The Ubuntu Project Post#2: The Copywriter’s Software Dilemma
By Tom Chandler on Jun 26, 2008 in Writer tools
I’m a week into my Linux test flight, and Ubuntu is working largely as advertised.
It seems its reputation as a hard-to-use/hard to install OS is outdated – at least for Ubuntu. (For an amusing look at Bill Gates’ take on Windows XP usability, go here).
Over the last few days, I created and shipped a pair of estimates, a couple pieces of copy, a marketing plan, a press release and an invoice (all created in OpenOffice and saved in MS Word format).
Though I asked, I received zero negative feedback from clients about un-openable or malformed documents.
I’m testing a couple twitter clients (Twitterfox & gTwitter), and handling my IM traffic with Pidgin. My blog images are editing nicely in Gimp (a fast open source image editor), and OpenOffice works just like it did when I used it on Windows.
I also edited a pair of landing pages in KompoZer – a WYSIWYG html editor (I use Namo Web Editor in Windows).
I’m less taken with Evolution – the Linux equivalent to Outlook – and may start searching for a calendar/contact manager to pair with Thunderbird.
In short, it’s largely business as usual, only a bit faster. In fact, I’m struck by how easy the transition has been, and how little disruption I’ve experienced.
But then, I already use a lot of open source software. And there have been a few difficulties.
My USB microphone (M-Audio “Podcast Factory”) isn’t playing nice with Ubuntu and Audacity (open source audio editor). It was plug-and-play on Vista (XP required the installation of a truly annoying driver), but I have yet to crack the code on Ubuntu, and don’t have time to invest more than a few minutes.
And my laptop’s display brightness control is far too coarse (no steps between fully bright and too dim).
Finally, I encountered a very, very strange ftp issue, where I couldn’t get files to appear on my server using Filezilla on Linux, yet the exact same settings produced the correct results when using Filezilla on Vista (I’ll troubleshoot this one a bit more).
I like the cleanliness of the Ubuntu interface. And enjoy not having to re-boot the computer after a few hours of intensive program switching (like I did in Windows).
Yes, I’m still pining for a better blog editor. And have yet to find a simple, GUI text editor with realtime character/word/line count stats.
But it’s clear that I could run my business in Linux. But do I want to? And would other writers?
I see three key barriers limiting Linux adoption by rank & file “word workers.”
- Software availability
- Compatibility with client systems
- The “Windows Tax” (PCs arrive with Windows installed, so why switch?)
We’ll look at the second two in subsequent posts; right now, let’s deal with the software question.
Software Availability
Linux fans claim technical superiority for the operating system – a hollow claim if you can’t run the software needed to do your job.
For example, at the right hand of many copywriters lies Microsoft Word – the clear corporate standard and the word processor of choice for many copywriters.
Clearly, if you absolutely must use MS Word, then there’s no reason to run Linux; Word simply isn’t available.
For many copywriters, the story begins and ends right there (though a few will use Word on a Mac).
Still, change is a constant, and the writing world isn’t nearly as MS Word-focused as it has been. In fact, plenty of writers are using anything but MS Word — and without ill effects on their business. Why?
- We’re seeing a growing emphasis on unformatted copy for online use (any text editor can deliver a .txt or .rtf file)
- Modern word processors are far better at saving files in MS Word format
- A powerful, open source alternative to MS Office has emerged (OpenOffice)
- Hosted office suites have arrived (Google Docs, Zoho, etc)
- The latest version of MS Word uses a radically different interface, and not everybody’s happy about that
- Our writing efforts are fragmenting across our desktops (blog editors, twitter & IM clients, email, etc)
I bailed on Word a couple years ago when yet another upgrade arrived – one that actually made the software less useful to me.
I tried OpenOffice, it worked well, I was happy, and I never looked back. I haven’t suffered for the decision.
If I wrote long, technical documents for a corporate client who demanded MS Word compatibility, I don’t know if I’d be similarly happy.
And of course, word processors are only part of the deal.
Clearly, we’re doing more with Web browsers and Java apps every day, but plenty of Windows-only software exists (much of it vertical market), and while I’ve found a serviceable replacement in every “main” category for my Windows software, it’s clear that won’t be true for everyone.
