Ubuntu (Linux)
Linux refers to any open source operating system; to those of you not in the know, that means its freely available and the code can be modified by anyone. The Linux I am most familiar with is Ubuntu and I will go into detail into what it can do and the pros and cons of install Ubuntu. Of course I will also share key issues and solutions in the FAQ section (work in progress).
Pros:
Cons:
On a side note, linux allows the user to view most file systems on portable devices i.e. the music files on an ipod are no longer hidden and inaccessible making back-up an easy process.
there are also currently many variations of ubuntu available, three of which are briefly described below:
first there is the offical release version found on the ubuntu homepage. this is a fairly basic version with few packages installed, however it is enough for the casual user to get started.
Next is Ultimate edition which is like ubuntu however contains a massive number of apps already on the system! it is also chock-full of eye candy for those of you impressed by shiny, pretty things.
Finally there is ubuntu studio. this release contains all the multimedia and editing software you could ever want! all the difficult audio/video stuff is already done for you so you can be up and editing in no time!
Pros:
- Its completely free, and as is all the software for it. legal too.
- Software is of professional quality.
- large community so any problems are easily addressed.
- doesn't crash (unlike windows and the infamous blue screen of death).
- No anti-virus required since most viruses only work on windows.
- the user interface is completely customisable, As such this can ease the transition from windows/mac to ubuntu since the user can modify ubuntu to mimic the appearance of its commercial counterparts (check out these screenshots)
Cons:
- user interface is daunting at first and it can take some time if migrating from windows (once used to it though it is very fluid).
- .exe files not supported (can be done with software).
- a lot of the configuration is done on the command line which can be confusing to new users.
On a side note, linux allows the user to view most file systems on portable devices i.e. the music files on an ipod are no longer hidden and inaccessible making back-up an easy process.
there are also currently many variations of ubuntu available, three of which are briefly described below:
first there is the offical release version found on the ubuntu homepage. this is a fairly basic version with few packages installed, however it is enough for the casual user to get started.
Next is Ultimate edition which is like ubuntu however contains a massive number of apps already on the system! it is also chock-full of eye candy for those of you impressed by shiny, pretty things.
Finally there is ubuntu studio. this release contains all the multimedia and editing software you could ever want! all the difficult audio/video stuff is already done for you so you can be up and editing in no time!