Interesting: 10 Windows features I would like to see in Linux
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Norbert Klein
Dec 10, 2009, 8:56:14 PM12/10/09
to PP-LUG
December 10th, 2009
10 Windows features I would like to see in Linux
Posted by Larry Dignan
This is a guest post from TechRepublic’s Jack Wallen and a follow-up to
””10 Linux features Windows should have by default.
I recently shared my list of 10 Linux features I think should be
included in Windows. Today, I’m going to challenge myself by finding 10
features in the Windows operating system that I would like to see make
their way to Linux. I am not going to play the typical fanboy and make a
joke of this by saying there is nothing in the Windows operating system
that would be welcome in the other camp. We all know there are plenty of
outstanding features in the Windows operating system. But I might
stretch the nature of the word “features” to include a few items that
are less inherent in the OS and more about the community or business model.
So with that said, let’s dive into this ocean and see what we catch.
1: Marketing
I have to start with the big guns. There may be only one IT-related
business with a better marketing machine than Microsoft — Apple. But
that’s a big “may be.” And everyone knows how small and inefficient the
Linux marketing machine (or lack thereof) is. I feel fairly confident in
saying that if the Linux operating system could enjoy the marketing that
Windows enjoys, no other operating system would stand a chance.
2: Hardware support
I say this somewhat half-heartedly, because the hardware support Linux
enjoys has come such a long, long way. But there are still areas where
it could use a huge bump. Specifically, wireless. Most often a lack of a
working wireless connection in Linux is due to having an unsupported
chipset. And although the list of unsupported chipsets is getting
smaller and smaller, it still exists. When potential new users come
across an issue like this, they inevitably run back to Windows because
they know their hardware will work. They may have to spend an hour (or a
day) looking for drivers, but they know they can get it to work.
3: Smart phone syncing
Regardless of the type of smart phone you use, one of the biggest
benefits of using it is that you can sync it with your PC. At least you
can in Windows. Many smart phones quickly become slightly crippled when
plugged into a Linux machine. Even my HTC Hero, which uses the Android
operating system, can’t sync with Linux. Yes, you can add music to your
Android phone. But try to sync contacts, calendars, or email with
Evolution or KMail and you’re in for a never-ending nightmare. On the
Windows operating system, this task is a complete no-brainer.
4: Enterprise presence
On so many levels, Linux is a perfect match for SMB and enterprise
usage. Be it the desktop or the server, Linux could help improve the
efficiency of workers. But that has not and could not happen without
some real change. Exactly what that change is, I am not sure. But I do
believe most of the change needed is on the end of the business — and we
all know that is not going to happen. But if Linux could enjoy the
presence that Windows has in the enterprise, the whole landscape of IT
(from business to home use) would change.
5: Workgroup setup
I can get Samba set up pretty quickly, but that is after years of
working with Linux. The average user would seriously be put to task to
get this working. Joining a Windows machine to a workgroup is simple.
Linux needs to gain this user-friendly ability to see and work with
Windows machines with very little setup (and especially no editing of
smb.conf).
6: Touchscreen
One of the big to-do’s with Windows 7 was the improved touchscreen
support. Linux can work with a limited number of touchscreens (see #2),
but to do so often requires the user to work with the xorg.conf file.
And since X11 is now working with a xorg.conf-less setup, this is even
more difficult. Although I’m not a fan, touchscreen could be the future
of computing. It has worked majestically for the iPhone, so why not for
the desktop PC? If that’s the case, Linux better get some Windows-like
support worked into the picture.
7: Pre-installs
This could easily dethrone #1 from the top spot. A handful of companies
(System76, for instance) offer pre-installed Linux solutions. If
anything would give a better boost to Linux acceptance than
pre-installs, I’d like to know what it is. Pre-installed operating
systems are what gets the OS into the hands of the user. Sure, anyone
can install an operating system if they want to (and have the IQ to do
so - and we’re not looking at Sheldon Cooper levels of IQ), but this
doesn’t happen on regular basis.
8: Support
This is a tough one. If you have a problem with Windows you can call
Microsoft tech support (so long as you have the time). If you have a
problem with Linux, who ya gonna call? You can call Canonical for Ubuntu
support, if you’ve purchased a support package. You can call Novell for
SuSE support, if you’ve purchased a support package. You can call Red
Hat for Red Hat support, if you’ve purchased a support package. But what
happens when you buy that shiny new computer, wipe off Windows, install
Linux, and have a problem? Most likely, you’re going to hear that you
have invalidated the warranty or support contract by doing so. PC makers
need to learn to support the Linux operating system.
