How You Know When It’s Time to Switch to Linux
If you're considering giving Windows the boot here are 10 signs the time is right to give Linux a try.
1. You’re Tired of Paying for Software
2. You’re Tired of Upgrading Hardware
3. You’re Tired of Malware
4. You’ve Seen One Too Many Patch Tuesdays
5. You Don’t Have the Time
6. You Like Speed
7. You Like Sharing
8. You Don’t Actually Love Internet Explorer
9. You Want to Be in Control
10. You’re One of a Kind
Now, for a non-idiotic approach to the question…
ARE YOU READY TO SWITCH TO GNU/LINUX?
This is crucially important. But you can answer this question with a little thought and reflection.
First, take inventory of the different tasks that you do and the programs that you use to do it. Next, look for replacements for them that run on GNU/Linux. Next, and this is the hard part, verify that the replacements work for your purposes. An example will help…
The last time I genuinely wanted to try Linux, I remember having to write 3 lines of code to eject a CD from the tray or something. I thought that was pointless.
Windows 7 rocks! I am not sure if there are tools (that are as good) similar to Breevy, windroplr, Directory Opus, ClipX, StrokeIt, Direct Folders that make me productive (i.e., work faster and smarter) in Linux.-sri (December 30, 2010, 12:17 AM)
1. You’re Tired of Paying for SoftwareI buy very little software. Most of what I use is freeware.
2. You’re Tired of Upgrading HardwareYou will still eventually have to upgrade hardware, no matter what OS you run.
3. You’re Tired of MalwareWhat's that? I never get any. :D
4. You’ve Seen One Too Many Patch TuesdaysActually, I have seen one too many "reboot just to make sure Ubuntu is up to date, update it, then reboot back to Windows".
5. You Don’t Have the TimeTime for what? Oh yeah...see my answers to #4 and #6. ;)
6. You Like SpeedUbuntu is actually slower than Windows for me. Slower to startup, slower to find the shortcuts to the apps I want to run, slower to start the apps, slower to close them, slower to find valid info on how to do something I want to do, slower to shut down, slower to download and install updates, slower, slower, slower.
7. You Like SharingSharing what, exactly? I can't think of anything I'd want to share that could be shared better, faster, or easier on Linux.
8. You Don’t Actually Love Internet ExplorerI don't, and that's why I can install plenty of other browsers and pick the one I like best. I currently have 10 different browsers installed and except for Firefox, none of them have Linux versions, to my knowledge.
9. You Want to Be in ControlI am in control.
10. You’re One of a KindAnd so is my Windows desktop. :D
Quote
9. You Want to Be in Control
I am in control.
Quote
10. You’re One of a Kind
And so is my Windows desktop. cheesy
Am I ready to switch to Linux? No.
Is Linux ready for me? No...-app103 (December 30, 2010, 02:19 AM)
I blame whole Linux pimping community for me not using Linux. I sense BS posts/reviews/"opinions" are decreasing though, probably due to Windows 7. Ok to focus on Microsoft evil doings of course but these arguments are of low quality. Those who can't see where they come from cannot handle Linux in any shape or form. Takes a bit more than getting rid of Windows annoyances. Truth could be such communication is not meant to sell tickets to Windows users but to help confirming those who struggle have made the right choice. I have problems with that attitude but no way to avoid it because not possible to explore Linux world on my own - knowledge of weird details and workarounds required when you want to tinker and modify Linux. Might be ok out of the box for grandmas and sysadmins who just want things to work :P-Bamse (December 30, 2010, 08:30 AM)
- wtf is a patch tuesday?Microsoft decided to patch once a month only. I wonder how people can be tired of that but not of the daily Linux distro fixes...-Stephen66515 (December 30, 2010, 09:18 PM)
The title is misleading. All the items listed have nothing to do with GNU. :)
BTW:
Of course Linux has bars similar to Windows. Or, in case of Ubuntu, OSX. Anyway, the whole thread leads into the wrong direction. Why switch when Windows fits my needs?-Tuxman (December 30, 2010, 09:09 PM)
The combination of GNU and Linux is the GNU/Linux operating system, now used by millions and sometimes incorrectly called simply “Linux”.
“Free software” is a matter of liberty, not price. To understand the concept, you should think of “free” as in “free speech”, not as in “free beer”.
