Linux

Lab 3: Linux

How the general idea come about this Open Source Software (OSS)?

After seeing the pressure of license and propriety software users, where a lot of money is needed to make sure the software is in good condition, up to date and fulfills their need from time to time.

Open Source Software (OSS) characteristics:

• Software can be upgraded and modified by user easily and freely.
• Programmers can read, redistribute, and modify the source codes.
• The software development will be speed up.

First, we need to understand the software categories in terms of cost.

• Freeware e.g Internet Explorer, the Linux itself.
• Shareware e.g. WinZip
• Commercial e.g. MS Windows, MS Word,
• Private

Second, we need to understand the type of permission to modify these software:

• Free i.e. Open Source Software e.g. Linux
• Proprietary e.g. Internet Explorer, Winzip, MS Windows

Now the differences between freeware and Open Source Software (OSS):

As for freeware, the proprietary software given away without cost but it doesn't provide any right to user to examine, modify or redistribute the source code.

As for Open Source Software (OSS), the license give the users the freedom to run the program for any purpose, users i.e. programmers are allowed to study and modify the program and to redistribute copies of either the original or modified program but no royalty payment.

The impact of Open Source Software (OSS):

Within 5 years, 50% of the volume of the software infrastructure market could be taken by Open Source Software. Thus, Open Source Software position in large server will grow. With this, OSS reduce the dominance of Windows application and hence Open Source Software will rapidly become the market leader in consumer computing devices.

As Open Source Software play a role as a significant player in market of consumer computing devices e.g: smart mobile phone, middleware will move gradually from proprietary products towards Open Source Software.

Next, we learned about the Linux-based Operating Software (OS)

Basically, what does Linux do?

Linux provides an open source i.e. observable, modifiable, redistributable and low-cost (free) operating system (OS). It is the alternative to proprietary operating systems e.g. Microsoft WIndows and Mac OS, and it runs on many hardware platforms, from conventional PCs to mobile phones to special-purpose boards for embedded systems.

Example of Linux distributor are like Ubuntu, RedHat, Mandriva, Fedora, Debia, SuSe and so much more.

What does Linux offer?

Desktop simplicity!

Linux Ubuntu Desktop

• Default applications

On the application menu, Ubuntu contains a selection of useful applications. We'll find OpenOffice 3.0 for word processing, spreadsheets and presentation, GIMP for image editing and more.

• OpenOffice

A complete office suite for word processor i.e. Writer, spreadsheet i.e. Calc, presentation i.e. Impress, and database i.e. Base.

• Safe and easy web browsing

Powerful and standard compliant Mozilla Firefox web browser.

• Personal Information Management

For integrated email, calendar and many more, there's Evolution. Simply check email, create an event in calendar or search for a contact.

• Music, video, pictures and their devices

Just plug and play the music, video, pictures and devices. Plug in camera and import pictures from it. organize and burn photos. Play, rip and mix our CDs with Rhythmbox Media Player or play video on Totem. For USB drives, we can drag and drop files between our internal hard drives and the USB.

• Pigin Instant Messaging Client

Pidgin (formerly known as Gaim), is a multi-platform instant messaging client. The software supports many commonly used instant messaging protocols, allowing the user to log into various different services from one application.

Gaim is a free and open source instant messaging client that can be used to communicate with users of AOL, MSN, Yahoo, ICQ, Gadu Gadu and Jabber instant messaging networks simultaneously. By using gaim you can chat with all your friends using one easy to use program!

• GIMP (GnU Image Manipulation Program)

Basically, GnU stands for GNU's not UNIX. The GIMP lets us draw, paint, edit images, much more. The GIMP is installed in Ubuntu by default and can be started by choosing Applications>Graphics>GIMP Image Editor.

• Help and Support

Documentation is available in the desktop help browser and online help at help.ubuntu.com

So, that's all about the Open Source Software, Linux!

Actually, I did 'test-drive' this Linux when I was in Foundation Centre and I think got the Installer CD somewhere at home but now that I'm using Mac OS... I don't know if I can turn my back on this one like I did with Microsoft Windows.

Anyway, it all depends on ourselves which one we want to use... More like which one we are more comfortable to use actually. I'm not forcing anyone to pick side or anything so I guess it's a good to learn something like this. I find it useful especially when I'm sitting down with my friends from ICT faculty.