9: Software installation
I want to preface this by saying the Ubuntu Software Center will
eventually negate this point. But for now, we’ll continue on as if USC
doesn’t exist. To install an application on Windows, you simply download
the installer and double-click the file. To install an application on
Linux, you have to search for the application in a tool like Synaptic,
mark it for installation, and apply the changes. After you click Apply,
you have to hope that all dependencies have been met. And if you can’t
find the software within Synaptic (or whichever tool you use), you have
to add the repositories that house the software you need. I am a big fan
of how Linux is evolving (thanks to tools like Synaptic and Ubuntu
Software Center). New users expect to be able to download a single file
and double-click it to install.
10: Direct X
One issue that keeps many features from migrating to Linux is Direct X.
What would this do for Linux? In a word, games. Games are the reason so
many people will not migrate to Linux. There are a lot of gamers out
there, and until Direct X comes to Linux, those games will not find
their way outside of any operating system that does not support Direct X.
More features?
That’s my list of Windows features that Linux could benefit from. But is
it a complete list? If something is missing, tell us what the feature is
and how Linux would benefit from having it.
http://blogs.zdnet.com/BTL/?p=28258&tag=content;col1&tag=nl.e589
--
If you want to know what is going on in Cambodia, please visit
The Mirror, a regular review of the Cambodian language press in English.
This is the latest weekly editorial of the Mirror:
A 30 Years Commemoration – Civil Society in Cambodia
Sunday, 29.11.2009
http://tinyurl.com/yatqdmn
(to read it, click on the line above.)
And here is something new every day:
http://cambodiamirror.wordpress.com
10 Windows features I would like to see in Linux
Posted by Larry Dignan
This is a guest post from TechRepublic’s Jack Wallen and a follow-up to
””10 Linux features Windows should have by default.
I recently shared my list of 10 Linux features I think should be
included in Windows. Today, I’m going to challenge myself by finding 10
features in the Windows operating system that I would like to see make
their way to Linux. I am not going to play the typical fanboy and make a
joke of this by saying there is nothing in the Windows operating system
that would be welcome in the other camp. We all know there are plenty of
outstanding features in the Windows operating system. But I might
stretch the nature of the word “features” to include a few items that
are less inherent in the OS and more about the community or business model.
So with that said, let’s dive into this ocean and see what we catch.
1: Marketing
I have to start with the big guns. There may be only one IT-related
business with a better marketing machine than Microsoft — Apple. But
that’s a big “may be.” And everyone knows how small and inefficient the
Linux marketing machine (or lack thereof) is. I feel fairly confident in
saying that if the Linux operating system could enjoy the marketing that
Windows enjoys, no other operating system would stand a chance.
2: Hardware support
I say this somewhat half-heartedly, because the hardware support Linux
enjoys has come such a long, long way. But there are still areas where
it could use a huge bump. Specifically, wireless. Most often a lack of a
working wireless connection in Linux is due to having an unsupported
chipset. And although the list of unsupported chipsets is getting
smaller and smaller, it still exists. When potential new users come
across an issue like this, they inevitably run back to Windows because
they know their hardware will work. They may have to spend an hour (or a
day) looking for drivers, but they know they can get it to work.
3: Smart phone syncing
Regardless of the type of smart phone you use, one of the biggest
benefits of using it is that you can sync it with your PC. At least you
can in Windows. Many smart phones quickly become slightly crippled when
plugged into a Linux machine. Even my HTC Hero, which uses the Android
operating system, can’t sync with Linux. Yes, you can add music to your
Android phone. But try to sync contacts, calendars, or email with
Evolution or KMail and you’re in for a never-ending nightmare. On the
Windows operating system, this task is a complete no-brainer.
4: Enterprise presence
On so many levels, Linux is a perfect match for SMB and enterprise
usage. Be it the desktop or the server, Linux could help improve the
efficiency of workers. But that has not and could not happen without
some real change. Exactly what that change is, I am not sure. But I do
believe most of the change needed is on the end of the business — and we
all know that is not going to happen. But if Linux could enjoy the
presence that Windows has in the enterprise, the whole landscape of IT
(from business to home use) would change.
5: Workgroup setup
I can get Samba set up pretty quickly, but that is after years of
working with Linux. The average user would seriously be put to task to
get this working. Joining a Windows machine to a workgroup is simple.