To be absolutely clear, the reasons/motivations behind GNU/Linux are entirely political/philosophical, and NOT financial.Yep, so "GNU/Linux" is the wrong term. Tell me one major GNU/Linux distribution without a "non-free" repository or blobs in the kernel.-Renegade (December 30, 2010, 09:57 PM)
To be absolutely clear, the reasons/motivations behind GNU/Linux are entirely political/philosophical, and NOT financial.Yep, so "GNU/Linux" is the wrong term. Tell me one major GNU/Linux distribution without a "non-free" repository or blobs in the kernel.-Renegade (December 30, 2010, 09:57 PM)-Tuxman (December 30, 2010, 10:01 PM)
Daily? Shoot, I can update once in *buntu and check again 3 hours later and have more. And I've seen a total of 80 patches appear 24 hours later after "fully patching" a system one day prior.-Josh (December 30, 2010, 09:33 PM)
That, and the fact that, I think most mac users are WAY to "up themselves" to ever ask for help on a forum, so finding good, usefull information, that is up to date, and actually works, is going to be a bigger task than saving £1200 to give to Apple.-Stephen66515 (December 30, 2010, 10:31 PM)
That, and the fact that, I think most mac users are WAY to "up themselves" to ever ask for help on a forum, so finding good, usefull information, that is up to date, and actually works, is going to be a bigger task than saving £1200 to give to Apple.-Stephen66515 (December 30, 2010, 10:31 PM)
Microsoft is the opposite there -- they almost care too much about backward compatibility.-Renegade (December 30, 2010, 10:42 PM)
Did you mean, 'Yep, so "Linux" is the wrong term'?Debian. It has both.
And did you mean, 'Tell me one major GNU/Linux distribution with a "non-free" repository or blobs in the kernel'?-Renegade (December 30, 2010, 10:24 PM)
Did you mean, 'Yep, so "Linux" is the wrong term'?Debian. It has both.
And did you mean, 'Tell me one major GNU/Linux distribution with a "non-free" repository or blobs in the kernel'?-Renegade (December 30, 2010, 10:24 PM)
So "GNU/Linux" I S plain wrong. "Linux" is the right term here.-Tuxman (December 30, 2010, 10:51 PM)
The final factor which stopped me doing a perma-move to linux was the lack of people willing to help. Looking on forums to see thousands of "RTFM n00b" and "wtf...stupid question...gtfo my forum" kinda put me off. Makes you wonder if theres a forum, like DC, but for Linux......I've "pushed" this forum before, but I'll do it again...: http://crunchbanglinux.org/forums/ I find it to be a very friendly linux centered forum. Obviously mostly concerned with all things CrunchBang Linux, but all kinds of general Linux stuff (and other things) are discussed as well, and in a nice, friendly tone. Can't say I'm "ready" to switch to Linux, but I find CrunchBang ideal for my netbook, and I'm considering installing Qimo ("a desktop operating system designed for kids") on my old laptop for my daughter to use.-Stephen66515 (December 30, 2010, 10:31 PM)
Shouldn't you be in rehab, then, rather than getting all buzzed up and energetic about installing linux?6. You Like Speed-Renegade (December 30, 2010, 12:11 AM)
Hmmm... Better than the last time I had to eject a DVD on my Mac. Ended up taking it in for repair... Only had about 20 or 30 disks in it too. :(That might have been your problem; I think they're meant to accomodate only one.-Renegade (December 30, 2010, 12:31 AM)
Hmmm... Better than the last time I had to eject a DVD on my Mac. Ended up taking it in for repair... Only had about 20 or 30 disks in it too. :(That might have been your problem; I think they're meant to accomodate only one.-Renegade (December 30, 2010, 12:31 AM)-cranioscopical (December 31, 2010, 07:55 AM)
I'm not familiar with what you're referring to.Debian's apt repositories have a "non-free" trunk. In Debian's kernel are some binary blobs for common drivers. Both are incompatible with the term "GNU/Linux".-Renegade (December 30, 2010, 11:02 PM)
...and an attitude like that is why linux isn't taking off for the majority of normal people.I'm not familiar with what you're referring to.Debian's apt repositories have a "non-free" trunk. In Debian's kernel are some binary blobs for common drivers. Both are incompatible with the term "GNU/Linux".-Renegade (December 30, 2010, 11:02 PM)-Tuxman (December 31, 2010, 10:06 AM)
...opensores...-f0dder (December 31, 2010, 03:16 PM)
I don't always do it on purpose, I swear!Pejorative. Shame on you f-man! ;D
...opensores...-f0dder (December 31, 2010, 03:16 PM)-40hz (December 31, 2010, 04:14 PM)
IMHO "GNU/Linux" doesn't mean "GNU-only" - then you wouldn't have a very large distro, anyway. Since it doesn't mean GNU-only, it doesn't mean opensores-only either.Well, it MEANS GNU-compatible only.-f0dder (December 31, 2010, 03:16 PM)
