First off, for those of you not versed in Operating Systems let’s have a brief overview of the top 3 currently being used.
- Windows. Seriously, there’s not a lot to say. With over 90% of the world’s computers running Microsoft Windows in one shape or another, you’re probably using it now so there’s no reason to dwell on it.
- MAC OS. The second most popular operating system (with a whole 8% market share) is the Mac Operating System. Touted for it’s ease of use and good looks, you can find this on popular systems like the MacBook and iMac.
- Linux. Free and OpenSource (meaning it’s free and built and maintained by volunteers, not a big company) this operating system is most popular amongst do-it-yourselfers and real computer geeks. Linux comes in many different varieties with Ubuntu, Red Hat, and Suse being some of the most popular.
Now on to the meat!!
Installing Ubuntu is pretty easy and straightforward. You either download it for free and make your own installation DVD, or you order a free disc from the Ubuntu website. A much needed upgrade from previous versions, Ubuntu now supports most devices natively, and even has some amazing visual effects that surpass Windows Vista. In addition to sporting good device recognition out of the box, it also has just about every program you could need, including free alternatives to Microsoft Office (OpenOffice), a web browser, media player, instant messaging program, games, and more! Seriously, it comes with all that when you first boot it up. It’s so good, you could almost give it to someone without telling them it’s not Windows and they could get going right away. Almost.
There are just a few too many problems preventing Ubuntu from taking on Windows or Mac. While it comes with a great suite of applications, adding new ones isn’t straightforward. You can get a lot of great software by using Add/Remove programs (It’s a utility named Synatpic if you’re curious), but some of the more commonly recommended programs weren’t actually available that way. I was forced to go find and install them myself, which wouldn’t be an issue if Ubuntu made sense when it installed things, but it’ doesn’t, because programs don’t install into a main folder like they do with Windows. While the Linux people I’ve spoken with say this is by design (you control what Linux does, not the person who wrote the software), it’s not convenient for the average user. Then there’s customization issue. Windows ships with at least a handful of different themes and backgrounds. Not so with Ubuntu. Want to change a theme? Good luck. Background? No so hard, but you’ll have to find the picture yourself. Screen saver? There are several to choose from, but they’re horrible. And the final reason I wouldn’t recommend anyone switch yet? The “Terminal”. Remember DOS, remember the Command Prompt? There’s a reason we don’t use Command Prompt anymore. It’s not intuitive. People like to use a GUI (Graphical User Interface – windows and preferences screens) to make changes to programs, configure settings, and install stuff. Until Ubuntu somehow removes the necessity to use Terminal for more complex chores, the average user won’t be interested.
Ubuntu is free to download, free to use, and has LOTS of free programs available for it. While it is very easy to install and generally configures itself correctly the first time, there are just too many issues preventing it from being mainstream.
I’ve been a huge proponent of Trillian for years. At one time it was really the only big player in the Multi-Protocol Messenger Arena (meaning it’s one program that can connect to many IM programs at once). I had friends on AIM, family on Yahoo, and no one on MSN (but I still logged on) so it was great to have one program instead of three. But over the years Trillian hasn’t kept up with the times. Missing features and things that just flat out didn’t work – Video Chat, I’m looking at you – caused me to yearn for something better. So I looked around. Meebo, who wants to be have to open a web page to use IM? Pidgin – ugly and an incredibly small feature set. Then I ran into Digsby.