Tuesday: 07.March.2006

Magoo completes migration to Linux from Windows: Final Report

Received a note from Magoo today, regarding the status of his recent migration to the Linux operating system, which continues to be developed by thousands of gifted coders around the globe.

Most Linux-users dual-boot a copy of Linux while retaining their trusty copy of Windows on their PC .. whereas Magoo has gone solo-Linux, which makes his experience more interesting (and him very cool). His note is here:

At this point, I consider my Linux migration complete. I currently use all the features I had in Windows, with many notable improvements.

Dual-monitors is working, along with TV-out. I am becoming familiar with Open Office, and find that it has plenty of functionality for the home user, tho business professionals may be disappointed (unless I just haven't found all the features yet). Compatibility with Microsoft *.doc requires a little pre-planning, but isn't difficult.

I can easily back up DVD's to my hard drive in either DVD quality or compressed flies such as DIVX or XVID, something which I found required much more effort in Windows.

Instant messaging, email, and web browsing are all faster and more stable. Linux is better at multimedia than I expected, and watching movies and chatting online through Skype and similar services is both simple and stable.

There are a few things I haven't gotten working yet. Haven't found a decent web page (HTML) editor yet and I might have to run Dreamweaver with Crossover Office (an extension to Wine that allows Windows programs such as Dreamweaver and Microsoft Office to run in Linux.)

I'm also a big fan of the Rhapsody music service, but they use Windows DRM, which Linux won't ever likely get a hold of.

Linux makes up for the few things I can't get working with several things Windows doesn't have. For example, Linux has a built in SSH client and server, so I can access and manage my home computer from any network connection. I've already found that handy more than once.

It also has built in support for VNC (Virtual Network Computing). Linux also offers infinite customization, including custom desktop tool bars and widgets. Little things, like being able to turn off confirmations when deleting files (so it doesn't keep asking 'Are you sure?' every time you want to do something,) go a long way toward making the Linux experience enjoyable.

Overall, I've come to enjoy Linux and don't ever plan to switch back to Windows. It was a significant amount of work to switch over, but easier than I anticipated and clearly worth the effort.

RAD note: See post for 16.feb for more details from Magoo's migration, including the particular Linux distro he's using (Ubuntu). Here at RADIFIED, we value first-hand experience. Oh, did I mention that Linux is FREE?

... which reminds me of a thought-provoking saying I read on the back of a guy's tee-shirt yesterday, walking down the street (quoting some Hawaiian guy): The best things in life aren't things.





Posted by Rad at March 7, 2006 08:24 AM

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