No, not really. Calling it GNU/Linux only conveys that it's a distribution that's bent over for GNU's sense of self-importance.IMHO "GNU/Linux" doesn't mean "GNU-only" - then you wouldn't have a very large distro, anyway. Since it doesn't mean GNU-only, it doesn't mean opensores-only either.Well, it MEANS GNU-compatible only.-f0dder (December 31, 2010, 03:16 PM)-Tuxman (December 31, 2010, 06:22 PM)
And if it's GPL, then it's GNU.Linux (the kernel) is not even GNU due to the driver BLOBs. No-one said that the whole distribution must also be.-Renegade (December 31, 2010, 09:22 PM)
And if it's GPL, then it's GNU.Linux (the kernel) is not even GNU due to the driver BLOBs. No-one said that the whole distribution must also be.-Renegade (December 31, 2010, 09:22 PM)-Tuxman (December 31, 2010, 09:28 PM)
http://www.gnu.org/distros/common-distros.html-Tuxman (December 31, 2010, 09:43 PM)
It is the most obvious source, isn't it?
Somewhere in the Debian docs, the Blobs are explained more detailedly. But I guess "binary large objects" is quite self-explaining.
:)
No problem!
(So what about changing the topic title now? :P)-Tuxman (December 31, 2010, 09:56 PM)
The combination of GNU and Linux is the GNU/Linux operating system, now used by millions and sometimes incorrectly called simply “Linux”.
Glad to help you out! :)
The GPLv3 allows peaceful coexistence with non-free parts, written for exactly that reason: to allow Linux to get proprietary drivers.-Tuxman (December 31, 2010, 10:12 PM)
1. You’re Tired of Paying for SoftwareNo. Tired of being a freebie-sucker and i want to support myself and other develoeprs.
2. You’re Tired of Upgrading HardwareSo that keeps me from playing upcoming games ? no thanks. i'll update hardware frequently and play games instead of pretending to live frugal life just for the sake of lazyness. :D
3. You’re Tired of MalwareThere are no malware for chrome and firefox irrespective of platform ? ;)
4. You’ve Seen One Too Many Patch TuesdaysThere are no patches in linux software ? i wonder why gcc and other supported libs are updated frequently on every software package when synaptic finds out.
5. You Don’t Have the Timelinux increases amount of time i spent on it to sort things out. Don't tell me linux saves time.
6. You Like Speedfor what ? games? let's face it. It's not profitable to write games for linux and so the speed is useless when it comes to linux gaming.
7. You Like Sharingshare what ? music ? illegal stuff ? :coughs:
8. You Don’t Actually Love Internet ExplorerNever used it ever since 2007. Firefox and opera is beating that child of MS for long time already.
9. You Want to Be in ControlI'm in control.
10. You’re One of a KindWriting scripts on command line to do simple tasks when 2 clicks can do job ? No, i'm not unique then. :D
As Linux is GPL, how does any distribution NOT become GPL? That violates the license. And if it's GPL, then it's GNU.Unless I'm really mistaken, licensing something under the GPL does not make it GNU.-Renegade (December 31, 2010, 09:22 PM)
As Linux is GPL, how does any distribution NOT become GPL? That violates the license. And if it's GPL, then it's GNU.Unless I'm really mistaken, licensing something under the GPL does not make it GNU.-Renegade (December 31, 2010, 09:22 PM)
There's a lot of software in every linux distribution not written by the GNU project people.
And there's a fair amount of opensource projects that aren't under the GPL license, and are included in most/lots of distributions.
Insisting on calling a distribution GNU/Linux imho equals downplaying the importance on non-gnu/non-gpl projects, and I find that rather distasteful and self-important of the GNU guys.-f0dder (January 01, 2011, 06:39 AM)
I'm a "freebie-sucker" because my income doesn't allow me to purchase software for which I find acceptable freeware alternatives?1. You’re Tired of Paying for SoftwareNo. Tired of being a freebie-sucker and i want to support myself and other develoeprs.-mahesh2k (December 31, 2010, 11:11 PM)
I'm lazy because I can't afford the latest whiz-bang constantly slung at me by game magazine advertisements?2. You’re Tired of Upgrading HardwareSo that keeps me from playing upcoming games ? no thanks. i'll update hardware frequently and play games instead of pretending to live frugal life just for the sake of lazyness. :D
Yeah, this dead horse has been beaten to a bloody pulp already.3. You’re Tired of MalwareThere are no malware for chrome and firefox irrespective of platform ? ;)
Hehe... I have to agree I don't see the point here.4. You’ve Seen One Too Many Patch TuesdaysThere are no patches in linux software ? i wonder why gcc and other supported libs are updated frequently on every software package when synaptic finds out.
