Programs

Linux’s Open Source Software is for Everyone

December 16, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

: Image via Wikipedia

Linux operating systems do not appeal to everyone. Most people just want to use their computers to perform basic tasks. Those who use their computers frequently, though, often prefer Linux, especially if they have experience programming code. That’s because Linux-based systems give users the opportunity to make adjustments to the source code. It’s open source, so it is easy for knowledgeable people to customize the operating systems and programs for the specific ways that they want to use them.

This option lets certain people improve code so that programs fit their specific needs. It’s like having the opportunity to call all of the shots when looking at apartments for rent in Seattle. If you would like the bathroom placed somewhere else, then you can do that. If you need the kitchen counter tops a little taller, then you just make the adjustment.

Just because Linux-based systems give you this flexibility does not mean that you have to change the code yourself. There are already plenty of altered programs and operating systems available for download. This makes it possible for everyone to enjoy Linux-based systems. You don’t have to know how to write code to find Linux useful. You just have to look for options that suit your needs.

Since Linux is an open source system, you should not have to pay for the software that you need. Programmers might make their living writing proprietary software for companies like Microsoft and Apple, but they often spend their free time developing Linux software for their own use. When they finish writing the code, it is easy for them to share the results with the rest of the world. This is a radically different approach to computer software for those who only have experience using programs developed for PCs and Macs.

Filed Under: Programs Tagged With: Linux, Microsoft, Operating system

Should You Download Programs Just Because You Have Linux?

December 7, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

: Image by cocoate.com via Flickr

One of the biggest advantages of installing a Linux operating system on your computer is that you automatically enjoy extra security from viruses and other malwares. So, why is Linux considered safer?

For starters, it is not as widespread as Windows. Hence, hackers and other malicious elements have not targeted Linux in a large spread manner. While this is true for the personal computing segment, Linux is the standard operating system in web servers and other internet related infrastructure. In this field, Linux has proved that it is completely safe and secure. It is very robust and has the capacity of withstanding attacks better.

Does this mean that you can afford to be careless just because you have the Linux operating system? Remember that malicious elements on the internet have a lot to gain by infecting your computer with viruses. From credit card information that you enter when purchasing stuff on the internet, to your social security number and other private financial details, each and every detail can be sold at a very high price.

Hence, do not make the mistake of visiting untested and unsafe websites to download programs just because it is offered for free. Do not make the mistake of doing something on the internet that you would not otherwise do, thinking that Linux will protect you.

Safety rules should be followed even if you have the best quality antivirus and anti-spyware applications in your computer. If you want to download programs for free, you should opt for shareware programs downloaded from reputable websites, or be prepared for a computer to be infected by viruses. Remember, all it takes is a single instance of cyber theft to lose your life saving. Free programs are certainly not worth such a high price. It is better to play safe and be safe.

Filed Under: Programs Tagged With: Adware, Linux, Malware, Microsoft Windows, Operating system, Personal computer, Spyware, Windows

Open Source Alternatives Provide Software Choices for Linux Users

December 6, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

Windows users often complain that software for use with Linux is less prevalent. However, most popular software used with Windows has an open source equivalent available. And the best part is that the open source equivalent is free.

OpenOffice
Microsoft Office is ubiquitous. Everyone uses it because it is installed on many new computers. The Office suite contains Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint and Outlook. New, this software will run in excess of $400. Now you can get the same functionality by using OpenOffice. OpenOffice, an open source program found online can be downloaded and used for free. Like Office, OpenOffice contains a word processor, spreadsheet, database, presentation program and an email program. Like Linux, the open source nature of Open Office allows users to actively participate in the improvement of the software. This leads to a safer, more stable version.

Internet Explorer
Internet Explorer has come to dominate the market for web browsers. However, Linux users have understood the value of IE’s open source equivalent for years. Mozilla Firefox is an open source internet browser. Constant improvement by users has left Firefox a secure and stable alternative.

Photoshop
Graphic designers, marketers, and advertisers have used Photoshop for years. By itself, not as part of Adobe’s creative suite, Photoshop can run in excess of $500. However, Linux users can use an open source Photoshop alternative. The GIMP has much of the functionality as Photoshop, but it is free. Plus its open source nature allows users to participate in continual improvement helps to provide a better software.

Quark Xpress
This powerful desktop publisher has an equally powerful alternative in Scribus. Scribus, this open source equivalent provides Linux users with the same functionality.

Here are four open source equivalents that can be used by anyone, however, we have barely scratched the surface. You can find other great software like the vlc media player for movies and Ares for file sharing to name a few. Open source software provides Linux users with a wide variety of software.