Linux needs to gain this user-friendly ability to see and work with
Windows machines with very little setup (and especially no editing of
smb.conf).
6: Touchscreen
One of the big to-do’s with Windows 7 was the improved touchscreen
support. Linux can work with a limited number of touchscreens (see #2),
but to do so often requires the user to work with the xorg.conf file.
And since X11 is now working with a xorg.conf-less setup, this is even
more difficult. Although I’m not a fan, touchscreen could be the future
of computing. It has worked majestically for the iPhone, so why not for
the desktop PC? If that’s the case, Linux better get some Windows-like
support worked into the picture.
7: Pre-installs
This could easily dethrone #1 from the top spot. A handful of companies
(System76, for instance) offer pre-installed Linux solutions. If
anything would give a better boost to Linux acceptance than
pre-installs, I’d like to know what it is. Pre-installed operating
systems are what gets the OS into the hands of the user. Sure, anyone
can install an operating system if they want to (and have the IQ to do
so - and we’re not looking at Sheldon Cooper levels of IQ), but this
doesn’t happen on regular basis.
8: Support
This is a tough one. If you have a problem with Windows you can call
Microsoft tech support (so long as you have the time). If you have a
problem with Linux, who ya gonna call? You can call Canonical for Ubuntu
support, if you’ve purchased a support package. You can call Novell for
SuSE support, if you’ve purchased a support package. You can call Red
Hat for Red Hat support, if you’ve purchased a support package. But what
happens when you buy that shiny new computer, wipe off Windows, install
Linux, and have a problem? Most likely, you’re going to hear that you
have invalidated the warranty or support contract by doing so. PC makers
need to learn to support the Linux operating system.
9: Software installation
I want to preface this by saying the Ubuntu Software Center will
eventually negate this point. But for now, we’ll continue on as if USC
doesn’t exist. To install an application on Windows, you simply download
the installer and double-click the file. To install an application on
Linux, you have to search for the application in a tool like Synaptic,
mark it for installation, and apply the changes. After you click Apply,
you have to hope that all dependencies have been met. And if you can’t
find the software within Synaptic (or whichever tool you use), you have
to add the repositories that house the software you need. I am a big fan
of how Linux is evolving (thanks to tools like Synaptic and Ubuntu
Software Center). New users expect to be able to download a single file
and double-click it to install.
10: Direct X
One issue that keeps many features from migrating to Linux is Direct X.
What would this do for Linux? In a word, games. Games are the reason so
many people will not migrate to Linux. There are a lot of gamers out
there, and until Direct X comes to Linux, those games will not find
their way outside of any operating system that does not support Direct X.
More features?
That’s my list of Windows features that Linux could benefit from. But is
it a complete list? If something is missing, tell us what the feature is
and how Linux would benefit from having it.
http://blogs.zdnet.com/BTL/?p=28258&tag=content;col1&tag=nl.e589
--
If you want to know what is going on in Cambodia, please visit
The Mirror, a regular review of the Cambodian language press in English.
This is the latest weekly editorial of the Mirror:
A 30 Years Commemoration – Civil Society in Cambodia
Sunday, 29.11.2009
http://tinyurl.com/yatqdmn
(to read it, click on the line above.)
And here is something new every day:
http://cambodiamirror.wordpress.com
Frederic Muller
Dec 10, 2009, 9:08:12 PM12/10/09
to pp...@googlegroups.com
No offence but over half of this is really lame. I'll spare you each
point negation (I do agree on 2-3 of them max). I guess he is looking
for readers/hits.
Sometimes I wished Linux was not so popular after all and those people
would refrain from writing such stupid things. And it's not that Windows
has nothing Linux couldn't take, it's just that he could take 10 more
minutes to think.
Fred
Norbert Klein wrote:
> December 10th, 2009
>
> 10 Windows features I would like to see in Linux
>
> Posted by Larry Dignan
>
> This is a guest post from TechRepublic�s Jack Wallen and a follow-up to
> ��10 Linux features Windows should have by default.
> that�s a big �may be.� And everyone knows how small and inefficient the
> doesn�t happen on regular basis.
> SuSE support, if you�ve purchased a support package. You can call Red
> Hat for Red Hat support, if you�ve purchased a support package. But what
> doesn�t exist. To install an application on Windows, you simply download
point negation (I do agree on 2-3 of them max). I guess he is looking
for readers/hits.