What does the structure of a filesystem and disk mount points have to do with the amount of your available free time?5. You Don’t Have the Timelinux increases amount of time i spent on it to sort things out. Don't tell me linux saves time.
single drive multiple(countless) folders (linux)thinking saves time ? or multiple drives and multiple folders (windows way)save time and are easy to sort out ? ;)
Dude, you've thrown this gauntlet down before and I've thrown it right back at you but you obviously didn't catch it.6. You Like Speedfor what ? games? let's face it. It's not profitable to write games for linux and so the speed is useless when it comes to linux gaming.
What.7. You Like Sharingshare what ? music ? illegal stuff ? :coughs:
Agreed.8. You Don’t Actually Love Internet ExplorerNever used it ever since 2007. Firefox and opera is beating that child of MS for long time already.
I'm sure you are, especially if you're a half-decent system administrator, which I'm assuming is true.9. You Want to Be in ControlI'm in control.
Hehe... Yeah, this one is kind of subjective.10. You’re One of a KindWriting scripts on command line to do simple tasks when 2 clicks can do job ? No, i'm not unique then. :D
As Linux is GPL, how does any distribution NOT become GPL? That violates the license. And if it's GPL, then it's GNU.Unless I'm really mistaken, licensing something under the GPL does not make it GNU.-Renegade (December 31, 2010, 09:22 PM)
There's a lot of software in every linux distribution not written by the GNU project people.-f0dder (January 01, 2011, 06:39 AM)
And there's a fair amount of opensource projects that aren't under the GPL license, and are included in most/lots of distributions.
Insisting on calling a distribution GNU/Linux imho equals downplaying the importance on non-gnu/non-gpl projects, and I find that rather distasteful and self-important of the GNU guys.
I hate these lists precisely because of the controversy they engender, the snarky remarks, the outlandish claims, the smug retorts, the arguments that go on and on and on and on...-Edvard (January 01, 2011, 07:37 AM)
I hate these lists precisely because of the controversy they engender, the snarky remarks, the outlandish claims, the smug retorts, the arguments that go on and on and on and on...-Edvard (January 01, 2011, 07:37 AM)
Use Windows if it works for you.
Use Linux if it works for you.
Use both if it suits you.-Edvard (January 01, 2011, 07:37 AM)
Yeah, this dead horse has been beaten to a bloody pulp already.
Malware is not inherently Windows fault, it's the fault of the malware purveyors being aware of their market and how to exploit it.
Linux users are not completely immune to (for example) Flash and Java exploits that harvest data, but there are 90-99% more Windows machines with much more delicious data stored in the same place on every machine, which makes them an irresistable target.
Sorry.-Edvard (January 01, 2011, 07:37 AM)
BUT... once I figured that out, I discovered that ~90% of the time there is no real reason to muck about with the root filesystem, so I made myself cozy in /home/edvard and occasionally /opt and I'm doing much better.
Incidentally, the same goes for Windows; it took me just as many years to figure out that the less time I spent in C:\windows\system32 and more in C:\Documents and Settings\edvard the happier I was.-Edvard (January 01, 2011, 07:37 AM)
BTW, in Linux you can set up multiple drives in more ways than I even know how, and I've actually found it WAY more flexible than Windows.
Just sayin'...-Edvard (January 01, 2011, 07:37 AM)
Dude, you've thrown this gauntlet down before and I've thrown it right back at you but you obviously didn't catch it.
There are MANY legitimate reasons why NOT to write games for Linux, but it HAS NOW BEEN PROVEN that profit (or lack thereof) is NOT one of them.
http://www.hemispheregames.com/2010/06/23/linux-the-numbers/
http://jeffhoogland.blogspot.com/2010/05/why-there-is-market-for-linux-games.html-Edvard (January 01, 2011, 07:37 AM)
9. You Want to Be in ControlI'm in control.I'm sure you are, especially if you're a half-decent system administrator, which I'm assuming is true.
