Linux, I Try to Love You
Friday, March 21, 2008
I've seen a lot of comments here debating the legitimacy of Linux as an operating system as compared to Mac OS X and Windows. Neither of these systems is inherently a "better" system for the world, Linux is great for servers and high-end workstation computing, Windows is the platform for most business activities and gaming, and Mac is for media creation and home use.
That said, I use all three operating systems on a regular basis, and I really cannot justify not using a Mac as my main machine (I do a lot of media stuff though). Windows can really be a pain, even when you know what you are doing, but it is really the platform to use for games. And Linux... well, that's a different story.
A lot of people have mentioned that it's not the fault of Linux for having trouble with certain hardware, saying that it is the fault of device manufacturers for not providing Linux drivers. True as this may be in theory, this explanation does nothing to help the less computer-savvy part of the market that can't tell the difference between Google and the internet. They are simply going to want their computer to work. They are not going to find solace in blaming device manufacturers for their computer not working. They are not going to use a complicated string of terminal commands to enable their wireless card. They are not going to buy a machine based on how Linux compatible it is. And they sure as heck are going to be pissed off when they find that they can't run any of their applications without a crazy amount of hackery/magic/good luck. Linux is fine for those who know what they are doing, unfortunately, we are the small minority. Until either device manufacturers decide it is economically feasible to develop Linux drivers, or the Linux community makes it much easier to find the exact driver for your device and install it without a hassle, Linux will remain a tool for geeks only.
As much as I would like to see more people using Linux, there are just a few too many issues for most people to deal with right now.
Labels: computer, linux, mac, software, windows
The Most Awesome Little Utility
Saturday, December 01, 2007
This article answers one of the biggest problems I have had using Synergy to control a non-Macintosh computer: Since my MacBook is my main machine, I use it the most, and have gotten very fond of using the command key rather than the control key... Of course, when using synergy, the Apple ctrl key maps to the Windows ctrl key, even though in reality, the Command key on Mac is the brother of the Control key on Windows. So, after a long period of frustration (as the Command key by default maps to the windows Alt key), I stumbled upon the above article. I have since started using this script, and I must say that it makes things so much easier and more seamless. Hip-hip-hooray for AutoHotkey!
Labels: computer, mac, software, windows
Windows Live Writer
Thursday, November 15, 2007
I must say... Windows Live Writer is not at all classic Microsoft... It's actually very usable and smooth!
Labels: software, windows
LogMeIn
Friday, November 09, 2007
I'm writing this from a desktop located somewhere on the SUNY Plattsburgh Campus using the dashboard widget on my MacBook. Confused?
Here's how: I'm using a free piece of software called LogMeIn which allows you to very easily set up remote desktop connections with either Windows or Mac computers. You can then easily access those computers via the LogMeIn website from anywhere in the world! What I like most is the speed... It's quite responsive, even over the internet. In fact, it is more responsive across the internet than my previous VNC setup was over ethernet in my room.
All in all this is a very neat piece of software that has much potential, though I wish it worked on Linux as well.
Labels: mac, software, windows
Virtualize This
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Virtual Box
Originally uploaded by dmdzine I just finished setting up an Ubuntu virtual machine on my new desktop, and thought I would share with you the cool little program I did it with.
VirtualBox, provided by Innotek software, is a very cool and very free program that allows you to run virtual machines within a Windows, Linux, or Mac OS X (Intel only) environment. The program supports practically every OS supported by its expensive brethren, and has some nice little features packed in. I previously used it on my MacBook to run Windows until I got my new Dell.
Check it out... it's very cool
Labels: computer, software, ubuntu, virtualization, windows