Sometimes I wished Linux was not so popular after all and those people
would refrain from writing such stupid things. And it's not that Windows
has nothing Linux couldn't take, it's just that he could take 10 more
minutes to think.
Fred
Norbert Klein wrote:
> December 10th, 2009
>
> 10 Windows features I would like to see in Linux
>
> Posted by Larry Dignan
>
> ��10 Linux features Windows should have by default.
>
> I recently shared my list of 10 Linux features I think should be
> included in Windows. Today, I�m going to challenge myself by finding 10
> I recently shared my list of 10 Linux features I think should be
> features in the Windows operating system that I would like to see make
> their way to Linux. I am not going to play the typical fanboy and make a
> joke of this by saying there is nothing in the Windows operating system
> that would be welcome in the other camp. We all know there are plenty of
> outstanding features in the Windows operating system. But I might
> stretch the nature of the word �features� to include a few items that
> their way to Linux. I am not going to play the typical fanboy and make a
> joke of this by saying there is nothing in the Windows operating system
> that would be welcome in the other camp. We all know there are plenty of
> outstanding features in the Windows operating system. But I might
> are less inherent in the OS and more about the community or business model.
>
> So with that said, let�s dive into this ocean and see what we catch.
>
>
> 1: Marketing
>
> I have to start with the big guns. There may be only one IT-related
> business with a better marketing machine than Microsoft � Apple. But
> 1: Marketing
>
> I have to start with the big guns. There may be only one IT-related
> that�s a big �may be.� And everyone knows how small and inefficient the
> Linux marketing machine (or lack thereof) is. I feel fairly confident in
> saying that if the Linux operating system could enjoy the marketing that
> Windows enjoys, no other operating system would stand a chance.
>
> 2: Hardware support
>
> I say this somewhat half-heartedly, because the hardware support Linux
> enjoys has come such a long, long way. But there are still areas where
> it could use a huge bump. Specifically, wireless. Most often a lack of a
> working wireless connection in Linux is due to having an unsupported
> chipset. And although the list of unsupported chipsets is getting
> smaller and smaller, it still exists. When potential new users come
> across an issue like this, they inevitably run back to Windows because
> they know their hardware will work. They may have to spend an hour (or a
> day) looking for drivers, but they know they can get it to work.
>
> 3: Smart phone syncing
>
> Regardless of the type of smart phone you use, one of the biggest
> benefits of using it is that you can sync it with your PC. At least you
> can in Windows. Many smart phones quickly become slightly crippled when
> plugged into a Linux machine. Even my HTC Hero, which uses the Android
> operating system, can�t sync with Linux. Yes, you can add music to your
> saying that if the Linux operating system could enjoy the marketing that
> Windows enjoys, no other operating system would stand a chance.
>
> 2: Hardware support
>
> I say this somewhat half-heartedly, because the hardware support Linux
> enjoys has come such a long, long way. But there are still areas where
> it could use a huge bump. Specifically, wireless. Most often a lack of a
> working wireless connection in Linux is due to having an unsupported
> chipset. And although the list of unsupported chipsets is getting
> smaller and smaller, it still exists. When potential new users come
> across an issue like this, they inevitably run back to Windows because
> they know their hardware will work. They may have to spend an hour (or a
> day) looking for drivers, but they know they can get it to work.
>
> 3: Smart phone syncing
>
> Regardless of the type of smart phone you use, one of the biggest
> benefits of using it is that you can sync it with your PC. At least you
> can in Windows. Many smart phones quickly become slightly crippled when
> plugged into a Linux machine. Even my HTC Hero, which uses the Android
> Android phone. But try to sync contacts, calendars, or email with
> Evolution or KMail and you�re in for a never-ending nightmare. On the
> Windows operating system, this task is a complete no-brainer.
>
> 4: Enterprise presence
>
> On so many levels, Linux is a perfect match for SMB and enterprise
> usage. Be it the desktop or the server, Linux could help improve the
> efficiency of workers. But that has not and could not happen without
> some real change. Exactly what that change is, I am not sure. But I do
> believe most of the change needed is on the end of the business � and we
>
> 4: Enterprise presence
>
> On so many levels, Linux is a perfect match for SMB and enterprise
> usage. Be it the desktop or the server, Linux could help improve the
> efficiency of workers. But that has not and could not happen without
> some real change. Exactly what that change is, I am not sure. But I do
> all know that is not going to happen. But if Linux could enjoy the
> presence that Windows has in the enterprise, the whole landscape of IT
> (from business to home use) would change.