Hardcore Quicken users might find a home in GnuCash, but others won’t. Other problem areas include games, hobby software, some online clients… the list of potential problem software is long.
Linux partisans are quick to point out that Wine offers you the ability to run some Windows programs on the Linux OS, and they’re right – to a point.
The real question is this: why would anyone switch to Linux if it meant running a critical piece of software in emulation?
My time in Linux assures me it’s possible (simple, actually) to run a writing business on Linux. The lack of viruses, the automatic (and daily updates), the low cost, the performance, the stability, the support, and the total absence of Microsoft looking over your shoulder (anyone enjoy downloading the Windows Software Validation tool?) are pluses.
But the absence of some software is a minus. How much of a minus?
That depends wholly on your perspective. Newer writers – with less time and data invested in legacy software – should find it a lot easier.
I’ll delve into the other barriers to Linux adoption — and a few reasons why you should consider Linux — in an upcoming post. Right now, I’m packing for two weeks of fly fishing in Montana, where I’ll be writing and filing blog reports from my Linux-equipped laptop.
Keep writing, Tom Chandler.Technorati Tags: linux, ubuntu, ubuntu project, openoffice,
An interesting series Tom. Thanks for doing it. I’ve used all 3 main OSes (Windows, OS X and Ubuntu) and I’d agree with your take so far.
One question for you - how does the availability of online services alter your outlook on this transition? For example, there’s an online version of Quickbooks (though you might need IE to use it, I’ve not checked in a while). Web based email (Gmail, Yahoo, etc) can be very capable and with things like Google Apps for Domains you can move that part of your workflow into the browser.
rickg | Jun 26, 2008 | Reply
I’ve been running Ubuntu since an untimely file system FUBAR in XP back in February, and I’ve never looked back. There’s almost always something that meets the requirements, though I don’t have anywhere near the amount of crucial projects that a freelance of your status must have to juggle.
Regarding the FTP issue, I recommend gFTP over Filezilla; Filezilla works brilliantly on XP, but doesn’t seem so fly on Ubuntu. gFTP may not look pretty, but it’s fast and functional, and also allows me to back-up Wordpress thumbnails that get created with restricted permissions due to the way my hosting is set up, which Filezilla simply wouldn’t do. Give it a spin.
Paul Raven | Jun 26, 2008 | Reply
I agree with your assessment of Ubuntu. The great plus that has prompted me to buy two laptops with Ubuntu pre-installed (after first converting a cheap XP clone to Ubuntu) is the freedom from the constant Windows software upgrade pay model. I just couldn’t afford to have four computers and maintain all of the software under Windows, especially the antivirus subscriptions.
The main shortcoming with Ubuntu and any Linux distribution is the problem with proprietary code for media such as DVDs. Getting Ubuntu to play DVDs in the United States requires what amounts to illegal activity. One way around this, however, is the arrival of pre-installed Ubuntu that includes the proprietary software. Recently I purchased Dell’s XPS 1330 laptop with Ubuntu preinstalled. (No Microsoft tax.) Included, was software that allowed me to play DVDs without any additional installing of restricted codecs.
Ubuntu has brought Linux to a point where the choice of operating system is no longer ease of use. Some people must have Windows. Some people must have Macs. But if you don’t have any special needs, if you are just browsing the Internet and editing your family photos and writing a résumé (I’m saving mine in PDF to avoid any OpenOffice compatibility issues), then there is really no reason not to try Ubuntu.
On that ease of use point: I saw your reference to Kompozer. I opened the Synaptic Package Manager, searched for the word “kompozer,” checked the kompozer package and then clicked “apply.” While I continuted reading your blog, the computer downloaded all required files and installed Kompozer on my computer. How can it be easier than that?
jlhughes | Jun 26, 2008 | Reply
Rick: Hosted software solutions would seem to offer the world an OS-agnostic workspace, but I’m far from convinced.
I don’t like the sluggishness of Google Docs and Zoho compared to using my own word processor. And I’m not wholly thrilled about the idea of sending my financial data to someone else’s server.
That said, hosted solutions are changing the way we work (especially organizations), and the more we do through the browser, the less it matters what OS we’re running.