Personally, I've never felt more in control of a computer than the day I fully grasped the implications of running Linux instead of Windows.
It's not just GUI vs. command line, it's not about dealing with registry corruption, fiddly permissions, malware/viruses/etc, it's not a question of hating Microsoft or Apple or Adobe or any of that nonsense.
It's something quite nebulous and intangible that only comes with the experience of being a long-time Linux user, the moment you know you'll never turn back, that moment...
I'm sorry, I can't go on...
Inspirational music just started playing in my head and it must now stop.
:P-Edvard (January 01, 2011, 07:37 AM)
10. You’re One of a KindHehe... Yeah, this one is kind of subjective.-Edvard (January 01, 2011, 07:37 AM)
Just because one runs Linux doesn't make one any more or less unique.-Edvard (January 01, 2011, 07:37 AM)
Hell, a few choice DC apps and a new desktop wallpaper and my Windows machine at work can be pretty darn unique. ;p-Edvard (January 01, 2011, 07:37 AM)
BTW - depending on the task at hand, a few "scripts on command line" can take your 2 clicks to the mat any time.
Seriously, keep count of how many mouse clicks and menu options you have to go through to do an average administration task.
I bet it's more than you realize, but since you're more familiar with the process, you experience it as "easier".
Since getting familiar with common tasks in Linux that require command line operations, I've found that to be much easier and more powerful.
It's all in the familiarity...-Edvard (January 01, 2011, 07:37 AM)
Mahesh, I fully support you in your efforts to develop software intended to provide superior functionality for an equitable price that will hopefully provide for as much of your livelihood as possible.
I understand that most often such an endeavor requires developing for and with Windows, and freeware/open source simply cannot promise to put food on the table; nobody can argue that.
However, I cannot stand by the perception that developing for Linux with commercial intent is inherently a losing proposition because "Linux users will not pay for software".
It is a flat myth that has been proven false many times over, and the sooner this misconception is put to death, the better off both worlds will be.-Edvard (January 01, 2011, 07:37 AM)
In fact, why not do as others have and just try developing a commercial software project that is cross-platform; something that fills a need for Linux users as well as Windows and Mac.
Something that either has no Linux software equivalent or is sufficiently advanced to render existing software patently inferior by comparison.
See if you don't profit more than you foresaw, even if it is only a small percentage compared to Windows sales (Linux is, after all, only 1-5% of desktop market share, right?).-Edvard (January 01, 2011, 07:37 AM)
Prove me wrong.
I DARE you...-Edvard (January 01, 2011, 07:37 AM)
C++ is not "slow". Compare the startup time of a C++ and a Java application and shut up.-Tuxman (January 01, 2011, 12:19 PM)
Development in Java takes more time than in C++ because you'll have to work around all its misconceptions.-Tuxman (January 01, 2011, 12:29 PM)
I have.-Tuxman (January 01, 2011, 12:44 PM)
C++ is not "slow". Compare the startup time of a C++ and a Java application and shut up.Startup time is not necessarily the best indication of execution speed anyway - there's scenarios where both Java and .NET will likely be a better fit than normal-style C++ code.-Tuxman (January 01, 2011, 12:19 PM)
And with any luck, I may be able to get you to give me some money~! :D :P
Good points well made.
Despite the sparring, I'm beginning to believe you and I are rowing the same direction, albeit on different boats.
You're welcome aboard any time, skipper. ;)-Edvard (January 01, 2011, 11:24 PM)
And with any luck, I may be able to get you to give me some money~! :D :P
I'm actually looking forward to it! ;D-Edvard (January 01, 2011, 11:24 PM)
Hell, it might even be the first Mono app I install on purpose... (https://www.donationcoder.com/forum/esmileys/gen3/1Small/hiding.gif)
(please forgive the Mono-paranoia, others have enumerated reasons far more abundantly and eloquently than I can. Suffice it to say I will avoid it until it is unavoidable, which it soon may be...)-Edvard (January 01, 2011, 11:24 PM)
Cross platform dev is not easy or cheap, but it can be made much more so through availability of proper tools.-JavaJones (January 02, 2011, 05:06 PM)
To sound like a broken record again... To sound like a broken record again... To sound like a broken record again... To sound like a broken record again...