>
> 5: Workgroup setup
>
> I can get Samba set up pretty quickly, but that is after years of
> working with Linux. The average user would seriously be put to task to
> get this working. Joining a Windows machine to a workgroup is simple.
> Linux needs to gain this user-friendly ability to see and work with
> Windows machines with very little setup (and especially no editing of
> smb.conf).
>
> 6: Touchscreen
>
> One of the big to-do�s with Windows 7 was the improved touchscreen
> presence that Windows has in the enterprise, the whole landscape of IT
> (from business to home use) would change.
>
> 5: Workgroup setup
>
> I can get Samba set up pretty quickly, but that is after years of
> working with Linux. The average user would seriously be put to task to
> get this working. Joining a Windows machine to a workgroup is simple.
> Linux needs to gain this user-friendly ability to see and work with
> Windows machines with very little setup (and especially no editing of
> smb.conf).
>
> 6: Touchscreen
>
> support. Linux can work with a limited number of touchscreens (see #2),
> but to do so often requires the user to work with the xorg.conf file.
> And since X11 is now working with a xorg.conf-less setup, this is even
> more difficult. Although I�m not a fan, touchscreen could be the future
> but to do so often requires the user to work with the xorg.conf file.
> And since X11 is now working with a xorg.conf-less setup, this is even
> of computing. It has worked majestically for the iPhone, so why not for
> the desktop PC? If that�s the case, Linux better get some Windows-like
> support worked into the picture.
>
> 7: Pre-installs
>
> This could easily dethrone #1 from the top spot. A handful of companies
> (System76, for instance) offer pre-installed Linux solutions. If
> anything would give a better boost to Linux acceptance than
> pre-installs, I�d like to know what it is. Pre-installed operating
>
> 7: Pre-installs
>
> This could easily dethrone #1 from the top spot. A handful of companies
> (System76, for instance) offer pre-installed Linux solutions. If
> anything would give a better boost to Linux acceptance than
> systems are what gets the OS into the hands of the user. Sure, anyone
> can install an operating system if they want to (and have the IQ to do
> so - and we�re not looking at Sheldon Cooper levels of IQ), but this
> can install an operating system if they want to (and have the IQ to do
> doesn�t happen on regular basis.
>
> 8: Support
>
> This is a tough one. If you have a problem with Windows you can call
> Microsoft tech support (so long as you have the time). If you have a
> problem with Linux, who ya gonna call? You can call Canonical for Ubuntu
> support, if you�ve purchased a support package. You can call Novell for
> 8: Support
>
> This is a tough one. If you have a problem with Windows you can call
> Microsoft tech support (so long as you have the time). If you have a
> problem with Linux, who ya gonna call? You can call Canonical for Ubuntu
> SuSE support, if you�ve purchased a support package. You can call Red
> Hat for Red Hat support, if you�ve purchased a support package. But what
> happens when you buy that shiny new computer, wipe off Windows, install
> Linux, and have a problem? Most likely, you�re going to hear that you
> have invalidated the warranty or support contract by doing so. PC makers
> need to learn to support the Linux operating system.
>
> 9: Software installation
>
> I want to preface this by saying the Ubuntu Software Center will
> eventually negate this point. But for now, we�ll continue on as if USC
> need to learn to support the Linux operating system.
>
> 9: Software installation
>
> I want to preface this by saying the Ubuntu Software Center will
> doesn�t exist. To install an application on Windows, you simply download
> the installer and double-click the file. To install an application on
> Linux, you have to search for the application in a tool like Synaptic,
> mark it for installation, and apply the changes. After you click Apply,
> you have to hope that all dependencies have been met. And if you can�t
> Linux, you have to search for the application in a tool like Synaptic,
> mark it for installation, and apply the changes. After you click Apply,
> find the software within Synaptic (or whichever tool you use), you have
> to add the repositories that house the software you need. I am a big fan
> of how Linux is evolving (thanks to tools like Synaptic and Ubuntu
> Software Center). New users expect to be able to download a single file
> and double-click it to install.
>
> 10: Direct X
>
> One issue that keeps many features from migrating to Linux is Direct X.
> What would this do for Linux? In a word, games. Games are the reason so
> many people will not migrate to Linux. There are a lot of gamers out
> there, and until Direct X comes to Linux, those games will not find
> their way outside of any operating system that does not support Direct X.
