Linux vs. Windows
In the Purepages Office we predominantly use Windows for two reasons I guess. Firstly it’s what ships on the machines we buy and secondly, like most people, we are reluctant to swap operating systems because we like familiarity and don't like change - we've been brought up on a Microsoft diet!
So why should we move? To be honest there's isn't one single large and compelling reason to start erasing Windows from our hard drives and pick up our preferred Linux distro, Ubuntu 9.10, but there are, however, a number of lesser, but still reasonably important reasons. Number One is security-Linux is virtually virus and trojan free, primarily because Linux is currently only used by between 4-6% depending on who you read, so there's much less of an incentive to hack Linux. Secondly, emotionally, using Linux means you’re ‘buying’ into a community of like-minded spirits, not lining Bill Gates’ pockets. Thirdly we have price, Ubuntu is free, as is much of the software that you need to run everyday office or domestic functions. Open Office costs nothing, whereas a single user licence for Office 2007 is £330! I have yet to be given or sent a file created in any Office 2007 programme that I haven't been able to open correctly in Open Office 3.1.
The savings argument is dependent on your needs though. If you’re a 24/7 professional then maybe the Microsoft route is more traditional and logical. By contrast, my mum only surfs the internet and browses through pictures off her camera - tasks any quality OS will do easily. In my professional capacity as digital manager I need to create a lot of graphics and video content for both ourselves and clients. And on this there is one package that covers all bases - Adobe CS4. I find the Adobe monopoly irritates me no end as there is patently no viable alternative. That said, it’s very easy to use especially when I don't always have time to learn how to use a new programme.
Some people go on about how great GIMP and its other open source variations are, but I personally find GIMP hard to use. I have never been able to get Flash 4 Linux to work (on this subject I am hoping someone will send me a tutorial on how to install it...)
Importantly though, irrespective of what distro you’re running, when you design a website you cannot ignore testing in IE7 or IE8 as IE has such a massive market share. So if you’re running Linux, install Virtual Box and setup XP inside there. I think Virtual Box is truly awesome and recommend it whole heartedly.
So why should we move? To be honest there's isn't one single large and compelling reason to start erasing Windows from our hard drives and pick up our preferred Linux distro, Ubuntu 9.10, but there are, however, a number of lesser, but still reasonably important reasons. Number One is security-Linux is virtually virus and trojan free, primarily because Linux is currently only used by between 4-6% depending on who you read, so there's much less of an incentive to hack Linux. Secondly, emotionally, using Linux means you’re ‘buying’ into a community of like-minded spirits, not lining Bill Gates’ pockets. Thirdly we have price, Ubuntu is free, as is much of the software that you need to run everyday office or domestic functions. Open Office costs nothing, whereas a single user licence for Office 2007 is £330! I have yet to be given or sent a file created in any Office 2007 programme that I haven't been able to open correctly in Open Office 3.1.
The savings argument is dependent on your needs though. If you’re a 24/7 professional then maybe the Microsoft route is more traditional and logical. By contrast, my mum only surfs the internet and browses through pictures off her camera - tasks any quality OS will do easily. In my professional capacity as digital manager I need to create a lot of graphics and video content for both ourselves and clients. And on this there is one package that covers all bases - Adobe CS4. I find the Adobe monopoly irritates me no end as there is patently no viable alternative. That said, it’s very easy to use especially when I don't always have time to learn how to use a new programme.
Some people go on about how great GIMP and its other open source variations are, but I personally find GIMP hard to use. I have never been able to get Flash 4 Linux to work (on this subject I am hoping someone will send me a tutorial on how to install it...)
Importantly though, irrespective of what distro you’re running, when you design a website you cannot ignore testing in IE7 or IE8 as IE has such a massive market share. So if you’re running Linux, install Virtual Box and setup XP inside there. I think Virtual Box is truly awesome and recommend it whole heartedly.