GO MONO~! :D-Renegade (January 02, 2011, 08:46 PM)
I'm a "freebie-sucker" because my income doesn't allow me to purchase software for which I find acceptable freeware alternatives? Jeez, first you call me a cheapskate, and now this...;D Hey, even i'm freebie sucker when it comes to software which goes over price tag of 2000$ onwards, and yes there are commercial softwares which costs this high (either via subscription or box purchase). Point is about people who are knocking down on commercial software asking to release it for free, that's just freebie-sucking in my opinion.
I'm lazy because I can't afford the latest whiz-bang constantly slung at me by game magazine advertisements?Let's face this, that point in the list is too subjective and so is my reply to that point and in turn yours as well to my reply. People upgrade hardware for new games if they afford it and if not they keep it up for long time, edward.
What does the structure of a filesystem and disk mount points have to do with the amount of your available free time?If you're talking about setting up system parameters and application preferences that you're unfamiliar with, fine, yes, that's going to take some time.Windows requires babysitting as well, most people are just much more familiar with the environment and the process, which translates to "faster".No, i was talking about learning curve to visualizing folders in same or multiple drives. This is issue for those who are new to computers, and in turn it affects their time of using any OS. We work it out on UNIX/Linux because we take our time for learning the system, that's not the case with casual users who are learning computers while keeping track of time. Data sorting on multiple drives is easy for newbies, as per my Observation.
Dude, you've thrown this gauntlet down before and I've thrown it right back at you but you obviously didn't catch it.There are MANY legitimate reasons why NOT to write games for Linux, but it HAS NOW BEEN PROVEN that profit (or lack thereof) is NOT one of them.I took that point by keeping myself in shoes as game developer and gamer. You know we talk a lot about speed mostly when we play graphics intensive games. And surely people are less likely to play games unless those games are packed under marketing catch like - STEAM or other online gaming repository. Profit is always the first point of small game dev company or even large because it costs money to pay for graphics and programming. Linux users who don't afford to purchase 50$ commercial softwares will lift any game which is priced at the same ? It's just my observation from what i see in gaming zones and cafes in my city.
Windows users were sharing MP3s and cracked software before Linux even had a decent desktop.File sharing cult become popular on linux platform first before it was adopted by large windows userbase. So it's not illogical, GNUTella and many other packages were first made for linux then windows if i'm not wrong. Intention wasn't deceptive on linux platform though because everything was free there but that was not the case with windows because it infected other domains like music, files and books.
Your insinuation is illogical at best and malicious at worst.
I'm sure you are, especially if you're a half-decent system administrator, which I'm assuming is true.I've to agree if you're pointing me towards server administration with linux (AFA web hosting and script management is concerned i prefer linux as well) but for desktop usability and learning curve is important as well and there windows comes in for me.
Personally, I've never felt more in control of a computer than the day I fully grasped the implications of running Linux instead of Windows.
However, I cannot stand by the perception that developing for Linux with commercial intent is inherently a losing proposition because "Linux users will not pay for software".I can understand your view on this but if you study consumer behavior then your opinion will definitely change. Take a look at this, we have to get X work done and for that we're going to take help of OS. Say X is work of sending some file via browser and any modern OS will do the job. In such case consumer will select minimum resistance path, which is linux in this case. This operating system is free and beating commercial OS on every possible way. Now take case of games or any other app which are paid or made by small team of dev or business. What are the chances that will tempt consumers to buy app or game ? Trust me, very low. We have to study shopper's psychology more in order to get the guesstimate of sales. It's not because consumers are cheap or freebie-suckers all the time, but it's because of GNU/FSF modified consumer behavior in large scale and changed the way market works. Even small business who wants to develop some productive software will think twice before charging upfront, current market only allows subscription or service model for them to survive. Unless you're desperate to get things done on computer as casual user, you'll not pay for things on software world for example, you'll not buy media player anymore because it's free on every platform(which earlier was paid software during 1999-2002 time) but you'll pay for managed scripting, outsourced task and server management even if the platform is free, you'll pay for service. What about games ? Unless price is low or free, people will hardly buy games for linux. During initial phase of desktop market of linux, they'll buy games if they're desperate to play games, else they'll not at all. Piracy/cracking will also remain on linux or unix as well, there is nothing that remains protected for long time anyway. Now put yourself into shoes of developer who wants to make money to bring food on table, which platform gives you more profitable option ? One thing i learned from social observation is that if you keep on helping others by writing free software without any strings, they'll only pay attention as long as source is active and once you become inactive as source for their free info/stuff, they move to another one without even thinking who you are or what you did for them(that's life afterall), so why starve in life? Either work on donation model or start charging some bucks upfront. I'm in favor of charging for software or in some cases releasing it for free if possible no matter what's the platform. But i'm not in favor of conversion/preaching lists like the one we see here from that link where attempt was to badmouth other OS just to get more users without showing them bigger picture of profit and GTD.
