Due to the large number of different types of GNU/Linux, there is a multitude of interesting propaganda images, made either by the community or by professionals. What is interesting, most of them are made by someone from the community, and it’s very simple, but hilarious. I enjoy good humor and I enjoy Linux.
Here is a collection of some of my favourite GNU/Linux pics.
The ultimate winner:
http://ralree.com/images/MacPCLinuxTruth.jpg
http://blog.omega-research.org/uploads/2007/09/ubuntu-linux-very-friendly-circle-of-friends.jpg
One of my creations
http://media.brajeshwar.com/i/technology/linux.jpg
http://www.commodore.ca/misc/jokes/Linux-vs-Microsoft.jpg
http://cache.gizmodo.com/assets/resources/2008/03/HP_Media_Vault_Review_1.jpg
I’ve been rambling on and on about the productivity and/or visual boost which one can get from Compiz Fusion, the Live-CD function that enables you to try out Linux before installing it, etc. etc. etc.!
But what about you?
Many Linux users know why they use Linux, everyone has a reason they chose the Linux Desktop. Some of the qualities of Linux are speed (because of good, open code) and most importantly, choice.
I like the fact that you can work even if you don’t have a graphical desktop, I like being able to launch everything by typing very short commands (which is way faster than point-n-click). I like that you can re-spin the whole system and make your own flavor of GNU/Linux. Software freedom is also extremely important and Linux has probably developed faster, but I cannot say that Linux being Free Software was my main reason for using it. Let’s not forget, there is a multitude of other operating systems out there which are under open source licenses.
And let’s not forget the great apps that are Linux only. Sure, there are some things that are still not available on the Linux desktop, but with WINE and all of the other cool software we love (Geany, Banshee…) gives us the power we need.
So, my question goes to everyone who uses Linux as their main desktop. Why do you? Is it the freedom? The apps? The speed? Tell us!
Mockup from www.portefolje.net
A Linux distro is basically someone saying: here’s a collection of packages that works well together, now keep it or change it as you wish.
Oh I get it, if GNU/Linux can’t make the user drool when he sees a Linux desktop, we’ll never get a large userbase. Here’s what I think; let’s not teach people to recognize Linux, but let’s teach people to recognize something that works as Linux.
Lots of people are still complaining about the default Ubuntu theme and while I congratulate the artists that brought us Hardy Heron (really, making brown and orange and beige almost attractive is quite a feat), aside from the background and a few Wm tweaks here & there, there was nothing new, nothing to ‘Wow‘ the users.
There have been lots of posts on other blogs about how an Ubuntu theme or color scheme change would be in order for Intrepid Ibex, but what they forget to mention is that the designers don’t have an easy job, because:
You want Ubuntu to work on computers that don’t support fancy graphics.
Most of the polished and popular stuff does use the fancy graphics support.
But wait, now we’re already talking about Linux’ look. Should Linux have a look? I think not.
AWN and Compiz work on my computer - it’s always a gamble though, because most of the time, on computers older than three years, this stuff cannot work properly. Computers are getting cheaper, so most of us think it’s not a problem. We are forgetting that many people cannot afford a brand new compatible powerhouse. Many will stick with UMPC’s. So the question is, how can we make Ubuntu attractive and functional, while maintaining hardware support?
I tried it and with the current software it’s almost impossible. You have stuff like wbar, for instance the gOS team is struggling with the stuff. I don’t believe it’ll work, especially because AWN is the only good Dock that doubles as a Window navigator & Launchers, but still retains the same smooth look and feel as Mac OSX’ Dock.
You can’t make Linux restrict your choices (except if you buy Linux XP). People know the stuff’s there and everyone’s free to do apps as they want to. If you want to upgrade, you can install what you want - install a KDE app in GNOME. These projects cannot unite, because they are using the freedom to do what they want. There would be no fun in doing something you don’t want to do as a volunteer. Companies can pay the developers to do something unified, but the community is still bigger. And you don0′t boss the community. How would you feel when you wouldn’t be able to switch to KDE just because this distro wants other users to know it’s Linux when they see GNOME?
That was my little rant, how do you feel about Ubuntu’s look? Do you also share my thoughts that it would be almost impossible to restrict Linux to a unified look & feel? Please comment, I’m excited to read what other people think about this.
In the recent years, podcasting has been gaining momentum and today we have a multitude of podcasts for almost every topic, including my favorite (and yours, I hope), GNU/Linux. Instead of listening to the same song over and over, why not educate yourself about the latest in open source technology?
If you like what you’re reading, go on - cause here’s a list of my favorite podcasts, along with a short description. Some of them are recorded by normal Linux users, and others have some hard-core Linux hackers on board - what all these shows have in common though, is that they’re both fun and interesting.
