Apologises for the title but some people are of the opinion that because Ubuntu is the most well known linux distribution on the market then they must be slammed for stealing all the limelight.
I was browsing the net yesterday when I came across an article on www.linuxtoday.com which caught my eye. It was about Ubuntu and its users getting ridiculed for basically using Ubuntu and I thought here we go again. You see us Linux users can be a fickle bunch. If someone is seen as not using Linux in the same way that we do then they are wrong by default. What a load of rubbish and below I shall explain why.
The basis of the Ubuntu bashing can be shortened down to:
1. People think Ubuntu is Linux
2. Ubuntu does not do enough to support the linux kernel or gnome
3. You very rarely have to to use the command line in Ubuntu
So lets take these one at a time. First off Ubuntu has put a lot of effort and money into marketing Linux and has raised the publics perception of Linux as a result. Some people might think Linux is Ubuntu but you can’t blame the distribution or its users for that. Without Ubuntu people would still think that Linux is only suitable for super geeks and not for the average Joe. They should be praised not slammed.
The next point. Ubuntu does not do enough to support the linux kernel or the Gnome desktop. So what? All the linux code is published under the GPL and no where does it state that you have to particpate in writing code in the first place. This is the fundemental principle of open source. Anyone can use the code as long as they publish their own code at the end. There are hundreds of Linux Distributions on the market at the moment and I would bet my house that they don’t all share equal responsiblity for maintaining code for the kernel, gnome or any other software for that matter.
On to the command line. Like I said in my last blog you don’t have to use the command line if you don’t want to. For everyday stuff you can just use the graphical user interface (GUI) instead. Can someone please tell me why this is wrong? I would consider myself and intermediate linux user (CompTIA Linux + qualification) and there are times when I would rather use a GUI than try to remember all the commands for the terminal. If you want to fully understand Linux then yes you need to learn the command line but the average user will not care. They just want to word process, browse the net and maybe do some printing. We need to lose this elitist attitude. We all use Linux. It is designed so that users can use it in whatever way they choose. It is this freedom of choice that is the foundation of what using open source is all about.
I don’t use Ubuntu I use Linux Mint 12 instead. Freedom to chose, isn’t it wonderful.
About the Author
Hi I am Chris the owner of ComTech. I provide IT Support, Laptop repairs and Computer repairs to both personal and business clients in and around Stirling. For a list of what I can offer you why not visit my website www.comtech247.net where you will find my blog, testimonials, services and much more. Start supporting a local business today so I can start supporting you.
If you found this blog useful then why not sign up to my RSS Feed for news, tutorials, views and general techie stuff!!
Loading ...
Sometimes discussion in the Open Source world gets very serious and robust and it seems as if people are about to rip each other apart. Discussion can be very healthy for camps for all perspectives as it allows people to question and strengthen their conviction to the arguments they are rendering.
There is also a message in these discussions, because it is reflective of what peoples demands of the Linux product is.
But I do agree with the author, that some of the recent discussion is unhealthy, and it appears to come from a camp that is unaware of how an open source OS and open source software works. They come from the point that it is “freeware-like”, and there is nothing wrong with choosing Linux for the cost benefit.
Therefore, if they are suing (say) Ubuntu and the release implements (say) menus at the bottom of the window, there first response is “Well, that’s it – off to find another version of Linux”.
Off course, there is a fair amount of jealousy at play about the success of Ubuntu as well. I’ve showed off compiz effects on my laptop just to have Suse users shrug this off as eye candy, and come to me later to ask if I have solved the xxxxx problem on my desktop.
Perhaps the early adopters amongst us need to do more to teach others. I try to, whenever I can, without appearing evangelistic.
Thanks Jason. I come from the “We are all in this together category” so shouldn’t we help each other rather than bashing?
Great post mate.
It’s a pity that the open source community as in any human community is contaminated by people who seem to have a need to bash other peoples success.
Ubuntu has taken Linux to the masses. That is good for every Linux user – whatever distro. I’ve personally recruited quite a few normal computer users to Linux by installing Ubuntu over their Windows system. Ubuntu (and maybe Mint) is the only distro that I could have done that with.
Its like you read my mind! You appear to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you could do with some pics to drive the message home a bit, but instead of that, this is wonderful blog. A fantastic read. I will certainly be back.
It is usually difficult to find practiced individuals within this topic, nevertheless, you sound like you understand exactly what you are sharing! Cheers