Whether that frees us entirely from the bonds of a specific OS remains to be seen, but it can’t hurt.
Paul: Thanks for the tip. I’ll try it.
jlhughes: The package manager is due for some praise in an upcoming post. It’s startlingly easy, though it is hampered by the cryptic names attached to Linux software and some pretty vague descriptions.
It’s a remarkable idea, but it also exposes novices to something it’s possible they shouldn’t see…
Tom Chandler | Jun 26, 2008 | Reply
Tom,
I’d not use an online wordprocessor (at this point), but email? Yeah, I love my Gmail.
Financial data is an interesting point - you need to backup and, for disaster recovery purposes, should have an offsite backup. But the security of THAT is an issue. Adnd if you have QUicken on a laptop that can get stolen.
I wish my bank would, as a part of business banking, offer a private label version of Quicken etc. After all, they already have much of my financial information.
rickg | Jun 26, 2008 | Reply
Rick: What I had in mind were niche packages. For example, I used a chess database to manage my online chess games. And a Windows-based keyword research tool.
A lot of hosted solutions do make sense (salesforce, Wordtracker, etc), and they’re definitely eliminating many of the reasons to prefer one platform over another.
Tom Chandler | Jun 26, 2008 | Reply
Not sure how much configuring would be involved for you, but there does seem to be some Linux blogging software out there: http://www.linux.com/articles/58265
EBS | Jun 27, 2008 | Reply
I’m surrendering. I thought I’d be a part of this grand venture into Ubuntu-land, getting on the band wagon.
Well, I’ve attempted to install the drivers for my non-functioning network card this entire evening.And i’m not even close to a solution.
I have a feeling I have to compile the drivers first!?! Why cant I just put them in a folder, or click on an icon?
Ubuntu seems to be very user friendly up to a point. Then there is this vast gap of nothingness until you reach geek-speak-cliff with its sudo, modprobe, grep and ndiswrapper.
I am utterly at a loss on this one. Either linux isn’t ready for me, or i’m not ready for linux.
You’ll have to go on without me.
Rolf | Jun 28, 2008 | Reply
Comments first:
“For example, there’s an online version of Quickbooks (though you might need IE to use it, I’ve not checked in a while)”
-Firefox has addons to fix this: IE-tab i think its called, thats atleast what it does: )
“the problem with proprietary code for media such as DVDs.”
-search ubuntuforums.org for restricted extras, think you can even search for it in synaptics
“Well, I’ve attempted to install the drivers for my non-functioning network card this entire evening.And i’m not even close to a solution.”
-Im guessing you have a wireless networkscard, they can be a bitch to get to work. My tip for you is going to ubuntuforums.org and search for your networkscard, if you do not know what it is, google your laptop and find it that way. You will prolly find a guide. Although the guide will most likely inklude basic commandline. But its not very hard. Its very often just a ctrl-c / ctrl-v.
Tom:
“I’m less taken with Evolution – the Linux equivalent to Outlook – and may start searching for a calendar/contact manager to pair with Thunderbird.”
-Keep me updated on this one: ) Not my cup o tea, but my dad is in need of such a prog.
“And my laptop’s display brightness control is far too coarse (no steps between fully bright and too dim).”
-Try right-clicking on your “menubar” press add to panel and find brightnessaplet, add itt: ) and slide your brightness.
* Software availability
* Compatibility with client systems
* The “Windows Tax” (PCs arrive with Windows installed, so why switch?)
1: There is usually free software with aprox same functionality as windowsprograms. And there is always wine : ) For those special programs you cant do without.
2: Most likely issue here is fileformats. ANd ubuntu kinda lets you save it as you choose.
3: Well, your comp got a new life after switching, right? THats why I did the switch. My comp came with vista. And after doubling my ram without getting a faster comp, I gave up vista and decided to try ubuntu instead of going pirate with xp. Also, you might get away cheaper, buying used computers for less and refurbushing them with ubuntu. Also i think both asus and ibm is selling with linux.
On the question, if you want to: Its all about personal neuances. I prefer linux, but dont hate windows or mac. But as a journalist/student, i think ubuntu matches my needs best: )
“Other problem areas include games, hobby software, some online clients…”
-Yes, there are problem-areas. : ) Most programs are free. THat means basicly that someone needs to have an interest for a “niche” and either the cash or the programmingskills to back it up, for a program to be made.
