past decade and more. I’ve installed and run Ubuntu for almost a year and, like you, agree it’s easy to install and operate.

But that’s where it all stopped for me. You see, the “lure” of a free and open OS does little for me. “It’s about the applications, stupid” is my mantra these days. I frankly don’t care that my OS costs $100 or $200 or $300 to purchase if it means that I can (a) get tons of software to work with it, (b) have great support in terms of vendor fixes and community discussions/fixes, (c) spend little time figuring out how to install/patch/upgrade software or the OS, and (d) get sh*t done.

The fact of the matter is, as much as I would LOVE to say to everyone that Ubuntu is the way to go, Windows is STILL the OS to run if you ask me. Linux is great for gearheads who love to hack away at their OS, but not for those of us who just want to get things done. And Apples’ OSX (arguably THE OS for those who just want to get things done) is by far more elegant, somewhat safer, and (dare I say) a joy to operate compared to Windows and Linux, but the amount of software and drivers available for the Mac platform pales in comparison to what’s available for Windows. Even taking into account Vista’s application compatibility problems and driver issues (altho diminishing these days) and increased hardware requirements, I simply cannot fathom why anyone who’s computing requirements go beyond simple web surfing, email, and running basic apps wouldn’t run Windows (there are a few exceptions, I admit, namely graphics and music professionals who opt for Macs due to high stability and specialized software – altho this is changing).

Regarding Ubuntu and Linux, I’ve heard all the fanboyz talk about how there are all sorts of apps on Linux that do what the apps on Windows do. But if it takes me (a 20 year IT pro) hours to figure out how to compile, make, and install an app, you’ve lost me. Fanboyz also point out how using WINE and other tools you can run all sorts of Windows apps under Linux; yeah, but again you sorta have to know what you’re doing and it seems complicated. Why bother? I just run Windows and get to use everything. And finally, just about any piece of hardware I buy will come with Windows drivers and will work. Not so with Linux (or Ubuntu) – you face potential issues finding drivers, getting them to work, and in many cases no drivers at all. And for any more advanced computing, like running Audio, video, or photo software, dealing with codecs, integrating with various peripherals, handling iPhones/iPods, VPNs, etc. – Linux simply can’t compare to Windows.

Regarding switching to Macs, I DON’T believe that switching to a Mac will solve most of the afore-mentioned issues. Sure, OSX is beautiful, stable, and relatively secure (partly by design, partly by being an “obscure” platform in the eyes of malware writers), and it does have more applications and drivers than Linux does, but Windows is still THE platform to have for maximum compatibility and flexibility.

Most of us don’t care about “open” or “free”. We want things to just work. One of the most closed, costly, but operative platforms has got to be Apple’s iPhone/iPod Touch. But millions of iPhones and iPod Touch’s have been sold. There’s nothing “open” or “free” about this platform, yet it simply is THE best mobile platform on the market right now. Why? (a) it’s elegant, (b) it works and (c) it has tons of apps (30k+).

While I know many businesses and government organizations have Linux and Macs running, most of them have “standardized” on Windows. There are so many factors and requirements that business have that really keep them from moving wholesale to Linux or Macs. Read the forums around the net and there’s always someone trying to get such-and-such Windows application to work on Linux or Mac, or looking for drivers for something, or trying to get smartcards or other security hardware to work, etc. Organizations without varied or complex requirements can indeed have Linux and Macs in their environments without too many issues, but my experience shows these to be few.

