Ubuntu Productivity

Switching to Ubuntu Linux

Here a collection of links to articles positively & negatively reviewing the switch from Mac OS X or Windows to the free and open source linux distribution Ubuntu.

(+) The Positive Reviews

Switching to Ubuntu Linux from Mac OS X

This document intends to give you some information, resources and terminology to help you discern the similarities and differences between OS X and Ubuntu.

A how-to guide for replacing Windows with Ubuntu

And what about the areas Ubuntu excelled? All the important ones — all the key applications were there and worked wonderfully for me to use it as a working desktop, ie. to actually do my business with. The bundled applications including Firefox, Office, printing and the necessary media players for me to watch my Anime means I had everything at finger tips, once they were properly setup. All the issues aside, and after the myriad issues I discovered were fixed, the desktop served me well.

The switch to Ubuntu from Windows or OS X can be painless

With the exception of gaming, which is very limited, almost all of the average person’s basic computing needs are well looked after with this package.

(–) The Negative Reviews

Ubuntu not ready for prime time

Even in the relatively slick Ubuntu variation, Linux is still too rough around the edges for the vast majority of computer users. While Ubuntu looks a lot like Windows or Mac OS X, it is full of little complications and hassles that will quickly frustrate most people who just want to use their computers, not maintain or tweak them.

Ubuntu Server woes

Even though I am a Ubuntu supporter I have to admit that I removed Ubuntu Server in favor of Debian Etch. I wish that Canonical would step back from the server market and throw its combined resources into developing the desktop.

(±)The not so positive or negative reviews

Linux for Mom

So, is Ubuntu Linux ready for this type of installation? Yes, provided they have someone with some Linux expertise at hand to help them.

I overestimated the difficulties that switching over to Linux would cause. I had planned to occasionally boot mum into the new Ubuntu setup for the first couple of weeks, gradually building up the amount of time she spent in Ubuntu. However, the transition to Linux was so problem-free that we both agreed that I should make the new system the default after the first two days.