My Linux Year in Review
December 30, 2007I've been using Linux (more specifically Ubuntu Linux) as my primary operating system for about a year now, and I'm going to share some of the benefits as well as the problems that I've come across.
Great Eye Candy
Compiz Desktop Cube
I have to admit, the reason I first gained interest in Linux was that it looked so much better than anything else I've seen… well, at least in most cases. Many Linux users have a poor design sense about them, and, because Linux is so customizable, people tend to get a little carried away with special effects and poor color choices. There are some websites such as gnome-look.org and art.gnome.org where anyone can upload Linux themes, icons, and sounds and have them rated. Many of them are very attractive and usable.
The latest graphics effects in Windows Vista pale in comparison to what is possible with Linux and Compiz Fusion. It's even sadder that Vista has such strict minimum requirements. Ubuntu Linux ran fine on my 7-year-old computer with 256MB RAM and an old Celeron processor.
Compiz Window Switcher
However, while wobbly windows, transparency effects, and a rotating cube for your workspaces look amazing initially, they do get a bit old, and I find myself disabling them when I need to focus more on work. These effects also put an additional strain on the computer (especially when watching video or playing games). Still, if you want to impress your friends, Compiz Fusion delivers.
No More Viruses, Spyware, Trojans, or Other Baddies
Security is a major issue on Windows—not on Linux. You would have to be a fairly brazen fool to use Windows without some form of firewall or virus/spyware protection. If the viruses and other baddies weren't bad enough, you have to deal with constant scans, updates, and notifications. I've used the latest Norton and Trend Micro, and they bring even the fastest computers to a crawl. After uninstalling Norton from my wife's laptop (Windows XP), the sluggish computer resumed its snappy performance. Of course, I then installed AVG and ZoneAlarm—like I said, you'd have to be an idiot to use Windows without some kind of online protection.
Many people make the argument that the reason you don't see viruses on Linux is because it wouldn't be worthwhile to the virus writers since there aren't many Linux users. This may be true for desktop Linux users but the majority of websites, mine included, are hosted by Linux servers. A virus that targeted Linux would definitely be worthwhile. No, the reason you don't hear about viruses and spyware on Linux is because it has a more secure architecture.
As an example, by default, the first account you create in Windows is an administrator account. That means you can install any program or delete any file you want anywhere on your machine. That sounds great, right? Sorry to disappoint, but if your Windows account has full control over your computer, then so does any malware that happens to be running in your account. Of course, you can create non-administrator accounts but I find these very annoying. Anytime I need to install a new program, I have to switch back to the administrator account to do so.
Unlike Windows, Linux is locked down by default. If some form of malware tries to install itself in Linux, it will alert the current user what is happening and ask for the administrator's password. Not only does this help prevent the viruses and spyware from getting onto your computer, it also stops ignorant users from messing with important system files.
Installing Programs and Applications is a Breeze
Add/Remove Applications
First off, how do you install a new program in Windows? You can go to a retail store and buy it on CD or DVD, you can buy it online and download it, or you can pirate it from a friend. Notice that most of the programs you install on Windows are (A) not free (legally) and (B) require you to find them through search engines, advertising, or word of mouth. In Linux, the majority of the programs you install will come from the "Add/Remove" option in the "Applications" drop-down menu and they're entirely free. Go figure. Remember, this article is specific to Ubuntu/GNOME in case your Linux is different. There are thousands of programs that can be installed this way, and it's simply a matter of searching through categories such as "Office" or "Games" or typing in a few keywords to quickly find what you need.
The great thing about installing programs this way is that you always have the latest updates. Windows has automatic updates too but it only updates the Windows operating system. Automatic updates in Linux also update any program that you've installed through the package manager (i.e. the previous method of installing programs).
If the programs are free and so simple to install, then they can't be any good… can they?
Quality Applications at No Cost
The GIMP
While many programs are made exclusively for Windows, meaning they won't run in Linux (although that too is possible but I'll get to it later), there is almost always a free, open-source substitute that will get the job done. For example, Adobe's CS suite was written specifically for Windows and Mac users. That means there is no Photoshop, Illustrator, or Dreamweaver for Linux… yet. But these programs are easily replaced by GIMP, Inkscape, and Kompozer. In fact, there are many more replacements but I just picked the first three that came to mind. The problem with most people is that they've become so entrenched in Adobe's (or Microsoft's or any other software giant's) applications, that they don't think a freely available program could possibly be up-to-par. I've read on many forums where Photoshop users claim that GIMP doesn't compare, but, so far, the best argument I've seen against GIMP is that they don't like the user interface. If they were weaned on GIMP, they'd probably dislike Photoshop's interface. I could write a whole article comparing the benefits of GIMP to Photoshop, but this is, after all, a Linux review.
If you're one of those people that just can't do without a specific Windows program, it is possible to install many Windows programs on Linux using a "Windows emulator" called Wine. As a web developer, I have to be able to test websites in Internet Explorer—Wine makes that possible. Be aware, however, that Wine isn't perfect and not all programs work as expected.
Linux as a Gaming Machine
AisleRiot Solitaire
As almost any Linux user will tell you, games are its "Achilles' heel". I won't argue since most large game creators expect to be paid, and they'll create games for the system that they sell best on. That doesn't mean Linux is without games altogether. There are many great games like Nexuiz, Padman, and Battle for Wesnoth that are free, and there are some game companies that release retail games for Linux such as the Unreal Tournament series.
Of course, if you're just a casual gamer that enjoys solitaire, Mine Sweeper, or chess, you'll be more impressed with Linux's supply of games (hundreds are freely available from the package manager).
Hardware Hardships
Recognizes USB devices without any additional software
Supported hardware is one of Linux's greatest achievements as well as the source of many problems. I purchased a new printer/scanner a couple months ago. It was made for Windows and Mac and came with an installation CD. I plugged it into my Linux desktop, Linux alerted me that a printer had been installed, and I printed out a test page and did a scan in all of five minutes. Strangely, my wife's Windows laptop could not install it without the CD, and it took about 45 minutes before the printer was usable. Linux works just as well with my digital camera and other devices that weren't meant to be used with Linux. This is a testament to how versatile Linux can be. In most situations, it was quicker to install a Windows-only device in Linux.
So, what's the problem? Well, most hardware is made for Windows or Mac, and you can't really expect Linux to work with every piece of hardware ever made. In my experience, I've been lucky and have yet to purchase something that hasn't worked, but I've heard from many people who were infuriated with Linux because it wouldn't recognize their wireless card or other necessary hardware. It's not really Linux's fault, and the community has gone above and beyond to make hardware compatible, but until more manufacturers begin taking Linux seriously, it will be an ongoing issue.
A Year's Verdict
Overall, my experience with Linux this year has been great. There is still a lot I need to learn, but, at this point, Linux is working well as a complete replacement for Windows. For more information on Ubuntu Linux or if you'd like to give it a try (you can run it right off a CD without affecting your current Windows installation), visit http://www.ubuntu.com/. You can even request a free CD if you don't won't to burn your own.