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!

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

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.

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.

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

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.

“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?

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.

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.