So, unless you use your computer for mainly web-based activities, enjoy Ubuntu for a few days. Maybe even go to a Mac and OSX for a bit and enjoy the elegance of that platform. But I guarantee you will most likely end up back on Windows to just get things done. “It’s about the applications, stupid.” :)

]]> By: Cherbaka http://thewayoftheweb.net/2009/04/ubuntu-makes-linux-brilliantly-simple/#comment-5909 Cherbaka Sun, 03 May 2009 22:50:00 +0000 http://thewayoftheweb.net/?p=963#comment-5909 So, I too have recently forayed into Ubuntu. A technical professional with over 20 years in IT, I'm pretty well versed with computers and operating systems, having run various flavors of Windows, Macs and Linux over the past decade and more. I've installed and run Ubuntu for almost a year and, like you, agree it's easy to install and operate. But that's where it all stopped for me. You see, the "lure" of a free and open OS does little for me. "It's about the applications, stupid" is my mantra these days. I frankly don't care that my OS costs $100 or $200 or $300 to purchase if it means that I can (a) get tons of software to work with it, (b) have great support in terms of vendor fixes and community discussions/fixes, (c) spend little time figuring out how to install/patch/upgrade software or the OS, and (d) get sh*t done. The fact of the matter is, as much as I would LOVE to say to everyone that Ubuntu is the way to go, Windows is STILL the OS to run if you ask me. Linux is great for gearheads who love to hack away at their OS, but not for those of us who just want to get things done. And Apples' OSX (arguably THE OS for those who just want to get things done) is by far more elegant, somewhat safer, and (dare I say) a joy to operate compared to Windows and Linux, but the amount of software and drivers available for the Mac platform pales in comparison to what's available for Windows. Even taking into account Vista's application compatibility problems and driver issues (altho diminishing these days) and increased hardware requirements, I simply cannot fathom why anyone who's computing requirements go beyond simple web surfing, email, and running basic apps wouldn't run Windows (there are a few exceptions, I admit, namely graphics and music professionals who opt for Macs due to high stability and specialized software - altho this is changing). Regarding Ubuntu and Linux, I've heard all the fanboyz talk about how there are all sorts of apps on Linux that do what the apps on Windows do. But if it takes me (a 20 year IT pro) hours to figure out how to compile, make, and install an app, you've lost me. Fanboyz also point out how using WINE and other tools you can run all sorts of Windows apps under Linux; yeah, but again you sorta have to know what you're doing and it seems complicated. Why bother? I just run Windows and get to use everything. And finally, just about any piece of hardware I buy will come with Windows drivers and will work. Not so with Linux (or Ubuntu) - you face potential issues finding drivers, getting them to work, and in many cases no drivers at all. And for any more advanced computing, like running Audio, video, or photo software, dealing with codecs, integrating with various peripherals, handling iPhones/iPods, VPNs, etc. - Linux simply can't compare to Windows. Regarding switching to Macs, I DON'T believe that switching to a Mac will solve most of the afore-mentioned issues. Sure, OSX is beautiful, stable, and relatively secure (partly by design, partly by being an "obscure" platform in the eyes of malware writers), and it does have more applications and drivers than Linux does, but Windows is still THE platform to have for maximum compatibility and flexibility. Most of us don't care about "open" or "free". We want things to just work. One of the most closed, costly, but operative platforms has got to be Apple's iPhone/iPod Touch. But millions of iPhones and iPod Touch's have been sold. There's nothing "open" or "free" about this platform, yet it simply is THE best mobile platform on the market right now. Why? (a) it's elegant, (b) it works and (c) it has tons of apps (30k+). While I know many businesses and government organizations have Linux and Macs running, most of them have "standardized" on Windows. There are so many factors and requirements that business have that really keep them from moving wholesale to Linux or Macs. Read the forums around the net and there's always someone trying to get such-and-such Windows application to work on Linux or Mac, or looking for drivers for something, or trying to get smartcards or other security hardware to work, etc. Organizations without varied or complex requirements can indeed have Linux and Macs in their environments without too many issues, but my experience shows these to be few. So, unless you use your computer for mainly web-based activities, enjoy Ubuntu for a few days. Maybe even go to a Mac and OSX for a bit and enjoy the elegance of that platform. But I guarantee you will most likely end up back on Windows to just get things done. "It's about the applications, stupid." :) So, I too have recently forayed into Ubuntu. A technical professional with over 20 years in IT, I’m pretty well versed with computers and operating systems, having run various flavors of Windows, Macs and Linux over the past decade and more. I’ve installed and run Ubuntu for almost a year and, like you, agree it’s easy to install and operate.