In fact, why not do as others have and just try developing a commercial software project that is cross-platform; something that fills a need for Linux users as well as Windows and Mac.For small biz/individual developer, it's very hard to select library that is cross-platform and gets things going quickly. QT is free but there is licensing issue. Java/Mono(for now) are not good options for commercial apps over long term is what i think, which many of you may disagree.
For small biz/individual developer, it's very hard to select library that is cross-platform and gets things going quickly. QT is free but there is licensing issue. Java/Mono(for now) are not good options for commercial apps over long term is what i think, which many of you may disagree.-mahesh2k (January 02, 2011, 10:16 PM)
I think it's too risky to spend time on device apps with mono, i doubt if they even exist for symbian and maemo/android.
Problem with QT is that for entry level programmers they either need to port it under GPL or pay for license(which is huge for individual developer), which restricts many solo-dev commercial apps. Thanks for the link, i'll take a look at qt4dotnet.-mahesh2k (January 02, 2011, 10:52 PM)
With Qt it's my understanding that you can just link to the Qt DLL libraries and, as long as you contribute any Qt modifications back, then your application itself doesn't need to be OS/GPL. I'm actually looking into this pretty seriously as an app I'm involved with may be ported within the next year, so I hope this is the case. :D
- Oshyan-JavaJones (January 03, 2011, 01:29 AM)
Commercial License fee charged
LGPL No license fee
GPL No license fee
I'm in full agreement that it is, at the very least, rude to ask a commercial developer (small or large) to release their hard-fought work for free.-Edvard (January 03, 2011, 09:57 PM)
I'm in full agreement that it is, at the very least, rude to ask a commercial developer (small or large) to release their hard-fought work for free.-Edvard (January 03, 2011, 09:57 PM)
I disagree on general free market principles. In a working free market it is the job of producers to maximize their profits and it's the job of consumers to get the best product for their needs at the lowest possible price. Only when both producers and consumers do their respective jobs well does a free market economy truly work. And since the lowest possible price is free there's really nothing wrong with consumers asking for it -- as asking for free is often a good way to drive prices down. The goal of free can seldom be reached, of course, but consumers should be trying just as hard to push the price toward free as the producers are trying to maximize their profits. Therefore, I don't think it is any more rude for a consumer to ask for free than it is for a producer to raise prices.-rssapphire (January 04, 2011, 09:39 PM)
My big goal for this year is to distill my work environment down to it's absolute essence. I feel I'm using far too many software tools to get my work done lately. (But I'd suspect that's a fairly common 'occupational hazard' for folks like us.)
:-* Simplify, simplify, simplify... :-* (Man, I really must be getting old if I'm talking like that... ;D)-40hz (January 05, 2011, 09:32 AM)
@ mahesh2k:It wasn't snarky IMO edward, but more answer to the way that list was formed. Lists are usually over-generalized no matter who do it (windows or linux fan boys).I'm not religious(in any way actually) when it comes to programming language or OS, like i said we care for bringing food on table and solving problems for customers. I do understand that i should get into linux coding during early phases but due to economy in this part of the world, it's hard to afford it and people here hardly pay for software so if this approach remains then there is no other option than cloud or subscription model. GNU/FSF people are actually shutting down all the financial models of software business (refer to how thesis theme owner got slammed by wordpress foundation because he charged for free software), these things in turn give linux or any other usable software a bad name when such lists come into blogs.
Fair points; I think you've made your case a bit better this time around.
That first reply was a bit snarky, in my opinion, and sounded more like a backhand than answers.
Therefore, I don't think it is any more rude for a consumer to ask for free than it is for a producer to raise prices.Asking for free price to any product is no different than piracy. GNU/FSF model just forces paid developers to put their hard work for free and pirates steal it and release it for free. 'Stealing' is the only action that separates pirates and GNU/FSF people, at the end result is same, developers get slammed because of dropping their price of product to 0.
Asking for free price to any product is no different than piracy. GNU/FSF model just forces paid developers to put their hard work for free and pirates steal it and release it for free. 'Stealing' is the only action that separates pirates and GNU/FSF people, at the end result is same, developers get slammed because of dropping their price of product to 0.-mahesh2k (January 06, 2011, 12:12 AM)
It's still the duty of consumers in a free market to push the prices as low as possible (which means as close to free as they can get them).
