28 posts tagged “linux”

http://www.ubuntu.com/

Ubuntu is most likely the best version of Linux to come out for business, second only to RedHat, which is quickly going the costly commercial route. It comes in Desktop and Server editions and comes with their promise. Which is both touching and very comforting for a business owner.

"The Ubuntu Promise

• Ubuntu will always be free of charge, including enterprise releases and security updates.
• Ubuntu comes with full commercial support from Canonical and hundreds of companies around the world.
• Ubuntu includes the very best translations and accessibility infrastructure that the free software community has to offer.
• Ubuntu CDs contain only free software applications; we encourage you to use free and open source software, improve it and pass it on."

It comes in many "Flavors" or custom versions.

http://www.xubuntu.org/ - This is for thin clients or older machines

http://www.kubuntu.org/ - Easily the most friendly version for those of you transitioning off of Windows

http://www.edubuntu.org/ - Perfect for kids, or schools.

All the versions come with a bevy of free software. So Give it a try!

I have been out and about, talking to the users, and it seems like so many people us Ms and Ms products because they didnt know they had a choice. So in the coming weeks I will be doing a series on weaning off of microsoft (Aka- the evil empire) products, everything from using better software on a windows machine to the full on transition to Linux or Mac.

I'm looking forward to it, and I hope you are too!!!!

Yes, you read the title correctly.

But I'm talking about running windows, on a Mac.

Recently, I was invited, by a fellow Mac user to try out the version of windows she had installed as a second OS on her Mac. (A second OS - she didn't abandon Mac, but a program she needed, for work, was windows only, and not even crossover could help) and I have to tell you, I was impressed. I have spent more time with windows than I ever wanted to, ( I end up fixing them for just about everyone I meet) but this was the cleanest running version I have ever seen. It turns out that not only do Mac's do OSX well, but they even run Windows better than most PC's I have come across. Its one thing when you do your own job well, but to do the competitions too! It was too much. Just another reason to love my Mac.

Two final notes:

1) My research indicates that you can have a hybrid Mac/Linux system (Tiger and Ubuntu - My dream machine)

2) While you can put Windows on a Mac, every one of my attempts to do the reverse (Put OSX on a windows machine) has been a dismal failure. I called apple care, they swear there is a way, but cant tell me how. Apparently it is some kind of an infringement on Billy Boys copyright. (Jerk)

So, you want to use a Mac or Linux, but, you're afraid of spreading a virus to your co-workers, friends and family. Well, never fear. Despite the stunning lack of viruses for the Mac operating system, if you want to protect others, or if you are just paranoid, you can use Clam Xav. This is open source anti-virus, its been used on Linux servers for quite some time now. So why should you use this software:

1) Its Free
2) It protects other computers on your network
3) You wont be spreading any viruses
4) On the off chance that someone makes a Mac virus that works with OSX, you will be protected.
5) If you run a virtual PC (widows on a second partition) on either your Mac or Linux machine you will be protected from data loss.

I tried this program, and found out that my co-workers (all Windows users) were passing all kinds of viruses to me, which I was forwarding, unaware of the dangers to others. My computer remains blissfully, but not shockingly, infection free, but I'm much more popular now.

So go out and give it a try. If you hate it, the worst end result is an uninstall.

Now, I am by no means, an idealistic person, but the recent passing of 9/11 ( On which I choose not to work - just like we do on memorial day - to honor those who lost their lives) and while I was reflecting, all I could think about was freedom. Which, inevitably, made me think of Linux. A system, a way of computing, based entirely on the idea that you should be free. Without license restrictions, or blocked access to the kernel (the core of your system) or silly monitoring protocols. Wow, what an amazing gift we have been offered, and yet, much like our physical freedoms, we take it for granted. So, I say, we need to appreciate Linux for the patriots they are!

Therefor I am proposing the creation of an Open Source Team Appreciation Day! Anyone who  would like to help me plan can comment on this blog, and I will get back to you!

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