But that’s where it all stopped for me. You see, the “lure” of a free and open OS does little for me. “It’s about the applications, stupid” is my mantra these days. I frankly don’t care that my OS costs $100 or $200 or $300 to purchase if it means that I can (a) get tons of software to work with it, (b) have great support in terms of vendor fixes and community discussions/fixes, (c) spend little time figuring out how to install/patch/upgrade software or the OS, and (d) get sh*t done.

The fact of the matter is, as much as I would LOVE to say to everyone that Ubuntu is the way to go, Windows is STILL the OS to run if you ask me. Linux is great for gearheads who love to hack away at their OS, but not for those of us who just want to get things done. And Apples’ OSX (arguably THE OS for those who just want to get things done) is by far more elegant, somewhat safer, and (dare I say) a joy to operate compared to Windows and Linux, but the amount of software and drivers available for the Mac platform pales in comparison to what’s available for Windows. Even taking into account Vista’s application compatibility problems and driver issues (altho diminishing these days) and increased hardware requirements, I simply cannot fathom why anyone who’s computing requirements go beyond simple web surfing, email, and running basic apps wouldn’t run Windows (there are a few exceptions, I admit, namely graphics and music professionals who opt for Macs due to high stability and specialized software – altho this is changing).

Regarding Ubuntu and Linux, I’ve heard all the fanboyz talk about how there are all sorts of apps on Linux that do what the apps on Windows do. But if it takes me (a 20 year IT pro) hours to figure out how to compile, make, and install an app, you’ve lost me. Fanboyz also point out how using WINE and other tools you can run all sorts of Windows apps under Linux; yeah, but again you sorta have to know what you’re doing and it seems complicated. Why bother? I just run Windows and get to use everything. And finally, just about any piece of hardware I buy will come with Windows drivers and will work. Not so with Linux (or Ubuntu) – you face potential issues finding drivers, getting them to work, and in many cases no drivers at all. And for any more advanced computing, like running Audio, video, or photo software, dealing with codecs, integrating with various peripherals, handling iPhones/iPods, VPNs, etc. – Linux simply can’t compare to Windows.

Regarding switching to Macs, I DON’T believe that switching to a Mac will solve most of the afore-mentioned issues. Sure, OSX is beautiful, stable, and relatively secure (partly by design, partly by being an “obscure” platform in the eyes of malware writers), and it does have more applications and drivers than Linux does, but Windows is still THE platform to have for maximum compatibility and flexibility.

Most of us don’t care about “open” or “free”. We want things to just work. One of the most closed, costly, but operative platforms has got to be Apple’s iPhone/iPod Touch. But millions of iPhones and iPod Touch’s have been sold. There’s nothing “open” or “free” about this platform, yet it simply is THE best mobile platform on the market right now. Why? (a) it’s elegant, (b) it works and (c) it has tons of apps (30k+).

While I know many businesses and government organizations have Linux and Macs running, most of them have “standardized” on Windows. There are so many factors and requirements that business have that really keep them from moving wholesale to Linux or Macs. Read the forums around the net and there’s always someone trying to get such-and-such Windows application to work on Linux or Mac, or looking for drivers for something, or trying to get smartcards or other security hardware to work, etc. Organizations without varied or complex requirements can indeed have Linux and Macs in their environments without too many issues, but my experience shows these to be few.

So, unless you use your computer for mainly web-based activities, enjoy Ubuntu for a few days. Maybe even go to a Mac and OSX for a bit and enjoy the elegance of that platform. But I guarantee you will most likely end up back on Windows to just get things done. “It’s about the applications, stupid.” :)

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