Filed Under: Programs Tagged With: Linux, Microsoft Office, OpenOffice.org

Linux May Not Work With All Hardware Devices And Software Programs

October 6, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

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Supporters of Linux would want you to believe that any and every individual can use the operating system without issues or complications. Linux has lot of advantages and benefits as compared to Windows. However, this does not mean all can use it.

Just as the Windows operating system is not very commonly used in web servers, Linux operating system cannot be used for certain activities and for carrying out certain operations on the computer. Of course, Linux is not to blame for this. Some software applications do not work with this operating system due to the commercial decisions of makers and sellers of software programs.

The makers do not release download drivers and modifications for Linux. In such a scenario, any person desirous of undertaking these tasks or using such a program will have to make use of Windows. Of course, similar programs can be obtained and used with Linux. Those who do not mind switching over to another program can use this option. However, for those who find it difficult to become comfortable with any program or who cannot do so because other programs are not good enough, Windows is only choice that will work.

Further, certain hardware devices may not work well with Linux. In such a scenario, you may find yourself unable to extract the best out of your graphics card or sound card. This complication has arisen due to mismatch between manufacturer of the hardware and Linux.

Some manufacturers see no reason to provide extra service to such a small segment of the market. Others presume that Linux is a dead horse and cannot last for long. Further, others wait for demand to rise so that they can charge for the same. In all cases, Linux becomes unwieldy to use.

If you have no option but to rely on such programs or on such devices, then you may have to opt for Windows only or a dual boot option. Of course, you can continue using Linux for all other activities for which software programs are easily available online.

Filed Under: Programs Tagged With: Articles, Hardware Support, Linux, Microsoft Windows, Operating system, Projects, Ubuntu, Unix

Will A Program Work Well With Linux? Personal Trial Is The Best Way To Proceed

October 5, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

: Image by Getty Images via @daylife

Makers of software applications have the option of porting the programs from the Windows operating system to Linux. Manufacturers are keen on providing best service to Windows operating system users simply because the volumes involved. However, manufacturers are realizing that Linux offers a significant alternative to Windows operating system.

That is the reason why additional options are being made available. Some makers do a good job with others do a half hearted job. This is the reason why individuals often find glitches and problems when using a software application that has been designed for Linux with a highly popular Windows only option .

Another option is to make use of emulators and other programs that help you run programs designed and developed for Windows on Linux. This is where the controversy arises. There are hundreds and thousands of individuals on the web who have criticized these programs. They often end up complaining that the program never works well.

However, there are a large number of individuals who speak of using these emulators and alternatives for many years. Such persons claim that they have never faced any problems with Linux or emulators.

It is difficult to say whether the problem lies with the operating system or with the hardware used in the computer-. The point here is that has become next to impossible to conclude that a specific program will or will not work well with Linux. Hence, the best option one has is to give it a try before arriving at a conclusion.

Of course, having a dual boot option renders the entire equation academic. If nothing else works, you can always move back to Windows. The fact that you have transferred word processing and spreadsheet operations to Linux will mean extra space and memory for the Windows operating system. This will automatically make it easier to use Windows only programs.

Filed Under: Programs Tagged With: Articles, Emulator, Hardware Support, Linux, Microsoft Windows, Operating system, Projects, Unix

PuTTY Offers Remote Terminal Access for Linux Users

March 19, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

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Nowadays we find web page designs and software developments created with the use of graphical user interfaces and veterans of Linux/Unix value the competence and effortlessness of the potent text-based tools offered on these platforms. If you have any exposure to one of these potent text editors like VI or Emacs, it becomes much easier to work from a remote location (via the internet or intranet) on extra computers by making use of SSH or Telnet Connections.

Bringing functionality to machines running Windows is the new PuTTY – a free telnet/SSH client program that has user-friendly graphical interface for storing and setting up various connections and to set the display options and the like. There is a main window which encloses the session (“shell”) that functions on the remote computer. You can punch in commands that are directly sent to the remote computer and whatever the remote outputs (“to stdout”) is shown in the window.

Copying and pasting text to and from the PuTTY window by making use of the mouse is relatively easier and choosing a segment of text with the mouse enables it to get copied to the clipboard instantaneously. The right button on the mouse allows you to paste the clipboard content to the present cursor location and one has an option of selecting rectangular expanses by using the Alt key. With the functionality of PuTTY one has the option of changing fonts and colors which have been made use in the workstation windows.

Another useful aspect of PuTTY is the ability of setting up a remote X session wherein you could run graphical applications with the help of an X client on your workstation along with the PuTTY. There are X clients like Hummingbird Exceed, Xming or Cygwin which are capable of displaying graphical applications that are operating on the remote server and the PuTTY provides the required secure connection. In order to make this work, the DISPLAY variable on the server has to be set to the name (or IP address) of your local workstation.

Filed Under: Programs Tagged With: PuTTY, SSH