The latest edition of the world's popular Linux distribution, Ubuntu was released on 29 April 2010. Codenamed Lucid Lynx, Ubuntu 10.04 is a long term service edition, unlike its predecessor. Desktop editions will get services and security updates for 3 years. Join the free software community by switching to Ubuntu 10.04. If you are not familiar with Linux, atleast give it a try. You'll surely love it. Visit the ubuntu site for more details
A computer in any form – desktop or laptop or netbook, needs an operating system to function. That is what makes all the difference. So many kinds of operating systems are available. Some are popular, some are gaining popularity and some are losing it. The following is an actual event.
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Scene 1 (A Computer Shop)
A man walks inside the shop. The sales executive smiles heartily.
Executive: Good Morning Sir. Please be seated.
Customer sits in a chair opposite him.
Customer: Thank you. Hmmm, I came to enquire about laptops.
Executive: Well, how much is your budget sir?
Customer: Around Rs.30,000
Executive searches his desk and produces a printed estimate.
Executive: Sir, this is the price list of laptops
Customer reads the list. He ponders for a minute. He then pushes the list to the executive and points to a particular brand.
Customer: How about this one?
Executive: Nice one sir. Total costs around Rs.29,000. Has got nice features. But, they don't provide O.S with it. But, we will install 'the popular O.S' for you.
Customer: No, no. I don't need it. Do you have linux? Ubuntu?
Executive: (slightly confused) I think we have it. What's the latest version?
Customer: 9.10
Executive: No, we don't have that. But we have 9.0
Customer: 9.04?
Executive: Yes, that one.
Customer: O.k, that's enough. I need it this weekend.
Executive: No problem sir.
Customer: O.k. Then I will buy it this weekend
Executive: Thank you
Scene 2 (Same Computer Shop, 3 days later)
Customer walks in. A warm smile wraps the lips of the executive. He politely asks the customer to sit, and goes inside. Customer sits an looks around. A moment later, the executive comes back with a new laptop. Customer examines it and nods.
Executive: We will install O.S in it. And you want Linux. Yes?
Customer: Yes, Linux.... only.
The Executive's expression changes from astonishment to horror. He looks at the customer as if asking 'how are you going to use this laptop?'. A computer operator comes and takes the laptop inside. Customer follows. He turns it on and slides a c.d inside and begins the installation process.
Operator: Not many people ask for linux here. Some have it installed along with 'the popular O.S', to avoid virus problems.
Customer: I use it at home. I loved it. No problem till now. I could get every need of mine from it's software library.
Operator: I've used Ubuntu while I was at Bangalore. It's a nice one. Easy to use too
Customer: No copyright problems and all.
Operator: No one has asked for linux here in a new system. Every one wants the 7th instalment of 'the popular O.S'.
Customer: May be because, most people don't know other types of O.S exist. They are far more advantageous than what they use now.
Operator: Popular trend. For most people, 'the popular O.S' is synonymous to computers.
Customer: It has got it's own drawbacks.
Operator: Sure. Many school kids take new systems to play games and surf and load the system with viruses a week after they buy a new system. Every day, we've got atleast 2 systems to format. They don't understand.
Customer: Why don't you try to popularise Linux? Ask people to give it a try.
Operator: Most are still under the impression that Linux is still a command line O.S. They haven't cared to enquire about it.
Customer: Even computer engg. students are reluctant to embrace Linux. Let alone common people.
Operator: I haven't used Ubuntu much. Will it support integrated camera and bluetooth in this lap?
Customer: Sure, there are some softwares available. It will work. Just have to download it. Every application is available.
Operator: Oh! that's great.
As the conversation went on, the installation progressed. In about 25 minutes the laptop had Ubuntu installed in it. Customer examines the system. Feeling satisfied, he pays for it and leaves the shop.
Scene 3 (Customer's home, same day)
Customer installs the necessary libraries to compile C/C++ programs, a camera software, plugins to open music and video files. These new programs, installed with ease, plus the pre-installed photo editor, browser, office package, instant messenger, bluetooth, disc burning softwares makes the customer smile heartily.
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A computer installed with only open source softwares is like an unpoisoned coffee. You can trust it fully. You can use it. No side effects. But the proprietary softwares are taking advantage of it's customers by giving them drugged coffee. Once you drink it, you may become an addict and there will be no return.
The latest version of Ubuntu Linux, Ubuntu 9.10 codenamed Karmic Koala is ready from October 29th, 2009. Like it's predecessors, this one too is free and you can download it from the ubuntu website or request for a free c.d.
As I have earlier stated, using open source applications have many advantages over propreitary ones. The world is now embracing Linux and its companions. Our Kerala Government too promote open source applications. This reduces cost, increases efficiency and security. Please support open source applications by switching to Linux. Think free, Breathe free and Live free with Ubuntu.
UBUNTU means HUMANITY TO OTHERS
BE HUMANE; PROMOTE UBUNTU
SUPPORT UBUNTU
This is the alternate title of 2007 Hollywood film Diehard 4.0 starring Bruce Willis. But, in this technical world, it has got a different perspective. Either you can live (and think) freely using open source softwares or be a diehard user of proprietary softwares.
Open source softwares have many advantages over proprietary ones. The major one is the cost. Usually open source softwares are free of cost. One can download it from net and install in one's computer, and are encouraged to spread it. Operating systems like Ubuntu even ship you a c.d ABSOLUTELY FREE OF COST!!!! (Isn't it too tempting an offer?). Proprietary softwares, on the other hand, cost you money (and your freedom). Also, they are designed for a single use. You can't simply borrow your friend's software and install it in your system (legally). Ofcourse, they may design it for many users, but the cost too will be manifold (exponentially!!).
If you are well versed in programming, and you feel that your existing software doesn't have a feature you want (or it has a bug), then you can modify (or debug) it in open source softwares ONLY. Because, only they come to you with their source code. You can alter it, spread it. You can't get the source code of a proprietary software.
The major drawback of a Windows (a proprietary software) system is, it is prone to virus attacks. These harmful little programs can affect your valuable data. But Linux systems are unassailable to Windows viruses.
One major setback to the open source softwares is “THE COMMON MAN'S ATTITUDE”. For most people, Windows is synonymous to computer. Most people are under the impression that Linux is like a command line O.S, that is not user friendly, lacks technical perfection etc. Gone are those days. Modern Linus O.S are beautiful, user-friendly, technically advanced et al. There are various Linux distributions, like,
UBUNTU, REDHAT, SUSE, FEDORA, MANDRIVA and even LINSPIRE (which is not free though)
One more advantage of Linux O.S is that it comes with an office suite (openoffice.org), an image editinf software (GIMP). But in Windows, you have to buy these additional ones. Also, it has Firefox as it's browser (a major browser software and a major threat to I.E). Also, if you need a software for a particular purpose, you can simply download it, install in an instant, get going. (as simple as 1,... 2,.... 3)
Linux is not without some limitations. If you are looking forward to install Linux, sit back and enjoy some music, or watch a video, you may be disheartened at first, because the inbuilt media player can't play them. (due to proprietary limitations of formats like mp3, wav etc.) But you can (of course, you will) download the required codecs from the net , WITHOUT PAYMENT (of course, excluding the nominal data charges) and ROCK ON..... So in Linux, there is always a way. You just need to log into a community website, post the question, get the answer, implement it. Simple!!!
So, you have two options- to LIVE FREE or be DIEHARD. The choice is upto you....