> More features?
>
> That�s my list of Windows features that Linux could benefit from. But is
> to add the repositories that house the software you need. I am a big fan
> of how Linux is evolving (thanks to tools like Synaptic and Ubuntu
> Software Center). New users expect to be able to download a single file
> and double-click it to install.
>
> 10: Direct X
>
> One issue that keeps many features from migrating to Linux is Direct X.
> What would this do for Linux? In a word, games. Games are the reason so
> many people will not migrate to Linux. There are a lot of gamers out
> there, and until Direct X comes to Linux, those games will not find
> their way outside of any operating system that does not support Direct X.
> More features?
>
Panha
Dec 13, 2009, 11:37:30 PM12/13/09
to PPLUG - Phnom Penh Linux Users Group
Hi,
I have some idea on this. As I'm a graphic designer, I faced some big
problem with my graphic, I design a magazine for real estate agency,
so Photoshop and Illustrator is my life. even though on Linux we have
Gimp and Inkscape to replace them, but I think Adobe product is more
powerful than our Linux application, I used Wine but I found that it
won't work perfectly, and CMYK color doesn't work very well on my
Ubuntu box. I don't know how come CMYK color won't work on mine, I'm a
newbie to Linux, but I love Linux long ago., if there is a solution
for this please help me out. Thanks
PS: I'm a Linux lover, I don't want to use Windows at all, but if
there is anyway to solve this problem, I think Linux will get to the
top.
Panha
On Dec 11, 9:08 am, Frederic Muller <f...@beijinglug.org> wrote:
> No offence but over half of this is really lame. I'll spare you each
> point negation (I do agree on 2-3 of them max). I guess he is looking
> for readers/hits.
>
> Sometimes I wished Linux was not so popular after all and those people
> would refrain from writing such stupid things. And it's not that Windows
> has nothing Linux couldn't take, it's just that he could take 10 more
> minutes to think.
>
> Fred
>
>
>
> Norbert Klein wrote:
> > December 10th, 2009
>
> > 10 Windows features I would like to see in Linux
>
> > Posted by Larry Dignan
>
> > This is a guest post from TechRepublic s Jack Wallen and a follow-up to
> > that s a big may be. And everyone knows how small and inefficient the
> > doesn t happen on regular basis.
> > SuSE support, if you ve purchased a support package. You can call Red
> > Hat for Red Hat support, if you ve purchased a support package. But what
> > doesn t exist. To install an application on Windows, you simply download
I have some idea on this. As I'm a graphic designer, I faced some big
problem with my graphic, I design a magazine for real estate agency,
so Photoshop and Illustrator is my life. even though on Linux we have
Gimp and Inkscape to replace them, but I think Adobe product is more
powerful than our Linux application, I used Wine but I found that it
won't work perfectly, and CMYK color doesn't work very well on my
Ubuntu box. I don't know how come CMYK color won't work on mine, I'm a
newbie to Linux, but I love Linux long ago., if there is a solution
for this please help me out. Thanks
PS: I'm a Linux lover, I don't want to use Windows at all, but if
there is anyway to solve this problem, I think Linux will get to the
top.
Panha
On Dec 11, 9:08 am, Frederic Muller <f...@beijinglug.org> wrote:
> No offence but over half of this is really lame. I'll spare you each
> point negation (I do agree on 2-3 of them max). I guess he is looking
> for readers/hits.
>
> Sometimes I wished Linux was not so popular after all and those people
> would refrain from writing such stupid things. And it's not that Windows
> has nothing Linux couldn't take, it's just that he could take 10 more
> minutes to think.
>
> Fred
>
>
>
> Norbert Klein wrote:
> > December 10th, 2009
>
> > 10 Windows features I would like to see in Linux
>
> > Posted by Larry Dignan
>
> > 10 Linux features Windows should have by default.
>
> > I recently shared my list of 10 Linux features I think should be
> > included in Windows. Today, I m going to challenge myself by finding 10
>
> > I recently shared my list of 10 Linux features I think should be
> > features in the Windows operating system that I would like to see make
> > their way to Linux. I am not going to play the typical fanboy and make a
> > joke of this by saying there is nothing in the Windows operating system
> > that would be welcome in the other camp. We all know there are plenty of
> > outstanding features in the Windows operating system. But I might
> > stretch the nature of the word features to include a few items that
> > their way to Linux. I am not going to play the typical fanboy and make a
> > joke of this by saying there is nothing in the Windows operating system
> > that would be welcome in the other camp. We all know there are plenty of
> > outstanding features in the Windows operating system. But I might
> > are less inherent in the OS and more about the community or business model.