“The real question is this: why would anyone switch to Linux if it meant running a critical piece of software in emulation?”
-If it makes your old computer usable, why not? It is actually in my mind a way to make more people considder a switch. If there is one prog. they are utterly relying on, that is windows only, there are good chances they can run it under wine, and a switch would be less painfull.
oh. And have fun fishing: )
(only things not working for me right now is: Webcam, and possibly microphone but i havent tested it. And I hardly need the webcam+mic.) But ofcourse it would be great getting it to work, but I dont think it will be worth the time and effort for me right now: ) And that was maybe the essence of your post?
Marius | Jun 29, 2008 | Reply
EBS: Thanks for the pointer to that article. I’d read that one, but the majority of the software has yet to measure up to packages like Windows LiveWriter. Once back from my fly fishing vacation, I plan to take a second look at all of them.
Rolf: Sorry to hear you’re abandoning your trial, though I understand your sentiments. It seems as if most things aren’t that hard to do in Linux, but sometimes it’s not entirely clear how to do them (installing DVD-playing software for example).
Before you give up entirely, have you tried the Ubuntu documentation or forums? Helpful.
Marius: I’m still on my fly fishing vacation (disconnecting for a whole week is an odd sensation), but your points are well taken.
I’ll explore the rest of your post (in an upcoming article) soon after I get back.
Tom Chandler | Jul 5, 2008 | Reply
Back in the “old” days (pre-1990ish) you accepted the fact that you had to put in some command line entries to get your computer to work. Then came Table of Contents screens, where you could add a list of your programs, highlight the one you wanted, and hit “Enter”. Finally Windows started making some real in-roads (Windows 3.0, I think, is where things started to get serious…)
Yes, there were glitches with these operating systems and gadgets. But it was exciting, a glimpse into a future where computer would work for us, and not vice-versa…
Apparently, that day is yet to come. I know, programming is a difficult thing and creating something as large as Microsoft Vista is bound to have a few mistakes. But why does Microsoft feel the need to reinvent the wheel every time? Why not build on a stable platform like Windows 98, and add the features you need?
In aviation, it took 20 years to go from powered flight to the first jets. In medicine, it took 20 years to go from discovering DNA to finding a way to dissect and read it. In computer software, it took 20 years to go from entering commands into your Microsoft DOS to entering commands into your Linux DOS…
When are we going to get to the point where things just work?
Great series though Tom — and ambitious. Besides everything else, I think you have outlined beautifully why Windows will be the choice of non-tech business users for years to come…!
~Graham
Graham Strong | Jul 6, 2008 | Reply
Graham: You make some excellent points, though I feel compelled to point out that the command line isn’t really a part of the Ubuntu experience.
The DVD mess could have been resolved through the Synaptics Package Manager if I’d only found the right information. The package manager makes software installation and uninstallation a much, much nicer process than with Windows.
In simple terms, I’m not at all sure your conclusion is correct — especially if Linux becomes widely available pre-installed.
After all, consider all the horror stories you’ve heard from folks trying to upgrade a PC to Vista…
Another installment coming soon.
Tom Chandler | Jul 7, 2008 | Reply
Graham,
great.. disinformation.
1) First powered flight.. 1903. First Jet flight.. 1939. And that was a single pilot
2) First pictures showing DNA has a regular structure, 1937 though it was noticed as early as 1869. First sequencing experiments… 1977. First sequence of an entire genome.. 1995.
3) You never have to touch the command line in Ubuntu…
Given all of the errors in your argument, I’m not surprised you continue to use Windows.
rick | Jul 7, 2008 | Reply
Hi Tom,
Wow, I’m really getting slammed this morning! Guess you take that chance whenever you try to be glib…
For the record, I have not used Ubuntu — let’s get that clear first so I’m not misrepresenting myself here. I am one of those people who is deathly afraid of getting myself into a port that I just can’t finish.
