Introduction to Linux:
I had already done readings on this for a previous class so that the material was familiar. The following points are my take-away from the article.
1. The impact of UNIX on interoperability is profound; Linux is a free OS, that is, no proprietary provider fees.
2. Open source software is being touted as being of a better quality because development input is wider ranging than the not-for-free software.
3. There is a Linux OS to suit every need and there is readily available help on the internet if required. Still, many people pay for software, hence the success of software providers like Microsoft. Is it that we feel that it is not reliable because it is free, or, is that some members of the computing population feel more comfortable with the after sale support offered with proprietary packages?
Mac OS:
The history was interesting noting mergers and collaborations; the use of pre-existing open source software to create a proprietary system was an eye opener since I thought that the use of this type (free) meant that the resulting product would also be free. Some of the technical information was confusing whilst others clarified certain points eg. Java and the many uses of it in a variety of electronic devices. The conclusion was the most helpful, in it the author compared his three most eligible systems for client computing. In his Linux statements he says, “No. Not today. Not yet”. I felt that was probably what a lot of computer users would say when confronted with adopting this OS, “not now, when I’m ready for it”.
Mac OSX (Wikipedia)
A lot of repetition from the previous article but I recognized that the system is a dynamic one continually evolving to be more versatile, user-friendly and ultimately more marketable.
Update on Windows Roadmap
Totally relevant information in this article since I am currently using Windows Vista Home Premium on my PC, I was heartened to know that support will continue for a few more years and that upgrading to windows 7 is not immediately mandatory. It seems that as soon as I get comfortable with one OS a new one looms, lifelong learning is not an option it is a survival technique!
Good questions about why Linux hasn't been more widely adopted. If it's free & customizable for any user, why aren't there more Linux users? Especially in libraries, where it would be cheaper & easier to run.
ReplyDeleteEven though it would be cheaper the library would have to ensure that they can handle blips and bumps as well as have the time and resources to deal with system problems. Help is on the internet but no technician will be sent to do the needful.
ReplyDeleteDoes it make sense that people trust Linux the way they trust Wikipedia? It makes a lot of sense that people are policing it and making sure it runs the way it is supposed to, but if no one is responsible for the product, no one is responsible for the accuracy and reliability.
ReplyDeleteI think most people prefer other systems than Linux due to simplified navigation and tech support. Linux implies to depend on one’s self, “read the manual’ and then search for answer. Notice, there is a community of people who will help you, but there is an expectation that you already tried to solve your problem before seeking help from others. The reason for the slow adoption or lack thereof of the Linux OS is due to the spread of well-established titles like Microsoft and Apple. They have set an industry-wide precedent and market their software exclusively for many computer hardware manufacturers, which comes preloaded with their own OS, thus funneling their users to a certain OS. An item being ‘free’ is often free because of its low value; this mind set could have influenced the distancing of users from a Linux OS, which would not be supported by a big name company like Apple or Microsoft.
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