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Desktop Linux face-off: Ubuntu 8.04 vs. Fedora 9
The recent releases of Ubuntu 8.04 and Fedora 9 mark another step forward in the evolution of the Linux desktop
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By default, Fedora includes SELinux, which enforces security policies throughout the OS. Developed by the U.S. National Security Agency, this app does an excellent job of alerting users to potential security threats and managing user authentication. Most users will find that the biggest benefit of SELinux is its management of root user authority: The program alerts you when you've had root privileges activated for more than a few minutes, so you can minimize your exposure from this vulnerability.
For users who are already familiar with Linux, Fedora 9 is an excellent choice. Robust security features and installation options make it somewhat more versatile than Ubuntu, which offers a more streamlined (and therefore more restricted) installation. For most users, though, including millions interested in trying Linux for the first time, Fedora lacks the polish and ready-to-run simplicity of its more popular rival.
Ubuntu 8.0.4 offers a level of functionality comparable to that of Mac OS and Windows, from delivery to installation to daily use. Unfortunately, the ties that bind all Linux distributions — primarily a lack of support for major Windows- and Mac-based business, design, and gaming applications — still hold Ubuntu back from mass popularity. For users with such moderate computing needs as Web browsing, e-mail, and basic document creation, however, Hardy is a compelling option.
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More about NICE, OpenOffice, OpenOffice.org, Linux, Fedora, APT, Ubuntu, Exposure, National Security Agency, Microsoft, VIA, Red Hat, ATI, Nvidia
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Good Article. Old Shibboleths
A great read overall. But at the very end the author lapses into indulging some old Linux shibboleths. Specifically:
Unfortunately, the ties that bind all Linux distributions — primarily a lack of support for major Windows- and Mac-based business, design, and gaming applications — still hold Ubuntu back from mass popularity.
and
For users with such moderate computing needs as Web browsing, e-mail, and basic document creation, however, Hardy is a compelling option.
In the first case it is not true that it is any lack of "business" and "gaming" applications (or even support for their Windows and Mac varieties) that is holding Linux back from "mass popularity". Linux has long had excellent alternatives to all "mass" Windows and Mac business applications e.g OpenOffice.org, Evolution, Thunderbird, Firefox, GnuCash etc. Those business applications now missing from Linux can hardly be described as "mass" applications. Anything that the "masses" do on Microsoft Office for example, they can do on Linux.
In the second case, the false truism is that Linux is only suitable for "basic" computing needs. Linux is suitable for the computing needs of all but perhaps 1 or 2% of general computer users.
I have been using Linux now for years both at home and at the office (on my laptop) and I can attest to the fact that my Windows and Mac colleagues have nothing on me in the computing department.
For the typical Mac or Windows user Linux is more than sufficient for their computing needs. Most computer users are neither gamers, nor specialists. What holds Linux back from mass adoption is the same thing that holds the Mac back; Microsoft's fiercely defended desktop monopoly.
This was a good article and an enjoyable and informative one. But I fear that by reflexively repeating these old Linux shibboleths it will leave many readers with the impression that Linux is not ready for general use. Such an impression would be truly unfortunate because Linux may well be what the general computer user needs to get them off that expensive upgrade treadmill.
emk
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