I understand that Ubuntu is not a DOS-like operating system, but with the references I’ve read about adding lines of code and tweaking variables to get things to work like the DVD and the network card, it seemed like an apt metaphor. The “command line” reference comes directly from Marius’s comment, and was used tongue-in-cheek to underline my point that this is way too complicated — yet — for the average office cubicle worker or home user.
But that does lead to my next point: I stand behind my statement that the corporate world won’t be moving to Linux in the foreseeable future, even if PCs do get packaged with it. You can bet that (a) companies will not buy computers right now with Linux installed, (b) if they do, they’ll have Windows put back on, and (c) Microsoft will not stand by and let Linux “organically” take over the corporate world. They will jump in long before that happens and put up a fight.
But the basic issue is that for most people, the computer is a tool and nothing more. Any savings that companies realize by moving from Microsoft to free, open source software will be eaten up 10 times over by retraining everyone and getting things to work.
You said it yourself in a roundabout way (though in reference to the lack of software at this point): “Newer writers – with less time and data invested in legacy software – should find it a lot easier.” That holds true of companies too.
Upgrading to Vista may be a horror, but it is a known horror. Linux is a big question mark, and that is infinitely more scary…
Don’t get me wrong. I’ve been looking for the giant killer since about the time Windows adopted “Start Me Up” as its own. I was using WordPerfect before Word was invented (but sadly had to abandon it in those days before compatibility between the two). I watched when Corel threw its then-considerable resources into Linux, got into bed with Sun Microsystems, and still got its ass handed to it. And I’ve seen Google rise to power by carefully avoiding the Microsoft domain — until recently that is… I still say if any company is going to overtake Microsoft and its army of software, Google is the best bet.
In short, Ubuntu may be the best answer right now for certain individuals, but I don’t hold my breath for any Linux-based solution taking over the world any more.
@rickg - Wow, sorry to offend… Guess I should do some better fact-checking before I make some off-handed, tongue-in-cheek remarks.
But for the record (and to correct your own disinformation): the first powered flight was in 1884, a controllable airship launched in France.
The first powered aeroplane is generally recognized to be the Wright Brothers plane (which I assume you are referring to), however there are many legitimate claims refuting this, including one in Conneticut two years earlier.
You were right about the first known jet flight.
As for DNA: the working model of DNA which we accept today was outlined in 1953. I would argue that this is the “discovery” point of DNA, though I accept your arguement that scientists first noticed it earlier, even though the could not describe it or know its function.
And for Ubuntu — explained above in my reply to Tom. The term “command line” was used tongue-in-cheek. I am a cheeky monkey.
In kind, I could go through and correct your many mistakes in punctuation, but I will pass. However I would very much like to hear your theory on determining the operating system used by any one person based solely on their off-the-cuff knowledge of obscure historical facts…
Again, apologies for any offence given,
~Graham
Graham Strong | Jul 8, 2008 | Reply
Graham: Realize I didn’t slam you, but yeah, when I began this test, I was warned that you don’t mess with Linux lightly. Linux users are pretty committed to the platform.
I’ll avoid all the ancillary stuff and go right for the heart of the matter.
In many ways, Linux is easier to use than Windows (package manager installs and uninstalls software, and updates for everything - OS and applications both - automatically handled via a single update manager).
The problem that arises when comparing Windows to Linux is that it’s not a level playing field; few PCs come with Linux pre-installed (at this point anyway).
The tweaks needed to get an OS running on a PC are — based on what I read — far more common in new Vista installations than Ubuntu.
A truly balanced comparison of the two platforms (unlike mine) would involve two identical computers shipped with Linux and Vista already installed, or starting with bare hardware and installing either.
And truly, the command line isn’t commonly used in Ubuntu, though I admit it’s sometimes a faster way to accomplish a task that can take several clicks and dialog boxes to accomplish.
In the end, I’d suggest there’s little difference between Linux and Vista in terms of how they run your computer, and the larger questions of adoption will revolve around software availability, etc.
As for Linux sneaking into corporations, in one sense, it already has; the Linux share of server software market is pretty strong.
To say more would be to mine future posts on the subject overmuch.
There are significant barriers to Linux adoption on the desktop, and I plan to look at those soon.
Thanks for commenting!
Tom Chandler | Jul 9, 2008 | Reply