>
> > So with that said, let s dive into this ocean and see what we catch.
>
>
> > 1: Marketing
>
> > I have to start with the big guns. There may be only one IT-related
> > business with a better marketing machine than Microsoft Apple. But
> > 1: Marketing
>
> > I have to start with the big guns. There may be only one IT-related
> > that s a big may be. And everyone knows how small and inefficient the
> > Linux marketing machine (or lack thereof) is. I feel fairly confident in
> > saying that if the Linux operating system could enjoy the marketing that
> > Windows enjoys, no other operating system would stand a chance.
>
> > 2: Hardware support
>
> > I say this somewhat half-heartedly, because the hardware support Linux
> > enjoys has come such a long, long way. But there are still areas where
> > it could use a huge bump. Specifically, wireless. Most often a lack of a
> > working wireless connection in Linux is due to having an unsupported
> > chipset. And although the list of unsupported chipsets is getting
> > smaller and smaller, it still exists. When potential new users come
> > across an issue like this, they inevitably run back to Windows because
> > they know their hardware will work. They may have to spend an hour (or a
> > day) looking for drivers, but they know they can get it to work.
>
> > 3: Smart phone syncing
>
> > Regardless of the type of smart phone you use, one of the biggest
> > benefits of using it is that you can sync it with your PC. At least you
> > can in Windows. Many smart phones quickly become slightly crippled when
> > plugged into a Linux machine. Even my HTC Hero, which uses the Android
> > operating system, can t sync with Linux. Yes, you can add music to your
> > saying that if the Linux operating system could enjoy the marketing that
> > Windows enjoys, no other operating system would stand a chance.
>
> > 2: Hardware support
>
> > I say this somewhat half-heartedly, because the hardware support Linux
> > enjoys has come such a long, long way. But there are still areas where
> > it could use a huge bump. Specifically, wireless. Most often a lack of a
> > working wireless connection in Linux is due to having an unsupported
> > chipset. And although the list of unsupported chipsets is getting
> > smaller and smaller, it still exists. When potential new users come
> > across an issue like this, they inevitably run back to Windows because
> > they know their hardware will work. They may have to spend an hour (or a
> > day) looking for drivers, but they know they can get it to work.
>
> > 3: Smart phone syncing
>
> > Regardless of the type of smart phone you use, one of the biggest
> > benefits of using it is that you can sync it with your PC. At least you
> > can in Windows. Many smart phones quickly become slightly crippled when
> > plugged into a Linux machine. Even my HTC Hero, which uses the Android
> > Android phone. But try to sync contacts, calendars, or email with
> > Evolution or KMail and you re in for a never-ending nightmare. On the
> > Windows operating system, this task is a complete no-brainer.
>
> > 4: Enterprise presence
>
> > On so many levels, Linux is a perfect match for SMB and enterprise
> > usage. Be it the desktop or the server, Linux could help improve the
> > efficiency of workers. But that has not and could not happen without
> > some real change. Exactly what that change is, I am not sure. But I do
> > believe most of the change needed is on the end of the business and we
>
> > 4: Enterprise presence
>
> > On so many levels, Linux is a perfect match for SMB and enterprise
> > usage. Be it the desktop or the server, Linux could help improve the
> > efficiency of workers. But that has not and could not happen without
> > some real change. Exactly what that change is, I am not sure. But I do
> > all know that is not going to happen. But if Linux could enjoy the
> > presence that Windows has in the enterprise, the whole landscape of IT
> > (from business to home use) would change.
>
> > 5: Workgroup setup
>
> > I can get Samba set up pretty quickly, but that is after years of
> > working with Linux. The average user would seriously be put to task to
> > get this working. Joining a Windows machine to a workgroup is simple.
> > Linux needs to gain this user-friendly ability to see and work with
> > Windows machines with very little setup (and especially no editing of
> > smb.conf).
>
> > 6: Touchscreen
>
> > One of the big to-do s with Windows 7 was the improved touchscreen
> > presence that Windows has in the enterprise, the whole landscape of IT
> > (from business to home use) would change.
>
> > 5: Workgroup setup
>
> > I can get Samba set up pretty quickly, but that is after years of
> > working with Linux. The average user would seriously be put to task to
> > get this working. Joining a Windows machine to a workgroup is simple.