Klaatu, the show-host of TBA, has been a Mac user for a long time. While this may not be a show for most newbie users, Klaatu’s Bad Apples provides a wealth of information about Linux on, and compared to the Macintosh OS X, with some focus on Slackware and Fedora. The new season started just a while ago.
What makes it special: Klaatu does the show alone, but somehow still manages to keep it dynamic and interesting. Also, the podcast features some cool sci-fi music which I enjoy listening to.
Dan Lynch and Fabian Aleksandar Scherschel are two Linux users who produce an interesting and funny Linux show each week. That’s why Linux Outlaws is mostly focused on new distros releases, bashing Microsoft and miscellaneous news, so check it out if you want to hear some cool comments and rants (while laughing until you piss your pants (check the rhyme)).
What makes it special: Just like the Linux Action Show (more on that later in the post), the audio quality is phenomenal (I believe both hosts have some experience in audio production). Dan and Fab’s jokes never get old, the atmosphere is laid-back, and it’s always interesting to hear a podcast made by an international crew.
“HEEEEEEEEY, BRIAN! “
The LAS is a fast-paced, informative and engaging (gosh, I hope I used that adjective right) podcast done by Chris and Brian of Jupiter Broadcasting (fame). The release “cycle” of each season is bi-weekly. The hosts always produce a hi-quality show with lots of interesting topics, news and reviews (the reviews are very well done). It is a podcast for both new users and experienced Linux nerds alike.
What makes it special: Don’t be surprised if you first think the show is recorded after smoking ridiculous amounts of crack. Just a little warning.
The Linux Link Tech Show, or TLLTS
TLLTS is recorded live by a group of experienced Linux users, based in the USA. It is the oldest Linux podcast I know of. Normally, the shows are very long, and the ‘frame’ is pretty lose, but Pat, Dann, Allan and Linc do a very entertaining show each week. The most interesting shows are probably the interviews: the TLLTS crew has interviewed a whole lot of famous (and infamous) people of the open-source world.
What makes it special: The show is, quite surprisingly very engaging, as it has an extremely ‘natural’ feeling to it - the show is recorded live, there are always glitches or dead air, but that’s what makes it fun, really. TLLTS’ Dann keeps a list of other Linux podcasts.
The Distrowatch Weekly is basically an ‘audio-book’ version of the Distrowatch Weekly Newsletter. DW Weekly is always well written, so it’s also pretty good in audio form.
“DistroWatch.com, the popular Linux distribution news and information site, publishes a weekly news and commentary section. Russ Wenner reads Ladislav Bodnar’s content, and adds a little of his own. “
What makes it special: Distrowatch.com’s featured stories are something no-one should miss, especially if you want to hear cool interviews or find out something new about GNU/Linux’ history or architecture. So why not listen to it?
That’s about it. Do you have any GNU/Linux podcasts you’d like to share with us? Please comment!
On a side note, I also do a GNU/Linux podcast (in English) with a friend from Lithuania.
What a week! I’ve been working on my podcast so I’m a bit behind on posting. Here’s an interesting compilation of Linux distribution which resemble Apple’s Mac OS 10. They might not be identical, but you guys who like Apple’s design might appreciate the fact yu can get something like it, with the nice-on-the-inside GNU/Linux kernel, out-of-the-box. For free.
These are only short descriptions, with screen grabs. You will find a lot more info and full screenshots on the official web pages of each distro.
A Brazilian distribution, full of multimedia tools, oriented at people who like to create. The XFCE Desktop with Rocket Dock makes a nice desktop environment with Mac-like traits. The installer is pretty sleek, because you only have one configuration page. Another good point of Dreamlinux is the Debian base, which is a bit lighter than Ubuntu.
gOS’ user base sky-rocketed because of Walmart’s phenomenally well-accepted gPC. Although it doesn’t have the ’smart blue’ look (the developers went for a greenish look), gOS still feels pretty sleek (apart from the boot time). I’m not sure the new gOS Gadgets uses Rocket Dock or AWN, but with LXDE, gOS may become a good choice for net-books. Software-wise, the distro relies heavily on Google Apps.
Enlightenment’s official distro is based on Debian Linux. Even though its mission is showcasing the latest E17 Desktop Environment modules, this OS X-like distro has a lot of regular users (at least according to Distrowatch). You can find some cool Enlightenment DR17 goodies, including the ibar dock.
Puppy Linux is an awesome distro for old computers. A person from the community decided the default desktop isn’t sleek enough and created this genius OS X mod. This modified Puppy gives you speed, simplicity and a tasty Apple, with those cool little Puppy Apps.
More: If you have time and wish to change your own Linux distro’s theme to something more Mac OS X-like, you can maybe take a look at my list of Linux Docks.