That's not stealing, that's the way a free market is supposed to work.
If consumers aren't pressing for the lowest price they can get, the market is broken in favor of producers.And if consumers are only asking for free things in then there is no marketplace to exist to begin with, it';s just like some random tree with fruits hanging and anyone can come and pluck it type of world. Nobody cares for garden and gardener type of world. Such free thinking from consumers is breaking the marketplace.
And free is a price.
We're not in free market, we pay for our stuff be it food, medicine and other stuff. Free market doesn't exist in world where we pay for things. Point is about people who dream about free market shouldn't take down paid products or chase them to release it for free.-mahesh2k (January 09, 2011, 12:10 AM)
We're not in free market, we pay for our stuff be it food, medicine and other stuff. Free market doesn't exist in world where we pay for things. Point is about people who dream about free market shouldn't take down paid products or chase them to release it for free.-mahesh2k (January 09, 2011, 12:10 AM)
A "free market" in economics has nothing to do with "all products being free."-rssapphire (January 09, 2011, 10:34 AM)
I can :mad: :mad: :mad:-Edvard (January 09, 2011, 10:16 PM)
I can :mad: :mad: :mad:-Edvard (January 09, 2011, 10:16 PM)
Yeah, I still don't understand the whole "free as in beer" thing. Beer is free?
They need to just say something like "free as in price" to clarify what they mean. Beer doesn't bring either definition of "free" to my mind.
Then again, beer frees you from your money and your inhibitions, so in a way I guess it could be talking about price or freedom (or both).-Deozaan (January 09, 2011, 10:29 PM)
The original is "Free as in free speech, and not free as in free beer".-Renegade (January 09, 2011, 11:19 PM)
The original is "Free as in free speech, and not free as in free beer".-Renegade (January 09, 2011, 11:19 PM)
Even that's not simple enough for the masses. My brother and I once ran a somewhat popular website and when ads weren't providing enough income to cover the site we started to offer paid membership plans. We got a few e-mails complaining about it, one person even said something to the effect of "Why should I have to pay, it's a free country!"
So my point is that even using the word in a context that would imply the correct definition people still confuse it. That's why I strongly recommend something like "Free as in freedom as opposed to free as in price."-Deozaan (January 10, 2011, 01:29 AM)
I posted the free beer question (http://www.quora.com/What-is-the-origin-of-the-expression-free-beer-and-why-did-the-free-software-movement-choose-free-as-in-beer-to-represent-the-concept-of-free-as-in-no-monetary-cost-freeware-when-nobody-really-gives-away-beer-for-free-like-they-give-away-freeware) on Quora because I'd love to know the true origin of that expression, myself. :D-app103 (January 10, 2011, 07:45 AM)
“Free software” is a matter of liberty, not price. To understand the concept, you should think of “free” as in “free speech”, not as in “free beer”.
I believe that it is a twist on this (from gnu.org):“Free software” is a matter of liberty, not price. To understand the concept, you should think of “free” as in “free speech”, not as in “free beer”.
And has been corrupted. Though I would leave a definitive answer to someone else.-Renegade (January 10, 2011, 08:41 AM)
But why "free beer" and not something else like "free lunch"?-app103 (January 10, 2011, 10:45 AM)
Pro bono publico (usually shortened to pro bono) is a phrase derived from Latin meaning "for the public good". The term is generally used to describe professional work undertaken voluntarily and without payment as a public service. It is common in the legal profession and is increasingly seen in marketing, technology, and strategy consulting firms.
FREEDOM, n.
1. Exemption from the stress of authority in a beggarly half dozen of restraint's infinite multitude of methods.
2. A political condition that every nation supposes itself to enjoy in virtual monopoly. (see: liberty).
The distinction between freedom and liberty is not accurately known; naturalists have never been able to find a living specimen of either.
This is an area where English is simply deficient and Chinese excels. Where a single pronunciation and spelling in English is ambiguous, Chinese characters differ and make the exact meaning clear. We really need to be verbose at times in English in order to not send the wrong message.-Renegade (January 10, 2011, 08:10 PM)
You then go on to give some examples that clarify the meaning rather than using the word "free".-Dormouse (January 10, 2011, 09:28 PM)
This is an area where English is simply deficient and Chinese excels. Where a single pronunciation and spelling in English is ambiguous, Chinese characters differ and make the exact meaning clear.-Renegade (January 10, 2011, 08:10 PM)