> > Linux needs to gain this user-friendly ability to see and work with
> > Windows machines with very little setup (and especially no editing of
> > smb.conf).
>
> > 6: Touchscreen
>
> > support. Linux can work with a limited number of touchscreens (see #2),
> > but to do so often requires the user to work with the xorg.conf file.
> > And since X11 is now working with a xorg.conf-less setup, this is even
> > more difficult. Although I m not a fan, touchscreen could be the future
> > but to do so often requires the user to work with the xorg.conf file.
> > And since X11 is now working with a xorg.conf-less setup, this is even
> > of computing. It has worked majestically for the iPhone, so why not for
> > the desktop PC? If that s the case, Linux better get some Windows-like
> > support worked into the picture.
>
> > 7: Pre-installs
>
> > This could easily dethrone #1 from the top spot. A handful of companies
> > (System76, for instance) offer pre-installed Linux solutions. If
> > anything would give a better boost to Linux acceptance than
> > pre-installs, I d like to know what it is. Pre-installed operating
>
> > 7: Pre-installs
>
> > This could easily dethrone #1 from the top spot. A handful of companies
> > (System76, for instance) offer pre-installed Linux solutions. If
> > anything would give a better boost to Linux acceptance than
> > systems are what gets the OS into the hands of the user. Sure, anyone
> > can install an operating system if they want to (and have the IQ to do
> > so - and we re not looking at Sheldon Cooper levels of IQ), but this
> > can install an operating system if they want to (and have the IQ to do
> > doesn t happen on regular basis.
>
> > 8: Support
>
> > This is a tough one. If you have a problem with Windows you can call
> > Microsoft tech support (so long as you have the time). If you have a
> > problem with Linux, who ya gonna call? You can call Canonical for Ubuntu
> > support, if you ve purchased a support package. You can call Novell for
> > 8: Support
>
> > This is a tough one. If you have a problem with Windows you can call
> > Microsoft tech support (so long as you have the time). If you have a
> > problem with Linux, who ya gonna call? You can call Canonical for Ubuntu
> > SuSE support, if you ve purchased a support package. You can call Red
> > Hat for Red Hat support, if you ve purchased a support package. But what
> > happens when you buy that shiny new computer, wipe off Windows, install
> > Linux, and have a problem? Most likely, you re going to hear that you
> > have invalidated the warranty or support contract by doing so. PC makers
> > need to learn to support the Linux operating system.
>
> > 9: Software installation
>
> > I want to preface this by saying the Ubuntu Software Center will
> > eventually negate this point. But for now, we ll continue on as if USC
> > need to learn to support the Linux operating system.
>
> > 9: Software installation
>
> > I want to preface this by saying the Ubuntu Software Center will
> > doesn t exist. To install an application on Windows, you simply download
> > the installer and double-click the file. To install an application on
> > Linux, you have to search for the application in a tool like Synaptic,
> > mark it for installation, and apply the changes. After you click Apply,
> > you have to hope that all dependencies have been met. And if you can t
> > Linux, you have to search for the application in a tool like Synaptic,
> > mark it for installation, and apply the changes. After you click Apply,
> > find the software within Synaptic (or whichever tool you use), you have
> > to add the repositories that house the software you need. I am a big fan
> > of how Linux is evolving (thanks to tools like Synaptic and Ubuntu
> > Software Center). New users expect to be able to download a single file
> > and double-click it to install.
>
> > 10: Direct X
>
> > One issue that keeps many features from migrating to Linux is Direct X.
> > What would this do for Linux? In a word, games. Games are the reason so
> > many people will not migrate to Linux. There are a lot of gamers out
> > there, and until Direct X comes to Linux, those games will not find
> > their way outside of any operating system that does not support Direct X.
> > More features?
>
> > That s my list of Windows features that Linux could benefit from. But is
> > to add the repositories that house the software you need. I am a big fan
> > of how Linux is evolving (thanks to tools like Synaptic and Ubuntu
> > Software Center). New users expect to be able to download a single file
> > and double-click it to install.
>
> > 10: Direct X
>
> > One issue that keeps many features from migrating to Linux is Direct X.
> > What would this do for Linux? In a word, games. Games are the reason so
> > many people will not migrate to Linux. There are a lot of gamers out
> > there, and until Direct X comes to Linux, those games will not find
> > their way outside of any operating system that does not support Direct X.
> > More features?
>
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