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Blessed are the Geeks, for they shall internet the earthLinux adaption problem: |
Linux adaptation problem:
Will Nett
I've been reading of the many
lamentations of writers touting the lack of Linux adaptation on the desktop.
Most of it I view as whining, but
still I'll entertain your arguments...
1. Can't install Windows applications on Linux: Code weavers has made amazing
inroads on this problem, and although you have to pay a paltry
$50 for the application, Crossover has allowed for me to install and run
Photoshop, MS Office 2003, MS Visio, and even Secure CRT... all MS
Windows applications, and all running fine on my Ubuntu Linux desktop.
2. Can't play microsoft based games: If you're really hard up for the latest
installment of half-life or its mods, then ok... stay with
Windows. If however it's a certain type of game you wish to run, like FPS, or
SIM, or MMORPG, there are actually more ports for Linux than
there are MAC... and yes they are all free. I have Quake, Assault Cube, Google
Earth, etc... all running on my Ubuntu Linux workstation.
Personally, if you're a hard core gamer, just go back to your console like a PS3
or an Xbox 360... you'll probably have a better experience
and less worries about graphics cards or sound card compatibility.
3. Aero looks so cool: Have you seen beryl? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZD7QraljRfM
This beats anything
Microsoft has ever produced.
4. How can something that's free be of value?: I've been asking Steve Ballmer
this for years... if something free doesn't grow a business,
how can Microsoft explain Internet Explorer or Windows Media player?
5. Microsoft has support and indemnification!: Wrong... read your End User
License Agreement the next time you install Windows or any other
Microsoft product. If your workstation or server has a meltdown and takes out
China, they're not responsible. Microsoft employs more
lawyers than congress. If you think for a minute that you can hold them
responsible for anything... well, you have a better chance of
fighting your parking ticket or beating a murder wrap.
6. Microsoft is more secure! I have anti virus and a firewall!: Tell that to my
customers who accidentally installed a lottery or music
toolbar and have subsequently turned their workstations into porn servers. They
had antivirus software and still got infected... all the
while my Linux desktops softly sleeps.
7. But everyone knows and supports Microsoft!: Not true. The docx dilemma alone
has turned Microsoft customers against itself.
I have office 2007... so sad, too bad, you can't open my document unless you
upgrade. Anyone who has a prior doc format can open
anything. Imagine being a company that has just upgraded to office 2003 from
office 2000... and can't open an office 2007 document? Open
your wallet again, or get informed.
8. Hardware Support: This makes me laugh... as there is far better hardware
support for your legacy hardware in Linux than there is in
either MAC or Windows. Wanna buy a web cam for MAC? You'll pay... oh, how you'll
pay. Same thing goes for any hardware.
9. What if I am sued?: Relax, SCO is dead, they lost their lawsuit and are now
looking for lifeboats. The Microsoft funded FUD (Fear
Uncertainty and Doubt) propaganda has failed. They've been delisted from Nasdaq.
You're now free to run Linux.
10. Why am I answering these questions?: Simply put, the floodgates have been
opened, the fear, uncertainty, and doubt are gone. Use what
works for you. Don't be afraid to try something new.
William M. Nett
